June 9, 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

Police Report: Drug Trafficking
On 05.06.17 around 8:30PM, The Belize Coast Guard reported that around 7:30PM they were conducting patrols in the lagoon area west of San Pedro Town, when their attention was drawn to a small vessel coming from a channel in the area. The strobe lights of the Coast Guard boat were then turned on to signal the vessel to stop, but instead it took off. They pursued the vessel until it came to a stop at a canal. In the boat was 28-year-old fisherman Jaime Young of Tarpon Street, San Pedro Town. A search of a knapsack he was carrying led to the discovery of two transparent plastic bags which contained 2.9 grams of cocaine. He was escorted to the San Pedro Police Station where he was charged for Drug Trafficking.

Belikin National 8-Ball Pool Tournament tips off this weekend
The 2017 Belikin National 8-Ball pool tournament is set to start this Friday, June 9th with the first games held at Cholos Bar by the beach. Eight teams have signed up for the competition, which will last for seven consecutive weekends. The different teams competing are: One Shot One Kill, Rack Dawgs, Team Amigos, Legends, Barrel Bar, Jade Bar, Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars, and Caye Caulker. Four games are scheduled for this weekend, beginning on Friday and lasting through Saturday. The first round of matches will be at 6PM and the second at 8PM.

Wild animals should not be pets; captive Margay rescued and turned in to Saga
The Saga Humane Society is concerned about the increasing number of exotic animals being held as domestic pets. On Thursday, June 1st, local business owner Tammy Lemus purchased a baby Margay cat, which was in the possession of young children, and turned it in to Saga for veterinary treatment and delivery to the proper wildlife authorities. The baby Margay had a collar tightly around its neck, which Veterinarian Assistant Ingrid Lima safely removed. Lima indicated that the cat would not have survived in captivity, as Margays are vulnerable to humans. Lima then administered vital fluids, and fed the hungry kitten before making arrangements to send it to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic (BWRC) on the mainland.

Ambergris Today

University Of Belize Launches Five New Programs
The University of Belize (UB) as the National University recognizes the need to increase its program offerings to students and will be launching five new programs. These programs were approved by the Board of Trustees of UB chaired by Mr. Harrison Pilgrim at its last Board Meeting on 5th June, 2017. These programs will address key areas in Belize's national economic development through the development of our Human Capital. Applications are now being accepted for the new programs that will be starting in August 2017.

Costa Maya Festival Is BACK With Alison Hinds And La Sonora Dinamita!
The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival is back for its 2017 edition after being absent last year due to its cancellation after Hurricane Earl struck Belize in August. And just when everybody was starting, the festival committee steps up to announce the participation of Soca Queen Alison Hinds and Sonora Dinamita as featured entertainers. Costa Maya Festival 2017 has been set to take place from August 3 to August 6 with four days of high-powered entertainment. The Costa Maya Pageant will once again kick off the festival on Thursday, August 3, with the participation of eight beautiful and exotic delegates from the Mundo Maya countries and around the region. (Click Here for Delegates Announcement)

Misc Belizean Sources

Maya site being destroyed in Louisville, Corozal
Looting and destruction of our cultural heritage is still a very present threat in Belize. We are currently following such a situation in Louisville, Corozal, where a site of the same name is being destroyed. From what we can gather, the destruction is for the removal of cut limestone blocks from the structures for resale to people in the area. The vandals are known to go around stealing black soil as well as limestone blocks from other areas in this region. As a result, (as seen in the pictures), a large mound was destroyed, including one that had a red plastered wall. Everytime our institution makes a visit the destruction has grown. We implore the public, especially those in the Louisville, San Narciso and San Roman areas, to be wary of who you are buying black soil and limestone from. If you notice cut stone blocks, please call the Institute of Archaeology at 822-2106 or the police, as they are contributing to the destruction of ancient monuments in your area. Please help us preserve our cultural heritage, not for us, but for the future generations of Belize, so we can be proud of the long history our country has.

Over 40 football tournament comes to San Pedro
Lake I FC vs San Pedro VFC this Saturday, June 10 at Ambergris Stadium 7:00 pm. Please come and support your local team !!

Launch of Children’s Agenda 2017-2030
“If we don’t stand up for children… then we don’t stand up for much” – Marian W. Edelman. This quote reflects the continued commitment of the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) to creating a Belize where children and adolescents can grow, play, be safe, participate and become productive citizens. Thus, the bi-partisan signing of the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030 on May 15th was among the final steps leading up to today’s official launch. NCFC realizes that LIFE is a right of every child, not a special privilege for some. Hence, this 8th day of June 2017 is living testament to Belize’s commitment to the realization of international instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) and the advancement of all children regardless of their age, ethnicity, religion, and gender. This new agenda is a result framework that looks at the development of children and adolescents aged 0-19 over the next fourteen (14) years.

World Accreditation Day 2017
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce hereby informs the general public that World Accreditation Day (WAD) will be internationally observed on Friday, June 9, 2017 under the theme "DELIVERING CONFIDENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT". This year's theme highlights that Standards and accredited conformity assessment are market-based tools that can be used in the construction sector to cover construction products and materials, building techniques and practices, onsite Health and Safety, environmental impact, to even the use of digital technology in smart buildings. The construction sector is complex and highly competitive, and provides challenges for companies seeking to improve margins, and reduce costs while improving build quality and ensuring a safe environment on site. Accreditation supports the construction sector to control risk, help drive efficiency, demonstrate regulatory compliance and provide supply chain confidence.

Full Moon Concert June 14 in San Pedro
All the way from CUBA - Top Female Band MORENA SON will be performing live for FREE at the San Pedro House of Culture! Starting at 7:00 p.m. Come check them out! Brought to you by the San Pedro Town Council, the San Pedro Cultural Committee, the Cuban Embassy jointly with the San Pedro House of Culture.

Termites project going full speed at Caves Branch
Very intense, alot of findings. The hardest thing in identifying termites is that you have to find soldiers and be able to see the details of their heads- hairs, mandibles,,etc.. Marvin and David, and Don Luis are everyday in the field working with the termites experts:

Verification of Fuel Pumps 2017
Remember to look for our verification sticker on the fuel pump; this is proof that the pump has been verified and is accurately dispensing fuel.

WE ARE SHAKEN - I AM NOT MISTAKEN!
I kept glancing over our Corozal Bay this morning and really appreciating the beauty in it and our majestic Cerros Archaeological site towering as its backdrop, where once our Mayan ancestors thrived to live in peace and harmony. These were great times you know. How beautiful that must have been. No crime, no corruption, no hate, no liars, no prejudice, no greed and no violence. We can only imagine. So I am thinking deeply and trying to come up with answers and I couldn't, therefore, it makes it harder for me to say what I wanted to say yesterday, making it harder for me to write this article before I set to do my real work...(ehmm) I have been away from it for an entire week, short of a day.

Family members of 32 year old Zeidy Orosco and 41 year old Baltazar Lopez laying their loved ones to rest
Only minutes ago the bodies of the couple were transported to the Corozal old cemetary immediately after the post mortem was concluded. Police are yet to release the results of that examination.

Let's Hear it for the Girls' Jazz Fest 2017
Changes to this event. We have scrapped the dinner segment...food will be available by order. Concert 7PM - 10PM with Dawn Drake & Zapote, LaTosha Love, Rhojani Perriott, Giselle O'Brien & Jael August - $20.00 Dance with Morena Son from Cuba - 10:30PM - midnight - $20.00 Come on out and enjoy an ALL FEMALE night of entertainment

New conservation post in Chiquibul begins construction
Mobilization of materials has begun for construction of the new conservation post. This is made possible through the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative supported by the Government of Belize

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The Shack, The Fate of the Furious, Spark: A Space Tail, The Belko Experiment

Channel 7

In The Aftermath Of A Double Murder, Pain, Loss, Incomprehension…
It's been a very difficult week for the Corozal families of Zeidy Orosco and Balthazar Lopez. The couple went missing last week Thursday night, and for days, their families were out searching frantically. That's until yesterday afternoon, when their decomposing bodies were found in an area near the Consejo Shores dump site. It's the tragic end that they were hoping would not come to pass, and, when it did, they were still unable to bury their loved-ones. Police wanted to perform an on-site post-mortem, but they couldn't do it yesterday. So, it didn't happen until early this morning, after which the police finally released the bodies to the family, for hurried funeral arrangements.

Francesca’s Family Wants Answers From FIU
Last night you heard a portion of our exclusive phone interview with the family of Canadian Fransesca Matus. The relative we spoke to yesterday says he didn't know of any problems or trouble Matus or her boyfriend Drew Devoursey might have been in, and the family doesn't believe Matus' tenant, John Dehais, was involved in the double murder. But the family still has so many questions and concerns in this case - questions they say the Corozal police are not answering. The family in Canada is gripped by helplessness, grief and frustration; they want justice for their loved one and they feel the police are working too slowly. Here is part 2 of the interview where the relative - who asked not to disclose his identity - describes the difficulty he has had getting answers form the Corozal police.

Two Years In Jail For “Corrupt” Police Ballistics Expert
He was found guilty of abetment to pervert the course of Justice, and, today, Orlando Vera, the former deputy head of the National Forensic Science Services, was sentenced to 2 years in prison. It's a thunderous fall from grace for a senior member of the security services, and, today, Vera admitted to the Chief Magistrate that he did wrong, but said it was only in words, not in deeds. Vera - who is a police officer trained in ballistics examination - came out of a week on remand for his sentencing hearing, where where Chief Magistrate Anne-Marie Smith heard mitigation pleas from Vera, his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre and 3 character witnesses, including 2 employees of National Forensic Science Services.

Could Harvest Caye Be Contributing To Spike In Placencia area Manatee Deaths?
The Southern Environmental Association is reporting tonight that a manatee was killed in the Placencia Lagoon, and they believe that the increased traffic in the area is putting the endangered mammals at risk. SEA reports that they received a report yesterday morning of a dead manatee drifting in the Placencia Lagoon, near Malacate Beach. Their quick response team were dispatched, and their investigations have revealed that the manatee was hit by a catamaran named Lady Lisa on Tuesday evening. The catamaran's workers allegedly towed the manatee to a marina located on Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye.

Stacks Of Contraband At Garrido In Guinea Grass
Contraband continues to flow through the norther where there are dozens of illegal border crossings and secret landing areas. Today, Customs raided Leonardo Garrido's home in Guinea Grass village which seemed to be a kind of storehouse. They found 43 cases of assorted beers,15 sacks of flour, and 10 cases of soft drinks. The items were confiscated and the two persons in the home, Garrido and Sima Yamili were held responsible. The fine arising from all that contraband is 27 thousand dollars. This afternoon another man named Guadalupe Flores walked into the customs office in Orange Walk and said he would take full responsibility - but could not pay the fine.

He Took Tomza For All Its Cash
You all will remember the Ladyville gas station jackings - the most recent being the mid May Puma Gas station robbery. Well another gas station was targeted, this time it was Gas Tomza at 1 ½ miles on the Western Highway - which sells LPG or butane. On Tuesday night, at around 8:40, Salvadoran gas attendant Irvin Carranza was inside the office when a man with a knife slipped in and demanded money. Fearing for his life, Carranza handed over $3,600 in the day's sales along with a cell phone. The robber then rode off on his bicycle down the George Price Highway towards the Fabers Road junction. Police continue to investigate this gas station theft.

Teenaged Burglars Caught Hiding Out In Roof Of Gacho Shack
Today, 18-year-old Adrian Sanchez and a 16-year old were charged with burglary in the Magistrate's Court. Sanchez and his accomplice were caught breaking into Lopez Fast Food Shop on Albert Street last night. The duo were seen breaking through the roof of the restaurant, and passersby reported them to the police. When they arrived, the cops found them hiding in an attic like area under the roof. In court today, both of the accused pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Sanchez and the 16-year-old were caught red handed, and that if released they might interfere with the witnesses. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith upheld the objection and remanded the duo into custody until July.

Government Can’t Pay/Won’t Pay Ashcroft Alliance’s Funding And Legal Costs
As we've been reporting, the Government of Belize says it won't pay the "funding and legal costs" put forward by the Ashcroft Alliance to settle the BTL acquisition. Those costs should come out of the 60% of the total award, which is the amount arising from the Accommodation Agreement. It's about 200 million Belize dollars, but so is the final bill from the Ashcroft Alliance! And today the Financial secretary told the media, that they just can't pay it:... Joe Waight, Financial Secretary - GOB: "The claim for their cost is about 95 million US dollars, leaving about 5 million dollars or so left. We are going to challenge that." Jules Vasquez, 7News: "At the end of the day this figure they are claiming is in US dollars. 95 million is a quarter of the reserves or a third of the reserve roughly. We can't pay that." Joe Waight, Financial Secretary - GOB: "We can't pay and even the order to pay, we can't pay. Let's not jump the gun. Let's see how the process runs."

Injunction Blocking Enforcement of Ashcroft Alliance Judgement Lifted
In other news relating to government's many legal battles with the Ashcroft Alliance…. For months we've been reporting on the injunction taken out by the government of Belize to block the Ashcroft Alliance from collection of a US court judgment for 50 plus million US dollars. Well, LOVE FM reports that Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin has lifted that injunction - which means the Alliance can move for enforcement. But today, The Financial Secretary put on a brave face and said there are still many more battles ahead to settle that case:...

One Nation, One Drivers’ License
We met the Financial Secretary at an event today where he was representing the Prime Minister. It's the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and License System - a project funded by Taiwanese, which could significantly change how your driver's license looks. We found out about the plan to standardize licenses and vehicle registration: Mike Singh - Chief Technology Officer: "We have small municipalities that are running with the complete license system that include, drivers licenses, vehicle licenses, and there is no central connection between all of them and then you have some municipalities that might have more resources than others. So, Belize City might be able to have a system that works better than say Benque Viejo or Independence.

An Agenda For Tomorrow’s Children
Where will Belize be in 2030? There are so many possible answers that pop up, but the National Committee for Families and Children believes that 13 years from now, Belize will be one of the best places to raise a child. That is the main vision for this year's Children's Agenda. It was launched today at the Biltmore and Executive Director Margaret Nicholas discussed the agenda's goals. Margaret Nicholas, Executive Director, NCFC: "We are launching the Children's Agenda for the next 14 years this agenda is from 2017 to 2030 and what is in the agenda is the whole of Government's commitments to children and adolescent."

Anglican Bishop Explains The Minority Position
Two nights ago, we told you how the Church State Commission on Public Morality has hit a major snag after two Bishops withdrew from the commission. President of the Council of Churches, Bishop Roosevelt Papouloute, and the head of the Anglican Church, Bishop Phillip Wright, have withdrawn. Yesterday, Bishop Wright told the media why they felt they had to: Bishop Phillip Wright, Bishop - Anglican Church: "Both bishop Papouloute and I, well during the meetings and the minutes would record it as well, we were constantly being recorded as, for lack of better word, a minority voice. But I think we both came to a position where we felt that in order to properly represent our understanding of some of the concepts we were dealing with as well as how to state some of these concepts, that we would step back and formulate a report on our own.

The Fight In The FFB is Fierce
The jostling continues in the Football Federation of Belize, where tonight, Sergio Chuc and Cruz Gamez remain banned from running for President. That's the decision taken yesterday by the FFB Electoral Appeals Committee. Now, both men had gotten an attorney to write to the FFB pleading their case, and both had also been cleared by the FFB's Disciplinary Committee.

Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Where Every Day Is Oceans Day
Yesterday, in advance of World Oceans Day, The Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage took the media on a tour of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve to showcase some of the tourist attractions that demonstrate a harmonious co-existence with nature. Here's Alex Courtenay with the full story... Every year World Oceans Day is celebrated to honor our waters and marine life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the conservation of our oceans, which many communities throughout the world, and in Belize especially, rely so heavily on.

BELTRAIDE and CITCO - Making Entrepreneurship Easier
One of BELTRAIDE's latest initiatives is teaming up with the Belize City Council in enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities for residents. Today they both signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at the BTEC office. Now how does business and the work of the City Council merge? Well the General Manager of Enterprise and Innovation at Beltraide along with Mayor Bradley explained.

Mayor Bradley’s “Bromance” With Chester
And, today, the Mayor also made it clear that he is a very big fan of ACP Chester Williams - so much so that if Williams ever needs a letter of recommendation, he knows who to call. Mayor Bradley says he's crestfallen that Chester is saying "Ciao" to Belize City:

Channel 5

Zeidy Orozco and Balthazar Lopez Laid to Rest; Family Says Thanks
Family and friends of Zeidy Orosco and Balthazar Lopez were emotional with grief today as the couple was laid to rest in Corozal Town.  The outpouring of support for the [...]

US $95 Million More for Dunkeld? G.O.B. Says No Way
There is another round of costly litigation coming our way, and once again it has to do with Belize Telemedia Limited.  The Government of Belize paid half of the settlement [...]...

Government Plans C.C.J. Fight; Hopes for ‘Magic’
Without a doubt the matter will be going to the CCJ, which FinSec Joseph Waight says is provided for under the settlement agreement signed in Miami, Florida in 2015 between [...]...

U.S. Court Refuses UHS Hearing; Belize Injunction Lifted
According to a U.S. court decision, the eighteen-point-five million U.S.-dollar arbitral award for the Belize Bank Limited against the Government will not be reconsidered. It leaves only an injunction granted [...]...

Roosevelt Papouloute Admits ‘Huge Theological Differences’ at Church-State Commission
A rift in the membership of the Church-State Commission will result in separate reports being presented to the Government of Belize.  The Commission was formed in the wake of the [...]...

Church Leader Says There is Still Hope
Reverend Papouloute expects that the report of the Council of Churches will be produced once all its executive members are together in a few weeks’ time. But despite the separate [...]...

Anglicans Thought Dialogue Was Needed After Section 53 Decision
A partial appeal of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin’s historic decision on Section Fifty-three of the Criminal Code of Belize is set for hearing at the Belize Court of Appeal. However, [...]...

D.P.P. Details Why Battered Wife Could Not Be Charged with Murder
Within twenty-four hours after she was charged with the murder of her husband, Deshawm Ramirez was set free of the charge. The Seine Bight couple had a tumultuous marriage known [...]...

Forensic Examiner Orlando Vera Gets Two Years for Perverting Justice
A ballistics examiner employed with the National Forensic Science Service is serving a two-year sentence at the Belize Central Prison after being found guilty last Thursday of abetment to pervert [...]...

Louisville, Corozal, Maya Site Targeted by Soil and Block Thieves
On the heels of damages done to a Mayan mound in San Pedro, tonight there is another disturbing report from the Institute of Archaeology that another Maya monument, this time [...]...

Robber Hits Gas Tomza Depot
There was an armed robbery in Belize City on Tuesday night, involving an employee of Gas Tomza Ltd.  Twenty-four-year-old Irvin Carranza, a Salvadoran national, was at work a fuel depot [...]...

Audubon Wants to Come Back to Crooked Tree
Last month a fire was set that wiped out the Belize Audubon Society’s Education Center in Crooked Tree. Someone deliberately set the structure on fire just hours before the village [...]...

Why Was Alleged Bribery Attempt Not Investigated?
As we told you on Wednesday, Paul Ku got a Belizean passport with the approval of then-Immigration Director Ruth Meighan and then-Minister Carlos Perdomo, despite issues with his application flagged [...]...

Testy Exchange as Perdomo Goes after Lizarraga
The hearing concluded with some fireworks, as Business Senator Mark Lizarraga pressed the former Minister on a particular application for one Mohamed Mohamed Khalil Owemer, a Saudi/Palestinian national who applied [...]...

Churches Tell Senate Punish the Guilty
Senator for the Churches, Ashley Rocke, has told News Five that he believes he has seen enough of the public testimony for the Senate Special Select Committee. He also opined [...]...

Belize Makes Plans for Nationwide Drivers’ License System
Driving in Belize can sometimes be a hassle, considering that each municipality and the Department of Transport have its own system for licensing and any cooperation is informal at best. [...]...

A National Agenda for our Children
The Children’s Agenda 2017-2030 was launched today, but signed on May fifteenth between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.  The document is a road map that outlines [...]...

Celebrating World Oceans Day in Toledo
Today across the world was observed World Oceans Day. It is a day set aside to highlight the importance of oceans and the need to protect and preserve the natural [...]...

Healthy Living Beats the Summer Heat
The heat has been very intense over the past few weeks and it is only the beginning of summer. You’ve heard the message countless times about staying hydrated and out [...]...

CTV3

PSU Confirms President Suspension
Some weeks ago PSU president Eldred Neal, was under much public scrutiny when he was caught making prejudiced remarks about the Garinagu community on a leaked recording. Following that scandal nine of the 15 members of his council of management asked him to resign, but Neal would not go down without a fight. Viewers may remember that on Friday May 19th it was stimulated that the PSU Council of Management had voted to suspend Neal, but he apparently did not attend that meeting, and maintained that he would fight it on the grounds of natural justice.

Belize Insitute Of Archeaology Investigates Looting Of Maya Mount In Corozal
The Belize Institute of Archeology is currently investigating yet another case of looting of a local heritage site here in the north of Belize. In a statement issued by the department “Looting and destruction of our cultural heritage is still a very present threat in Belize. We are currently following such a situation in Louisville, Corozal, where a site of the same name is being destroyed.” According to the release further states quote “the destruction is for the removal of cut limestone blocks from the structures for resale to people in the area. The vandals are known to go around stealing black soil as well as limestone blocks from other areas in this region. As a result, (as seen in the pictures), a large mound was destroyed, including one that had a red plastered wall. Every time our institution makes a visit the destruction has grown.” End quote

Male Dead Body Found In O/W, Foul Play Not Suspected
The news that a dead body was found in Trial Farm spread like wild fire through Orange Walk Town this morning. Just before 8:00am news reached our newsroom that the body of a man was found motionless outside a local business located opposite to the San Martin Gas station in Trail Farm Village. Police were called out to the area and the body was later identified as that of 39 year old Osman Grajalez.

Opposition Leader Chides On PM For Rising Cost For BTL Settlement Agreement
On June 1st, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the legal battles and mounting legal costs in relation to the disputes over the Barrow Administration’s 2015 settlement agreement with the Ashcroft Alliance over the Government’s takeover of Belize Telemedia Limited had not come to an end. Barrow confirmed reports that Ashcroft group was challenging the amount which the Government will be paying them as legal cost compensation and so the parties would head to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Today Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno decried the heavy costing which the entire fiasco has been to the country.

Orange Walk Resident Murdered In Corozal
Even before Corozal Police can make any arrest for the double murder of Zeidy Orosco and Baltazar Lopez they have another murder to solve. Twenty one year old Brandon Lee Tessecum, an Orange Walk resident who had recently moved to Corozal Town was lay waited and executed sometime after eleven last night in the newly developed Dominguez layout in Corozal Town. Senior Superintendent Dennis Arnold – Commander Corozal Police Branch" “Last night some minutes the quite community of Dominguez layout resident called reporting that they heard shots in that area as a result well we had a police mobile on patrol that had just passed that area some fifteen or twenty minute before this resident reported a shot was fired in that area so the mobile turned back and upon turning back and reaching in that area they saw a male person lying face down in a pool of blood with apparent gunshot to the face...”

LOVE FM

Five Murders in Corozal for 2017
The disappearance of 32 year old Zeidy Orozco and 41 year old Baltazar Lopez has become a murder investigation after their bodies were found yesterday afternoon. Corozal police say that they were called around two in the afternoon after sanitation workers reportedly found the body. The discovery brought an end to almost an entire week […]

Ashcroft vs GoB: Greed, Power or Game of Chess?
Lord Michael Ashcroft has been a thorn in the side of the Belize Government since the Barrow administration took over but more particularly so, following the nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited. The court litigations have been numerous and the legal fees and interest rates have skyrocketed as Prime Minister Dean Barrow sought to fight the […]

No Escaping the UHS Guarantee Award to Belize Bank
No further consideration will be given by the US DC Circuit Court surrounding the UHS guarantee case brought about by the Said Musa administration. In this matter, the Musa Government had offered the then Universal Health Services to be their loan guarantor at the Belize Bank. The UHS defaulted on their loan and the Government, […]

Lifting of Injunction Is Just the Start of a Lengthy Process, Says FinSec
Yesterday we told you of the decision by Belize’s Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin rendered to lift the injunction that had prevented Michael Ashcroft from enforcing a court judgement against the Government of Belize. If that award is enforced and the Government is forced to pay it will put the country in quite a financial and […]

Bishop Wright to Submit Independent Report to Cabinet
Yesterday we told you of the withdrawal of the Anglican and Methodist Bishops from the Church State Commission. The work of the commission was set to be completed yesterday and it perhaps was despite the withdrawals. According to Bishop Philip Wright, he and Bishop Roosevelt Papaloutte would be submitting their own report on the issues. […]

Anglican Church Seeks Middle Ground on National Issues
On August 10, the Chief Justice ruled that Section 53 was unconstitutional as it deems it criminal for consenting adults to engage in sodomy or anal sex. Some churches had joined in an appeal effort which did not include the Anglican Church. According to the Anglican Bishop, Philip Wright, the church’s efforts continue despite not […]

A 3-Year Agenda Just For The Children
Today the National Committee for Families and Children, NCFC, in partnership with government agencies, political parties, and associated stakeholders, launched the Children’s Agenda 2017-2030. The Children’s Agenda focuses on five core principles; Children’s rights, family centered, equality and equity, accountability and resource efficiency, and evidence informed and outcomes focused. Executive Director for NCFC, Margaret Nicholas, […]

Taiwan Leads the Way for E-Governance in Belize
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed this morning that formalizes the collaboration between the Government of Belize and the Taiwan Embassy on a project called, Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and License System. This partnership is for four years and is focused on e-governance. Francisco Gonzalez is the Acting Director of the Central Information Technology Office […]

Centralizing Belize’s License and Registration Systems
As we reported earlier, the Government of Belize is looking to centralize license and registration system which would see the nine municipalities no longer issuing drivers licenses. A formal agreement was signed this morning in this regard between the Government and the Taiwan Embassy, which is funding the project with two point eight million US […]

Forensics’ Deputy Convicted and Sentenced for Perverting Course of Justice
Orlando Vera, the former deputy head of National Forensic Science Services, who was found guilty last week of abetment to pervert the course of Justice, was sentenced to two years today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Before she decided on the sentence, Chief Magistrate Smith heard pleas for mitigation from Vera, his attorney, […]

PlusTV

Jerson Carballo shot and killed
Another man has been killed in Belize City. 27-year-old Jerson Carballo was heading home early this morning when he was gunned down.. Sometime around 12:30 this morning, Carballo was on his bicycle at the corner of Electric and Lawrence Avenues, in Belize City, when several shots were fired at him. ...

Robert Carballo found dead with bullet to the head
The Carballo family has suffered another loss. Reports are that Roberto Carballo, the cousin of Jerson Carballo, was found dead in Orange Walk. Today Roberto’s motionless body was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound to his head. Details are still sketchy at this time and as soon as we have an...

7 year old girl abducted from San Pedro
A 7 year old girl from the island of San Pedro has been reported as abducted. The child’s mother, 32 year old Hade Anaide Chacon, who is a Belizean Prep Cook of San Mateo Area, San Pedro Town , told police that on Saturday 3rd June, at about 8:00 p.m, she dropped off her daughter, 7 year old Hamy ...

Allegations into sexual assault by senior police officers being investigated
Police would not confirm or deny that they are currently looking into allegations made against at least 4 police officers in the San Ignacio police formation. Reports to Plusnews are that two women police officers have alleged that the accused policemen have sexually harassed them. One of those wome...

BDF Football team players who are civilians paid soldier salaries?
A leaked document on salaries paid to the BDF in 2009 has caused even more questions regarding the use of National Defense funds for sporting purposes. A BDF recruit starting salary is somewhere around $900 dollars a month. Meanwhile football players who play for BDF, but were just civilians, appa...

Money Gram robbed at gunpoint
As we told you in yesterday’s newscast, Money Gram, located on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena, was robbed at gunpoint. 30-year-old Nely Jimenez, the cashier at Money Gram, reported to police that at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Monday afternoon, while she was at her work place, two men entere...

Eden Seventh Day Adventist School was burglarized
Eden Seventh Day Adventist School is the second school to be burglarized in the Cayo District within two weeks. The burglary happened sometime last night. Plusnews spoke with the Principal of Eden Adventist Primary School, Tharine Gabourel, who told us how she learnt of the unfortunate incident Thar...

Two persons missing; vehicle found burned in Corozal cane field
Another couple has been reported missing in Corozal and their vehicle found burnt in a cane field. 32-year-old Zeida Orosco of San Andres Village, Corozal District and her boyfriend 41-year-old Baltazar Lopez of Ranchito Village are the missing persons. According to reports, the couple was last seen...

Tragic boat accident leaves one woman dead
A tragic boat accident has left one woman dead. According to police reports, at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday June 1, 44 year old Acita Flores, along with 8 other persons, left Sarteneja Village, Corozal in a white and blue 24 ft. skiff for a fun day to shop in Calderitas Village and Chetuma...

Elderly man found dead in the Belize River
There was another apparent drowning in the Belize River in the Orange Walk District. The search for 79-year-old Edwardo Landero has come to an end, after his body was found in the Belize River on Sunday. Landero was reported missing by his daughter, 33-year-old Myrna Ortega. Ortega told police that ...

Oscar Sabido’s sentence reduced from life to 21 years
On April 26, 2016, Oscar Sabido Jr. was convicted of the murder of Christie Currassco in the Orange Walk Session of the Supreme Court before Justice Herbert Lord. He was sentenced to life, but on appeal in March of this year, Sabido Jr. saw his old conviction squashed and replaced with a verdict of ...

Nedal McLaren freed of drug charge
56 year old Nedal Jihad Mclaren back in court today for possession of Marijuana but he was released of the charge of possession of a controlled drug in front of Chief magistrate Ann Marie. The well-known political and social activist was first charged in November of last year when cops say they fo...

Money Gram robbed at gunpoint
Unconfirmed reports reaching our news desk is that Money Gram located on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena was robbed earlier today. Reports are that two men entered the business establishment and held up the cashier at gunpoint and made good their escape with an undisclosed amount of money. ...

3 years plus $10,000 for sack of weed
38-year-old Ernie V. Zelaya, a taxi driver of Belize City, was arrested and charged for Drug Trafficking. On Saturday afternoon, police were conducting a check point in front of the Hattieville Police Station. They observed a grey car that was heading in the direction of Belize City, make a right tu...

The Guardian

GOB to defend 186 million dollar claim by Ashcroft
Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow has confirmed to the Guardian Newspaper that the government is preparing to defend a claim by the Ashcroft Alliance for 93 million US dollars in fees that have arisen out of the acquisition of BTL. The Prime Minister said that the fees that the Alliance is claiming are for legal, accounting and funding costs. A challenge will be filed against the claim within the next two weeks. In June of last year, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow announced that the government of Belize had reached a final settlement for the purchase of BTL. That price stood at 453.5 million dollars. 40 percent of this figure however was as a result of the actual value of BTL and the remaining 60 percent was as a result of the PUP’s Accommodation Agreement. At the time it seemed as if the matter was finally settled and there were arrangements made to pay for BTL which has since started.

Missing couple found in dump near Consejo in Corozal
Increasing worries about the whereabouts and the welfare of a couple from Corozal who were missing for almost a week turned to tragedy after their bodies were found. Sometime after 2:00p.m. search parties who have been looking for them for days , came up on the discovery near the dump site in the Consejo area of Corozal. 32 year-old Zeidy Orozco, a resident of San Andres Village, and 41 year-old Balthazar Lopez, a resident of Ranchito Village, were last seen on Thursday night, June 1. Orozco left her home in her Chevy Prism car to meet up with him at the Machies Pool Spot in Corozal Town. She left at around 8 p.m., and persons in Corozal town say that they saw her pick up Lopez, her boyfriend. They were later seen socializing near the Corozo Blues area.

Belize’s Denys Barrow now CCJ judge
Denys Barrow, a senior counsel who is well known and well respected in Belize and in the Caribbean, has been sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). He becomes the first Belizean jurist to be elevated to the highest court in the region. Denys, the younger brother of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has been at the top of the legal profession for more than 20 years. He has been practicing law since 1977, and in 1990, he was elevated to the status of Senior Counsel, which was around the time that he went on to start his own law firm, Barrow and Company. He served as a High Court Judge in St. Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and the British Virgin Islands between 2001 and 2005. He was appointed as a Justice of Appeal for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 2005 to 2008. From 2010 to 2012, he served as a Justice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal in Belize.

Nude pictures cost Wesley student salutatorian recognition
All over the country, students are preparing to make their steps toward one of their milestones: graduation. Those probably even more excited are those that have received awards and other recognition for their four years of hard work. Unfortunately, the technical salutatorian of the 2017 graduating class of Wesley College High School will not get the opportunity to bask in her glory. Kiana Henkis, who received the second highest GPA for her graduating year, was stripped of her title as salutatorian. The ordeal took place in Henkis’s second term in her fourth year. What begun as, described by Henkis as, “youthful indiscretion” soon became one of the biggest mistakes and undoubtedly one with the most unfortunate consequences.

Carlos Perdomo’s appearance before the Senate proves PUP immigration hussle
Carlos Perdomo, the Cabinet Secretary, and a former Minister in charge of Immigration, went before the Senate Select Committee to testify as a witness. He went there to defend himself against allegations that he ordered the approval of a passport to an applicant who did not qualify for the document. That applicant was Paul Ku, who was given a passport even after the department learned that he was applying with fraudulent documents. In the Auditor General’s report on passport, the audit team disclosed their investigations into the passport which was given to the applicant Paul Ku. In May of 2011, he was accompanied to the Belize City Passport office by a naturalized Belizean, Rina Chiu Hsiang Lo, a justice of the peace who was trying her best to get him a passport.

Governor General welcomes 4 ambassadors to Belize
On June 5, at the Belize House, four ambassadors presented their letters of credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young. The ambassadors included H.E. Mr. Daniel Chuburu of Argentina, H.E. Mohamed Chafiki of Morocco, H.E. Zurab Eristavi of Georgia and H.E. Mr. Jorge Roman Morey of Peru. Each ambassador expressed their desire for continued cooperation and strengthened ties between Belize and their respective countries. For his part, the Governor General thanked the ambassadors for their kind words and warmly welcomed them on behalf of the government and people of Belize.

Second leg of Honorable Aragon’s Country-wide Police Formations Tour
The second leg of the country-wide tour has taken the Honorable Aragon and the staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs to Corozal District. The first stop was at the Police Station in Corozal Town where a guard of honor was mounted by the Corozal Police formation Officers. The guard was inspected by Honorable Aragon and following that a meeting with the general staff was held at the Station’s conference hall. A candid discussion was carried out between the Ministry Staff and the Police Officers. Several issues were raised by the officers and addressed by the Minister and the Ministry’s personnel. It was a fruitful discussion and everyone left with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Hon Edmond Castro thanks missionary volunteers working in Belize District
Minister of National Emergency Management and Transport and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Hon Edmond Castro, has congratulated and thanked a group of missionaries from the United States for the valuable work they have been doing over the past two weeks in communities throughout the Belize District. The group is from Rancho Cucamonga, California, and they have been doing volunteer work in Crooked Tree, Maskall and Santana (Zion Primary School) in Belize Rural North; as well as the Gunulung area of Belize City and the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where they delivered much need medical supplies.

Massive drain works in Santa Elena, Cayo
Mayor Earl Trapp and the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council continue to work on a major drainage project in flood prone areas in Santa Elena Town in the Cayo District. Some eight masons have been committed to the project to take the drain from the concrete bottom to the street level, near the Santa Elena Sporting Complex. But the challenge has been in getting the muck out of the drain and this has slowed down the work at a time when the rainy season is now upon us. “I am sure that after this drain [is completed] it will work perfectly and the people now will be able to sleep in peace enjoying the rain drops on their roof and not worrying about water coming into their bedroom,” says Mayor Earl Trapp Junior.

Elsia Pop receives Diana Legacy Award at Saint James Palace in London, England
Meet an outstanding 17 year old youth: Elsia Pop. She lives in Bella Vista Village, a small village located in the Toledo District. Elsia is a scholar recipient of the Energy for Life Program which a BNE employee initiative that sponsors, tutors and mentors underprivileged youths to obtain a secondary school education. In 2015, because of her outstanding community service, Elsia was nominated and received the International Diana Award. This year Elsia was nominated for the Diana Legacy Award and she is one of 20 youths chosen from around the world who was honored with this Prestigious Award at a ceremony held in Saint James Palace, London, England on May 18, 2017. Elsia was presented with the award by Prince Harry and Prince William, the sons of Princess Diana.

PSE results are out!
The Ministry of Education has announced the results for the 2017 Primary School Examinations. This year’s top performer is Curt Smith from Bernice Yorke followed by Suamein Palacio from Belize Elementary School and Devyne Lopez from Punta Gorda Methodist. According to the ministry a total of 7,271 students registered to sit the exam while 7,077 actually sat them on April 3rd and May 2. Of the persons who took the exam 3,558 were male representing 49.8% while 3,585 or 50.2% were female. There were 121 less students taking the exam than last year. In math 37% of the students scored satisfactorily or better which is a 2% increase over last year’s scores. In Social Studies 31% scored in the excellent range which is a marked improvement from last year when only 21% scored in this range. The average score also went up from 63.7 to 68.1% having most students scoring in the excellent range in this subject.

Immigration Merry-go-Round
It would appear, at least listening to the media accounts that many, if not most Belizeans, were eagerly awaiting and then transfixed by the appearance of certain individuals at the Senate Select Committee on immigration matters during the period of 2011 – 2013. Two of these persons of particular interest were former minister of government Elvin Penner and alleged part whistleblower, part media hound Alvarine Burgess. Regretfully for anyone expecting a bombshell or two, they were sorely disappointed. Despite the strenuous and arduous efforts of PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay, neither witness produced anything new or anything that had not been previously circulated in the public domain. For starters, Elvin Penner simply proved the Prime Minister’s point from almost 4 years ago, that there is a difference between apparent or widely believed guilt and legal guilt.

Belize National Aids Commission receives regional testing day award
The Belize National AIDS Commission and Executive Director Enrique Romero were presented with the 10th Anniversary Regional Testing Day Innovative Outreach Award for their contribution to the Regional Testing Day on HIV initiative as it celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. The award was given in recognition of the innovative approach that the NAC has taken to the promotion of Regional Testing Day in Belize. Thirty-three (33) awards were presented to organizations and individuals from across the Caribbean who have worked tirelessly over the last ten years in support of Regional Testing Day (RTD) activities. The milestone tenth Anniversary of Regional Testing Day for HIV AIDS in the Caribbean was also launched at this glittering event.

Peace Corps and Belize Ministry of Education Launch Collaboration to Further Early Child Literacy Initiative; Swear In Four Volunteers
Friday, June 2, four new Peace Corps Response Volunteers were sworn in as Literacy Intervention Specialists to officially begin their close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture in furthering the Ministry’s literacy goals. The Swearing In ceremony was held at the Peace Corps office in Belmopan with Ministry officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Peace Corps staff, host families and Response Volunteers in attendance. Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Mission, Adrienne Galanek, administered the Oath, as these four Volunteers officially joined the ranks of more than 2,000 Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in Belize since 1962.

Police officers rewarded for bravery and team work
On Thursday of last week five police officers from the Belmopan Police Formation were rewarded for their valiant efforts in recovering properties from the Ministry of Agriculture. These police officers, moving with great speed and precision, were able to recover a stolen 2016 Hilux and 4000 Euros, which also led to the arrest of the person who allegedly committed the crime. On hand to celebrate with the police were the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Jose Alpuche (responsible for Pesticide Control Board from which items were stolen) and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Allen Whylie. The Police Department would like to thank Mr. John and Jonathan D’Silva of Bullfrog Inn for providing lunch for this occasion.

PSU President suspended
The PSU Council of Management in a special sitting on May 19th, 2017 suspended its President Mr. Eldred Neal for inflammatory statements made via an audio recording that went viral. This was in accordance with Section 18(2) of the Public Service Union Constitution Revised Edition 1993. The letter has stipulated that Mr. Neal does not conduct any business on behalf of PSU and he is to return the assets of the Union until such time that his suspension is lifted. Please be informed that Mr. Eldred Neal is not authorized to conduct any business for PSU in the capacity of President or until the Council decide otherwise. As such he cannot call membership meetings, however he can make a request through Council of Management to be given an audience at General Membership Meeting.

Saint John’s College Junior College now offers degree in music
The Saint John’s College Junior College has recently added a new music degree program to their curriculum. The program will be a full course just like any other major and will officially start in August 2017. The realization of the program at SJCJC came through their collaborative effort with another Jesuit institution. That institution is the Loyola University in New Orleans. The two schools began in 2015 and finally completed the developing of a brand new curriculum as well as a center dedicated to the music program. The music curriculum will prepare students to work or to pursue higher education.

Southwest: direct flight - Belize to Fort Lauderdale
Tourism continues to be an ever growing facet of our industry and in January of this year, the Belize Tourism Board announced the new non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale to Belize with Southwest Airlines. The inaugural flight was made on Sunday, June 3, 2017. Southwest sponsored this flight with an official delegation as well as media personnel from Belize. BTB continues in their effort to sell the country as an ideal vacation destination and Southwest has used that opportunity to make itself a household name. The wider Caribbean as well as Belize continues to develop from this relationship.

St. Martin’s Credit Union satisfied with Central Bank
The St. Martin’s Credit Union SMCU recently held its 68th Annual General Meeting at the auditorium of Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio Town. At this special meeting, four vacancies were filled within the Board of Directors. Newly elected to serve for three years were Dr. John Morris, Rene Torres, Debbie Martinez and Doroteo Balan. At the SMCU meeting, the members graciously accepted their 3% dividends. Currently, St. Martin Credit Union assets stand at over $25,500,000.00 dollars, an increase of over 2.3 million dollars from last year’s figures. Also, this year the current membership stands at 8,656, which comes at a decrease of -0.91% from last year. This comes mainly due to a decision by the SMCU taking the position that members must have a minimum of $50.00 in their accounts. (Just from that decision, the SMCU was unable to capture 1,200 members, but their accounts can be re-opened whenever they come up with the required amount of funds.)

Talking Plenty... saying nothing!
The more we hear Johnny Briceño speak, we are becoming more convinced that his elevator does not go all the way up to the top floor. This gentleman has been the ORATOR of some of the most ASSININE STATEMENTS, we have heard in modern times. We at no time ever did suspect that we would one day be missing Said Musa or Francis Fonseca. Say what one wants to say about Said but he can never be accused of being a fool. Even though he took us for fools, he was certainly no fool. The same cannot be said about Francis, but he was not one to be making an ass of himself, by putting his foot in his mouth on a regular basis, because he kept his shortcomings by not saying very much.

UB launches five new programs
The University of Belize has announced that it will be introducing 5 new programs to the courses of study that are currently available at the National University. In a release UB states that it recognizes the need to increase its program offerings to students and therefore launched a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration BBUA with concentrations in Marketing, Management and Finance. It will also be offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology; Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy; Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Certificate in Agriculture.

Jerson Carballo slain for no known reason
The family of 27 year-old Jerson Carballo, brother to the well-known musician and soca performer Ernestine Carballo, are mourning his loss after he was shot and killed on his way home. He was known as a church man who tried to encourage others to seek out Christianity, but his killer gunned him down as if he was part of the street life he reportedly avoided. According to police, at around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, Carballo was riding his bike, heading toward his home. That’s unfortunately when he was gunned down by an assailant who shot him in the head, the chest, and the back. He had only just left his cousin’s house, and he was only a short distance from his McKay Boulevard home. It is believed that he was listening to his music when he was attacked at the corner of Electric and Lawrence Avenues. He ended up dying right in the street where he fell.

Fatal road traffic accident in Orange Walk
A fatal road accident occurred on Thursday, June 1, 2017 on the Corozal Cane Traffic Road. Involved in the accident were a motorcycle and a parked trailer at the BSI area. Investigations revealed that Rigoberto Coba, a 33-year-old resident of Guinea Grass Village and voluntary Special Constable, was travelling from Orange Walk to Belize City when he collided into trailers that were parked on the side of the road. Coba died on the spot.

Body of man found in Corozal
The body of a man was found next to a basketball court and football field in the village of San Narciso in Corozal on the morning of June 6, 2017. The man, a resident of Louisville, has been identified as Ramon Rejon. Rejon returned to the village from Spanish Lookout over the weekend and had since been seen intoxicated. The body was found with facial injuries and the death is being treated as a case of sudden death. Police do not suspect any foul play.

Drowning in Corozal
Family members of 79 year old Eduardo Landero continue to be perplexed at the finding of his decomposing body along the Belize River on Sunday in Carmelita Gardens near Santa Familia in the Cayo District. Landero was known by villagers as a fisherman and a good swimmer. He had last been seen with his grand-daughter going to the river about 9:00 am on Friday near his home base when he jumped into the river and did not re-surface.

Elderly found lifeless half a mile down river from his home base
At 10:00 a.m. on June 4, 2017, police visited the Corozal pier on 1st Avenue, Corozal Town where the body of 44-year-old Acita Milsa Flores of Sarteneja Village, Corozal District was seen. Flores’s body was seen inside a skiff in an advance state of decomposition. Investigations revealed that on June 1, Flores and eight other persons left Sarteneja in a white and blue skiff en route to Calderitas and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico to do some shopping. They departed on the same day and while at sea, a wave caused the boat to capsize. On June 2, a search party left Sarteneja and found eight survivors in front of Calderitas. Flores was not found.

