January 9, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Red Cross Branch elects new board member
Martin Dawson was elected as the new chairperson of the San Pedro chapter of the Belize Red Cross (SPBRC) on Sunday, January 7th. The San Pedro BRC held elections during a dinner meeting held at El Patio Restaurant. Present at the meeting were members of the local chapter, invited guests and the director general of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman. The activity started around 7PM with dinner being served while Philip Ramsey, the organization’s Youth Representative welcomed everyone. Bowman then also shared some words with the attendees. “I am confident that the San Pedro branch can become the leading Red Cross group in the country,” said Bowmen. “It is wonderful to see the work that continues to be done on the island and for that, I congratulate you all.” Following the dinner, the group held the election of the new board.

Ambergris Today

Ambergris Caye is packed with tourists!!
Look at the departure checkin line at Tropic Air Belize on Sunday. It runs outside the building and almost around the corner. As much that are leaving, more are coming in. The streets and beaches are busy!!

Letter to the Editor: Crime And Poverty Is Good For Government
Belize City. The New Year has begun the same way the old one ended – more murders, more misery, more depressing media reports. And, even more depressing, there is news of yet more corruption within the machinery of Government. At this stage now I think Belizeans should stop wishing for a Happy New Year because right now it certainly doesn't seem like it's going to be happy, not at all, especially for our youth! Why? Our youth cannot rely on Government – the latest news about the PUC and media reports about questionable contract awarding practices only go to demonstrate that the machinery of Government is incapable of acting with integrity and honesty. In retrospect, high crime and corruption is good for Government – it allows politicians to make election promises to deal with both, and then do nothing, so that the hope of better government is always just an election away.

Misc Belizean Sources

Branch Mouth pedestrian cable bridge
A new pedestrian cable bridge, was designed to replace the old pedestrian crossing at Branch Mouth in the Cayo District. This is north of San Ignacio, it crosses the Bullet Tree branch, where the Macal River is joined by the Mopan River, to become the Belize River. The Mopan River starts way in Guatamala, crossing into Belize at Arenal, then briefly loops back into Guatamala at Melchor, then back into Belize, through Bullet Tree. The new bridge has a greater loading capacity and has been elevated to accommodate a higher flood level. The road from Bullet Tree, through Santa Familia Village, Billy White, then on to Spanish Lookout, is divided from San Ignacio by the Mopan River. This bridge allows pedestrians and motorbikes to cross to San Ignacio, to the bend of Joseph Andrew Drive, near that restaurant, crossing the new road bridge over the Macal River.

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch January 2018 General Meeting Notice
Wednesday JANUARY 10 @ 7:00pm LONE STAR GRILL AND CANTINA Agenda: (subject to change) 7:10 Treasurer’s Report 7:20 Introduction of a Patrol Officer 7:30 Incident Report 7:40 Neighborhood Updates 7:50 New Business 8:00 Open floor HAPPY NEW YEAR!! PLEASE ATTEND AND BRING A NEIGHBOR!

Upcoming job training in Belize City!
Come in and take the required pre-test to register for a free three week training programme that certifies you for employment in the areas of Waitstaff or Janitorial services. NB: The training runs through January 15th-February 2nd and not January 26th as indicated on the flyer

Sustainable Tourism Program training in PG
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation with Beltraide through the Sustainable Tourism Program II are offering training in the Punta Gorda area.

Corozal - Belize Transit System introduces their new bus line for Police Officers ONLY
This service will be leaving from Corozal to Orange Walk and Belize City. First departure to begin January 15th, 2018. Note: We have asked BTS to confirm departure location in Corozal and price but have not received a response yet. As soon as we do, we will pass it on!

2018 National Domino Tournament
The Belikin Stout 2018 National Domino Tournament is happening over the next month. The Cayo playoffs will be at CK Sports Bar on the 27th, and the finals will also be held there on Saturday, February 10th.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Jan. 1st - Jan. 7th, 2018
Aaron Adams joined us for a few days to do some Bonefish tagging with Addiel Perez. The findings will help encourage Coastal Zone Management to add more protection to some additional spaces where the Bonefish are spawning. All of our in-house anglers enjoyed the week of Bonefishing and the education they received talking to Aaron about the fishery. Check out our website for the "Best Practices for Catch and Release Fishing" then come and join us for some fishing fun.

Channel 7

Bullet Craig Accused of Sexual Assault Of Male Minor
Well known taxi-man and activist Roy "Bullet" Craig has been charged for sexual assault of a 16 year old boy. On Thursday night 76 year old Craig allegedly picked up the boy on Caesar Ridge Road and took him to Honey's Hotel on Dolphin Drive. Someone in the area called the police when they saw Craig and the boy getting a room. One of the hotel attendants took the police to Craig's room where they found him naked with the minor. Today police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City: "Police responded to an information at Honey's Hotel located at Dolphin Drive Belize City upon their arrival there at room number 30 they observed a male person and a minor completely nude as a result the minor was escorted to the station and the male person was detained. So far the investigation, one person was charged on Saturday morning, that person is Mr. Roy Craig and he charged for the offense was charged with the offense of sexual assault upon a minor."

Pregnant Mother Of Two Loses Life After Accident
Accident victim Shakira Villanueva didn't survive the Guinea Grass Village knockdown. She died this morning after 11:00. She had been on life support and she wasn't responding at all. The incident happened on Wednesday night. A 16 year old boy knocked her down as she was crossing the road at the entrance of the village. What is even more tragic is that she was pregnant. She leaves behind two sons. The driver has not been charged yet.

Cabbie Killed When Vehicle Flips
A 52 year old taxi driver was killed this weekend in the Corozal District. Erberto Tzul from San Joaquin Village - was driving alone from Patchakan towards Xaibe when he lost control of his Toyota Camry which flipped and hit a culvert. Tzul was trapped inside the vehicle - which first responders had to flip back unto its four wheels. He was taken to the Corozal Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The road is recently paved, and has many curves.

54 Year Old Man Critical, Collateral Damage in Gang War
Two men were shot on Iguana Street on Saturday evening. 56 year old Steve Finley and 30 year old Tyrone "Beans" Barcelona were both injured when someone drove up and opened fire. Police told us that this shooting was gang related. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City: "Police responded to two persons being injured and as a result they proceeded to the KHMH where they observed Mr. Steve Finely with several apparent gunshots wounds to the body and another person Tyrone Barcelona with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper shoulder. Mr. Barcelona was admitted and later discharged from the KHMH and Mr. Finely is listed in a critical condition at the moment."

Inner-City Fire Leaves Families Homeless
On Friday night around 8:30, fire destroyed a house in Taylor's Alley. No lives were lost, but all of their belongings were ruined in the blaze. Today the fire department told us the cause of the fire and we spoke to some of the residents about what happened that night. Sahar Vasquez, reporting: The two-story house on Taylors Alley that was once the living space of about 6 different tenants is now nothing but black ash. It was demolished on Friday night. No one was injured but the blaze was vicious. It brought down the old wooden structure in about five minutes. Benisford Matura, Ops., Ofc - Fire Dept.: "Upon arrival, we observed a two-story wooden structure 47 by 43 was already engulfed in flames and part of it has already collapsed, so we went into a defensive firefighting to stop the fire from spreading. When we reached it was about 8 feet from it so we managed to save that structure. Only one of the walls got scratched. Because the structure collapsed when we got there. We just saved the other one."

Supreme Court Opens, Staid Ceremony Doesn't Betray Tensions Between Bench & Bar
Today was the second Monday in January, and as is the tradition, the judiciary and legal fraternity opened the Supreme Court with a ceremony. Now, as viewers are aware, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin, who presides over the opening, had a tough year last year when he was called out by the Bar Association for the 29 judgments that he had pending, many for several years. Put to task by the Bar, he had to kick things into overdrive to clear the backlog and deliver those judgments on schedule. And then, there are those persistent reports out of Guyana, that he may be considering a senior judicial appointment in that country.

CJ And The Judgement Timeline
So, what about those 29 judgments that the Chief Justice was expected to deliver on a timeline he agreed on with the Bar Association? The Bar was prepared to call for his resignation from office, but - as a compromise - both sides agreed on a timeline where he would deliver judgments in bulk. Well, we are told that he has delivered 25 of those judgments so far - which is not exactly to the agreed upon schedule, but its getting there. The press asked the Attorney General about that: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "He's off the leave, and he was supposed to complete a certain amount of judgments. He indicated to me, as well as his assistant indicated to me that he should have completed most, if not all of them by now."

New Judge for Criminal Matters
And one judge who should help with the case - load going forward is Marilyn Williams, who is now the newest judge of the Supreme Court. We showed you her swearing in on Friday, allowing here to attend today's ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court as a sitting judge. Both the Chief Justice and the Attorney General gave her a warm welcome. Here's what they had to say about her new appointment: Hon. Kenneth Benjamin - Chief Justice of Belize: "The Judiciary began 2017 with a reduced compliment of judges in the criminal division, and that state of affairs continued for the entire year. That vacancy has now been addressed with the appointment of a Justice of the Supreme Court in the person of the Honorable Madam Justice Marilyn Williams."

AG On Extradition Request
We also asked the Attorney General for a comment on the extradition request that has come from the US Government for Belizean attorney Andrew Bennett. We've reported extensively on the allegation that he did money laundering for an undercover DEA agent. The US says that they have evidence that he laundered 250 thousand US dollars, which he was told was the proceeds of drug sales belonging to Colombian and Puerto Rican drug trafficking organization. He is facing an arrest warrant from the District of Puerto Rico, dated July 2015, and an indictment for 7 counts of money laundering from a Puerto Rico Grand Jury. We tried to ask the Attorney General for an update. It is his ministry that will have to prosecute the case on behalf of the US Government in Belize. He told us that at this point, we know more about it than he does:

52 Year Old Bicycle Rider Killed In Southern Hwy Accident
Earlier, we told you about a 52 year old driver who was killed in an accident in the north - and, there was another 52 year old who lost his life in an accident in the South. Yesterday evening at around 6:30, a coast guardsman knocked down and killed 52 year old Phillip Diego who was riding a bicycle on the Stann Creek Valley Road. It happened between miles 10 and 11 where 26 year old Jerry David was driving a Honda Civic northbound when he says he was blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle. He didn't see Diego on his bicycle and knocked him down. The Pomona Villager was flung across the pavement and died on the spot.

