June 19, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

NEMO ADVISORY NO. 3 – BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE NORTHWEST CARIBBEAN
NEMO and the National Met Service hereby inform the general public that the broad low pressure area over the north-western Caribbean Sea continues to show signs of development. This system has a medium chance for tropical cyclone formation within 48 hours, and a high chance during the next three to five days. Some models show a weak circulation developing over Belize starting tonight which could continue up until Tuesday. Other models continue to suggest that the low will develop farther north and move slowly north-westward over our area. This system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over the country tonight and next week. Heaviest rainfall is likely to occur over central, southern and some coastal areas during the night-time and over northern and inland areas during the afternoon hours. The concerns remain localized flooding in low coastal communities and flash floods near rivers and streams especially in the south.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Free
“This is a nice place you have here,” I said to Rhayburn. “Yah, it’s a good little local bar,” he said. “I opened it twenty-four years ago and it’s kept the bills paid all this time.” On our way back from Merida, Sherry and I arrived too late for the last flight to Ambergris Caye. We had to overnight in Corozal so I wandered downtown for a beer, where I met Rhayburn. Since Belize is such a small country, we predictably knew a lot of the same peple. While we were chatting a young man walked in. “Mr. Rhayburn,” he said. “My mama sent me for the beer.” Rhayburn took a case of Beliken Stout from a stack and handed it to him.

Doctor Love: Shygirl
Dear Doctor Love, I am not good at meeting guys and making small talk. I’m quiet and shy, so they lose interest in me quickly. My best friend suggested internet dating might be the answer, but I don’t know anything about it. I meet people on the internet and have actually been asked for a date but how do I approach internet dating? I think I would meet someone and form a relationship easier if I didn’t feel as though I was put on the spot like I do in person. /s/ Shygirl

Misc Belizean Sources

Fatal accident on highway
A woman was riding her motorcycle on the road to Valley of Peace on Saturday, June 17th. Fabiola Cruz crashed and passed away. She was well known and had a very popular tacos stall by Westar. She's from Young Bank, Camalote area. She will be missed. Condolences to her family and friends.

Scubble Summer Camp
Looking for an entertainment for your children this summer? Here's how! Scubble Summer Camp is here once again for children to be entertained while out of School.

The Reporter

Murder in Cayo
San Ignacio police are investigating a murder which occurred in the municpality on Friday night. On Saturday police found the body of Maynor Portillo, a resident of Santa Elena town, at the Novelo’s Convention Centre in San Ignacio town. Police have said they will release further details into this incident as they becomes available.

Ministry of Agriculture on the lookout for small hive beetles
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Immigration is launching a special survey of apiaries (bee farms) in the country, looking for diseases and pests, particularly among Small Hive Beetles (SHB). The apiculture survey, is a diagnostic assessment which will run countrywide from July 3-21. The survey begins in Toledo, from July 3-6; Stann Creek, July 7; Cayo, July 10-13; Belize, July 14; Orange Walk, July 17-19; Corozal, July, 20-21. The Ministry is conducting the survey in collaboration with Belize (Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria) OIRSA.

Crime Stoppers to host special training sessions
Crime Stoppers Belize will be working with Crime Stoppers International (CSI) in the coming week, to host special training sessions for law enforcement agents, to combat organized crime. The training, to be held from June 19-23, is a part of a Caribbean/Central American Initiative, aimed at disrupting criminal networks involved in contraband smuggling and counterfeiting. Agencies such as the Customs Department, the Police Department, and Border Management Agency will participate in the training, which will be held at several border point areas, namely, the Corozal Free Zone, Belize City, San Ignacio Town and the Big Creek Port.

The following is a press release from NEMO on the flood situation in southern Belize
NEMO and the National Met Service hereby informs the public that due to a broad low pressure area which is slowly developing in our region, heavy rainfall is expected to continue along the coast and over the southern part of the country today. The concern is for localized flooding in low coastal communities and flash floods near rivers and streams especially in the south. During the remainder of the weekend some development is expected as the system moves slowly north-westward across the Yucatan Peninsula and over portions of northern Belize. A tropical cyclone could develop next week over the southern or central Gulf of Mexico.

Blogs

My Weekend in San Pedro, Belize: Rain Clouds, Farmers’ Market. A Webcam and The Pool Opens at Reef Village
The talk (at least in my household) has been about the weather – a storm wave is coming that has been promising rain. And while we’ve seen some dark clouds (beautiful) and had some showers (refreshing and needed), it’s been nothing monumental. But then the front is still hovering off our shore. My eyes have been riveted…I mean GLUED…because I have a crazy crazy trip planned (I’m a 5th Wheel) for tomorrow. One that involves a helicopter and a posh resort owned by the director of the Godfather movies. But let me tell you about my weekend so far…the slight dip in the temperatures has been gorgeous and the scenery? Even more so. View 6 miles north – just north of Costa Blu Resort. Yesterday I headed to the Farmers’ Market at The Truck Stop. 11am to 2pm each Third Saturday of the month. Lots of tasty stuff…French pastries, organic veggie and fresh foods.

International Sources

10 Best Tropical Places to Travel in November for Warm Weather
So what about the best tropical places to travel in November for warm weather? Insider Monkey recently published an article in which we can find the great answers for this question. Do you love sunshine, sea, fantastic meals and good drinks? If yes, you need to just pack your luggage, put your sunglasses and sun lotion into your bag and go to somewhere tropical place. Tropical belt sounds like a great plan to avoid rainy autumn weather in November. Most of African, South American and South Eastern Asian continent belong to this belt, which is famous for many tourist destinations because of natural beauties. We have picked three tropical place from Insider Monkey’s list: Cuba, Hawaii and Belize. The average temperature in Belize is : 25C/ 77F. Belize is a Central American country with the least population density among Americas, only 35 people per square mile, which leaves a lot of space for natural wonders, so make sure you visit some of those. Apart from rich nature, Belize is also rich in archaeological treasures of ancient Mayans.

Tropical Wave in the Caribbean Has Big Storm Potential
There’s a high chance that a tropical wave currently located over the western Caribbean Sea will develop into a storm early next week. In fact, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami says there’s a 90 percent probability of it happening within the next five days. There’s still a chance – 60 percent – that it will form within the next two days. “The broad area of low pressure located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea continues to produce a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Gradual development of the system is expected while it moves slowly northwestward across the Yucatan Peninsula later today and over the southern or central Gulf of Mexico tomorrow and Tuesday, where a tropical or subtropical cyclone is likely to form,” the NHC said.

Videos

June 18, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

All set for Caye Caulker Miss Lobster Fest Pageant!
Lobster Season is open again and with it comes the fun and traditional lobster festivals around the country. All is ready in the neighboring island of Caye Caulker, where the festivities for their 23rd Annual Lobster Festival will take place from June 30th through July 2nd. The anticipated event will tip off with the Miss Lobster Fest 2017-2018 pageant, which will see four lovely young ladies vying for the crown and fabulous prizes. Aaliyah Elijio, Aleizy Durantes, Annabella Requena, and Katleen Cutkelvin will compete to become Caye Caulker’s next beauty ambassador in a talent, costume and question and answer segment.

BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE NORTHWEST CARIBBEAN – NEMO
NEMO and the National Met Service hereby informs the general public that due to a broad low pressure area which is slowly developing in our region, heavy rainfall is expected along the coast and over the southern part of the country tonight and tomorrow. The concern is for localized flooding in low coastal communities and flash floods near rivers and streams especially in the south. During the remainder of the weekend some development is expected as the system moves slowly north-westward across the Yucatan Peninsula and over portions of northern Belize. A tropical cyclone could develop next week over the southern or central Gulf of Mexico.

Coral Reef Ed-ventures Summer Camp returns to La Isla Bonita
The 18th annual Coral Reef Ed-ventures Summer Camp is returning to Ambergris Caye on Monday, June 26th. The free, fun educational camp, which collaborates with students from Smith College in Massachusetts, USA, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, promotes the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef and teaches island children about the coral and marine ecosystem. Mandy Castro, Abby Onos, Sabrina Cordero, Jasmine Pacheco-Ramos, Dana Vera, and Emily Hitchcock form the 2017 team, and they are looking forward to another successful program. The first program is geared for students ages 12 and up, and is scheduled for Monday, June 26th to Friday, June 30th. The campers will meet on weekdays at the San Pedro High School, from 4PM to 6PM. The youth camp will begin on Monday, July 3rd through Thursday, July 13th. It is opened for students age’s seven to 12, and will be hosted at SPHS during the same hours.

San Pedro students compete at Belize District primary schools basketball championships
San Pedro Roman Catholic (RC) girls and Holy Cross Anglican boys represented la Isla Bonita at the Belize District primary schools basketball championship organized by the National Sports Council at the Belize Elementary auditorium on Tuesday, June 13th. The Belize City champions – St. Joseph’s RC School girls and St Ignatius RC School boys won the district finals and will represent the district at the nationals at the St. John’s College gymnasium on Thursday, June 15. St Ignatius had to go to overtime to win the championship final 38-29 over the Belize Elementary boys, who had tied the score 28-28 at the end of regulation time. Kyle Castillo hit 2 free throws and 4 buckets in the overtime to score 10 of his 17 game points; Leroy Betson added 10pts and Jamal Myvette netted another 8pts for the win. BES’ Jahzani Lightburn scored 9pts, and Eric Wiliams added 7pts, while Destin Olivera added 6pts.

Apartment building’s improper sewage disposal has neighbours concerned
Reports have surfaced from residents in the San Juan Area of San Pedro Town that an apartment building, in the same area, was dumping raw sewage on the lagoon side. Those being directly affected are concerned about the effect it has on the environment and their health. The San Pedro Sun has since contacted the relevant authorities to find out what is happening and what they are doing to address the situation. Initial complaints were that almost every weekend, the management releases the building’s black water onto the street. Residents believe that the intention is for the waste water to drain into the lagoon. However, every time this is done, it floods neighbouring yards and streets. They report that huge puddles accumulate, with an unbearable stench that lingers for hours until the waste is soaked into the soil. Neighbours are equally concerned about the health issues such a practice can cause, especially to the children who play in the yards where the waters settle.

Belize Fitness to hold first Cancer Run
Seeking to raise awareness on cancer and show solidarity to support those battling cancer, Belize Fitness will be hosting its inaugural 5K Cancer Run on Saturday, July 1st. Belize Fitness is the newest gymnasium on Ambergris Caye, located in the Sancas Plaza,. Not only will the run be a celebration of life and life after cancer, but it will also honor all those who have lost the battle. Thus, individual runners and teams, along with walkers of all ages and skill levels, are invited to participate. For a $20 registration fee, runners/walkers will be provided with a number, a dry fit shirt, breakfast, and drinks. Starting at 6AM, participants will make their way from the start point at Sancas Plaza, located directly in front of Tropic Air on Coconut Drive, along the designated route to Black Coral Street and Nurse Shark Street. They will then turn onto Pescador Drive, heading over the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge towards the North Ambergris Caye Police Booth, then returning to the starting point.

Misc Belizean Sources

Captain Shark's 7th Annual Dorado Rodeo Fishing Tournament
Congratulations to Horace Bladon and his team 'Precipice' for winning the top prize at Captain Shark's 7th Annual Dorado Rodeo Fishing Tournament!

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF BELIZE AND LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Citizenship rights
Belizean Citizens Abroad (BCA) is an organization committed to bringing together Belizeans living abroad in a non-partisan manner. Our goal is to empower and strengthen the democracy of Belize by working with ALL Belizeans at home as well as the Government of Belize on solutions and issues of concern to the community of Belizeans living overseas. As such, we are currently advocating for the equal rights of born Belizeans with dual citizenship.We are asking for bi-partisan support for an amendment bill to remove the discriminatory provisions in our Constitution limiting the citizenship rights of born Belizeans who gain dual nationality and to reintroduce the same amendments as section 4 and 5 of the BELIZE CONSTITUTION (SEVENTH AMENDMENT) ACT, 2009 that purported to amend Sec 58(1) and 63(1) of the Belize Constitution. These discriminatory provisions in our Constitution limit the POLITICAL rights of born Belizeans and hampers our ability to solve many of the problems that Belize face in an ever-changing globalized world.The Constitution of Belize contradicts the idealism of equal rights and equal protection under the law by establishing underclasses of citizenship. Furthermore, the Constitution is in contravention of the very idea of human rights.

UNCAF eliminations: Football Federation of Belize
Help us support our female U20 team in Nicaragua for the UNCAF eliminations. First game tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. Feel free to tag. Jacqueline Pelayo Iris Centeno Marlon Kuylen Renan Arturo Couoh Escobedo Support all players by hashtagging their names in the comment section of each pic.

Did Facebook video play a role in Shooting of home?
Omar Tut states that about 10:30 p.m. he was preparing some food when he heard 2 shots and made checks by a window and saw 2 bullet holes in his home in Cotton Tree Village. Tut recently came under tremendous scrutiny and public criticism when a video surfaced showing his ex girlfriend confronting him and his current girlfriend. The ex pulled up and parked in front of his vehicle preventing them from driving off. The woman he lived with got into a fight with his ex. There was a denial that he was ever married or had kids with the woman. However, Ruth Castillo was recently charged in San Ignacio for beating what police refer to as "Tut's ex wife." Relatives are claiming its a common law situation and there is speculation the public scrutiny may have resulted in the shooting of the house.

Police indicate #fakenews regarding Minister Castro's kids
Senior Superintendent Chester Williams say minister's children were not charged and the police report was released "by mischief makers." Specifically, Williams says "This is not about ministers son ...we need to learn to take politics out of everything. Whether minister son or not when reports are made it's the police duty to investigate properly and take the necessary action." If the mischief makers are caught, those officers who released the inaccurate report would be dealt with.

Beginner Students Final Recital
O'Brien's Music Studio, July 1st, 9:30am, Palotti School of Music Room 1

BODY FOUND IN DRAIN
The body of a man was discovered this morning in the Cayo District. Villagers made the gruesome discovery in Unitedville Village. The body was found in a drain that runs along the George Price Highway. The man was seen floating face down in the drain. He was wearing a white shirt and long khaki pants. Police are on the scene investigating.

Brand New Basketball Back Boards was placed at the Halls Layout Multipurpose Court
Very soon Inauguration of the Dome which now posses proper lighting. Bang Boards made in Corozal by professional Sculptor Alvaro Dominguez.

Respect for the Dead in the Old Days
In the old days notices were posted up in the many prominent places announcing funerals. There are solemn events and great reverence is shown the dead. The deceased are generally buried within twenty-four hours after death. After viewing the body at the home, a long procession (depending popularity of the person) follows the cart to the Church. The mourners are dressed in their finest black or white clothing. As they pass the business section, the store keepers close their windows and doors in respect and reopen them as a soon as the procession has passed. Speaking to Elders in the Downtown area this tradition may have been conducted up to the 50’s -60’s.

The Reporter

Santa Elena man shot dead
The weekend violence continues, as police discovered the body of a man, shot to death, in the west. San Ignacio Police say they responded to a report of shots fired Friday night, when they found the lifeless body of Santa Elena resident, Maynor Portillo. Police removed his.body from the eastern side of the Novelo’s Convention Center, with a gunshot wound to the head. The killing coincided with a stabbing, and a shooting all in the west but police have not indicated that they are related. No one was harmed in the second shooting. The incidents follow a murder in Belize City on Thursday night, which.left one dead from gunshot wounds.

Activists call for minimum wage increase
The Belize Leaders for Social Justice, a community activist group, is holding a peaceful demonstration in Belize City, calling for the Government of Belize to increase the minimum wage. The demonstration started at the on Cemetery Road at the Constitution Park, went up Orange Street, turned into Albert Street, then King Street and finally into Regent Street, ending at the Battlefield Park. Moses Sulph, co-chair for the BLSJ, explained that the cost of goods and services in Belize makes it difficult for many to survive on $3.30 per hour, which sparks an urgent need for the figure to be amended.

Breaking Belize News

NEMO issues second advisory on incoming weather system
NEMO and the National Met Service issued Advisory number 2 a short while ago advising the general public that due to a broad low pressure area which is slowly developing in our region, heavy rainfall is expected along the coast and over the southern part […]

Update on Friday night Santa Familia stabbing and murder
According to official reports, police responded around 10 last night to a stabbing incident in Santa Familia Village, Cayo. Information provided by the Police is that Eliseo Bacab and Amy Guerra were at the village football field when they were attacked by three men, […]

Update on Santa Elena murder
Last night San Ignacio police responded to reports of shots fired in an area on the Eastern side of the Novelo’s Convention Center near Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena, Cayo. On the scene police found the lifeless body of Maynor Portillo of Santa […]

Dangriga teen reported missing
Bliza Carr, 30, chef of Hopkins village reported that her 14-year-old daughter Leonela Carmen Aranda left home at 6:45 a.m. yesterday en route to Ecumenical High School located in Dangriga, Stann Creek. Carr told police that Aranda has not returned home since. Aranda is […]

“Raise the minimum wage” demonstration held in Belize City
The Belize Leaders for Social Justice (BLSJ), a community advocacy group, is calling on the Government of Belize to raise the.minimum wage, through a public demonstration in Belize City this morning. The organization is gathering in the Constitution Park of Cemetery Road, and will […]

Open letter to Belize’s Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition
The Rt. Honorable, Dean Barrow, Prime Minister The Honorable, Johnny Briceno, Leader of the Opposition Belmopan, Belize Dear Sirs, Belizean Citizens Abroad (BCA) is an organization committed to bringing together Belizeans living abroad in a non-partisan manner. Our goal is to empower and strengthen the democracy […]

Minister Castro’s sons accused of assault on police officer
BBN has obtained copies of a police report made against one of NEMO Minister, Edmond Castro’s son yesterday. According to the report, two police officers were working motorcycle patrol in the Conchshell Bay area of Belize City when cops noticed a white Wingle pickup […]

Wild, Wild West – Santa Familia stabbing may be weekend’s third murder
Reports to BBN is that a young lady was stabbed last night in Santa Familia Village, Cayo. Reliable sources say that the young lady was involved in a fight where she and another person were stabbed. Police believe that one of the ladies was […]

Body found in Unitedville, Cayo
Reports to BBN is that the body of a male person was found this morning in Unitedville Village, Cayo. The body was found with stab wounds in a drain near the George Price Highway in the village. Police are currently on the scene. © […]

International Sources

Belize Workers Protest for a ‘Living Wage’
On Saturday morning, the Belize Leaders for Social Justice, BLSJ, organized a public protest demanding that the government raise the minimum wage. On Saturday morning, the Belize Leaders for Social Justice, BLSJ, organized a public protest demanding that the government raise the minimum wage. The advocacy group, supported by the Belize Progressive Party, Belize Territorial Volunteers and Days of Healing Committee, started the march at Constitution Park on Cemetery Road, according to Breaking Belize News. Demonstrators marched through several main streets and thoroughfares before ending at Battlefield Park. Currently, Belizeans receive a minimum wage of $3.30 Belizean dollars (roughly US$1.65) per hour, resulting in a monthly minimum wage of about US$321 dollars. The amount, comparable to Guatemala's minimum wage, falls well short of meeting people’s basic needs. A group of protesters held a sign that read: “Working families deserve a living wage.” Moses Sulph, a BLSJ member, pointed out that with the increased cost of living, people require a minimum wage increase. “People want change, but they think it’s going to happen at the stroke of a pen,” Sulph explained. “They need to realize that it’s by uniting and showing the government that they want these things that will make the difference.”

Videos

June 17, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Full Moon Concert features talented Cuban Band Morena Son
Under the glow of a full moon, San Pedro town residents were treated to an international concert featuring the female Cuban band ‘Morena Son’ on Wednesday, June 14th. Held at the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC), the event was organized by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), the San Pedro Cultural Committee, in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba in Belize and the SPHC. Welcoming guests was Jorge Aldana from the SPTC, and he introduced the group, which comes from Santiago de Cuba. Its members are Aimee Campos, Aylen Guevara, Maria Soto, Juna Filiu, Niurka Cardona, Orialis Luna, and Deisy Estrada, and they have toured South America and Europe. This is their first time in Belize.

AREA OF DISTURBED WEATHER OVER THE NORTHWEST CARIBBEAN
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in close collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that a large area of disturbed weather has formed over the northwest Caribbean Sea and adjacent land areas of Central America. The system is unlikely to develop significantly within 24 hours, but there is a medium chance for further development during Sunday and Monday as it moves north-westward across the Yucatan Peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico. Even though significant development is not expected at this time, the system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall over the country. Rainfall is expected to increase over most areas tonight and persist through the weekend. Heavy rainfall will cause localized flooding over low lying coastal areas, and may lead to flash flooding near rivers and streams especially in the south.

Middle Island Neighborhood Watch continues to trash the bad habit of littering
For the past 10 years, the Middle Island Neighborhood Watch (MINW) has been tackling Ambergris Caye’s garbage by cleaning their neighborhood’s beaches and roads. With special focus on the Journey’s End area and north of Mata Grande Grocery Store, MINW’s members are not only cleaning surrounding areas, but also raising awareness so that other communities are motivated to keep their environment clean. Since the establishment of MINW, one of their main missions is to help beautify Ambergris Caye. MINW President Jan Van Noord, and MINW Secretary Diane Campbell, who currently spearheads the MINW trash project, have been actively working as a team. Now, with MINW advocating these cleanup efforts, the project has expanded, with many volunteers showing up to work hard. During a recent outreach program, MINW received various cash donations, which was used to carry out a deep cleaning of roadsides and beaches. On two different occasions, one person filled nine large bags with trash. Just days after, another team was able to fill 41 contractor (55-gallon) trash bags, and local businesspeople volunteered their trucks and personnel to haul the debris away.

Kent Gabourel & Jordan Santos in Olympic Day run
Kent “Bob” Gabourel won third place in the Open category and Jordan Santos and placed fourth in the 14-19 years male category when the National Olympic and Commonwealth Games committee held its annual Olympic Day run on the streets of downtown Belize City on Sunday, June 11th. Kent “Bob” Gabourel clocked 15:56.84 minutes in two laps over the course from Scotiabank parking lot on Regent Street to the first turning point at Mule Park in front of Belize Bank, then down Albert Street to Isaiah Morter monument and around the Yarborough Cemetery, returning to the St. John’s Cathedral, and on to Regent Street to the finish line.

Ministry of Health implements new pharmaceutical regulations
In an effort to ensure Belizeans are receiving quality medicinal products, the Office of the Director of Health Services made an announcement on Tuesday, June 6th via a press release, informing pharmaceutical importers that all custom entries will now be processed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Belmopan. Such entries could be over the counter medication, FedEx, Amerijet, prescription medications and others. This transition is expected to commence on July 1, 2017, and the new regulation will effect roughly 60 registered pharmaceutical importers within the country.

Eight years later, Belize Barrier Reef remains on the UNESCO ‘in danger’ list
The state of Belize’s Barrier Reef System continues to be poor and for another consecutive year it will remain on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ‘in danger list.’ The Belizean reef system has been on this list since 2009 and every year in March, the Government submits a status report to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Committee for review. The committee’s report was delivered on Friday, June 9th, stating that more needs to be done for its removal from this vulnerable category. According to Nadia Bood from the World Wildlife Fund, they are ensuring that everything is done to get the reef off that list. She also explained why this year, Belize did not meet the Committee’s expectations. “The Committee reiterates its position that the adequacy of the one kilometer buffer zone needs revision,” said Bood. “The Government said back in December of 2015 that there would be a ban on oil exploration within the property and a one kilometer buffer around the property and the barrier reef. The World Heritage Site Committee does not accept that.” Bood indicated that the Committee would like to see a justification for such a decision from the Government.

Ambergris Today

Fifty Four Belizeans Receive Suicide Prevention Training
Fifty-four persons from across the country have received training in Suicide Prevention through a partnership between the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) Project, Galen University, and COBEC. The workshops were one of the first activities under the recently launched Youth Rise Project and took place in Cayo and Stann Creek between June 8th and 13th, 2017. Participants included persons who actively work with youths within community safety nets, such as counsellors from high schools in central and southern Belize and the University of Belize, counsellors and social workers from the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, the Department of Youth Services, and the Community Policing Unit, as well as professionals from the ITVET.

Misc Belizean Sources

SMALL HIVE BEETLE SURVEY – BEEKEEPING
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment & Sustainable Development and Immigration in collaboration with OIRSA, Belize (Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria) will be conducting a national apiculture survey from 3rd to 21st July 2017. This survey will start in Toledo District and followed by the Corozal District. This diagnostic assessment is to determine the status of apiaries with a special focus on the presence of pest and disease such as Small Hive Beetle (SHB). Last year, SHB was detected in a number of hives which were located along the north-eastern border of the Corozal District. Through this survey, the Department of Agriculture will also map existing apiaries and update the national honey production database.

NICH and San Pedro House of Culture keep traditions alive during Lobster Fest
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through The Museum Of Belize and The San Pedro House of Culture invites everyone to take part in the rich traditions of San Pedro during the month of June. For the next two (2) weeks San Pedro will be a fountain of traditional and contemporary cultural activities celebrating the sacrifice of the fishermen, the bounty of the sea, the sanctity of religion, the sense of family and the all-encompassing spirit of San Pedro. The traditional aspect of this year’s festivities will begin on June 20. The villagers will be roused from sleep to attend La Bajada at the Roman Catholic Church, a ceremony that is centered around the fishermen removing the statue of St. Peter from its usual place in the church and placing it at the bottom level of his altar.

5th Annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games
The Seine Bight village on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize will host the fifth annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games on July 22-23, 2017.

JASMINE ALERT!!!!
MISSING CHILD from Ranchito Village, Corozal.

Belize's Wonder Women! Ann-Marie Williams
Ann-Marie Williams is the first and current Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission (NWC) since 2008. Ann-Marie recently participated in the highly prestigious The Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Program focusing on “Trafficking in Persons, Policy and Prevention" at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, DC. After completing the program, consisting of a year of graduate studies, Ann-Marie received a special certificate. While in DC, as part of her professional development, she worked for a stint at the World Bank on development issues in Knowledge Management. This former television anchor likes being an award-winning journalist best, as it has and continues to broaden her worldview on a myriad of issues, while building her intellectual capacity which is steeped in human rights.

Induction ceremony at the Bliss Center
On June 15th, The Museum of Belize hosted an induction ceremony at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Robert Sydney Reyes, a friend and past student of Governor General Sir Colville Young, donated 4 beautiful paintings to the National Art Collection. Sir Colville Young handed over the paintings on Mr. Reyes' behalf.

NURI AKBAR & THE CALLING!
As a childhood friend in Belize City Derrick Estrada had more freedom than most of us who grew up in the same neighborhood and in very strict homes like myself in the late 1960s. But remembering him and his shy personality since then makes me realize that boys like him had appeared distant in many ways. Though for me there was always this wonderment why my sheltered background at the time prevented me from knowing him better. It later appeared after we both became teenagers in the late 1970s, and my family's departure from the neighborhood that divided us from connecting, that we were to meet again in more maturity. There was a sense of reluctance still even though we would chat occasionally at the Belize Islamic center on Racecourse Street that had become like a educational pub for some of Belize's most brilliant minds.

MADDAM DIANE HAYLOCK: IN THE SPIRIT OF STRUGGLE & RESISTANCE!
Let's recall the work of this outstanding Belizean woman, Diane Haylock, as it is seen from across the Belizean diaspora where she had made a tremendous impact as one of the most articulate representatives of the organization SPEAR (Society for the Promotion of Education & Research). When SPEAR visited the Los Angeles Belizean Community in 1989 at the invitation of BREDAA (Belize Rural Economic Development of Agriculture through Alliance), Haylock stood out as one of the most politically conscious and culturally aware Belizean women of her time. Throughout her presentations to the Belizean diaspora town meetings along with her other colleagues, Assad Shoman and Wilfred "Sedi" Elrington, she understood the significance of the Belizean diaspora in Belize's development and its potential and power was one of her main messages that has come to light some thirty years since SPEAR"S memorable and historic visit to the Los Angeles Belizean Community.

Library Summer Camp: Endangered Birds of Belize
The San Pedro Town Public Library will be hosting its annual summer camp under the theme endangered birds of Belize. All community and branch libraries countrywide will be hosting the same activity so there is no need to miss out on the fun. For children ages 6 - 14, this could be a fantastic opportunity to learn so much about our Belize birds!

Energy Learning Exchange - Belize Electricity Limited Hosts The Bahamas Power & Light Company
Representatives of The Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) visited Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) on June 1 & 2, 2017 as part of a knowledge exchange program facilitated by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The primary objective of the mission was to provide insight into and experience of BEL’s recent transformation which may be of benefit to BPL as they embark on a relatively similar journey. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted information sharing sessions and technical tours to local generating and substation facilities. BEL’s corporate objectives, strategies and successes of key programs and initiatives were shared through presentations and discussions in the areas of Transmission and Distribution Operations, System Planning and Engineering, Safety Health and Environment Management, Customer Care and Human Resources Management.

Art in the Park June edition cancelled
Due to the impending wet weather for this weekend and the scheduled Candlelight Vigil for June 24th, Art in the Park June edition has been cancelled.

Belize September Celebration
Save the Date. September 10th 2017, Belize September Celebrations Street Festival. Between Market St and LaBrea on Nutwood in front of Little Belize Restaurant. Booths are going fast. For booths call 3238226687

Summer Showcase
Our annual Creative Arts Camp for Primary and Preschool starts July 10th!!! Pick up a registration form today at The Bliss! Or give us a call at 227-2210! July 10 – July 24, Belize City.

Corozal Community College graduation
Corozal Community College graduates in jovial camaraderie while awaiting for their graduation march. Not even the high temperatures diminished their enthusiasm, happiness….and beauty! Congratulations!

Cultural Day in San Antonio Village
The Institute of Archaeology, along with the Institute for Social & Cultural Research both visited United Pentecostal School in San Antonio Village to be a part of their Cultural Day celebrations. From learning about cultural celebrations to creating hand-prints and talking about Maya tools, it was a day well spent in education.

Channel 7

Anguish In August Pine Ridge Over Nonagenarian's Murder
Last night we told you about the killing of a 90 year old shopkeeper in August Pine Ridge Village in Orange Walk. Tonight, more is known about the very disturbing and diabolical murder and robbery. 7News went to Orange Walk to speak Pablo Pol's family and found that the elderly shopkeeper was killed for just a few dollars:... Jules Vasquez reporting: Pol's Shop on the August Pine Ridge Road. Apart from a Coca Cola sign out front, there's not much to it. But yesterday two hispanic men who had been seen on this August Pine Ridge Road went into the store and pounced on the 90 year old owner and proprietor, Pablo Pol, viciously beating and robbing him. A customer found him on the floor, and called the family. A niece was the first to respond:

Police Have A Suspect For Murder
Today, Orange Walk police were in a conference in Belmopan and could not give the media any interviews about the murder of Pablo Pol. And so this evening, the ranking police officer in the Press Office, Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood told the media what investigators know so far, and the possible involvement of minors... The community was involved in leading police to the suspect.

Dangriga Teacher On Bike Killed
In Dangriga, a pre school teacher was killed in a traffic accident. Yesterday at around 4:00, 26-year-old Naomi Abigail Taylor McKenzie was riding her beach cruiser to the mother's resdience when she was rear ended by a motorbike. 22 year old Michael Estero was driving the motorbike with a 17 year old passenger. They were behind McKenzie when they crashed into her rear wheel, and that sent the schoolteacher crashing to the pavement. She received head injuries and was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital where she died at 5:30.

Thursday Night Shooting In City
Last night 24 year old Wasan Avila was socializing with a friend on the far end of Jasmine Street when two men approached them on bicycles. One of the men pulled out a hand gun and opened fire. Avila's friend escaped unharmed, but he was shot in the back and arm. Avila was rushed to the KHMH and was released in stable condition earlier today. ACP Chester Williams told us what they know so far.... So far, police believe that the assailants intended to rob Avila and his friend.

NEMO Warns About Weekend Weather
There's some heavy weather headed this way - and it has prompted NEMO to issue its first national advisory of the Hurricane Season. The release says, quote, "a large area of disturbed weather has formed over the northwest Caribbean Sea and adjacent land areas of Central America. The system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall over the country. Rainfall is expected to increase over most areas tonight and persist through the weekend. Heavy rainfall will cause localized flooding over low lying coastal areas, and may lead to flash flooding near rivers and streams especially in the south."

IMF Says GOB Should Increase GST Rate to 15%
The IMF finished its Article IV Consultation in Belize yesterday and issued its concluding statement this morning. While not exactly upbeat, the report does note with encouragement that "the economy is expected to return to positive growth in 2017", but laments that "the medium term outlook remains weak." They project 2½ percent growth in 2017, and an average of just under 2 percent in the medium-term. The report also concludes that international reserves are projected to decline to two and a half months of imports over the medium term, and, quote, "any negative shocks could push them below that level." Notably, the IMF estimates the overall level of public debt at about 100 percent of GDP - which is very high.

A Complicated Appeal Resolved, Or Is It?
The Court of Appeal ended its June session today, and as it does at the end of sitting, which lasts for 2 weeks, the court handed down pending judgments. The Court handed down a trio of very important judgments, and we start first tonight with the criminal appeal of Gilbert Henry. Now, we've gotten in touch with the attorneys involved in the case, even after it's conclusion, there is deep disagreement on what the outcome is and should be. On one hand, there is Henry and his attorney, Kevin Arthurs, who says that he was arbitrarily deprived of his freedom having served 5 years in prison, only to learn after the fact that his conviction and time spent in jail should not have happened. The court has ruled that his conviction is a nullity, meaning that it is invalid.

A Titanic Turn In Fortunes
And, from that huge judgment, the Court of Appeal went on to hand down another big one in the favor of the Barrow Administration. It's the Titan International Securities lawsuit. That's the case from September 2014 where Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel (able) awarded 8.8 million dollars in compensation to the company owners, Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach. The judge found that the police department's raid on their Matalon Building Office was excessive, and abusive. The Government appealed that case, insisting that the judge's ruling was wrong, and today, the Court of Appeal agreed meaning the Government doesn't have to pay the multi-million-dollar judgment. But, it's only a partial victory because while they don't have to pay the award of damages, the Court did take note that the search and seizure of all of Titan's documents, computers and business records went too far. We spoke with Solicitor General Nigel Hawke about the outcome of the case.

Appeals Court Rules Ashcroft Alliance In Awich Challenge
And the final decision from the Court of Appeal which we report on tonight concerns the sitting Justice of Appeal, Samuel Awich. That's the case where the Ashcroft Alliance, namely, Dean Boyce, British Caribbean Bank - now named Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited, and Lord Michael Ashcroft himself, was challenging Awich's appointment to the Court of Appeal. They filed a lawsuit against the the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, alleging that the commission did not take their complaints against Awich seriously. They alleged that Awich had performed inadequately as a Supreme Court judge, and should not have been eligible as a justice of the Court of Appeal. Justice Courtney Abel (able) ruled against the Government, and in favor of the Alliance, finding that the commission should not have dismissed the complaint. Justice Abel said that the complaint should have been sent up the Belize Advisory Council.