Kendis Flowers charged with attempted murder
On Friday, June 2, 2017, police arrested and charged Kendis Flowers, 25-years-old, with two counts of attempted murder on PC Rafael Flowers and PC Wayne Dawson. He was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith where the charges were read to him. No plea was taken. He was denied bail since the alleged offenses were committed with a firearm. Flowers is remanded to the Belize Central Prison until September 18, 2017 where his case is tentatively set for trial.

Infanticide in Toledo
Toledo police visited the village of San Vicente where they spoke with the Alcalde, Edgar Pinto. Pinto reported that on May 31, 2017, a villager reported to him that he saw the body of a baby floating in the river. The police were led to a pasture about half mile off the main road where they saw the body of a new born baby floating off the river bank in an advanced state of decomposition.

Stanley Moore gets time in prison for attempted robbery and wounding
Stanley Moore, well-known criminal figure, has been sentenced to a total of 6 years, 5 years for attempted robbery and 1 year for wounding. He was accused of committing the crime against a 73-year-old business man and his friend. Moore’s initial not guilty plea was changed to a guilty one in court on June 7, 2017 before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza.

52-year-old charged for possession of drug pipe
A 52-year-old maintenance worker of Ladyville has been fined $150 for being in possession of a pipe. He is Edward Quilter. In court, Quilter, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charge of the possession of a pipe before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza on June 6, 2017. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a metal pipe used for the administration of drugs. He was found on Monday, June 5, 2017.

Orange Walk Man is Granted Appeal for Rape of 16-year-old Virgin
Antonio Gutierrez, a 36-year-old Orange Walk man, was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Northern Belize on August 12, 2011. In a trial which began on May 30, 2016, a jury found him guilty before Justice Herbert Lord on June 7, 2016. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. After being sentenced, he appealed the conviction at the Court of Appeals and on June 6, 2017, he was granted a retrial.

Rockville driver set free after alleged gunplay
An alleged gunplay in the village of Rockville landed Mario Rivera, a driver, into police custody where he was charged with one count of aggravated assault with a firearm upon another villager, Jerome Staine. Rivera would have usually been remanded to jail without bail but luckily, the victim has told the court that he wanted no court action.

School in Cayo broken into for third time in less than two years
Students and staff members at the Eden Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Santa Elena Town are still reeling from the third break-in to their beloved center of learning during the last two years. Sometime on Monday night or early Tuesday morning a thief or group of thieves gained forceful entry into the principal’s office and zeroed in to a set of eight duplicated keys, which were the gateway for the schools eight other classrooms. Stolen from the struggling school was about $7000.00 worth of items, which included four DELL Lap tops, which had just been replaced from the previous break-in. Also stolen from the school were four large blue tooth enabled speakers and FM radios that teachers used to enhance educational lessons. Most precious to the school for the information contained therein was the loss of a 120 gigabyte USB flash drive.

65-year-old Guatemalan man is charged with sexual assault of a 6-year-old
65-year-old Guatemalan man is charged with sexual assault of a 6-year-oldevi Figueroa, a 65-year-old Guatemalan man of a Burrell Boom address, was remanded to prison on Friday, June 2, 2017 after being accused of touching a 6-year-old child inappropriately. He was unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith and was read a single charge of sexual assault upon a child. The incident is said to have occurred on April 30, 2017 in Belize City.

Brandon Tesecum killed in Corozal
Police visited the Dominguez Layout area in the Corozal District in response to information received of shots being fired on June 6, 2017. There they saw the body of 21-year-old Brandon Lee Tesecum. Tesecum, who was of an Orange Walk address, was seen on the pavement on the San Antonio/San Andres Road with several gunshot wounds to the head.

Belmopan Bandits crown Pepsi National Elite Basketball champions
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League season closed with a huge bang in San Pedro on Saturday night, as two-time champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted Belmopan Bandits in game 3 of the Finals. San Pedro High School was packed to capacity, with standing room only, as the intensity of the game surely depicted a championship game with everything on the line. The first quarter got the jitters out of both teams, as Belmopan Bandits finished with an 18 – 17 lead. In the second quarter, the visiting team jumped out to an 18 point lead, going into intermission with a comfortable 44 – 30 lead. However, San Pedro Tiger Sharks went on a run of their own at the end of the third quarter and mid-way through the fourth quarter, and in the process grabbing a 5 point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game. Belmopan Bandits was able to regain their composure, coming up with some key shots down the stretch, while getting crucial defensive stops, to register the 75 – 67 victory, claiming the NEBL championship.

St. Joseph Primary School boys undefeated in Belize City primary schools basketball competition
The Belize city Primary Schools Basketball competition continued on Tuesday 6th June with four games played at the Gateway Youth Centre. In the first of two game splayed in the girls’ competition, St. Joseph School won over St. John Vianney School by the score of 19-5. The top scorer for St. Joseph School was Afeni Lamb with 11 points and the top scorer for St. John Vianney School was Alleesha Sawazo with 3 points. In the second game in the girls’ competition, Muslim Community School won over Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 6-0. The top scorer for Muslim Community School was Zakiyyah Sacasa with 4 points.

Belmopan Bandits are the early leaders in Cayo Softball Competition
The Raymond Garbutt Cayo Softball Female competition which is being sponsored by the Hon. John Saldivar continued on Sunday 4th June, 2017, out at the Joan Garbutt Softball Stadium with three games on the schedule with only one game played because of the inclement weather. In the game played, Belmopan Bandits defeated Esperanza Wolverines by the score of 7-2. The winning pitcher was Laniesha Jones and the losing pitcher was Dawn Miralda. The competition will continue this coming Sunday 11th June, 2017, with three games on the schedule out at the Raymond Garbutt Softball Stadium in Roaring Creek Village.

Shalini Zabaneh spun No Hitter in Stann Creek Softball competition
The 2017 Stann Creek District Softball competition continued on Sunday 4th June, 2017, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village with two games on the schedule. In the second game of the day, Independence United behind the no-hit pitching of Shalini Zabaneh defeated Lucky Stars from Sittee River by the score of 26-0. Zabaneh gave up no hits, she did not walked a single batter and she struck out 7 in the process in the lopsided wid.

Under the Red Tent
For a period of about 3 months some years ago, Residents of Orange Walk Town had to travel to Corozal to purchase tickets for ADO to Merida / Cancun. I still recall the little outlet right in front of the Corozal bus terminal where we had to go to get our tickets if we wanted to catch the bus here in OW at 8 pm at night. One time I arrived in Corozal during the lunch hour and had to wait at the bus terminal for the store to open. A neatly dressed young man sat beside me and asked, ‘aren’t you the guy who likes to write fool in the Guardian every week?” I told him I don’t know about every week, but, yes, I am an expert in that field. My sarcasm having been lost on him, he continued his conversation that he used to be a flag bearer for the UDP in Corozal but since the national election victory they had turned their backs on him and now he had no time for them and would never vote for them again.

Three Week Art Exhibit at the House of Culture- Canada: Synonym of…
Canada will celebrate its 150th Anniversary of Confederation (Canada 150) on July 1, 2017. As a way of celebrating and engaging the world, the Canadian diplomatic mission hosted 150 events to showcase Canada as a premier destination to visit, invest, live, work, and study. Today, Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories. The Government of Canada envisions Canada 150 as a means to inspire connection among Canadians while celebrating their shared values, achievements, environment, and their place in the world. Canada’s four areas of priority have been identified as

Will the Pope of Rome and Sovereign of Vatican City call Jules?
Some in the Media are always begging for respect and honor. The concept of the media or press as a fourth branch stems from a belief that the news media’s responsibility to inform the populace is essential to the healthy functioning of the democracy. That is a solemn duty, indeed! When I turn on the news I expect the news crew to have done their job well. Way too often they fail. Take Friday, June 02, 2017 Channel 7’s Hyde declared: “We all know well the Bible story which tells us that the Apostle Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus after the crucifixion.” I was totally shocked because I remember well the story about the three acts of denial of Jesus by the Apostle Peter as described in all four Gospels of the New Testament. Yes, all four Canonical Gospels state that during Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, he predicted that Peter would deny knowledge of him, stating that Peter would disown him before the rooster crowed the next morning.

Youth Tlks - High School is over - what now?
We squeezed into the small cafe, barely dodging the tiny raindrops as the unexpected downpour began. Inside was warm, muted, hushed; every bit a haven and a different world all together than the hot dusty streets being assaulted by the wet splatters from the sky. The aroma of cinnamon and spices competed with that of fresh java percolating in the back. I ordered a cup. Although I am hardly a coffee drinker, the scent alone was too tempting to pass up. Akeya, my baby cousin and I, were celebrating her greatest success of her 16 years on earth; she was graduating with distinguished honors from high school. Needless to say, I was very proud of her. “So What’s next for Akeya”, I asked her, smiling broadly as we found two very comfortable chairs at the back of the cozy cafe with our coffee and cinnamon buns. She caught me off guard when she said, “I don’t know.”

Breaking Belize News

Family clarifies motorcycle-horse accident
Following the posting of a story about a horse killed in a motorcycle-horse accident earlier today by BBN, a close relative of the motorcycle driver contacted BBN to provide their version of what happened. According to the relative, a proper ‘halter’ or ‘head […]

Body found in Belmopan
Reports to our newsroom are that a body was found near the Mountain view area of Belmopan this afternoon. Police are currently at the scene. This is a developing story. © 2017, BreakingBelizeNews.com. This article is the copyrighted property of Breaking Belize News. Written […]

Road traffic accident in Cayo leaves horse dead, motorcyclist hospitalized
At around 6 a.m. yesterday, there was a fatal road traffic accident near Bishop Martin RC school in the Cayo District. Information to our newsroom is that a child was riding a horse when a motorcyclist collided into them. The child flew off the horse and […]

Institute of Archaeology says cultural heritage being destroyed in Corozal
The Institute of Archaelogy is reporting that another cultural heritage is being destroyed up north. In a statement posted by the institute today it revealed, “Looting and destruction of our cultural heritage is still a very present threat in Belize. We are currently following […]

PSU Pres suspended over comments on Garinagu community
Less than a month ago, Eldred Neal, Public Service Union (PSU) President, made very incendiary comments on the Garinagu community in a conversation that was secretly taped. The leaked tape created much controversy, so much so that nine of the fifteen members on his […]

Couple busted with weed in Mahogany Heights
On Wednesday, June 7, members of the Mobile Interdiction Team (MIT) searched the residence of Ryan Edward Gentle located in Mahogany Heights Village, Belize District. Present at the time of the search were Ryan Edward Gentle and Natasha Nicole Smith. The search resulted in the discovery of 523 grams of cannabis. […]

Man busted with weed at OW Custom’s Office
Just before 2 p.m. yesterday, Orange Walk police received information of a man with drugs at the customs office in San Lazaro. When officers arrived on the scene, they searched 28 year-old Omar Rufino Ramirez, a laborer of San Lazaro Village. During that search cops found […]

Robbers break into Eden Primary School
There is a case of burglary coming out of the San Ignacio/Santa Elena police jurisdiction. 24-year-old Johnny Alexander Gonzalez, a Secretary at Eden Primary School in Santa Elena, told police that between the hours of 4:45 p.m. on Monday and 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday […]

Gas attendant robbed while on duty
The old capital was the venue of an armed robbery on Tuesday night. The assailant, armed with a knife walked into Gas Tomza located at 1 1/2 Miles on the George Price Highway and approached Irvin Carranza, 24, a gas attendant. Carranza told police […]

61 murdered since January 1, 2017
In its midweek issue, the Amandala Newspaper had reported that murders were down by 3%, and property crimes were down by a total of 20% when compared to last year. As of Monday, June 5th 2017, the Amandala had reported 57 murders. However since […]

Charges against PUP leader dropped
Orange Walk Central Area Representative, John Briceño, will no longer have to appear before the Orange Walk Magistrate in connection with an alleged traffic mishap in February of 2015. Christopher Hendricks, the driver of former UDP Deputy Leader, Gaspar Vega, had claimed that the […]

Illegal logwood bust in Orange Walk
s Yesterday morning a joint patrol of police and BDF seized illegal logwood that was being transported through the San Lazaro road in Orange Walk. According to reports, a brown rodeo was towing a trailer with illegal logwood and the driver of the rodeo, […]

Police seeking “HardRock” killer
Police in the old capital are looking for the person that killed Andrew Bennett AKA “HardRock”. Bennett was gunned down two weeks ago in front of his home on Central American Boulevard and was well respected by his peers in the music industry. Police have […]

Blogs

The West Side of Ambergris Caye, Cayo Rosario & The Sandbar On A HOT Day
A few acre mangrove caye directly west of Secret Beach, the tiny caye is well known by flyfishermen and locals. But more recently it has been getting attention because of the proposed development plan – for 90 over the water cabanas and a maximum capacity of 600 employees and guests. Absolutely totally ridiculous. You own an island that is a few acres of sand, mangrove, birds and mangrove swamp in the middle of Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We may not like that. We may not like how you got the island but you own it. But do you have the right to build preposterous structures all around it – over the marine reserve – in water that is owned by all and actively used by many? A mockery to conservation in Belize. That’s what is being decided right now in an official Environmental Impact Assessment.

Beating the Heat – The Top 5 Ways to Cool Off on Ambergris Caye
If you’re lucky enough to be here with us on Ambergris Caye this week, visitors and Islanders alike will tell you that, the past fews days on the island have been some hot ones… summer has hit San Pedro hard, and we’re really starting to feel the heat. No need to worry though, because the island has many ways to beat the heat and stay cool on these scorching summer days… Here’s our picks for the top 5 ways to stay cool on Ambergris Caye!

No Better Way to Celebrate World Oceans Day Than in the Ocean
Our family was super excited to have joined Oceana Belize as they took us on a local tour of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Snakes Caye in observance of World Oceans Day. The day was filled with amazing panoramas of mangrove forests, a bird’s eye view of the reserve, learning about the importance of the reserve to southern communities in Belize and breathtaking views of crystal clear turquoise waters at West Snake Caye. We toured the surrounding areas in the reserve which included Abalone Caye Ranger Station where the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) and the Belize Coast Guard monitor and protect the reserve. They are the good guys who, on a daily basis, protect the reserve from illegal fishing activities, monitor sports fishing and tourism activities in the areas.

El Fogon Restaurant San Pedro Ambergris Caye
El Fogon has an old school cooking over a “fogon” or open fire stove and delicious simple Belizean dishes. The entrance is filled with sand as you enter. A Palapa is there to give you shade while you eat at the restaurant. when you walk through the entrance, their was flowers decoration on the left and Banana trees on the right and the white sandy floor in one area. El Fogon is just 2 minutes away from Maya Island air north of Tropic air #2 Trigger Fish St. A large sign on the entrance of the restaurant had a list of various food choices. When I tried the rice and beans, I could actually taste the fresh coconut in the rice and the soft smokey meat, well cooked in the fire heart. The service is always excellent with other menu list everyday you can get chimole, escabeche, rice and beans with stew chicken, fry fish, and much more. El Fogon has been expanded for better space and for more customers to sit down and have a great time at El Fogon. We know offer breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We make coffee for on the mornings. Just sit down and listen to the birds while having your coffee.

13 Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Bring Your Kids to Belize!
As a parent, you’re zealous about monitoring what your kids see and do in today’s crazy world; it’s your job to help them steer clear of experiences that could damage them for life. We’re concerned too, and feel it only right that we inform you about reasons you should never bring your children here. Consider all of them and we’re sure you’ll agree that taking them on vacation to Belize is the worst idea you’ve ever had! 1. If you leave them home, you’ll protect them from having nightmares you’re pretty sure will result from taking them to Mayan hot spots were crystal skeletons, bones and creepy vestiges of Belize’s historical past await. You don’t want to expose them to ancient civilizations, right? 2. Dining out could be a horrific experience if you bring your children to Belize! This many tastes, smells and culinary sensations could, heaven forbid, turn them into mini-gourmands who refuse to eat frozen pizza and peanut butter once their palates are exposed our delicious and tasty foods.

Find Your Place in the Sun on Ambergris Caye
As the largest island in Belize’s chain of offshore jewels, Ambergris Caye is geographically the closest point to the mainland. But what a difference that slice of the Caribbean Sea makes. Ambergris is a symphony of white sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and prehistoric rock that rises up from the ocean floor to host every type of tropical plant, tree and flower you can imagine. At just 25-miles long, getting around is a no brainer, but visitors usually headquarter in San Pedro Town, where the drinks are cool, the people are warm and the resorts are all top drawer. If you like to let your hair down, mingle with tourists from around the world, eat so much ethnic food you gain weight and then work it off jumping into myriad sports activities guaranteed to keep you energized, this is your island in the sun. Your holiday budget stretches far due to the wide variety of eateries and accommodations, so don’t let budgetary concerns keep you from making this your next vacation pick.

Orange Walk: Avoid Crowds While Immersing Yourself in Belize’s Wonders
If you dislike crowds but you’re fascinated by everything Belize has to offer, make Orange Walk District—and especially Orange Walk Town—your next vacation spot. Just 57 miles from Belize City, it’s a quick trip from that city’s airport. Since it’s tucked into the northwest corner of the nation, the partying beach crowd isn’t here in numbers yet you’ll enjoy the full tourist experience. See exotic cultural sites, all the natural wonders you could ask for and just enough people to declare Orange Walk the friendliest place on Earth. As the second largest Belize district, Orange Walk’s 1829 square mile interior is filled with rustic villages, the nation’s agricultural hub and Mayan ruins offering amateur archaeologists close looks at the area’s distant past. Heavily populated by Mennonites who farm the land and produce much of the sugar cane, rice and vegetable crops, this large faith-based colony also runs most dairy farms.

Archaeologists discover Aztec ball court in heart of Mexico City
The remains of a major Aztec temple and a ceremonial ball court have been discovered in downtown Mexico City, shedding new light on the sacred spaces of the metropolis that Spanish conquerors overran five centuries ago, archaeologists said on Wednesday. The discoveries were made on a nondescript side street just behind the city's colonial-era Roman Catholic cathedral off the main Zocalo plaza on the grounds of a 1950s-era hotel. The underground excavations reveal a section of what was the foundation of a massive, circular-shaped temple dedicated to the Aztec wind god Ehecatl and a smaller part of a ritual ball court, confirming accounts of the first Spanish chroniclers to visit the Aztec imperial capital, Tenochtitlan.

International Sources

Western Caribbean, Bay Of Campeche & Western Gulf Of Mexico Tropical Development Is A Possibility Between June 15th & June 20th
For at least the past couple of weeks, I have mentioned on a few occasions that we are going to have to really watch the western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico for potential tropical development starting next week and beyond. This word of caution was based on looking at the upcoming weather pattern and what has happened in the past with similar weather patterns. Anyways, it appears that a majority of the model guidance are beginning to really latch onto the idea of tropical development first in the western Caribbean with this system moving into the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf of Mexico during the time period from June 15th to June 20th. It should be noted that the western Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are climatogically favored areas for tropical development during the month of June, therefore, there is a distinct possibility that we could see tropical development by or after June 15th in the western Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean.

5 things to check out in Belize
Belize might be small in size but it’s mighty in history and culture and an interesting fusion of Caribbean and Latin-American vibes. These are some of the things you can do during a trip to the country: The Lamanai ruins are one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in Belize, from about 1,500 BC, when inhabitants grew maize at the site, to 1,680 AD. It’s one of the largest Maya ceremonial sites in Belize and had once been a major city of the Maya civilization. The site includes the Temple of the Mask, the Temple of the Jaguar Masks and the High Temple. Climb to the top of High Temple for great views of Belize.

Chills follow excursion into ATM cave in Belize
NEAR SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE-“Our Maya ancestors saw caves as a portal to the underworld, often referred to as ‘Xibalba,’ which translates to ‘the place of fear or fright.’ They believed evil spirits, demons and monsters were guarding caves and only elites, priests and their entourage were permitted to access them; commoners were not allowed to go in,” says caving tour guide Gliss Penados. And yet here I am, a mere commoner, about to descend into the underworld of Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known as the ATM cave, in western Belize. Under a blazing sun, our tour group treks through a tropical jungle, punctuated by a few river crossings before we arrive at the entrance of this massive limestone Mayan archeological site. It feels both foreboding and magical. A portal back to between 300 to 600 AD.

Standup Paddle Magazine
Belize and Cayo Frances Farm & Fly on the cover and a 15+ page spread of STANDUP PADDLE MAGAZINE - SOOOO many cool pictures of Ambergris Caye and town - my favorite might be Calvio Bike Repair. Check it out.

Videos

June 8, 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

Sonora Dinamita and Alison Hinds confirmed for 2017 International Costa Maya Festival
After Hurricane Earl caused the 2016 International Costa Maya Festival® to be cancelled, organizers are thrilled to announce that the show is on for Thursday, August 4th through Sunday, August 6th. This year, Costa Maya will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary, which means the committee is working extra hard to make sure Ambergris Caye has with the best week-long festivities of dance, music, pageantry, food and drinks! As is tradition, the festival will take place at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Stadium in San Pedro Town. Thursday night will be Pageant Night, in which eight beautiful contestants will vie for the title of Reina de La Costa Maya. 2015’s Gabriela Vanessa Salazar Valle still holds the title, and this year, the Pageant seeks the participation of all the Central American countries: Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. We already have confirmed the first gorgeous contestant, and she is Miss Costa Rica.

One dead, one severely injured; neither reported to local police
Unreported incidents on Ambergris Caye are not uncommon, but when they result in death or severe injury, there is cause for alarm. Two such incidents reportedly took place in May, but no information was provided to the public. On Tuesday, June 1st, The San Pedro Sun received correspondence from a concerned woman who stated that on Tuesday, May 30th, she was contacted by a police officer in Belize City to identify the body of a John Doe at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s (KHMH) morgue. It turned out to be her father, 56-year-old Felipe Quintanilla, a construction worker who had been living in San Pedro Town for the past ten years. She was informed that her father died on Sunday, May 28th after being on life support for ten days. According to her, it appears that Quintanilla was transferred from San Pedro with massive head trauma to the KHMH, where he died alone.
The other incident took place sometime on Thursday, May 25th in northern Ambergris Caye. A caretaker for a property eight miles north of San Pedro Town was allegedly attacked by three male persons who inflicted severe machete wounds to his right upper shoulder, and to the middle of his body. He was transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic III where he was treated. He was later transferred to the KHMH in Belize City.

Southwest Airlines inaugurates direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Belize
On Sunday, June 4th, Belize welcomed Southwest Airlines’ first daily direct flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. This new addition came after Southwest introduced its non-stop Denver, Colorado to Belize City flight in March 2017, and regular non-stop service from Hobby International in Houston to Belize in 2015. With dozens of passengers boarding the charter flight to Belize, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) made sure to warmly welcome tourists at the Philip Goldson International Airport.

SIB releases new figures; consumer prices continue to rise
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has published its latest statistics on the consumer price index and external trade for the country of Belize. In April 2017, the prices of goods and services were 2.2% higher than the year before, and for the first time in 2017, the statistics recorded an inflation rate of 1.9%. The All-Items consumer price index increased from 102.9 to 105.3 in April 2017 compared to the previous year. In comparison to April 2016, rising airfare prices were one of the primary contributors to an increase of 17.9% in the Transport category. The prices within the ‘Fuels and Lubricants’ sub-category increased by 11.5%, compared to April 2016. The highest increase was seen in the price per gallon of Premium Gasoline, which rose by 31% from $8.29 in April of last year to $10.86 in April 2017. Diesel also increased by 25% from $7.34 to $9.19, while Regular Fuel rose nearly 14% from $8.68 in April 2016, to $9.89 in April 2017.

Ambergris Today

Ministry Of Education Releases Primary School Examinations Preliminary Results
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture hereby issues the preliminary results of the 2017 Primary School Examination (PSE) which was administered countrywide on April 3, 2017 and May 2, 2017. The Top 5 Performers for San Pedro and Caye Calker are as follows: 1st Place: San Pedro R.C School: Kiona Sanker 363/400=90.7%, Island Academy: Colin Grief 363/400=90.7%, 2nd Place: Island Academy: Tellen Smith 358/400= 89.5%, 3rd Place: San Pedro R.C School: Jacinto Bradley 357/400=89.2%, 4th Place: Island Academy: Alexandra Lausen 352/400=88%, 5th Place: San Pedro R.C School: Ninel Pacheco 350/400=87.5%, New Horizon Seven Day Adventist: Marilyn Cuellar 350/400=87.5%.

Misc Belizean Sources

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - Nursing Scholarship 2017
The Ministry of Health Belize in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture officially announce the call for Scholarship applications for the course study of Nursing at the University of Belize for the academic year 2017. Kindly take note of the supporting documents that need to accompany the application before submission to the Ministry of Health, East Block, National Assembly Building, Belmopan. DEADLINE is July 21st, 2017.

Splashers
Hi Guys! Im excited to see you tomorrow. Im working on the paint subject this morning and posting as soon as Im done! Xo

Two 10 minute power interruptions, the first between 8:00am & 8:30am and the other between 4:30pm & 5:30pm, Sunday, June 11: Unitedville to Arenal
Including Benque Viejo, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Duck Run 1 & 2, Billy White, Georgeville, Central Farm, Esperanza, San Miguel, Cristo Rey, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Bullet Tree Falls, Branch Mouth, Santa Familia, Calla Creek, Corozalito & Succotz. BEL to conduct critical maintenance and testing of substation equipment at the Mollejon Substation.

Belize Fishing Report, May 29th - June 4th, 2017
The winds haven’t let up the entire week. Some bonefish caught but with the strong winds, it’s been difficult. The most successful anglers have been using bait. The fish are still hungry and are eager to get on the flats to feed. Winds will be calming down this coming week and the anglers will certainly reap the rewards. Looking forward to some great fishing!

Launching ceremony of the Canadian photographic exhibit
In celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary of Confederation. The ceremony took place at the Government House of Culture, Belize City, on June 5th, 2017. The exhibition will run from June 5th to June 23rd.

The SHYNE BARROW MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR SJCJC ASSOCIATES DEGREE
The Ambassador of Music, Shyne Barrow is offering a full Scholarship for St Johns Junior College's new Music degree. Last Friday SJCJC had the inaugural opening of its new Music center which will house its associates degree in Music program.

SBDC Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS TAX
Presented by: Mrs. Lisa Clare, Tax Officer, Income Tax Department, 222-4780. Location: La Inmaculdada Credit Union Training Room, 5 Park Street, Orange Walk Town. Workshop Date: June 15th, 2017. Time: 9am to 12noon. Free of cost. Income Tax was enacted in Belize in 1924 and remained in that basic form up to July 1998, when Business Tax was introduced. The Legislation is now called "The Income And Business Tax Act", with an effective date of January 1999 in its current form. The Act is divided into three parts with Income Tax under Part 1, Income Tax on Profits arising from Petroleum under Part 11 and Business Tax under Part 111. This Information session will help you understand the ACT in details.

A Garifuna from Dangriga becomes the new Catholic bishop for Belize
By Wellington C. Ramos. I remember when I was a little boy growing up in Dangriga in the 60s my late mother Josephine Sampson used to take me to go and visit her cousin, the mother of our new Bishop Lawrence Nicasio, “Auntie Jane Lewis-Nicasio”, the daughter of “Granny C”. During those days we were all attending Sacred Heart Primary School. Out of all of my aunt’s children, “Lawry” as we all know him, used to stay home a lot, was quiet and always smiling. His older brother Nelson Nicasio was my closer relative and friend and he, Henry Martinez and myself used to hang out regularly. I was a classmate of the new bishop at Sacred Heart Primary School along with Marva Lewis, Dorina Mendez, Gilbert Lambey, Justo Flores, the late Francis Bermudez, the late Sidney Mejia Jr. and several other students that I cannot recall at this moment. Our teacher was the late Mrs Rita Palacio when we graduated that year.

Manfred Atkins & Belize's 70S Sporting Explosion!
This is the early 1970s in Belize and Belizeans at evening times would be glued to the radio listening to Manfred Atkins bring the action packed and popular radio broadcast he called, "Sports Report". It had reports of every sport Belizean athletes were playing in those days, and it was delivered in a most unique style that only Atkins could present. It was fresh off the field, well written, and powerfully reported. It was imaginary television, and we can still see these legendary Belizean athletes play through that voice that once made Belize great as a sporting powerhouse in the Caribbean and Central America. Manfred Atkins disappeared from the minds of many of us Belizeans almost 50 years ago now. But he will never be forgotten for the sport entertainment that he provided to many Belizean homes that wouldn't even realize the coming of television to Belize in the 1980s. We can still hear the music to his signature tune of his show playing in our heads at the break of evening as he gave us the daily and weekly Belize sports wrap across the country in half of an hour.

Scout brother Ramiro Duran passes away
As we mourn the passing of our Scout brother Ramiro Duran, following is a short bio on his Scouting life. RIP our brother. The year was 1963. Ramiro Duran, then teacher, saw the need for a program that would keep the boys of Progresso Village off the streets. He started the 1st Progresso Scout Troop and kept it alive for the next four years when he was warranted as Leader for the Troop. He continued the good work and the Troop grew and flourished until 1973 when he was forced to give up the post because he had received a scholarship to study abroad. Upon his return to Belize in 1977 he took up a teaching post at Holy Redeemer School and immediately got involved with the Troop there as Chairman of the Committee and Sponsor representative at the Group Council.

Amazing things are happening at Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan!
Check out these colorful murals created by Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize team members to liven up the new children's space!

2017 Saltwater Fishing Tournament
2017 Dates: September 10, 11, 12. At least $10,000 in prizes await the successful fishermen and women who participate in the annual Saltwater Fishing Tournament each year. Part of the September Celebrations each year, the 2-day Placencia Saltwater Fishing Tournament draws anglers from near and far for the 2-day competition. The eagerly anticipated event kicks off in the wee hours of Saturday morning, when boats loaded with enthusiastic anglers leave the Placencia Municipal Pier in high hopes of catching the big ones! All vie for for the largest Kingfish (8 lb min), Jack (12 lb min), and Barracuda (10 lb min), as well as those fish termed “extraordinary”: Wahoo (15 lb min), Dorado (7 lb min), and Tuna (5 lb min). Saturday’s weigh-in at the Municipal Pier completes the first day of competition, and all boats must be checked in to qualify to compete on Sunday.

Miss Costa Rica – Miss Costa Maya 2017 Delegate Glennys Medina Segura
Meet Miss Costa Rica – Miss Costa Maya 2017 Delegate Glennys Medina Segura. Age: 22 years old, Height: 5’6. Student: Law degree and Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy. Among her hobbies are cooking, creating desserts and fishing. Her biggest dream is to be elected winner of The Miss Costa Maya International 2017 Pageant and professionally create a non-profit NGO to help families and create educational programs for children, since they are the future of our countries.

Channel 7

Five Days Later, Bodies of Baltazar and Zeidy Found In A Wooded Area
Today, the worst fears of many Corozalenos were realized when the bodies of 32 year old Zeidy Orosco and 41 year old Baltazar Lopez were found. Almost five days after they were last seen, their bodies were located in a wooded area off the Consejo Road, leading to a dump. They were found a few feet apart from each other, on the ground. That put a tragic end to a search that had been going on for days. Here's the scene at the site of the discovery, courtesy CTV-3: At around 2:00, police got the call that the bodies had been found. When the media got there, the police scenes of crime team was racing unto the scene and onlookers - including searchers - were also rushing into the area but police had already blocked it off:

Police Still Have No Conclusive Leads For Drew Devoursney and Francesca Matus
So, is there a connection between the murders of the two couples? They were both killed in Corozal after a social outing, both found a distance from their vehicles, and both found in abandoned areas near Corozal town. The differences? Well the North Americans were found in a cane field; these two were found in a wooded area, and the North Americans, their vehicle wa snot burnt, but this one was. Also, the cause of death for the North American couple was strangulation, in this case, it has yet to be determined. Police said the investigation into Drew Devoursney and Francesca Matus is still very much open and no arrest has been made:

Another Coro Killing
But it's not only those four murders in five weeks that Corozal police have to solve. Last night at a few minutes after 11:00, a 21 year old was killed on the outskirts of Corozal town. Police told the media more about the death of 21-year-old Brandon Lee Tesecum - an Orange Walk man who wound up dead on a road in Corozal: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal "Last night some minutes to eleven the quite community of Dominguez Layout resident called reporting that they heard shots in that area as a result we had a police mobile on patrol who had just passed that area some 15 or 20 minutes before these residence reported that shot were fired, shots were heard in the area. So the mobile turned back and upon turning back and reaching in that area they saw a male person lying down in a pool blood with apparent gunshot to the face."

PSU Announces President's Suspension
Eldred Neal is the PSU President who got into a whole lot of trouble when he was caught making prejudiced remarks about the Garinagu on a secret recording. Nine of the 15 members of his council of management asked him to resign, but Neal vowed to stay and fight. Now the last we heard on Friday May 19th was that the PSU Council of Management had voted to suspend Neal. But Neal didn't attend the meeting, and - sources said that he would fight it on the grounds of natural justice. Well, today, the PSU Secretary General sent out a release confirming that Neal was suspended on May 19th, quote, "for inflammatory statements made via an audio recording that went viral." It adds, "The letter (of suspension) has stipulated that Mr. Neal does not conduct any business on behalf of PSU and he is to return the assets of the Union until such time that his suspension is lifted."

The First Comments From Francesca's Family
The family of Canadian Francesca Matus has spoken out for the first time. Matus's relative gave 7News and exclusive interview via phone this evening. As you all will remember Matus and her boyfriend Drew Devoursey were strangled to death and their bodies were found thrown in a cane field in Chan Chen, Corozal. Here is what Matus's family in Canada had to say today. They preferred to not mention their names . Family Member of the Deceased: "You would think that the police would be the first people to contact the families but before I was even notified, it was all over Facebook, it's the part that I don't understand how it all gets out, apparently a bunch of people were at the crime scene and everything and then next thing everyone knows before the family knows which was kind of disappointing. Some friends of mine were texting me and so on saying did you hear is this true and I'm like what are you talking about? And then they said they found the bodies, I was obviously shocked. There's no known altercation, she was well liked by everyone there. I didn't know Drew but from every one that I talked to, his sources everyone liked him too so nothing about altercations at that I'm aware of."

Northern Customs Caught Illegal Timber
A joint patrol of BDF soldiers and Police officers are reporting tonight that they made 2 separate busts, a bag of weed, and trailer full of illegal logwood. At around 11:18 a.m. this morning, they stopped an Alamilla Bus, which was coming from the direction of Santa Cruz. They found a man who had a knapsack filled with marijuana. That person and the drugs were taken into police custody. About 2 hours later, at around 1:08 p.m., the joint patrol went to an area on the San Lazaro Road, where they intercepted a brown Isuzu Rodeo, which was towing a trial filled with logwood. The law enforcement team checked, and they found that the driver, Isau Moguel, did not have a permit to cut the wood.

Former Immigration Minister Testifies
The Senate Hearings on Immigration continued in Belmopan today, and this time the UDP politician in the hot-seat was Carlos Perdomo, the current Cabinet Secretary, and former Minister in charge of Immigration. He took questions from the Senate Select Committee to address that specific allegation that he he gave an order for a passport to be granted to an applicant who did not qualify. You may remember the April testimony for the retired Immigration Officer, Therese Chavarria. She went before the Senate Select Committee to outline a case that landed on her desk back in May of 2011, when she was the officer in charge of the Belize City passport office. As we reported, it was the application for the man claiming to be Paul Ku. He went into the Belize City passport office with the Naturalized Belizean, Rina Chiu Hsiang (siang) Lo, who has been described in the Senate hearings as a sort of immigration fixer.

Immigration And The Culture of Corruption
From there, the Senators wanted to hear his opinion about this culture of corruption inside the Immigration Department. Last week, you've heard Alvarine Burgess' account of the immigration hustle she claims to have been a part of. Before that, you heard about the case of the mysterious Barton Middleton, and his alleged ties to UDP insider Patrick Tillett. That's the case where Tillett reportedly hired Middleton, and paid him handsomely as an agent, to help get Belize visas approved for Chinese nationals. Well, those accounts are being further supported by a memo which the Auditor General and her team unearthed during their audit of the Immigration Department.

Police "Baffled" By Jerson Carballo Murder
Turning now to police news, Southside cops are no closer to finding a motive for the murder of 27 year old Jerson Carballo. Today the Southside commander admitted that they are baffled by the circumstances of the case: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "Well the truth is that Mr. Carballo death still has us a bit baffled in the sense that we have not been able to ascertain a motive and the reason for that is because he's not known to the police either from a gang point of view or other crime. We are currently looking for two persons, we know who they are and we're hoping that we will be able to catch up with them very shortly. I met with the family this morning and I gave them our assurance that the police will do what we can do to solve this latest homicide. We know the difficulties that we normally encounter when it comes to investigating homicides in Belize City and that is the fact that people are hesitant to speak or to give statements to the police and in most cases you find our investigation ends because we are unable to get statements so we will see where this one takes us. We are hoping that we can make an arrest and bring some degree of closure to the family."

Police Still Looking For "Hard Rock" Murder Suspect
Police are further along in the case of Andrew Hard Rock Bennett - the popular DJ was killed two weeks ago. As we've reported, they have a suspect, but still cannot find him:.. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "We are positively sure as to who the perpetrator of that crime is. We have not been able to find that person and witnesses in terms of statements are not forth coming. We are hoping that when we do locate the individual we will be able to get statements to build a case against that individual so that he can be charged and taken before a court in respect to that murder but until then the case remains open."

Witness Protection Not Realistic For Belize?
So, with all these unsolved murders caused by witnesses unwilling to give a statement and appear in court, can't the state institute a witness protection program? Williams said today that it is not realistic: ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "Some would say to have a witness protection programme but to have a witness protection programme in Belize alone will not work and to have a witness protection programme with other countries will be very costly to the government. So we have to see how we can weigh our strike a balance and try to find something more reasonable and at this time I really and truly don't see that occurring. As a committee we work together because at the end of the day the bad man they can't kill everybody and if we decide that we will make a stance against those persons who continue to perpetrate criminal acts, we can do it together being unified and so we're hoping that could happen because if it take a witness and send them to PG, PG is just couple miles down the road, send them to Corozal same thing. We might say well do it in Mexico, the amount of witnesses Mexico might be sending to us compared to what we'll be sending to them it will be unfair to us."

PG's PSE Pikni
Yesterday we told you about the results of this year's Primary School Examination. Overall, the students didn't do great, with almost half failing in math and almost as many failing science. But as usual, there were still thousands of students who did well. Yesterday, we spoke to many of the top scorers, most of whom are from schools here in Belize City. But the commercial capital wasn't the only municipality to excel. Two of the top 5 candidates came from Toledo's Punta Gorda Methodist and St. Peter Claver RC. Today, our news team was in PG and spoke to those students along with their parents and teachers, about representing down South... Reporter: "Talk to us about how you reacted when you got this news." Devyne Lopez - 3rd Place, Punta Gorda Methodist: "I was a bit disappointed at first because I thought I could have done better but I still got the grade that I worked for." Reporter: "3rd overall, this is a major accomplishment especially when you look at the number of students who didn't do that well and this is overall in the country. Now that you've thought about it how are you feeling now?" Devyne Lopez: "I am a bit excited now because I got 3rd out of 7 thousand students, yes ma'am."

Fire In Abandoned Building In St. Martin's
If you watch the news regularly, then you already know all about Councilor Willoughby and his team's Derelict Building Demolition initiative. Well last night's fire in the St. Martin's area is a good example why it needs to be implemented. An abandoned building caught, or was set on fire at the corner of Poinsettia and Jasmine streets. Residents say the building has been an annoyance for over decades. Here is what one of those wary residents and what the police had to say. Wayne Cadle - Area Resident: "They usually come and throw all kind of thing in this building, dead dog, dead *explicit*, people come smoke weed, they do a lot of things in this building. This building is here, this building is neglected, this building needs to be taken down, this building - we don't know who own this building here." Jules Vasquez: "And so it's a menace in your community?" Wayne Cadle: "Yes because they people they pass here, the people skin up their face, they eat their food, they dash their food on the street because they the smell stinking thing."

Oceans Day Observed In The Sea
Tomorrow is World Oceans Day, a celebration of the planet's largest natural resource, and a reminder to all about the importance of the conservation and preservation of our marine life. Today our news team joined the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage for a tour of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and the Snake Cayes. We'll have a full rundown of that trip for you tomorrow, but for today, here's OCEANA's Vice President, Janelle Chanona, on the importance of safeguarding our oceans... Tomorrow we'll show you how the communities around the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, live off the water, while still managing to maintain it.

Police Reaches Out To Martin's Community
Turning back now to police, ACP Chester Williams and his southside officers were in the St. Martin's area today for their weekly meet and greet. He told us some of the issues that residents complained about on Vernon Street.

ACP Williams, No Gang Related Murders For April, May, June
And as Williams winds down his tenure in Belize City - he's hoping to do so on a sustained high note. April, May and June are often the most murderous months of the year, but this year, it's down, so far. Williams says that there have been no gang related murders: Jules Vasquez: "How does April, May and June compare so far against the historical trends?" ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division "Well the comparison for this year is below the historical trend. For the month of April we had 3 murders, none of which is gang related. We have 3 in the month of May, none of which is gang related so we are seeing different types of murders manifesting themselves as opposed to the ones we are accustomed to."

Belmopan-Bound Williams Willing To Keep On With Mediation
So, while the mediation is working to keep down gang violence, will it continue when Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal takes over next month? So far in his career, he's not been known, not as a peacemaker, but as an advocate of paramilitary policing. Williams says that even after he goes to the Professional Standards Branch in Belmopan, he's willing to continue to work with Dianne Finnegan on the mediation process in the city:

Channel 5

Balthazar Lopez and Zeidy Orozco Found Dead and Decomposing in Consejo
Five murders in just over a month in Corozal have thrown the municipality in the grips of a murder spree.  Today, the bodies of a missing couple were found at [...]

Serial Killer Stalking Corozal?
There have been two double murders reported in the Corozal District within the past six weeks.  The first incident involved the gruesome abduction and strangulation of Canadian-American couple Francesca Matus [...]

O.W. Man Shot Dead in Corozal Tuesday Night
Before the gruesome discovery of Lopez and Orozco, the body of a third murder victim was found.  He is a twenty-one-year-old Orange Walk resident who was shot and killed in [...]

After String of Murders and Loss of Brother, Heartbroken Ernestine Carballo Asks Why?
In the city, another killer remains on the loose, following the shooting death of twenty-seven-year-old Jerson Carballo on Monday night.  The deadly spray of bullets happened at the corners of [...]

At Senate, ex-Minister of Immigration Carlos Perdomo Washes Hands Clean of Involvement
The Senate Special Select Committee called former Minister of Immigration and Nationality and National Security Carlos Perdomo as its sole witness today. Perdomo presided over the Ministry during the early [...]

Perdomo Says He Relied on Senior Immigration Personnel to Have All in Order
But how would ministers handle request for assistance with passport and nationality applications?  Perdomo said he told the auditors that in his time, he would send a note inquiring about [...]

Immigration the Butt of “Corruption Jokes”
The “culture of corruption” has become a theme of the Senate Inquiry. Various Immigration officers have come forward to acknowledge that the department was largely at the mercy of ministers [...]

Perdomo Says, “I Only Recommended for Clean Files.”
The minister’s pen proved mightier than any sword in the Immigration Department. Testimony from various officers showed that a minister’s recommendation, whether for passport, visa or nationality, carried significant weight [...]

Anglicans, Methodists Pull Out of Church-State Commission
In the wake of the momentous August 2016 decision by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to overturn Section fifty-three of the Criminal Code, godly Belizeans raised outrage at what they perceived [...]

Bishop Hopes Sides Can Come Back to Agreement
We asked Bishop Wright whether the fundamental differences between the two sides will hurt the Commission, and whether it was all a knee-jerk reaction in the wake of the Section [...]

Toledo West Rep Hits Foreign Affairs Ministers Over Incursions
News Five has been covering reports from Toledo about incursions by Guatemalan farmers in the villages of San Benito Poite and Otoxha. As we told you on Tuesday, the Belize [...]

Oscar Requeña Calls for National Effort to Stop Guatemalans
According to Requeña, government should not be burying its head in the sand on the issue and that all government agencies should join in to put a stop to the [...]

Serial Robber Pleads Guilty, Gets More Prison Time
Tonight, well-known criminal figure Stanley Moore was handed down another prison sentence after he changed his not guilty plea to guilty for attempted robbery and wounding against a seventy-three-year-old businessman [...]

Police Trail Moneygram Robbers in Cayo; Cash Express Was Not Target
On Monday, a robbery of a MoneyGram location in which two robbers took a thousand dollars and escaped took place at its office on the George Price Highway in Santa [...]

The Best of P.S.E. from the Deep South
The highest performing district of the Primary School Examinations, from an average point of view, is Corozal and the lowest performing is Toledo. The southern part of Belize has consistently [...]

Education Ministry Eyes Better Results
While the overall performance in the P.S.E. is considered average, there are some areas that are still lacking. The Ministry of Education says that there is incremental growth despite the [...]

World Oceans Day Celebrated
World Oceans Day is being observed on June eighth. It is a day set aside with activities and awareness to honor, help protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. Locally, Oceana Belize [...]

Public Health Tackles Mosquitoes at Start of Rainy Season
The hurricane season, also known as the rainy season, opened last Thursday which means that there is a serious danger of contracting dengue and zika.  The diseases are carried by [...]