Cop Critical After Being Knocked Off Bike
A police officer is in a critical condition after he was knocked off his patrol bike on Saturday night. It happened at around 10:15 on the Belize /Corozal Road. 24 year old Jesus Enrique Munoz, was driving a Ford Escape which hit the motorbike driven by PC #1958, 27 year old Enid Tillett, attached to the Guinea Grass Village Police Substation. PC Tillett received head and body injuries and was rushed in an unconscious state to the Northern Regional Hospital and later transported to the KHMH where his condition is listed as serious.

Police With The Stats
Today police gave the media a general update on several cases. Those include Jermaine Vellos who was shot and killed in front of his Belama Phase 2 house, Leon Garcia who was stabbed on New Years Day on Barrack Road and Frederick Smith who was killed on New Years Eve on Iguana Street Extension. Here is what police had to say. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City: "For Jermaine Vellos and Mr. Charles Foreman one person is in custody. He is being questioned at the moment. Reference the murder of Mr. Leon Garcia we know that we several person detained this weekend however we had release them after the investigation."

Ahmad Situation Resolved Without Incident
On Friday we told you about an incident involving murder victim Fareed Ahmad's brother and his former barbershop employee. Well turns out, it wasn't a major disagreement because they both worked out it out. Police commented on it today. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB Belize City: "It is not a robbery report. It is a dispute between the employer and employee. The employee went to collect what was owed to him for some work and there was a dispute between Mr. Ahmad and the employee. As a result both of them have resolved their situation. They have agreed to settle it otherwise."

Mayor Got Them On The Move
Raymond Jones who is also known as Napthy is a well-known musician and peace advocate in the city. Jones and his wife, Fahima have led the initiative called "Drums, not guns." They also own a craft shop at the bridge foot. It is a popular tourist attraction but now Jones and his wife are in a dilemma. They have to move from the bridge foot because that area is under construction by the City Council. The City Council asked them and other vendors to evacuate the premise in order to keep them safe from any accidents. But the couple now has nowhere to set up shop. They came to speak to us about their concerns today.

Man Missing For Three Weeks +
At the end of December, we told you about 24-year-old Eugenio Rodriguez who had been missing since December 16th. His family has been searching for him but they still have not found a trace or a clue of where he might be. Today makes 23 days since his disappearance. His family is in an extremely worried state not knowing where Rodriguez could possibly be or what kind of harm may have been done to him. One of his cousins gave an off-camera interview this evening sharing information about him.

Police Min. Of State Disputes Media Crime Numbers
The police are expected to release the official crime statistics within the next week. And as we Indicated last week, there is a discrepancy between our official murder count for 2017, and the police figure - which is certainly influenced by the Department not wanting to reach the figure of 145 - which would be a tie for the most deadly year in Belize's history. The subject came up in the house on Friday - and here's comment from both sides of the floor:... Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "Unfortunately last year, according to different news organs including channel 7, there were 145 people who were murdered. When you look at the record since the UDP was elected in government in 2008 approximately 1,000 Belizeans have been murdered. It seems that the government still has been unable to come with a comprehensive plan as to how we're going to tackle this matter."

Commission of Inquiry Coming
Prime Minister Barrow is going ahead with a Commission of Inquiry into the Universal Health Services affair. On Friday, he told the press he is waiting on feedback from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize to appoint the Commission: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I'm waiting on the NTUCB. Remember that this was confirmed, it was something as I said we had been thinking about but it was confirmed at the meeting I had with them. They are to get back to me on the draft in terms of reference."

PM Hopes US Will Not Cut Support to Belize
And, Prime Minister Barrow also discussed the recent UN resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Despite very clear threats that US Financial aid would be cut, Belize voted with 127 other nations against the US. Now, the US Ambassador to the UN sent out letters to her fellow ambassadors saying, quote, "The President will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those countries who voted against us. We will take note of each and every vote on this issue." On Friday, the Prime Minister says he doesn't expect the US to cutback on funding to Belize - since most of it is for internal security which also dovetails with US Security interests:

UNCAC Coming Along
And turning now to another United Nations instrument, we today got an update on UNCAC - the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. At this point, Belize has done all it can to advance the implementation of the UN convention, and, the Government is waiting for a site visit and inspection by experts from the two nations, Haiti and Tuvalu. They were chosen by the United Nations to evaluate Belize's preparedness to take the next step in implementing UNCAC. The delay at this time is that the official documents that Belize has presented have to be translated for the experts. Today, the AG said that this translation issue has caused a minor delay, but he expects that these experts will be here in late January or early February:

Channel 5

Roy “Bullet” Craig, 76, Charged for Sexual Assault of Minor
Since last Thursday, there were reports circulating that vocal Belize City taxi man, Roy Craig, better known as ‘Bullet’ and ‘Street Vibes’ was in trouble with the law. Tonight Bullet [...]

2 Charged in Attempted Murder over Weekend
Gang violence isn’t letting up, despite the roundup of gang members across the Old Capital. Tonight, a fifty-six-year-old man is fighting for his life at the K.H.M.H. following broad daylight [...]

Detentions, But No Arrests in Recent Murders
Today, Leon Garcia was laid to rest in Belize City; he was the first murder victim for 2018. Heavy police presence was noted in the Saint Joseph Church area where [...]

Police Say Murder Count is 142
Full details are to come from the Police Department, but Belize’s rate of murders remains high. Official statistics from the Department as revealed by Minister of State Elodio Aragon Junior [...]

Police Minister Invites Written Communication with Opposition on Crime Problem
On the adjournment of the House of Representatives on Friday, Leader of the Opposition John Briceño gave a general address on the issue of crime, zeroing in on the murder [...]

George Street “Gaza” Threaten More Bloodshed
At first glance, it seems like just another night on the street in the Old Capital. A group of young men are hanging around and shooting the breeze. Except this [...]

Fire Leaves 7 Out of House and Home
Seven persons in the City are without a home tonight in the wake of a fire. Shortly before eight-thirty on Friday night, a blaze tore through the wooden home in [...]

New Year Begins for Supreme Court
An ecumenical church service gave way to the traditional opening of the Supreme Court this morning. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was joined by other judges, magistrates, attorneys and others in [...]

CJ’s Backlog to be Cleared by Mid-Year
So while the 2018 calendar is off to a solid start, what becomes of the unresolved cases from previous years for which the bar association brought pressure to bear on [...]

The Bell Tolls for Andrew Bennett; His Fate in Hands of Foreign Minister and Courts
Extradition proceedings against Andrew Bennett are set to commence as soon as Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington signs a sheaf of documents presented by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, on behalf of [...]

Works Minister Says No License for Quarry Operation; Docs Say Differently
The Ministers of Works and Home Affairs were put on the spot in the House of Representatives on Friday by Stann Creek West area representative Rodwell Ferguson. Rene Montero was [...]

P.M. Says Rene Montero Not Covering for Tiger Aggregates or Belize Roadway Construction
Following the House meeting, Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Dean Barrow appeared willing to lay all the blame on Tiger Aggregates. While he was not completely clear on [...]

2 Dead in Separate Road Accidents in North; in a Third, Policeman Gravely Injured
There were two road traffic accidents in the north, which claimed one life. Around two-forty on Saturday afternoon, police responded to an RTA on the Xaibe-Patchakan Road in Corozal. According [...]

Another Death and Injury in Separate Accidents in South
There were two separate road traffic accidents in the south and one claimed the life of a fifty-two-year-old Pomona villager. Andres Philip Diego Senior perished after he was knocked down [...]

Want to Go to Sarstoon? Sedi Says Be Careful
Like most viewers on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington was watching the news when he saw the report by the Belize Territorial Volunteers’ leader Wil Maheia. Maheia was [...]

U.K. Attorneys Counsel Gov’t Not to Amend Maritime Areas Act
Back in December former Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay demanded that current Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington clashed over the Maritime Areas Act. Courtenay asked Elrington to reveal which legal advisors he [...]

After Jerusalem Vote, P.M., F.M. Offer Counter to U.S.
The spectre of loss in aid from the United States hangs over Belize and other countries, one hundred and twenty-eight in total, who voted in favour of a United Nations [...]

It’s $3.9 Million for Caye Caulker Airstrip
The resurfacing of the Caye Caulker airstrip and additional improvements appears to be a done deal. From an initial seven-point-five million contract to Imer Hernandez Development Company Limited, the project [...]

Inspectors on the Way for UNCAC
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, was all the chatter among the unions and government’s social partners in late 2016, following the eleven-day strike effected by the Belize National [...]

Kids and Fire are a Bad Mix
Just before the Christmas holiday we reported on a blaze at the barracks on Flamboyant Street that left two families without a roof over their head. The fire department reported [...]

Sports Monday Returns with Football and Cricket
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities…]

CTV3

San Joaquin Resident Dies In Traffic Mishap
A resident of San Joaquin and well-known taxi-driver 52 year old Eriberto Tzul passed away in a traffic mishap on Saturday January 6th. Reports are that Tzul was travelling between the Xaibe Village and Patchakan Village road when he lost control of the vehicle. Tzul was driving his grey in colour Toyota Camry car when he veered off the road and hit a culvert which caused the vehicle to turn over with wheels in the air. Tzul was trapped inside and succumbed to his injuries shortly after. According to a Police report, Tzul was traveling alone.