Euros For OAS Adjacency Office
The OAS is currently holding its 47th. General Assembly in Cancun, but here in Belize, reports say the Adjacency Zone office in Benque Viejo has gotten a new lease on life. Unconfirmed reports say that the European Union has come up with 10 million euros for the office - which was on the verge of closure because funding had dried up. Yesterday the BDF Commander told us that the continued presence of the Adjacency Office bodes well for stability in cross border relations:.. The European Funders have stressed that both nations must move decisively towards a referendum and a resolution of the dispute.

Cops: To Catch Hard Rock's Killer
As we told you last night, the man who allegedly killed Andrew Bennett, known to most as the popular DJ "Hard Rock", is in jail tonight. David Richard Arnold was arraigned yesterday and remanded. It took three weeks for police to track down this alleged killer, and ACP Chester Williams told us more about his arrest today... ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "As you may have remembered in previous interviews we have said that we knew who the suspect was in respect to the murder of Hard Rock and that individual we were looking for, David Arnold, was apprehended in the Belmopan area and was transported to us here in Belize City. We did our investigation further into the incident and yesterday we were able to formally arrested and charged David Arnold for the crime of murder in respect to the shooting death of Hard Rock."

Education Minister Reflects on Dismal PSE
A week ago we told you about the PSE results. Basically there has been no significant improvement in performance especially in Math and SCIENCE scores went down sharply. Now while there are those who excelled, over a thousand students got scores of "E" - which is basically a failing grade. It is a concern that is expressed every year but what is being done to really improve these grades? Yesterday Education Minister Patrick Faber told us that one other long term option right now is focusing on early childhood education.

Faber Emphasizes Opposition to Corporal Punishment
Still on education, the Ministry is investigating a corporal punishment case at San Pablo Government in Orange Walk. A teacher allegedly banged her 8 year old students head on the wall among other abusive acts. When the child told his mother, the mom went to the school and attacked the teacher. It was a messy scene at the school and Education Minister says he doesn't have all details but officials are trying to get to the bottom of this troubling case. Faber also re-iterated the Ministry's strong position against corporal punishment.

Desperate Mom Says Her Son Missing For 24 Days
A concerned mother came to 7News today deeply worried about the whereabouts of her son who has been missing since May 21st. He's 32 year old San Pedrano Erin Linares. His mother had checked him into a substance abuse program in Bullett Tree, Cayo, but he only stayed for one or two days. The next morning he was seen roaming the village in T-shirt and a pair of boxers. Now, she has no clue where she is and is begging for him to come home:...

FFB Management Team Says Ag. President Kuylen Should Step Down
The infighting within the FFB continues to get uglier. But now the dispute isn't over Sergio Chuc and Ruperto Vicente, it's over acting President Marlon Kuylen. He is offering himself for president, but FFB's Management team, namely the Directors of Competition, Finance and Communications say that Kuylen has an unfair advantage. The three men signed to a letter saying that by stating on as president in an election where he is vying for president, Kuylen is allowed an unfair and unethical advantage. They cite various FIFA regulations which they claim he is violating. They wrote their latter to the chair of the electoral committee three days ago.

Belize-Taiwan Making Exchanges
Last night you heard Deputy Prime Minister Faber say that Belize isn't planning to break ties with Taiwan like Panama has. Belize and Taiwan have enjoyed many years of meaningful partnership and amicable relations and today that connection continues to be solidified by outreach programs and initiatives. Another one was launched today. It's called the 2017 Taiwan Cultural Exchange Programme in Belize. We stopped by at the House of Culture to find out more about the program and its history. The program will run until the end of the year. As you heard there will be a series of events. To find out more about the exchange program you can call Fiona Hsu at 623 6499.

Ms. Y, Swinging Seenagers
We have reported extensively on the controversy surrounding Miss Belize, Rebecca Rath and her rollercoaster ride as a beauty queen. But don't expect any such in disputes in tomorrow's Miss Y Pageant, because it's just a group of mature ladies just wanting to have fun and entertain. We stopped in at the Bliss as the lovely "Seenagers" gave us a preview of what to expect tomorrow night. Participants must be 60 years and older, and this year, the oldest is 66. The pageant starts at 7:30 tomorrow night at the Bliss.

General Looks Beyond The Event Horizon
All week long, we've been reporting on the windup of the Beyond The Horizon program of assistance with the US Army. It has built classrooms and beefed up emergency rooms, but when will it come again? The BDF General discussed that yesterday:... Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander, BDF: "There is another dimension of the military that is shown here which is humanitarian assistance and whenever we get the opportunity to do this, its good training experience for the BDF and its good economic benefit for Belize, because these building comes free of cost from the US government and it's our Belizean people, the government and the community that gets the benefit from it, so we will continue to ask for these projects. Perhaps within the next 2-3 years we will have another one and we will welcome them and then we will decide where are the different locations these projects will continue."

Faber Grateful For The Help
On a final note from the Beyond the Horizon 2017 project. Minister of Education Patrick Faber expressed how grateful he is for the new 3 classroom building at St. Matthew's Government School. Yesterday at the closing ceremony he said it was a much needed upgrade. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "Of course on the issue of the school that was built at St. Matthews Government we are very pleased that this particular school could be a recipient. It is a school that was very much in need of the infrastructure, we were pleased to have the furniture donated by an NGO called Global Aid so that once the new school year starts, life at St. Matthews Government School should be much more comfortable for the students and teachers there."

Hon. Campos Says Clinics Coming
The construction of the new emergency room at the Western Regional hospital under the Beyond the Horizon project isn't the only recent health upgrade. Earlier this week Minister of State Dr. Angel Campos told us about several other clinics they have opened in the North and West.

Channel 5

An Elderly Shopkeeper’s Grisly End in August Pine Ridge
An elderly shop keeper was callously murdered on Thursday afternoon in Orange Walk. Ninety-year-old Pedro Pol was robbed inside his shop in August Pine Ridge at around two o’clock. Police [...]

Police Say Minor Detained as Investigations Continue
While Orange Walk police say one minor is in custody, the family contends that at least two persons; one from Guinea Grass and one from August Pine Ridge have been [...]

City Youth Tells Story of Shooting on Jasmine Street
In the city, shots rang out on Thursday night. A young man was shot on Jasmine Street at around seven o’clock.  Wasani Avila was along with a friend when a [...]

Shooting a Result of Robbery; One Held, One Sought
Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams spoke briefly about the shooting incident involving twenty-four-year-old Wasani Avila.  According to the Officer Commanding Eastern Division South, the motive for the attack on [...]

Police Nabbed Accused Killer of “Hard Rock” in Belmopan
The murder of popular Belize City disc jockey Andrew ‘Hard Rock’ Bennett stunned the deejay fraternity several weeks ago, when word of the deadly shooting on Central American Boulevard spread [...]

Stann Creek Teacher, P.G. Student Die In Traffic Mishaps
Twenty-six-year-old Naomi Abigail Taylor, a primary school teacher of Dangriga, lost her life on Thursday evening while riding a bicycle on Ecumenical Drive.  Taylor was heading to her mother’s house [...]

I.M.F. Says More Must Be Done for Belize’s Economy
The International Monetary Fund has concluded its annual Article Four consultative visit to Belize, held from June sixth to fifteenth. It has issued its preliminary findings, which speak of a [...]

Protest Planned to Address Minimum Wage
A group of Belizeans who probably agree with the conclusions of the International Monetary Fund is the Belize Leaders for Social Justice. It is a grouping of social justice organizations [...]

Belize Weighs Policy on Admitting Refugees, Improving Services
The Immigration and Nationality Department has been under intense scrutiny ever since Auditor General Dorothy Bradley released a special report on findings within that government agency during 2011 and 2013.  [...]

Caleb asks Morality Commission, “What About Us?”
On Thursday, we brought you the response of the chair of the so-called “Morality Commission”, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, to the news that the Anglican and Methodist churches have [...]

Bail for Guatemalan Man Accused of Sex Assault of Minor
Sixty-five-year-old Guatemalan national, Francisco Levi Figueroa, secured bail from the Supreme Court today with the help of his attorney, Leeroy Banner. Figueroa is accused of fondling a six-year-old girl.  But [...]

Mek Mi Rich Litigants Face October Appeal
Andre Vega and Sanjay Hotchandani, co-owners of the “Mek Mi Rich” game show were back in court on Thursday. Businessman Curtis Swasey contended in 2015 that it was his original [...]

Benque Moneychanger Shot at Home
A well-known money lender of Benque Viejo del Carmen is recovering from gunshot injuries he received on Thursday, when armed assailants opened fire on his home.  Fifty-one-year-old Erwin Cocom was [...]

San Pedro Missing Man Left Rehabilitation Center
A San Pedro man is missing for over three weeks and his family is desperately looking for him. Thirty two year old Erin Linarez left his family home on the [...]

Split with Panama Angers Taiwan; Belize Will Not Be Next
Earlier this week, Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and announced it was forging relations with China. The move angered Taiwan, which later announced that it was closing its embassy [...]

China Plotting Strategy, but Will Not Offer Something for Nothing
And while Ambassador Charles Liu remains positive and hopeful about the ties with Belize, we asked him if there is any concern that China, with its big coffers, will come [...]

Taiwan Offers Art Culture Exchange
The Taiwanese Government, through the Primary and Secondary Art Skills Training Centre, launched the Taiwan Cultural Exchange Program in Belize. This is the first of its kind program that aims [...]

Museum of Belize to Help Smaller Museums Associate
The Museum of Belize is spearheading a project that will see small museums enter into an association. Next week the Museum of Belize is going to officially incorporate and sign [...]

From ‘Magnificent Seven’ Who Will Be Next Miss Y?
It’s usually held closer to Mother’s Day, but this year’s Miss Y.W.C.A. pageant will be a Father’s Day affair. Seven “seenagers” will vie for the prestigious title at the Bliss [...]

Judy Boucher is Back for the Grown People
Vincentian-born R and B and reggae singer Judy Boucher says she considers Belize a second home, having come here regularly for concerts in the last few years. The author of [...]

Hypa Rush, Belizeans Kick Off Carnival Season
Soca in June? Belizeans rarely need an excuse to party, but this weekend marks the official start of the soca and carnival season. Six of Belize’s top soca performers – [...]

PlusTV

Benque money changer shot at his home
A well known businessman and border money changer, Erwin Cocom, was shot multiple times at his home in Benque Viejo. According to initial police reports, sometime around 11 o’clock this morning, two Hispanic male persons on a motor cycle went to the home of Erwin Cocom. Cocom was in front of his ya...

Teacher perishes in fatal RTA
There are reports of a fatal traffic accident this evening in the Stann Creek District. Information is still sketchy at this time but we are told that the accident happened on Ecumenical Drive in Dangriga. The accident was between a person on a motor cycle and a person on a bicycle and has claimed t...

Jeremy Parham charged with Omar Barahona’s murder
The man accused of shooting and killing 21 year old Omar Barahona was arraigned in the Belmopan court this afternoon. He is identified as 24 year old Jeremy Parham. He appeared before Magistrate Ladonna John where he was read three charges: the “murder” of Omar Barahona, “use of deadly means of harm...

Suspect in “Hard Rock” murder arraigned
Police have made another arrest in another murder case. The person accused of shooting and killing Andrew Ian Bennett Sr. is 25-year-old David Richard Arnold We understand that police found Arnold in Belmopan. Arnold appeared before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge...

Stevedores forbid CWU from continuing negotiations with Port of Belize
Stevedores want Christian Workers Union to halt negotiations with the Port of Belize. That’s according to a letter dated June 12, 2017, and addressed to President of the Christian Workers Union, Dale Trujeque. The letter states that Trujeque and the negotiation team are being asked to “..step away...

Pawn Shop robbery in Dangriga
A Pawn shop on Chatuye Street in Dangriga Town was robbed. On Wednesday 14th June at 3:00 p.m., 29-year-old Felecita Murcia, the cashier at Southern Quick Loan, was at the business place when a male person entered the office and took off with over $3000 worth of cash and valuables. Dangriga Corre..

DEREK AIKMAN says UDP responsible for Maritme Areas Act
The Maritime Areas Act was introduced by the People’s United Party in the Belize House of Representatives in August of 1991. To say the least, it was a controversial bill. The UDP had just lost that election two years before but they supported the Bill which laid down a framework for Belize to only ...

Motorcycle thieves caught red handed
Two motorcycle thieves were caught red handed. On Wednesday, June 14, sometime around 2 o’clock that morning, Kevin Antonio Amaya was socializing at a house on Rutilio Grande Street, in Valley of Peace Village. He said that he parked his Black Meilun Motor-cycle on the street but later remembered th...

Two men arrested for drug trafficking in Belize City
Two men were arrested in Belize City for drug trafficking. According to police reports, on Tuesday June 14, a joint special branch strike team arrived at a residence on Vernon St. where two male persons were seen packaging a large amount of cannabis in one of the apartment rooms. As a result, polic...

$10,000 for weed found in man’s underwear
37 year old Emerson Williams is in debt to the court for the sum of $10,000. That was the fine imposed upon him late this evening after he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking of 189 grams of cannabis.He appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sharon Fraser where he asked to plead guilty to only possession...

BPP Offers reward for information into Toledo Credit Union heist
Independence Police are awaiting finger print evidence to see if the person they detained should be charged for the burglary of the Toledo Teachers Credit union in Bella Vista village. As we have reported, the thief or thieves made off with 7 thousand US dollars and over 100 thousand Belizean doll...

Would be hotel guests actually robbers
26 year old Phillip Maclaren was arraigned in court on charges of robbery and attempted robbery. According to police reports, on Sunday June 11, Maclaren and another male person entered Radisson Hotel pulling a wheeled kit bag. They walked up to the front desk and asked the receptionist for a room ...

Man remanded for stealing $177,000 worth of BEL equipment
Santiago Padilla was arraigned in court on Wednesday for theft. The value of the items stolen is over 177 thousand dollars. According to reports, between February and April of this year, Padilla allegedly stole 3,033 light meters from Belize Electricity Ltd, valued at $177,000 dollars. It is allege...

Workshop for fathers in PG
Today was day one of a two day workshop for Fathers. The workshop, being conducted in Punta Gorda Town, is the initiative of the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation’s National Parenting Task Force. The sessions focus on the importance of the father’s role in ...

Amandala

Shopkeeper, 90, chopped to death in grocery store
A 90-year-old shopkeeper of August Pine Ridge, in the Orange Walk District, is the country’s latest homicide victim. According to police reports, sometime after 2 p.m. today, Thursday, Pedro Pol was inside his grocery shop when he was tied up and robbed by two Hispanic men. Before leaving the scene, the assailants, armed with machetes, reportedly chopped Pol multiple times in his face and body, and left him for dead. However, a customer who visited the shop minutes later saw Pol lying on the floor bleeding profusely, and immediately called Terencio Pol, 59, his son, who quickly transported his father to the hospital.

Teacher Naomi Taylor McKenzie, 26, dies in traffic accident
A 26-year-old teacher of Wagierale, Naomi Taylor McKenzie, died after she was knocked down on Ecumenical Drive by a motorcycle while riding home after school on her bicycle at about 4:30 this evening. Police said that the motorcycle was being driven at the time by Michael Estero, 22, who had a passenger, Calvin Williams, 17, both of Dangriga. The motorcycle collided with the back of the bicycle, and McKenzie was thrown of the bicycle and landed on the pavement. She suffered massive head and body injuries, and died on the scene.

Noel Leal, Jr., son of ACP Noel Leal, Sr., and Ralph Belisle charged with trafficking 14 pounds of weed
Noel Leal, Jr., 32, an auto dealer who is the son of Assistant Commissioner of Police Noel Leal, Sr., and Ralph Belisle, 21, a bodyworks man, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this afternoon to answer to a charge of drug trafficking for 14 pounds of high-grade cannabis that police busted them with yesterday. The two accused drug traffickers appeared along with their attorney, Herbert Panton, before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser. After reading the police facts of the case, Magistrate Fraser said, “If I am going by this, it is damning.”

Derek’s bombshell!
In its entry on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia says, “As of 28 May 2008, only two countries still use the 3-mile (4.8 km) limit: Jordan and Palau. That limit is also used in certain Australian islands, an area of Belize, some Japanese straits, certain areas of Papua New Guinea, and a few British Overseas Territories, such as Anguilla.” Just how Belize came to limit its territorial sea to 3 miles, instead of the 12-mile limit to which it is entitled under the Law of the Sea Convention has to do with a major concession to Guatemala that was orchestrated by the United Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel in 1984-1989 and passed into law by the People’s United Party government of 1989-1993, led by Prime Minister George Price.

David Arnold, 25, arraigned for the murder of Andrew “DJ Hard Rock” Bennett, 42
A Crimes Investigation Branch (CIB) vehicle pulled up at the Magistrate’s Court Regent Street side this morning and some remanded persons were taken out of the court’s holding cell and loaded into the pan of the CIB pickup. One of the men protested when court reporters “opened fire” on him with their cameras, saying “I no get charge yet, so no tek mi picture!” That same man was brought back to court to be arraigned in the afternoon session. Police charged David Richard Arnold, 25, a construction worker of 7 Armadillo Street, for the murder of Andrew “DJ Hard Rock” Bennett, 42, who was killed execution-style on Wednesday, May 24, near his Central American Boulevard home.

Ady Pacheco won’t respond to Senate Select Committee’s questions without her lawyer
Over four months ago, senior Immigration officer Ady Pacheco was summoned to appear before the Senate Select Committee. However, she claimed that she was unable to do so because she was at the time pregnant and had experienced a number of complications. Today, Wednesday, Pacheco sat before the committee, but she would not comment on the Won Hong Kim scandal – which involved Kim, a South Korean national, receiving a Belizean nationality certificate and passport while in a Taiwanese prison. He had reportedly never set foot in Belize. According to former Immigration Director Maria Marin, Pacheco had facilitated the issuance of the nationality certificate, which was riddled with irregularities.

Championship finals and awards for Simeon Lopez Kids
The Belmopan Football Association (BFA) held First and Second Round Finals over the weekend for the Simeon Lopez Kids, Youth & Female Cup 2017 Tournament. The games were played at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, and awards were issued after the championship finals on Sunday. Third place matches preceded the first round finals on Saturday, June 10; and on Sunday, June 11, championship finals were held for all 4 categories. Saturday – finals first round In the U-15 3rd place game on Saturday, Armenia FC and Las Flores Wild Cats drew 1-1 in regulation. Santos Beltran (3’) put Las Flores in front, but Josue Enriquez (17’) equalized for Armenia. In the penalty shootout, Las Flores Wild Cats prevailed, 4-2, with goals from Kevin Alas, Carlos Montalvo, Anthony Castillo and Gohali Alvarez; while only Anner Mess and Josue Enriquez converted for Armenia. In the U-15 first-round final which followed, Mountain View Revolution dropped Piccini Rising Star, 3-0, with goals from Kelvin Gordon (20’ & 44’) and Bryan Raymundo (41’).

Cricket Corner – Summer Fever burns Wicked 11 with high temperature
Hello, cricket fans! Thanks mucho to our sponsor of this year’s cricket season, Bowen & Bowen. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Harrison Parks 2017 Cricket Competition continued over the weekend. On Saturday, the tie-breaker has come and gone, with Summer Fever sending Wicked 11 away. This game was played in Lords Bank in front of a large crowd. Summer Fever took to bat first, and the spirit on both sides was high, as this game will tell who goes to the semifinal and meet three-time champ Easy Does It. Summer Fever won the toss, and went to bat first. At the starting, the Wicked boys thought that this game was theirs, as the first wicket fell for 4 runs. Then the second fell for 10.

National Over-40 Week 2 results
The National Over-40 Football Tournament continued over the weekend with 1 game on Saturday, June 10, and 3 games on Sunday, June 11. On Saturday night, Pickstock Lake I travelled to San Pedro and drew 0-0 with San Pedro Veterans at the San Pedro Stadium. On Sunday afternoon at the MCC Grounds in Belize City, Kulture Yabra Veterans droped BDF Veterans, 3-1, with 2 goals from Francis McCaulay (18’ & 49’) and 1 from Rudolph McKoy (41’), while Gregory “Paisa” Cantun (89’) scored for BDF. Meanwhile, at the Santa Cruz Football Field, San Ignacio Quintas won by the same 3-1 margin over Benque Veterans.

Coby returns for annual Basketball Camp & 3 on 3 Knockout Tournaments
CEO of COBY Foundation, legendary Belize basketball star Evondale “Coby” Coburn says he will be back in the Jewel on Monday, June 19, to finalize preparations for next weekend’s event. For the 9th year running, COBY Foundation, in collaboration with Hoop Dreams, FIBA 33 Youth Basketball & GBED, will be holding its annual COBY Basketball Camp & 3 on 3 Knockout Tournaments in Belize City. This year’s event takes place at St. Catherine’s Academy Gym from Thursday to Saturday, June 22-24. A 2-Day Basketball Clinic will be held on Thursday and Friday, June 22-23, going from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. daily.

Editorial: The real of the deal
In the aftermath of the Citizen Kim passport scandal back there in 2013, there had been an occasion when Belize Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dean O. Barrow, said publicly to his Cabinet Ministers that if anything could bring down his United Democratic Party (UDP) government, it was immigration irregularities, and he publicly begged his Cabinet Ministers to “stop it!” The less said about the Senate Committee inquiry performance of former Immigration Minister, Carlos Perdomo, the Caribbean Shores area representative who served as Immigration Minister in the first Barrow administration (2008-2012), the better. These last two Wednesdays in the National Assembly building, Mr. Perdomo has given the nation of Belize reason to understand why Prime Minister Barrow went looking for five Belizeans to bring into Cabinet as Ministers through the Senate for his second term as Prime Minister (2012-2015).

From the Publisher
Short term, the sedition arrest of February 1970 was a mistake by the ruling People’s United Party (PUP), but over the long term the sedition arrest benefited the power structure in Belize. What it did, was force the UBAD cultural movement into conventional political party thinking, and this led to UBAD’s demise by early 1973. I will accept all the blame for the political party decision in August of 1970 following our sedition acquittal in Supreme Court the month before. Because I saw the sedition arrest as a political arrest, I felt that the best way to prepare for such arrests in the future, which I expected, would be to organize ourselves along party political lines. In September of 1971 the Methodist Church in Belize gave me a job teaching English at Wesley College, which I did for the 1971/72 school year. (The principal of Wesley College during the 1970/1971 school year, the late Rev. Coleridge Barnett, had been one of four witnesses for our defence during the sedition trial. Having left Belize with his ailing wife after the 70/71 school year, Rev. Barnett had been replaced by the man Joey Belisle.) It was only a few weeks after I began teaching at Wesley that Hon. Philip Goldson’s National Independence Party (NIP) approached the UBAD Party in order for us to enter into a coalition with the NIP for the December 1971 Belize City Council election.

Czarnecki’s column
Dear Editor, With each passing day, I’m increasingly dismayed, as it becomes easier to conclude that the Government of Belize has no fealty to anything resembling the Rule of Law, with Ministries riddled with gifters, whose only desire is for material wealth and gain. Plagued with corruption, a compromised judiciary and a poorly educated constabulary, Belize continues its downward spiral, slowed only by the courageous reporting found in the pages of this newspaper. But even if you have a good story, it might get lost in the telling when being forced to deal with liars and men with no honor. This is why it’s no longer about UDP or PUP, or in the U.S., Republicans or Democrats.

Kaina Martinez seeks assistance for youth sports program
My name is Kaina Martinez, and I have worked very hard to earn the recognition as one of Belize’s most outstanding athletes. I am 11 times an All-American track athlete, 2 times an NCAA Champion, Olympian, Central American and Belize record holder for 100m, but above all, I am a young woman who finds passion and love in contributing to create positive change. Cognizant of the multitude of challenges facing my beloved community on a daily basis, I developed a focus to use sport as a catalyst to motivate the young and to nurture their minds, so that I could help build strong individuals who are willing to work hard – just like me – despite life’s limitations. The annual Kaina Martinez Track and Field Games targets children ages 4 to 14 years old, and has been hosted at the football (soccer) field in Seine Bight Village. Children of Seine Bight Village are not the only ones who can benefit from these games; all kids from the Placencia Peninsula are welcome to participate.

RIGHT TO THE POINT: Women… marriages … and children…
I am of the opinion that systems in society, especially the law, were designed to benefit a certain class of people, but those people are surely not the poor, the academically disadvantaged, the Indigenous or the oppressed. Unfortunately, the common law legal system we inherited from the British was never designed to meet our local needs and surely was never meant to be understood by the common man. However, one of the legal maxims on which our law is premised is that your ignorance of the law is no excuse for your not knowing the law and breaking the law. So even if you genuinely did not know it as illegal, per law, to do something, yet you did it, you cannot turn around and use as your defence your ignorance of the law. Sounds crazy, right? It’s even crazier when you put that in context with the reality of our education system, our social system and or governance system. So in theory, our Common Law system presumes that we ALL know the law and because we all know it, we know when we are breaking it.

Magistrate Blake of Corozal
The Magistrate of Corozal, a man named Blake, who had business contact with the Cruzob, hurried up to help the survivors. He offered 2,500 pesos in ransom to Venancio Puc, but found that he had to deal with a higher authority: the Speaking Cross, or a substitute, had come down to rule the captured town. That night the Englishman watched the Maya assemble before a house in which the Cross was kept, and listened to the praying and a military band until around eleven o’clock, when the prisoners were brought out — men, women, and children— and forced to kneel in the street. Over the children’s crying, he heard “a squeaking, whistling noise.” The Cross wanted 4,000 pesos. Blake went back to Corozal for the money, returning on March 1 with Captain Anderson of the Second West Indian Regiment and a message from the Superintendent of Belize. But neither the message nor the money had the desired effect on the Cross; that night it gave new orders. As Henry Fowler later reported it:

Novel consumer complaint platform to report “dangerous” goods being finalized
Consumers in Belize and the rest of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will soon have access to a cutting-edge online platform where they can file complaints about dangerous or potentially harmful products, originating both within and outside of the region. A press release from the CARICOM Secretariat issued on Monday, June 12, said that the CARREX Online Electronic Platform (which will be available online at www.carrex.caricom.org) is a public interface which will also provide alerts on dangerous non-food consumer goods on the market in all 15 CARICOM Member States. Rodolfo Gutierrez, Consumer Protection Liaison Officer, at the Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS), has been a part of the cadre of Caribbean professionals which has been working with the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana to help develop the novel online electronic platform.

Two men committed to Supreme Court trial for possession of false nationality certificates
Two men, one from the Corozal District and the other from the Belize District, will be indicted in the upcoming June session of the Supreme Court for being in possession of 13 false Belizean nationality certificates, a preliminary inquiry determined today. Marcos Bastro, an unemployed resident of Corozal, and Mark Antonio Rosales, an unemployed resident of San Pedro Town, Belize District, have a prima facie case to answer for being in possession of nationality certificates to which they were not entitled. The two were first charged in November 2015, with 13 counts of “being in possession of false documents.”

Former Immigration minister, Carlos Perdomo, “doesn’t agree,” “doesn’t know anything”
When the UDP became the ruling administration in 2008, Carlos Perdomo, a one-term Cabinet Minister, was the first person inside Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s Cabinet with responsibility for the Immigration Department. However, his name would become entangled with questionable Immigration processes in the Auditor General’s audit of the Immigration Department for the period 2011-2013. Last Wednesday, Perdomo appeared before the Senate Select Committee after retired immigration officer Therese Chavarria told the committee that he had instructed that a passport be issued to an applicant who applied with a suspected fraudulent Belizean birth certificate in 2011.

The Reporter

PUP takes aim at UDP party chairman
The People’s United Party (PUP) is calling on the Government of Belize to remove United Democratic Party (UDP) Chairman, Alberto August, from his post as Chairman of the Board of Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL). The PUP condemned August for his role in disrupting the […]

Taiwan-Belize cultural exchange program 2017 officially launched
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through its embassy in Belize, launched the first ever Belize-Taiwan cultural exchange program, this morning at the House of Culture in Belize City. The program, hosted by the The Primary and Secondary Art Skills Training […]

Tropical storm could form by next week
There is a likelihood that a tropical storm could develop in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico early next week. Weather experts are monitoring an area of rain and clouds in the area of the northwestern Caribbean Sea and Yucatan Peninsula that has the […]

Ninety-year-old man chopped to death by thieves
A 90-year-old shop keeper is dead after he was chopped multiple times and then tied up by two machete-wielding thieves. The thieves struck his place of business in August Pine Ridge village, Orange Walk at around 2:30 p.m., on Thursday. The deceased, Pedro Pol, was […]

IPC appeals, GOB stands to lose millions
IPC Corporate Services Limited, a company forcibly closed down by the Financial Intelligence Unit in 2014, is mounting an appeal against the Government of Belize, potentially worth millions of dollars. IPC has already been vindicated in the Supreme Court of Belize, when the court ruled […]

Big Red is not dead!
about Big Red, the Scarlet Macaw sent to Harvest Caye. Of great concern, is the stand taken by known and respected Belize Forest Department officials, on this crucial issue. […]

Western Regional Hospital gets new emergency building
On Tuesday, officials from the 2017 Beyond The Horizon project held a ribbon cutting exercise at the Western Regional Hospital In Belmopan City. The ceremony was held to officially mark the opening of a new emergency room building and a new medical waste incinerator building. The emergency […]

Belize’s fire service to receive aid from US
The Belize National Fire Service is expected to receive much-needed aid from the US government, after surveys are completed for a new fire station in Belmopan and a budget is approved for a donation of fire trucks and equipment for the country. Defense Attache at […]

Earthquake in Guatemala felt in Belize
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale, which shook Guatemala near its border with Mexico, was felt in Belize early Wednesday. The tremor struck just short of five miles southwest of Tajumulco, Guatemala, at 1.29 a.m., local time, killing a man, […]

Family says PM’s sister taking their land
A Belize City family is fighting to keep their family land, this week, after Denise “Sista B” Barrow, sister of the Prime Minister allegedly commissioned houses to be built on the property without the family’s consent. The Usher family, explained this week, that Barrow had already built […]

Mounting financial concerns for GOB
The Government of Belize is under continued financial pressure this week as the former owners of BTL pursue millions of dollars in arbitration award settlements. Reports are that Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin lifted the injunction barring the Belize Bank from claiming its US $50 million award, handed […]

Belmopan to Bridgeton, tourism minister wants closer ties to Barbados
Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr. is making an effort to strengthen Belize’s working relationship with the government of Barbados, saying that tourism in both countries can benefit from closer collaboration. Heredia, in an interview with Barbados Today, said that he has already began talks with Barbados’ Tourism Minister, Richard […]

Elderly man fights off armed attacker in Orange Walk
An elderly Orange Walk resident and well-known businessman is lucky to be alive after he was attacked and stabbed multiple times by an assailant who police claims to be a mental patient. The incident, which occurred around 12:25 on Saturday, June 10 left 84-year-old Pablo Zenon Reyes […]

One detained for Cotton Tree shooting
Police have detained one man, in an ongoing investigation into the shooting death of 21-year-old Cotton Tree Resident, Omar Barahona Jr. Senior Superintendent of Police Howell Gillett, explained that since police have not charged the individual, they did not disclose his name. Gillett said that the detainee […]

Police shoots and kills Chunox man outside his home
A Chunox resident is dead after he was shot multiple times by a group of four police officers attached to the Corozal Police Station. Officers claim they were forced to shoot him down after he attacked them with a machete last Friday. Richard Allen Garcia, 44, died […]

Toledo Teachers Credit Union loses over $100,000 to burglars
The Toledo Teachers Credit Union in Bella Vista village, Toledo District was burglarized by two bandits who stole over $100,000 in cash between last Thursday night and Friday morning. Police were called to the credit union at 8:45 a.m, on Friday June 9 where cops observed a […]

High school teacher investigated for impregnating student
A teacher at Eden Seventh Day Adventist high school in Santa Elena, Cayo, is under investigation by San Ignacio police and the Ministry of Education, on allegations of sexual misconduct with as many as four of his students. One of the girls may have had […]

FFB fears election boycott
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) said this week, that its standing could be compromised if members boycott the upcoming Annual Congress. The federation issued a statement on Wednesday, after barred FFB presidential candidate Serjio Chuc, claimed to have secured the support of 60 percent […]

Chan takes the stand, Perdomo reappears before Senate
The Senate Special Select Committee had two witnesses this week, Police Inspector Rochelle Chan and former Immigration Minister Carlos Perdomo, making his second appearance. In his testimony, Chan denied all allegations made against him by last week’s most memorable witness, Alvarene Burgess. Burgess had named […]

Dangriga teacher killed when motorbike slams into her
A teacher of Stann Creek  was killed Thursday evening when a motorcycle slammed into her in Dangriga.. Naomi Abigail Taylor, 26, a teacher of Kids First school, was riding a bicycle on Ecumenical Drive in the Wagierale area around 4:15 p.m., when a motorcycle crashed […]

Breaking Belize News

Mother pleads for assistance in finding missing son
A mother is pleading for the public’s assistance in finding her son, Erin Linarez. 32 year old Linarez has been missing since May 23. Linarez was admitted at REMAR rehabilitation center in Bullet Tree Village, Cayo. Reports to BBN is that Linarez stayed at […]

Minister Castro’s son reportedly caught with contraband
Confirmed reports to BBN is that one of NEMO Minister, Edmond Castro’s son is detained at this moment by Orange Walk customs. The young Castro was reportedly caught with 89 cases of beer and is being held at the Orange Walk police station. BBN […]

Murder in Santa Elena, Cayo
Confirmed reports to BBN is that a man was gunned down near the Convention Center in Santa Elena, Cayo a short while ago. The name of the victim is being withheld as BBN could not confirm if the family has been informed. Police are […]

NEMO issues advisory on incoming weather system
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), in close collaboration with the National Meteorological Service, is informing the general public that a large area of disturbed weather has formed over the northwest Caribbean Sea and adjacent land areas of Central America. The system is unlikely […]

Outlook for Belize weak, IMF says
The International Monetary Fund (IMF), this morning, released a statement following its recent 2017 Article IV mission to Belize calling the country’s medium-term financial outlook “weak” and making several recommendations to GOB, including raising the General Sales Tax (GST) and implementing further fiscal consolidation measures. […]

Belize: We need to address the source of the Cancer
By Charles Leslie Jr. : “Poverty is the worse form of violence.” Mahatma Gandhi CRIME AND POVERTY IN BELIZE Crime is a result of deprivation. Deprivation is a result of imbalance and lack of equity. Imbalance and lack of equity is due to our Constitution giving arbitrary […]

Erwin Contreras tours SIF Projects
By Delroy Cuthkelvin: Minister Erwin Contreras is currently on a nationwide tour and inspection of projects implemented by the government of Belize through the Social Investment Fund (SIF), some recently completed; others in progress. Some of the projects inspected by the Minister on the most recent leg […]

Belmopan City Council launches ‘My Safetipin’ app
The National Security Council Secretariat through the InfoSegura Project launched its Safer City Pilot Project in August 2016. As a part of the Safer City Project, the My Safetipin mobile application was developed. The Belmopan City Council has officially launched the app. Citizens of […]

Fatal road traffic accident in Dangriga
According to police reports, around 4:15 yesterday evening, Naomi Taylor, 26, of the Wagerale area of Dangriga was riding her bike on Ecumenical Drive when a motorcycle collided into the back of her bike. The motorcycle was driven at the time by Micheal Estero, […]

Celebration of the Incorporation of the Belize Association of Museums
On Thursday, June 22, senior members of the Belize Association of Museums (BAM) will be signing their incorporation documents, marking the official formation of BAM. The members of BAM first convened in March 2016, through a planning workshop hosted by the Museum of Belize. […]

UNICEF highlights ‘Super Dads’
UNICEF Belize joins UNICEF’s global ‘Super Dads’ campaign to highlight the critical role that fathers play in the early development of their children. Early childhood development has been recognized for the role it can play in the achievement of multiple goals in the sustainable […]

NICH and San Pedro House of Culture celebrate Lobster Fest 2017
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum Of Belize and the San Pedro House of Culture is inviting the public to participate in the rich traditions of San Pedro during the month of June. For the next two weeks San Pedro […]

Beyond the Horizon 2017, valued at US$11.5 million, completed
The Beyond the Horizon (BTH) 2017 program, an effort between the U.S. government and Belize, officially came to a close yesterday. The U.S. Embassy and the government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, celebrated the successful completion of the Beyond the Horizon […]

NHC monitoring two tropical systems
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring two tropical systems with the potential to impact the Caribbean over the next several days. According to the NHC, cloudiness and showers are expected associated with a tropical wave located southwest of the Cabo Verde islands. The […]

Belize participates in regional security talks
Belize is taking part in the Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America, a two-day conference on regional security hosted by the Governments of the United States and Mexico. Belize joins Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the European Union, Nicaragua, Panama and Spain, […]

Blogs

Mata Grande Grocery – North AC’s best little shop
North Ambergris Caye has expanded significantly, and with roads taking us further up the coast of this island, chances are you’ll get thirsty or a bit hungry along the way. Maybe you jumped on your golf cart too quickly, and forgot a few essentials, like, water and snacks. Have no fear… Mata Grande Grocery has you covered. From cookies, chips, COLD beers, water, juices and sodas and even a bathroom for a quick roadside break, this is a life-saving little shop! Owners Tami and Justin Romsa moved their shop to best fit the new road, and even expanded with a shady palapa and picnic tables. Hot and thirsty travelers can take a little break under the shade, sipping a refreshing beverage or two or nibble on a snack before continuing on their journey.