Can Your Belize or Carnival Song Win National Competition?
It is that time of the year to spring into action for the September celebrations. A highlight of the month-long activities is the song competition which seeks to promote artistic [...]

The September Celebrations, in 10 Words or Less
The September Celebrations Committee is also calling for submissions for the theme for this year’s festivities which include the Battle of Saint George’s Caye as well as Independence Day.  Entries [...]

CTV3

Former Immigration Minister Speaks Before Senate Select Committee
Former UDP politician, Carlos Perdomo, who served as Minister of Immigration for the entire first term of the Barrow Administration, from 2008 to 2012, testified before the Senate Select Committee that is investigating allegations of immigration irregularities and wrongdoing from January 2012 to October 2013 cited in the Auditor General’s special audit report on Immigration. Perdomo is featured prominently in the report, and for weeks has faced very serious allegations that as Minister he was reckless in approving a number of Immigration documents including nationality certificates that did not meet all the requirements. Today when Perdomo got the opportunity to explain, he indicated that he had a helpful style as the Minister and he always tried to help especially those who had a frustrating experience. He also claimed that he tried to be as diligent as he could.

Perdomo Disagrees Culture of Corruption Exists At The Immigration Department
The term “culture of corruption” has become synonymous with the Immigration Department. It arose from the many cases of wrongdoing cited in the special audit conducted by the Auditor General and the behaviour of Immigration officials as well as UDP politicians and agents who ran the affairs of the nation seemingly at their whim. The term was further engraved in the Department when former Finance Officer Teresita Castellanos testified and spoke openly about the culture she witnessed at the Department. But Perdomo doesn’t agree that there was such a culture at Immigration Department. He spoke of the term as if the stories of immigration hustling were simply stories fit to tell jokes over.

A look At 2017 PSE Results
Last night we reported on the 2017 preliminary Primary School Examination results which were released by the Ministry of Education yesterday morning accompanied by a list of the top twenty five performers who come from various schools across the country. As we had told you, of the 7,077 students who sat the examination papers, twelve year old Curt Smith from Bernice Yorke Academy for Learning in Belize was the overall top performer of this year’s examinations who managed to get a score of 387 points, while seven students here in the north also made the coveted list.

Mr. Belize Spartan Fitness Gym Provides Scholarship Opportunities
Spartan Fitness Gym in Corozal Town is popularly known as the home of well-known bodybuilding champion Mr. Belize Rigo Vellos as well as other up-and-coming athletes. The gym engages in numerous community service activities and today, one more was added to their list as Vellos announced that with the help of gym members they will be providing scholarships to support young people’s access to education. Rigo Vellos, Spartan Fitness Gym scholarship: “Today I would like to announce that on behalf of Spartan Fitness Gym and its members we are launching a scholarship program to be able to assist young people to achieve their academic goals and dreams. We are giving out five different scholarships, its four primary schools and one high school scholarship for the moment.”

Breaking Belize News

Bodies of missing Corozal couple found
A while ago, BBN reported of two bodies being found near the dumpsite in Consejo Village, Corozal. A search party made up of friends and family of Zeidy Orozco and Balthazar Lopez, the couple who went missing last Thursday night, confirmed the grizzly discovery.

Belize celebrates World Oceans Day 2017
In celebration of World Oceans Day 2017, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) is hosting a series of activities on Thursday June, 8 at several preschools across Belize City from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The theme this year is “Our Oceans, […]

US whistle-blower visited Belize
Reality Winner is a 25-year-old American contractor who lives in Georgia. Winner was in Belize last week and posted pictures of her trip to her social media page. Winner posted about the resort she stayed at while sitting in the Mayan ruins in Belize. […]

Corozal couple still missing
BBN reported on Saturday that a couple from Corozal had gone missing. Neidy Orozco and her companion Baltzar Lopez have been missing since Thursday night around 9:30. They were last seen on the beach near Corozo Blue. On Friday, police visited a cane field […]

Grandmother abducts 7 year old in San Pedro
Hade Anaide Chacon, 32, of the San Mateo Area, San Pedro visited the San Pedro Police Sub-formation and reported that on Saturday at about 8:00 p.m., she dropped off her daughter Hamy Alena Reyes, 7, at her babysitter and went out with a friend. […]

Man found dead in Corozal
Yesterday morning, the body of a man was found in San Narciso Village, Corozal District. The person has been identified as Ramon Rejon of Louisville. Reports are that Rejon was last seen intoxicated in the village. Police are treating this as a sudden death […]

Man murdered in Corozal; Shot multiple times to the head
Last night around 11, acting on information received of shots being fired in the Dominguez Layout, police visited the area where they saw the body of Brandon Lee Tesecum, 21, (of an Orange Walk address) on the pavement on the San Antonio/San Andres Road, […]

Blogs

Eating as many Mangoes as I Could at Hopkins Mango Fest
My mom, dad and I walked around the Mango Fest making sure we visited all the booths. First I cooled off at a booth that had mango ideals for me and mango wine for my peeps! The Marie Sharp booth, had mango jam, and Ms. Marie Sharp herself was actually there! I love meeting Boss Women of Belize! I can’t wait to visit the factory and hear her story about how my favorite peppa sauce was born! After food and entertainment, we went to the stand with the most mangoes ever! They let me try two small mangoes for FREE and even a frozen mango on a stick! Don’t tell anyone, but we bought $50 worth of mangoes and I’m probably gonna eat most of them… shhhh! For my first time at Mango Fest, I had a pretty Mangolicious time!

Visit Punta Gorda On Your Belize Vacation
This small fishing town on the Gulf of Honduras is the gateway to the deep south of Belize. The area nearby is home to some of the country’s best cacao plantations, the principle ingredient of chocolate. PG is also a great jumping off point to explore nearby rivers, caves, Maya ruins and mountains. PG is just over 200 miles south of Belize City and is the southernmost municipality in the country. Punta Gorda is also a popular transit point to neighboring Guatemala to the south and there is an immigrations and customs office located adjacent to the PG town dock.

Corozal Town: A Scenic and Peaceful Destination in Belize
Corozal is a charming town of approximately 10,000 people located in the far north of Belize just across the border from Mexico. Popular due to its beautiful setting on the bay and close proximity to low-cost shopping across the border in Mexico, Corozal Town offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Mestizo culture in Belize. Approximately 90% of the historic town was destroyed in 1955 by Hurricane Janet, so the town’s lovely central district and colorful buildings have a unique look. Corozal was an important site during the days of the Maya Empire and today tourists can visit the nearby Maya ruins of Cerros and Santa Rita. Another popular attraction is Fort Barley, constructed by the British during the colonial era.

DC Circ. Won't Rethink $19M Award Confirm Against Belize
he D.C. Circuit on Wednesday summarily refused to reconsider its decision affirming the confirmation of an $18.5 million, plus interest, London arbitral award won by a Central American bank against the government of Belize. The appeals court issued two one-sentence denials: one from the panel that heard the case and one noting that no member of the full court asked for a vote on whether to tackle the matter en banc. Belize asked for reconsideration in late April on the three-judge panel’s decision a month earlier rejecting the...

Here's why the month of June in Belize is a full activity month
Dia de San Pedro - Held in San Pedro the three day festival honours the patron saint of the town, St. Peter. During this time boats and fishermen are blessed. A jump-up is held with live music including a Marimba band.La Bajada Service at the RC Church, 4am. Novena, 5am. And an exhibition of fishing, the festival and San Pedro at the Lobsterfestival in Central Park. Each night, The Novena will take place at the Roman Catholic Church at 6pm. Friday, June 26th There will be a dance competition, skits, poems and more with an after party in the Old Football field. Saturday Night festivities continue in the Sporting Area with dancers. Sunday June 28th there is a Fishing Rodeo.

International Sources

UNITED NATION STUDY REVEALS INCREASE IN HIV INFECTIONS AMONG OLDER POPULATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN
As the Caribbean prepares to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Regional Testing Day for HIV on Friday June 30th the need for testing has been underscored against the background of worrying statistics from the United Nations. United Nations Special Envoy on HIV to the Caribbean Dr. Edward Greene says findings in the 2016 UNAIDS Gap report state that HIV infections are on the rise in the region. He says that while the major increases have occurred in Cuba and Jamaica the greatest area of alarm is the fact that progress in stopping new infections has stalled among adults and HIV infections are increasing among older groups in some countries “One of my colleagues has flippantly referred to this as the ‘Viagra Effect”.

WCS’s Queens Zoo Helps Howler Monkeys Thrive in Belize
Recent WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Queens Zoo surveys of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), translocated to Belize’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary 25 years ago reveal that the effort has been a great success, with monkeys now thriving throughout the reserve after going locally extinct 40 years ago. The surveys conducted by WCS’s Queens Zoo in collaboration with the Belize Audubon Society last month counted 66 individual howler monkeys from at least 15 different social units, with evidence of many other groups inhabiting areas up to 20 kilometers away from the original release sites. All told, the survey team believes that as many as several hundred howlers are likely to live in the sanctuary. From 1992-1994, WCS, the Belize Audubon Society, and Community Conservation Consultants translocated 62 monkeys in 14 social groups from the Community Baboon Sanctuary in northern Belize, to Cockscomb, a 154-square-mile (400 square kilometers) protected area 62 miles (100 kilometers) to the south.

Health facilities in seven Caribbean countries to be transformed to be disaster resistant
A UK-funded PAHO project will make safer and greener health facilities in Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia to deliver care in disasters. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) selected 16 hospitals and health centers in seven Caribbean countries to make them safer, greener and more resilient to natural disasters, under the framework of the Smart Health Care Facilities Project, an initiative backed by UKaid, the UK Department for International Development. The project is being financially supported by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Department in partnership with the Ministry of Health in each target country.

Study abroad experiences are not just for students
While I have had many memorable experiences during study abroad trips, my favourite is from an unexpected stay in Punta Gorda, Belize. A group of students and I had been staying on Lime Caye along the Mesoamerican Reef, about 35 kilometres offshore. Midway through our trip, Hurricane Ernesto developed in the Caribbean and we were evacuated by the Belizean navy to the small town of Punta Gorda near the border of Guatemala. I borrowed a bicycle to get around the town and stopped at Gomiers Vegan Vegetarian and Seafood Restaurant; by that evening I was working as their sous chef. The chef taught me how to make callaloo in coconut milk with ginger and lime, prepare snapper in coconut fish, and make a spicy Mayan hot chocolate.

Eleven Caribbean projects selected for European funding
The second selection committee for the Interreg Caribbean Program 2014-2020 has made public the list of the 11 regional projects eligible for European funding. Many countries in the Caribbean will benefit from these projects, as follows: 1. TEECA: Set up a trade facilitation team and improve knowledge on existing financing solutions in the Caribbean area in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS);

Videos

June 7, 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

Belize District tops 2017 Primary School Examinations
After Standard Six students sat through two days of intense Primary School Examinations (PSE) on April 3rd and May 2nd, the Ministry of Education (MOE) issued a press release with the PSE results on Tuesday, June 6th. This year, a total of 7,271 Standard Six students sat the PSE countrywide, testing their knowledge in the four major subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies. Topping the country with 387 out of 400 total points was Bernice Yorke’s Curt Smith of the Belize District. With 18 out of the top 25 scorers, the Belize District outperformed the remaining five districts. Orange Walk had four top performers, Corozal and Cayo each had three and Toledo had two, while Stann Creek did not make the 2017 list. As for San Pedro Town, while there were no students in the top 25, there were several students who still did exceptionally well.

Five-a-side Football Tournament: Week 4
The San Pedro Town Council’s Five-a-side Football Tournament continued with several action-packed games from Wednesday, May 31st to Sunday, June 4th. Held at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, large crowds showed up to support their favorite players and teams. On Wednesday, three male division games took place, and saw sweeping victories favoring the most prepared teams. At the end of the first night of games, the results were: Jokers FC 3 vs Tuff Strikers 0, Rough &Tough 2 vs Costa Boys 1, and Los Catrachos FC 2 vs Goliath 2. Games continue this weekend with games starting at 7PM at the Honorable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th. On Sunday, June 11th, games will resume at 4PM.

7-year-old girl abducted in San Pedro Town
The San Pedro Police Formation is investigating the abduction of a seven year old girl, Hamy Alena Reyes, which apparently took place on Sunday, June 4th. According to the mother of the child, 32-year-old Hade Anaide Chacon, Belizean prep cook from the San Mateo Area, she was informed that the child was taken to Guatemala by her mother, Maria Quixchan, without her permission. Chacon told police that on Saturday, June 3rd about 8PM she dropped off her daughter at her babysitter in San Mateo and went out with a friend. The following day on Sunday about 11AM, she went to the babysitter’s house to pick up her daughter, but was informed that she went to church along with her kids. Chacon decided to wait for her daughter until 12 midday.

Dorian Pakeman freed of criminal charge; offers settlement
In March of 2016, Dorian Pakeman, Director of the Government Press Office, fatally knocked down 45-year-old Dean Dawson. Ten months later, he was charged for ‘death by careless conduct’. During Pakeman’s trial at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 25th, Magistrate Sharon Fraser dismissed the case, freeing him of the criminal charge. Despite the findings, Bryan Neal, Pakeman’s attorney, stated to the court that there was insufficient evidence to charge Pakeman. “Any reasonable jury could not have convicted Pakeman. So my submission was not to clog the court system, and just dismiss it, and the magistrate found favor with my submission,” said Neal.

Governor General Welcomes Ambassadors at the Belize House
Belmopan. On June 5th, 2017 at the Belize House, four ambassadors presented their letters of credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young. The ambassadors included H.E. Mr. Daniel Chuburu of Argentina, H.E. Mohamed Chafiki of Morocco, H.E. Zurab Eristavi of Georgia and H.E. Mr. Jorge Roman Morey of Peru.

Peace Corps and Belize Ministry of Education Launch Collaboration to Further Early Child Literacy Initiative; Swear In Four Volunteers
Friday, June 2, four new Peace Corps Response Volunteers were sworn in as Literacy Intervention Specialists to officially begin their close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture in furthering the Ministry’s literacy goals. The Swearing In ceremony was held at the Peace Corps office in Belmopan with Ministry officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Peace Corps staff, host families and Response Volunteers in attendance. Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Mission, Adrienne Galanek, administered the Oath, as these four Volunteers officially joined the ranks of more than 2,000 Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in Belize since 1962.

Little Angels Preschool present Talent Show
With assistance from their teachers, the young students of Little Angel’s Preschool delighted their parents and many invited guests who attended their annual Talent Show. The fun took place on Saturday, June 1st at the San Pedro Lions Den, where children of various age provided much entertainment through dances, skits, and songs. School Principal Marina Kay welcomed everyone, and introduced a group of students singing a few nursery rhymes, and popular religious songs. A group of little angels joyfully sang about different shapes, the weather, and animals. Afterwards, a ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ skit showcased the students’ acting skills. The audience cheered and applauded the youngsters for their effort. As the event also served as a fundraiser, the gathering contributed as they bought food, drinks, and tombola tickets.

Ambergris Today

Seven Year Old Girl Abducted By Grandmother
Hade Anaide Chacon, 32yrs Belizean Prep Cook of San Mateo Area, San Pedro Town visited the San Pedro Police sub-formation and reported that on Saturday June 3, 2017, about 8:00p.m. she dropped off her seven-year-old daughter Hamy Alena, Reyes Belizean student of Ambergris Elementary School, at her babysitter in the San Mateo area and went out with a friend. As per the Police Report, Hade stated that on Sunday, June 4, 2017, she went to the babysitter's house around 11a.m. to pick up her daughter but was informed that she went to church along with her kids. Hade then decided to wait at the house up until 12:00midday. The babysitter's children arrived at home and she inquired of the whereabout of her daughter. She was reportedly told that “Hamy had gone with her grandmother to her house and did not return to the church or with us”.

Belize To Announces World Oceans Day Activities
In celebration of World Oceans Day 2017, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) is hosting a series of activities on June 8, 2017 at several preschools across Belize City from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With the theme this year, "Our Oceans, Our Future," CZMAI is joining with hundreds of organizations and millions of individuals from around the world who will recognize this special day for ocean awareness and action. The activities will focus on educating Belize's children about the importance of our oceans, seas and other water bodies and what they can do to help to reduce pollution.

Southwest Airlines Begins Daily Flight From Ft. Lauderdale To Belize
On June 4th, Belize welcomed Southwest Airlines’ first daily direct flight from Fort Lauderdale. To mark the occasion, two inaugural ceremonies were held, one in Ft Lauderdale prior to the flight departure and the other in Belize. Speaking at the Ft. Lauderdale ceremony, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation said, “Today marks a new milestone for our country, as we bolster our presence in North America, but also as we fortify our partnership with Southwest Airlines. This new service to Belize is a resounding reaffirmation that Belize continues to be a growing, viable and a must-go destination in the Caribbean and Latin American Travel Market. I am happy to say that we remain committed and today serves as yet another example of how Team Belize is ensuring that our jewel remains accessible to the North American market and beyond.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Top 25 PSE performers for 2017
Bernice York in Belize City takes coveted top spot snd 6 total in rank. Belize Elementary in Belize City took the second place and had 5 students in the top 25. Punta Gorda Methodist and St Peter Claver from Toledo made the top 25. San Francisco RC, La Immaculada RC and San Estevan RC in Orange Walk made the rank. The Shepherds Academy, Immaculate Conception RC and Howard Smith Nazarene in Cayo had students in the top 25. Mary Hill RC in Corozal had two students in the top 25. Hummingbird Elementary in the Belize District had 3 students in the top 25. All Saints Primary and Ebenezer Methodist in the Belize District also had students in the top 25. The top student for 2017 is Curl Smith. Please see the chart below for details.

PRIMARY SCHOOL EXAMINATION PRELIMINARY RESULTS
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture hereby issues the preliminary results of the 2017 Primary School Examination (PSE) which was administered countrywide on April 3, 2017 and May 2, 2017.Student PopulationA total of 7,271 candidates registered for the PSE of which 7,077 candidates actually sat all parts of the exam this year. Of the registered candidates, 3558 (49.8%) were male and 3585 (50.2%) were female. This year, there were 11 private candidates. PSE numbers for 2017 show that there were 121 less registered candidates than 2016.

Cayo Money Gram robbed
On Monday June 5, 2017 Nely Jimenez, the cashier at Money Gram which is located on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena Town reported that at 2:10 p.m. while she was at her work place, two male persons entered the building to conduct a transaction. However, one walked towards her and pulled out a hand gun pointed at her and then demanded money. She threw some money at him which he took. On making checks it amounted to $1,000 in twenty dollar bills. The two men escaped.

If you have issues with your eyes...
BCVI has clinics located throughout the country and provides outreach services to other villages and towns. We accept walk-ins but encourage appointments, especially if you're on a tight schedule. For more information, call your nearest BCVI clinic today! :)

Xunantunich Ferry Under Repair
One lane will be operational

Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute Announces its World Oceans Day 2017 Activities
In celebration of World Oceans Day 2017, Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) is hosting a series of activities on June 8, 2017 at several preschools across Belize City from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With the theme this year, “Our Oceans, Our Future,” CZMAI is joining with hundreds of organizations and millions of individuals from around the world who will recognize this special day for ocean awareness and action. The activities will focus on educating Belize’s children about the importance of our oceans, seas and other water bodies and what they can do to help to reduce pollution. For more information about Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, please visit https://www.coastalzonebelize.org/

Attention All Importers of Pharmaceuticals
The Office of the Director of Health Services hereby informs that the processing of ALL custom entries for pharmaceutical products, be it over the counter medication, FedEx, Amerijet, prescription medications and others, will now be processed from the Ministry of Health Belize Headquarters located on the Third Floor, East Block Building, City of Belmopan. This transition is expected to commence on July 1st, 2017. Queries in relation to this should be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health.

Launching of the Soca Season
June 17!! Flavaz entertainment is bringing to you the launching of the soca season at the Itvet grounds. Performances by Belize's best soca entertainers, the Pantempers and all the way from Barbados HYPASOUNDS. Saturday, June 17 at 1 PM, Belize City.

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES
The cost of crime to our society - Belize does not have a specific policy or program evaluation to estimate the actual cost that crime has been having on our communities. Estimating the economic cost associated with individual crimes and losses associated with criminal activity is essential. We know that past crimes have put such a tremendous burden and cost to certain families and friends of fallen victims in Corozal. For all of us that live in Corozal and have been on the edge for the past month in regards with two cases bearing so much similarities, except that in the recent case there has been no bodies recovered; crime does not only affect one sector of our community or one ethnic group in Corozal, so it is very important that we ALL (not excluding anyone) participate and provide some level of consideration and help when it is asked for and requested, certainly in these dire and sad circumstances.

The sedimentation occurring due to illegal gold panning is choking the Chiquibul headwater streams
Quantifying the damage is difficult. More attention and action is needed to address this problem.

This is about Big Red and Rosey the Scarlet Macaws
It's going to be a long post since I am putting together the facts such as I know them from reading all I could. I also want to state that I have no horse in this race. At the end of May Big Red and Rosey, both wild born Belizean Scarlet Macaws, were whisked off to life in captivity on Harvest Caye. Harvest Caye (HC) is the custom built Caye for Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) , depicting “live” in Belize but basically designed to keep cruise ship travelers on the island and from spending their money in the real Belize. So you may not be too ticked off about a couple of birds going off to the island to amuse tourists. Rosey is not releasable and Big Red may or may not be releasable. We don't know if he is releasable because no testing has ever been done before he was taken with minimal notice from Belize Bird Rescue where he was groomed for release back into the wild. My question is why was he not tested by the Forest Department? And how can anybody condemn a bird to captivity without being sure he was not releasable?

BELIZE ZOO CAMP 2017
Applications for TBZ's annual Conservation Camp are now being accepted. Young Belizean's ages 12-17 are invited to apply for this Summer's session being held at the Tropical Education Center from July 3rd-7th. How to apply: Send us a short essay describing an environmental issue affecting your community. district, or Belize in general that is of concern to YOU. Why is it a problem, and how would you go about solving it? Entries must include: name, age, school, community, and phone number.

Free Corrective Surgery
A team of 30 medical volunteers, led by Dr. Jordi Espel, who currently practices in Mexico, will be at the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk from June 9-12, 2017 to conduct free Corrective Surgery. Take advantage and visit the hospital for evaluation day on June 9, 2017. LEAP Global Missions Orange Walk, Orange Walk, Belize Nothern Regional Hospital

National Song Competition 2017!
Each year, the National Celebrations Commission strives to highlight Belize’s rich and unique cultural heritage through the numerous events held to commemorate our national celebrations. One such event is the National Song Competition which was created to provide professional and amateur musicians with the opportunity to create and showcase their original pieces. The goal of the competition is to promote artistic expression, national pride and Belize’s diverse culture.

Caye Caulker Palapa Gardens
June 30 – July 2. Caye Caulker.

U.S. Embassy and Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize Task Force Jaguar leadership recently met with the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House
The U.S. officials were honored to update the Governor General on the Beyond the Horizon 2017 medical events and construction projects as well as the Embassy’s various cultural and educational initiatives.

Channel 7

Soca Queen Ernestine's Brother Killed
A church man was gunned down and killed in the city early this morning. 27 year old Jerson Carballo was heading home on his bicycle when a gunman opened fire on him. Carballo was struck to the head, chest and back. His is the brother of Belize's Soca Queen Ernestine Carballo . She and her family couldn't believe that their loved one who was known to live a Christian life was executed near their home. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Two of Jerson Carballo's favorite things were his gospel reggae selections and his bible. Cyril Pitterson "Reality Youth", Friend: "He was a very positive young man, he was a man that always trying to strive to do the right thing, stay out of trouble and I know him as person who always trying to encourage other people like other young guys like him to follow Jesus and do the right thing."

Corozal Couple Still Missing
Last night, our headline story was the couple from Corozal who went missing since last week Thursday. Their families have been frantically searching for them ever since, and today, they completed day 5, with absolutely no results. As we told you, 32 year-old Zeidy Orozco, a resident of San Andres Village, and her 41 year-old Ranchito Village boyfriend, Baltazar Lopez, went missing on last Thursday night. On Friday, the following day, the cops found her burnt Chevy Prism car in a very remote location off the road linking Patchakan and Yo Chen Villages. It had been set on fire by someone who was trying to make it very difficult to find.

Morality Commission Stumbles After Two Bishops Withdraw
The Church State Commission on Public Morality was formed in September of 2016, and the churches are expected to present their position paper to the Government later this week. But, sources tell us that all is not well on the Church side of the Commission. That's because both the President of the Council of Churches, who is Bishop Roosevelt Papouloute, and the representative of the Anglican Church, Bishop Phillip Wright, have withdrawn from the church group. While no official explanation has been given, sources close to us suggest that the Bishops felt that the views of their churches were not being adequately represented in the final position paper. And so, rather than be an under-represented minority in positions they did not support, the two decided to step back.

Opp. Leader Briceno Gets Free Of Charges
In February of 2014, opposition leader John Briceno was criminally charged for a trio of traffic offences - after Gaspar Vega's driver, Chris Hendricks accused him of driving over his foot. Briceno was charged for negligent harm, failed to report an accident, and drove vehicle without due care and attention. From the outset Briceno maintained the charges were made up - as a form of political harassment. Well, tonight, he's clear of those charges because the case was thrown out of court. Hendricks didn't appear and police had no witnesses - so the magistrate threw the case out.

PSE Results Dismal In Math and Science
The results for the Primary School Examinations are in, and they continue to show that hundreds of Standard 6 students are failing. Right now, the Ministry of Education is preparing detailed reports for each of the more than 7,000 candidates who sat the exams, but, they already know how these children performed on the exams. Of the 7,077 students who completed the English exam, 1,826 - or one quarter of the test takers - failed, meaning they got an "E", or a percentage score of 49% or lower. The average test scores for this year are marginally up by 0.1 percent, but overall, they are similar to the other average scores for the past 10 years. In Math, where there was the poorest performance, 3,451 candidates - or about half of the test-takers - failed. The Ministry says that immediate remedial actions will be taken following this outturn. The 10-year trends show that the average score for math remains around 51%.

Rapist's Conviction Overturned, Gets Retrial
36 year-old Antonio Gutierrez, who had been serving 8 years in jail for a rape conviction, is home tonight, after he successfully appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal which has ordered a retrial. Gutierrez was convicted back in May of last year in the northern session of the Supreme Court. Justice Herbert Lord presided over a trial in which the complainant was a 16 year-old. She testified in the trial that on August 12, 2011, at a street corner in Orange Walk Town, Gutierrez raped her.

Western Union Robbers Got One Grand
Tonight more is known about that Western Union robbery in Santa Elena, Cayo. As we showed you, two men in shorts and t shirts casually strolled into the office. Police say that they entered at 2:10 PM, and made it seem like they wanted to conduct a transaction. But things quickly changed course when one of them walked towards 30 year old clerk Nely Jimenez, pulled out a hand gun, pointed it at her and then demanded money. Fearing for her life, she picked up a stack of fifty 20 dollar notes and threw it at him. that's a thousand dollars and the men then walked out just like they had come in - except the one int he orange shirt, was in a half run. They left on foot, walking across the street like they were just regular folks, not gun wielding robbers. Cayo Police have this video but need your help to identify the men. So if you know who they are, please call Cayo police.

Boom Residents Bex With Bradley's Boatyard
Since May, we've been following the story of Bradley's Boat Yard, which recently moved to Burrell Boom. Some residents don't like it - and that became apparent when two of Bradley's boats were set on fire a few weeks ago. Well, today the residents of Burrell Boom held a press conference to clear things up, and tell the public where they stand on the issue... Two weeks ago Steve Bradley of Bradley's Boat Yard was the victim of arson, which resulted in severe damage to two of his most used boat moulds. When we spoke to Bradley after the incident he told us that he suspected foul play by one of residents of the area, who have been in opposition to the business relocating there. Well today some of the residents of Burrell Boom, specifically an association named the Burrell Boom Protectors, held a press conference condemning the act, but also to voice their concerns about having the boat yard so near to where they live…

Guatemalan Grandma Accused of Abduction
A seven year old San Pedro resident is missing after being allegedly abducted by her grandmother. Hade Anaide Chacon dropped her 7 year old, Hamy Alena Reyes, at her babysitter's house on Saturday night before going out. On Sunday morning at around 11:00, Chacon, went to go pick Hamy up, but was told that she had gone to church with the sitter and her children. Chacon waited at the house for another hour until the other children returned. They told her that Hamy had gone with her grandmother. Chacon continued to wait until about 5:00 in the evening, and then went to her sister's house where her mother, Maria Quixchan, was staying. But when she got there, her sister told her that Quixchan took Hamy with her to Guatemala earlier that morning. She did not give her mother permission to take Hamy out of the country. Chacon suspects that her daughter is in San Andres Peten, Guatemala, where her mother is presently living.

Coast Guard Catches Cocaine
Also in San Pedro, last night at around 7:30, the Belize Coast Guard was patrolling the lagoon area west of San Pedro. They saw a small vessel exiting one of the channels and signaled it to stop. But, the vessel sped away instead, and the Coast Guard set chase. They eventually caught up with the small boat, and found San Pedro resident, Jaime Young carrying a knapsack. Inside, the Coast Guard found 2.9 grams of cocaine in two transparent plastic bags. Young was taken to the San Pedro Police Station where he was charged with drug trafficking.

Furious Infighting In FFB In Advance of Election
Elections for a new FFB president are coming up later this month - but a rash of infighting has broken out and there's fierce jostling for control of the country's most powerful sports federation. 7News has seen a flurry letters alleging corruption, bribery and other offenses in a bid to keep one candidate out. Additionally, three would-be candidates have been barred from running. And, now, even the sports council has gotten involved to caution the FFB about heavy handed tactics. The strongest letter is dated May 26th., and in it, the General Secretary of the Federation Michael Blease accuses Sergio Chuc - who was running for president and vice president - of bribery, conflict of interest, offer and acceptance of gifts, and corruption, quote, "all with the end of having the election swayed in your favor," end quote.

Paddlers Proud With Third
Today the six paddlers that represented Belize in the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup kayaking event returned. The delegation spent the last week racing against paddlers from around the region, and despite not having as much training as most of the competition, they managed to come home with a bronze medal. We spoke to members of the team when they came back, and they told us about the experience and their hopes for the next competition... The Belize Canoe Association expects the donation of four Olympic Grade kayaks to increase the team's chances of pulling out a win in next year's Cup.

Belize and US Collaborate on Education
The US may be sending all kinds of signals with the Edmond Castro visa revocation and the John Saldivar humiliation, but on the surface, harmonious Belize - US relations continue. And that's why 4 Peace Corp Volunteers will be helping the Ministry of Education with their literacy initiative. These volunteers or Literacy Intervention Specialists as they are called, will spend the next 6 months focusing on programs that will promote and enhance the effectiveness of the nationwide literacy initiative in Belize. Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb highlighted in the release that "This collaboration represents the culmination of more than two years of planning and preparation".

Remember the Flowers Bank Fourteen
Last night we told you about Burrell Boom day - which celebrated the history of that river valley village. Well, down the road a bit, in Flowers Bank, they were also celebrating. But it wasn't just the village, they were celebrating the men history recorded as the "Flowers Bank Negroes" - 14 free black men who - legend has it - cast the deciding votes in the June first, 1797 public meeting to decide whether to run or to defend the colony. In this 9th annual Flowers Bank Festival - colonial historian Fred Hunter underscored the importance of that decision:

Hon. Aragon Touring
Police Minister of State Elodio Aragon continued his tour of Police Formations last week Thursday in Corozal. They toured the Police Station in Corozal Town and witnessed a guard of honor. It continued from there to several police sub-stations in the district, first to Patchakan and San Narciso, the latter of which was found to be uninhabitable because bats and pigeons had taken over the building. From there they finished up in Caledonia Village. The tour continues this week in Cayo.

Channel 5

Jerson Carballo Attacked on Way Home
In the Saint Martin De Porres area of the city on Monday night, the life of Jerson Carballo was snuffed out and police have no motive or suspect. Carballo had [...]

Man’s Body Found in Corozal
Around seven this morning, a body was found under a tree next to the basketball court and football field in the village of San Narciso in the Corozal District. It [...]

Couple Still Missing; Has The Worst Happened?
Also up north in Corozal, the search continues for a couple who has been missing since Thursday.  Thirty-four-year-old Zeidy Orozco and forty-two-year-old Balthazar Lopez were last seen in the vicinity [...]

Did Government Pay Footballers with B.D.F. Money?
The Belize Defence Force is under fire tonight. News Five has obtained documents showing invoices for fifty thousand dollars worth of payments of allowances made to members of the team [...]

Guatemalan Grandmother Kidnapped San Pedro Girl
A seven-year-old girl has reportedly been abducted by her grandmother and is believed to have been taken from her hometown in San Pedro across the border to neighboring Guatemala.  Hamy [...]

D.P.P. on Pakeman: Botched Investigation; Premature Dismissal of Charges
In a surprise statement, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has made scathing remarks against those who mismanaged the investigation of Dorian Pakeman, the Director of the Government Press [...]

Curt Smith, Bernice Yorke’s and Belize’s Best in P.S.E.
Students are breathing a sigh of relief tonight, following the release of this year’s P.S.E. results. Seven thousand two hundred and seventy one students registered for the exam that assesses [...]

Corozal’s Mary Hill, Methodist Schools Also Celebrating
Most top scorers in the P.S.E. are from the City, but while on assignment in Corozal, we dropped by the Mary Hill Primary School where there was reason to celebrate. [...]

Results Still Average; Slight Improvement for Math, English
Earlier you saw some of the top performers from twenty five highest overall marks – but they represent just a fraction of the seven thousand plus students who sat the [...]

Traffic Charges Dropped Against John Briceño
P.U.P. leader John Briceño saw charges of Negligent Harm, Failure to Report an Accident and Driving a Vehicle without Due Care and Attention tossed out of the Orange Walk Magistrate’s [...]

Is Expense Bill for B.T.L. Settlement Too High?
As much as one hundred and thirty million U.S. dollars is being sought by the former owners of Belize Telemedia Limited from the Dean Barrow administration. It is the final [...]

Why Did P.M. Sign Agreement?
The Government and particularly the Prime Minister have in the past tried to shove off at least part of the responsibility for the B.T.L. debacle to the shoulders of the [...]

Briceño Warns ‘Sticker Shock’ Coming for Belize’s Economy
There is also the question of economic shock caused by the B.T.L. payments. The Government recently re-negotiated the Superbond, but has accumulated close to a hundred million dollars in debt [...]

Accused Sex Offender Gets New Trial
A Corozal Free Zone employee who in August 2011 was accused of raping a sixteen-year-old minor has been granted a retrial. Thirty-six-year-old Antonio Gutierrez was convicted of raping the minor [...]

Osmar Sabido, Not Oscar
And on a matter of clarification, Osmar Sabido Junior was sentenced to twenty-one years for killing his common-law wife, Christie Carrasco. Sabido Junior is from Orange Walk and is not [...]

Burrell Boom Continues Battle Against Boat Yard
As we reported on Monday, residents of Burrell Boom village are up in arms that Bradley’s Boat Yard is relocating within their village, introducing them to a potentially cancerous future [...]

B.D.F. Chasing Suspected Guatemalan Incursions
It has now been a month since it was reported that the villages of Otoxha and San Benito Poite have been facing a takeover of acres of territory by Guatemalan [...]

Training in Results-Based Management for SDG Reports
Forty representatives from multiple Ministries are doing a three-day training under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The participants are doing the training in results based management [...]

Bandits Vs Walter Ferretti in New CONCACAF Club League
In sporting news, there was a victory parade on Monday night in Belmopan for the national football and basketball champions, Belmopan Bandits, owned by Minister John Saldivar.  The matter of [...]

Kaina Says No to B.A.A., Forever
Last week, News Five spoke one-on-one with Kaina Martinez, Olympian sprinter turned All-American at Texas A and M University-Kingsville.  After completing her college track career with good performances in the [...]

CTV3

Man Found Dead In San Narciso Community Park
This morning Corozal Police were called out to San Narciso Village in response to a report that the body of a male individual believed to be in his 40s was seen lying motionless under a tree in the community park. The authorities arrived and transported the body to the Corozal Community Hospital where it was pronounced dead on arrival. Our investigations indicate that the individual has been living in the community for many years, but without any family or home, and as a result of alcohol abuse, he has been sleeping around the community park. This morning his friends became startled when not only was he lying motionless, but they also noticed blood was oozing from his eyes. We met one of his friends who socializes at the park. He told us when he last saw the individual identified as Ramon Rejon alive.

Search For Missing Corozal Couple Intensifies
The search for missing persons 32 year old Zeidy Orosco and 42 year old Baltazar Lopez continued for a fourth day today with no success. The couple vanished into thin air on the night of Thursday June 1st, last seen by a Police officer along the sea side area along the entrance to Corozal Town. On Friday, Orosco’s vehicle which she was using on the night she went missing, was found burnt down and abandoned in a private cane field in the outskirts of Patchakan Village.

Opposition Leader Chides On PM For Rising Cost For BTL Settlement Agreement
On June 1st, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the legal battles and mounting legal costs in relation to the disputes over the Barrow Administration’s 2015 settlement agreement with the Ashcroft Alliance over the Government’s takeover of Belize Telemedia Limited had not come to an end. Barrow confirmed reports that Ashcroft group was challenging the amount which the Government will be paying them as legal cost compensation and so the parties would head to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Today Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno decried the heavy costing which the entire fiasco has been to the country.

Charges Against Opposition Leader Dismissed
On February 4th 2015 the leader of the People’s United Party, Honorable John Briceno was charged for Negligent Harm, Failure to Report an Accident and Driving a Vehicle Without Due Care and Attention resulting from allegations made by Christopher Hendricks, the driver of former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega. That case went back to the Orange Walk Magistrates Court today and was thrown out by Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. According to the court file the prosecution’s witnesses did not appear in court much less the claimant and as such Chief Magistrate Smith dismissed the charges against Briceno.

Suicide In Orange Walk?
One Orange Walk resident is tonight dead following what police have classified as a suicide by shooting. While reports are still sketchy, CTV3 news understands that just before nine o’clock this morning, 33 year old Roberto Carballo of Santa Elena Street shot himself once to the head using a shotgun. The incident allegedly occurred in the backyard of his family home. The reasons behind the shooting has not yet been ascertained and police have ruled the incident a suicide pending a postmortem on the body.

DPP Speaks on Dorian Pakeman's Case
The Director of Public Prosecutions has commented on the decision of Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer to withdraw charges of causing death by careless conduct against Government Press Office Director, Dorian Pakeman. At the preliminary inquiry on Friday May 26th, the Court found that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. This is after the common-law-wife of forty-five-year-old Dean Dawson, a resident of Gardenia Village who was killed in March of last year during the accident involving Pakeman sent a letter to the DPP informing that she did not want the case to proceed. That’s because she and Pakeman had settled out of court and she received compensation of 45 thousand dollars. Speaking with the Amandala newspaper last Friday, DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal stated that her office was not informed - as required - that the defense intended to make submissions of no evidence.

Bomb Threat Interrupts Buisness At The Belize Bank O/W Branch
Just after lunch time today, Belize Bank Limited located on Main Street here in Orange Walk Town was compelled to close its doors to the public after receiving threats of a bomb planted inside the building. Reports indicate that after receiving the threat shortly after 1:00 p.m., police were notified about the situation and headed out to assist in securing the immediate area. The administration and staff of the bank as well as its customers were then evacuated from the building while La Inmaculada Roman Catholic School which is situated only a stone’s throw away from the bank, also closed its doors and immediately dismissed all students for security purposes.

LOVE FM

Bernice Yorke Institute: PSE’s Shining Star in 2017
The preliminary grades for the Primary School Examination for the academic year 2016/2017 were released today. There is still a window for persons or institutions to appeal the grades before they are deemed as final. Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning came out on top this year; Renee Trujillo was over at the school earlier today […]

A Look at the Performance in PSE 2017
The academic year 2016/2017 has thirty students placing in the top twenty five in the PSE results as there was a tie among some students. Bernice Yorke Institute of Learning has taken the place of best performing school for this year as they have previously done in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Among this year’s top twenty […]

Jerson’s Murder Shocks Family and Community
Investigators are Precinct Two are busy investigating the murder of twenty seven year old Jerson Carballo. He was fatally shot at around 12:25 this morning while he was on his way home. Carballo was a few minutes away from his home when a gunman approached him and blasted bullets at his direction. He was hit […]

Boom Residents Want Answers and Action
Several residents of Burrell Boom Village, Belize District called a press brief this morning at the Radisson Fort George Hotel to voice their ongoing concerns over the presence of Bradley’s Boat Yard in their village. As we reported on May 5, 2017, a meeting was held with representatives from the boat yard, the village council […]

Peru’s Non-Resident Ambassador Meets Belize’s Peruvian Community
Yesterday three ambassadors presented their credentials to Belize’s Governor General, Sir Colville Young. One of those ambassadors was Jorge Roman Morey of Peru. Belize and Peru have enjoyed diplomatic relations for more than twenty five years. Ambassador Morey says that he plans to strengthen the relationship by establishing mutual cooperation that would benefit both countries […]

Convicted Rapist Gets Second Chance at Trial
Thirty-six year old Antonio Gutierrez, who was convicted of rape and sentenced to eight years, was successful in his appeal today before the Belize Court of Appeal. The court quashed his conviction, set aside his sentence and ordered a retrial. Gutierrez was released on a bail four thousand five hundred dollars. Gutierrez’ attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, […]

Adventist School Burglarized Out West
Eden Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Santa Elena, Cayo was burglarized sometime between last night and early this morning. Principal Tharine Gabourel told Love News that she received a text from one of the teachers who informed her that her offices had been broken into and the vice principal’s office and eight classrooms had […]

Money Gram Cashier Gets Robbed at Gunpoint
Cayo Police are investigating a robbery at Money Gram in Santa Elena Town on Monday. Nely Jimenez, the cashier, told police that just after two o’clock in the afternoon, two men casually entered the building. She did not think anything of it as they appeared to have entered to conduct a transaction but soon after, […]

Coast Guard Comes Upon School Bag with Cocaine
A man was charged for drug trafficking after he was caught with two point nine grams of cocaine. He is 28 year old fisherman Jaime Young of San Pedro Town. Young was caught with the drugs last night by Coast Guard officers. The officers were conducting patrol in the lagoon west of San Pedro when […]

San Ignacio Police Seeks Tiffany Williams
A young woman is reported missing in San Ignacio. 21 year-old Tiffany Shannel Williams was reported missing by her older sister Kimberly Reyes. According to Reyes, Williams left home on Sunday June 4 around 9:30 in the night. She was told that Williams went to visit her common law husband, Geovanni Carcamo, on 9th Street. […]

Belize to Connect with Volaris, AeroMexico and Air Canada
In recent months, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been entering into agreements with airlines from around the world in an effort to continue growing the tourism industry. According to Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., works are being done behind the scenes to accommodate this rapid growing industry ranging from technical initiatives to infrastructural works. MANUEL HEREDIA: “Two things we have to grow; we have to grow the number of rooms which we are already doing and secondly I believe that shortly we will continue to expand the PGIA otherwise it makes no sense but definitely we are working at BTB, our airline development committee is working very hard to make sure that we can bring new airlines and to have additional flights from other destinations with existing airlines but more importantly is the price, that has been keeping Belize particularly the Miami flight that has been keeping Belizeans from flying and tourists from going to Belize because everybody was saying that it was too expensive...

Amandala

Another baby dies in KHMH
There is fear in San Andres, Corozal District, among the family members and friends of Zeidy Orosco, 32, a domestic of the village, and her common-law husband, Baltazar Lopez, 41, a laborer of Ranchito, also of Corozal District, that something terrible may have happened to the couple. Orosco and Lopez have been missing since 9:30 Thursday night after they were last seen together on the beach in Corozal Town. People now fear that they may have both been killed and their bodies disposed of in areas unknown after Orosco’s car was found in a cane field on Friday afternoon, burned and totally destroyed. Police say that at about 2:30 Friday afternoon, they were called to a cane field located about 3 miles southwest of Patchakan, Corozal District, where they saw Orosco’s Chevy Prism car completely destroyed by fire. The Corozal District Fire Chief and fire investigators have certified that the vehicle had been intentionally destroyed.

Another baby dies in KHMH
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is yet again at the center of another controversy. The MacKinnon family visited our newspaper today and revealed that a month ago, Tracy MacKinnon, 7 months pregnant, was rushed to the KHMH with intensive labor pain. She told us that upon her arrival, medical authorities administered an injection to stop the contractions and two more to help develop her unborn daughter’s lungs. However, Tracy’s mother, Carol MacKinnon, felt that something had gone wrong based on her daughter’s reaction to the injections. “Maybe dey give ah something strong or something wrong,” she claimed.

From life sentence to 21 years
Osmar Sabido, who was initially convicted in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court of the murder of his common-law wife Christie Carrasco, 21, on appeal had his murder conviction and life in prison sentence set aside and substituted with manslaughter. He was sentenced today in the Court of Appeal to 14 years and 347 days. In handing down the sentence, President of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Justice Manuel Sosa, told Sabido, 30, that the appropriate sentence in this matter is 21 years, but the court took into consideration the amount of time that he has spent on remand awaiting trial and deducted the time he spent on remand, leaving the 14-years-and-347-day sentence.