Mother Of Two Succumbs To Injuries Sustained During RTA
The family of twenty eight year old Shakira Villanueva is preparing to lay her to rest after she was knocked down last week on the night of Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 in the village of Guinea Grass where she resided. Villanueva had left home shortly before 9:00 p.m. to run an errand but never made it back home because as she was walking along the principal road of Guinea Grass located at the entrance of the village, she was hit by a red Isuzu pickup truck as she attempted to cross the road. Due to the extent of her injuries, the twenty eight year old was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she had to undergo surgery due to brain hemorrhage, and was later admitted in the Intensive Care Unit where she was placed under life support. Today after a period of five days, Villanueva remained unresponsive and passed away shortly after eleven this morning.

PC Constable Injured In Traffic Collision
A Police Constable attached to the Guinea Grass Sub-station is tonight in a critical condition at the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital following a traffic accident on the Belize Corozal Road here in Orange Walk Town on Saturday night. According to reports from authorities, 27- year old PC Enid Tillett was travelling on a Motorcycle headed on a North to South Direction when upon nearing this area on the Belize Corozal Road, a Ford Escape driven at the time by twenty-four-year-old Jesus Enrique Munoz and traveling in the opposite direction collided into the motorcycle.

New Year...New Fuel Prices
If you visited the gas station over the weekend you might have noticed that there were some changes in the price for fuel at the pumps. On Friday, just five days into the New Year, the Belize Bureau of standards announced the new price changes which saw major increase to both Diesel and Premium gasoline. Here in Orange Walk while the price for Regular gasoline saw a twenty-two-cent decrease going from ten dollars and forty-seven cents to ten-dollars and twenty-five-cents, premium gas increases by seventeen cents from eleven dollars and fourteen cents to eleven dollars and thirty-one cents. Meanwhile diesel goes over the ten-dollar mark and will now retail at ten dollars and eight cents per gallon, an increase of fifty-one cents.

No Internet Access At High School In The South
On Friday we told you about the Loan Guarantee Motion that sparked feverish debate at the House of Representatives meeting. The sovereign guarantee is for a loan by BTL for U.S. $17.5 million with Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund. One of the Opposition members who raised concerns is Toledo West area representative Oscar Requena who said that with all the millions borrowed by BTL, he wished the schools in his area would see benefits. This attracted a response from Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, suggesting that the Government has already done enough for the people of Toledo West.

Opposition Leader Bring Crime To Light At The House
Before you think that the exchange of political invectives was all there was at Friday’s House sitting, there were other matters raised in the adjournment. Opposition Leader raised the issue of the spiralling level of crime, and it was followed by an impassioned speech by the Police Minister Elodio Aragon. Honourable John Briceno, Opposition Leader: “Unfortunately last year according to different news organs including channel 7 there were 145 people were murdered. When you looked at the records the UDP was elected in government since 2008 approximately a thousand Belizeans have been murdered and it seems that the government still has been unable to come with a comprehensive plan as to how are they going to tackle this matter just last week or over the weekend we had now a young man a Muslim Belizeans by the name of Fareed Ahmad who was murdered and shot in his head in his vehicle and it seems that a police officer is implicated in the murder of this well-known and well liked young man in his community.”

LOVE FM

Chief Justice declares the 2018 legal year open
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin highlighted the limitations the judiciary had to face in its delivery of justice for 2017. The Chief Justice was speaking on the occasion of the opening of the legal year. Reporter Johnelle McKenzie and cameraman Myles Gillett were downtown and here is their story. The legal year for 2018 was declared …

Priscilla Banner: “rendering of justice must not only be fair but also timely”
The President of the Bar Association, Priscilla Banner, also addressed the legal minds gathered at this morning’s opening of the 2018 legal year. In her address, Banner noted the efforts needed to make the justice system impeccable. Priscilla Banner, President of the Bar Association “The work of perfecting the administration of Justice is never completed; …

Attorney General highlights new legislation
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte also delivered an address. Peyrefitte pointed out the progress made by his ministry, the restructuring of existing laws and the new laws that took effect in 2017. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General “This year saw some critical reforms and new laws my lord as such, the Central Bank of Belize Act, the …

“I was fighting Michael Ashcroft”: Said Musa
The BTL Loan debate also featured a back and forth between Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and Fort George Area Representative, Said Musa. The men argued over Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and Michael Ashcroft. Faber argued that before BTL was nationalized, VOIP was not available in Belize because Ashcroft, who Musa says he fought, …

Kareem Musa accuses PM of nepotism; PM Barrow ‘claps’ back
Also bucking heads over the BTL Loan were the PUP’s Caribbean Shores Area Representative Kareem Musa and Prime Minister Dean Barrow. As reported, the PUP does not support the sovereign guarantee for the loan. According to Musa, BTL revenues have been squandered and he accused the Prime Minister of nepotism. KAREEM MUSA, AREA REP., CARIBBEAN …

Prime Minister and Opposition Leader buck heads over BTL Loan
On Friday parliamentarians debated a loan motion for BTL’s National Broadband Program. Seventeen point five million US dollars are being borrowed from Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) under certain terms and conditions including the provision by the Government of Belize of an irrevocable and unconditional loan guarantee. In other words, the key requirement …

Taxi man crashes and dies
52-year-old Taxi man ErbertoTzul lost his life on Saturday afternoon as a result of an unfortunate traffic incident in the Corozal District. Tzul, who is from San Joaquin Village, was traveling in his grey Toyota Camry taxi to Patchakan Village when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn several times before hitting …

Prayers for PC Tillett
27-year-old Police Officer Enid Tillett is in a serious condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City after being involved in a traffic collision on Saturday night in Orange Walk Town. It happened at around 10:15 on the Belize/Corozal Road. Tillett was on a Meilun motorcycle and 24-year-old Enrique Munoz was driving Ford …

Fire destroys home in Pomona Village
30-year-old Sylvino Ical and his daughter lost everything on Friday night after a fire gutted their home in Pomona Village, Stann Creek District. According to Ical, that night he left his house en route to his parent’s house when at around 8 pm, one of his neighbors alerted him that his house was on fire. …

Taxi man found naked with a boy in a hotel room
Well known taxi man, seventy-six-year-old Roy “Bullet” Craig, denies he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy. Belize City police responded to a 911 call on Friday night which led them to a hotel room where they found Craig in the company of the boy. Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of the Crimes Investigation Branch in …

Breaking Belize News

Legal year 2018 officially starts today
Supreme Court Judges, attorneys and other clerical staff from within the judiciary, took to the […]

Elderly man dies in fatal traffic accident
Last night around 6:50, police responded to a report of a road traffic accident between miles 10 and […]

Mahogany Heights supermarket robbed at gun point
According to reports, yesterday around noon, Robert Zelaya, 76, a Belizean businessman and owner of Mahogany Heights […]

Roy “Bullet” Craig busted nude with a boy
Well known taxi driver, Roy “Bullet” Craig has been charged with the sexual assault of […]

Moist and cool airflow continues over the country
The 24-hour forecast is for mainly sunny skies with some cloudy spells today and partly […]

Belize among ‘hottest’ destinations in 2018
MSN lifestyle recently included Belize in their list of the hottest destinations to visit in […]

Belize featured as best place to live in 2018
According to an article from the popular website, Live and Invest Overseas, Belize is one […]

Blogs

Photos, Filming and Flyfishing: SUP from Cayo Frances Lagoon, West Ambergris Caye
It’s been a busy weekend. The AMAZING team from BOTE is down for their second visit to the West side of Ambergris Caye and Cayo Frances Farm and Fly – to do some filming for 2018 and to unveil a secret project. 4 guys, 15-odd pieces of luggage of all shapes and sizes, tons of gear and inflatable paddle boards that are anything but flimsy. Each year they put together a handful of stories – the Boteboard Chronicles – and the work they did in the Belize for 2017 was beyond…take a look at the photos and short video. Here’s just one of them by the amazing Sean Murphy.So what I’m trying to say is…it’s been a very busy few days…and it’s not over yet. We are beyond excited. And can’t WAIT to see the phenomenal images…

Visiting Dukker Ice Cream Palor in Second Street South, Corozal
Hey, Ice Cream Lovers I have a scoop to tell you. A Brand New Ice Cream Palor is open in Second Street South in Corozal. This is one of the fun place to visit in Corozal. Its a walk in Pallor and a flavor to pick. On Tuesday, January 2, was the opening doors of Dukker ice cream. All our ice creams are made at the moment and with the combinations of flavors that you prefer. And without forgetting that all our bases are free of lactose and sweetened with fructose, so that there is no pretext. There you can take care of your health and continue enjoying a delicious and organic ice cream, free of chemicals, and lots of flavor. Call us at: 633- 7529 or visit us at our facebook page.

International Sources

Quit Your Job And Move Abroad: The Cheapest Places To Live In 2018
Looking for well-priced Caribbean beach living in a cozy and welcoming community? Ambergris Caye and the fishing village of San Pedro town is where you'll find it. "This is a small town of expats from all over the world working together to create the life they all came in search of," says Peddicord. "They're opening businesses, indulging artistic interests, planning community events and inviting each other over for beach barbecues." On this tiny island, golf carts are the preferred means of transportation, and the coast is dotted with five-star hotels, along with high-end condo communities, restaurants, art galleries, supermarkets and wine shops. Peddicord says that she wouldn't describe property prices as a steal, but she says that "they can be a bargain compared with elsewhere in the Caribbean." A rental off the beach can run as low as $1,000 a month, but expats can expect to spend about $1,965 a month total on rent and living expenses.

Top 10 Holiday Destinations in January
Belize was listed in Conde Naste's Top 10 January holiday destinations. Ka'ana got mentioned as a place to stay. "It is hot and humid and it rains a lot in Belize, beset as it is by tropical storms and hurricanes. But don't let that put you off. It is the perfect Caribbean escape for those who like it rough and palm-fringed around the edges, with tropical jungly highlands, Mayan ruins and the most astoundingly beautiful beaches, just a handful of hippies and beach bums to share them with. January and February are the best months, only pleasantly hot and not too wet."