What guests say they wish they knew before they came to Belize...26 tips from past guests!
We like to revisit this topic periodically - facts change over time, and we aim to keep our guests as well informed as possible so you can fully enjoy and relax during your time with us! Here is some recent feedback, right from our past guests, about what they wish they'd known before they got to Belize/Placencia: I wish I'd known that... I didn't need to pack so much - no need to haul things like sunscreen, SPF, etc, as these were available readily in the village. No fancy clothes/shoes/jewelry needed!! Nowhere would really take American Express - Visa and MC were ok. Also call your cc companies/bank and let them know you are traveling so your card is not declined here. More of an fyi for future guests - if you like the all inclusive resort style, this will not be for you. Exploring the village and beyond is what Belize is about.

“What a Fool Believes” in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Yes, I know, it’s been a long, long while since I last published an edition. Now I could say I’ve been extremely busy. I could. But I won’t , because I haven’t really been that busy. Rose and I did go to the UK in April. Me for nine nights and Rose for a month. We stayed in Central London (Tottenham Court Road if you are at all interested) which put us close to Theatreland and we took full advantage of this and went to see Kinky Boots Being in the West End we obviously went shopping. Well, I more tagged along than actually went shopping! We also got to sample cuisine that we don’t get to enjoy very often now and managed to get into Simpson’s in the Strand before it closed for major refurbishment . If you’ve never been there you should go when next in London. The roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding are scrumptious.

Christmas and New Year's in Belize
December and January may be a time of bitter cold, snow, and short, gray days in North America, but it's one of the best times to visit Belize. December and January fall during the "dry season," a long stretch of clear blue skies, warmer temperatures, and fabulous weather that is ideal for snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, and working on your tan. Best of all, increased competition means that airfare to Belize is now more affordable than ever. For travelers in the United States, all four of the biggest airlines have non-stop routes from major cities to Belize. Southwest has three routes (Denver - DIA, Houston - HOU, and Fort Lauderdale - FLL) to Belize City (BZE) while American, Delta, and United have routes from Los Angeles, Dallas, Newark, Atlanta, Miami, and many more cities. Canadians too are now able to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas and New Year's in Belize thanks to the announcement by Air Canada that it will be joining rival WestJet in offering direct service to Belize City (BZE) from Toronto (YYZ). Here are a few things you can look forward to on your winter vacation in Belize:

10 Reasons Why a Honeymoon In Belize Is So Amazing
Located just 2-5 hours flying time from major cities across the United States, Belize is a wonderland of tropical islands, pristine rainforests, an eclectic mix of Caribbean cultures, and exotic ancient Maya temples and palaces, so it's no surprise that it's also one of the top spots in the world for enjoying an unforgettable honeymoon. Here are 10 amazing reasons why people love honeymooning in Belize: Composed of hundreds of islands and coral atolls, the Belize Barrier Reef is a paradise for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. 2 - English. Belize is the only country in Central America that is a former British colony. English is the official language, making it easy to get around and chat with the friendly locals.

Simone Biles is back in Belize with a group of friends
A famous Belizean/American Gymnastic is back in Belize vacationing with her group of friends. She had been tweeting on Twitter Simone Biles Twitter in Belize. In the photos shown below shows that she was enjoying herself along with her friends. They all went snorkeling, and swimming by the reef touching starfish and viewing the lemon sharks. Simone Arianne Biles is an American artistic gymnast. Biles is the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medalist. She was part of the gold medal-winning team dubbed the "Final Five" at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Have you savored the flavor of Belize? Part II
Last time I blogged about how a city can transform stranded assets, like cemeteries and abandoned properties, into magnets for urban regeneration. The new flavor of the week is “canals”. Belize City is located at the mouth of the Belize River and Haulover Creek, a location that early settlers perhaps chose due to its importance for the then-booming timber trade because it provided access to the city’s natural harbor. Over the years, as Belize City grew, canals were built and dredged, changing the natural flow of the rivers and creeks, and some mangrove swamps in low-lying areas were filled in. These changes contributed to periodic flooding episodes by affecting the drainage capacity of the city, especially during major storms, including the deadly hurricane of 1931, Hurricane Hattie in 1961 (which prompted relocation of the country’s capital inland, to Belmopan), and more recently, Hurricane Earl in 2016.

International Sources

The Western Caribbean & The Central & Eastern Atlantic Will Need To Be Monitored Closely For Tropical Development This Weekend
Western Caribbean Tropical Development Remains Quite Possible This Weekend: The combination of a tropical wave now located over the western Caribbean and a trough of low pressure located over Central America has the potential to gel into an area of low pressure that develops over the northwestern Caribbean this weekend. This low pressure system has a decent shot of developing into a tropical depression or a tropical storm later this weekend into next week as it moves west-northwest and northwest towards the western Caribbean.

Two Named Storms May Be Forming in the Atlantic
Two tropical waves—one in the western Caribbean, the other in the central tropical Atlantic—both have potential to grow into tropical storms over the next 5 or 6 days. It’s not so uncommon to get a named storm in the Atlantic during June—last year brought us Colin and Danielle, the earliest C and D storms on record—but it’s remarkable to have two potential tropical cyclones at the same time during mid-June. The next two names on the list of Atlantic storms for 2017 are Bret and Cindy. The NOAA/NWS National Hurricane Center (NHC) designated the central Atlantic wave as Invest 92L on Friday morning, which kicks off the process of tracking and forecasting this wave in greater detail.

This Incredibly Creepy 3,000-Year-Old Mask Could Rewrite South American History
A square-shaped copper mask dug up in north-west Argentina has been dated to around 3,000 years ago – and it could radically change our thinking on when people in that area began working with metal. Most experts assume metallurgy – the study of the physical and chemical properties of metal – in South America was first developed in Peru, but the copper mask was found hundreds of kilometres away down the Andes mountains, and is from an even earlier time than similar artefacts uncovered in Peru.

Videos

June 16, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Archaeology students conduct four-week excavation on San Pedro Maya site
As part of a four-week archaeological field study, a total of 14 students majoring in anthropology have been excavating the “San Pedro Maya” site, located at Hostel La Vista on Barrier Reef Drive. Under the supervision of Dr. Scott Simmons, Professor of Archaeology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) USA, and Dr. Tracie Mayfield, University of Arizona Anthropology Instructor, the students began their mission on May 25th, hoping to unveil clues to the ancient Maya cultural systems, trade, and their interactions among other regions. Now entering their fourth and final week, the students have been on a mission to uncover answers to these important scientific and cultural questions. Using shovels, trowels, screens, tape measures, hand brooms and brushes, they have been excavating the site six days out of the week, from 8AM to 4PM. The students have dug several grid test pits, and using their hand tools, they take off the top layer of grass, dig through the layers of soil, remove the items of interest, clean them, sort them out, and then write a report on their findings.

Belize Red Cross holds forum in Ambergris Caye
Under the theme ‘Everywhere for Everyone,’ the Belize Red Cross held their fourth Volunteer Forum on Saturday, June 10th and Sunday, June 11th in San Pedro Town. Hosted at The San Pedro Town Council Conference Room, the forum discussed the challenges within the organization and ways to improve and move forward in the work they do for the country. This year, volunteers from across Belize convened to focus on the different challenges volunteers go through in the eight different branches around the country. According to Belize Red Cross Director General, Lily Bowman, everyone shared how they have managed to overcome said difficulties that have affected their performance during the past year. “We look at volunteerism as a way two-way exchange, by being mutuality beneficial to the volunteer as well as to society,” explained Bowman. “The forum also touched on opportunities that we experience when we solve the difficulties that come our way.” At times, the lack of volunteers become an issue. “Some branches may be able to solve their issues faster than others, thus, we shared that information so we are on the same page and work as a team,” she said.

The Children’s Agenda 2017-2030 officially launched
Less than a month after Prime Minster Right Honorable Dean Barrow and Leader of Opposition Honorable John Briceno made a global proclamation and signed the new Children’s Agenda 2017 – 2030 on May 15th, it was officially launched on Thursday, June 8th. The Agenda is a result framework that looks at the development of children and adolescents ages 0-19 over the next 14 years, and focuses on five main principles: the role of families, family-oriented policies in promoting education, safety, economic opportunity, and overall well-being of their members. The Agenda also raises awareness of the role of families in promoting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities for children and adolescents. This will be achieved through a strategic action plan that includes six transformational goals and five outcomes; with the overarching goal of having a community that is connected, respected and contributing positively to the development of all human beings.

Lobster Season reopens: Belize Fisheries Department predicts a profitable lobster season
Regulated by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD)-under the Fisheries Act of Belize, the consumption and harvesting of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Argus) is only permitted from June 15 to February 14. After a four month spawning period, the lobster season reopened on Thursday, June 15th, and the BFD is making a positive prediction for a profitable lobster season. According to Ramon Carcamo, BFD Officer of the Capture Fisheries Unit, the Spiny Lobster fishery has been stable for the past five years, and remains one of the top marine exports for Belize. “There has been an increase in production, and it is projected that the season will be profitable, with a total of 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of tails produced for 2017-2018. The quota should be more than sufficient to provide for lobster festivals and supply for the tourism sector,” said Carcamo. Although Hurricane Earl slightly impacted the lobster season in 2016, BFD has never recorded a downward trend. Carcamo said he predicts that this year’s season will yield $15 million dollars.

Attorney Lisa Shoman appointed first Belizean judge in IDB’s Administrative Tribunal
On Monday, June 12th, Attorney Lisa Shoman announced she has been appointed as a new judge for the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Administrative Tribunal. She is the first Belizean in history to hold this position. Shoman’s six-year appointment will become effective on July 1, 2017, where she will join six other adjudicators in Washington, DC, USA, including Madam Justice Desiree Bernard from Guyana. The IDB is the main source of multilateral financing in Latin America and the Caribbean, which provides solutions to development challenges and support in the key areas of the region. The Tribunal was established in order to hear complaints and settle disputes that arise from the employment relationship of the Bank or the Corporation and their staff members. The Tribunal then has authority to examine evidence, conduct hearings, issue rulings to guide the proceedings, and render judgment.

Ambergris Today

Lobsters Galore!
The island of Ambergris Caye is getting ready for Lobster Feasts everywhere. Lobster Season today opens in Belize. Three Lobster Festival to follow in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker.

Celebrity Spotting; Can You Guess Who Is Back In Belize?
She is back in Belize on vacation, this time with a group of friends. Olympic Gold Medal US Athlete, Simone Biles is tweeting in Belize, showing her followers all the fun she is having in the sun, sand and sea. She was not lying when she said that she loves Belize.

Caye Caulker Miss Lobster Fest Pageant Contestants Announced
The Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Pageant Committee this week presents the delegates for this year’s Miss Lobster Fest 2017-2018 pageant. Four lovely young ladies have taken up the challenge and have commenced with preparation to give a great show for the general public to enjoy. The four beautiful contestants are Aleizy Durantes, Aaliyah Elijio, Katleen Cutkelvin and Annabella Requena. The Lobster Fest committee at La Isla Cariñosa has already put together the schedule of events for this year’s celebrations that commence with the Miss Lobster Fest Pageant on Friday, June 30, 2017, followed by a weekend packed with events for the entire family to enjoy on July 1 and July 2.

Misc Belizean Sources

Pallotti School of Music's Summer concert
You are cordially invited to The Pallotti School of Music's Summer concert fsaturing the PSM alumni. Sunday, 5 PM - tickets are $10.00

BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH THE RAFFLE
Belikin Beer is giving away Awesome Buckets full of Belikin Party Merch to FOUR lucky winners to Party Like a Lobstar at Banana Beach Resort, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize inside El Divino Restaurant. HOW TO WIN? 1. Like the El Divino page 2. Heart this picture 3. Tag a friend

Lobster Season Opened Today!
It's official. Lobster Season Opened Today! Happy Lobsta Day to all you lobster Lovers!

Queen of the West 2017 Call
Queen of the West 2017 is fast approaching, and the SISE Town Council is calling for pageant candidates. Contact them at 804-2035 for more information. The application deadline is June 24th.

Belize Fishing Report, June 5th - June 11th, 2017
The permit are around in droves this week and with the calmer weather they were also ready to eat. Many of our anglers enjoyed that awesome fight that the permit gives every angler. Kitty, who had never fished for permit before but, came to the lodge on a permit mission, caught one in the most unusual way. After a long day of permit hunting with no luck, she was enjoying a beverage outside the bar, and a permit literally almost fell in her lap. An osprey had caught one and made a special delivery by dropping it at her feet from 100’ up. Isa, our fishing director, picked it up, tossed it to her and it quickly became her first “caught” Permit and the catch of the day. Crazy! Perfect weather and hungry fish. What could be better!

Congratulations St. Johns Junior College (SJC)!
SJC is the first institution in Belize to offer a degree in Music. Starting August, doors to its Music Centre will open to twelve students for the Associate Degree in Music program. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to study something that is different that will create a lot of opportunities for Belize and for the music industry.

This Day In History
June 15th, 1843 - Arrival in the Settlement of Colonel Charles St. John Fancourt (Superintendent of British Honduras 1843 - 1852). He was accompanied by Robert Temple, Esquire, Barrister-at-Law, who came out to fill the newly-created post of Chief Justice.

MORENA SON PERFORMS AT THE SP HOUSE OF CULTURE
On Wednesday, June 14, 2017, the all female Cuban band from Snatiago, Cuba , Morena Son, performed in front of the San Pedro House of Culture as part of their tour throughout Belize. They performed various songs, from salsa to bachata, and even a favorite of the late Celia Cruz, who was originally from Cuba. It was a spectacular event! The members of the band interacted with the audience and had them on their feet doing various Cuban dances like the Cha Cha. Amongst the audience, there were a few Cubans now residing in Belize who were delighted with the music and dancing - very well known Dr. Lerida Rodriguez, Mrs. Barbara Brown and Dr. Nidia Larrinaga from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinc II.

Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize exercise is literally beyond the horizon!
oday, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, celebrated the successful completion of the Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony took place at Price Barracks in Ladyville. Valued at USD $11.5 million, BTH furthered the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to the Government and people of Belize. BTH enhanced health and education infrastructure, provided free medical services across Belize, and created lifelong partnerships. The value of these partnerships is priceless.

Application deadline for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2018-2019 has been extended to August 15, 2017!
Don't miss this great opportunity!

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Power Rangers, The Fate of the Furious, Before I Fall, Chip Happens

This Day In History
June 15th, 1852 - Philip Edmond Wodehouse, Superintendent of British Hoduras (1851-1854) forwarded a copy of this letter and commission by schooner, addressed to the Magistrates at Roatán, informing them that Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, had acceded to the wish of the inhabitants for the establishment of a regular form of government, and had issued the commission under the "GREAT SEAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, erecting the Islands of Roatán, Bonacca, Utila, Helena, Barbarrat, and Morat into the "Colony of the Bay Islands", and further informing them that Mr. Wodehouse at Belize would be the authority to which they, as "a new British Colony", might now directly appeal

Channel 7

Barahona's Killer Charged
Earlier this week we told you about the murder of 21 year old Cotton Tree resident, Omar Barahona. Barahona was preparing to move to the US for work, and his family and friends held a small going away party before he left. According to reports, Barahona went out to the street to meet Devon Brooks, which is when they were approached by another man, who opened fire. Brooks sustained injuries to the leg, but Barahona was shot in excess of 7 times. After conducting their initial investigation, police are of the opinion that Brooks was actually the intended target, and Barahona may have been killed because of their friendship. Brooks has been connected to several robberies in the past including last year's Income Tax Heist, and may have been targeted for splitting the money unevenly.

Three Weeks Later, Cops Nab The Man They Say Killed "Hard Rock"
The popular DJ known as "Hard Rock" was killed three weeks ago, and since then, police have been saying they know who his killer is but they couldn't find him. Well, he was found yesterday in Belmopan, and promptly arrested and charged. He's 25 year-old David Richard Arnold, and tonight he's at the Belize Central Prison. Arnold was arraigned this evening before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer on a single charge of murder. Because this is a capital offense, Senior Magistrate Frazer informed him that cannot get bail, and no plea will be taken from him, since the case will be tried at the Supreme Court.

Hon. Aragon Says Professional Standards Branch Will Be Thorough
The Police Department is under maximum scrutiny for the shooting death of Richard Allen Garcia. The Chunox villager was killed last week Friday - and villagers have bitterly protested, saying police recklessly used lethal force to take his life. A post mortem showed that he died form multiple gunshot wounds - when police say he was brandishing a machete. Nearby buildings were also left marked with bullett holes. Today, the Minister of State with responsibility for the police expressed his condolences and his assurances that an internal investigation will be thorough:

Did Police Premeditate?
But, while a man is dead, and lethal force was used in abundance, if we go back to the genesis of the event, we'll see that it was basically just an eviction. Richard Garcia, known as "Charlie" was staying in someone else's home and the owner wanted him out. But, then why did police go there with machine guns and assault rifles? That's what we asked the Officer Commanding Corozal - and his answer led us to a very pointed question for the minister who was formerly a career police officer:... Alex Courtenay: "On Friday, when the Officers went to go and confront Mr. Garcia we were told through our conversations with the residents that those officers were very heavily armed. Is that, was that amount of armament necessary to go and deal with one man who was as far as you know just armed with a machete?"

House Speaker On Why She Wanted "Yellowman" Fired
As we told you last night, the House Staff Committee voted "five to two" on Friday against firing Mace-bearer Brian Yellowman Audinett. The vote was brought by the House Speaker, Laura Longsworth - who was one of the two who voted for his dismissal. Today she explained why she pushed for him to go, and how she feels now that he won't be going anywhere:..

DPM Faber Says "Yellows" Was Not Let Off Easy
And while Longsworth voted in favor of a dismissal, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber was one of five who voted against it, but in favor of a reprimand. Today Faber explained that it doesn't mean they let Yellowman off that easy. Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "They could argue as they did in that house staff committee meeting, that there is a lot to be desired in terms of a lot of things including the sergeant of arms general conduct, but we believe that that should be addressed as a separate issue of the issue of him dealing with the journalist or interacting with the journalist in the manner in which he did..."

90 Year Old Killed In Vicious August Pine Ridge Robbery
Tonight there is a beastly and shocking murder to report. The victim is a 90 year old shopkeeper in August Pine Ridge Village, Orange Walk. This afternoon at around 2:00, the very senior citizen was alone in his shop when two men walked in and attacked him. The tied him up, stabbed him two times, beat him severely, and then left him for dead. Incredibly, he survived, but died a short time after at the Northern Regional Hospital. Details are very scarce at this time, but we'll have the full story in tomorrow's news.

Customs Destroys Cases of Contraband Beers
On this newscast, we often report on the Customs Department in Orange Walk and the various seizures they make of contraband, beer, cigarettes and vegetables. They regularly come across Mexican Beers by the multiples of cases - which is only a small fraction of the large quantity that is smuggled across the many illegal crossings oil the Rio Hondo. Today - as it does every six months or so - Customs destroyed hundreds of cases of illegal beers at a location in Orange Walk. They did so following the rules of evidence with authorities cross referencing the cases destroyed with the recorded seizures. Here's how it looked:

Moneylender Shot In Benque
A moneylender from Benque Viejo Town is hospitalized for gunshot injuries after being attacked at his home. At around 10 a.m. this morning, 2 Hispanic men reportedly went to the home of Erwin Cocom, and they started shooting at the businessman, hitting him in the right hip, the hand and the leg. The cops haven't clarified if the men escaped with any money, but they say that Cocom was transported to the KHMH in a stable condition. Other sources say he is not at the KHMH.

Chairman Faber On Splintering of Churches in Morality Commission
Last week we broke the news about the divisions within the Churches that make up the Church-State Commission on morality. The Bishops of the Anglican and Methodist Churches withdrew from the commission because they felt that their views were not being represented in the final position paper which would be presented to government. So, now, the question is, will the government accept a position paper from a Church representation that is splintered? Today the Deputy Prime Minster - who chairs the commission - told the media that it is a matter of concern because they wanted a unified position:..

Mek Mi Rich Case Goes To Appeal
Back in February of 2016, the Corozal businessman, Curtis Swasey, won a big judgement against BTL and the owners of Mek Mi Rich, Andre Vega and Sanjay Hotchandani. That's when Justice Courtney Abel ruled that the gameshow's owners stole his idea of lottery texting, and got rich at his expense, with the help of BTL. BTL was definitely not satisfied with the decision because the judge found that persons within the telephone company breeched confidentially agreement that they signed. BTL insisted that they did not give his idea away to the owners of Mek Mi Rich. So, they filed an appeal, and in response, Swasey filed a cross-appeal. They want to ask the Court of Appeal to consider if the award of damages was enough. Justice Abel awarded Swasey $25,000, which BTL had to pay, but Swasey and his attorney did not believe that he was duly compensated with that award.

Beyond The Horizon, The Last, Long Goodbye
After 4 opening ceremonies back to back, The Beyond the Horizon 2017 construction projects are finally completed. And today there was an official closing ceremony to tie everything together. As we have reported the projects include the construction of a new emergency room and the donation of an incinerator at the Western Regional Hospital, new clinics in Ladyville and Double Head Cabbage and a 3 classroom building at St. Matthews Government School. Here are a few comments from the closing ceremony. The entire project is worth $11.5 US million dollars. There will be another project to connect the new emergency room to the hospital.

Horizon Projects Go Back Decades
For General David Jones, this New Horizons project bought him back to the early days of his career. When the New Horizons came to Belize in 1995, Jones was a junior officer and he worked along with two US Army Soldiers - who made the trip back for this year's "Beyond The Horizon." Today all three of them spoke about how times and ranks have changed but the building the erected remains:...

Jones Ready For Retirement
By then, General Jones will no longer be commander of the BDF. He told us he leaves in a few months:... Brig. Gen. David Jones - Commander BDF: "The Commander of Belize Defence Force, whoever becomes the commander will only serve in capacity for 4 years, so despite me reaching my age, I have remained actually a year, more than I should. I'm expected to retire this year. So my official retirement date to be in December so I will demit office this year and someone else will take up the reign."

General Rejects Charges of Inappropriate Conduct
And there are those in the BDF who cannot wait for Jones to go. Now, it's true that being disliked is often synonymous with leadership - and there's no leader who is universally loved. So, there will naturally be detractors, and what can only be called haters. But, there are also those we have spoken to - at various ranks - who say the general's management of BDF resources has been less than optimal in terms of transparency. We asked him about those characterizations today:

Immigration Minister of State Watching Senate Hearings Closely
Last night, we had highlights of the Senate hearings on Immigration. The former Minister Carlos Perdomo testified and it gave the current minister, Beverly Williams some reason to pause and reflect. She says the standard of accountability this represents makes a Minister reluctant to act decisively. Hon. Beverly Williams, Minister of State - Immigration: "In terms of the questioning of the former minister of immigration, the Cab. Sec. and the responsibility being laid at his feet for what was done in immigration and he himself taking responsibility and that is why we and I take very seriously the responsibility given to me by the Prime Minister."

Belize Saying No To Refugees Right Now
We also got a chance to ask Williams about the status with refugees. None have been accepted, and Williams told us why: Hon. Beverly Williams, Minister of State - Immigration: "Somewhere in the 1980s I believe was very instrumental in looking at a refugee program. We have the birth of Salvapan, Las Flores and all those Salvapan communities. At this juncture I believe we are impacted by the surrounding nations and the challenges in there as it relates to gang violence and so that is what we are saying for Belize. We have to be very careful when we look at what it is we are introducing to Belize."

Senior Cop's Son Had "Kush" Buy the Pond Say Police
Today the son of one of the Police Department's highest ranking officers was charged for drug trafficking in the Magistrate's Court. It happened yesterday when Police raided an apartment building on Vernon Street to search for illegal firearms and drugs. After sweeping the ground floor, the cops proceeded upstairs and knocked on a locked metal door blocking the corridor. After identifying themselves the cops asked to be let in, but the residents refused.

Belize Content With Taiwan Says DPM
Earlier this week, we told you about the surprising news that Panama had broken all diplomatic ties with Taiwan and shifted loyalties to China. Experts in international relations predict that with China's global influence rising, the rest of its allies in Central America will do the same. That's Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Belize. Today we asked the Deputy Prime Minister what Belize's plans are, and he gave a brief reply:..

An Artist For The National Collection
The Museum of Belize has 4 new paintings that it has added to its national collection of artworks produced by Belizean artists. These new ones come from Belizean American Robert S. Reyes, who grew up in Belize and migrated to the US to establish himself as a painter, and an architect in California. The donations were made with the help of Governor General Sir Colville Young, who is his long-time friend. NICH and the Museum of Belize held a small induction ceremony for the collection this afternoon. 7News stopped by there to speak with the Museum Director about the importance of a national collection like this one. Here's what he told us:

General Says Paying Civilians To Play is No Big Deal
Much has been made in certain circles of a 2009 document which recently surfaced showing that the BDF used force monies to pay civilians to play for and coach its Semi-pro football team. Today, the BDF commander says that it's no big deal, really: Brig. Gen. David Jones, Commander - BDF: "That report that came out was something that happened in 2009. I'm not aware of how much they were paid at that time and so I will not comment on that, but I know the practice has been happening for years were civilians have been recruited into the volunteers and the primary purpose for them was to play on the BDF football team. So, being that they were volunteer soldier, they can do duties but also they are being used to play and represent the BDF on their football team. The BDF team is a moral element for the force."

Channel 5

More Tomorrow’s Jeremy Parham Charged in Murder of Omar Barahona
The murder of twenty-one-year-old Omar Barahona Junior shocked the Cotton Tree residents and surrounding communities in the Cayo District.  Last Saturday, Barahona Junior was shot and killed as he attended [...]

In Belize City, Construction Worker Arraigned for Murder of “Hard Rock” Bennett
Three weeks ago, popular DJ and radio personality Andrew “Hard Rock” Bennett was gunned down on Central American Boulevard. Hard Rock’s murder shook the community because it broke a three-week [...]

Puerto Azul Conspirators Face Jail Time and Fines; But Is It Enough?
After a year of investigation by Italian police, the courts of Italy have pronounced justice on several persons accused of defrauding investors of more than twenty million U.S. dollars in [...]

Police Minister Wants Investigation to Take Course in Chunox Shooting
An internal investigation conducted by the Professional Standards Branch into an officer-involved fatality in Chunox Village is ongoing.  On Friday evening, forty-four-year-old Richard Garcia was shot and killed when a [...]

Safety Informed Decision to Leave Body on the Ground
The deadly shooting took place on the evening of June ninth, at around five p.m.; however, the lifeless body of Richard Garcia was not removed from the scene until almost [...]

Can Morality Commission Stand after Withdrawals?
Recently two church leaders, namely the Anglican Diocese Bishop Phillip Wright and the Methodist’s Reverend Roosevelt Papouloute, decided to remove themselves from the Church-State Commission, which is also referred to [...]

Corporal Punishment Still Not Tolerated
Since last week, we’ve been reporting on a case of corporal punishment in San Pablo, Orange Walk. It came to a head on Monday when Thais Cowo, the mother of [...]

Orange Walk Shopkeeper Murdered in August Pine Ridge
Police in Orange Walk are just back from the scene of a murder at a shop in August Pine Ridge village that happened around midday this afternoon. The victim has [...]

Small Fire at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center
There was a small fire in the city this afternoon. Sometime after four this evening, a fire started in a lower flat of a building at the Dorothy Menzies Child [...]

Stevedores Want Port Negotiations Stopped
A group of stevedores have called for a stop to the negotiations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In a letter sent out earlier this week, thirty-three stevedores called on President [...]

Why Yellow Man’s Apology is Enough for Deputy Patrick Faber
Speaker of the House Laura Longsworth told News Five since Tuesday that Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett gets to keep his job as mace bearer after his deplorable behavior on May [...]

Culture Minister Says Investments Can Be Made in People and Buildings
On Wednesday, former President of NICH, Yasser Musa came out against the proposed Heritage Preservation Legislation Bill, saying it does not invest in artists. Musa said the millions of dollars [...]

No Change in Belize’s Taiwan Policy
On Monday, Panama severed diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and in the same breath it announced it was establishing ties with the People’s Republic of China. President [...]

Reward for Information to Find Robbers of T.T.C.U.
The Toledo Teachers Credit Union in Bella Vista Village was burglarized last Thursday and a significant sum of money, over one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars, was stolen from the [...]

Ex-Immigration Minister Refuses to Accept Responsibilities for Missteps
On Wednesday, you heard Cabinet Secretary and former Minister of Immigration and Nationality Carlos Perdomo essentially disclaim all responsibility for the decisions taken by officers in the public service junior [...]

At Senate Inquiry, ASP Rochelle Chan Says ‘Possibilities’ Are Endless
With an outright denial of the claims of whistleblower Alvarine Burgess two weeks ago, Police Assistant Superintendent Rochelle Chan appears to be putting the burden of proof on Burgess and [...]

Senior Officer Asks, “Where is Foundation for Accusations?”
As reported on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent of Police Rochelle Chan has flatly denied the allegations made against him. But if what Alvarine Burgess has said of him is a lie, [...]

Police Going Ahead with Plans for Transfers
There will be a new regime at the helm of law enforcement in the Belize District jurisdiction come July first as well as in other districts.  Eastern Division South will [...]

Celebrating the Work of Law Enforcement with a Basketball Game Vs the Press
The Belize Police Department is getting ready to observe Police Week. The week of activities starts on Sunday June eighteenth and ends on the twenty-fourth. Police officers will engage in [...]

Closing Successful “Beyond the Horizon” Campaign in Ladyville
More ten million U.S. dollars has been invested in the education and health sectors through the U.S. Embassy’s Beyond the Horizon Project.  Communities in the Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek [...]

4 Paintings Added to Belize National Art collection
Robert Sydney Reyes may not be well known among Belizeans at home, but his works of art will endure in the National Art Collection for years to come.  That’s because [...]

Healthy Living: The Surprising Benefits of Yoga
As the celebration of International Day of Yoga approaches, a number of people are looking forward to taking advantage of a first time experience at the multiple gatherings planned for [...]

LOVE FM

Money Lender Shot at Home in Benque
A Belizean money lender was shot multiple times while at home this morning. Police say that two Hispanic men on motorcycle approached Erwin Cocom at his home in Benque Viejo Del Carmen at around 11 o’clock and fired a barrage of bullets at him. Cocom was hit to the hip, hand and leg. He was […]

Dangriga Teacher Dies in Traffic Incident
A woman was killed in a road traffic accident this evening in Dangriga. According to reports, sometime after four o’clock this evening, Naomi Taylor McKenzie was on a bicycle on Ecumenical Drive in that municipality when there was a collision with a motorcycle coming in the opposite direction. Mckenzie was killed on the spot while […]

Fire at Dorothy Menzies’ Children’s Home
A small fire broke out at Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center compound today. The fire started under a small shed behind one of the buildings shortly after four this afternoon. Residents in the area reported that they smelled paper burning and soon located the blaze. One of them, Derrick Leslie told Love News what he […]

Beyond the Horizon 2017 Closes at Price Barracks
March 20, 2017 saw lead members for the Beyond the Horizon project giving the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Defence, Felix Enriquez, a tour of their space on Price Barracks where the various teams would be staying for the most part for the duration of the project. Fast forward almost three months later […]

More Litigations on Mek Mi Rich
Belize Telecommunications Limited, BTL, and Curtis Swasey are back in court, this time at the Court of Appeal. Both parties, it appears, are not satisfied with the quantum that Justice Courtney Abel awarded Swasey at the Supreme Court in February of 2016. For context, back in 2016 Curtis Swasey filed a law suit against BTL […]

13 Months Later: Still No Approvals for Refugee Applications
On May 10, 2016 – over one year ago we reported that ninety two applications had been vetted and recommended, up to that point, to the Refugee Eligibility Committee. They were submitted to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Immigration, Beverly Williams. To date, despite the regular meetings of the committee and the […]

Carlos Perdomo on Checks and Balances in Immigration
Former Immigration Minister Carlos Perdomo appeared for the second time before the Senate Special Select Committee. Perdomo, whose name appears several times in the auditor general reports, was mainly questioned by Senate Mark Lizarraga. Senator Lizarraga was primarily interested in the procedures put in places after irregularities were discovered within the department. MARK LIZARRAGA “Do […]

14.5 Pounds of Weed Found in Vernon Street Home
Police have confiscated over fourteen pounds of weed, a majority of it in a bust conducted on Wednesday morning in Belize City. Police report that the drug was found at a residence on Vernon Street by a joint Special Branch and strike team. Authorities say the team announced itself and requested entry which the occupants […]

Farmers and BSI Reach Agreement Over Molasses
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) have finalized an agreement, eleven months after the industry suffered a loss of molasses. In July of 2016, the Belize Sugar Industries reported that it sustained a loss of 3,900 tons of molasses due to a process called the Maillard Reaction. It […]

PlusTV

ASP Rochelle Chan denies allegations made by Alvorine Burgess
The Senate Select Inquiry continued today into the Auditor General’s report on Visa, Passport, and Nationality sections of the Immigration Department during the period 2011 to 2013. Assistant Superintendent of Police stationed at the Hattieville police station, Rochelle Chan, made his appearance to...