Finally, Ministers named!
Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess took the witness stand in May 2015 in defense of herself in a defamation lawsuit in the Supreme Court filed by Hon. Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro. Yesterday, Wednesday, Burgess appeared before the Senate Select Committee inquiring into the Auditor General’s Report on the Immigration Department covering the period 2011 to 2013. At the Supreme Court hearing, Burgess proved to be a credible witness and her testimony eventually led Minister Castro to retreat from his defamation claim. Burgess’ testimony before the Senate Select Committee was equally convincing, but this time, she was able to name two additional ministers who were involved in the visa hustling scheme that enabled Asians seeking visitor’s visas to come to Belize.

The Dorian Pakeman case: A botched police investigation and an error in law, says DPP Vidal
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, “expressed surprise” at the outcome of the preliminary inquiry in the case of Dorian Pakeman, who was charged with causing death by careless conduct, nine months after the March 30, 2016 traffic accident that claimed the life of Dean Dawson, 45, a mechanic of Gardenia, in the Belize District. In an interview with Amandala on Friday, June 2, DPP Vidal said that the first time she heard that the case against Pakeman was struck out at the Magistrate’s Court preliminary inquiry level, was when she saw it on social media on the day the decision was made. “Rule 8.11of the Criminal Procedure Rule requires that if the defense intends to contest the preliminary inquiry, to make submissions that there is no evidence to commit the defendant to the Supreme Court, advanced notice must be given to the prosecution. We at the DPP’s office received absolutely no such notice,” DPP Vidal said.

At least 57 murdered in Belize since 2017 began
The year 2016 saw the second highest murder count in Belize, and Belize is still grappling with a high per capita murder rate of roughly 36 homicides per 100,000 residents, with 11 murders a month on average reported this year—too many for a small population of about 380,000 persons. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ret’d Colonel George Lovell, told Amandala that he was briefed today on the current crime situation, and latest reports are that the murder count now stands at 57, down from 61 murders this time last year. No murders were confirmed over the weekend, although there are fears that a woman reported missing after she went to take food for her boyfriend in Corozal Town on June 1 could have been a victim of foul play, after the woman’s car was found intentionally burnt. Relatives have also been unable to reach the woman’s boyfriend since her disappearance.

FFB’s National Over-40 under way, Week 1 results
With little fanfare, the long anticipated National Over-40 Football Tournament 2017 kicked off over the weekend with 3 games played. With the late addition of the Lake team from Belize City, there are now 8 teams in the competition, and thus 4 games are expected this weekend. The revised schedule will be released later this week, according to Over-40 Chairman, Peter Alvarez. In the only game on Saturday night, June 3, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Benque Veterans dropped Belmopan Veterans, 3-0, with goals from David Aldana (3’ & 56’) and Luiz Martinez (53’).

Tour de Santino – May 27 & 28, 2017 results
A total of 62 riders registered for this first ever Tour de Santino – 21 Mexicans and 41 Belizeans. By the end of the Tour, 15 riders had abandoned, 14 Belizeans and 1 Mexican, Juan Manuel Yapur, due to the death of his mother that took place Saturday evening after our Stage 2. Below are the results of the 3 Stages and the General Classification in all Categories. Stage 1 – Leslie’s/Hattieville/Leslie’s: 1st – Gabriel Burgos (Mexican); 2nd – Sherman “Pest” Thomas (Team Santino’s); 3rd – Jose Arroyo (Mexican). Stage 2 – Leslie’s/Boom Junction/Leslie’s: 1st – Liam Stewart (Team Santino’s); 2nd – Barney Brown (Team Scotiabank); 3rd – Palas Joseph (Team Lampaz).

Belmopan Bandits crowned Pepsi NEBL 2017 Champions
The Pepsi NEBL season closed with a huge bang in San Pedro on Saturday night, as two-time champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted Belmopan Bandits in game 3 of the Finals. San Pedro High School was packed to capacity, with standing room only, as the intensity of the game surely depicted a championship game with everything on the line. The first quarter got the jitters out of both teams, as Belmopan Bandits finished with an 18–17 lead. In the second quarter, the visiting team jumped out to an 18 point lead, going into intermission with a comfortable 44–30 lead. However, San Pedro Tiger Sharks went on a run of their own at the end of the third quarter and mid-way through the fourth quarter, and in the process grabbing a 5 point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game. Belmopan Bandits, was able to regain their composure, coming up with some key shots down the stretch, while getting crucial defensive stops, to register the 75–67 victory, claiming the NEBL championship.

Belize City FC and Jewel Fury FC, 0-0 at MCC in game 1 of National Women Football Finals
Game 1 in the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) National Amateur Women League 2017 championship series between Belize City FC and Belmopan’s Jewel Fury FC ended scoreless on Saturday night at the MCC Grounds. Despite the swirling clouds of dust, often visible as little “whirlwinds” in the night light, and the treacherously uneven pitch that is the MCC, the ladies displayed a high level of football skill and competitive intensity. The lively commentary and shouts of encouragement from the fans present throughout the game, was convincing evidence of their level of interest and appreciation for the performance of our female ‘ballers. They will meet again “for all the marbles” in game 2 of the finals this Saturday, June10, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan

Editorial: Our troubled justice system
It may well be argued that the present executive of Belize, in the form of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Cabinet, lost its moral authority three years ago when Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie was ordered to ignore and defy an order from the Chief Justice of Belize, Kenneth Benjamin. It may also be argued that the people of Belize sanctioned the UDP Cabinet’s constitutional violation of our justice system when we returned the same Cabinet to office in the general election of November 4, 2015. Classic parliamentary democracy features an executive, a legislature, and a judiciary. In Belize’s system of governance, the Cabinet is the executive, the House of Representatives is the legislature, and the judiciary includes the Police Department and the court system of Belize. The Prime Minister rules in the executive, the Speaker rules in the legislature, and the Chief Justice rules in the judiciary.

From the Publisher
The United Democratic Party (UDP) was devastated by their defeat (People’s United Party [PUP], 13 seats: UDP, 5) in the 1979 general election. Their UDP Leader, Dean Lindo, remains the only Leader of the Opposition ever to lose his seat in a general election. Lindo owned the party newspaper, The Beacon, which used to be printed at #7 Church Street in Belize City. The party was in disarray for a while. Of the five UDP area representatives elected in that election, three were from the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts, as opposed to just two from Belize City – Philip Goldson (Albert) and Curl Thompson (Mesopotamia). The three area reps from the South, Dr. Ted Aranda (Dangriga), Charles Wagner (Toledo South) and Basilio Ah (Toledo North) joined forces and decided to choose one of their own – Dr. Aranda, for Leader. Looking back, a student of local politics would likely wonder why it was that Mr. Goldson, who had been Leader of the Opposition from 1961 to 1974, by virtue of being Leader of the National Independence Party (NIP), had not been chosen UDP Leader to replace Lindo, but you must remember that the financiers and power brokers of the Opposition had spent years trying to replace Mr. Goldson in leadership.

Expense bill for BTL nationalization “very, very outrageous:” Fin Sec
On Thursday, June 1, the firms of Moore Stephens Magaña LLP and Crowe Horwath reportedly served Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow with a letter claiming that virtually all the balance due in settlement of nationalization of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), which Barrow had said would be paid in Belize dollars and spent on projects in Belize, should instead be paid mostly in US currency to settle the expenses incurred by the former shareholders of BTL in pursuing compensation for the appropriation of their BTL shares back in 2009. As Amandala readers will recall, when Barrow detailed the settlement agreement he had hatched out with British billionaire Michael Ashcroft back in 2015, prior to being re-elected to a third term in office, he claimed that the parties had agreed that the portion attributable to the accommodation agreement—which Barrow had rescinded claiming that the agreement, which did not have parliamentary sanction, was contrary to Belizean law—would be spent on projects for the benefit of Belize.

Guatemalan man, 65, remanded for sexual assault of child, 6
A 65-year-old Guatemalan man was remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned on a charge of sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith arraigned Francisco Figueroa on one count of sexual assault. Figueroa pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court prosecutor, however, objected to the court granting bail to Figueroa on the grounds that he is a Guatemalan and as such, is a flight risk because he may flee from the jurisdiction and not attend court.

Mother, missing at sea, found dead – she had drowned
The search for Asita Flores,44, a domestic of Sarteneja who went missing at sea on Thursday night, June 1, after the boat in which she was traveling overturned, came to a sad conclusion at about 10:00 this morning. Residents of Sarteneja who were searching for her found her body floating in the sea about half a mile north of Consejo, Corozal District. Police said that when they went to the Corozal Town Pier on 1st Avenue, they saw the body of Asita Flores in a skiff, and it was in an advanced state of decomposition. At the conclusion of a post-mortem exam on her body, it was certified that drowning was the cause of her death.

Belize, Guatemala and Honduras sub-regional strategy to end illegal
Dr. Omar Figueroa, Belize’s Minister of State who holds the portfolio for Fisheries, announced at a side event held today at the UN Oceans Conference being convened in New York, USA, to highlight Belize’s trailblazing open access fisheries program, that the country is also working towards developing and implementing a national and sub-regional (Belize, Honduras and Guatemala) strategy and plan by 2019 to effectively combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing—a scourge that bilks countries around the globe of tens of billions of dollars in revenues. “Our work has only just begun,” said Figueroa, in speaking of the steps Belize has taken towards overcoming the challenges it still faces.

Firearms examiner, Orlando Vera, found guilty of abetment to pervert the course of justice
A National Forensic Science Service Center employee, Orlando Vera, who is a firearms examiner and ballistics expert, was convicted on a charge of abetment of perverting the course of justice this morning. Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith remanded Vera to prison until his sentencing day on Thursday, June 8. Since the incident for which Vera was charged occurred in Belmopan, the case was tried in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court, but the final submissions were made in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where the Chief Magistrate also delivered the guilty verdict. The allegation against Vera arose from incidents that occurred between June 1 and July 31, 2015. The trial began in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court on March 7, 2017. On May 25, final closing arguments were made in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.

Breaking Belize News

San Ignacio woman reported missing
Kimberly Joanna Reyes, 25, of Western Street, San Ignacio reported that on Sunday June 4, she was informed that her younger sister Tiffany Shannel Williams, 21, had left home at 9:30 p.m., reportedly to visit her common-law-husband Geovanni Carcamo on 9th Street. Williams has […]

Police issue report on Jerson Carballo’s murder
Shortly after midnight in the wee morning hours, Belize City police visited the corner of Electric and Lawrence Avenues where cops saw Jerson Carballo, 27, lying on the Street with a gunshot wound to the head, chest and back. A police investigation revealed that […]

PM defends Yellowman, says PUP Leader
Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno has responded to the remarks made by the Prime Minister about Brian “Yellowman” Audinett’s behavior in the House of Representatives. A couple weeks ago, at the senate hearing Audinett threatened two camera men and threatened to break Krem […]

Over $100 million in court battles against Ashcroft
The Government of Belize will, reportedly have to spend almost US$130 million in legal fees for its continued court battles against the group of companies owned by Michael Ashcroft. Channel 7 news reported last night that, that the legal fees will amount to about […]

Belize – The Chinese Phenomenon
By Richard Harrison: phe·nom·e·non 1. a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. “glaciers are unique and interesting natural phenomena” the object of a person’s perception; what the senses or the mind notice. Even a […]

Brother of Ernestine Carballo murdered in Belize City
BBN has received reliable reports that Jerson Carballo, brother of well known Belizean singer, Ernestine Carballo was murdered early this morning in the old capital. According to reports, the incident happened in the St. Martins area of Belize City. A source told BBN that […]

Young woman from San Ignacio missing
The family of 21 year old Tiffany Shannel Williams is worried. Williams was last seen last night around 10 on Vaca Street in San Ignacio in the company of a male friend. She has not been seen or heard from since that time. Williams […]

NICH hosting 5 Day Audio/Video Production Workshop
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Belize International Film Festival is pleased to partner with Professor Steve T. Berry to present a five-day Audio/Visual Production Workshop for Secondary and Tertiary Level Students. Participants will be provided with the basic technical, […]

Blogs

A celebration of lobster: the best festivals in Belize
The most anticipated series of festivals is upon us once more. Yes, it is time for Lobster Fest! A tribute to the Spiny Lobster, held in the country’s top three coastal destinations, Lobster Fest is not only a culinary treat, but a celebration of Belizean culture. The fun kicks off with the San Pedro Lobster Crawl! From Thursday, June 15th to Friday, June 23rd, tour Ambergris Caye and take part in special ‘lobster themed’ events held at participating establishments. The events range from beach BBQs to fine dining venues. At each stop, get your Lobster Crawl Passport stamped to enter the big San Pedro Lobster Fest Raffle.

WildLife And Other Out of The Ordinary Experiences on Remote Ambergris Caye
And while living on an coastal island of Belize surprises me in some way every single day – life is much less ordinary at an off-the-grid lodge – where the daily visitors are mostly birds (many wading birds nest on this side of the island) and fish with a flyfishing boat once in a while. Here are some of the extra-ordinary things I’ve encountered over the last few months, things that show me how big and special this island really is. One day there was a ruckus in the mangroves over the lagoon…a bird squawking and screaming. Closer inspection and…it was a green vine snake with a bird’s neck in his mouth.

Southwest Begins Flying from Fort Lauderdale to Belize
As of June 4, 2017, Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest low-cost air carrier, has begun flying its new non-stop flight from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) Airport to Belize City (BZE). The new Fort Lauderdale-Belize route is Southwest’s third non-stop flight to Belize. Beginning in 2015, Southwest has been flying non-stop to Belize from Houston’s Hobby Airport (HOU) and Southwest began flying from Denver (DIA) to Belize City on March 11, 2017. Belizean Civil Aviation Minister Manuel Heredia and his department have worked hard to attract new routes to the country. Following substantial investments in infrastructure, all four of the biggest airlines in the United States now offer flights to Belize, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also worked with Canadian authorities. The first non-stop flights from Canada to Belize began operating earlier this year on WestJet Airlines and now Air Canada, the eighth-largest airline in the world, has announced it will begin flying from Toronto to Belize City beginning on December 15, 2017.

International Costa Maya Festival – A Week of Culture and Festivities
First conceived as a celebration of the wider Maya world with participants from Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Mexico in 1992, the festival has since blossomed to become one of the most popular events on the Belizean calendar. The festival begins with a beauty pageant featuring contestants from the “Mundo Maya” countries and then explodes in a celebration of dance, food, art, games, and music. A celebration of all things Maya, the festival is a colorful mix of a beauty pageant, music including Punta, Salsa, Merengue, Soca, Reggae, and traditional Maya melodies, riotous parades, and a celebration of food, art, and merrymaking.

June 1st was the opening season of Hurricane Season
It’s that time of the year. The time to reflect on and be prepared for the hurricane season. Thursday 1st June marks the beginning of the 2017 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin. The season runs from the 1st of June to 30th November 2017. However, as seen by the exceptionally rare Tropical Storm Arlene, which was only the second named storm on record to form in April, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. The outlook for 2017 suggests that tropical cyclone activity will be slightly above normal in the Atlantic Basin (North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico) this year.

International Sources

Police in Panama have arrested the former governor of the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Roberto Borge. Mr Borge, of the governing PRI party, is under investigation for alleged corruption, which he denies. He was arrested as he was about to board a plane bound for Paris at Tocumen airport in Panama City. Mr Borge is one of several Mexican former governors who went on the run after being accused of corruption.

A Little Bit of Utah Goes a Long Way
One of the tenets of Beyond the Horizon, a recurring U.S Army South mission to Central America, focuses on building better relations with host nations through civic and humanitarian assistance, while giving reservists a chance to train in a deployed environment. Soldiers from the Utah National Guard Medical Command and the 128th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment are helping to further that goal this year in Belize by participating in the exercise between March and July 2017. In the task force headquarters element, Utah Guardsmen are staffing the medical planner, surgeon and preventive medicine officer positions, and the medical logistics and medical operations noncommissioned officers. Maj. Samantha Madsen, the task force’s medical planner, has been central to preparing each of the three medical readiness training exercises (MEDRETEs) throughout the BTH 2017 humanitarian mission.

2017 Brides Honeymoon Awards: The Top Beach Resorts Under $350
Picking the perfect honeymoon is no easy feat—countless romantic destinations, endless hotel options, limited vacation time and the struggle-is-real challenge of finding the perfect place to please both you and your new spouse. Where to begin? Well, right here. BRIDES teamed up with the A-list agents at Virtuoso—a global network of more than 15,000 luxury-travel specialists—to find the most romantic, luxe hot spots in the world. Whether you're looking for bucket-list hotels and resorts, far-flung beaches, the top cruise lines for couples, inexpensive honeymoon ideas or unexpected honeymoon-worthy locales, you’ve come to the right spot. Presenting our 2017 Honeymoon Awards—dive in to see the best beach resorts under $350! Few places are better for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef (the world’s second-largest coral-reef system) than this 25-villa sanctuary fronting the Caribbean Sea. Among its highlights are a pristine white-sand beach, easy access to the laid-back fishing village of Placencia, and one very famous proprietor: legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. At dinner, expect dishes blending seafood and Italian cuisine (made with ingredients from the organic garden)—and maybe even his Oscar-winning daughter, Sofia, at the next table. (Rooms from $319; thefamilycoppolahideaways.com)

IMF economic forecast: Bouncing back from recession
SHIFTS IN THE global landscape are taking place following disappointing growth in 2016. Momentum picked up in the second half of 2016, and the outlook for advanced economies has improved for 2017-18. Better growth prospects in the United States, Europe, and Japan reflect some rebound in manufacturing and trade, as well as prospects of likely US fiscal stimulus in the wake of the November elections. As it seeks a new policy course, the US should see solid economic growth in the near term with job creation and rising inflation. Prospects for the Caribbean region are improving, with growth in both tourism-dependent economies and commodity exporters projected to be in the 1.5 to three per cent range for 2017 and 2018. Several countries in the region registered strong growth in tourism in 2016 – in particular Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines – as a result of higher arrivals in both the stopover and cruise segments.

Coral Adaptation Won’t Save Reefs in Time to Prevent Humanitarian Disaster
Amid dire reports of unprecedented coral reef loss due to rising sea temperatures, there may yet be cause for optimism with respect to the long-term survival of reef ecosystems. Early evidence of certain coral species’ ability to adapt to—and even thrive in—warming seas suggest that climate change will not necessarily bring about the end of coral reefs altogether, although it will likely result in the end of coral reefs as we’ve known them. During the decades that it will take for reefs to repopulate with heat-resistant coral species, ecosystem collapse is all but a foregone conclusion. The destruction of reef ecosystems, even if it is temporary, is likely to result in permanent biodiversity loss; one-quarter of all marine species currently live in and around coral reefs.

Videos

June 6, 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

SPHS holds ‘The Great Gatsby’-inspired Senior Prom 2017
San Pedro High School’s (SPHS) Class of 2017 senior student’s attended their annual Prom Night on Friday, June 1st. Held at the beautifully decorated R.A. Nuñez Auditorium, the 1920’s vintage flair of ‘The Great Gatsby’ theme was breathtaking. While mingling with friends, the graduates enjoyed delicious food, and drinks. Tunes were provided by DJ Jago and the graduates were not shy to hit the dancefloor. From the latest in dancehall music to even the “Cha Cha Slide”—the graduates made sure their prom was a memorable one. As usual, the best was saved for last, and the highly anticipated honors of SPHS Prom King and Queen 2017 went to: Manuel Flores and Rosalina Fuentez. As confetti fell from the ceiling, the King and Queen took center stage for their celebratory dance. SPHS teachers toasted to the Class of 2017, congratulating them for achieving another milestone in their academic career.

Belmopan Bandits triumph over San Pedro Tiger Sharks
The Pepsi National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) season closed on Saturday, June 3rd as the San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted Belmopan Bandits in game three of the finals held in San Pedro Town. The game was played at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, which was packed to capacity for the championship game. Despite having the home-court advantage, the Tiger Sharks were overcome by the Bandits, who claimed the NEBL 2017 Championship with a final score of 75-67. The fourth and last quarter was the most intense, and fans were on the edge of their seats. The lead changed several times, with the Tiger Sharks even nabbing a five point lead a few minutes before the final buzzer. However, the Belmopan Bandits quickly regained their composure, netting key shots, and getting crucial defensive stops. The Tiger Sharks were crippled, and even though they fought hard until the end, the Bandits stole a 75-67 victory. The win gave the Belmopan Bandits their first NEBL Championship in franchise history.

Public Service Fair held at San Pedro Lions Den
The public service sector organizes a series of events in June to highlight the importance of public service. As such, on June 1st, the 5th Annual Public Service Information Fair took place at the San Pedro Lions Den. The theme selected for this year was: “With Confidence – Achieving Excellence; With Pride – Executing Responsibilities; With Perseverance – Beyond the Call of Duty”. At the fair, different government departments were given the opportunity to showcase their work, interact with the public, and receive feedback on ways to further improve services. This year, a total of 14 booths participated: Postal Service, Elections and Boundaries, Human Development Department, the San Pedro Police Department, Magistracy Department, Customs, Immigration, Income Tax, General Sales Tax, Labour Department, Transport, Local Government, Ministry of Health-Central Health Region, and the Fire Department.

Ambergris Today

Belize Celebrates World Environment Day
Each World Environment Day is organized around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. The theme for 2017 is ‘Connecting people to nature’, and it encourages us to: Connect with nature in the city, green your city, green your street or a not-so-pretty site, plant a tree, plant many trees. Pick up 10 (or 100) pieces of trash, organize a mass clean-up. Hit the park, hit the outdoors, enjoy your country’s natural areas. Challenge yourself, identify wildlife, reach the remotest corner of the park. Take only pictures, share with others, take them exploring too. Take off your shoes, get your feet (and hands) dirty. Don’t just look at the beautiful river, jump in! Take a hike, rely on your ears and nose to experience nature. Whether peering at a bug that has touched down on your arm, connecting with nature is often an intimate, fleeting experience. But every trip outdoors.

Belize National Aids Commission Receives Regional Testing Day Award
The Belize National AIDS Commission and Executive Director Enrique Romero were presented with the 10th Anniversary Regional Testing Day Innovative Outreach Award for their contribution to the Regional Testing Day on HIV initiative as it celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. The award was given in recognition of the innovative approach that the NAC has taken to the promotion of Regional Testing Day in Belize. Thirty-three (33) awards were presented to organizations and individuals from across the Caribbean who have worked tirelessly over the last ten years in support of Regional Testing Day (RTD) activities. The milestone tenth Anniversary of Regional Testing Day for HIV AIDS in the Caribbean was also launched at this glittering event.

Misc Belizean Sources

Costal Zone Management will be conducting mapping survey of the North Side of Caye Caulker
The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute, with funding support from the Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP) will be conducting data collection activities on northern Caulker to support the development of an inventory on development activities and use of the coastal and marine resources. Date: June 5th — June 9th 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Place: Caye Caulker (north) . For more information you may contact: Maritza Canto at gismanaaerOcoastalzonebelize orq or 636-3991.

Street signs on Caye Caulker
Thank you to BTB and STP2 for their amazing collaboration with the CCVC in making this project a reality! More signs soon...

Donation for San Pedro Poly Clinic
On Thursday, June 1,Mr. Kevin Meighan from Yam’s Home Health Care Services presented a donation on behalf of Medics Away Foundation to the San Pedro Poly Clinic. Owen Vellos was on hand and accepted six Welch Allen Diagnostic sets to the value of approximately $6,000Bze. The community of San Pedro is very grateful for this kind gesture. -

CELEBRATION OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – ‘Connecting People to Nature’
World Environment Day, celebrated each year on June 5, is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a platform for public outreach on environmental issues that is globally celebrated in over 100 countries. The Government of Belize, through the Department of the Environment (DOE), is responsible for the protection and conservation of its untold wealth through the control of pollution. The DOE is not alone in safeguarding Belize’s natural resources. Each one of us all share a role in nurturing, protecting, and using Belize’s natural resources for the benefit of all through changes which we can make to prevent and adapt to those threats. It is the Department of the Environment’s hope that all gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our precious natural resources, and the pressures and challenges that we as citizens face in ensuring that this natural heritage is there for future generations. When natural resources are used correctly and consistently in a manner that is safe for our environment, the results can be rewarding for us and for future generations. This is referred to as “sustainable use.”

BELIZE NATIONAL AIDS COMMISSION RECEIVES REGIONAL TESTING DAY AWARD
The Belize National AIDS Commission and Executive Director Enrique Romero were presented with the 10th Anniversary Regional Testing Day Innovative Outreach Award for their contribution to the Regional Testing Day on HIV initiative as it celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. The award was given in recognition of the innovative approach that the NAC has taken to the promotion of Regional Testing Day in Belize.

Results-Based Management Training for the 2030 Agenda
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESDI) with the support of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is having a two and a half days Results-Based Management training session, from 5th- 7th June, 2017, at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. Belize is a pilot country in a UN-sponsored project entitled “Monitoring and reporting on sustainable development objectives, goals and targets: enhancing institutional capability in selected developing countries”. The objective of the project is to strengthen the aptitude of persons to monitor and report on progress against the goals and targets adopted in the 2030 Agenda and related national strategic planning documents.

Boat capsizes in Mexican Waters and Sarteneja woman drowns
At 5:00 a.m. on 01.06.17, 44 year old Acita Flores and eight other persons left Sarteneja Village in a white and blue 24 ft. skiff to Calderitas Village and Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico to do some shopping. At 6:30 p.m. on 01.06.17, they departed Mexico and the skiff was hit by a huge wave which caused it to capsize. At 4:30 a.m. on 02.06.17, a search party left Sarteneja Village and found eight survivors in front of Calderitas Village, Mexico, however, Flores was not found. At 9:15 a.m. on 04.06.17, Flores’ body was found floating in the sea about ½ mile north of Consejo Village, Corozal District. The body was transported to the Corozal Town Hospital. At post mortem examination was conducted on the body certifying the cause of death as consistent with drowning.

Congratulations Southwest Airlines!!
There are now even more options to travel to the U.S. On Sunday, Southwest Airlines inaugurated another new route. Direct flights now operate between Ft. Lauderdale and Belize City! Southwest also expanded its service to Denver offering two flights during the week. Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Operations Jack Smith and other Southwest Airlines officials flew in on the inaugural flight arriving from Ft. Lauderdale. Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Adrienne Galanek, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation CEO Yashin Dujon, Belize Airport Concession Company CEO Jorge Espat, BTB Marketing Director Karen Pike and Southwest's Station Manager Linda Neal all welcomed arriving passengers and bid farewell to departing passengers on this exciting inaugural flight. Southwest Airlines Belize Tourism Board

Belize Screen on the Green, Belmopan
Mark your calendars for movie night on Friday, June 9 at the Governor General Field. Free popcorn, juice and glow sticks. It's a family movie, Dolphin Tale, come out and enjoy!

'Connecting People to Nature’
The theme for World Environment Day 2017, implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. As Belizeans, we must learn to fully appreciate our dependence on the natural environment being that nature provides for our livelihoods in the form of fertile soil and productive marine resources. We are among the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened, whether by pollution, climate change or over-exploitation. Even so, these resources are often taken for granted, at least until they become scarce.

Governor General Welcomes Ambassadors at the Belize House
This morning at the Belize House, four ambassadors presented their letters of credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young. The ambassadors included H.E. Mr. Daniel Chuburu of Argentina, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Chafiki of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Zurab Eristavi of Georgia and H.E. Mr. Jorge Roman Morey of Peru. Each ambassador expressed their desire for continued cooperation and strengthened ties between Belize and their respective countries. For his part, the Governor General thanked the ambassadors for their kind words and warmly welcomed them on behalf of the government and people of Belize.

5th annual Men @Work Art Exhibit
A gracious thank you to our cultural artists and community for a lovely launch of the 5th annual Men @Work Art Exhibit this past Friday night. A record number of art pieces sold ...seven in total, including acrylic paintings, charcoal, wood carvings, watercolours and jewelry. Artists on display are Hector Villamil, Allan Jones, Carlos Carrillo, Gale Peterson, Benjamin Cal, Paul Sandilands, Daniel Cano, Bob Wright, Alex Sanker and Marcus Gonzalez. You are kindly invited to visit the House of Culture and view the exhibit which is on display through to June 23.

Power outage San Pedro
BEL crews are investigating the cause of a power interruption affecting entire San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, since 12:38 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, in order to restore power supply as soon as possible.

Channel 7

Corozal Couple Missing, Families Stressed
Right now, two Corozal families are very worried about their loved ones, 32 year-old Zeidy Orozco, and her 41 year-old boyfriend, Baltazar Lopez. The couple have been missing for 72 hours now, and the hope to find them alive and well is dwindling with every passing hour. Our News team has been out all day in Corozal, and they were along with search parties looking for Orozco and Baltazar. Daniel Ortiz examines at the troubling aspects of their disappearance which has these families fretting tonight. Here's that story: This evening, the families of 31 year-old Zeidy Orozco, and 41 year-old Baltazar Lopez finished a long day's search in the remote parts of Corozal. They've been looking for the couple for 4 days now; and these loved-ones are starting to confront the very grim possibility that this search will end with them retrieving Zeidy's and Baltazar's bodies.

Body of 44 Year Old Mother Retrieved After Calamity At Sea
On Friday night we told you about the tragedy at sea in northern Belize. That's when a boat from Sarteneja capsized in the Bay of Chetumal after leaving Calderitas, Mexico at 6:30 on Thursday night. Police say a huge wave slammed the 24 foot skiff and flipped it over. Nine people were on board, and they had to fight for their life all night at sea. The next morning at 4:30 am, their family from Sarteneja set out and found eight of them in the sea near Calderitas village. They were suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and other injuries. But, 44 year old Acita Milsa Flores didn't make it. Reports form the survivors say she was looking after her daughter's safety until she suddenly went under and did not come back up. Her body was found at 9:15 on Sunday morning about ½ mile north of Consejo Village, Corozal District. A post mortem certified the cause of death as consistent with drowning.

Osmar Will Serve 14 More Years For Killing Christy
Common-law-wife killer Osmar Sabido was first sentenced to life in prison for murder, and then that was reduced to manslaughter by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that he had been provoked. Well, today, the Court handed down its sentence for that manslaughter conviction. The 31 year old was sentenced to 21 years by the Belize Court of Appeal. But Sabido will only serve 14 years and 8 days because 6 years and 347 days were taken off his sentence, which was the time he has already served for the 2011 murder. Before deciding on the sentence the Court of Appeal heard pleas for mitigation from Sabido's father and uncle and Sabido himself.

Bill From Ashcroft Alliance Is In, And It’s In The Hundreds of Millions
Last week we reported on the latest battle between the Ashcroft Alliance and the Barrow Administration. It's over legal and other costs - arising from the settlement of the BTL acquisition. We've been reporting that the final figure would be in the many tens of millions of dollars. Tonight, we can report that it is in the hundreds of millions. That's right, figures we've heard put it at 130 million US dollars - that's more than a quarter billion Belize dollars. In just legal and other costs! Now these costs are to be claimed against what is known as the accommodation amount - which is the 60% of the 460 million dollar settlement arising from that agreement.

PUP Leader Says PM Barrow Is Defending The Indefensible In Yellowman
Briceno also responded to the Prime Minister's remarks on Mace-bearer Brian Yellowman Audinett. The PM has said his threats against and assault on the press were unacceptable, but in the next breath he said there's no way he would support firing Yellowman as Macebearer. That's consequential coming from Barrow as Party Leader because the UDP also controls the majority on the House Staff Committee which will deliberate Yelloman's fate this week. Briceno says Barrow is putting party before country:... John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "I expect nothing different from that committee that's going to be meeting next week - that they are going to meet and keep Yellowman as the macebearer. It is a sad day for Belize and it is a shame that the Prime Minister has decided that he is going to put the political interest of his party above the interest of this country and the Belizean people."

Briceno says Speaker May Maintain Status Quo
Opposition Leader Briceno has also sent a letter to the Speaker of the House Laura Longsworth demanding that she take decisive action and remove Yellowman. But, that was almost two weeks and he hasn't gotten a response. The Leader said he fears the Speaker will preserve the status quo: John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "For her to keep Yellowman as her macebearer I think speak volumes and I think that the Belizean people are going to be very disappointed in her, because people look up to her as somebody of integrity and somebody of respect and I think that she needs to think about that and to insist that the macebearer must be fired, because it is her macebearer and she is the one that should decide who will be her macebearer and should she decide that she is going to keep the macebearer, then I think that it is going to show that she is just probably another UDP speaker of the house."

Briceno Says “Message Sent” With Castro Cancellation
And speaking also about the Edmond Castro visa revocation, John Briceno said that it is a clear, direct and serious message from the US to Belize:... John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "How can he say that he sees nothing wrong when a sitting minister, one of his members of his cabinet visas, both diplomatic and tourist visas had been cancelled? That says a lot. The US Government is not going to take away the visa of a sitting minister of any government in any country, unless if it is something serious." The cancellation of a diplomatic VISA is not a matter lightly taken.

7News And Southwest To Fort Lauderdale
In January the BTB announced another non-stop flight with discount carriers Southwest Airlines from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Belize. It is expected to disrupt the Miami Monopoly that American Airlines has enjoyed for decades. And to see just how this flight will impact that monopoly and of course tourist arrivals - Southwest sponsored a weekend media trip on the charter flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Belize. Courtney Weatherburne was in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend and has more details. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Ft. Lauderdale is known for its broad beachfront promenade, its luxury hotels and its Culture and Art museums. And this weekend many tourists traveled to the city to enjoy all these attractions, others were just glad to get back home to their familiar multilane highways and shopping centers.

See, Taste, Travel
And Belizeans living in Belize and abroad can make the best out of this direct flight as soon as October. The 2nd annual See and Taste Belize will be held in Miami Florida on October 7th at the Deauville Resort. The Counsel General for Belize in Florida Janine Sylvestre told us more about the event and just how fitting this new flight is. Janine Sylvestre Vega, Hon. Consul General of Belize in Florida: "We are having our 2nd annual See and taste Belize on October 7th which coincides with carnival and our first event was just an astounding success, we had over close to a thousand Belizean that came to the first event and they came from all over the United States to celebrate Belize, the concept of See and Taste Belize is really to showcase Belize's culture through its food, and its art and of course Belikin Beer and music and we are very excited to this flight to Belize because this will facilitate Belizean coming to visit South Florida and for the See and taste event , they can come and book their flights from now."

Are New Fees Affecting Southwest?
But how are the new departure fees affecting Southwest - which prides itself as a discount carrier? The new departure fee was adjusted to $40.00 in the last budget presentation - which is after Southwest had already announced introductory fares as law as 79 US dollars one way to Belize. But then the new government fee were imposed - and those are all bundled into the cost of a ticket. So we wondered if it was kind of like moving the goalposts. Here's what the BTB's Director and the Southwest Representative said: Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism: "From the results I am seeing already for May, I am not seeing any impact as yet and the beauty about it is that the taxes are paid within the ticket cost so there is nothing to say this is tax, this is the cost of the ticket and this is something else , it is just one cost for a direct route or direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Belize or from anywhere to Belize and you just get a total cost so you wouldn't know what the departure tax is or any tax is and we are happy because of competition and the rates are going down so the increase in departure tax isn't very obvious."

Boom and The Battle Over Bradley’s Boatyard
Two weeks ago we told you about the fire that was set at Bradley Boat Yard's new workshop in Burrell Boom. Police haven't made any arrests, and the Chairlady told us she had heard no objections to the facility. But there is a groundswell of opposition. Tomorrow, villagers will have a press conference to make known their displeasure with the project, and on Saturday at Burrell Boom day, one long time resident told us that the boatyard needs to go: Lincoln Gillett - Boom Resident of 30+ Years: "I am not agreement with that activity. It could be down there that the wind shifts and I live up wind from it and I still smell the residue from it and I am allergic to anything that has to do with that kind of fiberglass activity. The smell..." Erlene Baptist Pandy - Chairlady, Burrell Boom Village "Mr. Bradley isn't doing anything. He isn't doing any sort of work on his boat, has just bringing them up, putting up his building. There is nothing going on."

Candor After the Fire
Right now, Orange Walk resident Edison Urbina is attempting to put his life back together after a fire almost destroyed his entire house on Liberty Avenue. This house caught fire on Saturday morning sometime after 11:00, and Urbina thinks that it is a case of arson. This evening, he gave us a tour of the remains of the house, and he granted us a very candid interview explaining why he thinks someone intentionally set it ablaze. Here's what he told us: Edison Urbina - Homeowner: "I lived here from 1981 since my mother was alive. I give her a lot of stress, now I have no mother, or father, I have nothing"

Western Union Robbers, Strolled In, Strutted Out
Cayo police need your help to identify two men that robbed Western Union in Santa Elena around midday today. It happened when two men went into the office walking casually - you can see them here, the first in a black shirt and the second in an orange shirt. The went in - with the man in the orange shirt delaying a little as a lookout. 40- seconds later, the man in the back shirt strolled out, while the one in the orange shirt ran behind him. They had just robbed the place. They can be seen walking away across the Santa Elena roundabout. Cayo police need your help in identifying these suspects. If you know who they are, please call the Cayo police station. Police have not released any detail on how much was stolen in the robbery. We'll have that tomorrow

The New School Of Music Gives Associates’ Degree In Music
We know that there are many tertiary level institutions in Belize and you can get a degree in anything from graphic design to nursing, to physics and math. But what about music? That's usually study you take up on your own if you want to be a professional musician as an adult. But now, SJC junior college is changing all that with the first associates degree program for music. It's being done in conjunction with their sister institution, the Loyola University in New Orleans. That well established University's college of music and fine arts teamed up for a new building dedicated to the program. IT was opened on Saturday:

No Case For Nedal
In November of last year, COLA member Murphy Nedal McLaren, who is also known as "Jihad", was hauled in front of the Magistrate's Court for a marijuana possession charge. Police say that they found a weed "roach" on him. Well, today, more than 6 months later, the Chief Magistrate acquitted him. The charge was from an encounter that McLaren had with the police back on the morning of November 10, 2016. That's when the cops say that they pulled him over at a police checkpoint in Sand Hill, on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The cops say that the decided to search the vehicle because the officer smelled the strong aroma of weed coming from inside. They found 8.5 grams - about one quarter of an ounce of cannabis on McLaren himself, and they testified to that in a full trial against McLaren.

Things In Common With Canada
Canadians will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary of Confederation in Belize. Sure there will be grand festivals in Canada but the High Commission brought a glimpse of Canada to Belize through a photograph showcase at the Government House in the city. We found out more today The showcase will be open to the public until June 23rd and then will move over to the Corozal House of Culture on July 1 St to 23rd.

Burrell Boom’s History Celebrated
As we told you, right now villagers of Burrell Boom have something to say about the Bradley's Boatyard which is coming into their community. And indeed, the villagers of Boom are known to be ruggedly independent, and, to a degree, even headstrong. All that was celebrated on Saturday when the village held its first Burrell Boom day in many years. Lincoln Gillett discussed the village's history:..

Channel 5

Couple Goes Missing in Corozal
Anxiety is building up in Corozal where a couple has not been heard from since Thursday night.  Search parties have been combing the area around the village of Patchakan in [...]

Body of Sarteneja Woman Retrieved from Sea
Two persons drown over the weekend in separate incidents in the north and west of the country. Just after nine on Sunday morning, the decomposing body forty-four-year-old Acita Flores was [...]...

Elderly Man Drowns in Santa Familia – Was It Deliberate?
The second drowning over the weekend involved a seventy-nine-year-old man from the Cayo District. On Friday afternoon, Eduardo Landero jumped in the river and didn’t come back up. His decomposing [...]...

From Murder to Manslaughter – Fourteen More Years in Jail for Osmar Sabido Jr.
Twenty-one years for manslaughter….that’s the sentence handed down today by the Court of Appeal to Osmar Sabido Junior. He was convicted in April 2016 of the murder of his common-law [...]...

Ernie Zelaya Sent Down for Weed Bust
Justice was swift this morning for a father of three in the lower court. Ernie Zelaya was fined ten thousand dollars and sentenced to three years behind bars for the [...]...

Burrell Boom Says No to Bradley’s Boat Yard
Less than two weeks ago, someone set fire to boat moulds owned by Bradley’s Boat Yard, previously located in Belize City. It relocated some time ago to a property off [...]...

P.S.E. Results Coming; Will Strike Have Impact?
Students have been anxiously awaiting the results of the 2017 Primary School Examination, sat in April and May of this year. According to the Examinations Unit of the Ministry of [...]...

MoneyGram Office Hit by Robbers in Santa Elena
Police have confirmed that there was an armed robbery in Santa Elena Town this afternoon but at news time, they are still investigating. News Five understands that the Nationwide Cash [...]...

AIDS Commission Honored for Regional Testing
The Belize National AIDS Commission and Executive Director Enrique Romero were recognized with the Tenth Anniversary Regional Testing Day Innovative Outreach Award for their contribution to the Regional Testing Day [...]...

Harvest Caye for All – Even FECTAB
Over the weekend, we caught up with Minister Manuel Heredia Junior on South West’s Inaugural Flight to Belize. Now, prior to opening up a small market for local tour operators [...]...

Southwest Now Comes from Fort Lauderdale
Tourism numbers are expected to grow with the addition of a new route to Belize. Over the weekend, Southwest started flying from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood to the Philip Goldson airport. [...]...

Belize at Caribbean Week in New York City
Tourism officials, industry executives, the media, the Caribbean Diaspora, as well as travel agents and consumers are converging on New York City for Caribbean Week 2017.  While there they will [...]...

H.R.C.U. Offers Grants to School Kids
The school year is not yet over, but parents are no doubt starting to turn their attention to the plans for the coming new one. Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited [...]...

Oh Canada! Photo Exhibit Marks 150th Anniversary
The provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were brought together in 1867 to form what is now known as Canada.   Since then, that North American country has [...]...

Burrell Boom Day Returns
Residents of Burrell Boom, Belize District revived an old tradition this past Saturday with “Burrell Boom Day,” an occasion to celebrate and recall the history of the village located about [...]...

Belmopan Bandits Are Champions of Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities….]...

CTV3

PM Barrow Speaks On Castro's Visas Revocation
The news that UDP Minister Edmond Castro’s U.S. tourist and diplomatic visas were revoked by the United States Embassy has resulted in political embarrassment for the Barrow Administration. Yesterday Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno called on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to get rid of Castro, but today when Barrow addressed the matter, he went to bat once again for his embattled Cabinet colleague.

What Is The Future OF Yellowman
But while Castro escaped public chastisement, Macebearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette was not so lucky. You would recall that Yellowman and UDP Chairman Alberto August led disruptions of the Senate hearing two weeks ago. Yellowman even turned on members of the media and assaulted three, including Krem News’ Director Marisol Amaya. Prime Minister Barrow had not commented on the issue until today when he made himself available to interviews. He said while he supports August’s campaign, he decries Yellowman’s actions.

PM Measures Words When Speaking On Saldivar's Use Of US Vessels
The Prime Minister was on damage control mode today, responding to a number of controversies that have surfaced over the past weeks. Another is the admitted report that coast guard vessels were used to ferry members of sports teams privately owned by the Minister of Defense, John Saldivar. There are reports that the donors of the vessels are not happy with the situation, but Prime Minister Barrow was measured in his criticism claiming that while the Minister has ensured that it will not happen again, his intentions were good natured.

Domestic Exports Up By 2.2 Percent For April 2017
Yesterday we brought to you the latest figures as it pertains to the country’s consumer price index and total imports for the month of April 2017. While the price of goods saw an overall increase of 2.2 percent compared to April of last year, imports decreased. But the same cannot be said about our country’s total domestic exports for April 2017 which grew by 3 percent or $1 million amounting to a total of $35.7 million in comparison to April 2016.

LOVE FM

Osmar Sabido Gets 21 Years for Killing Girlfriend
Thirty one year old Osmar Sabido, whose conviction of murder was substituted with manslaughter and his sentence of life imprisonment quashed, was sentenced to twenty one years today by Belize Court of Appeal. But Sabido will only serve fourteen years and eighty nine days because six years and three hundred and forty seven days were […]

Woman Found in Mexican Waters After Boat Capsized
The body of a woman was found in Mexican waters yesterday following an intense search over the weekend. On Thursday, June 1, a vessel from Sarteneja with eight passengers left enroute to Calderitas with plans to leave at 6pm and return to Sarteneja at about 8pm. The vessel, however, did not make it to Sarteneja […]

New Ambassadors from Georgia, Morocco, Argentina and Peru
Four new ambassadors to Belize were at the Belize House in Belmopan meeting with the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young. Argentinian Ambassador, Daniel Chuburu; Moroccan Ambassador, Mohamed Chafiki; Georgia’s Ambassador, Zurab Eristavi and Peru’s Ambassador, Jorge Roman Morey presented their credentials to the Governor General. During today’s meeting each ambassador expressed their desire to […]

Dangriga Man Wanted by Police for Home Invasion
A woman from Dangriga Town is yet to recover from an incident where a man from her neighbourhood entered her bedroom and assaulted her in the early hours of Monday, May 29. The mother of two was in her bedroom with her 3-year-old daughter sleeping when she was awoken by a noise. Upon coming out […]

It’s All About the Optics, Says Briceno
Last week Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media that the Government of Belize would go to the Caribbean Court of Justice to challenge the legal cost associated with the settlement agreement signed in Miami by GOB and the Ashcroft Alliance. This agreement is in relation to the number of years that GOB and Michael […]

Briceno Says Castro Fears Going to the US Embassy
The Leader of the People’s United Party also responded to the Prime Minister’s comment on Minister Edmond Castro. Castro’s US Visas, both diplomatic and tourist, were revoked by the US Government. The announcement came one day before whistle blower, Alvarine Burgess, appeared before the Senate Select Committee. This led to several rumors as to why […]

LOO Says Mace Bearer Will Go Unpunished
When asked about the chaos that erupted during the May 17 Senate Hearing and the behavior of Mace Bearer Brian “yellowman” Audinett, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said that Audinett will go before the House Staff Committee for him to explain himself. It is that committee that would decide if Audinett would remain the sergeant of […]

Strange Disappearance of Corozal Couple
Family and friends continue their search for 32 year old Zeidy Orosco of San Andres Village, Corozal District and her boyfriend, 41 year-old Baltazar Lopez of Ranchito Village. Both persons have been missing since June 1. Orosco reportedly left home shortly after eight o’clock Thursday night in her green Chevy Prism and said she was […]

Love Travels Direct on Southwest – Fort Lauderdale to Belize
A team from our news centre spent this past weekend in the United States at the invitation of the Belize Tourism Board and Southwest Airlines. It was in celebration of the airline’s inaugural flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Belize. Renee Trujillo and Brian Castillo prepared this story on the event.