San Ignacio – Belize – Barton Creek
Peter en ik zitten te wachten voor ons hotel in San Ignacio. We gaan vandaag een kanotocht maken bij Barton Creek. We gaan daarbij ook een grot in, is ons verteld. Ik stel me daarbij voor dat je met de kano een klein soort van grotje in kunt, daar twee slagen weet te maken en dan rechtsomkeert de grot weer uit. Ach het is mooi en leuk bedacht, toch? Ik had wel zin in dat kanotochtje. Even later zitten we in een 4x4 richting Barton Creek. Onze gids en chauffeur vertelt ons het een en ander over Belize. Hij waarschuwt ons ook alvast voor de belabberde weg richting Barton Creek die we over enkele minuten gaan volgen voor driekwartier naar het water. Yep, de weg is echt slecht, zonder 4x4 ga je er echt niet komen.

South Padre Island, Texas, Aims to Become Caribbean Cruise Destination
A new destination in Texas is aiming to position itself as a Caribbean cruise port of call. The South Padre Island, Texas, City Council has approved a proposal by SPI Cruise Group — a partnership of cruise port design, maritime operations and marketing professionals — to create a plan to develop the destination into an attractive port of call on western Caribbean cruise itineraries. With increasing emphasis on tourism sustainability and concerns of over-tourism in some eastern and southern Caribbean ports of call, cruise lines are seeking alternative destinations with existing tourism infrastructure to add to their cruise itineraries, South Padre Island officials said. With the rising popularity of western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Galveston, Texas, South Padre Island can provide a fresh new port with attractive shore excursion opportunities.

Undersea robot is designed to vacuum up invasive lionfish
Wreaking environmental havoc in tropical Atlantic waters, the invasive lionfish may soon be drawn into an undersea, robotic vacuum intended to slow the spread of the venomous yet tasty species. The device, named the Guardian LF1, uses a pair of electrically charged, spatula-like prongs to stun the lionfish, while a thruster sucks the catch into a canister for eventual repurposing as a delicious meal. The prototype is the first device from Robots in Service of the Environment, a nonprofit in Bedford, Massachusetts, formed by iRobot CEO Colin Angle and his wife, Erika Angle, founder of Science from Scientists.

Videos

January 8, 2018

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: The Collar
“Time for you to take your shower and get ready,” Sherry said. “Ready? Ready for what?” “We’re having dinner at Denise and John’s house. Remember?” “Oh, no,” I said. “I forgot all about it. Melody called while you were gone this morning and roped me into taking care of Davin this evening.” It was too late to get out of that commitment because there was a knock on the door and Melody came in like a whirlwind. “Thank you so much,” she said, giving me a hug. “You’re the best grandpa ever.” “You only say that when you want me to babysit.”

Health Corner: Periodontal (Gum) Disease
If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward. What causes gum disease? Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Doctor Love: Wife
Dear Doctor Love, My husband has gotten fat. Not chunky or big. He is really fat. He drives taxi and snacks all day on cokes, chips and chocolate, so stopping him is hard. If I mention it, he promises to make a change, but the only change is the size of his belt. It is hard to have physical relations with him because he is heavy and gets out of breath. He is young, only thirty-two, and he has trouble climbing stairs or doing work around the house and when he pulls his shirt up over his belly it looks really horrible. His brothers are all big and they have health problems that I don’t want my husband to have. I love him very much but his size is making him unattractive to me. How do I make him stop gaining weight? /s/ Wife

Misc Belizean Sources

CPR Training on Caye Caulker
Jan 8 & 9, Community Center, 9am-4pm. Last minute sign up are welcomed. We will be at the door collecting. Lunch included. It's the same as the last one but we having two more days since people asked for it.

The Reporter

Coastal Road accident leaves officer critical
A police constable attached to the Guinea Grass substation in Orange walk is listed in critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) following injuries he sustained in a traffic accident on the Belize Corozal road on Saturday evening. PC Enid Tillett, 27, was found in an unconscious state on the road suffering from serious head and bodily injuries around 10:15 p.m. on January 6th. According to police, Tillet was driving a red Meilum motorcycle from a north to south direction when he was involved in a collision with a Ford Escape. The Escape was driven by 24-year-old Jesus Enrique Munoz, who was travelling in the opposite direction.

Taxi driver dies in accident on Patchakan road
A 52-year-old taxi driver from San Joaquin village in the Corozal District is dead following a fatal road traffic accident on the Patchakan road on Saturday afternoon. According to police, around 2:40 p.m. on January 6th, Erberto Tzul was traveling alone in his vehicle from Patchakan to Xaibe village when he lost control of his vehicle. The cab reportedly overturned and slammed into a culvert. Tzul was extracted from the wreckage and transported to the Corozal Community Hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead on arrival. Tzul’s body now awaits a post-mortem examination while police investigations continue.

Breaking Belize News

San Joaquin man dies in traffic accident
The was a Fatal Road Traffic Accident in the Corozal District yesterday afternoon. Around 2:40 p.m., police visited the Xaibe/ Patchakan Road, where officers found a grey Toyota Camry on the right hand side of the road when traveling from the direction of Patchakan village towards Xaibe.

Police officer in critical condition after car accident
There was a near fatal accident up north yesterday. Around 10:15 p.m., police visited the Belize/Corozal Road in the Orange Walk district. There, cops observed a Meilun motorcycle attached to the Guinea Grass village Police Substation and a Ford Escape with damages. Investigations revealed that the cycle was driven by PC Enid Tillett, 27, attached to the Guinea Grass Substation.

Police issue official statement on Iguana Street shooting
Police have released information on a shooting incident earlier today in Belize City. According to reports, around 2:30 p.m. police responded to reports of shots being fired on Iguana Street. Initial investigations revealed that Tyrone Michael Green, 30, and Steve Wayne Finley, 56, were socializing when a black Nissan Altima drove up.

Opposition criticizes GOB loan guarantee for BTL
The People’s United Party )PUP) has condemned the government of Belize for reversing its position on sovereign guarantees after Prime Minister Dean Barrow tabled a motion in the House of Representatives this week for a sovereign guarantee of $17.5 million for Belize Telemedia Limited.

Minister of Works says permit was not needed to explode quarry; Were residents evacuated?
At yesterday’s House meeting, Minister of Works and Cayo Central Area Representative, Rene Montero, responded to questions put forth by the opposition regarding the dynamite explosion that injured several Santa Cruz residents, destroyed many homes and caused a man’s death.

Briceno calls out Barrow on UHS presentation, vows to find solution
People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, John Briceno, following yesterday’s House Sitting, at which Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented the first reading of the UHS Appropriation Bill, criticized the government’s approach to the matter and vowed to find a solution to resolve the UHS saga.

Foreign Minister says police not involved in Fareed Ahmad’s murder
On Tuesday, WPC Michelle Brown was charged for the murder of Belizean barber and referee Fareed Ahmad. Since then, the family has reported receiving threats in text messages. Some worrying text messages have also been circulating on social media and on several Belizean news agencies indicating a “hit list” held by some members of the Special Assignment Team.

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller visits cadets
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is a Belizean-born boxer that has made a name for himself in the boxing world. Miller was born in Belize but moved to Brooklyn, United States. Miller has now returned to Belize to visit relatives and tour the country. Yesterday, Miller visited the Belmopan police cadets. Miller explained to the cadets that his life as a child was very hard but told them “champions don’t quit.”

Gas prices hike; regular goes down
The Belize Bureau of Standards issued a release yesterday on the new gas prices that became effective at midnight last night. Premium gasoline increased by 17 cents per gallon from $11.07 to $11.24.

Gun, ammunition and weed found in San Pedro
Today a joint operation was conducted by members from the Special Branch, Gang Suppression Unit and Special Patrol Unit in San Pedro. The units searched an abandoned lot in the San Mateo area which resulted in the discovery of a 12 gauge pump action shot gun and three (3) 12 gauge cartridges.

Blogs

Welcome to San Ignacio, Belize
San Ignacio is the heart and soul of the Cayo District, a vibrant traveler center from where all roads and activities fan out. Together with twin-town Santa Elena, on the east bank of the Macal River, this is the main population center of Cayo, with lots of good budget accommodation, decent restaurants and frequent transport. But San Ignacio is no inland San Pedro, existing only for tourism. It has a very positive and infectious local vibe, with a bustling market and a steady influx of immigrants. Residents are mestizos, Maya and Garifuna, as well as a bunch of free-spirited expats from Europe and North America. San Ignacio is on the west bank of the Macal River, a couple of miles upstream from its confluence with the Mopan River – a meeting of waters that gives birth to the Belize River.

International Sources

As Trump opens more waters for oil exploration, the tiny nation of Belize shows a better way
On Thursday (Jan. 4), Donald Trump proposed allowing oil drilling in nearly all waters situated off of US shores. If the proposal passes, it will open up more than one billion square kilometers (about 390 million square miles) of area previously protected for environmental reasons. The oil industry cheered the announcement, calling it “long overdue,” while environmental groups called it a “shameful giveaway” to the oil industry, as The New York Times summarized. Among the hullabaloo, one piece of good news didn’t get the attention it deserves. On Dec. 29, the Belize government voted to implement an indefinite moratorium on all new oil exploration in its waters.

Belize: Big Iguanas & Rising Rivers
Down near the Southern border of Belize lies Punta Gorda, an interesting little town. It has a very Caribbean vibe. But many people speak Spanish, as it shares a jungle border with Guatemala. In PG (as the locals call it) this strange house towers over all the others with its multi-story growth. And we found this cute little shop selling coffins. They look so good, U wish U were DEAD. Driving North across Belize took us back up the Hummingbird Highway. This is a fun drive, as there are well-spaced tourist stops along the route. We stopped at a small-scale cassava bread making shop. This is located in the midst of some sugar cane fields, one mile down a bumpy dirt road. The production takes place in an open-air barn using a blazing hot fire to bake the thin sheets. Cassava bread is similar to an unleavened cracker made from the finely ground flour of the cassava or yuca root. Here is a photo of the mother and daughter team that run the place. On baking or grinding days they have other family members assisting.