Addy Pacheco won’t testify without her attorney present
Immigration Officer Addy Pacheco appeared before the senate Select Inquiry today as well. She was to be the first witness, however, at the beginning, she explained that she was willing to answer questions but not without her lawyer present. She informed the Chairman that her lawyer was unable to att...

Accident in Gardenia Village; man in coma
There was an accident this evening on the Phillip Goldson Highway in Gardenia Village and one person is in a state of coma. .Information is sketchy at this time but we do know that a red and silver SUV lost control and flipped off the road, landing on the driver’s side of the vehicle. A tree appear...

Belize City man found guilty of firearm offenses in attempted bank robbery
2 year old Jamaal Jackson beat a murder rap about a year ago and was later charged with kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition after he was shot in the foot by police during an attempted robbery at Scotia Bank in February of last year. Today, he was convicted of the two firearm related offenses in t...

Carlos Perdomo’s second day at Senate Inquiry
Appearing for the second time in front of the Senate Committee was former Immigration Minister and present Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo. Perdomo was Minister of Immigration and National Security for a period of the time that was under review by the Auditor General’s report. His name was mention...

DPP awaits report on Chunox Villager killing
Investigation into the killing of Chunox villager ,Richard Garcia continues. Garcia was shot and killed on Friday by police officers who had tried to enforce eviction from a house in the village where Garcia was staying. They say Garcia attacked the Police with a machete and despite warning shots,...

Businessman robbed in Dangriga Town
A businessman was robbed in Dangriga Town on Tuesday night. 42-year-old Edilberto Arzu reported that sometime between the hours of 6:30 and 7 o’clock Tuesday night, he , his wife, his father-in-law and two children arrived at their home in the 1st New Site area. He says they got out of the vehicle a...

False Nationality documents land two at court
Forty-two-year-old Marcos Basto and thirty-one-year-old Mark Antonio Rosales were charged back in November 2015 for thirteen counts of possession of false documents in respect of nationality certificates. At a preliminary Inquiry yesterday, the two Belizean men learned that they will have to stand t...

Weed found in san Ignacio, teen arrested for weed in Camalote
San Ignacio police found 4.4 pounds of weed. On Tuesday evening, at around 4 p.m., police were conducting mobile patrol in the area of Shawville, San Ignacio, when they searched an open area. There they found 4 black plastic bags containing 4.4 pounds of cannabis. No one was in the area at the time...

Joseph Martinez arrested for drug trafficking
41 year old Joseph Enrique Martinez was arrested by San Pedro police. In San Pedro Town early Tuesday morning, an Anti-Drug Operation was conducted at Coco Plum apartments Complex in the San Marcus area of the island. Police say they searched a room being occupied by Martinez and found 403 grams of ...

FFB responds to allegation of “Rigged Election”
Yesterday we reported on the Football Federation of Belize’s conflicts regarding the upcoming elections for that body. Sergio Chuc, in an interview with the media, accused the FFB of putting together a “rigged election”. This is after Chuc was rejected as a candidate for the presidential race follo...

Training in Suicide prevention
Fifty-four persons from across the country have received training in Suicide Prevention through a partnership between the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) Project, Galen University, and COBEC. The workshops were one of the first activities under the recently launched Youth Ri...

The Guardian

$114,000 stolen from Toledo Teacher’s Credit Union
The Toledo Teacher’s Credit Union in Bella vista village suffered a major blow on Thursday of last week when burglars made their way into the institution and made off with 114 thousand dollars in U.S. and Belize currency along with two firearms a pump 12 and a 9mm gun. According to the manager, Leopoldo Romero, the building was secured on Thursday evening and when the security guard came on duty on Friday morning, the building had been broken into. Surveillance footage from the building shows two men coming to the establishment properly equipped to gain entry into the building and further to the vault. He says that the burglars were armed with a steel cutter, drills and a five ton jack. The thieves cut a hole in the wire perimeter fence of the credit union and then made quick work of prying open the burglar and wooden doors. They then unhinged the vault’s door using a 5 ton jack and made their way in and further break into the credit union’s safe.

Senior police officer tells Senate Alvarene Burgess is a beggar and liar
Assistant Police Superintendent Rochelle Chan has testified before the Senate Select Committee that Alvarine Burgess told blatant lies about him. He has insisted forcefully that her fictional narrative of him as an immigration hustler has unfairly hurt his reputation. Readers will remember that on Wednesday, May 31, Burgess went to testify in the Senate Hearings on Immigration. She used that opportunity to maul the reputations of Chan, Ministers Edmond Castro and Anthony “Boots” Martinez, and Immigration Officer George Reynolds. She claims that she was once an immigration agent, and that Rochelle Chan recruited her into bribing ministers to recommend Chinese nationals for visas, so that their applications get guaranteed approval.

Launch of Children Agenda 2017-2030
The Launch of the 2017-2030 Agenda took place on June 8, 2017 at the Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza. The Agenda was developed as a result of the Government of Belize’s continued commitment to improve the lives of children and adolescents over the next 14 years. While the Agenda will be a national specific and targeted one, it will also adopt a universal approach. The situation of children and adolescents as a collective will be focused on, but the specific marginalized and disadvantaged groups will also be a focal point. Very importantly, the rights of children will be taken into consideration given their embryonic aptitude and capacity.

Sergio Chuc can’t run for FFB presidency
The Football Federation of Belize is scheduled to have an election to select a new president on June 24th. But the election is not going as smoothly as possible since a controversy has erupted within the organization. Sergio Chuc who contested the position of president on April 30, 2016, is not being allowed to run. Chuc had run for the position against outgoing president, Ruperto Vicente and at the time there were 22 rounds of voting each time ending with a tie between the two. That situation led to senior vice president Marlon Kuylen is holding over as president until a new date was set for the 24th of June. While it would seem like a simple carrying forward of the process, Sergio Chuc called a press conference on June 13 to announce that he is being unjustly barred from running. Chuc says that the decision came from the Electoral Committee of the FFB. That committee made a decision to not allow Chuc to run for president after allegations were made against him on April 30th for bribery, corruption, conflict of interest and attaining an advantage in seeking the office of the presidency.

More electricity expansion in the south
A massive amount of electricity expansions are currently taking place in the south. Through lobbying efforts of UDP Toledo East Standard Bearer Peter Eden Martinez and Senator for the South Hon. Macario Coy, the government is investing to expand electricity coverage in various villages in Toledo. Expansion is taking place in Laguna and Hicatee villages in the Toledo West constituency. Other expansion areas include Bella Vista Village, Bladen, Trio and Midway villages in the Toledo East constituency.

BTB hosts first Virtual Trade Expo
For the first time in history, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) will host a live Virtual Expo on 29th – 30th June, 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. The Expo is targeting travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers originating from Belize’s major tourism markets, namely North America, Europe, South America and Central America. Other industry partners such as international associations, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) agencies, press and other industry professionals have also been invited to attend. The theme for the Expo is Discover the Best of Belize’s Jungle and Beach. It will be a live event that will take place in an online environment. The Expo is equivalent to a conventional trade show, except suppliers and buyers connect with each other via the internet, regardless of their geographic location, to exchange valuable information.

Fifth National Climate Outlook Forum held
Variations in climate influence most human activities either directly or indirectly resulting in losses or benefits. Understanding and making effective use of available climate information is therefore critical to ensure efficiency and sustainability, both in the current context and in the future, when climate change is expected to impose additional stresses on agricultural systems and human livelihoods. The National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS) provides weather and climate information and products of various timescales (daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal) to enable key economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, disaster risk reduction, energy, forestry and health, to anticipate, prepare and respond to climate anomalies and extreme events.

Elderly in Cayo now have new revenue stream
A brand new shop, the Octavia Waight Thrift Shop and Surprise Boutique was opened Monday behind the main Octavia Waight Center in San Ignacio Town. The new shop now becomes a new revenue stream to take care of the 34 residents that are now at the Octavia Waight Center. Now available at a reasonable price are miscellaneous items such as clothing for male, female and children. There are a range of house decoration items. Others include glassware, sheets, shoes, swim suits, sweaters, phone accessories, coffee makers and electronic items. The new shop is located at the corner of Carmelita and San Ignacio Streets. Staffed by volunteers, the shop will be opened from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Beyond the Horizon in Double Head Cabbage
The U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the fourth ribbon cutting ceremony in Belize Rural Central. That ceremony was a part of the Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the U.S. Government officially handed over the keys to the new Double Head Cabbage Clinic to the Ministry of Health, took place in Double Head Cabbage.

Ministry of Health receives new health center in Ladyville
Since arriving in the country a few weeks ago, the men and women of the United States Southern Command have been working toward the Beyond the Horizon initiative. BTH will consist of several projects across the country. A team of specialized personnel have dedicated their time and efforts to develop communities, rural ones specifically. The first phase of that project took place on June 9, 2017 at the inauguration of the Ladyville health center. The keys to the center were delivered to the Ministry of Health by the U. S. Government. The facility will be home to a comfortable health center for patients from Ladyville and surrounding areas. The center will host a waiting room, bathrooms that cater to patients with special needs and disabilities, a triage room, private consultation rooms, and a pharmacy.

One standard motor vehicle registration and license system to be implemented
For the most part, the process of acquiring any form of driver’s license or vehicle registration has been anything but a uniform and cohesive process. Up until now, there were 9 different systems for the 9 different municipalities but since the latest Belizean-Taiwanese venture, all of that will change. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been the spearhead in this USD $2.8 million project. The project is a 4-year joint partnership on e-government so that the Belizean citizenry will be able to enjoy a more effective and efficient transport service. On June 8, 2017, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Taiwanese Ambassador, H. E. Charles K. Y. Liu, and Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight of the Ministry of Finance. The MoU is for the e-government initiative “Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and License System” (BMVRALS). The intent of the 4-year-project is to make the current, decentralized system one that will be integrated and centralized by the end of its two phases.

ROC terminates diplomatic ties with Panama
The Republic of China has terminated diplomatic relations with the Republic of Panama with immediate effect June 13, in order to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation. The ROC will close its embassy in Panama, recall its technical mission, and end all bilateral cooperation and aid programs. The ROC government expresses indignation and deep regret over Panama’s unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with the ROC and establish ties with the authorities in Beijing. Following more than a century of diplomatic ties, the government of Panama led by President Juan Carlos Varela?disregarding the longstanding bonds of solidarity and friendship between the peoples of the ROC and Panama and the long-term assistance in many areas provided by the ROC in support of Panama’s national development caved in to Beijing and decided to switch its diplomatic engagement toward the Beijing authorities for economic gain.

The Rotary Club of San Ignacio sponsors two students for higher education
The Rotary Club of San Ignacio continues to sponsor young scholars to both the secondary and tertiary levels of education. As a fully volunteer organization, the Rotary Club of San Ignacio along with international donors and sponsors, support a scholarship program for students starting in high school. Rafael Cal was a visionary pioneer of the Rotary Clubs, who served as a Manager of the Scotiabank Branch in San Ignacio for many years. Even with his passing, a firm legacy remains with the Raphael Cal Memorial scholarship, which supports the young through four years of studies. While the students go through their educational career, the Rotary Club of San Ignacio Scholarship Committee members are their mentors.

Minister Aragon and YPF members from O.W. East gives Santa Martha Park a facelift
On Sunday June 11, the area representative for Orange Walk East, Honorable Elodio Aragon Jr. Along with members of the Orange Walk East Youth Popular Front, travelled to Santa Martha which is a village situated In the Orange Walk East constituency. Whilst there the area rep. and his crew took up the task of giving the community park a much needed facelift. The chairlady of Santa Martha Village Mrs. Maria Julia Chi got in touch with Honorable Aragon and members of the O.E.Y.P.F. and decided to engage in a community project which in this case involved the beautification of the park in the village. This park serves the community of more than 1000 residents and had been neglected for some time now. Mrs. Chi got a few residents to clean the area and chop the overgrown grass and then Hon. Aragon and his crew descended upon the park - paint brushes in hand.

ALLEN SAUM, DON’T PAY ME IN “ANY COCAINE SMUDGED MONEY”
A racket is a service that is fraudulently offered to solve a problem, such as for a problem that does not exist, that will not be put into effect, or that would not otherwise exist if the racket did not exist. The awarding of Profit Sharing Agreements for petroleum exploration (PSA) should have been standard. However, according to complaints made to the US Embassy contriving persons in Belize took advantage of their position and connections to turn the process into a racket. The seriousness is that the facilitator or perpetrators of such crimes deliberately institute hurdles or stumbling blocks in a simple process that would see innocent businesses eventually seeking their help to eliminate the hurdles.

Shyne - a music ambassador for all
Music ambassador, Shyne Barrow , continues with his never ending stride to assist the development of music and musicians in Belize. Proof of this came on Wednesday June 14th when he was present at the launching of Positive Vibez’s 5th release entitled Punta Survives. According to Barrow, Vibez approached him for assistance with the release of the new album, and like he does for any other artist in Belize, Barrow assisted. Barrow was present at the Image Factory as the album was officially launched. In magnanimous fashion proved that he is an ambassador for every Belizean musician as it is no secret that Vibez has had and continues to have political affiliations with the People’s United Party but that mattered not to Barrow as the assistance to Vibez was forthcoming nonetheless.

Western Regional Hospital gets expansion and new incinerator
On Tuesday the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the third ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon 2017 (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the BTH Task Force Commander officially handed over the keys to the emergency room expansion and a new structure with a medical waste incinerator to the Ministry of Health, took place at the Western Regional Hospital (WRH). BTH is a collaborative training exercise between U.S. Army South, the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Ministries of Defence, Health, and Education, as well as partner nations, such as Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia. BTH also includes numerous NGOs and private companies from the United States and Belize. The emergency room expansion project could not have happened without close cooperation and partnership with the WRH and the Belmopan City Council.

World Oceans Day Cleanup 2017
Today, to commemorate World Oceans Day, the U.S. Embassy led a beach cleanup project in Dangriga. The U.S. Army South’s Beyond the Horizon partnership team and the U.S. Embassy joined forces with Dangriga City Council, Dangriga Community Police, Belize Defence Force, Belize Coast Guard, and 98 students and four teachers from four different schools in Dangriga, including Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program graduates. The participants cleaned up a stretch of beach in front of the Holy Ghost School in Dangriga. The team collected approximately 150 bags of debris.

Farewell party turns to final farewell for 21 year old
Omar Barahona Jr., a 21 year-old resident of Cotton Tree Village in Cayo, was gunned down and killed in front of his home. That was where he was enjoying a going-away party because he was scheduled to travel to the US for a job. Belmopan police have since detained one man who is currently their main suspect. All indications are that Barahona was an innocent victim who was murdered simply because he was socializing with his friend, who was the target. That unfortunate incident happened on Saturday night, at around 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. His family had organized a small gathering with food and drinks in his honor. Those close to the family say that he had gotten a job in Iowa, and he was supposed to leave in a few days to start his career.

Arson in Stann Creek
Errol Acosta, a 26-year-old businessman of Deloro site area, Pomona Village, Stann Creek reported that on June 10, 2017 at about 2:00 a.m. while at home along with his common-law wife, Marcelina Perez, and his two children, he heard footsteps on his verandah. Shortly thereafter he noticed his house was on fire. The house, valued at $20,000, is an elevated wooden structure measuring 17 by 23 feet with zinc roofing. It was completely destroyed along with household items, all to a total of $30,713. The building was not insured. Police are investigating.

Attempted murder in Belize City
On June 8, 2017, Belize City Police visited a residential yard in the Police Street area where they saw John Hoare suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. According to investigations, Hoare, a 50-year-old security guard of Simon Lamb Street, was sitting in the yard guarding slot machines owned by Princess Casino. He was approached by two male persons when one of them pulled out a gun and fired several shots at him.

Drunken brawl lands U.S. Embassy warehouse employee behind bars
Tevin Montero, who was unrepresented in court, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on June 12, 2017 after spending two nights in police custody. He was charged with assaulting a police officer, using insulting words, and resisting arrest after police had to intervene in a fight at the corner of Black Orchid Boulevard and Riverside Street in the Saint Martin’s De Porres area. Montero pleaded guilty to all three charges. He is now on remand awaiting sentencing.

Tanya Carter’s robbers sentenced
After more than a week on remand awaiting sentences in the robbery of popular artist, Tanya Carter, three Belize City teenagers learnt their fate in court on Friday, June 9, 2017. They were all imposed some form of prison time by way of suspended sentences which will only take effect if they are not in adherence to the conditions laid out by the court. The trio includes two minors, aged 16 and 17, one who is a high school student and the other who is a recent high school dropout, along with 19-year-old Darwin Monroy. Community Rehabilitation Department recommended the conditions for the trio.

Chef charged with drug trafficking
A Belize City chef and baker is on bail after having being arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court charged with drug trafficking on June 8, 2017. The chef, Moses Moore, was unrepresented when he appeared before Magistrate Carlon Mendoza where he pleaded not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety of the same which he was able to meet. The allegation made against Moore was that on June 7, 2017, he had 117 grams of cannabis with the intent to supply for the purpose of drug trafficking. According to the police, on June 7, constable Zebedee Moore and other members of the GSU were conducting mobile operations where they observed a group of men and women socializing in a yard on Victoria Street.

Supreme Court for men found with false nationality documents
Two men, one from San Pedro and the other from Corozal, will have to stand trial at the Supreme Court for the offenses of 13 counts of possession of false documents. They were found in possession of nationality certificates that they were not entitled to have. The men are Marcos Basto, 42-year-old unemployed resident of Corozal Town, and Mark Antonio Rosalez, 31-year-old unemployed resident of San Pedro Town. In November 2015, the duo was charged jointly with 13 counts of possession of false documents.

Sarteneja fisherman fined for fishing in a reserve
A Sarteneja fisherman was fined almost $1,000 after he admitted to fishing inside the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and having 28 undersized conchs in his possession. He is 31-year-old Elvin Isaac Jimenez. Jimenez was first summoned to court in April 2017 but failed to show up. He was brought to court on June 13, 2017 on a bench warrant. He explained in court that he fell ill and had no money. At his arraignment, after being excused without being additionally charged, he pleaded guilty to the two charges. He was charged with possession of undersized conchs and with fishing in a conservation zone, inside the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. He appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser.

Mental patient stabs 84 year old businessman in Orange Walk
On June 10, 2017, police received information of a stabbing incident at Reyes Tortillas place situated on Progress Street, Orange Walk Town. They visited the area where they saw blood stains on the ground and a kitchen knife with blade measuring 8 inches in length with blood stains. Investigation reveals that 84-year-old Pablo Reyes, businessman of Progress Street, was standing outside his business place when a mental patient, 33-year-old Nigel Guerra, of Savannah Street, Louisiana area, Orange Walk Town reportedly approached him and inflected stab wounds to his left forearm and two stab wounds to the abdomen area.

No bail for man accused of stealing BEL meters
Santiago Padilla, 32-years-old, is remanded after being accused of stealing over $177,309.18 worth in meters, a total of 3,033 face meters, from BEL. Padilla’s arraignment took place before Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser where he was read a single charge of theft. He pleaded not guilty but the prosecutor in the case, Cpl. Christopher Smith, objected to bail. He was remanded into custody until July 26, 2017.

Police shoot and kill Allen Garcia
The Professional Standards Branch of the Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting of a man from Chunox Village, Corozal. Police officers say that they had to shoot him because he came at them with a machete, and attempted to chop an on-duty officer. The incident happened at around 4:50p.m. on Friday, June 9, in Chunox. The police were there to speak with 44 year-old Richard Allen Garcia. They were on yet another attempt to try and reason with him because he was staying at the residence of the land owner, and he had overstayed his welcome on her property.

Serial rapist’s 15-year-sentence quashed in Court of Appeal
A Belmopan man accused and convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in March 2011 and sentence to 15 years for rape and 10 years for robbery at gun point is now free of those convictions. Belmopan resident, Alberto Ical saw his conviction quashed and he was acquitted. On March 11, 2011, Ical was convicted of rape and robbery of a woman in Belmopan. The woman testified in court that she was walking in the market square area heading to catch a bus when she was held at gun point by Ical. She said she was ordered to get undressed and fearing for her life, she complied. She said that her attacker raped her in the drain and robbed her of a silver ring and $250 in cash.

Security guard robs security guard
A Belize City security guard, David Reneau, employed with the Radisson Fort George Hotel is the latest robbery victim after he intervened whilst his work place was being robbed. The robber has been identified as Phillip McLaren, a security guard himself. McLaren appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on June 14, 2017 where he was read two charges, one count of attempted robbery and one count of robbery upon Reneau. According to the police report, CIB personnel responded to information of a robbery at the Radisson Fort George Hotel. There they spoke to Shakira Brown, a receptionist that said two male persons entered and asked the price for renting a room for the night.

Man remanded for having sex with a minor
Abel Lara is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was accused of having sexual intercourse with a minor. He was remanded by Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on June 14, 2017 for the offense. No plea was taken and he was denied bail. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August 29, 2017.

Teenagers remanded for robbery of fast food restaurant
Two male persons were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on Thursday, June 8, 2017 for a burglary at a fast food shop located on Albert Street. The older man has been identified as Adrian Sanchez who recently turned 18-years-old. Sanchez is currently on remand at the Belize Central Prison. The second culprit is 16-years-old. Allegations are that on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, Lopez Fast Food was burglarized and damaged. They were both caught hiding in the ceiling by police. They were immediately detained. The owner of the restaurant, Roxanne Nunez, was contacted by police. They told her that her shop had been burglarized and when she visited the area, she saw that the ceiling was damaged. She estimated the damages to be approximately $375.

4 years for unlicensed firearm and ammunition
Wagner’s Lane resident, 24-year-old Macory Neal, has begun to serve a 4 year sentence. He was sentenced on June 13, 2017 before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith after she found him guilty of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Neal and 21-year-old Maleik Humes, another Wagner’s Lane resident, were charged jointly with having a 9 mm Beretta pistol along with 42 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition but in the trial on Friday, June 9, 2017, Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith ruled that only Neal had a case to answer to and acquitted Humes of the charge.

Orlando Vera, ballistics expert denied bail
On June 9, 2017, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Herbert Lord, heard a bail application for convicted prisoner, Orlando Vera. Vera is the Belize Police Department Ballistic Examiner who, on June 1, 2017, was convicted of the offense of abetment to pervert the course of justice. He was recorded by Belmopan businessman, Michael Modiri, during a meeting. On the recording, he was heard telling Modiri that he could help him win his gun case by tampering with evidence to allow the case to crumble.

7-years for habitual burglar
June 12, 2017 was set for trial against Jamaal Warrior for burglary. He was accused of trespassing into the home of Sharon Peters on Albert Street West and stealing $438.00 in items, including electronic and personal items. Warrior, who was unrepresented in court, changed his not guilty plea to guilty for burglary. His court record was produced in court and Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith sentenced him to 7 years, the minimum sentence for burglary, after noticing his long rap sheet for similar offenses.

Belizean paddler places first in Texas Water Safari
Hener Cruz of Esperanza Village, Belize and Kyle Mynar of Texas have won the Texas Water Safari 2017 in the USCA C2 class in a time of 39 hours and 29 minutes. The Texas Water Safari is known to be the toughest canoe race in the world since it is a 260 miles nonstop race with many dams and small falls where they have to portage. This is the first time since 1997 that a team in the USCA C2 class has placed third overall. Hener and Kyle beat the second place team in their USCA C2 class by 5 hours and 29 minutes. A six men canoe in the unlimited class came in first overall while a tandem unlimited canoe came in second only beating Hener and Kyle by 30 minutes. A total of 150 canoes entered the race in 13 different classes. This is a record amount of entrants for the Texas Water Safari. Hener and Kyle beat the fourth place six men unlimited team by 2 hours and 15 minutes.

St. Joseph girls and St. Ignatius boys capture Belize City Primary Schools Primary Schools Basketball championship
The 2016-2017 Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Competition came to an end on Monday 12th June, 2017, with the championship games played in both the girls’ and boys’ competition at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium. In the girls’ championship game, St. Joseph RC School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 20-7 to capture the Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Title. The top scorer for St. Joseph RC School was Afeni Lamb with 14 points while the top scorer for St. John’s Primary School was Kelis Turton with 5 points. In the boys’ championship game, St. Ignatius School won over Belize Elementary School by the score of 26-20 to capture the Belize City Primary Schools Basketball championship.

St. Joseph RC School girls and St. Ignatius School boys to represent the Belize District in National Primary Schools Basketball championship
The Belize District Primary Schools Basketball competition came to an end on Tuesday 13th June, 2017. In the girls’ championship game, St. Joseph RC School defeated St. John’s Primary School by the score of 34-23 to capture its first ever Belize District Basketball title in the girls’ competition. The top scorer for St. Joseph RC School was Briah Clarke with 22 points while Kelis Turton top scored for St. John’s Primary School with 21 points. In the boys’ championship game, St. Ignatius School defeated Belize Elementary School by the score of 38-29. The top scorer for St. Ignatius School was Kyle Castillo with 17 points and the top score for Belize Elementary School was Jahzani Lightburn with 9 points.

Football Federation of Belize to hold Ordinary Congress
The Football Federation of Belize Electoral Committee has confirmed that in accordance with Article 13 of the Football Federation of Belize Electoral Code 2011, the following candidates Marlon Kuylen (Acting President of the Football Federation of Belize) and Ruperto Vicente (former President) will contest for the post of president, while Carlos Galvez and David Griffith (vice president), were approved to contest the up-coming elections for the respective vacant post.

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy best the Belmopan Bandits
The Raymond Garbutt Cayo Senior Female Softball Competition continued on Sunday 11th June with three games on the schedule at the Raymond Garbutt Softball Pitch in Roaring Creek Village. In the first game played, Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy won over the Belmopan Emeralds by the score of 9-1. The winning pitcher was Leandra Guy and the losing pitcher was Aludy Arthurs. The competition will continue this coming Sunday 17th June out at the Mae Gordon Sports Field in the City of Belmopan with three games on the schedule. In the first game which is set for 12:00 pm Belmopan Emeralds will go up against Unitedville Rebels United. In game two, Esperanza Wolverines will see actions against the Unitedville Rebels United and in the final game of the day, Belmopan Emeralds will do battle with the Esperanza Wolverines.

Digicell leads the Belize City Senior Women’s Softball Competition
The 2017 Belize City Senior Female Softball competition continued on Tuesday 13th June, at Rogers Stadium between the defending champions the Belize Bank Bulldogs and former champions Digicell. Digicell prevailed over the former champions the Belize Bank Bulldogs in as many outings by the score of 10-9. The winning pitcher was Kimani smith and the losing pitcher was Renisha Richards.

Games at the Santa Elena Sports Complex
The Astros have come out triumphant in Cayo Central games held at the spacious Santa Elena Sports Complex on Thursday of last week. Astros went against Hillview and came up with a five goals to four win. The man of the day within the Astros Team was Jose Garido, who scored a total of three goals. Meanwhile; both Eustace Conorque and Keolon Vasquez from the same team struck with one goal each. Even though Hillview had lost by one goal, the main man to oppose from that team was Trimain Gentle, who came through with three goals.

The BTL and UHS Issues
I want to be as blunt as possible this week without being offensive. These weekly million dollar battles with the avaricious Ashcroft Alliance over all the rotten monkeyshine deals he concocted under the 1998-2008 Musa Administration are getting wearisome and vexing. From the BTL issue to the Universal Healthcare hustle, Belizeans are so fed up that they are now making all kinds of comments. I will mention a couple of these remarks later in the essay but what I cannot skip is the fact that WinkyGrab is having a field day with the UDP on his incongruously-named Monday night talk show.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
Every new day for believers on earth comes with a special delivery of mercy and grace from God. But the packaging of the gift looks so ordinary that it is easy to ignore it. It comes to us from the word of God on which we choose to meditate for the day. That word contains our healing, wisdom, protection, deliverance, power to obey and much more. However what we extract from the word is very dependent on how we approach it.

Hurricane Facts & Tips Atlantic Hurricane Season
This week’s Hurricane Tips 1. Take a picture and written inventory of all household assets and assign a value to them. 2. Take picture and written inventory of your jewelry. 3. Locate your insurance policies, bank and travel documents. 4. Secure your inventory, jewelry, and documents in a water tight container. a. Note zip lock bags failed during last year’s Hurricane Earl.

“… In the world of machiavelli power always trumps principle”
A very common saying is ‘The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword,’ yet everywhere one looks, the chaos wrought by the sword is evident! I have boldly written about the extremely sneaky plan to militarize some police forces of the world. Up north, Chunoxenos are saying that ‘the police seemed to be excessively armed, and may have acted recklessly.’ Be mindful that countries are run in the name of the PEOPLE. Representatives of the PEOPLE formulate laws; and armed personnel under authority of the PEOPLES’ laws, are deployed. Garcia should have left the lady’s property long before the arrival of the police and he definitely should not have charged with a machete…sad, a human life lost. Belize does not want or need a militarized police force – but we do need and want maximum help to get the unfounded Guatemalan claim vaporized!

What your social media pictures say about you
Lots have been said about our favorite social media platforms; good ole’ Facebook, Twitter -and now Snap Chat and Insta. But good or bad, we can’t deny that we love our cyber world. We do the most for The Gram and Facebook. We post pics that portray the image that we want our friends- and the world to have of us but even in our guise to fool the world we are actually revealing much, much more about our psyche than we think when we post. What do your photos on the Web say about you? What hidden complexes or secret desires, which sometimes even we ourselves don’t realize, do they tell the world? A recent study has delivered some interesting findings.

Breaking Belize News

Which is the Lie?
Up to the General Elections in 2012, the Honorable Carlos Perdomo was the Minister responsible for Defense and Immigration. After those elections, Perdomo became Cabinet Secretary to the second Dean Barrow Administration of 2012-2015. On October 10 of 2013, the Prime Minister of Belize […]

BECOL to conduct Simulation Exercise in San Ignacio/ Santa Elena
Belize Electric Company Limited issued a press release today informing residents in San Ignacio/ Santa Elena and the surrounding communities that a simulation exercise will be conducted on June 27, 2017. The exercise is being conducted with the collaboration of the National Emergency Management Organization […]

BPP Toledo Offers Reward
The BPP Toledo Branch is offering $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of over $100,000 from the Toledo Teacher’s Credit Union (TTCU). In a press release issued today, the BPP Toledo Branch said, “We are […]

Road traffic accident on Philip Goldson Highway sends one to the hospital
A road traffic accident happened a short while ago on the Philip Goldson Highway near Sandhill Village. According to reports, a man has been rushed to the hospital for treatment in an ambulance. A source told BBN that the man was driving a RAV4 […]

Benque Viejo businessman shot
Reports reaching to our newsroom are that a well-known businessman from Benque Viejo Town, Cayo District was shot at his home this morning by three armed men. According to reports, the businessman is a money changer at the Western border and police are currently searching […]

Transformation: New Cayo bridge takes shape
By Delroy Cuthkelvin: Infrastructure development is one of the hallmarks of this Dean Barrow/UDP Administration. The transformation has been so constant and extensive – we almost take it for granted. The West has seen its fair share – countless streets rehabilitated and paved; drainage dramatically improved; parks, […]

Belize City man robs Southern Quick Loan shop in Dangriga
Yesterday around 3:00 p.m., police responded to an armed robbery report at Southern Quick Loan on Chatuye Street, Dangriga. Felecita Murcia, 29, the cashier of Southern Quick Loan reported that while at the business place, a man entered the office with a manilla envelope in […]

Santa Elena teen missing
Casandra Fuller of Hill View area, Santa Elena Town, Cayo District reported to police that on Tuesday night around 8:30 she was at home with her 13-year-old daughter Niya Richards. Fuller told police that when she questioned her daughter about a relationship with a young man, […]

David Arnold charged for HardRock’s murder
Andrew Bennett aka “HardRock”, a popular DJ from Belize City was murdered in front of his home on May 24, 2017. Police informed today that they have arrested and charged David Richard Arnold, 25, a construction worker of Armadillo Street, Belize City for the murder. Bennett […]

BTB wins Innovation & Creativity Award
Picture: San Pedro Sun The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has won the prestigious Innovation & Creativity Award of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) based in London, United Kingdom for its Belize Virtual Expo – the first of its kind in the country. The […]

Positive Vibez releases new album entitled “Punta Survives”
Belizean artist Positive Vibez has released a new album entitled “Punta Survives”. According to a press release from the Image Factory Art Foundation, every time a new book, art exhibit, research or music album is released in Belize it should be a cause for […]

Lisa Shoman appointed to IDB Admin Tribunal
Attorney at Law, Lisa Shoman has been appointed as a judge on the Inter- American Development’s Bank Administrative Tribunal. Shoman will serve for six years and her new appointment commences on July 1, 2017. Shoman is the first Belizean to be appointed to this position. […]

Blogs

Chaya: Overlooked Deliciousness & Wonder Green of Belize?
Chaya or Maya Tree Spinach is native to the Yucatan and to Belize – it’s a food that you see in some of the local restaurants that serve some more typical cuisines – and once in a while you see packages of it at the local green grocer. Chaya is the most delicious green that most people have probably never tried – or even heard of. What is it? How do you use it? And…I’ll tell you why I LOVE IT. If you like spinach or collard greens or chard, you would LOVE THIS STUFF.

Open Lobster Season What's happening around (Open Season of the Lobsterfest 2017)
It’s been almost four months since the lobster season was closed to allow the spiny lobster populations to Reproduce. The opening of Belize's Lobster Season Opened Today June 15, 2017 at El Divino, and it will continue with a grand block party on Saturday, June 25th. And, you what that means: Lobsterfest Time! Book your flights early at mayaislandair.com as this year's events promise to be even bigger and better in destinations like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and Corozal!