Southwest Boasts Affordability and Novel Concepts
If you have traveled internationally using air transport you will know the additional fees that you are billed with when it comes to your luggage. On average, the traveler would pay twenty five US dollars for the first bag and forty US dollars for the second bag with a limitation of fifty pounds placed on […]

Breaking Belize News

Young woman from San Ignacio missing
The family of 21 year old Tiffany Shannel Williams is worried. Williams was last seen last night around 10 on Vaca Street in San Ignacio in the company of a male friend. She has not been seen or heard from since that time. Williams was last seen wearing a dark brown blouse, short pants and slippers.

NICH hosting 5 Day Audio/Video Production Workshop
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Belize International Film Festival is pleased to partner with Professor Steve T. Berry to present a five-day Audio/Visual Production Workshop for Secondary and Tertiary Level Students. Participants will be provided with the basic technical, procedural, and conceptual foundations to begin training in the art of video production. Students will become familiar with the essential terminology, standard production practices, and basic design and operations of the post-production process.

Police Inspector Norman Benguche passes away
Police Inspector Norman Benguche passed away on Saturday morning from natural causes. The 43-year-old police veteran was hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after suffering a stroke last month. He was sent home after treatment but his condition worsened last week, when […]

Armed robbery in Santa Elena Town
Reports to BBN is that two men entered Money Gram on the George Price Highway in Santa Elena Town and robbed the cashier at gunpoint. Police are currently on the scene. © 2017, BreakingBelizeNews.com. This article is the copyrighted property of Breaking Belize […]

Tribute to Hardrock: A legacy of love and music
It has been almost two weeks since south side icon, Andrew “Hard Rock” Bennett, was brutally executed in front of his home on Central American Boulevard by a gunman. To date police have not made any arrests though Eastern Division South Commander ACP, Chester […]

Body of retired Santa Familia man found in Belize River
Myrna Ortega, 33, of Santa Familia, Cayo reported that at 7:45 a.m. last Friday, she left home en route to San Ignacio town leaving her father Eduardo Landero, 79, at home. Ortega told police that when she returned at 3:45 p.m., she was informed […]

One dead after boat capsizes
Yesterday morning around 10:00, police visited the Corozal Pier on 1st Avenue, where cops found the body of Acita Milsa Flores, 44, of Sarteneja, Corozal inside a skiff in an advanced state of decomposition. Police investigations revealed that on June 1 at 5:00 a.m., […]

Police recover suspected stolen cycle
Yesterday around 11:00 am, while police were conducting mobile patrol in the Young Bank Area, Camalote Village, Cayo District, cops found a black 100 cc Meilun motor cycle without license plate, license sticker and serial number. No one was found in the area and […]

We name stink da road – the Banes/Nanes debacle
By Lisa Shoman: Five years ago, in October of 2013, as Lead Opposition Senator, I introduced an historic Motion in the Senate of Belize to demand for an investigation into the Immigration Department for scandals exposed by, among other things, the 2012 general election and of course, […]

Blogs

Celebrating 117 years of Anniversary of Xcalak
The mayor of Othón P. Blanco, Luis Torres inaugurated this past Friday the beginning of the Xcalak festivities in the framework of his 117th anniversary, where he endorsed his commitment to the inhabitants to detonate the importance of tourists destination of the Hand of the governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquín González. The event continued on Saturday and Sunday with celebrities, cultural and sporting activities, as well as live music. He was accompanied in the presidium: Lorenzo Peralta, delegate of Xcalak, Regents Germán González Pavón, Gabriel González Soto, Gabriela Cortés Talamantes, representatives of the neighboring country of Belize, Regidor Severo Ramírez from San Pedro Ambergris Caye, José Hadad, president of the Grand Costa Maya Trust, and, Among other guests.

Who are the Maya's?
This question has intrigued of humanity, and scholars in particular, given the Maya's scientific and mathematical achievements, the perfection of their calendar's, and now the dissemination of their prophecies and western world's discovery of their deep spirituality. What is known about this civilization comes from archaeological research and historical sources (mainly pre-Colombian) documents and those from the early years of Spanish colonization), as well as from the oral tradition. The former are often mired in series of speculations; the latter sheds the most light on the mystery of this magnificent civilization. Sadly, most of what is widely known about the maya is based on unverifiable stories told by Spanish chronicles during the conquest.

International Sources

Caribbean politicians ‘must do more to tackle HIV and AIDS’
Jamaica’s minister of justice is calling on the region’s parliamentarians to scale up action in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. And Delroy Chuck said that priority must be given to tackling stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS. He was speaking at the opening of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Regional Parliamentarians Forum last week, where he welcomed the staging of the event – describing it as a clarion called for leaders to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Caribbean advances in adaptation of Global Strategy for Health of Women, Children & Adolescents
Representatives of public health systems, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and civil society from 18 Caribbean countries and territories met together last week with the international agencies that integrate the Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health, in order to adapt the Strategy to the context of the Caribbean. “We need to identify interventions that are practical, affordable and impactful, while ensuring that we bear in mind the cultural, ethnic and economic diversities that make the Caribbean such a colorful, varied and interesting region of this world”, said Dr Godfrey Xuereb, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) representative for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean.

Belize national sworn in as CCJ judge
Mr Justice Denys Arthur Barrow was sworn in as judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Thursday at a ceremony in Belize City in his home country of Belize. Barrow, who was sworn in by Governor General Sir Colville Young, is the first citizen of Belize to be appointed to the CCJ bench. Barrow brings to the CCJ bench a 40-year legal career, together with various stints of judicial appointments in judiciaries across the region and membership on a world-renowned tribunal dealing with international labour and human rights law. He is a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Laws and received a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School. He was admitted to the practice of law in Belize in 1977 and embarked on a career in private practice. In 1990, Barrow was elevated to Senior Counsel and went on to start his own law firm ‘Barrow and Company’.

Videos

June 5, 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

Letter to the Editor: Seeking Better Opportunities
It has been a pleasure to have served my beloved community as a Traffic Warden for the past year and five months. I, Ismael Mayo Badillo, would like to inform the general public that Friday, June 2nd will be my last day working at the San Pedro Traffic Department as I have formally submitted my resignation due to irregularities in the job. At the same time, I believe it is time for me to move and seek better opportunities. I take this opportunity to humbly thank everyone for allowing me to render my services. Thanks to Mayor Daniel Guerrero, The San Pedro Town Council, and my colleagues for the opportunity to work with them. I will forever be grateful. Respectfully, Ismael ‘Mayo’ Badillo.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Raincoat
“I’ll be gone most of the morning,” I told Sherry. “Where are you off to?” “Paying bills,” I said. “This is the last week of the month. I’ll be gone all morning for sure and maybe some of the afternoon.” “Make sure you take an umbrella,” she said. “It’s supposed to rain today.” I only made it to the bank when the skies opened up. I put up my umbrella and the wind immediately turned it inside out and tried to snatch it from my hand. “Why are you back so soon?’ Sherry asked, when I stumbled through the door.

Letter to the Editor: Building Permit Application
Dear Editor, I am writing to thank the Town Council for 5 and a half days they have spent working on several blocks of Sea Grape Drive with numerous trucks of fill and hours of heavy equipment. I understand the Ministry of Works loaned the equipment to the Town Council so thanks to them also. I would like to suggest that the residents of an improved Sea Grape Drive tour the DFC area so we can truly appreciate our good fortune. There are areas of the DFC where there are no roads, none at all. Residents walk into their homes through swampy areas filled with landfill trash. I’m going to assume building permits were issued so folks could build in the DFC area.

Doctor Love: Dumped
Dear Doctor Love, My best friend and I have known each other since we were babies and we have always had a very close relationship. When she started dating her first boyfriend I was worried because he has a very bad reputation and I told her that. She cut me off completely saying I was jealous and mean. She wouldn’t talk to me or hang out any more even though I apologized. He did exactly what I warned her about and they broke up a week ago. Now she wants to be friends again but I don’t know if I should trust her. What if she does it again? We have to see each other all the time so it would be easier but I don’t think it can be like it used to be. Should I be friends or should I let it go? /s/Dumped

Misc Belizean Sources

Senior Citizen believed to drown
79 year old Eduardo Landero has passed away. He was reported missing by his daughter Myrna Ortega. The Santa Familia Villager in the Cayo District reported that on 02.06.17, she returned home at 3:45pm and her daughter told her that Landero went to the river and had not returned. A search was conducted in the village and by the riverbank but his body was not found until 8 a.m., Sunday June 4th, in the river.

Asita Flores drowns in Corozal Bay
The search for 43 year-old Asita Flores of Sarteneja Village, Corozal District who went missing at sea following a boat accident on Thursday, June 1st has sadly ended today, as her lifeless body was recovered from the Corozal Bay. Asita Flores was together with a group of eight other Belizeans who were reportedly heading to Sarteneja Village from Calderitas, Mexico. Due to rough seas and high winds, their boat capsized and they were all thrown into the bay. The following day Friday, June 2nd a search was conducted but only seven passengers were found alive. Reports further state that the survivors were taken to the Corozal Community Hospital for treatment for various injuries and dehydration. According to family reports, Flores was traveling with her daughter and she ensured that her daughter survived through the night's ordeal. Unfortunately, she went underwater and sadly perished. The Belize Coast Guard, SACD and the Mexican Navy, along with family and friends assisted in conducting the joint operation in search for Asita Flores. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the entire family and to our friend Chuy Carillo for the loss of his sister Asita Flores.

Search for Zeidy Orozco and Baltazar Lopez
The search and recovery for Zeidy Orozco and Baltazar Lopez has been suspended for Monday morning, June 5th. Alfonso Lopez who is one of the organizers has stated that the meeting place for tomorrow will be behind the cemetery along the entrance to Consejo Road at 7:30 a.m.. The families are pleading for assistance, in particular, fuel and more volunteers. Please help!

Bandits Win NEBL Finals
The Belmopan Bandits won the NEBL championship last night in San Pedro against the Tiger Sharks, 75 - 67. Congratulations, Bandits! They are having a motorcade tomorrow to celebrate. "City of Champs!!!!! Victory and celebration Motorcade tomorrow Monday, 5th June 2017 @ 5:30pm. Leave from Independence Hill enroute to Isidoro Beaton Stadium. All Football and Basketball fans are invited to come out and support our Belmopan Bandits."

Cayo Wellness Forum
The Cayo Wellness Forum is being held on Wednesday, June 7th, at Hode's. If you want to learn how to live a healthier life, this is for you. They'll have a trainer and a nutritionist there to answer your health questions. Email [email protected] for more information. Thanks, Shell San Ignacio!

Southwest Airlines, Ft. Lauderdale - Belize Flight Inauguration
Celebrating Southwest's new direct flight to Belize from Ft. Lauderdale.

Newest Peace Corps Response Volunteers
Congratulations to the newest Peace Corps Response Volunteers in Belize! Four Response Volunteers were sworn in on Friday, June 2, to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture as Literacy Intervention Specialists. Charge d'Affaires, Adrienne Galanek, administered the Oath, as they officially joined the ranks of more than 2,000 Volunteers who have served Belize since 1962. They will work closely with the Ministry of Education to augment and further the Ministry's new nationwide literacy initiative.These Volunteers bring over 100 years of collective experience to Peace Corps Belize. We look forward to their contributions here in country. Their Swearing In also included an historic signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and Peace Corps Belize. Chief Education Officer, Dr. Carol Babb, and Peace Corps Director, Melanie Emerson, signed the Memorandum officially launching this expanded mutual commitment to education and early childhood literacy in Belize.

The Reporter

September celebrations theme competition officially opened
Preperations for the 2017 September celebrations have begun, and the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), is announcing the official opening of the September celebrations theme competition. The theme should not be more than 10 words, and individuals are allowed to submit multiple entries. The submissions should be in commemoration of the 219th anniversary of the Battle of St George’s Caye and the 36th anniversary of Belize’s Independence. The winner will receive a cash prize of a $1,000 and an invitation to the official ceremonies during September.

COLA president surprised by ban from Senate inquiry
While the Senate inquiry on the immigration scandal went smoothly on Wednesday, firebrand activist Geovanni Brackett of Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA), is up in arms after he and Raymond Rivers were banned from entering the hearing. Brackett, on Friday, spoke to the Reporter newspaper about what he classified as an “unjustifiable attack on him, since he says he was never notified that an ongoing ban was placed on him after he had protested against Senator Rocke in October of last year. “We deem the actions to be unjustifiable and senseless, since we did not pose any real physical threat to any member of the house.”

Blogs

Pook’s Hill Lodge; visiting the rainforest during the rainy season
Our destination – and one that has been on my ‘must do’ list for some time: Pook’s Hill Lodge. Nestled within lush jungle 5.5 miles south of Teakettle village on the Western Highway between Belmopan and San Ignacio, it’s an easy drive from Belize City. If you don’t have wheels, they offer transport options to and from many locations within the country. The Pook’s Hill property is a carpet of hilly, green landscape dotted with thatched cottages that remind me of hobbit homes, and the surrounding forest, busy with chirping birds and flitting butterflies is enchanting. Add the soft soundtrack of drizzling rain, and you are immersed in a jungle ambiance that almost begs for a nap.

Less than TWO WEEKS To San Pedro Lobsterfest! The Details
Time flies when you are busy…and having fun. It’s already JUNE. And that means Lobster season in Belize AND Lobster Festivals along the coast. Placencia, Caye Caulker and…AMBERGRIS CAYE! The San Pedro Lobsterfestival was first celebrated in 2007. My friends and I had a cupcake stand – forgot to bring any lighting – and had to sleep for 48 hours as soon as it was over. Here was our unlit banner. We are now on festival #11 and it’s shaping up to be a great one.

Corozal Community College held its annual Prom Night 2017 at Dream's
It's that time of the Year where Prom Night is celebrated on the month of June around Belize. That one special night, usually in June, when girls in colorful gowns and boys in ill-fitting tuxedos pose awkwardly for photos that they will cherish (or rue) for the rest of their lives. This year' Prom Night for school of Corozal Community College Fourth form class Theme was " Beauty and the Beast". Here's how it all began. Yes, the class of Corozal Community College prom night was held at “Dreams" on June 3, 2017. Shortly after 7pm the community of Corozal had gathered in front of Dreams to watch the 2017 Prom Night that strut down the Red Carpet in their gorgeous dresses and fitted tux. This High school kids on prom night where eager, excited and boutonniered--they boogie-oogie-oogied on the aisle with each couple representing there Beauty and the beast theme, fire works display, Toy's R US, Dancing, Singing, and they posed for photos and capped the evening by voting for the King and Queen (yep, that's right) at the prom that they always have.

International Sources

BEYOND THE HORIZON 2017-BELIZE
Beyond the Horizon 2017- Belize is a joint, interagency, and combined field training exercise in response to Government of Belize requests and requirements, designed to provide support by conducting medical and engineering assistance programs.

Videos

June 4, 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

Hyperbaric Chamber to provide tour guides with free EFR/CPR training
While tour guides have until July 31, 2017 to renew their license, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) requires them to have a valid copy of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First-aid certificate/card. Offering assistance in meeting that requirement is the Belize Hyberbaric Chamber, through free training opportunities in CPR and Emergency First Response (EFR). For the past 30 years, the Chamber has been the referral unit for all of Belize, and is part of the most successful outcome treatment record network worldwide. With certified trainers that can give CPR and EFR, the Chamber is more than willing to train tour guides two or three days out of the week. As the training is free, the tour guides only have to pay for their registration book. According to Moreno, it is imperative that all tour guides get trained. “We are concerned with our marine tour guides. These guides, by the nature of their occupation, can encounter accidents in a remote location, which can be far away from surrounding infrastructure. It is vital for this destination, especially since we’re the number one island, to be trained in EFR and CPR. If they’re trained, we can have a safely cured patient instead of a fatality [which can] classify Belize as an unsafe country [to dive in],” said Moreno.

Albert Lawrence receives Officer of the Month award for May
On Wednesday, May 31st, Special Constable Albert Alexander Lawrence of the San Pedro Police Department (SPPD) received the Belize Police Department’s ‘Officer of the Month’ award for May. Lawrence accepted the award with gratitude, and expressed that this recognition has encouraged him to strive for more excellence with the SPPD. Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit, Superintendent Henry Jemmott, also stated that Lawrence is consistent and maintains a high level of respect, discipline, and is dedicated to his job.

Ambergris Today

"The Great Gatsby" Prom 2017
The community gathered at the San Pedro High School to watch 2017 graduates strut down the Red Carpet in their gorgeous dresses and fitted tux. Congrats to Prom King Manuel Flores and Prom Queen Rosalinda Fuentes. Also congratulations to all winners: Miss Daisy: Shannon Nunez, Mr. Gatsby: Luis Mencia, Best Couple: Josue Marin and Kathya Cuellar, Best dress Couple: Lisandra Novelo and Michael Franco, Best Dress: Aliny Ventura, A night of Glitz, Glamour and tonz of fun! Congrats SPHS graduates!

Misc Belizean Sources

NEBL finals
The Belmopan Bandits are the 2017 champions of the National Elite Basketball League, after defeating the San Pedro Tiger Sharks 75-67.

San Pedro Prom 2017
The 2017 San Pedro High School Graduates enjoyed a night to remember under the theme "The Great Gatsby". In the end the title of Prom King went to Manuel Flores, while Rosalinda Fuentez was crowned Prom Queen. Congrats SPHS graduates and best of luck in your new chapter of life!

Travellers Bartending Competition
Calling all Caye Caulker Bartenders! Do you have what it takes to be this year's Bartending Champion?! Interested persons can sign up with Shary.

Caye Caulker Miss Lobster Fest 2017
Introducing this year's Miss Lobster Fest Contestants.. Left to right, Aaliyah Elijio, Aleizy Durantes, Annabella Requena, Katleen Cutkelvin Hair and Make Up - Purple Passion Beauty Studio Photography by Ernie Alpuche Special Thanks to Elena Carillo

Looking for female dancers for Ultimate Sapphire's Dance Company Carnival Band
Ultimate Sapphire Dance Company is pleased to announce that we are now recruiting male or female dancers for Ultimate Sapphire's Dance Company Carnival Band. We are looking for dancers of ages ranging from 16 years -24 years. A registration fee of $15 is required If interested feel free to message Priscilla Natasha Tillett

Zeidy Orozco's car believed found
Our Saturday was converted to search and rescue, as we joined the families of the two missing persons today. The charred remains of what is believed to be the car of Zeidy Orozco was found deep inside a recently plowed farm located off the main road between Patchakan and Yo Chen Villages in Corozal. A search and rescue effort organized by members and friends of both families were conducted today without any results of the whereabouts or any information of the two missing persons. The search party will reconvene its efforts of search and recovery in-front of the Patchakan Presbyterian Clinic tomorrow Sunday, June 4th at 7:30 a.m. The clinic is located on the main road to Patchakan (see picture of clinic)

Illegal gold panning
Is fast degrading the ecosystem in southern Chiquibul. Unless new aggressive, persistent interventions are made, our fear Is that the human illegal activity will cease until practically all the gold deposit is extracted out from the mountains.

Hopkins Mango Festival 2017
Travel to Hopkins Village for this two-day festival happening on June 3rd and 4th

Hopkins Mango Festival 2017
U.S. Embassy staff enjoyed the 4th Annual Hopkins Mango Fest! Congratulations to the Hopkins Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Hopkins Village Council for hosting a great event!

Behind the Scenes in Belize: Summer 2017
Athleta - the huge sporting good company did a shoot in Belize - they were spotted at Tranquility Bay Resort and Ak'bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort. Here are some behind the scenes shots from their website- Belize may be a tiny country in Central America, but it’s home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Located between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is a world-class scuba diving destination, making it the perfect setting for our Summer 2017 photoshoot. Our team touchdown to white sandy beaches and got straight to work! We shot at some beautiful locations, including Ak’bol Yoga Studio, where you’re surrounded by crystal clear waters and can practice yoga right on the beach. A few of our incredible models shared what their experience was like in paradise.

THE "BELIZEAN FOCUS" NEWSPAPER!
Belizeans in Los Angeles, California will remember one of the first efforts of diaspora news in 1983 for the Los Angeles Belizean Community, the outstanding newspaper by the Los Angeles Muslims of Belize (LAMBS) called, "Belizean Focus". The newspaper which was published by L.A.M.B.S. documented one of the most interesting phenomena that today has created what is called here at this documentary series, "The Belize Gang Crisis." As seen on this headline in a 1984 edition of the Belizean Focus the headline titled, "Belize / Third Greatest Drug Trafficking Country to the U.S." has become a wake up call for most Belizeans today in terms of the destabilization of a once peaceful Belizean society. The legendary newspaper that ended publication in 1985 during the creation of the organization BREDAA that later brought Belizeans again in L.A. the popular radio show on KPFK Los Angeles called, "Belize-Caribbean Pulse", was the first in the Belizean diaspora to call the crisis for what it has become today in Belize.

PlusTV

Rochelle Chan doesn’t have much to say about Burgess’ allegations
The name of Assistant Superintendent Rochelle Chan, Officer Commanding the Hattieville Police Station , was called by Alvorine Burgess when she sat before the Senate Select Inquiry this past Wednesday. Burgess, who admits to having run a visa application business for money, identified Hon. Edmond Ca...

Rochelle Chan was connected to Danny Mason news in 2016
Now, if the name Rochelle Chan rings any bells outside of the Senate Hearings, it’s because he has been the subject of a news item before; one connected to William Danny Mason. Mason, the man found with the head of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas in his truck, had told the media back in August of last year, ...

Motorcyclist slams into parked cane trailer and dies
A motorcyclist slammed into a parked cane trailer and died. The fatal accident happened yesterday and the victim has been identified as 33-year-old Rigoberto Coba. According to police reports, Coba, a resident of Guinea Grass Village, was travelling on a motorcycle on the Corozal Cane Traffic Road ...

BPP calls for full investigation into Castro’s visa revocation
Yesterday we showed you how Prime Minister Barrow made light of Hon. Edmond Castro’s diplomatic visa revocation and said he believed his Minister that the reason he has not gone into the US Embassy is because he just has no interest to go to the states. PM Barrow also said he did not believe Senate...

Kendis Flowers charged with attempted murder of 2 cops
Kendis Flowers was charged with the attempted murder of two police officers. PC Rafael Flowers and PC Wayne Dawson were conducting a vehicle checkpoint on Sunday, May 28, around 4:30 that morning at the corner of Mayflower and Vernon Streets in Belize City. They reported that they saw an alterc...

Police Ballistic Examiner found guilty of abetment to pervert the course of justice
The Belize Police Department’s Ballistic Examiner, Orlando Vera, was found guilty of the offense of abetment to pervert the course of justice. Last Thursday, May 25, Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith heard the case of Vera and reserved her ruling for today. This morning, in a 7 page ruling, the mag...

Parents throw newborn into river
Police investigations continue in the south following an act of infanticide. A new born baby was found floating in the river in San Vicente located in the Toledo District. The shocking discovery was made on Sunday by a villager who just happened to be in the river after noon. The villager alerted th...

The Reporter

Another Corozal couple missing!
A frantic search is underway for a missing Corozal couple, after their vehicle was found burnt and abandoned in a cane field in Patchakan village on Thursday. According to sources, Zeida Orosco, 32, of San Andres village, Corozal left her house at around 8:10 p.m, en-route to Matchies Pool Spot on 2nd Street North in Corozal Town, to drop off food for her boyfriend, Baltazar Lopez, 41. Sources close to Orosco’s family have confirmed that they have not heard from or seen her since she left home that night. Lopez’ family members say they have also not seen or heard from him since that night and all calls to his cellphone go unanswered.

Police special constable dies in RTA
A Police Special Constable of Guinea Grass is dead after he reportedly slammed into the back of a parked trailer in Orange Walk on Thursday night. The incident happened sometime after 10:00 p.m., and claimed the life of Rigoberto Coba, 33. The police account of the event is that Coba was driving his motorcycle from Orange Walk to Belize City when he slammed into a trailer, which was parked at the side the road near the Belcogen compound. Coba reportedly died on the scene.

Breaking Belize News

Belizean graduates from St. Mary’s University
With great pride, we congratulate Mr. Nahim Emil Rancharan in achieving a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio Texas. While this was no easy task, Nahim has managed to attain this milestone at the age of 18. His formative years of […]

Mysterious disappearance of couple in Corozal
Troy Ferguson, 34, reported that at 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, his sister-in-law Zeida Orosco, 32, of San Andres Village, Corozal District left home in her green Chevy Prism car en route to Matchies Pool Spot located on 2nd Street North, Corozal Town. Orosco was to […]

Corozal couple missing; vehicle found burnt
Reports to BBN is that a couple from Corozal town is missing. The Corozal Daily is reporting that Neidy Orozco and her companion Baltzar Lopez have been missing since Thursday night around 8:00. The family is requesting assistance from the public to call the Corozal […]

DOE introduces new bill payment ID system
Developers and investors are advised that it is their legal obligation to contact the Department of the Environment (DOE) prior to commencement of any project/undertaking to initiate the environmental screening process in order to address possible environmental issues associated with their project. The DOE […]

Fatal traffic accident in Orange Walk
On Thursday night around 10:17, police visited the Corozal Cane Traffic Road beside Belcogen where cops saw an accident involving a motorcycle and a parked trailer in the area of BSI. Police investigations revealed that Rigoberto Coba, 33, of Guinea Grass village, Orange Walk, […]

Drunk driver slams into parked police truck
According to police reports, yesterday morning about 12:02 , a police officer attached to the San Ignacio Police Station parked a blue Ford F-150 pickup truck on King Street, San Ignacio in front of the San Ignacio Police Station. A brown Chevy Silverado pickup […]

Blogs

Mayan Treasure Hunt in the 80’s
Today’s guest post by Kai Martin tells a great story of it was like to go look for Mayan treasure at the ruins near the southern tip of the island close to 31 years before it was designated as a world Heritage site. There were no plank walkways to help navigate the 1/4 mile swampy path into dryer grounds of Marco Gonzalez. We lived in San Pedro during the time of “bigger circus than this done come to town and gone broke”. The 80’s. It seemed everybody you met under the big tree at Paradise was looking at Ambergris Caye with dollar signs in their eyes. A place to get rich quick, whether from drugs, land speculation, business opportunities, etc.

5th Annual Men at Work Exhibit held in Corozal
The National Institute of Culture of Corozal invited all the public to attend The 5th annual Men at Work exhibit that was held on Friday June 2, 2017 inside the Corozal House of Culture. The event commenced shortly after 7pm at the Corozal House of Culture. Locals and visitors from the USA came to witness, some for the first time to witness Corozal's Men at work Art exhibition. The "Men At Work" exhibit opened at the Corozal House of Culture on June 7, 2014. It featured several prominent male artisans of the Corozal District. Below are some examples about those men and soe displays of their work that were on display.

Diving in Belize: Stunning Spots Not To Skip
Belize might be one of the smallest countries in Central America, but it is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. Even though there’s a lot to do on land, like dozens of Mayan Ruins, cave exploration, cultural exchange, and more; you must not miss exploring the underwater world just beyond Belize’s shores. To help you explore the countless miles of reefs and their beautiful, colorful formations, here I’ll share with you five of the best diving spots along the Belize Barrier Reef.

7 Belize Barrier Reef Facts Every Scuba Diver Should Know About
With hundreds of islands and thousands of dive sites, it's no wonder that the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef is a world-class scuba diving destination. If you are coming to Belize for a fabulous scuba diving vacation, here are seven important facts you should know: It's Really Big: The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-biggest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The Belize Barrier Reef forms approximately 35% of the total north-south length of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System but 80% of its total area.

International Sources

Hospital Addition is a Win-win for U.S. Military and Belize
Two new structures have recently appeared at the Western Regional Hospital in the capital city of Belize, one of five locations to undergo a series of renovations and expansions as part of Beyond the Horizon 2017, a U.S. Army South training exercise in partnership with the Government of Belize. The largest addition to the hospital, painted the same two-tone pink-and-coral, is an extension to the emergency room. The other structure, located at the back of the property, will house two new medical waste incinerators. Since the projects were ahead of schedule, the hospital’s administration approached the U.S. military about the possibility of an extra training opportunity, not part of the original plan.

First Ladies of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago support the Global Strategy for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents
The wife of Belize’s Prime Minister Kim Simplis Barrow and the First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago, Reema Carmona, expressed support for the regionalization of the United Nations’ Secretary General Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health 2016-2030. The Global Strategy seeks to end the preventable deaths and achieve health and well-being of women, children and adolescents; and expand enabling environments for this population to thrive. “This meeting is timely and necessary,” said Carmona during her participation in the consultation organized by the Regional Coordinating Mechanism for the adaptation of the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health to the Latin American and Caribbean context. The Mechanism is composed of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) and United Nations Secretariat for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Water Dogs: Heroes Unseen
Army Sgt. Abdiel Colon cocked his head to the distant sound of an approaching truck. “They’re here,” he said, alerting his team of soldiers. As the truck came near, the back-up alarm blared through the dense jungle foliage in a remote corner of Price Barracks, Belize. All at once, the flatbed appeared on the dirt road into the clearing, carrying three large, empty bags, like deflated balloons. Colon’s team flew into action, either running to greet the truck with a long blue fire hose, or checking the rattling generators that power a network of pumps. In a few short minutes, the three bags on the back of the truck swelled with 1,500 gallons of purified water—liquid gold, in the tropical heat of Belize.

Should We Be Eating Invasive Species?
As the effects of climate change become more apparent so too do the causes, the biggest of which being our eating habits. Industrialised agriculture and the production of meat produce more greenhouse gasses and carbon emissions than any other industry. So, with that in mind, is it time for us to change our diets? There are already two strategies for sustainable eating; vegetarianism and the more sustainable veganism, but there may be another option. Invasivorism. Invasive Species are defined as non-native species, that when introduced are either; devastating to an ecosystem (by predating on, poisoning or competing with native organisms); are cause for economic harm; or are a detriment to human health.

Secret Mexican diary sheds light on Spanish Inquisition
A story of torture, betrayal and persecution is captivating Mexicans almost 500 years after it happened. The dramatic life and death of the Carvajal family in 16th-Century Mexico is in the spotlight after a decades-long search for a national treasure came to an unexpected happy ending. Luis de Carvajal "The Young" came to Mexico - then known as New Spain - with his large, well-to-do family during the early colonisation of the Americas. His family governed part of northern Mexico and soon made enemies, including a power-hungry viceroy keen to topple him from power. The ambitious viceroy discovered that Luis de Carvajal was a practising Jew, a crime punishable by death in the times of the Spanish Inquisition

Videos

June 3, 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

2017 Hurricane Season is expected to be very active
The 2017 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season officially started on Thursday, June 1st, and meteorologists are predicting a very active season. A total of fourteen named storms, are expected this season, with seven turning into hurricanes and three of them expected to turn into major hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June first through November each year, and according to Chief Meteorologist at the Belize Meteorology Service, Catherine Cumberbatch, the predictions are alarming. Normally the season consists of about 12 named storms, four hurricanes and two major ones. “There were two main ingredients that were factored into coming up with an above normal forecast,” she explains. “One was the Enzo Paci Phenomenology in the Central Pacific, which defines if we are going to have an El Niño event or not. Second was the warmness of the North Atlantic Ocean.”

San Pedro Tour Guide Association holds general meeting
In an effort to strengthen its association, provide members with important updates, and discuss future projects, the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) held a general meeting on Tuesday, May 30th. SPTGA President Billy Leslie welcomed more than 50 guides at the San Pedro Lions Den, stating that general meetings are imperative for members to engage in. Before a presentation from Oceana in Belize, Leslie explained that the SPTGA has now partnered with Oceana to ensure that jobs, livelihoods, and Belize’s future can be kept in a pristine condition.

San Pedro Police Officers’ court trial for Central Park shooting adjourned
On Wednesday, May 31st, police officers Norman Coye and Darnell Madrill, charged for the shooting at Central Park, faced their first court session at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. Their case was briefly reviewed, but due to incomplete reports from the prosecutor, it was adjourned to Thursday, June 22nd, for a full disclosure of their case. During the court session on Wednesday, no witnesses or victims were present. Coye and Madrill could face up to seven years in jail if found guilty of their offenses.

Ambergris Today

Rainy Season Opens, Public Precautions Given To Prevent Dengue And Zika
The Ministry of Health reminds the public to be aware of the dangers of Dengue and Zika that as we enter the rainy season. These infectious diseases are transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both mosquitoes are most active in early morning and late afternoon.

Misc Belizean Sources

Department of the Environment Photo Challenge!
Enter our PHOTO CHALLENGE: #BelizeWithNature

New GOB Controlled Fuel Prices
Effective Date: 02nd June 2017. Regular and Kerosene stay the same, Premium (-59 cents) and Diesel (-38 cents) down.

Accident in San Iggy
The San Ignacio Police Formation very quiet about the cause of their police issues pick up crashing into a lamppost and a brown pick up crashing into the property of the Shell Gas Station. The incident occurred after 1 a.m. but the details are yet to be uncovered.

Full Moon Concert
June 16, 7pm at Queen Elizabeth Park. Make thisb a date. Surpassing Silence Rock Band promises to put on a grear show for the entire family. Dnt miss out!!!

Nail Technician Training June 5-28
BTEC proudly brings to you another round of Job Preparedness Trainings. This time we're doing 4 at once! Check out the flyers attached and see what suits you or click the link below to see the promo videos. And don't worry...we've extended the sign up date til 12 midday on June 5th so there's still time!!!

Cayo Day Celebrations
The 1st annual Cayo Day was a blast for everyone. "Ziplining! They had ziplining across the Macal! Wow! Great time at the 1st Cayo Day. Thanks, New Sensation Band and Tanya Carter!"

CTO Finalists in Media Awards Competition
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Announces the Finalists in Media Awards Competition and an article about Belize was shortlisted in the category: "Best Feature by a foreign Journalist that appeared in US Media."

Spotlight on Volunteers!
Ms. Martha has been volunteering at Southern Regional Hospital for 17 years! She is volunteering as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize team to check in patients. THANK YOU to Ms. Martha and all the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Beyond the Horizon partnership a success.

New docking facitity at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Hon Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture was on site yesterday for the official opening of the new docking facitity at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. This new facility will make for a safer and much more enjoyable visit by those who access the site via the New River Lagoon.

MUSEUM MAY REVIEW: Museum of Belize's Open Day-International Museum Day 2017 (May 19th, 2017)
As follow-up to May 18th, 2017 (International Museum Day), the next day (May 19th, 2017),further to our topic 'A History of Execution and the 'Death Penalty' in association with this year's theme for IMD and also coinciding with the anniversary of inmate 'Victor Lopez's' execution at the Her Majesty's Prison on May 19th,1930. The Museum of Belize (NICH) held an 'Open Day' event with video presentation on the 'Death Penalty' in Belize and educational booths with representation from Community-Based organizations/projects such as; CYDP, YCT, BTEC and the Museum of Belize. Students not only learned about the history of the death penalty in Belize but also services provided by these entities as positive alternatives to the crime element in Belize and also played interactive games and won prizes.

INTRODUCTION OF BILL PAYMENT ID SYSTEM
Developers and investors are hereby advised that it is their legal obligation to contact the Department of the Environment (DOE) prior to commencement of any project/undertaking to initiate the environmental screening process in order to address possible environmental issues associated with their project. The DOE takes this opportunity to once more remind developers and companies who have received Environmental Clearance and have signed an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) with the DOE, to be current with the environmental monitoring fee as per Section 4.0 of the ECP.

The Maya Spa Experience Brand Competition is here!
BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with the Belize Spa and Wellness Association, is hosting a nationwide “Maya Spa Experience” Branding Competition. Belizean nationals and residents, who are interested in participating, are asked to form teams of 4, of which 1 member must be a certified massage therapist. Interested teams must register by 14th June.

Bush fire in Ladyville smokes out neighborhood and "Our Lady of the Way" school in Ladyville, Belize District

Belize Immigration and Nationality notice
Notice:The persons appearing on the following lists, by country of origin, who applied for Belizean Nationality are asked to kindly contact the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department, Customer Service Desk on 822-3860, or visit the Department on any weekday between the hours of 1:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m.

Corozal Bay Sailing Club Car Wash Today

5 Day Audio/Visual Production Workshop
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and the Belize International Film Festival is pleased to partner with Professor, Steve T. Berry to present a 5 Day Audio/Visual Production Workshop for Secondary and Tertiary Level Students. Designed as an introductory course in film, participants will be provided with the basic technical, procedural, and conceptual foundations to begin training in the art of video production. Students will become familiar with the essential terminology, standard production practices, and basic design and operations of the post-production process.

OFFICIAL FLYER for the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2017
Starting with the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant on June 30th!! Don't miss the special performance by Supa G on Saturday & Sunday! Music by Belize's top DJs - DJ Odyssey The Musical Prodigy, Khris Alexander Rosado, Evolution Sounds - Pinky Evolution Boo, Kirk K-mix Evolution Enwright, Justin Jago Williams, Fyah Jaro, Djras Fyahstatah, Julian Blue Wave Pacheco, Sounds by Blue Wave Sounds - Caye Caulker

New docking facility at Lamanai
My little friends from Indian Church Government School help me inaugurate the new docking facility at Lamanai Archeological Site

Channel 7

Rochelle Chan Denies Alvarine's Allegations, Sorta
It was the week when Minister Edmond Castro's visas were cancelled, the week when 3 UDP Ministers and the Prime Minister said they wouldn't have done what John Saldivar did with the Coast Guard vessels…but Alvarine Burgess still made the biggest news when she named names at the Senate Inquiry into Immigration irregularities. She said that she had contracted Minister Boots Martinez to do immigration business for her, and that Minister Erwin Contreras did it for free because he is a family friend. We stress, both Martinez and Contreras have flatly denied doing any business with her. But one other name she did call is police officer Rochelle Chan. She said that he was the one who put her unto the immigration hustle, the one who had the names and the connections - including Chan's brother in law, Elvin Penner. Now, on Wednesday he told us she was lying, but as the supposed mastermind, this police officer of 23 years has been under immense pressure. Today, he agreed to give us a statement, or a few statements, but no interview, per se. He said he would reserve his response to her direct allegations. Here's how he put it:...

Boots Says The Embassy Wants To See Him, But Hear Why
And while Chan says he never got called into the Embassy, Minister Boots Martinez says he does have a call pending at the Embassy. But it's not about his visa; it's to come in for a green card. He says his mother had applied for him many years ago and he was recently notified that it had been approved:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "Is it something that concerns you that someday they might call you and say 'well we will rescind, revoke your visa'." Hon. Anthony Martinez: "It don't matter me sir. What would concern me they would revoke it for malicious reasons. I have right in my bag there. I have papers right in my bag from the US Embassy - my green card came up you know. My green card has come up. I have not full out the form and visit the embassy with the completed form. I am not certain if I want to be a resident at this point of the United States of America, although I am retiring. I did it, I did the filing, my mom filed for me, but I did it for the sake of my children. I have the papers right there. For me it doesn't really matter."

Drunk, No Insurance, No License Driver Crashed Into Cop Truck In Front of Police Station
Today, this picture of a banged up police pickup truck, mashed into a lamp-post in front of the San Ignacio police station started circulating on social media - and many probably just shook their heads, wearily concluding,"there they go again - destroying police property." But there are two sides to a story and the story of how that truck ended up smashed into the lamp-post, started this morning at two minutes past midnight. This security video shows a Chevy Silverado pick up barreling around the corner at Columbus Park. It rammed headlong into the police F-150 pickup that was parked in front of the police station - sending it crashing into the lamp-post. From there the Silverado turned into the street where the driver and the passengers got out and ran, and left the truck rolling - as it crashed directly into the fuel pump at the adjacent Shell gas station.

GOB Makes Plans To Tackle Ashcroft Alliance Legal Costs
This afternoon, Prime Minister Dean Barrow gathered his most senior advisers to discuss their strategy to deal with the Ashcroft Alliance's legal fees connected to the BTL acquisition. As we told you last night, a very big legal bill is coming. Well, we understand that Government received the full and final total from the Ashcroft Alliance yesterday evening - and while we don't know what it is at this time, we repeat that it is in the tens of millions of dollars. But, to clarify what we first reported last night, those legal costs are not on top of the acquisition costs: they are claimed against the 60% of the entire settlement figure. That 60% represents the amount owed through the accommodation agreement.

Cops Gone Wild On Mayflower?
Right now, Belize City Residents of the Mayflower area are very upset with police for their reckless use of deadly firearms over the weekend. On the other hand, the cops say they were defending themselves after a resident of the area, Kendis Flowers opened fire on them. Today, Flowers, was charged with 2 counts of attempted murder when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith. Flowers was remanded into custody. But there are two very different sides to this story. Here's what we have learned. Some time around 4 a.m. last Sunday morning, Kendis FLOWERS and his cousin were in front of their house on Mayflower Street, after a night out.

8 Stranded At Sea After Boat Capsized, 7 Are Found
Tonight one person is missing at sea after a tragic and terrifying boating accident. Eight Belizeans were travelling from Calderitas, to Sarteneja when their boat overturned. The passengers, all from Sarteneja, were thrown into the sea and had to find a way to survive for 10 hours at night in the open waters. It happened at around 8:00 and early this morning, nine vessels set off to search for them. Luckily seven of the eight were found alive after an hour of searching. They were holding unto improvised flotation devices, and a few were able to find lifejackets. But they had become dehydrated, and debilitated by extreme fatigue.

Special Constable Coba Killed
Keeping it in the north, there is another death to report. Last night after 10:00, police special constable 33-year-old Rigoberto Coba was killed in a motorcycle accident. It happened on one of the back roads near the BSI compound sometime last night. Coba who is from the village of Guinea Grass was riding his motorbike when he slammed into a trailer which was parked on the side of the road. He died on the spot.

Police Firearms Examiner Convicted
Tonight, the Police Department is shrouded in scandal after one of their senior firearms examiners, Orlando Vera, was convicted of acting in a corrupt manner. The Chief Magistrate has found him guilty of offering to tamper with evidence in gun charges against defendants, and now, the cases of gun convictions he was involved in may be thrown into doubt. The criminal trial against him concluded last week before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith. She heard evidence led by DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal that between June 1 and July 31 of last year, Vera offered twice to tamper with evidence against Michael Modiri so that Modiri could be acquitted. He was basically offering to take money to make a criminal charge disappear in court.

The Many Denials Of Saldivar's Actions
We all know well the Bible story which tells us that the Apostle Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus after the crucifixion. Well, it's not been quite that for Defence Minister John Saldivar - but something slightly similar happened over the past week when we interviewed four of his Cabinet colleagues - who didn't quite deny him, but said that they wouldn't do what he did. And by that we mean, they wouldn't have used government assets, for transporting a sports team they personally owned.

A Senior Pedophile
Today 65 year old Francisco Figueroa appeared in the Magistrate's Court and was charged with sexual assault. Figueroa is accused of kissing and molesting a six year old girl. He pled not guilty to the charges, but the prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that Figueroa is a Guatemalan national and is a flight risk. The prosecutor also asked that the age of the victim be taken into consideration, and that Figueroa may interfere with the child or witnesses if released. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith accepted the objection, and remanded Figueroa into police custody until September 4.

Burglar Convicted
Belize City resident Byron Tillett also appeared in court today. Tillett is accused of burglarizing the home of Phillip Wade in Ladyville. According to reports, Wade and his son left their house at around 9:30 one morning and returned just after 2 that afternoon. Wade told police that he went to the restroom as soon as they got home, and while there he heard his his son yell at somebody to get out of the house. By the time Wade came back out of the restroom, his son had already apprehended Tillett.

Belize's Best Speller
Today Belize's most talented young spellers gathered in Burrell Boom for the 2017 Bowen & Bowen National Spelling Bee - which is the 23rd time the event has been held. After beating out 500 other students from throughout the country, the 12 best primary school spellers competed to win prizes and scholarship money. And after almost three hours of intense competition, Bethel SDA Primary School's Lionel Martin, emerged victorious. We spoke to him and the second place, Gerson Makhwani, about the their performance...

Festival Of The Arts Honors Its History
Last week the Festival of the Arts started off with a lot of energy on the BTL Park stage. And all this week we've been airing the morning showcases of the best young talent live on Channel 7. We've seen elaborate performances from students all over the country, but the format and theme of the festival wasn't always like it is now - like everything else there is a history or a story behind it. And today at the 2nd Annual Vernon Leslie Memorial Lecture at the Bliss - panelists discussed the historical context of the Festival of the Arts going way back to when it all started in 1953. One of the panelists Leroy Green gave us more background.