Videos

January 7, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro registers 8 murders during 2017; 5 remain unsolved
San Pedro closed 2017 with a total of eight murders, the same figure as registered in 2015 and 2016. This number accounts for 5.5% of the total homicides in Belize, which clocked in at a staggering 144 by the end of 2017. On the island, the San Pedro Police Department still seeks leads to assist in solving five of the eight unsolved cases. Police continue their efforts in resolving the pending murder cases, and they ask the general public for their assistance. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact their nearest police station and make a report. The San Pedro Police Station can be visited on Pescador Drive or contact by calling 206-2022. The public is also reminded that any information regarding any crime is treated in the strictest of confidentiality.

Misc Belizean Sources

Healing Pulse Seminar with Drs.Jose & Florence Gonzalez
Saturday, January 13 at 9:45 AM - 5 PM. ROC - Rhythm of Change Belize 14 Fort Street. Cost: Donation Based Self-Diagnosis & Self-Healing via the Quantum Field of the Tranquil Heart • Learn how to use the Heart as an Access Point to your Infinite Inner Source of Information, Wisdom, Intelligence & Healing In this theoretical & Practical Introduction to this System of Self-Diagnosis & Self-Healing via the Electromagnetic Field of the Tranquil Heart, the student will learn: 1. To use Awareness to enter the Heart’s Quantum Field of Information 2. To Feel & Perceive with Precision, to Read and Interpret the Information within that Electromagnetic Field...

Sat, 13 Jan 2018 — Art in the Park in Corozal
Art in the Park is a monthly event sponsored by COLCHA. Local artists display and sell their creations. It is held in downtown Corozal Town in Central Park, beginning about 5pm, to 9pm. For more information call 620-1572.

Inauguration at Concepcion RC School
There will be an inauguration ceremony at Concepcion RC School at 10am on Friday, 12th January, 2018, for the Corozal Rotary project of providing toilets for the school. This is one more example of the great things Rotary does for our community.

Short power interruption, parts of Corozal
Power outage scheduled for Wednesday, January 10 from 11am to 12:30pm to affect Joseito & Dominguez Layouts, Pueblo Viejo, Saltillos, Copper Bank, Chunox and Sarteneja. BEL to replace lightning arresters on a transformer at Corozal Substation.

LOVE FM

The debate over the BTL loan motion
While the parliamentarians were not able to debate the UHS Bill, they did have a back and forth over the seventeen point five million US dollar loan being obtained by the government from the Republic of China, Taiwan. The loan is being made for Belize Telemedia Limited and parliamentarians were asked to approve a sovereign …

UHS Bill tabled; Prime Minister disputes running interest rate
Today the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow tabled the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2018 relating to the ninety-plus million dollar UHS debt owed to Michael Ashcroft’s Belize Bank Limited. On November 22, 2017 the Caribbean Court of Justice overruled the decisions handed down by Belize’s Supreme Court and the Court of …

Minister of Works says no license was needed for blasting activity
As part of today’s Sitting of the House of Representatives, members of the opposition were given the opportunity to ask questions, which were submitted prior to the Sitting of the Government Ministers. Some of the questions dealt with the explosion that killed Canadian national Ronald Sutherland last month at the quarry in the Santa Cruz …

PM Barrow has seen leaked PUC related documents
For the past two days, we have been reporting on leaked documents which show questionable financial transactions carried out by the Public Utilities Commission, PUC. Today the PUC fired off a statement in which it states that what has been reported are erroneous and defamatory statements about the PUC and its commissioners. According to the …

Fareed Ahmad’s murder was not ‘state-ordered’ says police
Investigators are trying to establish the authenticity of screenshot text messages allegedly sent between two members of the Special Assignment Team, SAT. The explosive messages suggest a hit list and that 38-year-old Fareed Ahmad was assassinated, which the family strongly believes is the case. However, in this day and age, almost anything can be falsified. …

Will the US Government cut funding to Belize?
Will the US Government cut funding to Belize? After the majority of United Nation members voted in favor of a resolution which calls for the USA to reverse its decision on recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the US Government warned that spending will be cut. Belize was one of the 128 countries that voted in …

The Reporter

Two inured in Iguana street shooting
A shooting incident on Iguana Street in Belize City this afternoon left two men injured who are now receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Just after 2:30 p.m., Tyrone Michael Green, 30, and Steve Wayne Finley, 56, were socializing inside a yard when two gunmen exited a black Nissan Altima and open fire in their direction. Finley sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and is presently undergoing surgery at the KHMH while Green was shot to the left arm. The suspects are being sought by police.

New Year, new gas prices
The first adjustment in gas prices for the New Year became effective at midnight on January 6. The latest adjustment sent the prices of Premium, Diesel and Kerosene up while Regular fuel saw a slight decrease. Premium gas has increased by 17 cents from its original price of $11.07 to $11.24, while diesel increased by 51 cents going from $9.50 to $10.01. Kerosene saw a 37 cent increase from $5.89 to $6.26. Regular fuel dropped from $10.40 to $10.18.

Escaped murder suspect captured
George Bull, 39, the man suspected of killing James Pelayo in Orange Walk on December 15th, 2017 has been captured and charged by police. Bull, a construction worker and resident of Carmelita village, was charged with ‘murder’ and ‘escape from lawful custody’ yesterday. Following Pelayo’s murder, which happened in front of a nightclub in Orange Walk, police had detained Bull as the prime suspect, but he escaped after completing an identification parade.

International Sources

Low Pressure Development Over The Southeast Gulf Of Mexico & Northwest Caribbean Possible By Tuesday
We are watching the tail end of a frontal boundary that stretches from the North Atlantic to the southwestern Caribbean for a piece of energy that will move northward over the next couple of days and become a low pressure system over the northwestern Caribbean or southeastern Gulf of Mexico around Tuesday. This low pressure system has the potential to bring locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to Cozumel and Cancun, western Cuba and parts of south Florida from Tuesday into Wednesday.

fDi Tourism Locations of the Future 2017/18 – Editor’s Choice Awards
Belize has been awarded an Investment Award for Hotels owing to several hotel developments, including Hilton’s Mahogany Bay hotel, which cost between $50m and $65m, creating about 430 jobs. Belize has also won the Enhanced Airlift award, in recognition of the targeted and increased efforts to attract new airlifts, as well as a Sustainability Strategy award. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry lobbies for a sustainable tourism framework, which aims to connect investors with opportunities in the national economy.

Videos

January 6, 2018

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

Visitor claims negligence by water taxi resulted in injury
An American couple, 62-year-old Scott Morrison and his 70-year-old wife Marilyn Bird arrived on Ambergris Caye for their anticipated second visit on December 29, 2017, for a two-week vacation. The American couple had planned many fun activities while in Belize, including the completion of Bird’s scuba diving certification. But such plans were undone when Bird suffered a terrible accident on the morning of Tuesday, January 2nd when she was boarding a San Pedro Belize Express (SPBE) vessel. While boarding Bird fell inside the boat, rolling down the steps and into the cargo compartment whose lid was open. During the fall she suffered a large gash on her leg and was transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Policlinic II where she received 15 stitches. Following the incident, the couple expressed their disappointment with the poor response they allege they received by the water taxi company. According to them, they did not take adequate accountability for her accident which in large was due to their negligence of not having turned on the lights inside the vessel and having the cargo compartment open at the time of boarding. As a result of her injury, the couple was forced to return to the United States, on Friday, January 5th, a week earlier than their scheduled departure time.

Voter Registration ends January 6th; Municipal Elections draw near
As municipal elections draw near, the time period for voters to register will close on Wednesday, January 10th. As for the San Pedro Town municipal election, both People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) aspiring candidates have been announced. The UDP slate is being represented by the current Town Council members which consist of Daniel Guerrero, Gary Grief, Ruben “Rux” Gonzalez, Hector “Tito” Alamilla, Flora Ancona, Gabriel “Gaby” Nuñez and Severo “Severito” Guerrero Jr. While the members representing the PUP for the Municipal Election consist of Andre Perez, Ian Pou, Marina Kay, Ruben Navidad, Undina Graniel, Dianelie Aranda and Johnia Duarte. During the registration period, both parties had their campaign machinery running in full effect to register as many new voters to the island.

Despite immigration offenses, American national is released without charges
During the Christmas holidays, an American national residing on the island was reportedly arrested for immigration offenses. The male individual is well- known on the island but apparently had been in the country illegally for some time. Thus, island residents and even local authorities were stunned when the Director of Immigration released him without charges. According to reports, when police arrested him, he claimed he had lost his passport. However, he was later able to produce his passport, telling Immigration Officials that he had lied because he feared of what would of happen to him. He also stated that he was unfamiliar with the immigration procedures and had been trying to apply for Belizean residency through an agent. The Department clarified that for someone to be eligible to apply for Belizean residency, he or she must be living in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks by renewing their stay in the country every 30 days.

Ambergris Today

Belize Becomes A World Leader In Ocean Protection
Belize, home of the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, has become a world leader in ocean sustainability, following the Belizean government’s adoption of a permanent moratorium on oil activities in its waters. The legislation, which was signed into law on 29 December 2017, marks the first time that a developing country has taken such a major step to protect its oceans from oil exploration and extraction, and places Belize in a tiny minority of countries with similar laws. This legislation follows the Belize government's commitment in August 2017 to establish a permanent moratorium on offshore oil activity in its waters, after national and global pressure to preserve the fragile Belize Barrier Reef and its World Heritage site. This huge step by the Belize Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, comes a year after an international outcry by WWF, Oceana and supporters led to the suspension of seismic oil exploration close to the UNESCO-recognised reef.

Misc Belizean Sources

COLD weather is drying up the by of Corozal
I went for a morning walk in the bay of corozal and saw many things. This is the time to come out and clean the bay of Corozal. I walked as far as I could reach. I saw broken glass, corona bottles, tires, trash, cans. When can we keep our shorelines clean?