International Sources

Odds Increasing for a Gulf of Mexico Tropical Storm Next Week
The odds are increasing that the Gulf of Mexico or Western Caribbean will see formation of a tropical depression early next week. In their 8 am EDT Thursday Tropical Weather Outlook, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) gave 5-day odds of tropical cyclone development of 50% for this region, up from the 20% odds given on Wednesday morning. Satellite loops on Thurday morning showed a steady increase in heavy thunderstorm activity over the Western Caribbean, as a large low pressure system called a “gyre” of low pressure began to form (see the website of SUNY Albany’s Phil Papin, who has developed automated routines to diagnose these gyres). This gyre is expected to move slowly west-northwest to northwest, and will be centered near the east coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Sunday. The interaction between this gyre and a tropical wave expected to move into the region this weekend may be enough to trigger formation of a tropical depression by early next week. The next name on the list of Atlantic storms is Tropical Storm Bret.

THE SHRINKING POPULATION OF BIG ANIMALS IN TROPICAL FORESTS IS CAUSING PROBLEMS
As large birds disappear from the ecosystem in the team's model, fewer seedlings from a smaller array of plant species survive. What's more, this effect is more pronounced and happens more rapidly if larger birds are among the animals forced out of the ecosystem.
There's no doubt that animals play critical roles in maintaining healthy forests. In these species-rich ecosystems, birds and mammals—especially large ones—ingest seeds from all kinds of plants and, ahem, distribute them around the forest. If those seeds take root and grow, it closes the circle and the forest's diverse mix of plant life remains intact. However, as large animals—the ones that humans are most likely to hunt and that are most affected by forest loss—disappear from the ecosystem the forest's plant biodiversity goes down. But why that happens hasn't been clear.

Yesterday we had our ribbon cutting ceremony for the new clinic in Double Head Cabbage built as a part of Beyond the Horizon. It sits next to a high school that was built by the U.S. military in 1995. Four of our soldiers here with us this year were here twenty two years ago and helped to build the school . Here's their story.

Student athletes partner with Courts for Kids for volunteer trip to Belize
Kent State partnered with Courts for Kids to send 19 student athletes and four staff members to Belize in May to build a multipurpose athletic court. The court’s primary use is for volleyball, soccer and basketball, but it may also be used for community celebrations and dances. Katie Schilling, assistant director of student athlete development at Kent State, organized the trip. Senior football player James Alexander participated in the trip. Alexander said he liked being a member of and forming relationships within the community of Aguacate.

Lawyer for Ex-Treasure Hunter Asks Judge to End Jail Time
The attorney for an ex-treasure hunter jailed on contempt-of-court charges is asking a federal judge in Ohio to end his client's imprisonment. Judge Algenon Marbley has held defendant Tommy Thompson in contempt of court since December 2015 for violating terms of a plea deal by refusing to respond to questions about the location of 500 missing gold coins. Attorney Todd Long said in a Wednesday court filing that federal law prohibits holding someone under such conditions for longer than 18 months.

Videos

June 15, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Five-a-side Football Tournament: Week 5
The San Pedro Town Council 5-a-side Football Tournament is rolling into its sixth week of sporting action. Once again large crowds gathered at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex on Friday, June 9th and Sunday, June 11th to enjoy another set of games in the male, female, U-15, U-13 and U-10 divisions. Friday’s first games featured the U-15 teams, with comfortable leads for the winners. The first set of games ended up with the following results: San Pedrito Strikers 2 vs Los Catrachitos 0, San Pedro Pirates 3 vs Caribeña 1. Games continue this week, starting on Wednesday, June 14th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex, starting at 7PM.

Belikin National 8-Ball Pool Tournament starts on Ambergris Caye
The National 8-Ball Pool Tournament officially started on Friday, June 9th at Cholos Beach Bar. Eight teams challenged each other to gain the points and lead in the first set of games. The matches started at 6PM, with a large number of fans showing support. Jade Bar team and team Twinkle Little Star were the favourites of the evening, and they took the lead in the first week of the tournament. The games continue this weekend at Claudia’s Pool Room, beginning at 7PM, on both Friday and Saturday.

Police Report
Drug Trafficking: On Monday, June 12th, San Pedro Police conducted a patrol, where their attention was drawn to three male persons sitting on a fence by the seaside. Upon seeing the police vehicle, one of the male persons placed an item on the ground.
Kept Firearm without a license: On Thursday, June 8th, the San Pedro Police conducted an Anti- Drug operation in the San Pedrito area, and searched the residence of George Cowo. The search resulted in the discovery of a .38 revolver
Found Property: On Saturday June 10th, the San Pedro Police found a grey t-shirt containing a .38 revolver six shooter brand with black electrical tape around the handle, along with three .380 live rounds in the chamber within the Boca del Rio area.

Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss Guatemala, Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume
The International Costa Maya Festival® committee is pleased to announce the second contestant vying for 2017 Reina del La Costa Maya title: Miss Guatemala Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume. Lesly is 23 years of age, and stands at 5’2”, with blonde hair and brown eyes. The psychology student is a sports enthusiast who enjoys football and general exercise. Her hobbies also include singing and reading. Interestingly, in September 2016, Lesly was the first participant of the “Miss Guatemala” pageant to be awarded the special title of “Miss Costa Maya Internacional”, indicating that Miss Costa Maya Fesitival is gaining recognition in Central America.

Ambergris Today

Kidney Stone Laser Surgery Introduced In Belize
The Belize Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center in Belize City made history this week and a giant leap in medical services for the country. They announced the services of Belizean Dr. Victor Lizarraga Jr., Assistant Professor of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas, USA. His expertise comes with a very sophisticated laser machine that basically shoots laser beams at kidney stones. Dr. Victor Lizaraga, Urologist/Surgeon, treats problems with the kidneys, bladder and the urinary system in general with the new Holmium Laser Lithotripsy machine now installed at Dr. Irvin Gabourel’s clinic in Belize City. It will allow true minimally invasive kidney stone surgery for the first time in the country.

BTB Wins Prestigious Award For Innovation & Creativity
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has won the prestigious Innovation & Creativity Award of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) based in London, the United Kingdom for its Belize Virtual Expo, the first of its kind in Belize. The award was granted to BTB for its Belize Virtual Expo, which will be held at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel on 29th – 30th June. The Virtual Expo aims to give local tourism service providers an opportunity to meet "virtually" with key representatives of the international travel trade.

Misc Belizean Sources

Splashers
In honor of lobster season opening next week lets paint a lobster

Ministry of Human Development’s Youth Rise & Galen University Trains 54 in Suicide Prevention
Fifty-four persons from across the country have received training in Suicide Prevention through a partnership between the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) Project, Galen University, and COBEC. The workshops were one of the first activities under the recently launched Youth Rise Project and took place in Cayo and Stann Creek between June 8th and 13th, 2017. Participants included persons who actively work with youths within community safety nets, such as counsellors from high schools in central and southern Belize and the University of Belize, counsellors and social workers from the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, the Department of Youth Services, and the Community Policing Unit, as well as professionals from the ITVET.

Xunantunich Ferry repairs complete
The public is informed that repairs to the Xunantunich Archaeological Site’s Ferry have been completed and is now operating as normal.

Full Moon Concert in Orange Walk
A free rock concert will be held in Orange Walk on Saturday, 16 June at the Queen Elizabeth Park. The evening’s concert will start at 7:00 PM and will feature the Surpassing Silence Rock Band.

LARGE vehicle in downtown San Pedro... trying to turn...

National Corn Coconut & BBQ
The biggest event of the year in Corozal. We invite every one from San Pedro, Orange Walk, Caye Caulker and the rest of the country to join and enjoy. We are down to the final stretch of the National Corn Festival July 14, 15 and 16, 2017..ON DAH BEACH.

Lazy Lizard Seafood and Music Festival
TWO DAYS OF GREAT LIVE MUSIC, FEATURING, MIAMI REGGAE ARTIST, JOHNNY DREAD HEADLINING WITH OVA-HIGH - GREAT SEAFOOD WITH LOADS OF LOBSTER. JULY 1ST AND 2ND AT THE SPLIT! DETAILS FORTHCOMING!

St. Matthew's New Building Inauguration
Today, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of #Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the second ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the BTH Task Force Commander officially handed over the keys to the St. Matthew’s Government School’s new building to the school’s principal, took place at the St. Matthew’s Government School. The ceremony featured the following speakers: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Honorable Patrick Faber, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy Ms. Adrienne Galanek, BTH Task Force Commander COL John Simma, Chief Education Officer for the Ministry of Education Dr. Carol Babb, St. Matthew’s Village Chair Ms. Dennise Cedeno, Village Vice Chair Mr. Juan Martinez, and St. Matthew’s Government School Principal Ms. Michelle Murray. Students from the school also participated with remarks, a poem, a song, and a Creole dance.

Do your part to help our rangers!
Ya'axché rangers, with their exceptional passion for protecting nature, are continuously challenged with illegal incursions in remote corners of the 100,000-acre Bladen Nature Reserve. Our rangers are facing escalating illegal activities such as xaté palm harvesting, logging, hunting, gold panning and wildlife poaching in isolated areas of Bladen. Lack of resources has made it difficult to send the rangers into these distant places in order to prevent illegal activities. Do your part to help our rangers protect tropical forests in order to maintain the natural beauty of Belize by contributing to our online campaign!

Multi Hazards Belize App
The Multi Hazard App by the Belize Red Cross gives users important information about disasters and hazards localized to Belize. The App gives information on how to prepare (before), what to do during, and recovery (after). It comes with a disaster package that includes flashlight, alarm, and “I’m Safe” message to let family and friends know you are ok even if the power is out. It also includes fun tests and badges that you can share with friends on Social Media networks.

Official San Pedro Lobster Festival 2017 schedule
If you want to schedule your fun, it helps to know what is happening when :D here is the official San Pedro Lobster Festival 2017 schedule.

SBDC Workshop: BASICS OF LABOUR LAW
Presented by: Mr. Ivan Williams (L.L.B,;C.L.E.) Labour Commissioner. Workshop Date: June 22nd, 2017, 9am to 12pm, LOCATION: BTEC Building (Innovation Room) ITVET Compound, Freetown Road, Belize City. Includes - Refreshments only. This session on Basics of Labour Law will cover various acts under Labour Legislation which includes: Chapter 287- SHOPS ACT, Chapter 297- LABOUR ACT (including Amendment #3 of 2011), Chapter 298 - SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES IN ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT, Chapter 299 - TRADE DISPUTES (ARBITRATION AND INQUIRY) ACT, Chapter 304 - TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS' ORGANIZATIONS, (REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION AND STATUS) ACT. The Labour Department's mandate, among many others, is enforcement and compliance with these legislation's. This will all be related to Belize's international obligations as a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Additionally, the session will provide an overview of as it relates to the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.

Environmental Day
Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society Field Station will be hosting its annual Environmental Day this coming Saturday, where we will have demonstrations and talks about our various projects and our organisation in general. Hope to see some of you there.

Morena Son! at the San Pedro House of Culture!
Free Concert, Music by Cuban Band:

Ministry of Health and Beyond the Horizon 2017
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Beyond the Horizon project in Double Head Cabbage

National Parenting Task Force Hosts Workshop for Fathers
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation’s (MHDSTPA) National Parenting Task Force, with the support of UNICEF, is embarking on a new project geared towards the involvement of fathers and children. In celebration of Father’s Day, a two-day workshop (15th & 16th June 2017) will be held in Punta Gorda Town with fathers, the Roving Caregivers and other key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, who will participate in sessions focusing on the importance of the father’s role in early childhood development and across the lifespan. This is the first workshop of its kind, with an aim to strengthen the model of integrated parenting and Early Childhood Development in the community.

The band members of Morena Son visited Mayor Daniel Guerrero
On their stay in San Pedro Town. They expressed their enthusiasm and exciting on visiting Belize, and especially San Pedro, and can not wait to share their music with the community.

International Day of Yoga
Free event! Come celebrate with us at one of the 5 locations. This Saturday . June 17, 2017

Double Head Cabbage has a new clinic!
Today, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the fourth ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the U.S. Government officially handed over the keys to the new Double Head Cabbage Clinic to the Ministry of Health, took place in Double Head Cabbage. The new 2100 square foot Double Head Cabbage Health Center is the largest building completed during the BTH exercise. This building replaces an existing structure that is no longer capable of meeting the community’s healthcare needs. The new 11-room clinic includes a waiting room for almost 40 people, bathrooms equipped with hand railings for patients with special needs, a triage room, and three private consultation rooms, one of which has an additional private bathroom. The building also includes space for a pharmacy with a dispensing window, a storage room, and a lounge area for staff members.

Belize Zoo: Saving Wildlands for Wildlife update: Matching Donation Event
Two HABITAT HEROES ($1000 donors) in our Campaign have offered a special opportunity for other donors to enhance their contributions! These wonderful supporters have pledged to give another $1000, and even up to $5000, if their donation can be matched on CrowdRise! Please help us make the most of this amazing gift to save Wildlands for Wildlife! Every little bit counts:

Vaca Forest Reserve Cooperation
Representatives from Asociacion de Comunidades Forestales de Peten (ACOFOP) visited the Vaca Forest Reserve to identify potential areas of technical assistance for the community members that are active in the Vaca plateau.

Channel 7

ASP Chan Goes Before Senate, Denies Alvarine's Allegations
The Senate Hearings on Immigration continued today in Belmopan, and the most important witness was Assistant Superintendent of Police, Rochelle Chan. This is after Alvarine Burgess, the immigration agent turned whistleblower went before the Senate Select Committee 2 weeks ago and she named ASP Chan as the supposed immigration mastermind who she worked with. According to Burgess, Chan recruited her as an agent to make contact with UDP Minister Edmond Castro. She claims they entered into an arrangement where Castro allegedly took bribes of $2,000 per recommendation for visas for Chinese Nationals. She claims that Chan acted as her handler, giving her $2,000 for each visa application that was to be paid to Castro, $2,000 for the application fee to be paid to the government, and all the applications from the Chinese nationals. Edmond Castro has consistently maintained that Burgess is lying.

Former Minister Perdomo Re-Appears Before Senate
And while Chan was the main event, the undercard - so to speak - was Cabinet Secretary and former Immigration Minister Carlos Perdomo. He was called back for a second day to discuss his tenure as Minister. For over an hour, Business Senator Mark Lizarraga grilled him on weaknesses in the system, how they were exploited, and if he did anything to try to stop abuses within the Immigration Department. Here is an excerpt of their back and forth: Hon. Mark Lizarraga - Business Senator: "Do you agree that you implicitly and it can be said implicitly tolerated wrong doing under your watch." Carlos Perdomo - Former Minister of Immigration: "I don't agree."

UDP Chairman August Says Hearings Going On Too Long
Quite unusually, Today's senate hearing short, and it was over by midday. But, if you hear it told by UDP Chairman Alberto August, this investigation needs to end now. We've shown you how he and his Belizeans Against Courtenay group have consistently been showing up to the Senate Hearings recently. He has his own agenda against PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay, who wasn't present for today's proceedings. When it was over, he didn't skip a beat when he complained to us that these hearings have been going on for far too long. Here's how he explained why:

At Radisson, Suitcase-Lugging Visitor Turns into Gun-Wielding Jacker
Police say that on Sunday, 26 year old Phillip Maclaren pulled up at the Radisson front desk like a bonafide guest wanting a room, but, in short order, he went from suitcase-lugging visitor to gun-wielding jacker. According to reports, Maclaren and his partner entered the hotel with a wheeled kit bag, walked up to the front desk and asked the receptionist for a room for the night. That's when MacLaren allegedly pulled out a firearm, pointed it at the receptionist and demanded money while his accomplice hopped over the counter and began to search for cash.

A Man Of Many Meters
Santiago Padilla also appeared in court today and was charged with a quite outrageous allegation of theft. According to the particulars presented in court, between February and April of this year, Padilla allegedly stole 3,033 light meters from BEL, valued at $177,000 dollars. He allegedly broke the meters open and salvaged the valuable parts inside. No plea was taken and Padilla was denied bail because it has not yet been decided if the offence will be tried summarily or on indictment. Padilla was remanded into custody until July. Police have not reported on where this allegedly happened.

Cops Looking For Hoare's Shooter
Police are hopeful that they will find the man who shot 50 year old security guard John Hoare. Hoare was guarding slot machines in a yard on Police Street last Thursday when two men approached him, one of them shot him in the chest and snatched his 9 millimetre pistol. Fortunately he survived the attack. Police gave more on this case ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "We are still looking for one individual who we have not been able to apprehend but that investigation continues, we're pretty almost sure exactly who our suspect is and we're hoping to get cooperating from the public but the good news is that Mr. Hoare is currently in a stable condition recovering and we're hoping he makes a full recovery so let's pray for the best for him and his family."

Cops Looking For Prints Match To Charge Alleged Credit Union Burglar
Independence Police have one man detained for the burglary of the Toledo Teachers Credit union in Bella Vista village - but they cannot charge him until they get finger print evidence that he was at the scene. Presently, police at the Intermediate Southern Formation are waiting to see if prints lifted at the scene match his. But, they have time - more than the usual 48 hours - because the cops will charge him for the theft of a motorbike in the village. They say they found parts for the cycle in his yard.

Yellowman Apologised
Brian Yellowman Audinett will keep his job as Mace-bearer in the House of Representatives. This is after the Staff committee of the House met on Friday to consider his actions in the Senate on Wednesday May 17th. With 5 in favour, and two against, the Committee voted down the call for a dismissal, and called instead for a reprimand. The terms of that reprimand are that Yellow man had to call and apologize to media personnel he attacked: namely Marisol Amaya form KREM, and Circillo Choco from Plus TV. He had already called Dennis Ellis from Channel 7 to apologize.

Alleged Pedophile to Court
Abel Lara appeared in the Magistrate's Court today where he was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse. The victim and her mother reported to the Ladyville Police that Lara had sex with her in March of last year. No plea was taken because it is an indictable offense, and court could not offer him bail either. Lara was remanded into police custody until August.

Positive Vibez Keeping Punta Alive In The Clubs
After over a decade in the music scene, well-known artist Positive Vibez is releasing his 5th studio album, titled Punta Survives. The album was inspired after the artist saw a noticeable lack of Punta Rock being played in clubs and at parties. Positive Vibez gathered some of the country's most notable artists, such as Concego and Madness, to bring the tracks together. We spoke to him today at the Image Factor about the new album...

Shyne Made Peace With Positive Vibez
At today's CD launch, we noticed Music Ambassador Shyne Barrow. He's had a hard time winning over some artists and Vibes was one of them who's been critical of Shyne. Today, Shyne told us they've mended fences, and he wants no beef with any artist: Shyne Barrow - Music Ambassador: "What are we here for, are we here to hold grudges and to you know to be malicious or are here to develop the music industry and to help. So he reached out to me and I told him listen anything that you need, you reach out to me and I will help you and he followed through on that and we started going back and forth on Facebook messenger and with any artist I respond to every artist and he asked and I have what he asked for and the rest is history."

The Shyne Scholarship
And, as part of that image rehabilitation, Shyne Barrow has also agreed to sponsor a full music scholarship to the recently opened Saint John's College School of Music. Its only one scholarship per year, but it will earn a deserving musical a placement and an associate's degree. Shyne told us about the first recipient: Shyne Barrow - Music Ambassador: "This is a scholarship for those who need the financial assistance and have the talent so really it's a combination of the need for financial assistance and the enormous talent. The young man that is the recipient of the first Shyne Barrow full scholarship is Deron Flowers, he's actually from the alma mater Wesley College and the way the scholarship came about is I was talking to the president Ms. Peralta and she mentioned this young man who was so fantastic..."

Training Counselors For Suicide Prevention
Suicide: it's a very sensitive topic that no one really wants to talk about. What makes it more difficult to address, especially those who have lost loved ones to suicide, is that lingering thought that you could have done more. Well, it certainly isn't as easy as that and that's why the coordinators from the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment project known as (RISE), organized a workshop on suicide prevention. A group of 54 counselors, social workers and other youth leaders attended.

FFB Blasts Chuc, At Length
For the past 2 nights, we've been telling you about former FFB Vice President Sergio Chuc, who is being blocked from running for president. He claims that his political opponent, Ruperto Vicente, unfairly accused him of bribery, which derailed his candidacy. He referred to the upcoming election as "rigged", and the FFB has released a statement saying that he is misrepresenting the facts - and they want a public trial by press release. In a tedious 800-word disquisition, the FFB executive points out that Chuc has focused on one part of the letter from the Disciplinary Committee to make his case, while excluding the more important portions.

14 Lbs. Of Weed In A Room
San Pedro police busted about a pound of marijuana yesterday. It happened at dawn when island police raided a room at Coco Plum apartments Complex in the San Marcus area, San Pedro Town. They found 403 grams or 14 ounces of cannabis. Police arrested and charged 41 year old Joseph Enrique Martinez for Drug Trafficking. And this morning at 8:30 am in Belize City, a joint Special Branch/ strike Team raided a residence at 72 Vernon Street where 2 men were seen stuffing a large quantity of cannabis in one of the apartment room. Police forced their way into the room and detained both persons. The cops found 42 tightly wrapped parcels containing 14 1/2 pounds of cannabis.

Southside's Respite From Gang Violence
Today we caught up both Southside and Northside police on their weekly meet and greet rounds. We start off with Southside. Now as you have surely noticed, there has been a significant decrease in gang related crimes on the Southside. It is a much needed reprieve from all the violence. ACP Chester Williams told us how grateful the Southside residents are for this break. ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "We're in the Pen Road extension area and we have spoken to many residence in this part of the city and again the sentiment from them is a positive one in the sense that they are happy, they are satisfied with the work of the police in this area and they are also satisfied with the crime situation in their area."

Mediation Continues
And Williams says those gang interventions have a direct connection to this calm on the Southside. He told us more about this program and how it is helping at risk youth and gang members start a new life off the streets . ACP Chester Williams - OC, Eastern South Division: "The gang intervention programme is an ongoing thing, we continue to remain in dialogue with the different elements and again the objective there is to see how we can work with them to be able to put aside their personal differences. We have seek employment for some of them with CITCO, they are gainfully employed and making an honest pay for them to maintain themselves and their family and we want to see that continue."

Mentoring Program's Successes
Another successful police initiative that is helping Southside kids escape the gang life is the mentoring program. It will finish up in about 3 weeks and the police National Youth Coordinator Douglas Hyde told us more . Douglas Hyde - National Youth Coordinator, Police: "Our youth mentorship programme is actually in 5 months and one week exact and we have 3 more weeks of it to go, It finishes on June 30th so next couple weeks we will finish. The kids are very optimistic, we've some drastic change..."

Take A Walk On the Northside
Northside police also held their weekly meet and greet session. They were in the Belama Phase 4 area and the officer commanding precinct 4 Assistant Superintendent Francisco Ack told us the residents are quite content with peace in their area but it's not all picture perfect. Ack told us what residents on Apollo Street are asking for. ASP Fransico Ack - Deputy OC, Precinct 4: "At this moment we are doing meet and greet within phase 4 of the Belama jurisdiction and we are currently on Apollo Street, we are meeting with the members of the community asking about their concerns, if they have any but so far we receive positive remarks from them, they are happy with the work that the police is doing in their area and they feel safe because they see the presence of the police on a daily basis day and night."

Cops Calling Out Media
And if those meet and greet sessions were not enough to establish a strong police presence – in a few days, cops will be all over city streets celebrating police week. Williams outlined the agenda starting this Sunday the 18th and ending off with a well anticipated basketball match-up between the police and the media on Friday afternoon. ACP Williams says he and his police squad are ready to take us on!

Earthquake Felt In Belize, Slightly
If you felt a little shudder under your bed at around 1:30 2:00 this morning, it was the effect of a strong earthquake on the southwestern Mexico/Guatemala border. The 6.9-magnitude quake damaged buildings in the Mexican state of Chiapas, and in Guatemala, one person was killed when a church collapsed. An aftershock struck around 20 minutes later. There were widespread blackouts and landslides in Guatemala as a result.

Queen Square Land Issue Not Clear Cut
And, finally, tonight an update on that disputed parcel of land in the Queen Square division. Godwin Haylock form the UDP political office in the area told us that their offices got leases for the land which they apportioned for community memebrs. He said that contrary to what Irene Usher claims, no one - in Belize or living abroad - has been able to produce any title for the lands. He says the person who built there in June has also signed an affidavit accepting a lease. They have also helped her out to fill her lot with sand.

Channel 5

ASP Rochelle Chan Formally Denies Working with Alvarine Burgess
There was another round of senate hearings today. There was testimony from two persons, including Assistant Superintendent of Police Rochelle Chan. Two weeks ago, Chan gave a limited statement in [...]

Chan Claims Whistleblower is Being Influenced to Lie Under Oath
Chan also denied any contact with his brother-in-law, then-Minister of State for Immigration, Elvin Penner, about any Immigration scheme. As far as he is concerned, Burgess’ testimony is untrue. But [...]

Ex-Immigration Minister Contends Ministers Are Not Responsible for Public Officers
Former Minister of Immigration and briefly National Security, Carlos Perdomo, ended his appearance last Wednesday before the Senate panel hitting back at claims he disregarded his personal standards with regard [...]

No Cabinet Intervention, says Perdomo, Even Though Ministers Went to Department
Carlos Perdomo was the first Minister of Immigration and Nationality appointed under the Barrow administration in 2008. His time pre-dates somewhat the Auditor General’s Report, but Senator Mark Lizarraga seemed [...]

The Immigration Mess is No Joke
Perdomo continued to fend off questioning about how it is that as minister he had little to no knowledge of the goings-on in the Department, relying on his most senior [...]

Ady Pacheco Puts Off Testimony to Next Week; She Will Bring Attorney with Her
Senior Immigration Officer Ady Pacheco has been one of the most highly anticipated witnesses at the Senate Special Select Committee’s public hearings. Her name has been directly tied to the [...]

The ‘Football’ of the F.F.B. Presidency in Dispute
The upcoming election of the Football Federation of Belize is being hotly contested between two personalities well-grounded in the sport. So far in this newscast you have heard the jabs [...]

Acting Prez Marlon Kuylen Denies Interfering in Sergio Chuc Disqualification
Former F.F.B. executive Sergio Chuc is once again sidelined from action at the administrative level, after being barred from running for office during an upcoming congress.  Since being disqualified from [...]

Congress Continues, But Election Must Have Quorum
Chuc told the media at a press conference on Monday, that he has received written assurances from delegates that they will abstain from the June twenty-fourth election.  Those representatives are [...]

Yasser Musa: Heritage Bill Will Not Invest in Artists
Former President of the National Institute of Culture and History, Yasser Musa, a teacher and artist in his own right, took jabs today at the Government of Belize, calling a [...]

Spend Less on Tourism, More on Culture
According to Musa, it is difficult for Belizean artists and musicians to appreciate their worth and talent locally when there is more focus on tourism rather than culture.   Yasser [...]

Security Plan to be Developed for National Assembly
The National Assembly is developing a security plan to address new threats to the sanctity of the parliament’s meeting place.  A series of incidents inside and outside the parliament’s meeting [...]

Accused Radisson Hotel Robber Charged
A Belize City Security Guard, David Reneau, employed at the Radisson Fort George Hotel, is the latest victim of a robbery allegedly perpetuated by another security guard.  This afternoon, twenty-six-year-old [...]

Remand for Alleged Light Meter Thief
Another alleged robber appeared in court this morning, only that the theft was significantly higher. Burrell Boom resident Santiago Padillo was arraigned for the theft of three thousand and thirty-three [...]

New Clinic in Double Head Cabbage to Serve Belize River Valley
Beyond the Horizon keeps on giving – today they handed over a brand new health clinic in Double Head Cabbage to the Ministry of Health. Measuring 2100 square foot, the [...]

Police Meeting and Greeting on Pen Road
In the coming weeks, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams will be leaving his Commander duties on the south side of Belize City to take up a new position in [...]

“Punta Survives” with Positive Vibes
He came on to the music scene back in 2005 with his hit song, “Livin’ ina Di Devil” and over the past twelve years, Belizean artist Positive Vibes has been [...]

Giving Blood to Save Lives
Save lives and give blood. Across the globe today, blood banks encouraged one and all to become voluntary blood donors to save patients battling for their life. Now, while the [...]

CTV3

Assistant Superintendent Rochelle Chan Speaks About VISA Hussling Allegations Against Him
There was a marathon of testimonies at today’s Senate Select Committee hearing with three witnesses appearing before the investigative body. This was the 22nd session since the hearings started in November last year, and so far the statements by witnesses have unearthed many cases of questionable Immigration processes, adding to the multitude already cited in the Auditor General’s special audit report. One new matter which has come out of the testimony by whistleblower Alvarine Burgess who presented before the Senate Committee two weeks ago about a visa hustling scheme involving UDP Ministers among who Edmond Castro is most prominent, is her report that a senior police officer was involved in the payment of money for the visas which they facilitated through Castro.

Addy Pacheco Made It To The Speical Senate Select Committee But Does Not Testify
But the first witness in today’s session was Ady Pacheco, the former assistant to Officer in Charge in the Nationality section of the Immigration Department. Pacheco’s appearance before the Senate Committee which was slated months ago, had been postponed due to a reported difficult pregnancy. Today when she finally appeared, she asked for another delay, since her attorney could not be present.

Former Immigration Minister Returns To The Senate Select Committee
The second witness was former Minister of Immigration Carlos Perdomo, who returned for another round of questioning. Perdomo had testified last Wednesday that as long as documents had the signatures of the Immigration Director and the Officer in Charge, he would simply affix his signature without any vetting. He even told the Senators that he did not believe it was his responsibility to check further, and in one case brought to him by Senator Mark Lizarraga he could not explain why he signed a nationality certificate even though the Officer in Charge indicated concerns about the document.

Yellow-man Remains Mace Bearer Of House Of Representatives
There is tonight great controversy over the decision taken by majority members of the National Assembly Staff Committee during a meeting held on Friday to reprimand, rather than suspend or remove, House of Representatives Sergeant-At-Arms Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett for his attacks on media personnel inside the National Assembly during the public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee on May seventeenth.

Guatemala And Mexico Affected By Earthquake Belize City Just Minor Tremors
Residents living in Belize City experienced minor tremors in the wee hours of this morning due to an earthquake which struck around 97 miles west of Guatemala City in the San Marcos district, near the border with Mexico. Reports coming from the US Geological Survey indicates that the earthquake measured a magnitude of 6.9 and occurred sometime after 1:00 a.m. The earthquake was preceded by a series of significantly smaller quakes which reportedly hit the Pacific coast of Chiapas, followed by an aftershock approximately 20 minutes later. There were reports of landslides, power outages, and damages to homes across both countries.

LOVE FM

Woman and Spouse Recount the Night of Home Invasion
In the early hours of Monday, May 29, the home of Vernon Cuthkelvin and Maira Montejo was invaded by a man who Montejo immediately identified as a resident of the area where they live. Love News spoke with Cuthkelvin who recalled how the incident played out inside their home. VERNON CUTHKELVIN “About 3 o’clock thereabout, I […]

PlusTV

Another year of FFB Election Fights
According to the old adage, “Politics is a dirty business” and in the politics of the football world, it appears to hold true. The Football Federation of Belize has become well known for its scandalous in- fighting, regardless of any new leadership. FFB elections are some 10 days away and the leftov...

BSCFA and BSI reach agreement over loss of molasses
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the Belize Sugar Industry, BSI say they have reached an amicable agreement concerning the loss of molasses due to Maillard Reaction. You may recall that back in July of 2016, a chemical reaction called a Mailard Reaction, occurred a...

Suspect in Omar Baharona’s murder detained
Belmopan Police say they have a suspect in custody in relation to the murder of 21-year-old Omar Barahona. As we reported, Barahona was shot and killed in Cotton Tree Village on Saturday night as he and friends socialized outside a house party. , That party was in honor of Barahona who was heading...

Investigation continues into Chunox resident killing by Police
We have reported on the killing of 44-year old Richard Allen Garcia, a resident of Chunox Village. He was shot and killed by a police officer just before 5:00 p.m. on Friday evening in his yard just next to the E and R Grocery Store. Our colleagues at CTV 3 spoke to Superintendent Dennis Arnold, OC ...

Ballistic Examiner Orlando Vera denied bail
Ballistic Examiner for the police department, Orlando Vera, was convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice on June 1st of this year after the judge believed that he did accost Michael Modiri, telling Modiri he could tamper with a gun to affect evidence in a gun charge brought against M...

7 years for burglary
23 year old Jamal Warrior was sentenced to 7 years for. Yesterday, Monday June 12, when Warrior appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith, he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty . The charge stemmed from an incident that occurred on January 29, 2017, when Warrior burglarized Sharon P...

Three persons in San Pedro arrested for Drug Trafficking
Three men were arrested in San Pedro for drug trafficking. According to police reports, On Monday June 12, police were conducting mobile patrol on Sail Fish Street San Pedro Town, when their attention was drawn to three male persons sitting on a fence by the seaside. When the men saw the police vehi...

Camalote teen missing
16 year old Cindy Esmerta Aralee Ramirez has been reported missing by her mother. The mother told police that on Monday June 12, she left her home in Camalote Village at about 10 o’clock the morning and went to her daughter’s school, Methodist High School in Belmopan, to pay School fees. The chil...

The Reporter

Big Red’s plight – study to be done on scarlet macaw
Controversy over the transfer of a scarlet macaw, from its rehabilitation roost at Belize Bird Rescue’s Sanctuary to Harvest Caye’s menagerie, peaked last week when bird conservationists questioned the reasoning behind the decision. The questions over the transfer of the bird, “Big Red” were aimed squarely at officials of the Forest Department – the authority mandated to protect wildlife – after they gave the order for the bird’s release to Harvest Caye. BBR has written to the Chief Executive Officer in the Forest Department, Dr. Percival Cho, listing its concerns over the bird’s release – a decision made by Deputy Chief Forest Officer, Marcelo Windsor, who signed an approval letter for the bird’s release to Harvest Caye. BBR’s sentiments include that Harvest Caye is not the most suitable location for Big Red to be held in captivity because scarlet macaws are birds of the rain forest, not coastal areas where salt air prevails. Another issue it raised was that Big Red was being rehabilitated for release back into the wild, not to be kept captive and used for display.

Breaking Belize News

ASP Rochelle Chan responds to allegations against him
Today the Officer Commanding Hattieville Police, ASP Rochelle Chan, appeared before Senate Select Committee. Whistle blower, Alvarine Burgess, previously told the committee that Chan was the mastermind behind a visa ring which involved Cabinet Minister Edmond Castro, who was allegedly paid for visa recommendations. […]

Ministry of Human Development’s Youth Rise & Galen University Trains 54 in Suicide Prevention
Fifty-four persons from across the country have received training in Suicide Prevention through a partnership between the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) Project, Galen University, and COBEC. The workshops were one of the first activities under the recently launched Youth Rise Project […]

Senior Immigration Officer won’t testify before Senate without lawyer
Senior Immigration Officer, Addy Pacheco, appeared before the Senate Select Committee today, however, she would spend less than five minutes before the committee. Pacheco begged to reschedule so that her lawyer could be present during her interrogation. Chairman of the Senate Select Committee, Aldo […]

Camalote man busted with 72 grams of weed
On Tuesday, June 13 at about 10:08 p.m., police searched a residence in the Young Bank area, Camalote Village where a search of 18-year-old Tristan Anthony Guerra yielded marijuana. Police found three separate containers amounting to 72 grams of cannabis. Guerra was arrested for […]

Police find weed in Cayo
Yesterday evening around 4:00, police were conducting mobile patrol in the area of Shawville, San Ignacio, Cayo where cops searched an open area, which led to the discovery of four black plastic bags containing 4.4 pounds of cannabis. No one was in the area […]

Dangriga businessman robbed at home
Yesterday, 42-year-old Edilberto Arzu, businessman of Oswald Reyes Street, Dangriga reported that between the hours of 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. he, along with his wife, his father-in-law and his two children arrived home. Arzu reported that when they got out of the vehicle and […]

Earthquake in nearby Guatemala sends tremors to Belize
Picture: Fox News If you felt your house shake early this morning, chances are, it actually did. Today the U.S Geological Survey reported that there was an earthquake about 3 kilometers south of San Pablo, Guatemala. It measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. The […]

Blogs

San Pedro Belize Lobsterfest Starts TOMORROW! 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.