Big Bush Fiya
The rainy season should be here already and, while we wait for it, the dry earth is burning all over Belize. Bush fires have become a regular sighting, and today there was a huge one in the Ladyville area. So huge that it could be seen for mile, and the thick, billowing smoke forced police to divert traffic between the BDF cutoff and Marage Road - unto Perez Road. The fire was controlled without damaging any property.

PM's Wife In B'dos
The Prime Minister's wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow, is finishing up a 2-day event in Barbados with Reema Carmona, the First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago. They were there to participate in the subregional consultation for the adaptation of the United Nations' Global Strategy for Women's Children's and Adolescent's Health 2016-2030. It also builds on the UN initiative Every Woman, Every Child", which a group of Caribbean First ladies, including Carmona and Simplis-Barrow, have been working on for 2 years now.

Keeping Cuban Ties
As we told you last week, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber returned from a high level state visit to Cuba. Cuba is one of Belize's key allies, lending generous assistance in the medical and sports fields. Faber discussed the ways they hope to expand that to culture, tourism and pharmaceuticals:... Faber was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of State for Health.

Channel 5

ASP Rochelle Chan Will Seek Legal Advice Over Naming in Senate Inquiry
Assistant Superintendent of Police Rochelle Chan has spoken out, but reluctantly, in response to statements made by acquaintance Alvarine Burgess in Wednesday’s public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee. [...]

Chan Says U.S. Visa Expired, Was Not Revoked
Separate and apart from the allegations made against him by Burgess, reports surfaced that Assistant Superintendent Rochelle Chan had his U.S. visa revoked by authorities. The truth is in somewhat [...]...

The Full Extent of the David Nanes Affair
The confidential report of the Immigration Department and former acting Director Maria Marin on the David Nanes Schnitzer affair has been obtained by News Five.  At the end of this [...]...

Orlando Vera Headed to Jail After Guilty Finding of Perverting Justice
In the Magistrate Court today, Ballistic Examiner, Orlando Vera learned his fate and it was not good news. Vera was found guilty of abetment to pervert the course of justice [...]...

Guatemalan Fined Over False Documents
Guatemalan national Lazaro Rafael Zaldivar Lopez has yet to pay a fine of three thousand dollars and remains in prison over the weekend. He changed a plea of not guilty [...]...

Accused Toledo Murderer Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
Forty-seven-year-old Florencio Pop who was charged with the February, 2012 chopping murder of Felix Cucul Ich in Bladden Village, in Southern Belize, was sentenced in the Dangriga Supreme court earlier this week.   This [...]...

O-S-S-U-A-R-Y Spells Victory for Toledo’s Lionel Martin at Spelling Bee
A twelve-year-old boy from a school in the deep south is the national coca cola spelling bee champ. He bested eleven other primary school students to win the title. This [...]...

Kendis Flowers Charged for Shooting at Police Officers
Well-known street figure Kendis Flowers appeared in court today where he was arraigned for the attempted murder of two police officers. According to police, Flowers fired as many as five [...]...

Cayo Police Vehicle Rammed; Driver Charged
Earlier today, pictures surfaced on social media of a police pickup, extensively damaged to the rear and front portions. A late evening release by the department states that a police [...]...

Motorcyclist Dies after Crashing into Sugar Trailers
A traffic accident on Thursday night claimed the life of thirty-three-year-old Rigoberto Coba of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District.  It happened on the Corozal Cane Traffic Road near BELCOGEN. Coba, [...]...

Progressive Party Wants Castro Investigated; Saldivar is Wrong Too
The People’s United Party has called for the removal of Minister of State Edmond Castro, following the revocation of his visa by the U.S. State Department. The Belize Progressive Party [...]...

After Drama, B.P.P. Wants “Tangible Results” from Senate Inquiry
We also asked Chairman Smith to comment on the May seventeenth showdown between supporters of the Belizeans Against Courtenay movement, particularly House macebearer Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett, and the press, [...]...

It’s Still No to the I.C.J.
Last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington broke the news that Guatemala expects to have its referendum on taking the Belizean claim to the International Court of Justice later [...]...

Cost of Living Keeps Rising
A release sent out by the Statistical Institute of Belize on Wednesday shows that the prices of goods and services regularly purchased by households were up by two point two [...]...

Denys Barrow’s Peers Honor New C.C.J. Judge
New judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Denys Barrow, was sworn in to great fanfare and approval on Thursday morning in Belize City. He is the first Belizean on [...]...

COLA Tells Robert Montero that Louis Wade Has God’s Protection
Pastor Louis Wade of Plus TV is awaiting his fate in the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court after being charged on May nineteenth with common assault and use of insulting words [...]...

The History of the Festival of the Arts
The national festival of arts concluded earlier this week. Golden performances from across the country converged at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts to showcase the best of the [...]...

A Festival for All That Jazz
There is another festival this weekend. It’s the Belize International Jazz Festival. For the third year, the festival has been a medium to increase appreciation and love for jazz music. [...]...

CEMO Declares it is Ready for Hurricane Season
We’re two days into the hurricane season, which the Met Office predicts will be above normal with a total of fourteen named storms. On Wednesday, the City Emergency Management Organization [...]...

How’s the Weather? Check the Met’s New Website
At Wednesday’s announcement of the hurricane season, the Met Service also launched their newly redesigned website. The user-friendly website has new features such as the real time display of data [...]...

LOVE FM

PM and Saldivar Differ on Views of BCG Boats
Minister John Saldivar has himself been condemned over the past days for using vessels of the Belize Coast Guard vessels to transport his team the Bandits to San Pedro for a game. Today the Prime Minister weighed in on the matter saying that, in his view, the question is whether what the Minister did was […]

Toledo’s Elysia Pop: 2017 Diana Legacy Awardee
A young Belizean student from the Toledo District became only the second Belizean to receive the prestigious Diana Legacy award. We hear more in this report from correspondent Fem Cruz. FEM CRUZ “17-year-old, Elysia Pop from Bella Vista Village, Toledo was awarded the Diana Legacy Award 2017. She is one of the twenty persons selected […]

Alvarine Burgess Says She Earned $1.5K Per Trip to Immigration
After being postponed for one week, the Special Senate Select Committee resumed its investigations into the auditor general’s reports. There was not any disruption or interruption at today’s hearing and that had to do with the increase of police presence and Senator Aldo Salazar’s stern warning. We will get to that later, but first we […]

PlusTV

Senate Hearing commences after one week postponement
The senate Select Committee commenced its hearing today after it was postponed last week at the request of the Opposition due to security concerns. This was because of the heckling of the PUP Senator, Eamon Courtenay, by a disruptive group of UDP supporters in the gallery led by UDP Party Chairman A...

Brackett and Rivers banned from Senate Hearings
The media has been trying to get Brian “Yellowman” Audinett banned from attending other hearings and a letter was sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly requesting just that. The letter was signed by all major media houses. While that request may be a long shot, today, COLA’s president, Geovan...

Former Ambassador Nisbeth testifies at Senate hearings
There were two witnesses today, the first was Former Ambasador to Taiwan Cherie Nisbeth. She was the person who in essence raised the red flag regarding Former Deputy Mayor Eric Chang’s involvement with Citizen Kim. She had sent an email to the CEO Alexis Rosado in Ministry of Foreign Affairs highli...

Alvarine Burgess testifies at Senate Hearings
In the afternoon session, whistleblower Alvarine Burgess was the witness. Burgess alleges that she and Minister Edmond Castro were business partners in a visa scheme where he recommended applicants for a fee of $2000 per visa. Burgess was not featured in the Auditor General’s report but because the ...

Amandala

Inflation hits new high
Consumer prices continue to push upwards as a result of increases in transport costs, primarily due to airfare prices and the cost of fuel at the pumps, reflecting higher world market prices as well as increased tax levies implemented by the Government to raise additional revenue for the 2017-2018 fiscal year which began in April. For the first time since 2012, the cost of goods and services procured by Belizean households has shot up beyond 2% for two consecutive months, according to data published by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). Cost of living contracted in 2015 but increased by 0.7% in 2016, according to the SIB, and since the year 2017 began, inflation rates have well exceeded that figure.

Hon. Edmond Castro “explains” the cancellation of his US visas
The U.S. State Department’s revocation of Minister of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and Transport, Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro’s diplomatic and personal visas may be an indictment of the corruption currently afflicting the Dean Barrow-led United Democratic Party government. As the Senate hearings into the corruption in the Passport and Nationality department draw near to a conclusion, it is becoming clearer with each hearing that some of Barrow’s Cabinet ministers were involved in a massive visa hustling scheme at the Immigration Department, which the US may have viewed as compromising US national security, and it caught the attention of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Ready Call Center will trim its workforce by 239
Tomorrow, June 2, Ready Call Center Ltd. will be celebrating its 12th anniversary of operations in Belize. For the company, however, it is a bitter-sweet anniversary, because a part of the company operations will cease and that will affect 239 members of its current workforce. In a telephone interview with Amandala late this evening, David Avisa, who works in the finance department of the company, said that the company, which has 7 accounts, will lose one of its accounts, and this will have an impact on the employees at the Burrell Boom junction office. Avisa said the operations at the Burrell Boom office will cease and the company will only be operating from the ICON Building, located on Newtown Barracks in Belize City.

Finally, Ministers named!
Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess took the witness stand in May 2015 in defense of herself in a defamation lawsuit in the Supreme Court filed by Hon. Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro. Yesterday, Wednesday, Burgess appeared before the Senate Select Committee inquiring into the Auditor General’s Report on the Immigration Department covering the period 2011 to 2013. At the Supreme Court hearing, Burgess proved to be a credible witness and her testimony eventually led Minister Castro to retreat from his defamation claim.

Belize’s former Ambassador to (China) Taiwan testifies at the Senate immigration hearing
The Senate Select Committee investigating the Auditor General’s report on irregularities at the Immigration Department between 2011 and 2013 met today in Belmopan at the National Assembly building after its hearing last week was postponed due to the tension created by UDP chairman Alberto August and Macebearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, who behaved in a disruptive manner in the last hearing. With additional police presence today, the Senate Select Committee heard testimonies from two persons — Cherie Nisbet, the former Belize Ambassador to (China) Taiwan, and whistleblower Alverine Burgess. Surprisingly, Ambassador Nisbet testified that no one from the Belize office in Taiwan ever attempted to contact a Honduran diplomat, Alejandro Young, through whom Belize City Deputy Mayor Eric Chan said, he had gotten to know Korean criminal Won Hong Kim.

“My vision is bigger than my disappointments.” What’s next for Kaina Martinez?
A source inside the Belize athletics community suggested over the weekend that he suspects that Belizean star sprinter, Kaina Martinez might be “going pro” after she graduates from Texas A&M University, Kingsville in a few weeks’ time. To our email query following congratulations yesterday, Kaina confided that she intends to come home in about three weeks “to deal with some things. Until then, I’ll continue to work hard.” But on the matter of entering the professional arena, she had no such plans.

Pepsi NEBL champion will be crowned Saturday night
The Pepsi NEBL 2017 champion will be crowned on Saturday night, June 3, at the San Pedro High School in San Pedro Town. The game will tip off at 9:00 p.m. between Belmopan Bandits and San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The winner of this decisive game 3 will be the Pepsi NEBL 2017 Champion. Following the game will be the presentation of individual and team awards. The game will be live on TNC.

Belmopan First Division Tournament update
The Belmopan First Division Closing Tournament 2017 continued over the weekend with 5 games at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. On Friday, May 26, in a Group B opener, Roaring Creek United shut out Wingz FC, 4-0, with goals from Amir Torres (39’), Kenny Williams (70’ & 91’) and Jermaine Joseph (90’). And in the Group A nightcap, Police FC crushed Juventus FC, 4-1, with a goal each from Kishane Pech (19’), Khalid Martinez (47’), TV Ramos (80’) and Kyle Thomas (88’). Juventus’ only goal was by Belhem Guzman (33’).

Race to the playoffs; back-to-back days of Smart 13 & Under at MCC
It is a very tight race, indeed, to the Top-4 playoffs in the 6th Annual Smart 13 & Under, Football Tournament; and two Weeks of games will be packed into the coming weekend, as a full slate of 6 games each will be played on Saturday and Sunday at the MCC. So far, no team has secured a playoff spot; but a few might be a lot closer to doing so after this weekend.

Rural North Football Tournament, weekend semifinals results
The Belize Rural North Football Tournament for the Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro Cup 2017 continued on Sunday, May 28, at the Lucky Strike Football Field with knockout semifinal games in both the U-15 and Senior categories of the competition. In game 1, (U-15) Ladyville Rising Stars and Sandhill Youths ended 1-1 in regulation. Kenroy Allen (22’) gave Ladyville the lead, but Keiron Requena (38’) equalized for Sandhill. They then went straight to penalty kicks, where Ladyville won, 5-4. In game 2, (U-15) Maskall Youths dropped Face of Belize, 3-2, on 2 goals by Joseph Morales (28’ & 36’) and the other by Trent Humes (42’). For Face of Belize, Bjarn Gabourel (38’ & 54’) got both goals.

Editorial: Washington sends a message
The United States Embassy in Belize revoked Hon. Edmond Castro’s diplomatic and tourist visas less than twenty four hours before the United Democratic Party (UDP) Transportation Minister’s great nemesis, Alvarine Burgess, was scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee inquiry into the scandals and corruption at the Immigration Department. When Alvarine did begin to answer questions late Wednesday morning, May 31, it was exactly two weeks after UDP Chairman Alberto August had led roughnecks into the National Assembly building to disrupt the Senate hearing. During the course of that fracas, the UDP-appointed mace bearer in the House of Representatives, who was one of Chairman August’s six or seven “soldiers,” had verbally and physically assaulted three members of the media – from Channel 7, PLUS TV, and KREM Radio/TV.

From the Publisher
In February of 1970 the Cabinet of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) made a decision to arrest and charge two leaders (myself and Ismail Omar Shabazz) of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) with sedition (seditious conspiracy, to be precise). That PUP Cabinet decision, I would say, began a series of events which eventually led to a massive UBAD uprising in the streets of Belize City on the night of May 29, 1972 – 45 years ago. On Monday morning of this week, the 45th anniversary of the May 1972 explosion, Lisa “Love” Myvett and Kareem “Frisco” Wallace, two KREM Radio announcers who host the “Morning Stew” show, asked me to speak on air about the events of the night of May 29, 1972. I could only give my personal observations of the night, because the principal actors in the dramatic events which followed the UBAD march were Secretary-General Norman Fairweather and two UBAD members, the late Michael Hyde (my younger brother) and Edwardo Burns (the older brother of River of Fire – the well-known poet).

So Barrow in 1995, so Saldivar in 2017!
In 1995, as the Executive Officer of the BDF Maritime Wing, I received instructions from the Commandant of the BDF to provide a boat to take some people to Caye Caulker and then on to San Pedro. The instructions, according to the Commandant, were directly from the Minister of National Security and therefore I was to ensure that we did not “screw up”. I in turn, instructed Lieutenant Valerio to command the vessel and to report to the Fort George pier in good time and in good order. Shortly before the vessel was due to depart, I got a call from Lieutenant Valerio that some people had arrived to be transported to Caye Caulker but that they were all wearing political tee shirts. He inquired what to do. My training has always been that the BDF serves the people of Belize through the democratically elected government of the day but that public resources must never be used for political purposes. On the basis of this training, I instructed Lieutenant Valerio to inform the persons at the pier that they could not ride the BDF vessel wearing political paraphernalia. They therefore had two options: remove the political tee shirts and replace it with non-political attire or be denied access to the vessel. Some people were able to place another top over the political tee shirts and some of the men reversed their tee shirts so that the political slogans were not so obvious. Satisfied that there were no glaring displays of partisanship, and after I had consulted the Commandant, the vessel departed.

My Experience on the EPI –Belize ecology course
Editor Sir, A few weeks ago, from March 24 to April 1, a group of 17 persons, including six students from Galen University, four students and a professor from Linn-Benton Community College in Oregon and two instructors from Ecology Project International (EPI-Belize), embarked on a field-based ecology course to Calabash Caye and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. We were going to learn about the ecosystems and importance of these natural resources while also learning to collect scientific data. Upon our arrival at Calabash Caye, where we spent our first five days, we, the students, were given a quick tour of the University of Belize’s ERI research facility where we were accommodated. The first step was learning how to snorkel. The majority of us, including myself, had little to no experience with snorkeling. However, our instructors, Connally Canto and Katherine Brady, graciously taught us step-by-step how to snorkel confidently. After what seemed like three nervous panic attacks for me, I finally mastered the basics of snorkeling and became comfortable to participate in all activities.

Get prepared for above normal hurricane season, Belize Met office chiefs say
Officials at the National Meteorological Service in Ladyville today said that Belizeans need to be prepared during the 2017 hurricane season, which is forecasted to have above average cyclone activity. The season begins tomorrow, June 1. Chief Meteorologist, Catherine Cumberbatch, told the press during a mid-afternoon briefing that this year is forecasted to have at least 14 named storms, higher than the seasonal average for the Atlantic at 12 named storms. The forecast also calls for 7 hurricanes, nearly double the 4 hurricanes which would strike during an average season. Meanwhile, 3 of those hurricanes may be major hurricanes, with strength of category 3 or higher – or winds higher than 110 miles per hour.

Miss Belize Universe controversy takes a new turn
In the wake of controversy over the abruptly terminated reign of Miss Belize Universe, Rebecca “Bexx” Rath, a press release was issued by Orson Elrington, who said that he was speaking on behalf of himself and Reynaldo Malik, who together own a 2/3 majority in Queen of the Jewel Ltd., saying that the statement which had been released the prior Friday by shareholder and pageant director, Opal Enriquez, was unauthorized by them. “While we own 2/3 of the company, for various reasons we have left the running of the company and its affairs to Ms. Enriquez. Moving forward that will no longer be the case,” said the release. The release added that Enriquez had resigned as pageant director on Friday, May 26, but she told us that while she did indicate to Elrington that she was resigning, she was not resigning as pageant director.

Erin Linarez, 23, missing since Tuesday morning, May 23
Erin Linarez, 23, a laborer of San Ignacio, has been missing since Tuesday, May 23. He was last seen at Remar Rehabilitation Center in Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District. According to the manager at Remar, Linarez left around 4:30 a.m. that Tuesday morning and no one has heard from him or seen him since. His mother told us today that they have formed a search party and are looking for him.

GOB does not intend to pay multi-million-dollar Newco award
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight told Amandala today that the Government of Belize “does not intend to pay” the arbitral award handed down several years ago in favor of Newco, a company which had been granted a long-term concession to run the Philip Goldson International Airport, with the deal later aborted by the Musa administration in favor of Belizean investors who were connected with members of the then administration. Official sources tell us that the tab is now in the region of US$6.5 or US$7 million due to interest accruing on the unpaid award. This January, the US Court of Appeal refused to hear a request from the Government of Belize to quash the US$4.26 million arbitral award in favor of Newco, while it also refused to hear the Government’s challenge to other arbitral awards in favor of companies connected with British billionaire Michael Ashcroft.

The Reporter

Mexican law enforcers stop their citizens who demand reopening of border bridge
Mexican law enforcers had to pull out muscle to keep order at the Subteniente Lopez border bridge this week, after Mexicans threatened another day of disturbance. The Mexican civilians, mostly merchants who sell their products on the Mexican side of the bridge, and some […]

The healing circle book of poems launched
A book of poems entitled, “The healing Circle”, was launched last week Thursday at the Saint Catherine Academy multi-purpose center. The book highlights 64 poems, penned by 17-year-old Azizi Hoy and 70-year-old Myrna Manzanarez. Both women are Belizean icons in their own right and bring […]

Cuban and Mexican embassies to host cultural musical presentations
A joint collaboration between the Mexican and Cuban Embassies to Belize will result in a cultural musical presentation showcase at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City on June 6th. The event is expected to commence at 7:00 p.m., and will gorm part of the […]

Saldivar/Defense Ministry respond to allegations of misuse of public assets
The reports that Minister of Defense, John Saldivar has used Coast Guard boats and fuel to take his privately-owned Bandits team members and their family and friends to San Pedro for scheduled games have garnered responses from Saldivar and his ministry. On Tuesday, the Ministry […]

Honduran diplomat in Belize fired for transcription error
A Honduran diplomat in Belize was fired this week after he made a grave error in translating an official communiqué regarding his country’s position on the current civil unrest in Venezuela. Honduras’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that he “dismissed” Carlos Villanueva, chargé […]

Lights, Cameras, Action! Just not in people’s bedrooms please!
People’s interactions and behaviour, particularly on the south side of Belize City, is something the Belize Police Department has started to literally zoom in on, with the acquisition of the first set of high definition surveillance cameras, strategically-placed in areas called “hot zones”.   […]

Opal back pedals on Ms. Belize status
After a firestorm of bad publicity over the apparent dethroning of Ms. Belize 2016-2017, Rebecca Rath, Opal Enriquez, former pageant organizer, has recanted her position on Rath’s status.   Enriquez had issued a release on May 26 stating “Effective Immediately, the official title of Miss Belize […]

Belize City and South Korea signs MOU
Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at City Hall last Friday with the Mayor of Yeosu, Ju Cheol Hyeon of South Korea.   The MOU was officially signed on Friday May 26, and seeks to strengthen relationships and foster developments […]

Belize city mayor address UN forum on Sustainable Development
Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley, returned from New York last week after attending the United Nations Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing Sustainable Development.   The forum was an international conference by the United Nations Economic and Social Council to discuss the implementation of sustainable […]

Mexico extends visitors card stay
Holders of Mexico’s Regional Visitors Card are advised that there has been a recent amendment that extends visitors temporary stay from 3 to 7 days.   The embassy sent out a press release last week stating that the recent amendment became effective on May 19 and […]

Delegation wraps up official visit to Cuba
A delegation consisting of government ministers and experts from Belize led by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber recently concluded an official visit to the Republic of Cuba.   The tour was held from May 22-26. Faber was accompanied by Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr. and […]

Wife stabs husband dead; DPP says self-defense
An argument between a wife and husband turned into a fight and ended in death when the husband was fatally stabbed two days before their first anniversary, but the wife has been released on grounds that she acted in self-defense.   The two got […]

Mother detained for throwing newborn in river
A Guatemalan woman and man from San Vicente village in the Toledo District are detained by police pending investigations into the death and disposal of a new born baby.   The body of the decomposed male baby was recovered from the San Vicente river by police […]

Police investigating partially decapitated body in Bella Vista
A resident of Trio Village in the Toledo district was found brutally murdered on Sunday. His head was partially decapitated, and he had multiple gunshot wounds to his chest along with chop wounds to both of his shoulders.   The body of 21-year-old Armando Alverenga […]

Three policemen in Corozal accused of extortion
Three policemen assigned to the Corozal police station have been accused of extortion, but the complainant says the three accused are still on the job and are now harassing him, even after he paid monies they demanded.   The businessman, Elijio Briceno, gave […]

Customs Broker fined for stealing
Justin Longsworth is a 29 year old customs broker accused of stealing eleven flat screen television sets from his employer, the  customs brokerage house of  Valdez Global Shipping. Last  week a  court convicted Longsworth of stealing  from his employer and ordered to pay a fine amounting to $1,100.              . It […]

Editorial
The Senate Inquiry into  passport irregularities at the  Ministry and Department of Immigration which was interrupted two weeks ago by disturbances from the gallery, resumed this week with spectacular disclosures from an acknowledged  passport player, Mrs. Alverine Burgess. She explained in detail how the scam wasrun. .      She testified that […]

PM to Saldivar: ‘Stop using Coast Guard boats!’
Prime Minister, Dean Barrow has said that the Minister of Defence, John Saldivar must stop using the coast guard vessels, gifted by the US government, for transporting his privately-owned Bandits basketball team, relatives, and fans to San Pedro for games. Barrow said he was impressed […]

Hundreds fear losing job at Ready Call
More than  100 people are faced with sudden unemployment after Ready Call, one of Belize’s oldest call centers, announced it had lost a U.S. client and would be downsizing and consolidating its operations to the ICON building on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. Ready Call’s […]

US strips Castro of diplomatic and tourist visas
The US State Department has revoked the diplomatic and tourist visas they issued to Minister of State with responsibility for National Emergency Management and Transport, Edmond Castro some years ago, but the news seems to have more effect on Prime Minister Barrow than […]

Alvarine Burgess provides explosive testimony
Whistleblower, Alvarine Burgess, this week, accused three Ministers of Government and a ranking officer of the Belize Police Department of high level immigration fraud, during her testimony to the Senate Select Committee.   Burgess took the stand on Wednesday, accusing Ministers Edmond Castro, Erwin Contreras, and […]

Central Bank loses another corresponding bank?
A new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that Belize’s Central Bank has lost another correspondent banking account, suggesting it may have been due to offering nesting services; however, the Central Bank has responded denying the claim, saying it will seek clarification from the IMF. The IMF’s latest report on the issue of correspondent banking relations (CBRs) dated March, 2017 and titled “Recent trends in Correspondent Banking Relationships” details Belize’s troubles with the “de-risking” phenomenon between 2015 and 2016, noting that major global banks terminated around 22 CBR accounts (out of 31) in 9 of Belize’s 11 commercial and off-shore banks. “The Central Bank of Belize had also lost three of its five CBRs in the same period, including one that was used to process selected wires for banks that lost CBRs. As a result, transaction costs and processing times had increased substantially,” the IMF report said.

Breaking Belize News

World Croc day June 17
The Belize Zoo and the Crocodile Research Coalition is inviting Belizeans to join them in celebrating World Crocodile Day 2017. It will be celebrated on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Belize Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The day will include games, […]

September Celebrations Theme Competition
The National Celebration Commission today announced the 2017 September Celebrations Theme Competition. The commission is inviting Belizeans living at home or abroad to submit their ideas for the theme of the 2017 September Celebrations in commemoration of the 219th Anniversary of the Battle of […]

NEMO Coordinators discuss state of readiness
National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) coordinators from around the country came together today in Belmopan for a State of Readiness meeting to mark the start of the new Hurricane Season for 2017. Minister of National Emergency Management, Edmond Castro addressed the coordinators asking that […]

Justice Denys Barrow is new Judge of CCJ
Yesterday, Denys Arthur Barrow was sworn in as Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and became the first Belizean to be sworn in to the CCJ bench. The ceremony was held at the Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City. Barrow was sworn […]

National Song Competition 2017
Belizeans are being invited by the National Celebrations Commission to highlight Belize’s rich and unique cultural heritage and to commemorate our national celebrations. The National Song Competition was created to provide professional and amateur musicians with the opportunity to create and showcase their original […]

Belmopan police officers commended for quick response
Yesterday, five officers from the Belmopan police formation were commended for their hard work. On Saturday, a vehicle belonging to Pesticide Control board was stolen along with 4000 Euros. The officers’ commitment and determination led them to the discovery of the vehicle, recovery of […]

Belizean canoe team represents in Puerto Rico
A delegation of six Belizean athletes from the Belize Canoe Association (BCA) are representing the country this week at the Puerto Rico Olympic Cup, a regional canoe and kayak competition. Amado Cruz, Bayron Cruz, Jesus Linares and James Alford; and two females, Ruth Cruz, Milenie […]

Motorcycle valued at $2000 stolen in Belize City
Police in the old capital are reporting that sometime between the hours of 11:00 p.m. on the 31st of May , and 7:30 a.m. on the 1st of June, 2017, someone stole a red 2013 Meilun brand motorcycle with license plate number MC-3784 from Anthony Francisco. According to Francisco, the motorcylce is valued at $2000 and […]

Diabetes: a growing problem for Belize
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 150 million people worldwide, living with diabetes mellitus. The WHO also says that the amount of people living with diabetes may double by 2025. Belize is not exempt from the world’s diabetes problem: data compiled […]

San Ignacio Police vehicle involved in crash
Reports reaching our newsroom are that one of the vehicles assigned to the San Ignacio Police formation crashed into a lamppost in front of the Police Station around 1 this morning. BBN has obtained pictures of the truck . Police is yet to issue […]

Blogs

Expats Are Still Falling in Love with Belize and Here’s Why
Located just a few hours’ flying time from the United States, the small nation of Belize in Central America is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations for retirees and expats. As the only country in the region where English is the official language, Belize is easy to navigate for expats, and Belize is the only other country besides the United States to still continue using miles, gallons, and other non-metric measurements. Here are other reasons why expats love Belize:

Goff’s Caye: A Stunning Island off The Coast of Belize City
In Belize, all of the offshore islands are referred to as cayes (pronounced “keys”) and Goff’s Caye is definitely one of the more popular thanks to its close location to Belize City, gorgeous sandy beaches, and healthy marine system replete with a coral reef and a foraging area for sea turtles. Belize City is separated from several nearby islands by a waterway called the English Channel. Goff’s Caye is located on the north side of the English Channel and measures just 1.2 acres. The only way to get to Goff’s Caye is by boat. There are no regular water taxi services to and from the island but many domestic charter and tour companies offer transportation to and from Goff’s Caye. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes between Belize City and Goff’s Caye.

International Sources

We Will Be Keeping An Eye On The Gulf Of Mexico This Weekend Into Next Week For Possible Tropical Development & Then The Area Around The Yucatan Peninsula Starting Around June 10th For Another Chance For Tropical Development
Current weather analysis showed a surge of moisture streaming northeastward into the Gulf of Mexico and across the Florida Panhandle. This moisture stream is from a eastern Pacific tropical depression that is making landfall in southern Mexico. The eastern Pacific tropical depression is expected to move across southern Mexico and will continue to produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding across southeastern Mexico today into this weekend. In fact, at least 2 landslides have been reported in Mexico’s Oaxaca state from the eastern Pacific tropical system. The remnants of the eastern Pacific tropical system is expected to emerge in the Bay of Campeche sometime on Saturday and then move slowly north-northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico during this weekend and into early next week. Current analysis indicates that wind shear values across the Gulf of Mexico are very high with 30 to 50 knots of shear being reported.

First Ladies of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago support the Global Strategy for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents
The wife of Belize's Prime Minister Kim Simplis Barrow and the First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago, Reema Carmona, expressed support for the regionalization of the United Nations’ Secretary General Global Strategy for Women's, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health 2016-2030. The Global Strategy seeks to end the preventable deaths and achieve health and well-being of women, children and adolescents; and expand enabling environments for this population to thrive. "This meeting is timely and necessary," said Carmona during her participation in the consultation organized by the Regional Coordinating Mechanism for the adaptation of the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health to the Latin American and Caribbean context. The Mechanism is composed of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), World Bank, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) and United Nations Secretariat for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Much Ado About Nothing: Belize PM Defends Embattled Transport Minister
Mounting calls for Prime Minister Dean Barrow to sack his Transport Minister Edmond Castro, whose US diplomatic and tourism visas were recently cancelled, have fallen on deaf ears. Barrow is standing by his minister, saying there’s no evidence of any wrongdoing by Castro. “There is no indication of any reason for the revocation of the visa,” he told reporters. The Prime Minister explained that the minister declined an invitation from the US Embassy to come in when he was invited to do so to discuss the renewal of the visas.

Belize: New WBG Country Partnership Framework

Fort Lauderdale Airport's New $200M Concourse in Southwest Terminal to Open June 30
A new $200 million launch pad for more international flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is set to open later this month inside Terminal 1, the Broward County home of Southwest Airlines. The new Concourse A passenger facility -- part of an estimated $333 million modernization and expansion project under way at Terminal 1-- is expected to begin welcoming travelers on June 30, airport officials said Thursday during a preview tour. Concourse A will sport five new gates, more restaurants and shops and a Customs and Border Protection inspection station. It will link Southwest's existing Concourses B and C through a connector building that will also offer more food and beverage and retail outlets in coming months.

Petro Caribe Has Benefitted the Caribbean
Monies from the Petro Caribe Initiative continue to assist in the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A number of presidents of Venezuela floated a number of programs aimed at assisting the Caribbean, but there was very little follow-up. However, it was the late President Hugo Chavez who unveiled what is now known as the Petro Caribe Initiative, which allowed Caribbean states to purchased petroleum products at concessionary terms. Under the Agreement signed on June 29, 2005, at Puerto la Cruz in Venezuela, petroleum products from Venezuela were and are sold to many Caribbean countries, at prevailing international market prices. It was during the administration of the late President Hugo Chavez in October 2000 that the concept of an energy agreement between Venezuela and Caribbean and Central American countries the Caracas Energy Agreement was signed. This afforded Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Panama to purchase Venezuelan oil products at low-interest.

The Caribbean advance in the adaptation of the Global Strategy for the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents
For two days, representatives of public health systems, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and civil society from 18 Caribbean countries and territories met together with the international agencies that integrate the Regional Coordination Mechanism for the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health, in order to adapt the Strategy to the context of the Caribbean. “We need to identify interventions, that are practical, affordable and impactful, while ensuring that we bear in mind the cultural, ethnic and economic diversities that make the Caribbean such a colorful, varied and interesting region of this world”, said Godfrey Xuereb, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) representative for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean.

WCU professor hoping to unlock Mayan mysteries by scanning bones
Five centuries later, a group of Mayan bones from Central America are in South Mississippi, where medical professionals are using state-of-the-art technology to study them. Dr. Jennifer Hotzman, an assistant professor of anatomy at William Carey University, is studying the bones that were excavated from Tipu, which is located in modern-day Belize, in the late 1970s. "This site was post-contact, so the Spanish had just come to this Mayan population," said Hotzman, "So what I'm interested in looking at are the juvenile remains. And I want to see what kind of impact that the Spanish had on the health and development of the children." She says she's accomplishing that by analyzing the long bones that are present to see if there were any kind of developmental delays or if they developed as we would expect them to as a healthy population. "We basically want to learn exactly how the Mayan individuals, the native population, were affected or influenced by Spanish contact," said Hotzman.

Caribbean Parliamentarians Urged to Scale Up Action Against HIV and AIDS
Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling on the region’s parliamentarians to scale up action in the fight against HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean. He said that priority must be given to tackling stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS, and removing legal and social barriers that drive the epidemic underground and limit access to prevention and treatment. He said parliamentarians must also support and advance actions for social protection of people living with HIV, and become advocates and ambassadors for HIV and AIDS in their communities, constituencies and in the Parliament.

Martinez earns top LSC honor
The Lone Star Conference office announced Friday that Texas A&M’Kingsville's Kaina Martinez was voted the 2017 LSC Female Track Athlete of the Year by the league's head coaches. Martinez earned the award for the second consecutive season and is the first Javelina female to achieve the accomplishment. Martinez, a native of Belize, placed second in the 100-meter dash at the 2017 NCAA Track and Field Championships with a time of 11.58 seconds, seventh in the 200 (24.10) seconds and was part of the women's 400-meter relay team who ran an impressive 44.98-second time to place third. Martinez along with LaGae Brigance, Keandria Taylor and Plaserae Johnson went gold in the 400-meter relay in the conference championships (45.32 seconds).

Invasive lionfish had no measurable effect on prey fish community structure across the Belizean Barrier Reef
Invasive lionfish are assumed to significantly affect Caribbean reef fish communities. However, evidence of lionfish effects on native reef fishes is based on uncontrolled observational studies or small-scale, unrepresentative experiments, with findings ranging from no effect to large effects on prey density and richness. Moreover, whether lionfish affect populations and communities of native reef fishes at larger, management-relevant scales is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lionfish on coral reef prey fish communities in a natural complex reef system. We quantified lionfish and the density, richness, and composition of native prey fishes (0–10 cm total length) at sixteen reefs along 250 km of the Belize Barrier Reef from 2009 to 2013. Lionfish invaded our study sites during this four-year longitudinal study, thus our sampling included fish community structure before and after our sites were invaded, i.e., we employed a modified BACI design. We found no evidence that lionfish measurably affected the density, richness, or composition of prey fishes.

Videos

June 2, 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

NDACC highlights effects of tobacco with a variety of activities
On Tuesday, May 30th, National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), joined by Projects Abroad, students, teachers, and community members met at the Central Park to participate in the ‘World No Tobacco Awareness Walk and Poster Competition’. The gathering proudly marched with their handmade posters depicting the dangers of tobacco. The walk proceeded to the roundabout at the San Juan Area, and headed back down through Pescador Drive, culminating at the park. As part of the celebrations, a poster competition had been held, and on Wednesday, May 31st, Romero announced the winners. In first place, five students from Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) won $75 in cash: Marries, Madison, Edwardo, Brigel and Marwa.

Institute of Archeology intervenes on demolition of Maya mound in San Pablo Area
After the partial disturbance of a Maya mound in the San Pablo neighborhood, south of San Pedro Town, the Institute of Archeology (IA) has issued a stop order to halt any further development. The Mayor said that the site is part of San Pedro Town’s cultural heritage, which might even have a connection with Santa Cruz, Marco Gonzalez, or any other archeological site on the island. He is hoping that the Ministry of Natural Resources can exchange the property with the owner, and swap it for another piece of land. The IA is currently in the process of excavating the site to retrieve its Maya remnants and record its data, and the community is grateful that further development has stopped. Brown, along with the Mayor, look forward to having the site put back into its original condition, cleaned up and registered as an archeological site.

Ministry of Defence accused of inappropriate use of resources
The Minister of Defence, Honourable John Saldivar is being monitored following reports of inappropriate use of resources after he was allegedly caught using coast guard vessels to shuttle his basketball team (Belmopan Bandits) to and from Ambergris Caye for various sporting activities. The issue also received reaction from the Embassy of the United States, since the vessels were donated by the American Government. In view of such accusations, the Ministry of Defence issued a press release on Tuesday, May 30th, justifying the use of the vessels. Reports of the inappropriate use of the coast guard vessels came to light on May 25th, when the U.S Embassy acknowledged the reports.

San Pedro Lions celebrate 39th Annual Convention
From Friday, May 26th through Sunday, May 28th, Lions and Leos of the Lions Zone 59 attended the 39th annual National Convention in San Estevan, Orange Walk. After three days of activities, the San Pedro Lions returned home with a total of five awards. President Nigel Belisle told The San Pedro Sun that on Friday night, the San Pedro Lions presented a demonstration of the San Pedro Lions Club’s many services and accomplishments. From bingo night, BBQ sales, various fundraisers, eye screening programs, Mosquito Coast Park, to the recently launched eye clinic, the Club has been tirelessly active within the community.

Ambergris Today

Belize Met Service Launches New Website - Hurricane Season Starts Today
We know that Belizeans are more looking forward to Lobster Season than the Hurricane Season this year, but we cannot ignore the fact that the hurricane weather phenomenon is inevitable and we have to make preparations every year to stay safe. Last year Hurricane Earl was a major blow to Belize, particularly major damage to almost all over-the-water structures on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. An above-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year, but that does not mean that Belize will get struck by a hurricane. It just means that we must all be prepared.

World No Tobacco Day Awareness Walk And Poster Competition
As part of World No Tobacco Day, the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) hosted a poster competition and arranged a No Tobacco walk on Tuesday May 30, 2017 starting from the Central Park. Winners of the Poster competitions are as follows: First Place: Marries, Madison, Edwardo, Brige and Marwa from the Isla Bonita Elementary School, Prize: $75.00 Cash. Second Place: Caroline Sersland and Anna Garcia from Isla Bonita Elementary School, Prize: $50.00 Gift Certificate from Sand Bar.

Misc Belizean Sources

Placencia Breeze June 2017
What’s Inside Pg 3 Recycling at Lobsterfest Pg 5 Tour Guide Training / Lobsterfest Vendors Form Pg 7 From the Fire Hearth - Lobster and Mangos / Lobsterfest Duck Race Pg 9 Seine Bight News Pg 10 Lobsterfest Raffle Prizes Pg 11 Croc Corner / POV Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 Beach Cleanup / Placencia Lobsterfest Art Winner Pg 20/21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 PHS News Pg 23 Pop-up Placencia Pooch Parlour! Pg 24 Rotary News / 11th Battle Cancer Walk/Run Pg 25 Chocolate Festival Pictures Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 Fitness Page Pg 28 Cruise Ship Passengers arriving in Placencia Pg 29 Placencia Regatta Winners Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events

Succotz Culture Fair 2017
Save the date!! The 3rd Annual San Jose Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair is coming up in exactly 1 month! Look out for more details!

A Tropical Night Out
A Tropical Night Out - A Rotary Club of Belmopan's Fundraising Event! June 10th, 2017 at Civic Center, Belmopan City. Come and enjoy a fun night out in Belmopan with the #1 Band in the land, Gilharry 7 Band!!! Starts 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and includes a Belize Duck Race Ticket! How awesome is that!?! Food and Drinks will be on sale! Call 607-3884 for tickets!

Today in Belize's history in the year 1797
fourteen men from the Belize River Valley paddled into Belize Town to cast their vote in favor of staying to defend The Belize Settlement against an impending attack by Spanish troops. Of these 14 men, 11 had never previously attended any Public Meetings in the settlement. When the vote was taken 51 voted in favor of evacuation, while 65 voted in favor of defense. The votes of these 14 men made the difference . We are here because they were here!!!

Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize
16,834! That's how many patients were seen at the amazing Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize free medical clinics across Belize! Thank you and BRAVO!

San Pedro Traffic Department Bicycle Safety Poster contest
Primary School Students, create a poster for Bicycle Safety, hand your poster into the San Pedro Traffic dept for a chance to win a NEW Bicycle, (donated by SP hardware). Use your artistic skills to promote Bicycle safety. Closing date Friday 23rd June 2017. Good luck.

MUSEUM MAY REVIEW: The PANAMA Photographic Exhibit Launch 2017 (May 18th, 2017-Evening)
The Museum of Belize (NICH) in collaboration with the Embassy of Panama was proud to launch 'PANAMÁ: COSTUMBRES Y TRADICIONES', as a part of our International Museum Day celebration. This photographic exhibit highlights contrast between the Belizean and Panamanian culture not to mention varying connections between both countries' culture and practices. 'PANAMÁ: COSTUMBRES Y TRADICIONES' is now opened to the viewing public until July 18th, 2017!

Bark and no Bight
I hope you are all entertained Hope the anxiety, eases you pain The PUDP Select Committee is in vain Belize is playing PUDP’s game This inquiry is to keep the Opposition tame It’s all a blasted game No one will be fined Non one we be confined All they are doing is marking time To distract you from re registration time

PANCAP REGIONAL PARLIAMENTARIANS FORUM CONCLUDES WITH CALL FOR NON-PARTISAN APPROACH TO ISSUES RELATED TO STIGMA, DISCRIMINATION AND HIV TRANSMISSION
Deputy Secretary General, CARICOM Secretariat, challenges parliamentarians to implement CARICOM Model Anti-Discrimination Bill Regional parliamentarians, civil society leaders and UN partners at the PANCAP Regional Parliamentarians Forum, Wednesday May 31, 2017 Wednesday, May 31, 2017 (PANCAP Coordinating Unit, CARICOM Secretariat): The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Regional Parliamentarians Forum, 30 - 31 May, Kingston, Jamaica, concluded with recommendations from parliamentarians on a non-partisan approach to issues related to stigma, discrimination and HIV transmission.

Rainy Season Opens, Public Urged to Take Precautions to Prevent Dengue and Zika
The Ministry of Health reminds the public to be aware of the dangers of Dengue and Zika as we enter the rainy season. These infectious diseases are transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both mosquitoes are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Activities that should be done to prevent Dengue and Zika include: - Avoid having containers that can collect water in your yard, especially tires; - Cover water storage containers such as drums; and - Change the water in flower pots every 4 or 5 days.

Theme for the September Celebrations
The National Celebrations Commission makes calls for submission of theme for the September Celebrations and submissions for the Song Competition.

"Festival of Arts: A Historical Perspective"
Join us today at The Bliss Center...as UWI & The National Festival of Arts present the 2nd Annual Vernon Leslie Memorial Lecture - "Festival of Arts: A Historical Perspective".

Library Tour of St. Francis Xavier Primary School!
Visitors were the infants! They were well behaved and made the Library shine with their happy faces!

Corozal Rotary Club 2017 Raffle
Good evening everyone....we wanted to let everyone know we will be outside Carlos Orio' computer store "Office Solutions", 4th Avenue on Friday morning 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to sell Raffle Tickets for the HOT Motorcycle. We will have the bike there at Carlos' Friday to see. We will be awarding at Art in the Park July 15th. Come down and get your chance before the tickets are sold out!!!

Men @ Work Art Exhibit
You are kindly invited to the launch of Men @ Work Art Exhibit showcasing creations by ten Corozal cultural artists of various genres including paintings, jewelry, carvings, furniture and more. Please join us at 7pm this Friday June 2 for a night of artistic appreciation.

Succotz Culture Fair 2017
The 2017 Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair is on June 25th. They'll have food, fun, and a Maya ball game. "Save the date!! The 3rd Annual San Jose Succotz Archaeology and Culture Fair is coming up in exactly 1 month! Look out for more details!"