Razing and burning of lots by the developer of Consejo Shores Limited
Home owners of the plush northern development known as Consejo Shores are furious with recent razing and burning of lots by the developer of Consejo Shores Limited. It was stated that the burning has been taking place for days with total disregard to the well being of the residents, neighbours and the environment. One home owner stated that the developer has failed to communicate any of her intentions to them, which may be contrary to the restricted conditions and covenants. Smoke has been permeating the air. Ashes has covered home owners houses and cars. There has been no apologies, stated one resident.

National Elite Basketball League Tip Off
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18 as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub- champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The game will be played at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m.

Friends for Conservation and Development Fundraising event
Fundraising event coming up on February 2018. To learn how to participate, click on the link!

Toilet Project in Concepcion
We are finally at the end of our Toilet Project in Concepcion with the last details taken care of yesterday. We have so many great hearts that work tirelessly for the community! Thanks to the Rotarians and Friends of Rotary who painted and moved 45 yards of dirt! And you are amazing Nancy Cabbon our visiting Rotarian! Now next week on Friday January 12th at 10am is the Ribbon Cutting! We are very proud of this accomplishment and so excited for Concepcion RC and Mrs Perez and staff and children!

UNDP Corruption Essay Winners
The UNDP has all the winning essays from the anti-corruption essay contest online. Some are must reads. Congratulations to all the students on their well written essays. Hopefully, change is not too far away. "Winning entries for essay contest for secondary schools, colleges and universities. The UNCAC Essay Contest for Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities was designed to help Belizean students celebrate the first anniversary of UNCAC signature in Belize and commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day.

Karst habitat protection
The Taiwan (ROC) Embassy and the Council of Agriculture and Forestry Bureau in Taiwan support karst habitat protection in the Chiquibul.

Speed control zone close to "Truck Stop"
The traffic dept continues to try to get driver's and riders to drive responsible on the North Road. We have now created a speed control zone close to "Truck Stop ", This consist of several speed bumps in the area. Please obey the speed limit and drive safely.

THE OFFSHORE OIL MORATORIUM IS NOW LAW!
Note that right below the Coat of Arms shows the GG’s Assent and the date thereof. It also states the date of publication in the Gazette. Once published in the Gazette it is law. There is no need for a commencement order. Short story: the Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act, 2017 is now law. This action is historic given Belize's economic dependence on its natural resources and will safeguard invaluable marine environments including the second longest barrier reef in the world, which runs along Belize's coast. Just as importantly, this law recognizes and respects the collective leadership and persistent involvement of tens of thousands of Belizeans for more than seven years on the issue of offshore oil.

Ritual of the Bacabs
Ritual of the Bacabs is the name given to a manuscript from the Yucatec Maya containing shamanistic incantations written in the Yucatec Maya language. The manuscript has been dated at the end of the 18th Century, though this is not certain. The style of writing in the manuscript suggests that much of the information included was copied from older works. The work references many figures in Maya mythology who are for the most part unknown from other works. Ritual of the Bacabs includes some forty-two main incantations, with fragmentary supplements throughout. Most of the manuscript is written in the same hand. In his translation, Roys referred to this main writer as the "Bacabs hand."

Channel 7

90.6 Million (Now 91.6 M) Appropriations Bill goes to The House, But No Vote Yet
Today, was the long awaited day in the House of Representatives - when the Prime Minister brought the 90.6 million dollar appropriations bill to the House of Representatives. That's the compensation award for the Belize Bank. But - as we told you last night - it would end in a sort of anti-climax - because no vote was taken. The bill was only tabled for a first reading - and the debate and vote will be taken at the next House meeting - which, the PM says, may be held in a month's time. So while the meter is running on the interest at 17% compounded monthly - the Prime Minister took half an hour to explain why they cannot rush Parliament to make a decision which rests squarely, and solely, on its shoulders.

PUP Says It Will Work On A Solution
And when it comes back for a vote - what will the PUP do? That's what we asked the Leader of the Opposition today - but he was more eager to talk about the Prime Minister's 32 minute legal presentation to the House:.. Jules Vasquez, reporter: "What is the position of the PUP? We now wait for the next house meeting when it will actually be debated. Have you all taken a unitary position? Or is it like the UDP when they say you can have a vote of conscience?" Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "Well I think that what's more important to point out today that the Prime Minister once again continues to do his legal dance. Every time he comes to the house and he makes this grand legal explanation that he got advise from legal luminaries, but whenever he goes to court he loses and now once again he is coming that he has gotten all these advises to point out that he may not have to pay."

PM Says That, Morally, Parliament Is Obligated Not To Pay
So would the Prime Minister be opened to hearing what the PUP can achieve in terms of negotiation? We asked him that and about the moral dimension of parliament refusing to pay what the court has ordered:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Sir, you made a case today for Parliamentary supremacy making it clear by your argument that it is indeed the parliament who has to make the final decision. However, how morally able is parliament to resist a lawful judgement from the highest court in the land?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Well now you're getting into a completely different area, Moral. I was trying to set out the legal position and I was careful to enter the reservation that this is by lights and the opinions that I have received. I will not be restrained at all in terms of moral. If it is a moral thing, parliament would be obliged not to pay if you're talking about the moral aspect of things. So I believe if you want to be at all kind to the bank, let's stay away from the moral question."

PM Disputes 17% Monthly Compound Interest
And there's one more important news angle on today's tabling of the appropriations bill for 91.6 million dollars. That's the issue of interest. According to the Caribbean Court of Justice, it accrues at 17% compounded monthly - which is exorbitantly high. The Prime Minister says Government's opinion form legal experts is that the rate should be about one third of that: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "We have been advised and I think this is important, that 17% interest that's compounded monthly until payment, is not the rate that should continue to run on the 91,596,013,022 as of the date of the CCJ judgement ordering leave to enforce their award as if it were a judgement of the Supreme Court. We are advised that the applicable interest rate, the sort of post judgment rate should be the 6% per annum which is set out in the supreme court of Judicature Act as the statutory rate of interest to be carried by all judgement debts..."

New Supreme Court Judge Sworn In
A month ago, we told you that attorney Marilyn Williams was appointed to become a Supreme Court judge. Well, this morning, the Former Chair of the Integrity Commission was officially sworn in to her new post as a high court justice. She was welcomed to the judiciary by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in his court room today, in the presence of sitting judges and her friends and family. Chief Justice Benjamin said that the number of well-wishers who came to witness her swearing in was the biggest crowd he's seen for any judge appointed under his tenure. It is expected that sometime after next week's official opening of the Supreme Court, she will begin presiding over cases.

Fuel Prices Go Up
At midnight the price of Premium, Diesel, and Kerosene will go up. On the slim upside, Regular will go down by 22 cents. Premium will go up by 17 cents, Diesel by 51 cents and Kerosene by 37 cents.This is the first increase of fuel for 2018.

OW: 21 Year Old Charged For Fracturing 11 Year Old's Skull
21 year old Mario Bull was charged with dangerous harm for breaking 11 year old Jahmar Ferguson's skull. As we told you yesterday, Ferguson and his relatives were going to visit a friend in Trial Farm Village on New Years Day. Another man who was walking ahead of them threw a stone at a nearby house. Bull and another man emerged from the house and attacked Ferguson - thinking it was him. Bull reportedly hit the boy in the head with an object. He later went unconscious because of the massive blow.

PM Not Convinced On Ahmad Family Threat Messages, Waits For Investigators Findings
Tonight there are still nagging questions about those threatening text messages allegedly targeting the family of murder victim, Fareed Ahmad. They were allegedly sent by a police officer - and discuss what is basically a state sponsored "hitlist" - where police officers are to systematically kill members of the Ahmad family. Tonight, no one can say for sure whether it is real or not. The Prime Minister today told the press that he is confident the investigator will get to the bottom of it:...

Text Message Mischief Apps Are Plentiful & Free
As the Prime Minister discussed, there are freely available mobile phone apps - which can make it seem that a text message saying anything you want it to say has dropped into your messages inbox. Since we ran the story last night showing those messages which supposedly originate from a member of a police special unit, a number of viewers have led us to these apps which make it very easy to perpetuate a fraud to discredit someone, by making it appear that they sent text messages which they never did. With these apps, an imaginary sender's phone number appears to send messages that he or she did not. From there, it is just a simple matter of taking screenshots of this bogus message thread, then spreading it about, and the mischief maker can then sit back and quietly watch the damage unfold.

Ahmad Brother Under Suspicion
And while the mystery - or the mischief - of those text messages are on the minds of the Ahmad family, they also have to deal with another issue. At this hour, one of Fareed's siblings is reportedly caught up in an incident where he claims that a man attempted to rob him, forcing him to protect himself. The man in question has a counter accusation: he says that the Ahmad brother of assaulted him for no reason, and that he went to police to make a false report. This afternoon, reports went out that Fareed's sibling was at his barber shop at the Pound Yard Plaza. The details are sketchy, but we understand that Fareed's brother's account is that 2 men attempted to rob him, and he defended himself.

PM Will Wait For Final PUC Audit
Going back now to government news - the Prime Minster was reluctant today to comment on the allegations of reckless spending at the Public Utilities Commission. As we have reported - the contents of an un-finalized audit has been circulated in the media. It shows suspect and lavish spending and misuse of the PUC's Credit card. Today the Prime Minister held to the line which the PUC has been using: the audit isn't finished yet: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "It's a little murky and I would really want to wait to see the final audit and then try to get legal advice on the particular issues. There are two things involved, what was spent, how much was spent and on what the expenditures were. That's number one, and then number two, were the expenditures, all of the expenditures within the power of the PUC to make. I really have to suspend judgement until we can look at each in turn."

Weeks Later, Accused OW Murderer Found And Charged
Last year on December 15th Jaime Pelayo was murdered at a bar in Orange Walk. 39-year-old George Bull was detained, and right after being singled out in an ID parade, he managed to slip away from the police. After a long search, police confirmed that he was found today. He has been charged with the crime of murder and escape from lawful custody.