How Almost Anyone Can Afford to Retire in Belize
Belize is the only country in the region where English is the official language. Not only does this make it easy to get around and speak to locals, but it will save you a ton of money as well. Whether you’re buying property, negotiating contracts, or reading documents, you’ll never have to hire a translator. Not everything is cheaper in Belize than the United States, but generally speaking, the cost of living in Belize is far more affordable. Several prominent publications have estimated that an American with an average monthly income of around $1,000 can live comfortably in Belize. Here is a list of some things that are far more affordable in Belize:

Visiting Tikal from Belize
Tikal is the site of one of the oldest and most powerful city states of the ancient Maya civilization with a footprint of 6 square miles (16 square kilometers). The main attractions for modern visitors are the enormous buildings, including the so-called Temple 1 (measuring 154 feet high), royal palaces, and pyramids. The site also includes three ball courts, hundreds of smaller buildings, stelae and a network of elevated causeways. Tikal is located within the Tikal National Park in the northern district of El Peten in the country of Guatemala. The entire area is now a nationally-protected biosphere and consists of dense jungle. The nearest inhabited town is Uaxactun, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Tikal.

International Sources

Guatemala Earthquake Kills 3; Damage, Landslides Reported
A large earthquake struck western Guatemala near the Mexico border early Wednesday morning, and at least three people died, the country's president said. The earthquake was centered 3 miles north-northeast of San Pablo, Guatemala, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at 3:29 a.m. EDT at a depth of more than 58 miles. San Marcos has more than 25,000 residents. Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said two of the victims were a woman in the city of Quetzaltenango and a homeless man in the town of San Sebastian Retalhueleu, the Associated Press reported. Both towns are located near the quake's epicenter. The woman was killed when a wall collapsed on top of her and the man died after being struck by a piece falling from a church as he walked by.

Bold commitments to sustainable fisheries at the United Nations will help Belize achieve sustainable oceans goals
The government of Belize has just made major voluntary commitments at the United Nations Oceans Conference that, once implemented, will secure Belize’s fisheries as an engine for sustainable development. The Government of Belize, representatives of Belize’s fishing community, Environmental Defense Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment and The Nature Conservancy presented Belize’s major achievements in sustainable fisheries at the conference. At the gathering of leaders and experts in fisheries management from around the world, Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development & Climate Change, Minister Omar Figueroa, highlighted the major step Belize took in partnership with Belize’s fishing and conservation community to end open access fisheries, and implement the world’s first national system of multispecies fishing rights for a small-scale developing world fishery, called managed access. In some fishing areas, this system is already yielding benefits as fishermen are reporting higher catch, and illegal fishing has dropped 60%.

Peruvian Ambassador presents credentials in Belize
Peruvian Ambassador Jorge Roman Morey presented his credentials to Belizean Governor-General Sir Colville Young, the Andean country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reported. The event took place during a special ceremony held in Belmopan on June 5. Such credentials recognize the designation of Roman as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Peru to the Central American nation. It must be noted Mr. Roman currently serves as Peru's top representative to El Salvador, while based in San Salvador.

Cruise Industry: A Menace to Wildlife?
This weekend, a reader of this blog sent me an article from the San Pedro Sun regarding NCL's exploitation of rare macaws in its development in Belize at Harvest Caye. NCL reportedly obtained numerous birds (toucans and other macaws) and animals and reptiles from the Belize government from the wild and/or rescue and rehabilitation centers for display in cages for the benefit of cruise visitors. The article about NCL's conduct, although outrageous, is just one of many examples of the abuse of birds and animals at cruise line private resorts and excursions throughout the world.

Tropical Atlantic may spring to life over the next 7 days
Waters around southeastern Mexico and over the south-central Atlantic have the potential to yield the next tropical systems of the 2017 hurricane season. June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The peak of the hurricane season spans mid-August to mid-October. A broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Central America will drift northward over the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico this weekend. "This feature has a good chance to become a tropical depression and tropical storm next week," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. While there are still multiple scenarios for development and track at this time, "the feature could approach the coast of northeastern Mexico or the southern part of the Texas coast later next week," Kottlowski said.

Health facilities in the Caribbean countries to be transformed to be disaster resistant
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has so far selected 16 hospitals and health centers in in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines 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) Health Emergencies Department in partnership with the Ministry of Health in each target country.

World's Most Private Island Resort Opening September 1, 2017
HGTV host Chris Krolow (CEO of Private Islands Inc.) and developer David Keener (Founder of Vision Properties) have partnered to create for the first time a private island resort for just one couple, with no other guests in sight. Even the staff reside on a separate island. Located on the most picturesque part of the Belize barrier reef, with a single villa and all-inclusive fully tailored service, Gladden Private Island takes privacy and luxury to a whole new level. The staff resides out of sight on a smaller island right behind Gladden where a 24/7 butler, chef, and concierge are ready to serve any request at a moment's notice. Everything from meals and drinks to spas and excursions is included. In case 2 is a lonely number, there's a second master suite in the villa to accommodate friends or family and an additional room on the staff island for a nanny or security.

Videos

June 14, 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

BTB wins Prestigious Award for Innovation & Creativity
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has won the prestigious Innovation & Creativity Award of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) based in London, the United Kingdom for its Belize Virtual Expo, the first of its kind in Belize. The award was presented today to the Brighter Group, the BTB’s Public Relation’s firm in the UK, at the Experience Latin America (ELA) trade show, which is taking place in London from June 12-14 and organized by LATA. The Brighter Group is representing BTB at the show and received the award on BTB’s behalf. The award was granted to BTB for its Belize Virtual Expo, which will be held at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel on 29th – 30th June. The Virtual Expo aims to give local tourism service providers an opportunity to meet “virtually” with key representatives of the international travel trade.

Lisandra Novelo is new Miss San Pedro 2016-2017, as Marisha Thompson steps down
The San Pedro Town Council and the Miss San Pedro Committee would like to inform the general public on the resignation of Miss Marisha Jemel Thompson as Miss San Pedro 2016-2017, as of June 12, 2017. Miss Thompson is now residing in the district of Cayo, which is a violation of the Miss San Pedro Regulations, as the reigning Miss San Pedro MUST be residing full time in San Pedro Town. This regulation is exempted ONLY if the reigning Miss San Pedro is away pursuing educational activities. In the light of Miss Thompson’s resignation, it is the nature of the first runner up to step up and continue with the responsibilities as the island’s goodwill ambassador, Miss San Pedro 2016-2017. Miss Lisandra Novelo, Miss Ramon’s Village Resort, won the first runner up title during the Miss San Pedro 2016 pageant on August 27th of 2016.

SPACE graduates 16 proud students
San Pedro Adult Continuing Education (SPACE) held its fifth Commencement Exercises on Sunday, June 11th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The graduating class of 2017 saw 16 students, march to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, proud of their achievement after a four-year educational journey. Delivering an inspirational speech was guest speaker the Dean of San Pedro Junior College, Gustavo Ellis. He spoke about the graduation theme, encouraging students to make the best out of those single steps. “Whatever they may be, always trust in yourself. Things may change in life, they may not go the way you want- however, never get discouraged. Be wise when you take important steps in your life. Learn from what you have done wrong so you don’t repeat them later on in life.” Ellis congratulated the graduating class and invited them to further their education at the San Pedro Junior College.

Ambergris Today

Maya Findings In Downtown San Pedro As Archaeological Students Conduct Digs
Did you know that there are nine registered Maya sites on Ambergris Caye? Most of them lie in the heart of San Pedro Town where development has hidden the past from plain sight. One of the largest registered sites is in the heart of downtown San Pedro which encompasses all of Central Park and three blocks back to the lagoon side. Since May 25, 2017, archeology students from North Carolina Universities have been on Ambergris Caye conducting research on the Post Classic Period Settlement of the Mayas, which is from about 1000AD to when the Spanish made contact with Belizean land. Over the past years they have been working hand in hand with the Belize Institute of Archeology (BIA) and therefore choose Belize to conduct a four-week archeology field study to train students in field methods, lab methods and about the Mayas who once thrived on Ambergris Caye.

Lisandra Novelo Named New Miss San Pedro As Marisha Thompson Steps Down
The San Pedro Town Council and the Miss San Pedro Committee would like to inform the general public on the resignation of Miss Marisha Jemel Thompson as Miss San Pedro 2016-2017, as of June 12, 2017. Miss Thompson communicated with the MSP Committee her intentions of her resignation in which she expressed that she would not be able to fulfill her duties as the island’s goodwill ambassador, mainly due to her relocation, as well as other personal matters. Miss Thompson is now residing in the district of Cayo, which is a violation of the Miss San Pedro Regulations, as the reigning Miss San Pedro MUST be residing full time in San Pedro Town. This regulation is exempted ONLY if the reigning Miss San Pedro is away pursuing educational activities.

Misc Belizean Sources

Wildtracks Update: Release Day!!
All at Wildtracks wake up to the knowledge that, for eight globally endangered howler monkeys, today is the day they return to the wild! The majority came in from the illegal pet trade, one coming in with concussion in after being hit by a car, and one was found with an injured arm on a farm...all of them have come a long way these last two years. Mitch celebrated their last few days in pre-release with the following set of photographs... We wish they, and the post-release monitoring trackers, well in their first few days of living in the wild!!!

Haven House 5K Walk/Run
Such a great turnout for our Haven House 5K Walk/Run! Thank you all for coming out to support this worthy cause. We can ALL #standuptodomesticviolence

Paintings by Mr. Robert Reyes to be added to the National Art Collection
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum of Belize will host the Induction Ceremony for Mr. Robert Reyes’s art donation. On Thursday, June 15, at 1:00 PM The Bliss Institute will host the induction ceremony for the art of Mr. Robert Sydney Reyes. Mr. Reyes, a friend and past student of the Governor General has donated 4 paintings to the National Art Collection. The Museum of Belize will be hosting this grand event at the Bliss Institute of Arts.

Daddy Daughter Dance
Queen of the Bay presents Daddy Daughter Dance at the George Price Center on June 17th.

Between these lines ...
by Glenn Tillett. Pablo Saul Marin, Belize’s current minister of health, has an opportunity now to re-structure the provision of dialysis services in Belize with a view to making it equitable, accessible and affordable. I’ve been told he does have a plan. I haven’t seen or read or been apprised of what that plan is, and therefore cannot form any opinion as to its consequentialities but as one of the almost 100 Belizean citizens who must have dialysis or face certain death, I am all ears. Currently, as I have been told by several persons who claim authority, there are 32 persons receiving dialysis services from the WORTH implemented program at KHMH in Belize City and La Loma Luz in San Ignacio. Reportedly they pay $25.00 per session. The rest of us pay upwards of $220 per session at the private providers. For nearly all of us this is unaffordable.

Attention: Cayo residents
Happening this week: Free medical services (pediatric and adult) in the Georgeville area....

Alley cropping
We’re working with farmers to revolutionize farming in southern Belize with the introduction of Inga edulis trees into a system called alley cropping. Corn, beans, pineapples, and peppers are commonly planted in between the rows of Inga. These amazing trees produce loads of weed-suppressing mulch in addition to having nitrogen fixing roots which improve soil fertility. Farmers are investing in their soils; they want to have healthier food and to use the same piece of land year after year!

Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) on Agreement Regarding Loss of Molasses
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) have finalized an agreement, eleven months after the industry suffered a loss of molasses. the following is the press release issued this morning. Agreed Press Release From the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) on Agreement Regarding Loss of Molasses Due to Maillard Reaction The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCF) and Belize Sugar Industries Ltd (BSI) are pleased to announce that an amicable agreement has been arrived at concerning the loss of molasses due to Maillard Reaction, a chemical reaction occurrence which was the first such reaction recorded in Belize.

Insights guide about Belize
Insight Guides, the world's largest visual travel guide series, in association with Discovery Channel, the world's premier source of nonfiction entertainment, provides more insight than ever. From the most popular resort cities to the most exotic villages, Insight Guides capture the unique character of each culture with an insider's perspective. Inside every Insight Guide you'll find: .Evocative, full-colour photography on every page .Cross-referenced, full-colour maps throughout .A brief introduction including a historical timeline .Lively, essays by local writers on the culture, history, and people .Expert evaluations on the sights really worth seeing .Special features spotlighting particular topics of interest .A comprehensive Travel Tips section with listings of the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions, as well as practical information on getting around and advice for travel with children.

Texas Water Safari Canoe race: Belize win's the race at the Texas Water safari
The Texas Water Safari is a boat race down waterways from San Marcos, Texas, to Seadrift, Texas. The total distance traveled is 262 miles. Racers must take all equipment needed with them, receiving only medical supplies, water and ice along the way. The primary requirement is a boat powered only by human muscle. The event was first held in 1963, and is run annually. The race begins on the second Saturday of June of each year, barring bad weather. In 1962 Frank Brown and Bill "Big Willie" George navigated from San Marcos to Corpus Christi without a motor. In 1963 they created the Texas Water Safari which would become an annual race.

Conference for Mayors
Mayor Darrell Bradley and Councilor Kevin Singh are presently representing the Belize City Council at a Conference for Mayors and Local Authorities on the Implementation and Objectives of Sustainable Development - The Role of Cities and Regions being help in Miami, Florida. With Kevin Baaba Singh.

Beyond the Horizon
Today, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of #Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the third ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the BTH Task Force Commander officially handed over the keys to the emergency room expansion and a new structure with a medical waste incinerator to the Ministry of Health Belize, took place at the Western Regional Hospital (WRH). BTH is a collaborative training exercise between U.S. Army South, the Belize Defence Force (BDF), the Ministries of Defence, Health, and Education, as well as partner nations, such as Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia. BTH also includes numerous NGOs and private companies from the United States and Belize. The emergency room expansion project could not have happened without close cooperation and partnership with the WRH and the Belmopan City Council.

The origins of the word “Backra”
In the old days, a white man would be called a “Backra” by his friends. This term originated when the early white men in the colony because of the heat would take off their shirts. As a result, their backs became raw from the sun and thus the term “back-raw” and the creolization of these words was pronounced as “Backra.”

Caves: at 2017 BAS
We all know caves were sacred domains, a place where the gods of the underworld lived, where Chaac dwelled, where one could enter Xibalba. Caves are natural formations. But do you know the ancient Maya used to modify caves with their own construction? Come hear Erin Ray talk all about it at the 2017 BAS, as she discusses such construction efforts at Las Cuevas!

To Catch a Lobster!
Do you every wonder how that succulent juicy lobster tail arrived on your plate? Catching lobster is a little bit more complicated that catching a fish and involves a few more steps. We asked some local lobster fishermen to give us the low down on how to catch a lobster. So, the million dollar question.. how do you catch a lobster? There are two ways to catch a lobster: using a trap or using a hook. The trap method is used in shallower water in areas such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The second method is normally used further afield. Lighters (a 30ft sailing sloop) sets sail for 10 to 15 days at a time with 6 to 7 fishermen and a boat load of ice. These fishermen skin dive the outer reef and atolls and catch lobster with a hook stick or gaff.

Channel 7

Police Detain Suspect For Barahona Murder
Belmopan police have detained a suspect in Saturday night's Cotton Tree execution. He was taken into custody this afternoon and an ID parade will be conducted. Police aren't releasing any more information about the suspect at this time but they believe they have made a significant break in this case. As we have reported, 21 year old Omar Barahona was shot and killed at a going away party his family had planned for him in Cotton Tree. He had gotten a new job in the US. At around 11:00 on Saturday night, Barahona had stepped outside to meet his friend Devon Brooks when a gunman walked up to them and opened fire. Barahona was shot about 7 times - information is that he had his back turned and the first shot struck him in the head.

No Bail For Vera
On last week Friday's news, we told you about Orlando Vera, a senior firearms examiner convicted of abetment to pervert the course of justice, and sentenced to two years in jail, yet still trying to get out of that conviction on a Supreme Court bail. Well, this afternoon, Justice Herbert Lord handed down his ruling that he will not be granting Vera bail at this time. That means that Vera will have to wait for his appeal to run its course while he is behind bars. But, his wait won't be an extended one because the court intends to expedite his appeal. Justice Lord noted this in his decision to deny bail that the DPP, Chery-Lynn Vidal, indicated to the court that the appeal case can be disposed of in a short amount of time.

Chunox, Resentment Still Smoldering
Last week Friday, police were sent to the home of Richard Allen Garcia in Chunox Village in Corozal. Garcia had been asked to move out of the residence by the owner earlier this year, but refused. The owner then made a complaint against Garcia and the police went to confront him, but he evaded them. That was back in March; when the cops went to confront him on Friday June 9th, Garcia allegedly came out swinging a machete. According to police, one of the officers tripped, and Garcia quickly attempted to chop him in the head, at which point another officer fired off a few warning shots. When Garcia continued, the officer then fired again, killing him on the spot. By the time more cops showed up to process the scene, dozens of angry villagers gathered around eventually forcing the police to flee after the villagers assaulted them with projectiles. The police left Garcia's body behind, along with key evidence, but came back the next day with as many 12 units.

Chuc and Vicente Square Off, Whose Side You On?
Last night, we showed you the press conference that Sergio Chuc held to protest that he is not being allowed to run in the upcoming elections for president of the Football Federation of Belize. The former FFB vice president wanted to opportunity tell the nation that he wasn't bribing anyone - as has been alleged. That's the allegation that his political opponent, Ruperto Vicente, made against him, and, there is a history of between these two football execs. They entered the administration of the sport's governing body, determined to work together to clean up the football federation, after Dr. Bertie Chimilio was voted out in 2012.

An Upgrade For Western Regional
In early April, ground was broken for the Western Regional Hospital's new emergency room. Construction work had commenced in March and 3 months later, it was finished yesterday. A ceremony was held at the hospital today to inaugurate the emergency room and other new and improved features and equipment. Courtney Weatherburne was in Belmopan today and found out just how significant these infrastructural upgrades are. About 800 to 900 trauma patients are rushed through these doors on a monthly basis - that number includes Belmopan residents and countrywide referrals - it's an intake that this emergency room simply can't accommodate anymore. Dr. Rene Godoy, Chief of Staff, Western Regional: "It is a known fact that our emergency has far outgrown the population that visits it and on a daily basis we see a congestion that overflows." "If we are not on our toes, and if we are not up to the challenge it becomes chaotic."

BSCFA Gets Money For Lost Molasses
Last year in July, news broke that almost four thousand tonnes of molasses spoilt in storage tanks at the BSI sugar factory. The projected economic loss was almost half a million dollars - and ASR/BSI said that the farmers would have to share in the loss. The cane famers rejected and fought that, saying ASR/BSI was to blame for whatever went wrong in storage and they alone should bear the loss. In the intervening months, some of the molasses were recovered, which lessened the loss in both the volume of molasses and the loss in earnings. And, now, 11 months later, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and BSI issued a joint statement today, saying that they've reached an amicable agreement.

Minister Campos Denies Free Zone Meddling
In late April and early May, there was an uproar at the Corozal Free Zone resulting in the suspension of CEO Valentin Blanco. The Free Zone Chamber of Commerce was adamant that Balnco's in-law and UDP Corozal southwest Representative, Dr. Angel Campos was meddling in the Zone's business. Campos has never publicly responded to that charge, but he did today when we asked him. Not surprisingly, he said there is no political interference on his part. Dr. Angel Campos - Minister of State, Min. of Health: "The Free Zone, I think everybody can have access. I usually go to the free zone whenever I need to see my friends. I have various friends there, friends that I go and sit down and have tea with, they are Indians and they are there and I have tea with them.

Lisa Shoman To Serve On IDB’s Administrative Tribunal.
Another senior Belizean jurist has been chosen to serve as a judge on an international tribunal. Lisa Shoman has been selected to serve as one of the 7 judges on the Inter-American Development Bank's Administrative Tribunal. It's a panel set up to settle disputes which arise out of the employment relationship with the Bank, or the corporation with their staff members. The seven judges are chosen from candidates who are from member countries, but no 2 judges can come from the same country. They are selected and recognized for professional competence and integrity, and they must have the necessary qualifications to sit as judges in the highest judicial courts in their own respective countries.

Panama Says Sayonara Taipei, Hello Beijing
Almost weekly in the news, you'll see coverage of some program sponsored by the Taiwanese. Last week it was the multimillion dollars Motor Vehicle Registration and License System, and on Friday it will be a cultural exchange program for primary and secondary schools. And while Taiwan continues to play an active role in Belizean public affairs, as it does in other central American countries, not so for Panama, well not anymore at least. News broke today that Panama has severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan and switched over to China. It is a major loss to Taiwan, which is now only recognized by 19 countries, including Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In the 90's they were recognized by over 20 nations. This year, Panama is the second country to switch allegiances over to mainland China; the first was the African island nation of Sao Tome and Príncipe.

Jimenez Caught Conch Fishing In Caye Caulker Reserve
The managers of the Caye Caulker Reserve often tell us that the reserve is under siege from lawless fishermen who are known to have law enforcement look the other way. Well, they didn't look the other way when 31 year old Elvin Isaac Jimenez, a fisherman from Sarteneja Village, Corozal was caught poaching conch. That happened on April 1, 2017, at about 6:45 a.m., when fisheries found Jimenez inside a canoe with diving gear, and a crocus sack with 28 undersized conch. So, he was charged with possession of undersized conch, and fishing in a conservation zone.

Brazen Bank Breaking Burglary In Bella Vista
One weekend story which didn't make it into last night's very packed newscast was a major burglary in Bella Vista Village, Toledo. It happened at the Toledo Teachers Credit Union in Bella Vista - sometime between last Thursday night and Friday morning. When employees got to work, they found a wooden door with its metal shutter and steel burglar bars damaged. Inside, the metal safe had been opened. The thieves got off with $7,088.00 US dollars, $116,575.40 Belize dollars, along with a Glock pistol a pump action 12 gauge shotgun. Police have not made any arrests.

The Weather And The Farmer
When there are heavy rains and flooding the first thing people think about is protecting their belongings from water damage. And when there is intense heat during the dry season, all anyone wants to do is to keep cool and hydrated. But beyond your personal comfort zone, these extreme weather conditions impact the operations and output in several sectors especially agriculture. So there is certainly a lot more to consider when it comes to the weather. That was the center of discussion at a Climate Change Forum held today at the George Price Center in Belmopan. Courtney Weatherburne has more details. Issac Dueck, Spanish Lookout Farmer: "I had a whole crop of Red Kidney Beans completely destroyed because of not enough rain just simply drought, it just didn't rain and some other crops, very poor crops because not enough rain and also too much rain so I had both experiences and that is devastating."

Remembering Women Fishers
Fisherman; it's one of the most common occupations in the country, but it's a term that often disregards the contributions of valuable members of the fishing industry: the women. Today the Belize Conservation and Climate Adaption Project in the Fisheries Department hosted the very first Women in Fisheries Forum. The event aims to identify the problems that women face in the fishing industry, and how to effectively address them. We spoke to several women in the industry about their struggles, and what they're hoping comes out of the forum...

LASER LITHOTRISPY
For decades, getting a kidney stone removed in Belize meant getting cut. But, new technology has been developed to allow doctors to send a camera equipped with a laser through a patient's body to break the kidney stones down, but until recently the nearest hospitals that could perform that procedure are in Merida or Guatemala City. Now, the Belize Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center in Belize City has acquired this cutting edge technology with the help of Dr. Victor Lizarraga, an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. We spoke to Dr. Lizarraga about the new procedure, and how helpful it will be...

Queen Square Family Calls Out UDP for Land
There's a land dispute in the Queen's Square area - and the residents say they're being muscled off their land by the UDP political officer. The area is a triple lot near the Triangle Park on Neal's Pen Road where low income housing is going up very fast. But the Usher family - which has owned the property for generations say they were never consulted or compensated. Now, the land had been bushy and abandoned for many years - with the property tax not paid, but the family says they still own it. A family spokesperson gave the media an interview today:.. Irene Usher - Former Resident: "It was surprising to me, she said that mom they are taking away my land so I asked her how can they take away your land, this land is your family land. This land belongs to you guys. Fight for your land, don't give up just like that and I think for its unjust for what is going on and I don't like it."

Channel 5

D.P.P. Not Consulted as Police Defend Actions in Chunox
The Corozal Police Department remains under pressure tonight. Four officers were assigned by Corozal Police in an operation to evict forty-four year old Richard Garcia last Friday in Chunox Village. [...]

One Questioned, One Detained as Police Close in on TTCU Robbers
One suspect is being questioned following the brazen robbery of the Toledo Teachers Credit Union late last week. The robbers concocted an elaborate plan to break into the building, pry [...]

One Detained in Belmopan for Omar Barahona Murder
Omar Barahona Junior was shot seven times and killed as he attended a going away party in his honor on Saturday night. The twenty-one-year-old from Cotton Tree was socializing with [...]

Ex-Prez of F.F.B. Calls for ‘Fair Play’ Ahead of Election
There is more tonight to the ongoing battles within the Football Federation of Belize. On Monday, you heard Sergio Chuc who has been disqualified from seeking elections as president, call [...]

Chairpersons Withdrawal from Election Process is Wrong
With Chuc out of the way, Ruperto Vicente and Marlon Kuylen will go head-to-head in a few weeks at the annual congress. In the 2016 elections, after twenty-two rounds of [...]

Sergio Chuc, Ruperto Vicente Condemn Arson of GenSec’s Vehicle
In the immediate aftermath of Sergio Chuc’s disqualification to contest the presidency, the vehicle of Michael Blease, the secretary general of the federation, was set on fire. Both Chuc and [...]

I.D.B. Taps Lisa Shoman for Administrative Tribunal…
A Belizean attorney is moving up to a senior post at the Inter-American Development Bank. Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman has been appointed to a six-year term as a sitting judge [...]

…But Attorney and Political Figure Will Not Give Up Law Practice
So, with a cushy number waiting for Shoman at Thirteen Hundred New York Avenue, will her law office here in Belize City be shuttered?  That’s what we asked her earlier [...]

“Yellow Man” Reprimanded, But Keeps His Job
A majority of members of the National Assembly Staff Committee voted on Friday during a meeting to reprimand, rather than suspend or remove, House of Representatives Sergeant-At-Arms Brian “Yellow Man” [...]

Macebearer Not Barred from Senate Committee
There will be another public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, and members of the Belizeans against Courtenay movement led by Alberto August are expected to be [...]

Judge Rules No Bail for Orlando Vera; Hearing Date Set
Last week Friday, Supreme Court Judge, Hon, Justice Herbert Lord heard a bail application for convicted prisoner, Orlando Vera, the Belize Police Department Ballistic Examiner. On June first, 2017 Vera [...]

Duo to be Tried for False Nationality Certificates
Two men, one from San Pedro and the other from Corozal, will have to stand trial at the Supreme Court for thirteen counts of possession of false documents in respect [...]

New Extension to Western Regional Accident and Emergency Area
The Western Regional Hospital got a major upgrade today. The works done on an Accident and Emergency unit will enhance the capability of the hospital to accommodate more patients. Added [...]

Junior Health Minister Denies Involvement in Commercial Free Zone
Valentino Blanco is the embattled C.E.O. at the Free Zone. Over the past few weeks his appointment raised eyebrows with many questioning his qualifications and wondering if there was any [...]

B.S.I., Cane Farmers Settle Molasses Pay-Out
Almost a year ago, Belize Sugar Industries Limited lost over two thousand, six hundred tons of molasses due to a first-of-its-kind Maillard Reaction inside its tanks at Tower Hill. The [...]

Honoring Women in the Fishing Industry
A Women in Fisheries Forum was held today at the Biltmore Plaza. When looking at the fishing activity in Belize, particularly extraction, men dominate the sector. But the industry includes [...]

Panama Ditches Taiwan for People’s Republic of China
Before we go to break, in foreign policy news…Panama has officially severed all diplomatic ties with the Republic of Taiwan, as of Monday and established relations with the People’s Republic [...]

The Met Consults on Climate and Change
Variations in climate influence most human activities either directly or indirectly resulting in losses or benefits. Making effective use of available climate information ensures efficiency and sustainability across a number [...]

Family Raises Alarm after Multiple Houses Built on Pen Road Property
We report on land disputes regularly in this newscast, but this one has a different twist. The de facto caretaker of Queen Square division and sister to Prime Minister and [...]

Save Lives, Give Blood!
June fourteenth is celebrated annually as World Blood Donor Day. As early as eight o’clock, persons are encouraged to visit the National Blood Bank office inside the Central Region Compound [...]

CTV3

CZL Police To Charge Chunox Residents Who Allegedly Attacked Officers
While only the Police internal investigation will say what the outcome for the officers involved will be, action against the residents who threw rocks, bottles and even mangoes at the Police officers to get them out of the village could come quicker. Arnold explained that if any Police Officer is able to identify any of the missile-throwers, he or she will be charged. Arnold did admit that there were over 100 persons on the assault that night, so perhaps identifying the individuals will be a bit difficult to make out.

San Andres Council Prepares to Upgrade Junction
San Andres PUP Chairman Glenford “Choco” Melvin is no stranger to our newscast, as he is one of the most media savvy community leaders in the north. Several weeks ago, before the budget debate, Choco called on area representative Hugo Patt to allot funds to fix the San Andres Road junction with the road to the Corozal Community College. It’s a section of the road that has been crumbling apart and therefore, breaking vehicles and even causing accidents according to Chairman Choco.

Historical Water Tank Removed By BWS
If you have recently made your way through downtown Orange Walk you might have noticed that the historic water thank that has been erect beside the BAHA office on Arthur Street for many years is currently being brought down and Orange Walkenos are wondering why? While we have been trying to find out the reasons for the tank being removed from yesterday, we were unable to do so until today when we visited the site and spoke to persons in charge of the project.

BSI To Pay Cane Farmers For Loss Of Molasses
Exactly eleven months ago the loss of molasses at the Belize Sugar Industries factory due to an uncommon chemical incident known as Maillard Reaction, threatened to shift the cane farmers’ membership further into disagreement with the mill owners. Initially cane farmers were suspect and opposed to BSI’s proposal that the farmers bear about 65% of the total losses, which was nearly $300,000. The farmers, through the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, launched a legal challenge before the court which has led to an out of court settlement.

Sarteneja Resident Charged For Fishing Offences
Thirty one year old Elvin Isaac Jimenez, a fisherman from the village of Sarteneja in the Corozal District had to pay the court almost a $1,000 in fines after he admitted he was caught fishing inside the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and also had in his possession, 28 undersized conchs. Jimenez was first summons to appear in court back in April of this year but did not appear and today he was brought to court on the strength of a bench warrant.

LOVE FM

Mark Kuylen Arraigned for Dangriga Burglary
The man Montejo says she saw in her bedroom has since been arrested and was arraigned this morning in the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court. Our Dangriga Correspondent Harry Arzu has since confirmed that the accused has a history of assaults. HARRY ARZU “Twenty four year old Alberto Mark Kuylen of a Tracking Boulevard address here in […]

Anglican Bishop Supports Interventions and Senate Hearings
The Anglican Church of Belize has been weighing in recently on several national issues. Tonight we bring you their position on crime and the interventions that have been taking place. Bishop Philip Wright says there are no direct involvement from the church but they have been keeping up to date on what has been occurring. […]

Embracing Women in Fisheries Sector
For the very first time in Belize, the Fisheries Department is making women the focus when it comes to discussing fisheries and their involvement in the industry. Sandra Grant is the Project Manager for the Belize Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project in the Fisheries Department. Grant says that their aim is to highlight the roles […]

A Prayer and Blessing for the Upcoming Lobster Season
In two days the lobster season will be officially opened. It is a crucial time for the fisheries sector and the economy in general as it contributes significantly to the livelihood of fisher folks and their families as well as the public in general. This morning there was a special spiritual ceremony held at the […]

Vicente Says the Perception of Bribery Exists
After being accused of bribery, corruption, conflict of interest, and election tampering, Sergio Chuc has been impeded from contesting the presidency of the Football Federation of Belize. Elections have been scheduled for June 24 and the only persons who have been successfully nominated to run for president are Ruperto Vicente and Marlon Kuylen. Vicente was […]

Chuc’s Exclusion from FFB May Lead to Less Monies
Sergio Chuc told the media yesterday that he learned of the allegations made against the day when his nomination was denied. He fears that because of these allegations he will not be able to serve on the Executive of the Football Federation of Belize. So if Chuc no longer forms part of the FFB Executive […]

Belizean Citizens Abroad Wants Dual Nationals in the Pool of Election Candidates
Hubert Pipersburgh along with Joseph Guerrero are two Belizean men who have been carrying on a dialogue on social media calling for the inclusion of Belizean with dual nationality in elected positions. The duo brought the discussion to The Morning Show today to explain what they are advocating for and why. HUBERT PIPERSBURGH “And I […]

BTB Captures LATA Award
The Belize Tourism Board has been honored with the award for innovation and creativity of the Latin American Travel Association. The BTB received the award for its Belize Virtual Expo. The award was presented today to the Brighter Group, the BTB’s Public Relation’s firm in the UK, at the Experience Latin America trade show. BTB’s […]

Burgess, Chan and Pacheco To Appear at Senate Inquiry
Tomorrow the Senate Select Committee will resume its investigations into the auditor general’s reports on immigration. Three witnesses are expected to appear before the committee. We understand that former Immigration Minister Carlos Perdomo will reappear. Last week he was questioned in relations to Paul Ku. Ku’s application for nationality was approved even though he did […]

Credit Union Loses $130K Plus in Burglary Incident
Over one hundred and thirty thousand dollars was taken in a burglary in southern Belize last week. Police were alerted of the burglary at the Toledo Teachers Credit Union in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, just before nine o’clock last Friday morning. Upon inspection of the crime scene, investigators found a wooden door, its metal […]

PlusTV

21-year-old Omar Barahona killed at farewell party
21-year-old Omar Barahona, a resident of Cotton Tree Village, was planning on starting a new life in the United States of America. On Saturday night, a farewell party was held in his honour, where family and friends were gathered to say good-bye to him and wish him well on his new journey. However...