Morena Son arrives today for Belize International Jazz Festival
They perform Saturday at the Mexican Institute & Sunday at the Opening Concert at Memorial Park

Placencia Municipal Pier Inauguration
Photographs

Stann Creek ITVET Grant
The U.S. Embassy in Belize is proud to support the Stann Creek ITVET as it implements a three-year grant aimed at creating economic opportunities for at-risk youth through the provision of skills and trade. We accomplish this through a series of educational programs: Information Technology, basket weaving, jewelry making, wood carving, cosmetology and baking. To date, the program has benefited more than 200 students. Some of the participants have gone on to open their own business or are gainfully employed. This funding is made available via the Central America Regional Security Initiative Economic Support Fund (CARSI ESF) in order to provide youth and marginalized communities with productive alternative activities that increase education and leadership opportunities. The goal is to reduce incidents of crime and violence by providing these types of opportunities to at-risk youth. Since 2013, the U.S. Embassy has provided nearly US $7.5 million in CARSI ESF grants to several NGOs working towards improving opportunities for Belizean youth.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
The LEGO Batman Movie, A Cure for Wellness , Life, Colossal

Channel 7

PM Finds Silver Lining In Castro Visa Cancellation
Since UDP Minister Edmond Castro's two US visas were cancelled earlier this week - most informed observers have concluded that the US State Department is sending the Barrow Cabinet a stern and strong message. But the Barrow administration has been busy looking for a silver lining in this dark cloud which has cast a long shadow over the Cabinet room - where other ministers who signed an immigration recommendation or two, might well be concerned that Uncle Sam is watching them too. Today, we got a chance to speak with the Prime Minister about it at another event. He gave the most charitable interpretation possible to the cancellation. Here's how he put it:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I am to some degree, perplexed, because I only know what I have heard from Minister Castro and what I have seen in a letter that he shared with me from the US Embassy meaning that there is no indication of any reason for the revocation of the visas except that the minister declined to come in when invited to do so to discuss the whole issue of renewal of the visas since those visas were about to expire."

Opposition Leader Briceno Says Fire Castro
So, while that's the Prime Minister's position on the cancellation of Castro's visas by the US, Opposition Leader John Briceno says that the Prime Minister should fire Edmond Castro from his Cabinet. Briceno was on a roll yesterday, taking questions on a number of controversies facing the Barrow Government right now. When the press asked him about Castro, he didn't skip a beat while reminding how the PUP handled it when Max Samuels faced the same issue: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "I think it's shameful and disgraceful that we have now a sitting minister who the US government has decided to canceled his visa and we need to ask the question why. Why would the United States government canceled a sitting minister's visa? Not only his tourist visa, but even his diplomatic visa."

Boots Bothered By Cancellation of Diplomatic Visa
But, as Briceno correctly pointed out, revoking a diplomatic Visa is quite severe. And, for once, his UDP opponent Boots Martinez agrees with him. Yesterday he told us that it does bother him that Castro, his Cabinet colleague was stripped in that fashion: Hon. Anthony Martinez: "The reasons would bother me. Like why would you want to revoke a diplomatic visa? I could understand the ordinary visa, but a diplomatic visa to me is a slap in the face. That is just my view."

PM Says Saldivar Won't Do It Again
And while the Prime Minister has argued - perhaps not so convincingly - that Castro's Visa might have just come to a natural end - he cannot say the same for John Saldivar's use of a Coast Guard vessel for his basketball team. Let's just say, it's almost an international incident - because we are told the US has made its displeasure known at the official level, and in the press. Today the Prime Minister said it's an exercise of poor judgement but not the end of the world:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "We heard the Americans, the US Embassy officials have made some level of official complaint, made their displeasure known, and they've made it known as well to the press in a statement to the reporter."

Boots Wouldn't Have Done It Either
And just like the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, Saldivar's Cabinet colleague Boots Martinez said he wouldn't have done what Saldivar did, but that doesn't make it wrong:... Jules Vasquez, 7News: "How do you view this sort of thing being a former team owner yourself?" Hon. Anthony Martinez: "Put it this way, for me I think it would be difficult for me to do that. But apart from that I see no problem really. There is a social component in life you know. In my view as I understand it, Mr. Borland said that Minister Saldivar provided the gasoline for the boat and he see no problem with it. There is a social component, it's not just criminal you should chase all about the world, there is in my view a social component. I would have find it difficult to do it, but it is a social component."

Opposition Leader says Misuse of Coast Guard Vessels Very Bad For Barrow Admin.
But, while the Prime Minister says that there will not be a repeat of the use of the Coast Guard boats as a sports ferry, the Opposition Leader says that this should not have happened in the first place. By his interpretation, this is just another fatal strike against the Barrow Government: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "Here we have now no other than the minister of defense using these boats that have been donated for a specific purpose, for our security and for the fight against drugs and the Minister of Defense is using those vessels for his own personal use, for his basketball or football team or whatever team that he has. It is wrong and what he is doing, he is putting this country at risk, because the donors I am told are very upset and they donors could very well decide that you know what, if this is what you are going to do, if this is the abuse you're going to have, we are going to stop assisting our country."

PM Says Yellowman Was Wrong, But Not Wrong Enough to Be Fired
And then to that other subject that's been getting so much bad press for his administration. We're referring to the incident where Brian "Yellowman" Audinett threatened and assaulted the media. Barrow has been silent on it both as Party Leader and Prime Minister - but today he made it clear that the Mase-bearer's actions were inexcusable. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I think that Yellowman's behavior is absolutely regrettable. What the chairman of the party wished to do, attempted to do: shine a light on Eamon Courtenay and the PUP and their hypocrisy and political dishonesty was well done. But Yellowman's behavior in terms of the media cannot be countenanced and so I certainly deplore it, out of hand. Again, though, as I understand he sent a letter of apology to the speaker - I think it would be good if he also sent a letter of apology to the media, in particular to you, madam."

PUP Keeps Up Pressure On Yellowman
So, despite the Prime Minister's insistence that he does not support Yellowman's removal from the position of Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly, the Opposition is not backing down. Yesterday, John Briceno said that both the Sergeant at Arms and Party Chairman Alberto August acted disgracefully, and that should not be overlooked.

Brother Barrow Sworn In As CCJ Judge
Denys Barrow is one of the most well-known and well-respected attorneys in the country and the region. The younger brother of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, has been at the top of the legal profession for more than two decades. Barrow has also been a judge on the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the Belize Court of Appeal, and now he is taking his years of experience and knowledge to the highest ranking court in the region. Barrow was officially elevated to the Caribbean Court of Justice as a Judge this morning, becoming one of seven judges on the court, and the first Belizean to hold the position. It's a great honor and today he was showered with honors and tributes from the legal community. The day started with his official elevation and swearing in overseen by the head of State, Governor General Sir Colville Young, and the President of the CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron.

PM Shares in Brother's Bench Big-Up
The Prime Minister also attended today's swearing in, both as proud big brother and the Head of Government. PM Barrow said it is a great honour, but he doesn't grudge his brother: Jules Vasquez, 7News: "How do you feel fraternally?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Well it's a great day for him and clearly a great day for the family of which I am a part and a great day for Belize. So congratulations all around."

Who Will Replace Denys Barrow As Government Attorney?
But, Denys Barrow's departure means that Government is in immediate need of an accomplished Senior Counsel to take on the mountain of litigation it has to contend with - mostly from the Ashcroft Alliance. The PM says they will have to look to the wider region to find the right fit:.. Jules Vasquez, 7News: "As he leaves, from a tactical perspective, the government loses its best and most expensive attorney. How does this affect you going forward knowing that there are many battles still to be fought?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "It is a huge void to fill, but naturally we will manage. There is going to be a combination I think of local representation together with one or two lawyers drawn from the wider Caribbean."

Ashcroft Alliance Expected To Appear With Whopping Legal Bill
And one case the government will definitely need some very senior counsels for is the pending matter of the settlement costs with the Ashcroft Alliance. In September 2015, Barrow met with Ashcroft and agreed to settle the BTL acquisition case - but it came at a dear cost - almost half a billion dollars. But, now, that could go up by many millions more, because he also agreed to pay Ashcroft's legal costs. The bill for that is reportedly being submitted this week - and it's huge. Barrow told us he will fight it:... Jules Vasquez, 7News "What is the quantum of that? We're told it is in the many scores of millions of dollars?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Well so I've heard. No question at all, but that we will challenge the quantum. You're right the settlement agreement does provide for the Ashcroft Alliance to recoup its expenses."

Ready Call Going Through Changes, 100+ Jobless
Tomorrow the Ready Call Center celebrates it's 12th anniversary in Belize. While there may be a cocktail or even a party for the staff and employees, something even more significant will be happening: the operations up at their Burrell Boom office will be shut down. It's bitter sweet because some workers will be accommodated at Ready Call's shiny ICON building in the City, while others - as many as 100 - will have to say their good byes and move on, at least for now. Courtney Weatherburne has more details. Anita Garbutt, Employee: "I'm from Orange Walk and normally to get here I have to wake up about around 6:00 in the morning, wake up do what I need to do, go out get the bus by 7, get here for my shift which is at 9:00."

Man Arrested For Stealing Hilux From His Employer
He was accused of stealing a HILUX from his own employer, and now Kareem Harvey has been charged with Aggravated Burglary. Police caught the 23 year old resident of Poison Wood Street in Belmopan in the vehicle on Saturday after his boss, the female Manager of the Pesticide Control Board in Central Farm reported to police that he held her up at gunpoint and put a plastic bag over her face. He snatched her purse with 4000 Euros and sped off in the Hilux and sped off with his loot. Harvey had been working with the Ministry of Agriculture for a year.

Alvarine Makes Allegations Against Another
We've already shown you huge chunks of yesterday's Senate Hearings on Immigration where Alvarine Burgess took the stand and alleged that she did immigration business with UDP Ministers Edmond Castro, Boots Martinez and Erwin Contreras. All three ministers have denied her claims. She also named Police Officer Rochelle Chan as the supposed mastermind, who recruited her, and he told us she's lying. But there was one other person she accused in her testimony from yesterday. He is immigration officer George Reynolds.

Alvarine And Aldo Rounds 1 Thru 15
So, we've given you a summary of most of the important parts of the testimony that Alvarine Burgess gave to the Senate Select Committee. But, as she was giving her narrative of the way the visa business worked at the Immigration Department, there were a number of instances that she and Chairman Aldo Salazar clashed on the details. As viewers are aware, he was very resistant to her appearing in the first place, and so, he was definitely her toughest cross-examiner. That led to numerous sparring matches between the two, and we've put together a few of them for you to decide if her story withstood his scrutiny:

Former Ambassador Nisbet's Testimony
Burgess was the second witness for the day; the first was Cherie Nisbet, the Former Belize Ambassador to Taiwan. She basically broke the whole story when she sent and email to her bosses at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which she alerted them that Former Deputy Mayor Eric Chang attempted to visit Won Hong Kim, who was in a Taiwanese detention center. In that email, she told her bosses that Chang called her "in a panic" asking her to urgently issue a visa to 2 South Korean nationals who "NEED" to go to Belize. She said that she inquired about the emergency, because she needed to be satisfied of the specifics to justify issuing the emergency visas. She said that Chang told her that he would have to call a "minister" in Belize to issue the visas upon arrival.

PM Says Hearing Should Continue
The hearings continue next week when Immigration Minister Godwin Hulse is expected to testify. But, how long will they continue after that? We've heard UDP politicians pushing for it to come to close. Just yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister said it has served its useful purpose and is now turning into a political witch hunt more than it is a legitimate inquiry. Surprisingly today the Prime Minister said he doesn't agree. He thinks it should continue, for a time:..

What Will Be Security Procedures Going Forward
But what will be the security provisions going forward? And who will be allowed to watch the hearings? Yesterday, the UDP Chairman Alberto August and his group called "Belizeans Against Courtenay" dominated the gallery while grassroots activists Geovannie Brackett and Raymond Rivers were denied entrance. Briceno - who was in there with a few PUP supporters and area reps - said that this was unequal treatment:

Getting NEMO On Page
Today marks the official start of the hurricane season, so NEMO and other emergency management agencies gathered at in Belmopan for a "state of readiness" review. The agencies assessed their current state of preparedness for any major natural disaster, and and strategies for response. the National Disaster Coordinator at NEMO, Col. Shelton DeFour spoke to the media today about the review... Natural disaster response organizations throughout the country will be on high alert until November 30. And while hurricanes are a visceral threat, don't forget about regular rainy weather. June first is the start of the rainy season and the Ministry of Health reminds the public to be aware of the dangers of Dengue and Zika - which are spread by mosquitoes. They remind the public to discard containers that can collect water in the yard, especially tires, to Cover water storage containers such as drums because these are ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Channel 5

C.C.J. Welcomes Newest Judge Denys Barrow
The big day arrived for Senior Counsel Denys Barrow, who this morning became the seventh and final member of the Caribbean Court of Justice and will shortly be off to [...]

P.M. Says No Impropriety Behind Revoked Visa
Prime Minister Dean Barrow broke his silence today in respect of a raft of issues plaguing his administration. First, there is the embarrassing cancellation of Edmond Castro’s diplomatic and tourist [...]

P.M. Distinguishes Castro Circumstances from Max Samuels
In her testimony before the Senate Special Select Committee on Wednesday, whistleblower Alvarene Burgess attested that the U.S. Embassy is in possession of an audio recording in which Castro can [...]

Who Will Replace Denys in Fight Over B.T.L. Settlement?
Judge Barrow’s departure to the seat of the CCJ leaves behind a vacuum, as not only was the venerable attorney government’s chief legal counsel; he is also recognized as its [...]

Expenses for B.T.L. Settlement Will Go to the C.C.J.
As the PM has openly stated, litigation over the remaining B.T.L. bill will certainly be taken up at the CCJ level, notwithstanding the presumed total that’s left to be paid. [...]

P.M. Puts Confidence in Coast Guard in Wake of Saldivar Scandal
Is the owner of the Belmopan Bandits, Minister of Defense John Saldivar, justified in using coast guard vessels to ferry members of his basketball club to San Pedro on game [...]

Barrow Declares It Will Not Happen Again
The use of the boats, says the prime minister, isn’t a decision that he would have taken; however, he says that Saldivar will not be using those vessels for future [...]

Newborn’s Parents Detained after Callous Disposal in River
Police investigations continue in the south following an act of infanticide. Police say that after twenty-nine-year-old Santos Cac Asig gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday, she threw the [...]

P.M. Says Spare “Yellow Man”
The conduct of Yellow Man during the May seventeenth meeting of the Senate Special Select Committee has been widely condemned, following verbal threats he made to members of the media [...]

“Yellow Man” Responsible, Says Finnegan, But Should Not Be Dismissed
Because of his unbecoming behavior, there are loud calls for Yellow Man’s removal since as mace bearer he should be upholding the dignity of the House.  Senior Minister Michael Finnegan [...]

Faber Says “Yellow Man” Will Also Be Discussed by U.D.P.
Yellow Man will get his day before the National Assembly Staff Committee. They will decide what course of action, if any, will be taken following the Mace-bearer’s behavior at the [...]

How Alvarene Burges Was Introduced to Rochelle Chan
Wednesday’s public hearings of the Senate Special Select Committee were dominated by a woman whose name never appeared in the Auditor General’s Special Report on Immigration 2011-2013. But Alvarene Burgess [...]

Burgess Worked with Boots, Did Not Pay Contreras
While Edmond Castro was Alvarene Burgess’ main contact, on a few occasions, she had to go elsewhere to get recommendations when he was out of the country. Once, she turned [...]

Recommendation Rubberstamp: Alvarene Says the Hustle Continues
Burgess testified that, to her knowledge, no visa for which she obtained a minister’s recommendation was rejected.  This buttressed previous testimony that Immigration staff considered a minister’s intervention tantamount to [...]

P.U.P. Throw Support Behind Alvarine Burgess
Reaction to the testimony of Alvarene Burgess has been sharply divided along political lines. The Government’s supporters believe she has no basis for her claims; the Opposition has largely cheered [...]

Senate Inquiry Not Done Yet, But Costs Keep Piling Up
Chairman of the Senate Special Select Committee, Aldo Salazar says there are only few witnesses left to testify before the committee and his recommendation is for an early end to [...]

P.U.P. to Call Out Gaspar Vega at Next House Meeting
Orange Walk North area representative and former Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega has not attended a single meeting of the House of Representatives since October last, after resigning from Cabinet. [...]

On 12th Anniversary, Ready Call Center Will Cut Jobs
One of the biggest private sector employers is trimming down the size of its work force. And the jobs of at least two hundred and thirty employees are on the [...]

D.P.M. Speaks of Closer Ties with Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, along with Ministers Manuel Heredia Junior, and Minister Angel Campos concluded an official visit to the Republic of Cuba on Monday. The delegation met with Cuba’s [...]

Man Charged for Stolen Agriculture Hilux; Cops Honored
Twenty-three-year-old Kareem Harvey, a resident of Poison Wood Street in Belmopan, has been charged with Aggravated Burglary in reference to a 2016 government-owned Toyota Hilux, stolen from an employee of [...]

Further Violence Reported at Old Border Crossing
There has been further violence at the old border crossing at Subteniente Lopez, Chetumal.  According to a report on POR ESTO, contrabandistas resorted to extreme violence at midday on Wednesday to [...]

Frank Lizama’s Name Tied to Skills Training Center in Collet
For the past five years, we have shared with you many stories of the Skills Training Center in the Collet Division since it opened its doors. But on Wednesday, the [...]

Healthy Living: Milk Still Does a Body Good
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations celebrated the first World Milk Day in 2001. It was meant to be a day to remind people across the world [...]

CTV3

PM Barrow Speaks On Castro's Visas Revocation
The news that UDP Minister Edmond Castro’s U.S. tourist and diplomatic visas were revoked by the United States Embassy has resulted in political embarrassment for the Barrow Administration. Yesterday Opposition Leader Hon. John Briceno called on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to get rid of Castro, but today when Barrow addressed the matter, he went to bat once again for his embattled Cabinet colleague.

What Is The Future OF Yellowman
But while Castro escaped public chastisement, Macebearer Brian “Yellowman” Audinette was not so lucky. You would recall that Yellowman and UDP Chairman Alberto August led disruptions of the Senate hearing two weeks ago. Yellowman even turned on members of the media and assaulted three, including Krem News’ Director Marisol Amaya. Prime Minister Barrow had not commented on the issue until today when he made himself available to interviews. He said while he supports August’s campaign, he decries Yellowman’s actions.

PM Measures Words When Speaking On Saldivar's Use Of US Vessels
The Prime Minister was on damage control mode today, responding to a number of controversies that have surfaced over the past weeks. Another is the admitted report that coast guard vessels were used to ferry members of sports teams privately owned by the Minister of Defense, John Saldivar. There are reports that the donors of the vessels are not happy with the situation, but Prime Minister Barrow was measured in his criticism claiming that while the Minister has ensured that it will not happen again, his intentions were good natured.

Domestic Exports Up By 2.2 Percent For April 2017
Yesterday we brought to you the latest figures as it pertains to the country’s consumer price index and total imports for the month of April 2017. While the price of goods saw an overall increase of 2.2 percent compared to April of last year, imports decreased. But the same cannot be said about our country’s total domestic exports for April 2017 which grew by 3 percent or $1 million amounting to a total of $35.7 million in comparison to April 2016.

LOVE FM

Ambassador Nisbet Recounts Eric Chang’s Desperation for Belizean Visa
Before Alvarine Burgess gave an attention grabbing testimony, the former Belize Ambassador to Taiwan, Cherie Nisbet appeared before the committee. At the time when former UDP Belize City Deputy Mayor, Eric Chang, attempted to visit South Korean Wong Hong Kim, she was contacted by Chang who was urgently requesting a visa for two South Korean […]

Onlookers Warned Not to Disrupt Senate Proceedings
Before the commencement of today’s Senate Hearing, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aldo Salazar gave a stern warning to members of the gallery. Senator Salazar warned that he would clear the entire gallery if the hearing was interrupted or disrupted by anyone in anyway. More police officers were present for today’s hearing. The chairman […]

Statistical Institute Says Sugar is Belize’s Top Export Earner
Consumer prices rose on average by two point two percent during April as compared to the same period last year. The latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize show that for the first four months of 2017, a year-to-date inflation rate of one point nine percent was recorded. The rise in airfare prices is […]

Castro Has No Interest in the United States
Late yesterday evening Minister Edmond Castro issued a statement on the US Embassy’s cancellation of both his tourist and diplomatic visas. According to the Government Minister, no reason was given to him for the decision but they did extend an invite for him to go into the Embassy to seek another approval. In his statement, […]

Briceno Wants Castro Fired From Cabinet
While Minister Edmund Castro has expressed no interest in learning why the US Government revoked his tourist and diplomatic visa, the Leader of the Opposition is very interested in knowing the reason. John Briceno told the media this afternoon that the Prime Minister needs to fire Minister Castro. JOHN BRICENO “I think it’s shameful and […]

LOO Says Defence Minister Put Belize At Risk for the Bandits
The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, then shifted his attention to Minister John Saldivar. Saldivar has come under heavy criticism surrounding the use of the Belize Coast Guard vessels to transport Bandit basketball players to San Pedro for a game. In an interview yesterday, Commander of the Belize Coast Guard, Admiral John Borland, explained […]

Mother of Murder Victim Outraged at DPP’s Decision
The mother of 31-year-old, Glen Ramirez Junior has expressed outrage at the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions surrounding her son’s killing. Agnes Ramirez told Love News that there was more to the entire situation and that a proper investigation was not conducted by the authorities. To add to that, she is of the […]

2017 Hurricane Season Will Be Above Normal
In a few hours, the hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin will officially open with a prediction of an above normal season. The Chief Meteorologist, Catherine Cumberbatch along with her deputy, Derrick Rudon hosted the media at a press brief today to speak about what can be expected. CATHERINE CUMBERBATCH “The forecast has been released […]

CEMO – Ready to Be Activated
The City Emergency Management Organization today held a press briefing to present the city’s preparedness for the hurricane season and other emergencies. Councilor responsible for Emergency Management in the City Phillip Willoughby says they have been working throughout the year and are well prepared to handle emergencies. PHILIP WILLOUGHBY “Our partnering agencies and stakeholders within […]

Belize Port Authority, Coast Guard’s New Neighbour
A three storey concrete structure was inaugurated this morning just next to the Belize Coast Guard off the George Price Highway. That edifice which was constructed at a cost of about one point seven million dollars is now housing the offices for the Belize Port Authority. On hand to declare the facility open was Minister […]

PlusTV

Edmond Castro’s Visas revoked
US Visas of the the Minister of Transport and NEMO, Edmond Castro, were revoked. A press release from his office was issued yesterday saying that “Castro has been given notification by the United States Embassy that his Diplomatic and Tourist visas have been revoked, and that no specific reason was...

Castro not worried about revoked VISA
As we said, Castro says in his press release issued yesterday that he once held a US Permanent Residency or Green Card, which he turned in eight years ago in 2009 and that is when he was issued both visas (Diplomatic and Tourist). Today, the media caught up with Castro and asked him about the visa i...

Man found dead, hanging at his workplace in Belmopan
The staff at the Ministry of works arrived at work this morning to a shocking discovery. One of their colleagues was found dead, hanging by the neck at the compound in Belmopan. The deceased has been identified as Michael Kerr, a mechanic of the Ministry of Works. No foul play is suspected but poli...

Florencio Pop gets his sentence reduced from 15 years to 8 years
Yesterday, Florencio Pop was successful in getting his 15 years sentence reduced to 8 years. Pop, along with his attorney, Oscar Selgado, appeared before Justice Dennis Hanomansingh who handed down his previous sentence 5 years ago. When Pop appeared before Justice Hanomansingh, under the advice of ...

The Guardian

Liaaaad!
Alvarine Burgess has attempted to wreck the reputations of 2 other Ministers and a senior police officer in her quest to serve her PUP agenda when on Wednesday May 31 she appeared to testify before the Senate Select Committee. She is claiming that apart from paying Minister Edmond Castro bribes for 200 visa recommendations, she went before the Inquiry on Immigration to testify that she did visa business with Ministers Erwin Contreras, and Anthony “Boots” Martinez. Additionally, she pointed fingers at Assistant Police Superintendent Rochelle Chan, as the mastermind who recruited her into the shady business of getting big money to help Chinese nationals get Belize visas.

More tourists to Placencia, now from Harvest Caye
Tour guides from Placencia, the surrounding communities, and other parts of Southern Belize will now get an economic boost because tourists visiting Harvest Caye will now be able to go on any tour of their choice. Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has agreed with the Barrow Government and BTB on a model that the guests, who are looking for more than the Harvest Caye experience, can get to experience other parts of the southern district. When Harvest Caye opened in November of last year, the local tour operators from Belize City complained bitterly that because NCL moved majority of their ships down south, their businesses suffered. Its been a few months since then, and a number of NCL’s own guests have been reviewing Harvest Caye on travel sites like Trip Advisor, and their main complaint is that they do not get to experience the attractions that Belize has to offer because their movement is restricted, once they land at Harvest Caye.

No charges for woman who killed her husband
Neshawn Martinez-Ramirez, the 28 year-old woman who stabbed and killed her husband in Seine Bight Village, will not be made to stand a Supreme Court trial for it. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions believes that the police have not gathered enough evidence to disprove her claim that it was self-defense. In a Facebook post, made shortly after the fatal stabbing, Neshawn claimed that what happened was an accident. Whatever the case was, however, the couple should have been in a festive mood, because they were only 2 days away from the 1 year anniversary of their marriage. Glen didn’t make it because of the violent confrontation. His mother, Agnis Ramirez, has told the press that she did have a number of concerns about the quickness with which they had decided to get married. She said that her son insisted that this would happen, and so she went along with his decision. She added that there were no signs that she saw that their relationship could get this out of control. She counseled them about disagreements in marriage, and she was convinced that they were doing well as a couple.

Six new vehicles for law enforcement in Chiquibul
On Monday May 29 the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) handed over 6 new vehicles to various agencies tasked with protecting the Chiquibul forest. The Toyota vehicles valued at a total of $450,146.30 were handed over to 4 beneficiaries of the Chiquibul Forest Investment Initiative (CFII). These organizations include the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Belize Forest Department, Ya’axché Conservation Trust and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). The BDF received three new vehicles while the remaining three organizations received one vehicle each.

A new building for Belize Ports Authority
After a combined 15 years in the making, the Belize Ports Authority has a permanent home as a new building was inaugurated on Wednesday May 31. Coming at a cost of 1.7 million dollars and located next to the Belize National Coast Guard headquarters in Belize City, the building is appropriately located for its role. Minister of NEMO and Transport, Hon. Edmund Castro explained that the proximity to the coast guard gives the agency an advantage in order for better communication and coordination between the two.

Aragon’s Mother’s Day Tribute
Mothers are the foundation of humanity. They are the reason why there is continuity of life and it is only fitting to always be paying tribute to them. Even the bible refers to the honor which should be given to mothers. In Orange Walk Town the area representative for the Orange Walk East constituency, Honorable Elodio Aragon Jr. paid tribute to mothers in a special way. On Saturday May 28, the second annual Aragon’s Tribute to Mothers was held at the Louisiana Field in Orange Walk Town to celebrate mothers in that community. Honorable Aragon and his Orange Walk East Committee assisted by the Orange Walk East Youth Popular Front put together a spectacular event featuring entertainment, food and hundreds of gifts for the mothers who were in attendance. The entertainment consisted of serenading of the moms by a Mariachi Band which was brought in from Merida, performances by Mr. Pelayo, Captain Roby and several dances by young dancers.

12 eyes to combat crime in Belize City
Over the past few months, the police department in Belize City has been going through the process of installing a new set of surveillance cameras at strategic points of the south side of the city and on Monday May 29 they were officially inaugurated. According to the Officer Commanding of South Side Belize City, Assistant Commissioner Chester Williams, there are 11 of 12 cameras which have already been installed and are currently active. These cameras are monitored on a 24 hour basis from the Racoon Street police station and provide the department with powerful zoom cameras to keep watch in hotspots across the city.

Statement by Hon. Edmond Castro on Visa cancellation
Hon Edmond Castro, Minister of National Emergency Management and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, wishes to inform his constituency and the People of Belize that he has been given notification by the United States Embassy that his Diplomatic and Tourist visas have been revoked, and that no specific reason was stated for the revocation. Hon Castro wishes to state for the record that he was once the holder of a US Permanent Residency (Green) Card, which he turned in eight years ago in 2009, at which time the US Embassy offered and issued him both visas (Diplomatic and Tourist). Notwithstanding, Hon Castro has not travelled to the United States for the past three years and says he had no interest to do so anytime soon, which is why he recently declined an invitation by the US Embassy to go in to discuss the question of renewing his visas.

City Council prepares for 2017 Hurricane season
The Belize City Council is working hand-in-hand with the City and National Emergency Management Organizations to development response and preparedness to emergencies as well as enhancing community awareness and cooperation. At a press conference held on Wednesday May 31, 2017, members from the City Council, Police Department, CEMO, and private entities discussed approaches that will be taken to better prevent extensive damages caused by various disasters as well as alleviating the effects of such damages.

Use of Belize Coast Guard Vessels
The Ministry of Defence hereby responds to the inquiries that have been made by some media houses with regards to the use of assets that have been donated to the Belize Coast Guard (BCG). The Ministry makes clear that the deployment of armed forces assets are the responsibility of the Commanders of the armed forces who are completely aware of the purpose of which they are to be used.

Belize City Council hosts first annual Coconut Fest
The Battlefield Park was packed on Saturday, May 27, 2017 as the Belize City Council held its first Coconut Fest to highlight the prominent Belizean fruit. The success of the fest was shown by the packed area that received a myriad of entertainment from several Belizean entertainers. On sale were various coconut foods and treats- from the savory coconut milk rice and beans to sweets such as tablata and stretch-mi-guts. Other vendors creatively made craft from the shell of the fruit. And it would not be a fest if the savory drink was not on sale as well. By nightfall, vendors were happily sold out.

DPM Concludes Productive Official Visit to Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber along with Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Hon. Dr. Angel Campos, today concluded a successful official visit to the Republic of Cuba. Extensive discussions addressed key issues such as collaboration for multi-destination packages in the tourism sector; the possibility of direct flights; areas of mutual interest in trade and investment; heritage tourism; and the exploration of policies that respect national patrimony. Belize expressed interest in Cuba’s policy of training young people who live in historical areas, like downtown Belize City, to learn restoration skills to be able to participate in improving their neighbourhoods and benefit from the related tourism.

Philip Goldson highway upgrades take shape
Earlier this week ,we at the Guardian Newspaper took the opportunity to visit the Phillip Goldson Highway formally the Northern Highway. Our visit took us, to that section between Travellers Limited and the Airport junction. That section of highway is under construction. It was not our first visit to that section of highway and we definitely don’t plan for it to be our last visit. This most recent visit had to be done in two parts for us to get a better appreciation for the scope of works being carried out there. The first part of the visit took place on Tuesday morning and the second part was on Tuesday night. The civil works and road furnishings are almost complete to the section between the Haulover Bridge and the Airport Road Junction. The old road was scarified, filled and widened. Modern road building methods has been used.

Justices of the Peace in Cayo learn about their responsibilities
During two sessions over the last two months, members of the Justices of the Peace from the Cayo Chapter, have been informed of their responsibilities to society. George Gomez, Minister of Justice during sessions with the Justices of the Peace on April 6th and as recently as May 28th has also informed them of their powers. According to Gomez, a Justice of the Peace falls under the Attorney General and has the same power of a sitting magistrate but in a civilian setting. Because there is a high turnover of Magistrates in San Ignacio there has always been a need for Justices of the Peace.

La Gracia village taps into energy from the sun
A key milestone for the electrification of Belize’s remote areas was recently achieved in La Gracia Village, a community just due East of Valley of Peace village. Government with counterpart funding from the United Kingdom and the Swiss Government has inaugurated a first of its kind Photo Voltaic Smart Grid, a 24 kilowatt system, which now powers some 45 households in La Gracia. At a cost of 700 thousand Belize dollars, the joint project has now made it possible for each such home in La Gracia to obtain 120 volts-- just like their friends in the urban areas. Present for the inaugural ceremony were British High Commissioner to Belize, His Excellency Peter Hughes, Minister of Works, Hon. Rene Montero and Minister of State with responsibility for Energy and Public Utilities, the Hon. Frank Mena.

Training center named in honor of past Collet Area Representative and Mayor
Residents of the Collet area and even the wider city have had the privilege of becoming part of a training center which is based in the Collet division. While the center has been in existence for some time now, it was not until Wednesday May 31 that the building was officially named. It now bears the name Frank A. Lizama, OBE Training Center and Belize city Mayor Darrel Bradley and current Collet area representative Hon. Patrick Faber honored Frank Lizama.

Mayor of Yesou, South Korea Visits Belize City to Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Mayor of Yesou, South Korea made his inaugural visit to Belize to meet with Belize City Mayor, His Lordship, Darrel Bradley and fellow councillors. Mayor Ju Cheol Hyeon made it known that the sister cities have been in 15 years of diplomatic relations and to make most of Mayor Hyeon’s first visit, Mayor Bradley held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the City Hall.

Solar lights for people in the south
The Hon. Hugo Patt, Minister of Rural Development is on a working tour in the Toledo District. As part of the tour he is distributing solar light to the villages in the Toledo District that currently don’t have lights access. The solar light was an initiative from the Ministry of Rural Development and as part of the program, the most remote villages like Graham Creek will received the lights. Other villages that are part of the program are: Medina Bank, Tambran, Golden Stream, Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, Na Luum Ca, Crique Sarco, Conejo, Boom Creek and Punta Negra.

New Belizeans sworn in Belmopan
Belizeans now have a new set of citizens to continue to take on the task of nation building. Some 36 persons were officially sworn in on Tuesday evening for the second time this year and for the first time at the Department of Immigration’s main building on Dry Creek Street, Belmopan. Administering the Oath of Affirmation was Mr. Godsfrey Ramos, who is the Commissioner of the Supremee Court. As the oath was read, all persons stood and did raise their right hand.

Artist Alex Croft charged with theft
Well known Belizean artist, Alex Croft Jr., is behind bars after he was dragged to court on a charge of theft. Allegations are that on May 28, 2017, he stole from Jamile Williams. In court, Croft, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. He was granted bail in the sum of $500 plus one surety of the same amount. He was also ordered to pay his old court debts in default of prison time.

Attempted murder by fire
On Thursday May 25, 2017, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw 35-year-old Dorien Reneau of a Belize City address suffering from burn injuries to the left arm, left abdomen area and left foot. Investigations revealed that Reneau was along with three other persons when he was sprayed with a flammable substance by a man he knows and set on fire by another. Reneau was admitted at K.H.M.H in stable condition. Police are investigating.

Murder in Bella Vista village
On May 28, 2017, Independence Police received information of a body found beside the highway in Bella Vista Village, Toledo. They made checks between miles 45 and 46 on the Southern Highway where they saw the body of 21-year-old Armando Alvarenga of trio Village, Toledo lying in the bushes on the side of the highway. Police observed that his head was partially decapitated. The body had what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the center of his chest and to the upper right shoulder.

Bike thief gets 3 months in jail
A Belize City man is serving a 3 month sentence after he pleaded guilty to theft of a woman’s bicycle. Surveillance video provided by a camera at the Human Services Department showed 41-year-old Jerry Garbutt, a printer and resident of Gibnut Street in Belize City, as he stole the bicycle. Garbutt appeared before Magistrate, Carlon Mendoza on Friday, May 26, 2017 where he was read a single charge of theft of a bicycle. The bicycle belongs to Pastora Galvez, a Belizean resident and Domestic of Jane Usher Boulevard.

Bradley’s boat yard business slowed by arson
On Thursday night May 25, 2017, police responded to a fire at the second entrance of the Burrell Boom Village at Bradley’s Boat Yard. According to Steve Bradley, owner, he was in the process of relocating his business from Belize City to Burrel Boom. At the yard, police saw two boat moulds on fire. Two burnt tires and a bottle with gasoline were seen on top of the boat moulds. One of the moulds valued at $60,000 was completely destroyed while the other, valued at $150,000, was partially destroyed.

Kenworth Castro dies after swinging too high
Kenworth Castro, a 22-year-old diver of Bahia Area, Caye Caulker, was taken to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic in an unconcious state on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Minutes later, he was pronounced dead. Initial investigations revealed that around 5:00 p.m., Castro was seen swinging from a swing under a palapa at KoKo King when some bystanders told him that he was swinging too high. Castro soon fell and hit his head. According to bystanders, he got up and went to the edge of the palapas for a while. They went to check on him and they observed foam coming from his mouth and bystanders quickly rushed him to the clinic where he later died.

Couple charged in connection with assault of girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend
Nicoli Rhys, a well known George Street figure and Ester Garcia, his girlfriend and a former secretary, are on remand after they were denied bail after pleading not guilty of committing an aggravated burglary at the home of Garcia’s ex-boyfriend, well known businessman Mario Galvez. Allegations are that on Monday, May 22, 2017, the duo along with three males visited the home of Mario Galvez located in the Belama area. Rhys was allegedly in possession of a firearm and the group assaulted Galvez as he exited his house.

Robbery in Corozal
A robbery in Corozal netted thieves over 18,000 dollars in cash. Juanito Cowo and his common-law wife Jessica Mena reported that upon arriving home on Tuesday May 30, 2017, they were held at gunpoint and robbed of a bag containing $18,000 in Pesos and US currency and a 9mm firearm valued at $2,800. When Mena exited the vehicle, she was told to get on the ground.

Dead man found in cane field in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Police are investigating the death of a man who was found in a cane filed in that district. Police say they visited a farm on the Millers Bight area in Orange Walk on May 28, 2017. There they saw the decomposing body of a male Hispanic person. Investigations revealed that a man went to the farm and smelled a stench which came from a cane field behind his farm. He followed the odor and discovered the body.

Weed, guns and ammunition taken off the streets
On Saturday, 27th May, 2017, members of the Gang Suppression Unit conducted searches in an apartment complex off Saint Jude Street, Belize City. This resulted in the discovery of a black plastic bag containing 110 grams of cannabis. The drugs were found underneath one of the apartment rooms. No one was in the immediate area at the time of the discovery so it was labeled as found property. Another search was conducted underneath another one of the rooms of the apartment which resulted in the discovery of a black parcel wrapped with transparent tape which contained compressed cannabis amounting to 883 grams.

Fudge man charged for Littering
Glenford Tillett, 33-year-old fudge man, was taken to court on May 29, 2017 on a charge of littering. Allegations are that on Saturday, May 27, 2017 as he was sitting in front of Lina’s Store, a Chinese grocery store located on Mahogany Street in Belize City, he was picked in by police and charged with littering. According to Tillett, he was sitting on a piece of card board box when the officer approached him and asked him if he worked at the Chinese store. He said no and was instructed to leave immediately. He complied and picked up the cardboard and tore it and threw it on the ground as he was walking away.

65-year-old woman is granted bail after stealing ham
Martha Parchue, a 65-year-old repeat offender for the offense of theft, was brought to court on May 29, 2017 after authorities claimed she was caught shoplifting in Lucky Star Supermarket on Central American Boulevard. Before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, Parchue pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft. Allegations are that on Saturday, May 27, 2017, she was stealing a Celebrity brand boneless ham from off the shelf at the supermarket. Shinfeng Huang, owner of the supermarket, reported to police that while at his establishment, he and some of his employees noticed a woman placing an item from the shelf into her pants.

Hilux jacked and recovered
The manager and registrar officer of the Pesticide Control Board residing at Central Farm visited the San Ignacio Police Station and reported that on May 27, 2017 she arrived home in a Grey Toyota Hilux Pickup which is attached to the Pesticide Control Board. She stated that upon entering her house she was attacked by a male person who had a piece of black cloth covering a portion of his head and face. She stated that she recognized her attacker as a person she only knows as Kareem who works with the Ministry of Agriculture.

House fire in Orange Walk
Police visited the San Jose Village, Orange Walk District on May 25, 2017 where they saw a board with zinc kitchen and a board with zinc bodega engulfed in flames. 78-year-old Ruperto Chi reported that he was awaken by noise outside and upon making checks, he saw the kitchen and bodega on fire. He believes that the fire started from a fire hearth that was left lit. Police are investigating.

Teenager charged for armed robbery
Another teenager has been charged in connection with an armed robbery of a construction worker that occurred on May 20, 2017 on Southern Foreshore in Belize City. Shemar Nunez, an 18-year-old student of ITVET was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser on May 26 where he was read a single charge of robbery with a firearm upon the construction worker.

Dorian Pakeman has no case to answer
Director of the Government Press Office, Dorian Pakeman was cleared of charges relating to the death of 45 year old Dean Dawson whom he knocked down and killed in Gardenia Village in March of last year. Pakeman along with his attorney Brian Neal, appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer where a preliminary inquiry was held to determine whether a charge of causing death by careless conduct should proceed to the Supreme Court. After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Frazer determined that there was insufficient evidence to commit the matter to the higher court and dismissed the charge against Pakeman.

Florencio Pop pleads guilty to manslaughter
Florencio Pop pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter on May 30, 2017 in the Dangriga Supreme Court for the February 2012 killing of Felix Cucul Ich. Ich was fatally chopped in Southern Belize and Pop was sentenced to 15 years in jail effective March 6, 2012. The murder of Ich occurred on February 27, 2012 between miles 53 and 54 on the Southern Highway in Bladden Village. He sustained a single chop wound to the neck. A post mortem examination revealed that Ich died as a result of traumatic shock due to partial decapitation due to a chop wound to the neck.

Shooting in San Pedro
On Saturday May 27, 2017, San Pedro police acted on information received of a shooting incident in the San Mateo area, San Pedro Town. They visited the residence of Amancia Martinez where she was observed suffering from a gunshot wound to her right upper arm and right side of abdomen. As a result she was transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic where she was admitted to ward in a stable condition.

Thief fined for theft of flat screen televisions
Justin Longsworth who was on remand after being found guilty of stealing 11-49 inch flat screen televisions from his boss will be spared any more time in jail. On May 18, 2017, Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded him to prison until May 25th while she decided his fate. When he reappeared in court he was fined $3,000 for the offense. Of the 11 televisions that were stolen, only one was recovered during police investigations.

Belmopan Bandits basketball team force a third and final game in Pepsi National Elite Basketball League championship
The second game in the best of three championship series in the Pepsi National Elite Basketball League championship was played on Thursday 25th May, 2017, at the University of Belize gymnasium in Belmopan where the host team the Belmopan Bandits defeated the league’s leading and favourites to win this year’s championship the San Pedro Tiger Sharks by the score of 81-73 to tie the series at 1-1 game apiece. In the first quarter of the game, none of the team dominated the action and at the close of the first quarter, the Belmopan Bandits had a slim 20-19 lead.

Belize represented well in prestigious Triple Crown river races
Hener Cruz and Kyle Mynar are currently in the United States competing against the best paddlers of North America for the Tripple Crown title. They won their first race, the Texas River Marathon, on Saturday 6th May in the C2 class. On Monday May 29th, they raced the Clinton Classic in New York which is the first leg of the Triple Crown. All three Triple Crown races are known as the most competitive races in the world. The best paddlers from North America train to do well in these races in order to prove themselves the best. Hener and Kyle placed 11th on Monday even though the conditions were as bad as they can get. It was a cold and rainy day unlike any weather Hener has ever paddled in, but still placed 11th against the best paddlers of North America.

St. Joseph girls’ and boys’ along with Wesley Upper girls’ lead primary schools basketball competition
The 2016-2017 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Competition continued on Monday 29th May, 2017, at the Gateway Youth Centre with four games on the schedule. In the first of two games played in the girls’ competition, St. Joseph Roman Catholic School won handily over Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 28-0. The top scorers for St. Joseph Roman Catholic School were Briah Clarke and Afeni Lamb. In game two, St. John’s Primary School won over St. John Vianney School by the score of 17-0. The top scorer for St. John’s Primary School was Kelis Turton with 11 points.

Digicell wins Belize City Senior Female Softball Marathon
The 2017 Belize City Senior Female Softball campaign officially opened on Sunday May 28, at Rogers Stadium with three teams participating. In the first game of the Double Elimination Format Marathon competition, The Belize Bank Bulldogs defeated Beacon by the score of 7 to 4. The winning pitcher was Renisha Richards. In game two, Team Digicell won over the Belize Bank Bulldogs by the score of 7 to 4. The winning pitcher was Mary Flowers.

Unitedville Rebels United halts Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy
The 2017 Raymond Garbutt Cayo Senior Female competition which is sponsored by the Hon. John Saldivar continued on Sunday 28th May, at the softball pitch in Unitedville with three games on the schedule. The competition will continue this coming Sunday June 4 at the Joan Garbutt Softball Stadium in Esperanza Village with three more games on the schedule. In the first game scheduled for 1:00 pm Belmopan Bandits will go up against Esperanza Wolverines and this will be followed by game two which will feature Unitedville Rebels United against the Belmopan Emeralds and in the final game of the day, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy will see action against Esperanza Wolverines.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
Most of you are familiar with Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” In our church, we are very eager that people should see the fallacies and the lack of a good scientific basis for evolutionism. Instead, we point people to the factual basis for science, found in the pages of God’s Word. It is particularly important that we do not allow our children to be indoctrinated by the godlessness of secular philosophies.

‘’OUR MISSION IS TO INCLUDE ALL THE … VULTURES’’ says JULIUS ESPAT
There is absolutely no doubt that each and every one of us voters has been warned! We have been put on notice once again. Hubert Elrington first explained to this Nation that the PUP was nothing but a criminal gang that entered politics. We have a long list of the very bad things that the PUP has done. They sold the Ports, Airport, BEL, BTL (three times), WASA, V.O.A. compound to a PUP area rep. who used a DFC loan, which was written off. The same compound was then sold to a Canadian for millions! They sold the old Customs and Immigration compound at Santa Elena border for ten dollars to cronies who resold it for a million dollars to the casinos! They sold the rights to IMARBE for $1.5 million. They lent Godfrey first $45 million of your money, then a further $8 million; he never paid the money back!