Corozal Alleged Robber Out On Bail
2 days ago, we told you how Corozal cops charged 22 year-old Demas Zelaya for the armed robbery at One Mall Gas Station in Ranchito Village. Well tonight, he is out on bail. His attorney, Ronell Gonzalez, made an application on his behalf before Justice Antoinette Moore, and after the judge heard his grounds and the response of Crown Counsel Jackie Willoughby, she decided to grant him bail of $10,000. It came with the conditions that he reports to the Mahogany Street Police Station every Friday, that he attends all hearings and adjournments of his case at the Corozal Magistrate's Court until the matter is concluded, and he must not interfere with the prosecution's witnesses and the virtual complainants.

10K Bail For Alleged Trafficker
Robert Gentle, the Ranchito resident who police charged for that runaway Lincoln Navigator SUV that was was carrying over 6 kilos of cocaine across the Belize Mexican Border, is also out on bail tonight. Police took 3 weeks to track Gentle down, and after only 2 nights in jail, his attorney, Leslie Hamilton applied for Supreme Court bail. Justice Antoinette Moore heard the grounds for the bail application, and after getting input from Crown Counsel Jackie Willoughby, she granted him bail of $10,000. He has to attend all hearings of the criminal case his facing at the Corozal Magistrate's Court, until the case is disposed of. He also has to report to the Corozal Police Station every Friday, and he is not to interfere with the prosecution's witness.

"Big Baby" Meets The Little Kids
On Wednesday we showed you our final installment in our interview with Belizean Jarrell Big Baby Miller - the #2 ranked contender for the world heavyweight title. He has certainly made a name for himself on the international boxing scene and today he shared his the story of his journey with Belmopan youth. I was there to meet him and here is that story. Courtney Weatherburne, reporting: Jarrell "Big Baby Miller"- he is quite comfortable in the boxing ring - pounding on his opponents and knocking them out, 18 of the 20 he's faced so far. But today, Miller transformed the Belmopan Civic Center stage into his ring; taking on a willing sparring partner. Now the Civic is no MGM Grand or Madison Square Garden but his audience, like the tens of thousands that pay to see him, were equally eager to meet him today on his countrywide tour.

Minister of Works Says No Mining License Was Needed In Cayo Explosion
At today's house meeting, Works Minister Renee Montero answered questions about the explosion in the Santa Cruz area of Santa Elena Town. The questions were put to him by the opposition about the fact that the mining unit says there was no license to blast in the area. He says none was needed. Hon. Rene Montero - Minister of Works: "If this case the mining licence was not necessary because it was just a blast to check and see if the material was adequate for the road construction that was under operation."

PM Bristles At Suggestion Of Montero Involvement
The Prime Minister bristled at the suggestion that there could have been a friendly arrangement between Belize Roadway Construction, and the Area Representatives who is also the Minister of works:... Reporter: "The minister says no mining license was required, but one was in fact required as we've confirmed with officials from the ministry of natural resources." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "You are talking about what the minister said in the house?" Reporter: "That, and the fact that it's been alleged that he is very closely linked, although there hasn't been anything to prove much but in relation to BRC, there are a lot of procedures that were not followed at questionable matter." Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "Don't bring to me any argument that Montero is somehow involved in Tiger Aggregates."

Caye Caulker Airstrip, The Final Deal
And today, based on a question from the leader of the opposition, we also heard details of the stripped down plans for the refurbishing of the Caye Caulker airstrip - which started out at 7 million dollars, but is now down to 3.9 million:.. Hon. Manuel Heredia - Minister of Civil Aviation: "The current contract with the lower bidder for the sum of 3.918 6 hundred and 99 dollars not the 3.5 as mentioned before which include the cost, the core phase for the entire project only this phase exclude the following items, the external security lighting system, runway light system is included in the initial phase. Notably this will greatly enhance air transportation capability to the island, the hot mix asphalt surfacing is limited to a width of 40 feet with the additional 20 feet of shoulders that will not be surfaced. That will just be an additional 10 feet on this side. The security fencing is out and the expansion of the apron will be smaller than previously said. The lifting of the runway will also be limited. The construction of the new terminal building will no longer be there."

Fiery Debate Over BTL Guarantee
And finally from today's house meeting….the most heated debate was held on a Loan Guarantee Motion for BTL. The phone company is making a loan of 17.5 million US dollars from the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund. But, the PUP objected, saying that a public guarantee for a private company is the very same thing that the UDP complains about with Universal Health Services. Here's the heated back and forth:...

Channel 5

P.M. Lashes Out as U.H.S. Motion is Tabled
The House of Representatives met today in a chilly Belmopan for the first time in 2018.  The widely anticipated 2018 General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill dealing with the UHS judgment [...]

Can Belize Avoid Paying Debt?
The Prime Minister repeated in greater detail his earlier sentiments from the November twenty-second press conference which seemed to present a legal basis by which Parliament could decide not to [...]

Settlement Offer Open, but P.U.P. Says It’s U.D.P.’s Fault
But Opposition Leader John Briceño appears unconvinced by any of it. Following the House meeting he told reporters that none of the Prime Minister’s arguments or those of the attorneys [...]

U.D.P. Turns the Tables on Former Administration
The Prime Minister indicated that there will be at least a month’s grace period to the next House meeting when the debate takes place. In that time, the interest continues [...]

What Will Commission of Inquiry Find?
As noted in our top story, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is going ahead with the Commission of Inquiry agreed on with the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. But before [...]

Clash over B.T.L. Loan; Does Government Have to Give Guarantee
The other major issue debated by the House today is a motion to approve a Taiwan ICDF loan to Belize Telemedia Limited for its Internet program. That loan is to [...]

B.T.L. and U.H.S. – 1 of These Things is Not Like the Other
In reply, with assistance from Mesopotamia representative Michael Finnegan, Prime Minister Dean Barrow attempted to show how circumstances have changed. As the P.M. said, B.T.L. is majority-owned by the government [...]

Premium, Diesel Prices Spike Tonight but Regular Down
Five days into the New Year, there’s news that consumers don’t want to hear.  Fuel prices are going up at midnight so hurry up to the gas station. Today, the [...]

Accused Murderer George Bull Caught
George Bull was arrested and charged for the murder of thirty-five-year-old Jaime Pelayo Junior.  The Carmelita Village resident was on the run since the second week of December, following Pelayo’s [...]

Unraveling the Mystery of Fareed Ahmad’s Death and Police Investigation
Fareed Ahmad was killed on December twenty-eighth and a woman police constable traveling in his vehicle on that tragic night has been charged for his murder. That case, however, continues [...]

Police Minister Re-Assures Public; Says Records Will Help Establish Origins of Texts
The Police Department is under severe pressure in the investigation of one of its own, Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown for the murder of Fareed Ahmad on December twenty-eighth. In [...]

When is a Murder, Murder?
Minister Wilfred Elrington has also weighed in on the Fareed Ahmad homicide investigation.  He reiterates what the lead investigator for the Professional Standards Branch indicated on Tuesday, that there is [...]

Minor Accuses Male Relative of Raping, Impregnating Her
There is a disturbing report by a fourteen-year-old female student against her stepfather, who could also be the father of her unborn child. On Tuesday, the minor along with her [...]

Andrew Bennett Gets Reprieve, but Not for Long
The ceremonial opening of the Supreme Court on Monday will possibly buy Senior Counsel Andrew Bennett additional time to lawyer up and prepare a defense ahead of extradition proceedings.  That [...]

The P.U.C. Audit – Autonomous Body Denies Allegations but P.M. Has Questions
The Public Utilities Commission today issued a paid statement opposing news reports this week on the ongoing audit of its finances. But Prime Minister Dean Barrow as Minister of Finance [...]

Undefeated Heavyweight Boxing Contender Comes Home
Heavyweight boxer Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is on a rise to the top of boxing with his name used in the same sentence as some of the greats in the [...]

Having a Baby in 2018? Here’s What You Need to Know
Like many who have made resolutions to lose weight this year, some couples are planning to welcome a new baby in 2018. The health of the mother is important even [...]

PlusTV

Text Messages on Fareed leaked; but are they genuine?
There has been a recent development following the Fareed Ahmad murder.Earlier this week, the well known barber was shot in his vehicle, allegedly by WCP Michelle Brown, a female constable who has since been arrested and charged. A day before he was killed, Ahmad had made a report against the Specia...

Elderly man shot in jaw
Last night there was a shooting in the Pickstock area of Belize City, where 59 year old Charles Foreman was the victim. Reports are that Foreman was in his living room when he began hearing several shots fired. He then realized that he was shot. He received the injury to his right jaw, where the bul...

Update on Jermaine Vellos Murder
Earlier this week, 37 year old Jermaine Vellos was shot dead. The shooting happened sometime around 7:30 on the 2nd of January on Maurice Bishop Street, Belama Phase Two. Vellos was shot dead on the stairs of a two story dwelling house. According to the police report, Vellos and his wife, 29 year o...

Leaked Audit of PUC tells of much public waste
Maybe its corruption fatigue, but with the beginning of 2018 comes new charges of corruption within Government; this time a statutory body known as the PUC; Public Utilities Commission. The leaked document occurred sometime early this week and already Chairman of PUC John Avery has come out publicl...

Police security an issue in Belize City?
From the ending of last year, we saw an increase in checkpoints, raids, searches, and all precautions that would lead to a safer place to live; but has it been in vain? Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo was asked if there is any concern that no matter how hard they try, Police cannot...

Men Arrested for shooting of Jose Najera
Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting of 20 year old Jose Najera. They are 24 year old Ryan Hyde, and 23 year old Denzel Wagner. The incident happened late last year on the 21st of December. Najera was in his parked vehicle at the Governor General Field in Belmopan. While he ...