Mervin Humphrey died of multiple organ failure
34-year-old Mervin Humphrey Jr. was found lying in a yard on Haulover Creek Street in Belmopan on Thursday afternoon. He was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital where he later died. We were told that police were classifying it as a sudden death; however, as we told you on Thursday, the family s...

Chunox resident killed by Police
44-year old Richard Allen Garcia, a resident of Chunox Village, was shot and killed by Police just before 5:00 p.m. on Friday evening in his yard just next to the E and R Grocery Store. According to residents nearby, while they were unsure of what happened in the yard, they heard a barrage of shots...

Elderly man clings to life after being stabbed
84-year-old Pablo Zenun Reyes, a resident of Orange Walk Town, narrowly escaped death after being stabbed several times. According to police reports, Reyes was standing in front of his Tortilla business located on Progress Street in Orange Walk Town when he was approached by 33-year-old Nigel Guerra...

Alberto Ical acquitted of rape
Alberto Ical saw his conviction of 15 and 10 years for rape and robbery set aside today. On March 23, 2016, in the Belmopan Supreme Court, Ical was convicted and sentenced to 15 years for rape and 10 years for robbery before Justice Antoinette Moore. Today at his appeal, his attorney, Anthony Sylves...

Arson in Dangriga
Dangriga police are investigating a case of arson which occurred in the Village of Pamona in the Stann Creek District. Twenty six year old Errol Acosta reported to police that at around 2 o’clock on Saturday morning, he heard footsteps on his veranda. He went to check and noticed that the house was ...

Over 100 thousand dollars stolen from Toledo Teachers Credit Union
Over 100 thousand dollars were stolen from the Toledo Teachers Credit Union. When workers of the Toledo Teachers Credit Union, located in Bella Vista Village, arrived at work on Friday, June 9, they were shocked to find that the building had been broken into. According to police reports, the inci...

Amandala

130,752 robbery of Toledo Teachers Credit Union
The Toledo Teachers Credit Union Ltd., Bella Vista branch, was burglarized by thieves who stole US$7,088 and BZ$116,575.40, a 9mm Glock pistol and a Maverick 12-gauge pump action shotgun. The credit union manager told police that after he finished work for the day at about 6:00 Thursday evening, he locked the credit union building and went away. When he returned to work at about 8:45 Friday morning, he found that the office had been broken into.

“Rambo” cops kill Richard Garcia, 44
At around 5 o’clock on Friday evening, a villager at the center of a civil dispute lost his life at the hands of four Corozal cops armed with high-powered rifles. A post-mortem examination revealed that Richard Allen Garcia, 44, affectionately known as “Charlie,” died from multiple gunshot wounds to his face and thorax regions. Villagers told Amandala that they heard as many as thirty gunshots and in the end, Garcia, who had just returned from a day of farm work, would be killed on the spot while two nearby homes and a vehicle would be left riddled with bullet holes. Additionally, a bullet would find its mark inches away from Ronaldo Moh’s head while he was unsuspectingly attending to customers inside his nearby grocery shop.

GOB won’t make June 28 payment to Ashcroft Alliance: Fin Sec
The Government of Belize is hoping to secure the services of a Trinidadian lawyer operating in the British Virgin Islands to help argue its case at the Caribbean Court of Justice in what will likely be a new round of litigation at the country’s highest appellate court, absent resolution by the Government of Belize and the Michael Ashcroft group of a dispute over the final US$104 million in payments due on June 28 for the Government’s 2009 acquisition of Belize Telemedia Limited. Under the September 2015 settlement agreement between the parties, the litigants are allowed to deduct their expenses incurred in pursuing the claim from the portion of the almost half-a-billion dollar award attributable to the accommodation agreement of 2005.

Omar Barahona, 21, murdered during farewell party
Death and heartache came to the home of Omar Barahona, 21, a driver of Cotton Tree village, at about 9:00 Saturday night, when a vicious gunman shot him in the back of the head in what his family says is a case of mistaken idenity. Barahona was wearing a white T-shirt and was sitting on a motorcycle talking to his friend, Devon Alexander Brooks, 23, also of Cotton Tree. We were told that Brooks had been seen driving through the village on a motorcycle, in a white T-shirt, and people believe that when the gunman went to kill him, he saw a man wearing a white T-shirt on the motorcycle and opened fire, not knowing that the man was Barahona and not Brooks.

Justice Lord will issue his ruling on Orlando Vera’s case next Tuesday
Less than 24 hours after Orlando Vera, the convicted Deputy Director of the National Forensic Science Services in the Ministry of Home Affairs, was sentenced to two years in prison, he was back in court. Today, Vera and his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre, who had filed appeal paperwork when Vera was first convicted on the charge of “abetment to pervert the course of justice” last week, appeared in the Supreme Court before Justice Herbert Lord for a bail application hearing.

“Yellowman” escapes dismissal
By majority vote of 5 to 2, parliamentarians of the United Democratic Party voted down a call for the immediate dismissal of Brian “Yellowman” Audinett, sergeant at arms/macebearer in the House of Representatives, and in favor of a reprimand, which includes apology calls to media personnel he attacked inside the National Assembly at the Wednesday, May 17, 2017, public hearing of the Senate Special Select Committee. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Laura Longsworth, who chairs the national staff committee which met on the matter on Friday, voted in favor of his dismissal and so did Florencio Marin, Jr., House member of the Opposition People’s United Party.

Smart 13 & Under Mundialito Week 10 results; 1 week left in reg. season
The race to the Top-4 playoff is coming down to the wire in the Smart 13 & Under Mundialito Football Tournament 2017 at the MCC Grounds, where Week 10 games were held on Saturday, June 3. In game 1 on Saturday, Brown Bombers registered a big 3-0 win over Belize Elementary Spurs, that propelled the Bombers into playoff contention. Brandon Smith netted 2 and Keyden Bowen got the other goal for Brown Bombers. In game 2, Hattieville Riverside Boys clinched a playoff spot with their 1-nil victory over Reality Youth, on a goal by Oswald Young. Game 3 saw Ladyville Jaguars holding Carlston FC to a 0-0 draw, which effectively dashed the playoff hopes for Carlston. In game 4, Ladyville Rising Stars needed only a draw to secure a playoff berth, and they got it with a 0-0 draw against Heights FC, who remain in the playoff race.

NAWL congratulates Belize City FC, the first League Champion, and Jewel Fury, Sub-Champion
In the National Amateur Women League (NAWL) championship Game 2, which kicked off at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, home standing Jewel Fury FC and visiting Belize City FC played to 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of exciting football action. (The two teams had drawn, 0-0, a week earlier in Game 1 of the finals at the MCC Grounds.) After a scoreless first half, #17 Kimberley Perez put Jewel Fury in front with a beautiful header from a free kick at the 71st minute, and, with time winding down, and the speedy Fury defenders keeping the Belize City visitors at bay, it looked like the Jewel would take the crown; but the picture changed suddenly and dramatically, when Belize City FC’s central defensive stopper, #7 Kursha Pollard unleashed a long and powerful shot from 35 yards out at the 86th minute, and it dived just underneath the cross bar...

Editorial: PUP and UDP families
For a few years now this newspaper has been using the “PUDP” acronym to refer to Belize’s two major political parties while simultaneously emphasizing the similarities between them. Our two major political parties are the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), which was founded in 1973 and succeeded the National Independence Party (NIP), founded in 1958 as a coalition between the National Party (NP), founded in 1951, and the Honduran Independence Party (HIP), founded in 1957; and the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), founded in 1950. From time to time over the years, spokesmen and representatives of the PUP and the UDP have expressed their resentment at being lumped together as “PUDP.” We think that in the case of the PUP, because they need to generate righteous indignation amongst the voting public in order to unseat the well-established UDP, PUP people feel the “PUDP” thing encourages resignation and apathy, a feeling of “why bother since both of them are the same.”

From the Publisher
The Vietnam War has always held a powerful fascination for me, and it is because while I was safely reading textbooks in a college dormitory in New Hampshire between 1965 and 1968, young men my age, including Belizeans, were killing and being killed, crippled, and traumatized in Vietnam. Vietnam was thousands of miles away in Southeast Asia, but this was a war being fought on the television evening news in America, so to speak. The Pentagon allowed video of the body bags of the Vietnam War casualties arriving in airplanes to be shown on American television back then, but that policy was changed after Vietnam. I had arrived in the United States in late August of 1965, a time when the war had begun seriously escalating a few months earlier. I spent the summer of 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, and came into personal contact with a young Belizean by the name of Eugene Jex who was headed to Vietnam. I was alarmed because his Belizean friends and acquaintances did not seem to think this was that big a deal, whereas American students on the Dartmouth College campus were doing everything they could to avoid the draft (and Vietnam), including running across the border to Canada.

US Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek, speaks to media, but doesn’t say much
Earlier this month, the UDP’s Belize Rural North area representative, Hon. Edmond Castro, was stripped of his personal and diplomatic visas by the US Embassy. According to Castro, his visas were revoked simply on the grounds that he did not visit the embassy for renewal even though he had been contacted to do so. John Briceño, leader of the PUP, in commenting on the matter, had maintained that Castro didn’t visit the US Embassy because it is considered US soil, and the UDP Cabinet Minister could be forced to answer questions he simply didn’t want to answer.

Court of Appeal allows appeal of convicted rapist; sentence and conviction set aside
Today, the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal by Alberto Ical, who was convicted of robbery and rape and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Ical’s sentence was quashed and his conviction was set aside. Ical’s appeal succeeded on the ground of faulty identification, the Court of Appeal judges found. Ical would have been free to go home, but he is serving sentences of 10 and 15 years for two other rape convictions. The two sentences are running concurrently; therefore, Ical has been serving a 15-year term in prison for these two crimes. Ical is scheduled to be released from the Belize Central Prison in 2028.

Withdrawal from church-state commission is not sabotage, says Rev. Papouloute
Less than a year after the church-state commission was constituted, two of the six church entities representing some of the biggest churches in the country have withdrawn amid an impasse over key issues which have arisen following the 2016 decision by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin to strike down Belize’s sodomy law. Those commission members are Rev. Phillip Wright, head of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, and Rev. Roosevelt Papouloute, president of the Belize Council of Churches (The Council of Churches additionally represents the congregations of the Methodists, Salvation Army, Presbyterians, and the Chinese Christian Mission in Belize, as well as two organizations: the YWCA and the Black Cross Nurses), of which Wright is also vice president.

Breaking Belize News

Dialysis reform in Belize – recommendations by Glenn Tillett
Pablo Saul Marin, Belize’s current minister of health, has an opportunity now to re-structure the provision of dialysis services in Belize with a view to making it equitable, accessible and affordable. I’ve been told he does have a plan. I haven’t seen or read […]

Kaina Martinez seeks assistance for youth sports program
My name is Kaina Martinez, and I have worked very hard to earn the recognition as one of Belize’s most outstanding athletes. I am 11 times All-American track athlete, NCAA 2 times Champion, Olympian, Central American and Belize Record holder for 100m, but above all, I am […]

Corozal residents call for peace and unity
Two double murders have been reported in a span of only months in the Corozal district. The once peaceful district has also seen an increase in violent crimes and robberies, some including extortion by police officers. The recent increase in crime has brought the […]

Robert Reyes paintings to be added to the National Art Collection
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum of Belize will host the Induction Ceremony for Robert Reyes’s art donation. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss Institute. Reyes, a friend and past […]

National Climate Forum hosted today
The Fifth National Climate Outlook Forum, a stakeholder’s meeting for enhancing the utility of seasonal climate forecasts, is being held at the George Price Center for Peace and Development in Belmopan City today. Variations in climate influence most human activities either directly or indirectly […]

St. Matthew’s Government School gets new building
Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the second ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The BTH Task Force Commander officially handed over the keys to […]

Blogs

Belizean band, Verge of Umbra, on the verge of something huge
Belizean band, Verge of Umbra, stands apart from its contemporaries not only in the country or in the region, but globally, as it successfully infuses elements of metal, rock, reggae and hip-hop producing a unique listening experience with a fresh perspective on wide ranging topics and issues. The band has gained a great deal of publicity and acclaim, especially after winning the 2017 Metal Battle held in Guatemala City this past march. Following the release of its album and numerous music videos, Verge of Umbra followed up on that success and carried that momentum with them to Guatemala for the Metal Battle. After a long hard-fought battle of the bands, Verge of Umbra emerged the clear victors and won an opportunity to represent Central America at Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany later this year in August. Members of the band are excited for the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience during the festival to be held from August 3-5.

Friends Become Family in Belize
If a study were to be done, I am sure the combined annual population of Ambergris Caye and Belize (including tourists) would rate extremely high for human connection and general friendliness. It does not matter if you are a traveler, expat or Belizean, almost everyone has shared this common bond. Where else can you go that as soon as you step off the plane you feel like you have landed in a real life tropical Sesame Street? The pace of Ambergris Caye life is slower within it’s speediness (always so much happening for such a small place) and most people rate a 10 plus on the friendly scale. It is common for first timers to form fast bonds and feel that Island Charm. It is also common for repeat offenders to experience the same in other districts. I know people that now include flights to Placencia on their trips so they can see “their brother” Tulu.

International Sources

Why Belize Should Be Your Family’s Next Adventure Destination
My dream destinations tend to be far flung and exotic, which doesn’t always bode well for a week away during our son’s spring or fall break. This year, we decided to investigate a closer option that turned out to be just as alluring as our explorations in Thailand and Vietnam, but less than three hours away. My husband, Mitch, son Luke and I hadn’t yet explored Central America, and the little country of Belize – with its mysterious jungles and beautiful barrier reef – caught our eye. After a short flight, we could explore under the sea, trek through caves and zip line through the palm trees. After an easy direct flight from Atlanta, we rented a car from Belize City and drove inland about 90 minutes to the Cayo district. We arrived at the Belize Jungle Dome, aptly named, and met our host family, Andy and Simone Hunt and their boys Aidan, 11, and Lucas, 14. Fleeing the London city life more than 15 years before, they adventurously bought this small hotel alongside the Belize river and chose a simpler life of homeschooling their boys in the remote and rustic countryside.

Belize murder victim’s family hits brick wall
For nearly two months, the family of murder victim Francesca Matus has been kept in the dark on the vivacious 52-year-old’s mysterious slaying. Matus — of Keswick — and her former U.S. Marine boyfriend, Drew Devoursey, 36, were found strangled to death in a sugarcane field near her home in Corozal, Belize, on May 1. They had vanished six days before. And so far, the family has struggled to discover the barest of details, one relative told 7News Belize. “The family will call and ask for lead detectives that are in charge and their typical answer is, ‘We will be back in an hour.’ You call back in an hour and they’re not there,” the relative, who wasn’t named, told the news station.

Panola College nursing student travels to Belize to give care
Reyna Avila recently completed a course at Panola College in transcultural nursing in the remote jungles of Belize with her instructor, Barbara Cordell, dean of nursing. The course is connected to a group called Project Belize, which consists of doctors and nurses who have been traveling to serve Belize's poorest residents for 30 years. This year, 44 people went to the Toledo District to hike to villages that have no doctor or nurse. "We are often the only medical personnel these people have seen since we were here the year before," Cordell said

Diving Placencia Belize – What you Need to Know before you Go
In the southern part of the friendly country of Belize lies a beach town with a knack for cheap happy hours, inexpensive good food as well as plenty of water based things to do. Placencia is a two street village that is about laid back as you can get. It is located at the end of a long peninsula with miles of beaches. Down here there are no chain or high rise hotels, Starbucks or KFC’s. There isn’t even a traffic light. What you will find are a few small upscale hotels along with mostly comfortable middle level efficiency type rooms or cottages. Here you will find good restaurants run by locals or a few ex-pats who decided to stay after being here a season. While Placencia’s prime activities seem like laying out at the beach and the beach bars, there are things to do for those that like to get wet. This includes snorkeling, diving, fishing, paddle boarding or kayaking. The scuba diving and snorkeling are world class being on the world’s second largest coral reef system. To see the reef, people arrange tours to take them to the reef islands overseen by the park’s department or to a privately run island with a lively beach bar.

Tropical depression could form in western Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a tropical weather outlook for the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday morning. An area of low pressure, or a tropical depression, nestled near Belize and Honduras is expected to form later this week or into the weekend to move slowly northwest. According to the center, the chance of it forming into something more serious over the next two days is zero percent, and the chance of forming over five days is 20 percent.

Videos

June 13, 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

Holy Cross literacy program graduates nine
Nine students from the Literacy Program at Holy Cross Anglican Primary School graduated on Thursday, June 8th, in a ceremony held under a palapa at their school compound. The group consisted of Kenry Velasquez, Anderson Coy, Siomayri Alcoser, Derwhyne Meighan, Ronaldo Muñoz, Abie Aries, Bernardino Hernandez, Sheyanticia Haulez, and Kleidi Cardenas. After receiving their certificates of completion, along with an autographed copy of ‘Caye Boy,’everyone was treated with snacks and ice cream courtesy of Paradice Cream. The ceremony began shortly after 10AM, with Sue Barkhouse congratulating the graduates and welcoming everyone. Barkhouse, along with other volunteers, assists in the program that has been running for the past three years. It was currently taken over by the non-governmental organization ‘Raise Me Up.’ The program has been very successful in helping students improve their reading, with professional help from the volunteers who encourage them in every aspect of the program.

99 graduate from San Pedro High School
On Saturday, June 10th, San Pedro High School (SPHS) held its 46th Commencement Exercises at the R.A. Nuñez Auditorium. A total of 99 students marched in to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, eager to receive their high school diplomas. Aliny Ventura and Jahson Wright were the Mistress and Master of Ceremonies. After singing the National Anthem, the graduates sang their school song. Angela Luna delivered the salutatory welcome address, reflecting on her personal accomplishments, and congratulating her classmates for reaching this long-awaited milestone. Zieda Gabriela Guerrero served as the guest speaker for the graduation, and her heartfelt speech encouraged the students to keep true to their dreams, and to work towards their goals. Following after, all four valedictorians gave a brief valedictory address, which encouraged their classmates to study hard and to value education. The traditional and emotional rose ceremony was led by Britney Bijil and Neyli Molina, while the candle light ceremony was led by Rebecca Barkhouse and Alina Ventura.

Ambergris Today

Victoria House Resort Receives 2017 Outstanding Service Award
Excellent customer service has definitely become an expectation by any individual, regardless the industry. Travelers love when a company goes above and beyond the call of duty. When you are excellent at something for a long time, people tend to notice, and that is the case with Victoria House in Ambergris Caye. This is why Victoria House received the “2017 Outstanding Service Award” from Magnum Tours, a top U.S. wholesaler for Belize with more than 34 years of experience. Magnum Tours arranges travel agent familiarization trips to Belize every year to display the beautiful attractions and resorts in the country. On May 23, 2017, Magnum was hosted for lunch at Victoria House by long-time managers Mr. Brent Kirkman and Ms. Janet Woolam. Mr. Dave Ekman, Co-Owner of Magnum Tours, stood up to acknowledge Janet and Brent for the amazing job they have been doing at the resort over the past 20 years.

Belize Tourism Board It Host First Virtual Trade Expo
For the first time in history, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) will host a live Virtual Expo on 29th – 30th June 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City with the aim of giving local tourism service providers an opportunity to meet "virtually" with key representatives of the international travel trade. The Expo is targeting travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers originating from Belize’s major tourism markets, namely North America, Europe, South America and Central America. Other industry partners such as international associations, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) agencies, press and other industry professionals have also been invited to attend. The theme for the Expo is Discover the Best of Belize’s Jungle and Beach. It will be a live event that will take place in an online environment. The Expo is equivalent to a conventional trade show, except suppliers and buyers connect with each other via the internet, regardless of their geographic location, to exchange valuable information.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch June, 2017 General Meeting
Our June, 2017 General Meeting of the Neighborhood Watch will be held this Wednesday, June 14th, at 7:00pm at Lone Star Grill and Cantina. Their full dinner menu and drinks will be available. Please attend and bring a friend!

World Croc Day on June 17
Join The Belize Zoo and the Crocodile Research Coalition in celebrating World Croc Day on June 17. The day will be filled with arts and crafts, games, and croc encounters that will include educating zoo guests on the facts about crocs, co-existence, and conservation of crocodiles and their habitat. Say hello to the Founding Members of the Next Gen Croc program- the young adults from Caye Caulker who are paving the way for communities here in Belize to co-exist with crocodiles. And don't forget to sign your name on the Croc Advocate Banner, where you can pledge in helping us conserve crocodiles for future generations! Come join us - we promise it will be a crocin' good time!

Dia de San Pedro 2017
SAVE THE DATE for DIA DE SAN PEDRO!

BELTRAIDE and the Belize City Council Sign Memorandum of Coooperation
BELTRAIDE, the nation’s leading business advising and entrepreneurial support entity, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Belize City Council on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Belize Training and Employment Centre in Belize City. The aim of this Cooperation is to enhance and diversify economic activity in the municipality through a closer collaboration between BELTRAIDE and the City Council by providing efficient and seamless business development services to entrepreneurs and to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) located in their respective jurisdiction.

3rd Annual Soca Fest Held In Corozal
COROZAL CARNIVAL SEASON OFFICIAL LAUNCHES WITH THE 3RD ANNUAL SOCA FETE Friday, June 30 at 5 PM - 9 PM. All Mas Bands/Groups live on stage. BIGGER AND BETTER. OFFICIAL EVENT OF THE SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE. Crystal Moreno Dianie Faith Hall Pweety Tweetz Angie Palacio William Marin Shannon Perez Antonette Young Nathalie Myvett Missy B Blades Herrera Debbie Tillett

Corozal Wholesale Farmer's Market breaks ground
On April 25th, 2017 the Government of Belize broke ground for the construction of the "Corozal Wholesale Farmer's Market" financed by the Government of Belize and the European Union under Accompanying Measures for Sugar Programme. The construction is in full swing and should be completed in six months from its starting date and is being supervised by the Ministry of Works and contracted by Teichroeb & Sons Limited. The market will be located in Finca Solana just north of the cemetery. The overall responsibility for the construction falls under the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum. This should alleviate the limited spaces available for market vendors at the Gabriel Hoare Town Market, which was recently rehabilitated with 15 additional stalls and will allow more opportunities amid fruit, vegetable, craftspeople selling art, tapestries and clothes vendors.

Maya Wedding Re-enactment
July will be packed up with so many events. Start pinning your calendars folks. It is here, once again! You are cordially invited to attend a celebratory and traditional re-enactment of the wedding between Princess Tzasil-Ha and Gonzalo Guerrero at Santa Rita Archaeological Reserve in Corozal. This celebrated union led to the birth of our Mestizo ancestors. The purpose of the re-enactment is to highlight the historic importance of this site and to advertise the new Santa Rita Wedding Garden Project as a wedding destination for Belizean and international visitors to celebrate their wedding vows in a place of historic beauty and privilege. This will enable us to create and develop a sustainable cultural tourism product which should be able to give our local businesses and future generations an economic opportunity while celebrating our Maya-Mestizo and Belizean culture.

Caye Caulker: Calling all Dads!!!!!!
Do not miss out on our Father's Day weekend celebrations (17th & 18th June) at KoKo King's Beach. On Saturday evening we have a sumptuous menu that will fill your belly and our famous 'Booze Hour' from 9 - 10pm where top shelf drinks are $10bz. On Sunday 19th June, starting from 11am we have The Vibrations Band live on our beach with games, food and plenty of drinks! Plus Blue Wave Sounds entertaining us all weekend long!! Don't you dare miss out!!!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - IICA CONACYT Scholarship Program
Given its awareness of the need to contribute to the strengthening of technical capacities in high-priority topics for agriculture in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the Government of Mexico, along with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), has agreed to establish a strategic partnership with IICA that will be executed by the National Council on Science and Technology (CONACYT) in that country. Through this partnership, CONACYT will award one hundred scholarships per year to professionals in Latin America and the Caribbean who wish to pursue postgraduate programs at Mexican academic institutions in the area of sustainable agriculture, or any other science related to the thematic areas of the Institute.

Fifth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF-5)
A stakeholder’s meeting for enhancing the utility of seasonal climate forecasts George Price Center for Peace and Development, City of Belmopan, June 13, 2017 at 8:30am Variations in climate influence most human activities either directly or indirectly resulting in losses or benefits. Understanding and making effective use of available climate information is therefore critical to ensure efficiency and sustainability, both in the current context and in the future, when climate change is expected to impose additional stresses on agricultural systems and human livelihoods. The National Meteorological Service of Belize (NMS) provides weather and climate information and products of various timescales (daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal) to enable key economic sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, disaster risk reduction, energy, forestry and health, to anticipate, prepare and respond to climate anomalies and extreme events.

BTB hosts first Virtual Trade Expo
For the first time in history, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) will host a live Virtual Expo on 29th – 30th June, 2017 at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City with the aim of giving local tourism service providers an opportunity to meet "virtually" with key representatives of the international travel trade. The Expo is targeting travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers originating from Belize’s major tourism markets, namely North America, Europe, South America and Central America. Other industry partners such as international associations, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) agencies, press and other industry professionals have also been invited to attend.

Father's Day Football Quadrangular Marathon 2017
HEY DADS! Don't miss out this spectacular football quadrangular marathon on SUNDAY, JUNE 18! Entrance: $5. There will be food and drinks on sale and RAFFLE GIVEAWAYS for the DADS!

Poets Corner: Parallel System
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. This is not the matrix You are not Neo, it’s a trick Hollywood made up that shit You don’t have join the oracle To join the system to win the battle Like Shoman and Musa were sucked in and abandoned the struggle The system is fixed Puppeteered by the grand puppet master, some who do even know they are propagandists Our governments have failed The Belizean patrimony is being derailed See weh di happen without this visa shizz

Miss San Pedro
The SEARCH has BEGUN! Do you have what it takes to be our isla bonita's good will ambassador? Sign up now at the San Pedro Town Council or messages us for more information.

Miss Costa Maya 2017 Delegate – Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume, Miss Guatemala
Meet Miss Costa Maya 2017 Delegate – Lesly Fernanda Flores Sagastume, Miss Guatemala. Age: 23 years old, Height: 5'2", Student: Clinical Psychology. Among her hobbies are Singing, Reading, Exercise, & Football. It’s the first time that a Miss Costa Maya delegate was selected as an actual finalist during a national pageant. She officially was named Miss Costa Maya Guatemala during the Miss Guatemala pageant.

Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development Graduation
Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - "SACD is proud of its Graduating Scholarship Students of Class 2017 and wish them the best for the future!" - Special Congratulations to Leonelo Chuck, Nallieve Allen, Nelcy Santiago & Orlando Trejo!

Two 15 minute power interruptions 6:00am to 6:15am & 4:45pm to 5:00pm, Thursday, June 15: entire Orange Walk & Corozal Districts
BEL to replace transmission poles in the area.

St. Matthew’s Government School’s new building
Today, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of #Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the second ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the BTH Task Force Commander officially handed over the keys to the St. Matthew’s Government School’s new building to the school’s principal, took place at the St. Matthew’s Government School. The new 1700 square foot school building has three separate rooms and is built to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds. The project also includes a new bathroom facility with three bathroom stalls, sinks, and a new septic tank. The teams completed the project ahead of schedule, allowing for additional projects of opportunity, including a new playground area and a wooden deck linking the existing building’s classrooms.

Disruption to traffic on Manta Ray street in San Pedro
The Traffic dept apologizes for the disruption to traffic on Manta Ray street by the clinic. The SPTC will work as fast as possible to repair the street and get the traffic flowing again ASAP. In the meantime we are asking that drivers who are traveling south use the new road through San Pedrito, People who have to visit the clinic or Tropic air will be allowed access. Once again we apologize and hope the situation will be resolved soon. Also it is expected that Coconut Drive will open in the next few days, WASA is just allowing time for the new cement to cure. Thank you for your continued co-operation.

Channel 7

Cotton Tree Man Murdered; Family Says He Wasn't The Target
A Cotton Tree family is broken after their loved one was shot and killed on Saturday night. 21 year old Omar Barahona was at a family get together in the village when a gunman crashed the party with a spray of bullets. Barahona was shot about 7 times and died, while his friend Devon Brooks was hit to the leg. Brooks survived. But what makes it even more difficult for the family is that Barahona wasn't the target and it seems to be a case of mistaken identity. Courtney Weatherburne has more details. Omar Barahona, Father: "He was just got selected to go to the states for his new job, he was really really excited and you know his aunt was having a little BBQ for him, a little going away party but we never knew it was a different going away he would take you know but.."

Mervin Humphreys: Sudden Death Or Foul Play?
And in Belmopan, another family is grieving the loss of their relative. They believe it was murder but police say otherwise. 35 year old Mervin Humphreys was found lying in the yard of the Poultry Association building on Haulover Creek Street in Belmopan last week Thursday around midday. Now police had ruled it as a sudden death but the family says that based on the post mortem examination, they believe their loved one was killed. Here is what the police had to say today in a press conference. OC Howell Gillett, Belmopan: "Our officers we got the call sometime around 11:30am on Thursday last. Officers were immediately dispatch to the area. I believe it was Haulover Creek Street here in Belmopan, where we discovered Mr. Humphreys. He was in a laying position face up and 2 beers to his side. There were marks in the areas that were not clothed that appears to us as being sunburn marks. An autopsy was done and it revealed that he died from multiple organ failure due to the superficial first degree burns that he had."

The Controversial Shooting Of A Chunox Resident
For the past 2 months, the Corozal police have been forced to take on very complex homicide cases. There have been 2 double murders that have occured, and tonight, they must looking into a controversial shooting in which one of their own officers fatally injured a civilian. The police version is that at around 4:50 p.m., Corozal police officers were responding to a disturbance at the home of 44 year-old Richard Allen Garcia. The cops say that he came after a police officer with a machete in hand. He was reportedly advancing on the officer in a threatening manner. That officer reportedly fired warning shots to discourage Garcia's advance, but he allegedly kept going at the officer. The officer said that he believed he had no choice but to shoot him. The officer opened fire, and injured him to the chin, neck and to the right collar bone, gunshot wounds which killed him on the spot.

Cops Investigating the Double Murder of Zeidy/Baltazar
And while we had the chance, we asked the Corozal Commanding Officer about the double murder of Zeidy Orozco and Baltazar Lopez. As we showed you last week, the grief of these two families from Corozal are fresh, and they are asking for answers. Here's how Senior Superintendent Dennis Arnold answered our questions on that case: Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal: "At present we are still investigating, but the information aren't forthcoming." Reporter: "So, there is absolutely no leads as to how they ended up here and the vehicle ended up somewhere else?"

Octogenarian Stabbed In OW
And, from Corozal, we take you now to Orange Walk Town, where there was an apparent random stabbing of an 84 year-old man. He's a business man, and on Saturday, he was attacked by a young man. According police investigation, the assault was unprovoked, and tonight, the octogenarian is in a critical condition at the KHMH. This afternoon, the Commanding Officer of the Orange Walk Police Station gave the press a briefing on the case: Supt. Selvin Tillet - OC Orange Walk Police: "Police visited Mr. Pablo Reyes, a 40 years old business man Progress St, Orange Walk Town. Where on arrival they observe a drop of blood on the entrance of the said establishment, as well as a kitchen knife which had an 8 inch blade."

FFB Election Fight: Sergio Chuc Can't Run; Denies Bribery Allegations
For weeks, we've been telling you all about the fights within in the executive of the Football Federation of Belize, which remains scandalized even after the Bertie Chimilio Administration. The latest disturbances are two well-known candidates, Sergio Chuc and Cruz Gamez, who have been barred from running in the upcoming elections for a new FFB Executive. Last year, Chuc, Gamez, and acting President, Marlon Kuylen, made a move against the then president Ruperto Vicente, just weeks before the May Elections. That ended when Kuylen had to step in to run the Federation in the absence of a President Elect. The elections between Chuc and Vicente ended in a stalemate even after 22 rounds of voting, and effectively, the coup that these 3 orchestrated was somewhat successful in getting Vicente unseated from the presidency.

Soil Erosion Bedevils Monkey River
In April we told you about the City Council's Monkey River Tire initiative. Well, the last update we got is that the City Council just has to decide on a date to take the tires down South. But this certainly isn't the first attempt to try and alleviate the effects of the coastal erosion in that village. So far nothing has substantially helped the situation. So to try and find a long term solution for these Monkey River residents Courtney Weatherburne put together an investigative piece on what really is contributing to the erosion and what kind of investment and effort has to be made to save Monkey River. Here is that story.

Burglar Changes Plea; Gets 7 Years In Jail
Today a man was sentenced to 7 years for a burglary charge. 23 year old Jamal Warrior changed his plea from not guilty to guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith. The incident happened on January 29, 2017, Warrior burglarized Sharon Peters' Albert Street West house. Peters testified that she went to her house and saw that 2 louvres were missing from her kitchen window. She said she went to the back of the yard and saw the louvres at the side of the house. She also saw found 2 slippers near her fence. She then searched the area near her house the next day only to find her belongings tucked away in Bob Marley bag.

Convicted Rapist Appeals; Get's Free
Last March, Alberto Ical was sentenced to 25 years in prison for rape and robbery. According to the victim's report, she was on her way to the Belmopan bus terminal, when Ical held her up at gun point and ordered her to take her clothes off, threatening to shoot if she did not comply. The victim said she did as she was told, and that is when Ical raped her in the nearby drain. She then allegedly that he stole her ring and $250. Ical's sentence was to be served concurrently with sentences from two other rape convictions, however today Ical, represented by Anthony Sylvestre, had the initial decision overturned in the Court of Appeals. Sylvestre argued that during the trial, the alleged victim mentioned that she had seen photos of Ical at the police station, but when the defending attorney began to cross examine her about that point, the trial judge interjected and stopped him from continuing. The Appeals Judges were of the opinion that the cross examination should not have been stopped because it was crucial to Ical's defense.

Beyond The Horizon For St. Matthews Govt. School
Today the students and staff at St. Matthews Government School walked through their brand new 3 classroom building. The construction of this building is just one project in the US Army funded "Beyond the Horizon 2017" initiative. In fact last week the newly renovated Ladyville Medical Center was officially opened. Courtney Weatherburne has more from St. Matthews Government School. Lyle Banner - Standard 6 Teacher: "I have been teaching in the metal building for quite a bit of time and we suffered from getting wet by the rain. The windows weren't properly locked at evening when we left. It wasn't too secure"

A Belizean Wins Texas Safari
Canoeing enthusiasts out of the Cayo District are reporting tonight that Belizean Hener Cruz, a resident of Esperanza Village, has teamed up with an American to win the 2017 Texas Safari. It's a canoeing race held down the entire stretch of the water ways from San Marcos, Texas to the US City of Seadrift. That's an impressive 262 miles of paddling, which started back in 1963, and has now become an annual event. This year, Belizean Hener Cruz and American Kyle Mynar were the first, in the USCA C2 Class, to cross the finish line. Their total time was 39 hours and 29 minutes.