Clutching At Straws
Was scanning for the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC Monday night when I heard an annoying nasal drawl on Love FM’S “Business Hour” which could only be Traffic Torres”. I paused to listen to which straw this surrogate PUP was clutching at this week, and he actually had two issues: Land erosion in Barranco, Seine Bight and Placencia and the alleged use of coast guard vessels to transport a football club to San Pedro. Unlike Troy Gabb and Darrel Carter, I am no expert in land reclamation so I will not comment on the former issue. The latter point was the main issue of political contention this week, not only from Traffic T, but at several other media outlets. If this accusation is true regarding said issue, I personally have no qualms with Government Ministers using GOB resources to assist in sports. Isn’t it the same thing when a sports team goes to The Ministry for a financial contribution to cover travelling and subsistence costs? Why must we attempt to create an outrage from a frivolous situation? Are we so starving for political news headlines these days?

New executive elected for Cornerstone Foundation
A new executive has been elected for the Cornerstone Foundation in San Ignacio. Cornerstone is a non-governmental organization that caters to the needs of children, women and others, operating from its home base at number 27 Far West Street in San Ignacio Town. Newly elected to the Board of Directors at Cornerstone as President is Lupita Ferguson, Vice President Marilyn Greig, Secretary Aleida Trujillo and Treasurer Mercy Gonzalez.

Breaking Belize News

Vehicle valued at $15,000 dollars stolen in Belize City
Police are reporting that sometime between 7:30 a.m. on May 29th, 2017 and 10:30 a.m. on May 31st, 2017, a grey 2002 Toyota Sequoia was stolen in Belize City. According to reports, the vehicle belongs to Leopoldo Suarez, 53, who told police that the vehicle’s license plates is BMP-C-05488 and […]

Harmonyville Grocery Store engulfed in flames
Yesterday police received information of a house fire in Harmonyville. When they visited the area between miles 44 and 45 on the George Price highway, they found Lupita’s Store which is a 20 feet by 20 feet wooden structure engulfed in flames. Graciane Choc, […]

Infant found floating in Toledo
Police in Toledo District are reporting that on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 at 1:50 p.m., they visited San Vicente Village in the Toledo District where they spoke with the Alcalde – Edgar Pinto who informed them that at 12:00 p.m., a villager reported to him that he saw the body of a baby floating in the river.

New Port Authority Building inaugurated
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management (with responsibility for Ports), Edmond Castro was Guest Speaker yesterday at inauguration ceremonies for a new building to house the headquarters of the Belize Port Authority.

Tropical Storm warning for Pacific Coast of Mexico
This morning, a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Pacific coast of Mexico from Salina Cruz to Puerto Escondido as Tropical Depression Two-E approaches.

Tanya Carter robbed in Belize City
On Monday night, Belizean singer Tanya Carter was robbed at gunpoint. According to reports, Carter was walking on St. Thomas street when three men held her up.

Wife who murdered husband walks free
BBN reported on Saturday that a woman had stabbed and killed her husband on Friday night in Seine Bight Village in the Stann Creek district. On Sunday, police detained the woman for the murder. The victim was identified as Glen Ramirez, 31 years old.

Corozal police officers accused of extortion
According to reports from CTV3 News, three police officers from the Corozal police department are being accused of extortion and threatening a resident of Corozal town.

Belize – Failure, Ambition and Self Esteem
1. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted: attributed their success in business to hard work. I can set for myself different levels of ambition. For example, I can aim for a senior government job, with its relatively good salary, working 9-4, job security, pension scheme, job benefits (vehicle with fuel, telephone subsidy...

Patchakan RC School in Corozal needs assistance in removing killer bees
The Patchakan Roman Catholic School in Corozal District has been closed for the last three days because of killer bees that have taken over the school compound. A concerned parent told BBN that up to now, the school principal has not found someone to remove the bees from the school yard.

Blogs

Meet Cedric Casimiro aka Budge – Belizean Tour Guide Extraordinaire
I recently went on a kayaking and snorkeling trip to Glovers Reef with Island Expeditions and it was all pretty spectacular. However, the best part was hanging out with Budge, the tour guide at Glovers Reef. I honestly can say that without him, the trip would not have been as awesome. So, of course, I sat down with him and asked him a few questions about himself. I’m 36 years old and my name is Cedric Casimiro. I’m mostly known as Budge though – my godmother gave me that nickname when I was a kid and it stuck! To be honest, I even prefer to be called Budge – since my godmother passed away and it reminds me of her. Some of my favourite things to do during my spare time are playing soccer, playing Garifuna drums and playing dominos with friends. I also enjoy teaching kids how to play soccer. That’s a lot of fun. I was born in Corozal. My family lived in Corozal for a few years because my dad moved there to work at the sugar factory, however, when the factory closed, we came back to Dangriga and went back to fishing for a living.

I Came out of Belize Tattoo Expo Impressed and in Shock!
The buzzing of tattoo guns filled the air as we witnessed artists from Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, USA and Belize, each unique in their style, technique and skill. We were three of hundreds who went to enjoy the two-day tattoo expo; there was plenty of artists at work to admire, food, souvenirs and entertainment. Speaking of entertainment! That freak show was FRIKIN’ FREAKY, but entertaining nevertheless! Three different people were suspended in mid air via body piercings. OUCH! YES! Holes were pierced on their backs with metal clamps, they were hooked up to ropes and pulled up into the air! YAH! Oh wait! The FREAKIEST part was when one of the guys, who was already suspended from six different hooks on his body, used two hooks on his chest to lift another young man in the air!! Watch the video; it shows it all!!! Craziest show I have ever seen.

Update FAYUQUEROS Got out of hand two detained after a wild war
Once again, fayuqueros of the community of Subteniente Lopez, Quintana Roo faced the authorities of the Land Maritime Customs of Subteniente López to continue with the control of the crossing of goods from the Free Zone of Belize. BDF, Police, Marine Guards and the other authorities where at the scene to guard the bridge that connects both nations. No pedestrians, motorists and any other vehicles where not allowed to cross on Wednesday May 31, 2017. In this regard, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Public Security in the state José Eliecer Varela Durán confirmed that the authorities of the Tax Administration Service had to call the guards on the Mexican side, as the fayuqueros were carrying illegal Goods without respecting customs agents and assaulting them. They started to throw rocks and bottles at the authorities as to protect themselves and continue crossing their illegal merchandise.

International Sources

Gulf Of Mexico Tropical Development Remains Possible This Weekend Or Next Week
We are closely watching a tropical depression in the eastern Pacific as it has the potential to track over Mexico and attempt to redevelop into a tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico sometime this weekend or early next week. Given that the environmental conditions across the Gulf of Mexico are highly unfavorable due to strong amounts of wind shear, the chances for tropical development in the western Gulf of Mexico remain low, however, it is something to closely watch.

Belize: New WBG Country Partnership Framework to support economic and social resilience
Today, the Board of Executive Directors endorsed a new World Bank Group (WBG) five-year Country Partnership Framework in support of Belize’s efforts to strengthen the resilience of its economy and promote opportunities for all Belizeans. “I am pleased that the World Bank supports Belize’s medium-term development plan by helping build climate resilience and promote financial inclusion and social resilience in the country,” said Yvonne Hyde, Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. Belize’s economy relies on tourism and agro-business as its two main drivers of growth. Tourism employs 28 percent of the population and represents 21 percent of GDP. As a small and open economy, the country is highly exposed to external shocks and is vulnerable to extreme weather events — with average annual losses from natural disasters amounting to almost four percent of GDP.

Videos

June 1, 2017

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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

Rotary Club donates medical supplies to polyclinic
Through the assistance of the Rotary Club of Northwest Ohio USA, Sunrise Rotary Club in Belize, and Medical Equipment & Supplies Abroad (MESA), the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize (RCACB) generously donated much-needed medical supplies to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II on Thursday, May 25th. On Wednesday, May 24th, RCACB members travelled to Belize City to receive their donation, and made arrangements for it to be barged over the next day. By 8:30 AM on May 25th, the Polyclinic received three new electric hospital beds, two manual beds, six mattresses, a medical storage cabinet with additional supplies inside, an exam table, a wheelchair, a couple sets of crutches, medical gowns, bed covers, blankets, safety infusion systems and lots of extra supplies.

Five-a-Side games getting heated
The San Pedro Town Council’s Five-a-side Football Tournament continued this past weekend with several fun-filled games held on Friday, May 26th, through Sunday, May 28th. Held at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex, large crowds gathered once again to support their favourite players and teams. Games continue this weekend with games starting at 7Pm at the Honourable Louis Sylvester Sporting Complex.

2nd Annual Belize Tattoo Expo a success in San Pedro Town
Over the weekend of May 27th and 28th, more than 100 local, regional and internationally renowned tattoo artists descended on Ambergris Caye for the Second Annual Belize Tattoo Expo. Held at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium, Belizean tattoo artists, along with artists from Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, and even the USA, demonstrated live tattooing, while also displaying their portfolios, paintings, drawings, and other art mediums. For just $20 a day, the expo attracted hundreds of tattoo lovers, where many individuals came eager to get inked. From brightly colored pieces to black and grey portraits, artists crafted away for hours, tattooing on their willing human canvases. Those who didn’t get inked explored the booths, enjoyed delicious food, and picked up memorabilia on sale.

Ambergris Today

Belize Delegation Concludes Productive Official Visit To Cuba
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber along with Minister of Tourism Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health Hon. Dr. Angel Campos concluded a successful official visit to the Republic of Cuba on Friday, May 26, 2017. Extensive discussions addressed key issues such as collaboration for multi-destination packages in the tourism sector; the possibility of direct flights; areas of mutual interest in trade and investment; heritage tourism; and the exploration of policies that respect national patrimony. Belize expressed interest in Cuba’s policy of training young people who live in historical areas, like downtown Belize City, to learn restoration skills to be able to participate in improving their neighbourhoods and benefit from the related tourism.

Community To Benefit From Stanford Belize Vision Clinic, Free Service To Children
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye saw the opening of its very first eye clinic this past weekend as “Stanford Belize Vision Clinic” held a small inauguration on Thursday, May 25, 2017. The Clinic is located on the second floor of the San Pedro Lions Den. The Clinic will provide eye screening to check for diseases and/or abnormalities; also offering eyeglasses prescriptions free of charge to children. Adults can take advantage of the free service once the clinic opens, but a small fee will be added in the future to offset traveling expenses of the doctors coming to the island from abroad. Vision glasses will come at a minimum cost, being provided by BCVI in Belize City.

Happiness Restored! Rebecca Rath Still Reigning Miss Belize Universe
The tables have turned once again as Queen of the Jewel Ltd., the company that owns the rights to the Miss Belize pageant, issued a press release clarifying that Rebecca Rath is still the current Miss Belize and will serve the remainder of her duties. It also stated that there will be a Miss Belize 2017 Pageant and that Opal Enriquez was unauthorized to have issued any release and decisions that she had made. The latest press release from Queen of the Jewel Ltd. states that it is unfortunate that Opal’s resignation has also brought into controversy the title of Miss Belize 2016-2017.

Misc Belizean Sources

June Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Friday, June 2 at 8 AM - 10 AM, Paradise Theater, North of the Bridge, San Pedro. Time to show La Isla Bonita some TLC. You'd be amazed at what a difference just 2 hours can make. Trash bags, pick-up sticks, gloves and water provided. Delicious refreshments complements of Marbucks at 10:00.

Maya Spa Experience | Brand Competition
BELTRAIDE, in collaboration with the Belize Spa and Wellness Association, is hosting a nationwide “Maya Spa Experience” Branding Competition. Belizean nationals and residents, who are interested in participating, are asked to form teams of 4, of which 1 member must be a certified massage therapist. Interested teams must register by 14 June. Registered Teams will take part in a Sensitisation Session on 16 June, where they will receive further information in order to create their branding proposals. The “Maya Spa Experience” should present a story line incorporating Maya traditions, include a minimum of 4 components to the treatment, and have a duration of 30 to 35 minutes.

More bombshells at the senate hearing
Alvorine Burgess claims police officer Rushel Chan says his brother in law, Elvin Penner got too greedy so he wanted a new person to assist with obtaining visas. Chan wanted to know if Burgess had any friends in the Immigration Department. Burgess made $1500 per trip she made to the department once the scheme was fully operational. The speaker keeps reminding her, what she says she did was illegal.

She says she paid minister $400,000
Alvorine Burgess testifies today, May 31st. at the Senate Select Special Committee that's investigating the Immigration and Nationality Department. burgess says under oath "I paid castro $2,000 per visa." Chairman Aldo Salazar clarified that Minister Castro doesn't issue visas so the payment was $2000 per visa recommendation. Burgess said it could have been in excess of 200 visa recommendations that resulted in visas for Belize. The payment in total would be $400,000. She said the money came from a police sergeant Rushel Chan.

Belize Audubon doing great work
Highlights of our monthly Junior Bird Club meetings at St. Margaret RC Primary School and Armenia Government School!! Teaching the next generation of Bird conservationists!

William George Ysaguirre by Football Hall of Fame of Belize
Anyone who has been to a football match anywhere in Belize will most likely have seen William George Ysaguirre along the sidelines with his trusted camera at hand. William's involvement in football specifically goes as far back as 1995 when he attended Belize's 1st World Cup qualifier against Panama at what was then the National Stadium (later renamed Marion Jones Sports complex in 2000) with its newly completed 5,000 seat bleachers. Since he began reporting sports for The Reporter newspaper in the year 2000, William has amassed huge archives of negatives for all disciplines he's covered. Most of his work during the period 2000-2003 can only be found in actual prints back when film negatives were the order of the day. After 2003, he converted to digital when he bought his first digital camera at a Circuit City store in San Francisco, while on his way back home from an assignment in Beijing in August of that year.

BTB Media Mixer 2017
13 photos

Lobster Exhibition
Come check out the exhibition on the History of the Lobster Industry of San Pedro on Saturday, June 24th @ the Welcome Booth at the Lobster Festival

Today is 1 Ik' in the Maya Tzolk'in calendar, and is the first day of the month Sotz, in the Haab
Ik' represents the life force, breathing, and also the god of the wind. Sotz is the bat, an important creature in the mystical Maya realm.

April 2017 Trade & Consumer Price Index
According to the latest figures on consumer prices released by the Statistical Institute of Belize, the prices of goods and services regularly purchased by Belizean households were 2.2 percent higher on average during the month of April 2017 than they were in April of 2016. The All-Items consumer price index stood at 105.3 for the month, an increase from 102.9 during the same period last year (See Figure 1). For the first four months of the year 2017, a year-to-date inflation rate of 1.9 percent was recorded. Belize’s total imports for the month of April 2017 were valued at $146.7 million. This was a decrease of 10.4 percent or $17.1 million from imports for April 2016, which totaled $163.8 million. Decreased imports across most categories, including ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’, ‘Manufactured goods’, and ‘Other Manufactures’ overshadowed purchases of ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’ and goods destined to the Commercial Free Zones, resulting in the sharp drop in imports for the month.

Finally. First Belizean full cave diver, Ilya Rosado
So proud of this young man. Milestone after milestone...

Congratulations to the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize team!
Over 850 Belizean patients seen today, including 305 students! Tomorrow, June 1, is the last day for the free medical clinic in Dangriga. Registration will be open 7:00-9:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!

Two detained at the Subteniente Lopez and the border was closed
Second Lieutenant López.- Two detaineed at Subeniente Lopez today after the fayuqeros got out of hand on the site. The Mexican official along with the BDF were at the scene to control this insident between "fayuqueros" and the Mexican Aauthorities. The border was immidately closed between Belize and Mexican Bridge to control illegal merchandise. The freezone was immediately closed because of the illegal crossing by the fayuqeros. According to unofficial sources, the detaineed are a woman and a man who were allegedly responsible for stirring up the fayuqueros who are no longer willing to "move" with the customs officers.

A Tropical Night Out
The Rotary Club of Belmopan is having a fundraiser and pre-Duck Race event next Saturday, June 10th, at the Belmopan Civic Center. Gilharry 7 will be performing, and you'll get a Duck Race ticket. "A Tropical Night Out - A Rotary Club of Belmopan's Fundraising Event! June 10th, 2017 at Civic Center, Belmopan City. Come and enjoy a fun night out in Belmopan with the #1 Band in the land, Gilharry 7 Band!!! Starts 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and includes a Belize Duck Race Ticket! How awesome is that!?! Food and Drinks will be on sale! Call 607-3884 for tickets! "

Hands Across the Sand 2017
On May 20th at noon, Belizeans around the country joined hands on beaches, across bridges, along sea walls and in public areas to stand in solidarity against offshore oil development in Belize's economically important marine environment. Every year, activists and ocean-lovers host Hands Across the Sand events around the world to “draw a line in the sand,” and say “NO” to dirty fossil fuel projects, as well as call for a shift to clean, renewable energy like offshore wind and solar power. Every day, offshore oil accidents serve as grim reminders of just how deadly, dirty and dangerous the industry is and highlights the economic risks and environmental hazards posed by the activity to countries like Belize. “Drill. Spill. Repeat. That is the reality of the offshore oil. Belizeans have, and continue to say, "No!" to the destruction of their livelihoods by this inherently dangerous and dirty industry. That unwavering position needs to be legislated in order to safeguard our collective future," Janelle Chanona, Oceana Belize’s Vice President.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2017 (May 18th, 2017-Morning)
In case you missed it, under this year's theme 'Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in Museums', the Museum of Belize (NICH) held an educational open panel discussion on the the 'History of Executions in Belize' with special discourse on the fundamental question 'Should Belize resume the death penalty?'. We would like to thank everyone who made this event a success, especially our extraordinary panelist who presented and conducted a well-rounded discussion.

Channel 7

Castro Says Visa Cancellation No Big Deal
Yesterday evening, the news went out like a shockwave from Belmopan that Minister Edmond Castro's US Visas had been revoked - that means both his diplomatic and visitor's Visas. Cancelling a diplomatic visa is not a thing lightly done, and it can be interpreted as the US State Department making an accusatory statement on the immigration dealings of UDP Ministers who signed dozens of visa recommendations for persons - mostly Asians - likely being trafficked through Belize. But when we spoke to Castro today, he completely glossed it over - explaining that his visas and his passport were about to expire:

US Embassy Mum On Castro's Visas
But, while Castro wants to portray the double visa revocation as a routine matter, is it really? That's highly unlikely, but today we asked an Embassy official what's the real situation. At an unrelated event - we caught up with Nathan Bland - the US Embassy's Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and asked him for more details, but - as is customary - he told us the he couldn't comment on this case. Courtney Weatherburne: "Are you able to disclose why his 2 visas were revoked?" J. Nathan Bland - Acting Dep. Chief of Mission, US Embassy: "We can't really speak on why it was revoked; in fact visa records are confidential so I can't even comment on that matter at all. We did see his statements; I would have to refer you to his personal statement."

Faber Won't Speculate On reason For Visa Cancellation
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber wasn't so cautious - but he stressed that no reason was given for the cancellation, and he wouldn't speculate on what that reason might be. Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Prime Minister: "I think the optics of it is never desirous, I don't know the circumstances of those cancellations to be honest. I have not had any discussions with anybody from the US government to say that it is not what he has said, I have no proof of that, I have no such understanding." Jules Vasquez: "We know that he has been publicly accused of accepting 2,000 dollars per visa recommendation. Are you concerned that there are other in your government who also gave a number of visa recommendations and that there may be other cancellations?"

Alvarine Lays It Bare At Senate Inquiry, Squarely Accuses Castro
But Alvarine Burgess was not so cautious in her testimony today. When she appeared before the Senate Inquiry, the immigration agent turned whistle-blower torched Edmond Castro's reputation, and exposed many reasons why the US might have cancelled his visa. Most of it, we've heard before in the lawsuit that Castro took out to try to shut her down for slander and defamation of character. But, that happened in closed court. Today, the Senate and the entire country got to hear her describe how this visa operation worked, and Castro's alleged role in all of it. Here's that part of her extended testimony to the Senate Select Committee:

Castro Says "Ho-Hum" At Alvarine's Allegations
Speaking with Castro today before noon, he didn't appear moved by all the damaging allegations made by Alvarine Burgess. He told the press that, basically, she had already done her worst during the defamation trial of 2015 - so there's nothing new - even if it comes right before his visas were cancelled: "It's coincidental however that this comes at a time right when Alvarine Burgess is testifying before the Senate and some people are looking at this coincidence to try to find meaning can you speak to that from your end?"

Alvarine Names Other Ministers
And while there might not be anything new to say about Castro, it was new today when Burgess named two other ministers she was allegedly doing immigration business with. They are Anthony "Boots" Martinez and Erwin Contreras. Here's that part of the Senate Hearings, starting from her explanation that she was allegedly able to get these recommendations from these other Ministers because there was a monthly visa quota system: Alvarine Burgess - Witness, Senate Hearing: "My understanding of quota systems from Mr. Castro is that the ministers who are procuring visas have a certain amount that they can do for the month."

Hon. Martinez Completely Rejects Alvarine's Allegations
But Minister of Human Development Anthony Boots Martinez completely rejects Burgess's testimony about her alleged transaction with him. She told the Senate that she paid him two thousand dollars to facilitate an immigration transaction. He said no such thing happened: Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez - Minister of Human Development: "I've never met with Ms. Alvarine Burgess ever yet over no immigration matter. Several times I've met Ms. Alvarine Burgess once sometime when I was the minister of works, I use to assist her mother. When I became minister of human development I met with her about 3 different time, the last occasion she was wanting some assistance for her husband who was ill of which I gave to her, that was all; we never had no immigration talk nor nothing. As a matter of fact that my name was never called in any report and further more to that she said that she - I listened to a portion that she met me by Brodies in some white car, I never own a white car in my life yet."

Alvarine Says Cops was The Immigration Mastermind, He Denies
But, Alvarine Burgess' disclosure about those other 2 ministers came long before the biggest bombshell of the day. She testified that the mastermind for those visas, where Castro was allegedly paid tens of thousands of dollars for the recommendations, is Assistant Superintendent Rochelle Chan. You may know him as the senior officer in charge at the Hattieville Police Station, but Alvarine Burgess described him today as the middleman who handled all the cash she collected for about 200 visas, to pay off bribes to the two ministers, to pay the legitimate fees to the Government of Belize, and her cut for performing this service.

Three Teens To Court For Jacking Tanya Carter, They "Needed Gas Money"
Its 2 teenagers and a 19 year old who held up and robbed Tanya Carter at gunpoint and today in court, they all pleaded guilty. Magistrate Carlon Mendoza called it "one of the worst and most disturbing forms of robbery he had ever heard of." When he asked them why they did it, the 19 year old Darwin Monroy told the court, quote, "This is my first offense and I only needed money for gas." Now as we told you last night, after the teenagers jacked Carter, their runaway car ran out of gas not too far away. But the Magistrate had no sympathy for them and said it's no excuse to rob and terrorize anyone. He remanded the trio and said that they need to think about their action while he decides what sentence to pass upon them. The two minors went to the warner's Youth Facility, while Monroy went to the Central Prison. They will be sentenced next Friday - so they get to reflect on their actions for 9 nights in jail.

Robbers Get Off With 40K In Double Jacking of Pesero's At Home
And in Corozal town, two money changers were targeted outside their homes last night by armed robbers who made off with over forty thousand dollars in cash and valuables. The two robberies occurred about an hour apart and within a few blocks of each other. Around 9:00, forty three year old Jesus Aguilar, pulled up to his home and was about Ito drive in his yard when two dark skinned men wearing masks and carrying firearms ambushed him. One of the men pointed his firearm at Aguilar's head the second pointed his revolver at Aguilar's stomach. They took a total of fifteen thousand dollars in Belize, Pesos and US currency which was inside his pickup. But that wasn't enough. The robbers still took Aguilar's jewellery and cell phone before they drove off in his pickup.

Met Office Says Hurricane Season Will Be Active
The 2017 hurricane season starts tomorrow, and if you're getting a shiver of anxiety just thinking about it - don't worry, you're not alone. After Hurricane Earl mashed up Central Belize last year, everyone is hoping for the best but bring for the worst. But what kind of hurricane season is it going to be? What are the experts saying? We hear all kinds of forecasts from global experts, but the local outlook is th emost important. And that's why the Met Office announced their hurricane season forecast today and invited the media for a look at their new and improved website, here's Alex Courtenay with the story...

CEMO Says City Residents Must Do Their Part For Hurricane Preparedness
While the Meteorological Office was hosting its press conference in Ladyville, the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) was holding its own at City Hall. Now CEMO, like the Met office plays a very critical role during disasters when it comes to providing information, updates, shelters, as well as response and rescue efforts. But today the CEMO team reiterated the importance of public awareness and the role the residents play during emergencies.

Faber Says Of Saldivar Vessel Use, "I Wouldn't Do It"
Turning back now to politics, we asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the controversy surrounding his cabinet colleague, the Minister of Defence, John Saldivar. Saldivar has been criticized for using Coast Guard vessels to transport his semi pro sports teams to and from San Pedro for games. The Ministry and the Coast Guard have put out stamens saying that it amounts to support of pro-community sporting activities - and the Admiral said that Saldivar's team paid for the gas. But the US Embassy is none too pleased and so we asked Faber about the decision, generally, to use Coast Guard Resources to transport a minister's team, and about the deeper diplomatic implications. First, to the issue of whether such use is permissible:…

Faber says Belize/US Relations Fine
And so while Faber says he wouldn't have done it - that's the same thing the US Embassy suggested in a statement to the Reporter Newspaper. They said that the vessels they donated should be used for security purposes and drug interdiction. We asked the Deputy Prime Minister if the statement is indicative of a deeper rift in Belize/US relations: Jules Vasquez "Isn't it perhaps indicative of the fact that the Americans are not pleased with your government? They've cancelled Mr. Castro's visa, they've made publicly known their unhappiness or displeasure with the use of these - perhaps innocuous use of these coast guard vessels. Isn't it..."

Senate Hearings Went Smoothly With Extra Security
Going back now to the Senate hearings, we've already shown you quite a lot from today's Senate Inquiry. But we didn't tell you how it went when compared to the last session two weeks ago which devolved into disorder. Well, the hearings went off without incident today. But it didn't just happen on its own. All entrances and exits of the National Assembly building were flooded with police security, and they were instructed to kick out anyone who was disturbing the proceedings. At the beginning of the hearings, Chairman Aldo Salazar made it clear, that everyone needed to behave, or else:

PUP Leader Says He asked For Week Off Because He Didn't Want A Showdown
Today's hearings were possibly the most crowded it has ever been since Senate Inquiry on Immigration began back in November. The UDP's were gathered in numbers wearing white or red t-shirts captioned, "Belizeans Against Courtenay", and the PUP's were also there, but nobody got confrontational. The press asked Opposition Leader John Briceno for an explanation on why he asked for the Senate hearings to be postponed. He said that he was trying to avoid a PUP vs UDP confrontation, which the Government would have used as an excuse to end the hearings. Here are his comments on that:

Yellowman Apologises To Speaker, Will Go Before Staff Committee
And, no, Mase-bearer Brian Yellowman Audinett was not at today's hearings. We understand that he's written a letter of apology to the Speaker, and will appear before the House Staff Committee next week. Today the Deputy Prime Minister said his menacing behaviour toward the media is not to be countenanced: Hon. Patrick Faber- Deputy Prime Minister: "Indeed, the actions of the mase bearer was unfortunate, I think those actions we could have down without. I think the quarrel with the media is never a good thing. The matter as far as I understand it, because the mase bearer is a part of the staff of the National Assembly he will be sent to the national assembly staff committee."

PUP Believes Burgess
And going back now to today's hearings which were dominated by the testimony of Alvarine Burgess, we could almost hear the PUP's cheerleading her. And though three UDP Ministers have directly accused her of lying under oath, John Briceno who sat in the gallery and took it all in told us, not surprisingly, that he doesn't think she has any reason to lie under oath:

DP Faber Repeats, Bring The Hearings To An End
And while the PUP's wish the hearings would continue next week - and every week until the next election - with testimony just like Alvarine Burgess, the UDP want it to end, like last week. And for the second time in a week, the Deputy Prime Minster re-iterated that the hearings have served their purpose and are now at a stage of being self-defeating:.. Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Prime Minister: "Senator Courtenay leads a charge to try to be Pontius Pilate and to try to blame and try to witch hunt for certain people like calling in Alvarine Burgess, completely misinterpreting the law, they want to push this to serve a political agenda rather than in our view to find out the facts and to deal with it. What has come out of the senate inquiry is that while they were speculations that the ministers were the ones who were involved with all of this corruption that was the goal to try to expose that in fact all levels in the system there are problems. Now we've identified all of that, all that continue these hearings can do is to show other examples of the same thing."

New Port HQ Makes It Easier For Mariners
Today the Belize Port Authority inaugurated its new headquarters. The new building is located next door to Belize Coast Guard HQ in Belize City, a location chosen to in order to make it easier for mariners and boat owners to access all the necessary maritime services. We spoke to Minister of State of Transport, Edmund Castro, about the timely addition of the new building...

A World Without Tobacco
There are countless commercials and awareness campaigns against tobacco smoking, but people all over the world especially young persons, keep striking up those cigarettes. Now, for heavy smokers, quitting is easier said than done but the National Drug Abuse Control Council and the Belize Cancer Center are urging them to at least try. And both organizations hope to change that bad habit by highlighting the serious, life threatening effects of tobacco. Courtney Weatherburne has more details from today's health fair.

Teaching Children Conflict Resolution Early
Today primary school teachers were invited to a Building Healthy Relationships Seminar at the Radisson. The focus is to discuss with teachers what strategies and lesson plan concepts they can use in the classroom to promote peace and non-violent conflict resolution. Now, this is something teachers face on a regular basis with kids – they have to be stopping fights and mediating between the feuding students regardless of how petty the argument may be, but Project Director of the Children Safe Space Initiative Dorla Bowman says these productive and peaceful conflict resolution techniques have to be incorporated and reinforced in the curriculum.

A Fitting Honor For Frank Lizama
Education month ended today with an event at the Skills Training Center on Magazine Road. The building which used to be the bus terminal for Venus Bus Line now proudly carries the name of former Belize city mayor and Collet area representative, Frank Lizama. Today the current mayor and current area representative both showered him with praise: Lizama who is now 86, served as Collet Area Representative from 1984 to 1989 and Mayor of Belize City from 1985 to 1986. Looking now at the center which bears his name, Faber said it serves an important role for those who could not make it through the formal education system:..

Channel 5

Edmond Castro Says He Never Used His U.S. Visas
Belize Rural North Area Representative Edmond ‘Clear the Land’ Castro was the trending topic today, following a statement from his office confirming the embarrassing cancellation of his diplomatic and tourist [...]

Minister Contends He Will Not Inquire About Reasons for Revocation
Castro’s Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Meighan, a former Immigration Director, was also denied entry into the U.S. in late July, 2016.  Together, neither the minister nor his C.E.O. can visit [...]

Alvarene Burgess Details Interactions with Castro on Visas
The Senate Select Inquiry on the Immigration Department resumed today in Belmopan. And after going toe-to-toe with former friend and Government Minister Edmond Castro in the courts and on this [...]

More Ministers Named: Boots, Contreras Filled In for Absent Castro
Burgess told the senate panel that she learned that the U.S. Embassy had at least two recordings of her conversations with Castro and other persons whom she could not recall. [...]

Why Was Alvarene Invited Into Visa Ring?
But why was Alvarene Burgess recruited into the visa recommendation scheme? Was it because she had access to the top players? Committee Chair Aldo Salazar repeatedly asked, but Burgess’ answer [...]

Ex-Taiwan Ambassador Can’t Explain Honduran Diplomat’s Involvement in Kim Affair
The Committee’s first witness today was former Ambassador of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan), Cherie Nisbet. She was at post when South Korean businessman turned fugitive Won Hong [...]

Senate Committee Returns: More Muscle, More Rhetoric
Even with a week’s absence, the Senate Special Select Committee has not been absent from the news headlines. When we last left it on May seventeenth, it had descended into [...]

Cabinet Colleagues Weigh In on Castro: Finnegan Wants to Hear from U.S.
It has come out in court and today in the senate that Minister Edmond Castro has been involved in countless recommendations for Asians at a fee; in fact, his name [...]

DPM Faber Says There is No Evidence of Wrongdoing Against Castro
The matter of the visa cancellation was discussed in the Cabinet on Tuesday, but Government has not received any notification from the U.S. about what has transpired and why. Deputy [...]

COLA & P.U.P. Say Castro Must Go
Today, the Opposition and COLA pounced on the heels of the revocation of Castro’s visas. P.U.P. Leader John Briceño and Cayo South’s Julius Espat called for Castro’s removal, while Geovannie [...]

Finnegan Asks – What is Ultimate Purpose of Senate Inquiry?
One lone U.D.P. minister who says that the senate inquiry has not run its course is Mesopotamia area rep, Michael Finnegan. He says that it is the prerogative of the [...]

Stop the Circus, Faber Demands
But Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber has a different take. This morning, he told the media that the usefulness of the inquiry has come and gone and there is a [...]

Faber Says Resources Must Be Governed by Written Contract
Another U.D.P. minister who has come under fire recently is John Saldivar. The Belmopan area rep was photographed ferrying his team to San Pedro using coastguard vessels donated by the [...]

Finnegan Says No ‘Bad Faith’ in Boat Borrowing
Minister Saldivar has gone on the offensive on social media saying that he stands behind his decision to use the vessels for his Bandits basketball team. But his colleague Michael [...]

P.U.P. Condemns Coast Guard ‘Abuse’
Is anybody buying Minister of Defence John Saldivar’s staunch defence of the decision to transport his Belmopan Bandits teams on Coast Guard? Certainly not Opposition Leader John Briceño when we [...]

CCJ to Elevate Denys Barrow; Dominica’s Cabral Wants to Stop the Show
There is an important event that takes place this Thursday.  It is the elevation of Senior Counsel Denys Barrow as a judge to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Barrow is [...]

Tanya Carter Robbed; Accused Teens Rounded Up
Well-known Belizean artist, Tanya Carter, was robbed by a group of four men, one who also threatened her life. The artist declined on-camera interviews since she was shaken up by [...]

Port Authority Gets New Headquarters
The Belize Port Authority is moving to its new headquarters adjacent to the Belize National Coastguard off mile four on the George Price Highway. The spanking new facility was officially [...]

Tobacco a Threat to Us All; NDACC, Cancer Society Team Up
“Tobacco, A Threat For Us All” was the theme that guided activities to mark World No Tobacco Day. The activities also coincide with the culmination of a month of events [...]

June to November, the Hurricane Season is Here!
The Hurricane Season is here and the Met Service says that this year is forecasted to be active. The above normal season will see fourteen named storms and three are [...]

PlusTV

Police still trying to identify strangled man in Orange Walk
Police are still trying to identify the body of a Hispanic male person which was found in Orange Walk District over the weekend. The still unidentified male body was found on a farm in Millers Bight area and to date police are no closer to solving what is being classified as a homicide. According to...

Lino still at Large for the murder of Lascelle Martinez
Simeon Lino is still on the run after he allegedly murdered a man and stabbed his ex. Thirty-five year old Lascelle Martinez was murdered in Punta Gorda Town on May 17th. Police said that the motive for the murder was jealousy since Martinez had just gotten into a relationship with 21-year-old T...

A couple held up at gunpoint
38-year-old Juanito Cowo and his 19-year-old common-law wife Jessica Mena were held up at gunpoint last night in Corozal. According to police reports, the couple was with their two year old child and had just reached home when the incident occurred. Mena was held up first while she was opening the d...

Dr. Paul Whisnant
Dr. Whisnant has been fulfilling the great commission for decades by making disciples here in Belize who in turn have made other disciples. Indeed, Whisnant has given selflessly to Belize and recently he was honored as the Humanitarian Ambassador for Belize. Whisnant has started a medical care prog...

Miss Belmopan is Miss Teen Belize
18-year-old Kiah Lisani Pastor is the new Miss Teen Belize. Pastor was crowned the new Miss Teen Belize on Saturday, May 27 in San Pedro where the pageant took place. Pastor spoke to Plusnews and gave an overview of the pageant Kiah Pastor, Miss Teen Belize 2017: We basically did an introduction dan...

Body found in the Caribbean Sea in Corozal
Another body was found, this time floating in the Caribbean Sea in Corozal. The victim is 43-year-old Anthony Pasos of Santa Rita in the Corozal District. Pasos was found floating along the seaside in the vicinity of 1st Avenue. Police say the body had injuries to the top of the head and face. A p...

GOB defends Saldivar’s use of public resources for private business
The Minister of Defence and Area Representative for Belmopan, Hon. John Saldivar, who is also the owner of the Bandits Sports team, HAS been criticized for using Belize Coast Guard vessels to transport his players to and from their games in San Pedro. The issue has been viewed as an abuse of power; ...

Murder in Seine Bight Village
31-year-old Glenn Ramirez was fatally stabbed over the weekend. According to police reports, on May 26, Glenn and his wife Deshawn Martinez Ramirez were arguing in front of a store located in Seine Bight Village and the argument accelerated into a fight. Officer in Charge of Dangriga Police, Ralph M...

21-year old murdered on Southern Highway
There was another murder in the South, this time on the Southern Highway. The victim is 21-year-old Armando Alvarenga of Trio Village in the Toledo District. According to police reports, at 7:45 p.m. yesterday, Independence police responded to a call and upon arriving at the scene between miles 45...

Kenworth Castro falls to his death
22-year-old Kenworth Castro died over the weekend after falling off a swing. According to police reports, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday Castro was seen swinging under a palapas at KoKoKing and was cautioned by bystanders that he could hurt himself since he was swinging too high. However, he...

Police is trying to identify the body of a male person
Orange Walk police are investigating what appears to be another homicide. The victim is yet unidentified as the body of the Hispanic male person was found on a farm in Millers Bight area in the Orange Walk District. According to police reports, at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, a man went to his farm where h...

Amancia Martinez came under fire in her home
39-year-old Amancia Martinez is fortunate to be alive after she came under fire while in her home. Martinez, a Belizean Hair Braider of San Pedro Town, told police that sometime around 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, she arrived home in a taxi. It was after entering her home and closing her door that she he...

Bus owner held up at gunpoint
Bert Ramos was held up with a knife and an undisclosed amount of money was stolen from him. Ramos, who is the owner of Ramos Bus Company and resides in Lords Bank, reported to police that at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Saturday, he was inside his bus which was parked in front of his house when he was...

House in Carmelita Village destroyed by fire
A house was destroyed over the weekend in Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District. Eustace Flowers, who is the caretaker of the house, reported to police that at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 26 the electricity went off and shortly after, he saw the house engulfed in flames. The house measur...

Manager of Pesticide Control Board and boyfriend held up at gunpoint
A couple was held up at gunpoint. According to police report, 49-year-old manager and registrar officer of the Pesticide Control Board residing at Central Farm told Police that on Saturday at 9:40 p.m., she arrived home in a Grey Toyota Hilux Pickup belonging to the Pesticide Control Board. Upon ent...

Breaking Belize News

Ready Call hangs it up
After 12 years, the Ready Call Centre (RCC) is closing its office in Belize with effect from June 28. According to reports, the announcement was made today during a 2 hour membership meeting.

NDACC celebrates World No Tobacco Day
The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) and the Belize Cancer Society, held joint health fair today in honor of World No Tobacco Day. The event was held at the Cancer Soceity’s headquarter on Mercy Lane, and attended by several health sector organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization, Diabetes Association of Belize and Ministry of Health.

Boat stolen and recovered in San Pedro
Yesterday, Hubert Logan, 36, visited the San Pedro police station and reported that between the hours of 12:30 and 7:00 a.m. someone had stolen his 25-foot blue and white Fiberglass Mexican skiff with the name “NICE & EASY” on both sides. The skiff also had a 115 HP Yamaha engine. Logan told police that he had docked at his neighbor – Modesto Wade`s dock which is located about 100 feet away from his yard.

Culprits take $18,000 and .9mm in Corozal
Last night around 10:45, Juanito Cowo, 38, and his 19-year-old common-law wife Jessica Mena reported that when they reached home, Mena went to open the door and was held up at gunpoint. A man told her to get to the ground.

Alvarine Burgess names Ministers Anthony Martinez and Erwin Contreras in Visa hustle
At the hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee today, Alvarine Burgess told Chairman Aldo Salazar that in instances where Minister Edmond Castro was out of the country, she sought to get Visas processed from other ministers. Burgess named Ministers Anthony “Boots” Martinez and Erwin Contreras, stating that she personally visited them with the request to facilitate the visas for “clients”.

Cost of living continues to rise
Belizeans paid an average of $2.20 more for goods and services for the month of April, new statistics show. The Consumer Price Index for April 2017, released today by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) sad that the average prices for goods and services were 2.2 percent higher than they were last year.

For God’s sake, stop it!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow [File: October 10, 2013] “…if there is one thing that can and will bring down this government it is hustling in immigration. I have heard that there are ministers who are procuring visas for people. I have said pretty much every second cabinet, if you are doing so, I have no proof, for God sake stop it, stop it! That is what will cause the government to fall.”

Minister Castro collected $400,000 for visas
Alvarine Burgess is testifying before the Senate Special Select Committee today. Burgess first burst the bomb in an interview with News 5 in October of 2013 . She then sent a written statement to the Ombudsman of Belize. Burgess was then taken to court by Minister Castro for allegations of his involvement in the VISA/ Immigration scandal .

COLA and PPOHRS banned from Senate; UDP supporters allowed
This morning’s senate hearing saw the presence of Alberto August, Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and leader of the newly formed group, Belizeans Against Courtenay (BAC) along with his supporters in red shirts.

Cherie Nisbet testifies today
Cherie Nisbet, former ambassador of Belize to Taiwan is at the Senate Special Select committee testifying today.

Guatemalan villagers search for lost villager in Belizean land
A villager from Brisas del Chiquibul, Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala located in the adjacency zone with Belize is lost and his family and friends are searching for him in Belize.

2017 Hurricane Season expected to be busy
On Thursday, June 1 the Atlantic Hurricane Season comes to an official start. Forecasters are predicting it to be an above normal season this year. According to forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the season is expected to experience five to nine hurricanes.

Great Blue Hole; a wonder to behold
An article from MSN travel entitled “ What is costs to see these 12 wonders around the world” features the Belize Blue Hole. The article states that the Great Blue Hole is a “dark blue underwater sinkhole in otherwise turquoise sea” and says it “is a wonder to behold”.

PM’s CEO flown out for emergency health care
Last Friday, Audrey Wallace, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister was taken to Miami via air ambulance for emergency medical treatment. Wallace was flown out for emergency treatment after she took a CT- Scan and found out that a vein had ruptured in her head.

Belize – Paying for A.S.R. to own B.S.I
The current government facilitated the purchase of majority shares in Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) by American Sugar Refining (ASR) shortly after it busted the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association politically by dividing its members along political party lines.

Mechanic found dead in Belmopan;suspected suicide
Reports reaching our newsroom are that a mechanic was found dead at the Ministry of Works compound in Belmopan this morning.

Blogs

Do This, Not That // Touring the ATM Cave in Belize
Now, I did a lot of cool shit in Belize. I snorkeled with sharks, turtles, manatees, and rays in Caye Caulker, climbed a mountain, hiked through the jungle at night, let a tarantula crawl up my arm without fainting, and explored ancient Maya temples, Indiana Jones-style. OK, that last one was technically Guatemala but it still counts. However, one more–exploring the ATM Cave in Belize—is among not just the coolest things I did in Belize, but one of the most unbelizeable experiences of MY LIFE. And I once punched a Nazi mechanic into an airplane propeller during a quest to find the Holy Grail so that’s saying something.

We Got Our Hands Dirty and and Doing it Again
The award-winning Victoria House Resort recently celebrated the launching of their new luxury spa and gym. Opening its doors in April, 2017, Victoria House Spa combined a great party to welcome Ambergris Caye with a taste of luxury and pampering. When Jennifer invited me to the party, I asked her if I could bring a plus one, and “Socialite Sandie” was my first choice since it is right down the street from her house. It was easy for me to convince her to join me for some girl time, to take a 2-day staycation and just unwind from the always busy island lifestyle. Beyond being our main event attending organizer Sandie has her hands full with a husband, 2 boys, 98-year-old mom, 4 dogs and numerous geckos. So she definitely needed full on spa time and R&R. So did I and we are here right now. Stay tuned for more on our amazing time at Casa Azul, at Victoria House in a future post.

Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve: One of the Most Magical Spots in Belize
Last week, I visited one of these protected areas, a place unlike any other in the country – the Mountain Pine Ridge reserve. Set up in hills and mountains, it’s an area with a totally unique landscape. Pine trees and rugged granite – perfect for hiking, mountain biking and exploring but even more perfect for WATERFALLS. And within this area, I spent two nights at beautiful Hidden Valley Inn. The property is totally unique within this unique area. They have 7200 acres of land – covered in 90 miles of trails. 90 miles – all for Hidden Valley guests! Trails, steps, wooden bridges all maintained by a full time team of 7 men. Where most properties within Belize market themselves as a gateway to the wonders of the country, Hidden Valley is a natural wonder. The Inn & Reserve has enough on-property to keep you happy, busy and…in awe for days.

International Sources

NEW Zoo Director Neil Anderson talks about Belize accident
Anderson and his wife recently visited the country. During the end of their trip, Neil got into an accident while riding a horse.

Videos