Channel 5

Richard Garcia Shot Dead by Police in Chunox; Residents Demand Justice
An internal and a criminal investigation is underway following the shooting death of Richard Garcia, a handyman in Chunox, Corozal, by police who went to the Garcia’s house to carry [...]

O.C. of Corozal Says Officers Felt Threatened
Corozal cops are in hot water after Garcia’s death, but they say it’s not that simple. Today, Senior Superintendent Dennis Arnold said police had previously responded to several incidents involving [...]

Police Want to Charge ‘Rioting’ Chunox Villagers
Before we go to break…in respect of the shooting death of Richard Garcia in Chunox, Senior Superintendent Arnold also told us today that Garcia had chances to leave the property [...]

Cotton Tree’s Omar Barahona Shot Dead 7 Times, But Who Was the Real Target?
Just days before his departure from his home village of Cotton Tree, a twenty-one year old popular resident was shot and killed. Omar Barahona Junior was at a family get-together [...]

Toledo Teachers’ Credit Union Robbed of More than 100 thousand dollars
A well-orchestrated robbery was executed with precision on Thursday at the Toledo Teachers Credit Union in the south. A pair of robbers made away with over a hundred thousand dollars [...]

Ex-F.F.B. Exec Sergio Chuc Challenges Disqualification from Election
There is further controversy leading up to the election for the executive of the Football Federation of Belize which takes place on June twenty-fourth. Former President Ruperto Vicente and Acting [...]

Sergio Chuc Says Supporters Will Not Show Up to ‘Rigged’ Election
The F.F.B. has since brought in CONCACAF to oversee the election process, but Chuc expects to throw a wrench in that process.  Now, seven associations with two votes each make [...]

Police Rule Out ‘Serial Killer’ Theory in Corozal Murders
Last week, in the immediate aftermath of the brutal double murder of Zeidy Orozco and Balthazar Lopez, questions were raised as to whether a serial killer may be at work [...]

Thais Cowo Charged for Harm; Says Justice Must Be Served
This afternoon in Orange Walk, twenty-five-year-old mother of three, Thais Cowo of San Pablo Village, was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court on a single charge of harm. She is accused [...]

Owner of Twins’ Supermarket Robbed at Home
On Saturday evening, police responded to a report of a robbery at Twins Supermarket on Saint Thomas Street in north side Belize City. Today, it was business as usual at [...]

Accused Serial Rapist Free of 2 Convictions
A serial rapist in Belmopan, accused of sexually assaulting a woman in March 2011, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison.  He was also serving a ten-year stretch for an [...]

84-Year-Old Fights for Life after Orange Walk Stabbing
In Orange Walk, on Saturday afternoon around twelve-thirty, eighty-four year old Pablo Zenon Reyes was standing in front of his establishment, a tortilla factory located on Progress Street. Suddenly, without [...]

O.W. Accident Victim Tells News Five He’s Lucky to be Alive
An Orange Walk man says he is lucky to be alive tonight following a traffic accident on the Yo Creek Road on Saturday afternoon. Thirty-six year old Einer Toloza of [...]

St. Matthew’s Government School Has New Building
Beyond the Horizon is implementing several projects across Belize valued at over ten million U.S. dollars. The projects include health facilities, as well as school buildings. One school to receive [...]

Haven House Seeks Funds Through 5K Walk Against Domestic Violence
Domestic violence against women has ended tragically in numerous cases across the country. But women continue to suffer in silence. Over the weekend, an initiative by a nonprofit organization that [...]

Lady Footballers in Charge of Sports Monday
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights from the weekend sporting activities….]

LOVE FM

Belize Sees 1st Microsoft Certification Testing Held
The Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship 2017 took place on Saturday at the Sai Info Tech office on Handyside Street in Belize City. It is a competition that takes place in dozens of countries around the world aimed at testing the mastery of various programs in Microsoft Office. According to the General Manager for Sai […]

Humphrey’s Last Hours Dismisses Suspicion of Foul Play
Last week Thursday, 35-year-old, Mervin Humphreys Junior was found dead on Haulover Creek Street in Belmopan City. His family was notified of his passing and his father, upon seeing the body, expressed suspicion of foul play. MERVIN HUMPHREYS SR “I was called to an area in Belmopan where I found my son lying on his […]

Two Time Convicted Rapist Acquitted of Third Rape Case
An appeal by Alberto Ical, who was convicted of rape and robbery and was sentenced to 25 years, was allowed today by the Belize Court of Appeal. Ical’s convictions were quashed, his sentences were set aside and he was acquitted. But he was not freed because he is serving sentences of 15 years and 10 […]

Honduran National Freed of Sexual Assault Charges
A man was freed of charges in the Southern session of the Supreme Court. Correspondent Harry Arzu reports. HARRY ARZU “58 year old Jesus Interiano, a Honduran national of Seine Bight village was found not guilty for sexual assault charges in the Southern Session of the Supreme Court here in Dangriga. Interiano was charged for […]

Police News: Burglary, Arson and Robbery
Twenty-three year old Jamal Warrior, charged with burglary, was sentenced to 7 years today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, after he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty during the trial. On January 29, 2017, Warrior burglarized the home of Sharon Peters, located on Albert Street West. Peters testified that she went […]

50-Year-Old School Building Needs New Roof
After being constructed almost fifty years ago, the structure that currently houses the classrooms for standard four, five and six as well as an office and a computer lab at St Luke’s Methodist Primary School, is in need of dire repairs. It has been about five years now since the faculty and students have been […]

Fundraising Via Fun Run for Battered Women
Dozens of battered women and children coming out of homes where domestic abuse is present have sought refuge in the Belize Haven House. It is a sanctuary aimed at keeping the women and children safe and one that requires funding to keep functional. This past Saturday saw a fun-run take place as part of a […]

PlusTV

Gas Tomza robbed of $3,600
Recently, quite a few businesses have been robbed. The latest one is Gas Tomza located at 1 1/2 Miles on the George Price Highway in Belize City. According to police reports, a Salvadoran, 24-year-old Irvin Carranza, reported to police that about 8:40 p.m., on Tuesday June 6, he was inside the estab...

Orange Walk cops bust one for Drug Trafficking
28-year-old Omar Rufino Ramirez, a resident of San Lazaro Village in Orange Walk District, is in police custody pending charges of Drug Trafficking. Customs Officers were the ones who discovered Ramirez with 461 grams of cannabis. Police were alerted and visited the Customs Office at Market Lane in...

Two Mahogany Heights residents charged for Drug Trafficking
Two Mahogany Heights residents were charged for drug trafficking. On Wednesday evening, police conducted a search at the residence of Ryan Edward Gentle located in Mahogany Heights Village, Belize District, where they discovered 523 grams of cannabis. Present at the time of the search were Ryan and ...

Man gunned down in Corozal
Late last night, another murder occurred, this time in Corozal. According to police report, just after 11:00 p.m., 21-year-old Brandon Lee Tesecum of Orange Walk Town was gunned at the Corner of San Antonio and San Andres Road in Corozal District. Tescum received several gunshot wounds to the head...

Missing Corozal Couple found dead
Six days after they were reported missing, the bodies of 32 year-old Zeidy Orozco and 41 year-old Baltazar Lopez were discovered near a garbage dump off a feeder road to the Consejo Area. We are yet to receive details as to the conditions of those bodies, but as we have reported, the couple from Co...

Carlos Perdomo testifies at Senate Inquiry
This morning the Senate Inquiry proceeding got underway and testifying before the committee was former Minister Carlos Perdomo. When the United Democratic Party came into power in 2008, Carlos Perdomo was the Minister of Home Affairs, Defence and Immigration. Today, Perdomo came across as unaware o...

Burned body still not verified as Pamela Lino’s
There have been a number of unsolved cases in which police seem to have no more leads to follow. As we told you at the top of our newscast, there has been a second kidnapping and murder of a couple in Corozal. It is the second such case in 5 weeks. Both of those cases, at this moment, are unsolved c...

Breaking Belize News

San Pedro Mayor and Tourism Minister square off over island’s municipal dock
Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, both of the United Democratic Party (UDP), are at odds due to differing opinions over a matter concerning San Pedro Belize Express’ free use of the island’s municipal dock, according to a report from the San Pedro Sun.San Pedro Belize Express began using the municipal dock in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl in August 2016 and has not paid any fees to the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) as instructed by Minister Heredia, according to Guerrero. The Town Council claims it is losing thousands of dollars a month due to Heredia’s interference and advising the company to refrain from making payments.

Businessman robbed in Belize City
Quan Pan Chan, a 42-year-old businessman of St. Thomas Street, Belize City reported to police that around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, he was on the second floor of the building adjacent to his home and he was approached by a man. The man pulled […]

San Pedro police find gun and ammo
On Saturday, June 10, 2017 around 11:30 a.m., San Pedro Police found a grey T-shirt containing a .38 revolver with black electrical tape around the handle and three .380 live rounds in its cylinder in an open lot on Mangrove Drive in Boca del […]

Motorcycle stolen in Seine Bight
On Saturday, around 9:18 a.m. George Rowland, 30, of Seine Bight village, Stann Creek, visited the Placencia Police Station and reported that between June 9th at 10:00 p.m. and June 10th at 6:00 a.m. someone stole his black 2014 Honda motorcycle which was parked […]

House intentionally set on fire in Pomona
Errol Acosta, 26, of Deloro site area, Pomona Village, Stann Creek reported that on Saturday at about 2:00 a.m. while at home along with his common-law-wife Marcelina Perez and his two children, he heard footsteps on his verandah. Acosta told police that he then […]

Mental patient stabs elderly man in Orange Walk
According to police reports, on Saturday around 12:15 p.m., police received information of a stabbing incident at Reyes Tortilla place situated on Progress Street, Orange Walk town. Police visited the area where cops saw blood stains on the ground and a kitchen knife with […]

Tourism Minister wants to strengthen ties with Barbados
Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr. has expressed pubic interest in partnering with the government of Barbados to strengthen the tourism product in both countries. Heredia told the online publication Barbados Today, that he believes both countries have several areas of opportunity for collaboration. […]

Police report on Chunox resident killed by cops
On Friday evening around 5:20, acting on information received of a shooting incident in Chunox Village, Corozal District, police visited the village where the body of Richard Allen Garcia, 44, was seen lying on the ground with a machete in his hand. Police investigations […]

Blogs

Love is in the Air: Hermit Crabs, Butterflies, Conch, Manatees, Oh My
Spring and summer are in the air and love is all around. And while Belizeans often call rainy days and cold fronts “baby making weather”, the animal world likes a little warmth. Or something… Best not to speculate. But here are some interesting animals behaviors during this season. Many you can see, but let’s start with one we can’t.

Shipstern Nature & Wildlife Reserve - Everything You Need to Know
Currently officially known as the Shipstern Conservation and Management Area, Shipstern is a large area of land of 21,500 acres (8,700 ha) in Belize’s northern Corozal District. Although not contiguous in design, Shipstern is centered on the Shipstern Lagoon, one of the largest inland lagoons in the country. The conservation area is designed to protect rare forest trees, including seasonal and dry coastal tropical varieties. The entrance to Shipstern is 3.5 miles (6 km) from the village of Sarteneja in Corozal District. From the village of Sartaneja, it’s possible to walk to the reserve. There is also a daily bus that leaves Belize City to Sartenaja, with a stop at Orange Walk Town.

Gales Point Village in the Belize District
Originally an outpost for hardwood loggers during the colonial era, today the village is home to fishermen who make their living from the nearby lagoons that are home to an astonishingly vibrant ecosystem. Many villagers are focused on protecting the lagoons and their playful inhabitants, the Indian or Caribbean manatee as well as the sandy beaches where the large sea turtles lay their eggs. Gales Point is in Belize District just a short drive from Belize City. The village itself is located on a long, narrow peninsula that extends two miles into the Southern Lagoon.

Family Travel Advice For Visiting Belize With Kids
If you’re considering a family vacation to Belize, hear me out, you’ve come to the right place. I have a niece and nephew and the first thing I realized when traveling with kids is that picking the right destination is key. You need to take them somewhere that has the wow factor (somewhere that will keep them entertained and keep you sane). Of course, a major part of making a family trip a success is making sure that the adults also have a great time, and Belize has plenty to keep kids and parents happy (and in my case, the uncle, happy). I will list the best family-friendly tours and activities, the best time to visit, health and safety concerns, and some of the best resorts that cater to children.

International Sources

A new species of Cinnamomum (Lauraceae) from the Bladen Nature Reserve, southern Belize
Cinnamomum bladenense is a new tree species discovered in the pristine Bladen Nature Reserve! Congratulations to Gail Stott, Steven W. Brewer and Ya'axché Conservation Trust rangers on the discovery. Our passionate parabiologist rangers helped make this amazing find while demarcating vegetation plots and tagging trees for long term biodiversity monitoring in the 100,000-acre protected area.

Panola College nursing travels to remote jungles in Belize
Reyna Avila recently completed a course at Panola College in Transcultural Nursing in the remote jungles of Belize with her instructor, Dr. Barbara Cordell, RN and Dean of Nursing at Panola College. The course is connected to a group called Project Belize that consists of doctors and nurses who have been traveling to serve Belize’s poorest residents for thirty years. This year, forty-four people went to the Toledo District to hike to villages that have no doctor or nurse. “We are often the only medical personnel these people have seen since we were here the year before”, says Cordell. Avila and others provided nursing assessments and treatments to over 1500 patients in a four-day period. Often antibiotics were given, sometimes pain medicines, rarely a minor surgery was performed, but everyone got vitamins, a toothbrush, and education concerning health issues. “The trip to Belize was amazing! I wish every student nurse could experience the wonderful people we saw at the clinics,” said Avila.

Different kind of goal
Kids helping kids. It's something that makes this world a better place. A whole bunch of south suburban girls soccer players plan to do their part later this month. Lincoln-Way Central, East and West, Tinley Park, Sandburg and Andrew all will have representatives on what is being called a "Lovin' On Kids" mission to Comayagua, Honduras from June 27 to July 2. One of the leaders of the group is Matt Young, the director and coach of the Ignite Soccer Club. Last year, a group of 15 players, coaches and parents traveled to Belize. They met and shared soccer skills with the local children. While they were there, they also undertook and financed a project to rebuild a roof and install a stove ventilation system in the home of an elderly woman in need. This year, the group has doubled in size.

Exercise Tradewinds starts today
THE start of a five-day multi-national maritime security and disaster response exercise is scheduled to start today in Chaguaramas and will continue until June 17. Code named Exercise Tradewinds, it is a United States military-led exercise within the Caribbean region which started in the mid-80s. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon is assuring the public that there would be no restriction to their movements as most of the exercise would be carried out in the north-western part of the country, specifically Chaguaramas. “You will see a number of troops from outside of TT and they would be wearing uniforms and carrying arms and that is done under our Visiting Forces Act. Involved are 20 partnering nations including Bermuda, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts/ Nevis, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Surinam and Guyana.

Caribbean Tourism Organization helps strengthen competitiveness of tourism companies
As part of an on-going partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its Hospitality Assured (HA) certification program, the European Union under its Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) program last month hosted an HA Business Advisor Training Workshop at the Curacao Chamber of Commerce in Punda, Williemstaad, Curacao. Participants came from the Curacao Tourist Board, the Curacao Innovation & Technology Institute; and Creating Milestones, a management solutions company.

Fixing Central America is the focus of high-level Miami summit
Regional presidents, U.S. Cabinet members, the vice president and top Mexican officials will meet in Miami this week to take on some of the most vexing problems plaguing El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, the battered countries of Central America’s Northern Triangle. Drug trafficking, gang violence and other criminality have taken their toll, resulting in 50,000 murders over the past three years in the Northern Triangle, and that insecurity — combined with widespread corruption and lack of economic opportunities and development — has contributed to a massive outflow of the countries’ residents. Most of them have ended up in the United States. The Conference on Prosperity and Security, set for Thursday and Friday, is being convened by both the United States and Mexico, a country crisscrossed by drug trafficking, organized crime and people smuggling routes.

Videos

June 12, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Dead Or Alive?
“Mr. Dennis, I got to have some more nails and another caulking gun,” Mario said. “O.K. Go back to the bodega and see if there’s anything else we need to pick up while we’re at the hardware store.” I hated to move off of my comfortable front porch but there was no way to avoid a trip. Mario may not be the most reliable helper I’ve ever hired but when he does work he’s the best around. I try to keep him happy. At the store Mario greeted everyone as we walked around doing our shopping. We turned the corner of an aisle and someone called, “Hey, Mario!”

Letter to the editor: Another Great week for San Pedro
Washington University of Health and Science greatly appreciates all the time and effort placed by the San Pedro Town Council with the ongoing improvements to the streets of our beautiful island of Ambergris Caye (La Isla Bonita). San Pedro road crews have been hard to work transporting fill to low lying areas while preparing the roadways for resurfacing. The road resurfacing project ensures quality improvement not only for the town, but for all the local businesses and the families in the community as they navigate through their busy day throughout town. WUHS students have already commented and complimented on how much smoother their commute to and from campus has already improved.

Doctor Love: G.H.
Dear Doctor Love, I’m almost eighteen years old and I’ve been with my boyfriend for six months. I am very involved in my church and my community and I have a lot of friends. I also have an evening job and a younger sister who I help look after. My boyfriend is still in school but he’s never even had a part time job and doesn’t have many friends. He gets very upset when I can’t see him when he wants. If I go out with friends he won’t come along, then he sulks and doesn’t speak to me for a long time. He refuses to have my little sister around us and thinks my mom should get someone to look after her so we can be alone. I save money and he has none and he resents my job. He texts me all the time and expects me to answer immediately, even if I am working. Right now we spend one weekend day only with each other, but when he is out of school he wants to move in together. I’m afraid he will try to control my time even more and if he doesn’t have a job, I will have the responsibility of all of the bills. I love him but I don’t know if I can be his only interest. /s/ G.H.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paulita Bedran Scholarship Winner
Our club, along with international donors and sponsors, support a scholarship program for students starting high school. The Raphael Cal Memorial scholarship supports them through four years of studies and our Scholarship Committee members are their mentors. We had seven students to celebrate last night and they are all graduating next weekend. Five students are at Sacred Heart College and two students are at St. Ignatius High School. The gift of two more years of school is given from by the Paulita Bedran Memorial Scholarship and is awarded to the graduating student with the highest grade point average over the four years. That award went to Alberto Barrera. He will be studying at Sacred Heart Junior College in the field of business. The students read thank you letters to their sponsors and were very thankful for the support of their families and Rotary."

Ladyville Health Clinic before and after! March-June 2017
Thank you, Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize and the Government and people of #Belize. Healthy citizens=stronger country.

The Reporter

One dead, one injured in Cotton Tree shooting
Police are investigating a shooting incident which left one man, Omar Barahona, dead and another, Alexander Brook, injured. Police say that both men were socializing in Cotton Tree village, Cayo on Saturday night, when a gunman approached them and opened fire. The gunman, described as slim built with dreadlocks, shot Barahona multiple times, though police did not disclose to what portions of the body. Brook got shot to the right calf.

Olympic day run held
Runners of all ages gathered in Belize City in front of Brodies on Regent Street today, for the annual Olympic Day Run, hosted by the Belize Olympic Association (BOA). The event, sponsored by the the International Olympic Committee, drew 250 participants, along with their families and friends, supporting the initiative. The event had four divisions that participants could run in: Infants, aged nine and under; Juniors, ages 10-17; Masters, 18 and older; and the Open – for all ages. Participants ran up Regent Street, turned on to Albert Street, went down to the Yaborough (Yabra) Cemetery and headed back towards Regent Street.

Breaking Belize News

Cotton Tree resident murdered
Last night, Belmopan police visited the Western Regional Hospital after receiving information of people injured by gunshot wounds. Police observed a Hispanic man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by the medical officer. He was identified as Omar Barahona, 21, of Cotton […]

$5000 worth of items stolen from storeroom
According to police reports, on Friday June 9, Ruben Rodriguez, 49, reported that between 10:00 p.m. Tuesday and 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, his storeroom was burglarized. Electronic items and tools were stolen to a total value of $5000. Police investigations continue. […]

Dangriga police find weed
Dangriga police conducted anti-drug operations on Friday. Around 8:00 a.m., cops searched the residence of Aaron Nolberto, 42, of Rivas estate. At the time of the search, Keadisha Francisco, 27, was present. Police found two plastic bags containing 1,440.1 grams of cannabis. Police have since […]

84 year old man stabbed 3 times
An elderly man was stabbed three times yesterday in Orange Walk.Police reports revealed that around midday Pablo Zenon Reyes, 84, a Belizean business man of Progress Street, was standing infront of his establishment when Nigel Guerra stabbed him once to his left forearm and twice […]

Belize participates in Olympic Day run
This morning, members of the Belize Olympic Association gathered in front of Brodies on Regent Street, Belize city, for the annual Olympic Day Run. The event gathered around 250 participants from various disciplines including volley ball, soft ball and athletics, for a non competitive […]

Police issue official report on ugly Orange Walk accident
Yesterday police visited Yo Creek Road about a mile from Orange Walk Town where cops saw a grey Chevrolet four door car with extensive damage on the side of the road. Investigations revealed that Iner Toloza, 36, a Belizean mechanic of Rio Bravo Street […]

Over $100 thousand stolen from Toledo Teachers Credit Union
On Friday morning around 8:45, police received information of a burglary at the Toledo Teachers Credit Union situated in the Bella Vista Village, Toledo District. Police visited the scene where cops saw a wooden door with its metal shutter and steel burglar bars damaged. Further […]

Missing Belize City girl found
Yesterday BBN reported of a 13-year-old student from Belize City who was reported missing. According to reports from police, Shania Martinez was found at a relative’s residence in Belize City. Martinez was found safe. Police investigation continues. © 2017, BreakingBelizeNews.com. This article is the […]

Unitedville teen missing
The family of 13 year old Sasha Turcios/ Reimer is worried.She also goes by the name Sasha Arevalo. Reimer resides in Unitedville Village, Cayo. According to reports, Reimer left home yesterday while her parents were working. They believe she may be in the company of […]

Blogs

THE OFFICE BAR & GRILL SAN PEDRO, BELIZE
When you tell a friend your favorite place to go is “The Office”, you typically get some awkward stares. Yes, I live on an island in Belize and my favorite place to go is “The Office”. Tucked away on the lagoon side, just a block or so behind the airport is a quaint little bar and restaurant on the edge of the water. A great place to catch the game, with drink specials every night. You can relax, meet some awesome people, listen to music, watch fishing boats leave for the day and catch some awesome sunsets. However, the best of all is the unbelievable food and coldest beer I have found on the island. Obviously, you will find bar food that goes great with a cold beer, but you can also get some unique items you wouldn’t expect at a local bar and grill.

International Sources

Fairtrade Farmers Spur Big Change in Child Labor
In the small Central American country of Belize, sugar is a top export crop. More than 5,300 farming families in Northern Belize rely on income from sugar for their livelihoods. It’s a volatile commodity crop that often leaves impoverished families with few options but to enlist the help of the entire family in its production. A 2015 report by the United States Department of Labor found that Belize had made minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Though the country had signed ILO conventions on child labor, important gaps in the country’s legal framework remained. Even before the release of that report, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association (BSCFA) with the help of FLOCERT had recognized the seriousness of child labor in the sugar sector and took action. With the support of Fairtrade International and the Latin American producer network (CLAC), BSCFA led and funded an ambitious program to safely identify and withdraw children who were already engaged in unacceptable work and prevent child labor in Belize’s sugar cane industry. BSCFA has been running Fairtrade International’s Youth-Inclusive Community Based Monitoring and Remediation System (YICBMR) for Child Labor since early 2015.

Belize wants closer ties with Bridgetown
Minister of Tourism and Culture in Belize Manuel Heredia is eager to form closer ties with Barbados in the area of marketing and airlift. The long-serving politician told Barbados TODAY that Bridgetown remains a close friend of Belmopan, and he believes there are “many good things” that can be done between to two nations when it comes to tourism. “One, is the airlift, which I believe can be done either directly or probably through Cuba, Barbados, Belize. Also there is a possibility of marketing together. There are many things we have in Belize for example on the archeological side that you don’t have in Barbados, but there are also things that Barbados has that Belize doesn’t have. And as Caribbean sisters I believe that we should open doors for making sure we can do things together,” said Heredia.

Caribbean health facilities to be made disaster resistant
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said it has selected 16 hospitals and health centers in seven Caribbean countries to make them safer, greener and more resilient to natural disasters. PAHO said on Wednesday that the initiative will be undertaken within the framework of the Smart Health Care Facilities Project, backed by UKaid, the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The project is implemented through PAHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Department, in partnership with the Ministry of Health in each target country.

Videos

June 11, 2017

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SPTC seeks to enforce sandwich board regulation
In an effort to make room for more parking spaces and reduce congested streets around town, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is enforcing its sandwich boards regulation. Already in effect, the implementation will see the immediate removal of such boards that impede the free flow of pedestrians and are becoming an issue for drivers. The SPTC is kindly asking business owners to cooperate with the norm and to begin removing their sandwich boards before they are picked up by SPTC personnel. “No sandwich boards will be allowed on the beach. We expect business owners to abide by this rule and remove the boards.” Guerrero indicated that the only areas where these boards can be used are at docks or other areas that do not interfere with the free flow of persons.

Heredia confirms that San Pedro Belize Express is using municipal dock for free
For months, the water taxi company, San Pedro Belize Express has been using the island’s municipal dock without paying any fees to the municipality. As a result, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is unable to collect any fees from them, claiming a monthly loss of thousands of dollars due to the apparent interference of Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr. SPTC alleges that Heredia advised the water taxi company to refrain from making any payments.

Misc Belizean Sources

Sponsor a mile marker sign in San Pedro
There is still an opportunity to sponsor a mile marker sign for $500 Bzd. You may choose your own artwork. We still have Mile Marker 5 on the road or Mile Marker 3 - on the beachside - available, If you are interested please contact the EC ASAP by Email or let us know at the South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch General Meeting Wednesday, June 14th at 7:00pm at Lone Star.

Saving Belize
By Abdulmajeed K Nunez. Only a coalition can save Belize The Business, Spanish churches and unions Please Don't waiting until the country falls flat on it knees It's not about people with degrees It' those who will put the people before thier own needs Who will put in the check and balance to protect themselves from becoming thieves

Congratulations to the Class of 2017 of Caye Caulker Ocean Academy!!
Valedictorian is Anabelle Requena, Salutatorian is Milvia Reyes and Matthew Sandoval took third place in their graduating class!! Best wishes to all Graduates and Parents/Guardians!

The U.S. Embassy has two job openings: Administrative Management Assistant (INL) and Plumber
The U.S. Mission in Belize provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

Celebrating Belize's fishermen from Sarteneja Village
. If you are in the area visit our booth at the Fisherfolk fair!

Placencia Lobsterfest Entertainment Schedule

The Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust hands over school furniture and equipment to 12 schools in the Corozal District
On June 6th & 7th, personnel of the Belize Natural Energy Charitable Trust participated in ceremonies to hand over school furniture and equipment to twelve schools in the Corozal District. The items included 750 armchairs; 11 projectors and whiteboards; 1 risograph; 11 laptop computers; 6 copier/printers; 11 desktop computers; 5 filing cabinets; 11 infant tables; 59 infant chairs; 23 padded teacher chairs and 12 computer chairs. The value of these items totalled $107,000.00. Similar ceremonies will be held next week Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday to hand over school furniture and equipment to ten schools in the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts.

Fisherfolk Month
June is being celebrated as Fisherfolk Month in Belize. A fair is ongoing in Sarteneja Village with booth displays, performances and competitions to highlight the importance of fisheries to Belize, as well as celebrating fisherfolk. Related agencies and conservation groups displayed the services they offer to the fisheries industry which contributes about three percent to the G.D.P. Participating organizations include WCS, Blue Ventures Belize, OW ITVET and Belize Audubon Society.

International Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament
Grand Caribe Belize is hosting its first ever International Deep Sea Classic Fishing Tournament. This three day fishing extravaganza promises to be a fun filled, exciting experience for the entire family. Register now for July 7th, 8th & 9th, 2017. $44,000 Belize dollars in prizes!

The Mojo and the Sayso
The Wildfire Artmosphere will be having a play on Fridays and Saturdays from June 16th through July 1st. You can get your free ticket at Back to my Roots. "Full length play by Aishah Rahman. Intermission and treats. A junkyard is a funny place.... bring a friend you will be glad you came! 6 Performances on Fridays and Saturdays. June 16-July 1 Door opens at 6:45p. Showtime at 7:15. Limited Seating! so pick up your free ticket from Back To My Roots or rsvp here on fbk."

Haven House 5k Walk/Run in Belize City
On Saturday, bright and early in the morning, we participated in the 5k walk/run to raise awareness and funds to combat domestic violence. Thank you to all who came out to support this important cause! Haven House Belize Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims

Ribbon cutting at Ladyville Health Clinic
Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize, in coordination with U.S. Army South, held the first ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the Beyond the Horizon: 2017-Belize (BTH) collaborative humanitarian exercise. The ceremony, during which the U.S. Government officially handed over the keys to the Ladyville Health Clinic’s new building to the Ministry of Health Belize, took place at the Ladyville Health Clinic. The ceremony featured the following speakers: Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy Ms. Adrienne Galanek, BTH Task Force Commander COL John Simma, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health Dr. Ramon Figueroa, Regional Health Manager of the Ministry of Health Dr. Javier Zuniga, Nursing Supervisor of the Ministry of Health Ms. Sharon Espinoza, and President of the Belize District Association of the Village Councils Mr. Glenroy Fermin. Students from the Ladyville Evangelical School also attended the ceremony and performed a song entitled, “In the Eye of the Storm.”

This Day In History: 1789 June 10th
Colonel Marcos Despard, His Majesty's Superintendent (1787 - June 1790), adopted a system of Legislative and Jurisprudence, founded upon the English Constitution. The Constitution of the Settlement now lost its unique character, and assumed an anomalous one. The oligarchical element was preserved by the retention of legislation by the public meeting, and the annual election of Magistrates, who continued to control the finances, and to administer justice; but the monarchical principle was distinctly introduced. In consequence of this change the Superintendent by no means found his new Government a sinecure; for dissensions were rife, and he was soon embroiled with high-spirited Baymen.

The Reporter

Sai Info Tech hosts first ever Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship
Ten high school students tested their command of Microsoft Power Point in the first ever Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship, which was hosted by SAI Info-Tech. The students took an online examination, completing instructions in Power Point while they competed for prizes and a certification in the program. The winner will also represent Belize in the International competition,to be held in California in July. Kiran Vanjani, director at SAI Info-Tech, explained that the competition has been ongoing for years; however Belize has never participated, because there were no centers where Belizeans could get certified in Microsoft Programs.

Health authorities monitor for increases in gastroenteritis
With the onset of the rainy season, the Ministry of Health is keeping a closer look out for spikes in incidents of gastroenteritis, according to Chief Executive Officer in that ministry, Ramon Figueroa. Figueroa explained that due to issues like sanitation and water contamination, the onset of the rainy season is usually accompanied by high incidents of people being admitted to the hospital with sever vomiting and diarrhea. “These things are cyclical, what we’re checking to make sure is that there isn’t a spike that goes above the normal range,” He added. He went on to say that the Ministry, through the Public Health Department, conducts site inspections at the various food outlets and streetside stalls to ensure compliance of health standards to maintain their permits; however, keeping the public safe is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry.

Breaking Belize News

Ugly RTA in Orange Walk
Details are at this time sketchy but our newsroom has learnt of a Road Traffic Accident on the Yo Creek Road in Orange Walk.

Belize City girl missing
A 13-year-old student is missing and Belize City police need the public’s help to locate her. Shania Martinez left her home in West Landivar around 7:30 on Friday morning on her way to school. She has not returned home since.

Corozal police kill Chunox resident
According to reports, last night a man was murdered in Corozal. The man was reportedly shot by police in Chunox Village, Corozal.

CJ lifts injunction, Belize Bank to claim $50 million award
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has lifted the injunction, which once barred Michael Ashcroft’s Belize Bank from seeking to enforce a US $50 million arbitration award against the Government of Belize. Justice Michelle Arana had granted the injunction in February, and the CJ extended it in March, while he decided whether to lift the injunction or make it permanent. The injunction proceedings were controversial, because the issue arose of Ashcroft’s companies being able to attach Belize’s assets in other countries, in an effort to meet the award payment.

“Can’t pay; won’t pay,” says Fin Sec
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight says that the Government of Belize is neither willing nor able to pay Michael Ashcroft’s claim for cost of court, which amounts to almost $200 million. Waight explained that he feels the costs are “completely” outrageous, and that the government has not been given any breakdown as to how the expenses are so high.

Blogs

New Chinese Restaurant Opens in San Pedro with Good, Familiar Food; Not Just Fry Chicken
We do not have a Panda Express in Belize. But we DO have a new restaurant in San Pedro – serving food very similar to what you have eaten at your local galleria. It is NOT a Panda Express. But man…for Belize? It is pleasingly close. The new restaurant is located on Middle Street in San Pedro – on the same block as the Greenhouse – and is called PANDA’S EXPRESS. Clearly very different. So let’s talk about our new restaurant in town and how it HIT HOME for my craving for take-out Chinese-American style food. You will notice that the logo says Panda APOSTROPHE “s” AND there are two pandas in the picture, not one. They have a menu with food you can order to be made – and then there is a buffet with about 6 dishes AND fried rice or noodles.

June in Belize: Habañero Patch, Lobster Mania and New Frequent Flyer Codes
June really is a great time to plan a vacation if you want to catch some really good parties – see below for new frequent flyer codes. It happens to be the opening of legal lobster season in Belize and several districts celebrate with delicious food festivals to highlight and honor the change of seafood season from closed to open. As a way of protecting the environment Belize fisheries has created seasons to allow for our ocean environment to replenish itself naturally. To learn more read Seafood Guide for Fishing in Belize – information regarding seasons, bans, size limits, invasive species and more.

International Sources

This Ancient Maya Pyramid Was Destroyed To Build a Road
If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, then the road to progress is paved with…the destruction of ancient civilizations? In May of 2013, archeologists in Belize were horrified to discover that a construction crew had gutted a major Maya archeological site in order to use the pyramid’s stone for roadwork. While authorities were aware that a small amount of looting had taken place, they did not realize the extent of the destruction until it was too late. The largest pyramid on the site of Nohmul (also known as Noh Mul), the most important Maya site in Belize, had been reduced to just a core of rubble.

US to Help Fight Violence in Central America
U.S. troops announced that they will be helping Central America governments fight violence. During a joint training session this week in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, U.S. Marines announced that they hope to aid violence-ravaged countries in Central Americas to combat high homicide rates. These collaborative exercises have been carried out by the U.S. military over the past three years in countries that have problems with gangs and cocaine traffickers from South America to the United States. Because of its homicide rates, the Northern Triangle is considered to be the most violent region (not at war) in the world. The violence is mostly attributed to gangs who seek to profit from crimes such as narco-trafficking, hijacking, kidnapping, and extortion.

Videos