Arrest in Drug Car Chase
Police have also made an arrest in the drug car incident that happened last year. IF you may remember, there was a rather unusual situation that took place at the Northern Border on the 13th of December. An SUV Navigator, being driven by someone hailing from Ranchito Village in Corozal, was approach...

Amandala

WPC Michelle Brown, 24, remanded on charge of murder of Fareed Ahmad, 39
This morning, the Belize City Magistrate’s Court opened for the first business day of the New Year and a massive, heavily armed police presence could be seen: a metal barrier was placed at one strategic location, sealing off a portion of Treasury Lane from the direction of Southern Foreshore and at the Regent Street side of the court building. Almost a dozen police officers from the Special Patrol Unit (SPU) took up positions, sealing off the court perimeter. Inside the court building, the person for whom the elaborate security apparatus was rolled out was not placed in the cell with the other detainees who had been brought to court, but was sitting quietly outside the holding cell area on a chair. After that person was in the building for most of the morning, a woman police court orderly eventually went in the holding cell area and emerged with the accused, Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown, who leaned on her fellow police officer for support as she limped her way toward Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser’s courtroom.

Ahmad family member discloses threatening texts
In the wake of the shocking murder of the popular barber, Fareed Ahmad, late last month, members of his family have come forward to inform the media that they believe that they are still under police surveillance, and one particular family member has provided screenshots of threatening text messages he said he received. Yesterday, Abdul Ahmad told the media that he had an experience which confirmed he was being subject to police surveillance. Ahmad explained that sometime near 2:00 p.m., he left the barber shop to run some errands and to pay some bills.

CCJ’s $90m UHS judgment to House on Friday
The House of Representatives will hold its first meeting for the New Year tomorrow, Friday, and included in the business of the day will be a motion that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will table for the disbursement of the 90 million dollars that the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered the Belize Government to pay to the Belize Bank. Amandala has learned that the motion will only be tabled, and no member will be allowed to speak on the motion, except for PM Barrow, who will table it. As many as nine United Democratic Party (UDP) government ministers have indicated that they will not vote in support of the motion, and PM Barrow had indicated at one of his press conferences that he would allow his cabinet ministers to vote their conscience.

Vacationing Belizean murdered in Belama
On the second day of the New Year, a second, senseless murder shocked Belize City residents. Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, the sickening sound of gunfire disturbed the tranquility of suburban life in the Belama Phase 2 area. Two men, with their faces covered, waited for a couple to return to their Belama home, located on Maurice Bishop Street, and when they appeared, the men opened fire, fatally hitting the man and injuring his wife. Police reported that when they arrived on the scene around 7:40 p.m., they observed the motionless body of a man who was apparently dead on the stairs of a two-storey building. He had what appeared to be several gunshot wounds to the body, a police report said.

September 2017 unemployment down 1.4% over last year
Latest SIB (Statistics Institute of Belize) statistics reveal that the unemployment rate for Belize in September 2017 stands at 9.7%, an improvement over September 2016, when the unemployment rate was 11.1%. In September 2015 the unemployment rate was 10.2%, and in September 2014 it was 12.1%. The SIB explains that “the unemployment rate is the percent of the labour force that do not have jobs but who want to work and are available to work.” Using this criteria, SIB statistics show that the district with the lowest unemployment rate in September 2016 was Toledo, 3.9%. The Stann Creek District registered the highest unemployment rate in 2016, 13.1%, with the Belize District next, at 10.9%. The SIB results from its September 2017 Labour Survey follows:

UDP fat cats feed off PUC
An audit report of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that was leaked to the media, has revealed that the finances of that statutory body have been handled in a grab-tub manner: millions of dollars disappeared, which suggests that the finances of the regulatory body were not scrupulously managed. The audit report was completed last summer by Cedric Flowers, a Certified Public Accountant, and a copy of its findings has been provided to Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and John Avery, the Chairman of the PUC. The audit covers the period up to the end of March 2017. In a letter dated August 17, 2017, addressed to PUC Chairman Avery, Flowers questioned the lack of cooperation in providing certain “audit evidence” for which several requests had been made.

Krem New Year’s Classic 2018 winners
A light, cool northerly wind, following a couple early morning showers, accompanied bright sunshine and blue skies by mid-morning yesterday, when the 28th running of the Krem New Year’s Day Cycling Classic lit up the Philip Goldson Highway, “from the (Santa Elena, Corozal) border to the Boulevard” in Belize City, culminating with a burst of adrenaline and fan excitement as men/women and machines hurtled down the C.A. Boulevard home stretch from Belcan Bridge towards the Krem banner in front of Santos Diaz & Sons, where each of the three race categories was decided in those final few seconds of dramatic sprints to the finish line. Despite all the negatives in the air from continuing social violence in the early hours before dawn on New Year’s Day, the Krem Classic, on Krem Radio and TV, captivated the nation from mid-morning till its culmination in the early afternoon, providing some joy and celebration and hope for everyone in 2018.

CYDP Peace Cup continues Saturday, 2nd leg of semifinals
fter a break for the holidays, the CYDP Peace Cup returns to the MCC on Saturday with the decisive game 2 of the semifinal series. Tut Bay FC and Kelly Street FC drew, 0-0, in their game 1 on Saturday, December 23, 2017; while FC Elite got the 1-nil win over formerly undefeated Stars Academy, courtesy of a second half goal by bright young talent, Orlando “Bredda” Velasquez. So far, entrance is FREE at the Peace Cup games.

Belmopan 1st Division football update
Whilst many were on their Christmas break, the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) continued with its First Division 2017/2018 Amateur Football Opening Tournament on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 28, 29 and 30, respectively, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. On Thursday night, fans were treated to two games. In game one, Valencia YWAM Boyz walked all over Duck Run 2 Warriors, to pick up their first win in the tournament by a score of 5-2. Playing big for Valencia YWAM Boyz was Jalen Myers, who scored four goals, specifically in the 5th, 11th, 17th and 62nd minutes. Christian Bush wrapped things up for YWAM by scoring in the 66th minute. The consolation goals for Duck Run 2 came from the feet of Edgar Gregorio in the 6th and 60th minutes.

Editorial: Dark Hour
Most of us grew up hearing a poetic, evocative, timeless saying: the darkest hour is just before the dawn. On this Thursday morning, January 4, 2018, we cannot say with any kind of certainty that this dark hour is just before the dawn, but we can declare definitely that this is a very dark hour in our community. From the beginning, the circumstances surrounding the shooting and vehicle crash death of Fareed Ahmad, 39, a shining Black Belizean male, last week Wednesday night going into Thursday morning, appeared extraordinary, even strange. There was a passenger in Fareed’s vehicle with him at the time of the shooting and crash just outside of Hattieville on the George Price Highway, a short distance from Fareed’s home at Mile 17 on the said highway. She was a woman police constable, one Michelle Brown, 24, attached to a so-called Special Assignment Team (SAT), an aggressive, shadowy section of the Belize Police Department.

From The Publisher
Hitherto, Belizeans who have decided, no doubt sensibly and rationally, though sometimes under duress, to become employees, affiliates, associates, or assets of the mighty United States of America’s federal government, have not been forced to confront the possibility that, in the course and pursuance of their relationship with the American federal government, they may have to support and/or execute policies which are not in the best interests of the Belizean people and nation-state. When the American attorney/mediator, Bethuel Webster, released the Seventeen Proposals in April of 1968 as his U.S.-sponsored set of proposals/solutions for the territorial dispute over Belize between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Guatemala, I would say that the vast majority of Belizeans, especially those Belizeans who were already in the United States, were inclined to blame Hon. George Price and his ruling People’s United Party (PUP) for the Seventeen Proposals. This was our colonial mentality at work.

The Slow Gentrification of PG
Dear Editor: Punta Gorda is the main urban center of the two forgotten districts: Toledo and Stann Creek. Until recently the town was connected to the rest of the country only by sea and as late as the 1990’s, by a dirt gravel road. It was the last town to be connected to the other districts and towns by a paved highway. Of the two neglected districts in the south, Toledo, and by extension Punta Gorda, was the worse. While there are those who argue that this was not intentional and merely a result of proximity and because its population was small hence less resources was allocated to it, most in the south believe that it was by design, since it would be the sacrificial lamb, should negotiations with Guatemala totally fail, and some sort of land cession had to be made.

Best political Christmas
hen the biggest political deal of the last decade has been the dispute between Dean Barrow, under the guise of the people of Belize, and Michael Ashcroft under the guise of the Ashcroft group, which has culminated in the best Christmas gift for the man turned Good Samaritan after being “villainized” by no other than PM Barrow. Belizeans love drama and a good gossip and a hype story, but get so distracted by the noise that they fail to see the true issues developing before their eyes. In this case the issues had to do with following the money… Yes, the money! No matter what name calling is done, what magnificent interview is given and what grandiose speech saying it’s all for the people, what really mattered at the end of the day is that the Ashcroft groups after almost a decade still ended up getting the money they demanded and they have gotten even more than what they would have been entitled to had the matter been resolved from the first court ruling against the government.

2017 ends with a bang … of bullets!
Man created the concept of time, clocks, calendars and measures time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries …. But time is really an abstract reality. However, we have been programmed to mark our lives by time and thus our honoured tradition of bidding farewell to the old year and celebrating the start of a new year. 2018 is now just a few days old, but that is already time gone and for most of us it will appear as if time has swiftly gone by. To live to see the end of 2017 and the dawn of 2018 is a great feat, and one many of us celebrated.

Trojan Horses threaten Belizeans’ lives and security
Yet another senseless murder of a Belizean in Belize has occurred in what appears to be a sinister and violent attack on a Belizean Muslim citizen, Brother Fareed Ahmad, whose family has been through hell in terms of a cloud of suspicion that has continued to engulf Belize in its cooperation in the United States government’s so-called, “War on Drugs,” and now its global “War on Terror”. Belize came under the watchful eye of the U.S. president Ronald Reagan after the dictator, Anastacio Somoza, as the Cold War intensified in Central America. Belize, once a peaceful country and the only English-speaking nation in the region, was pressured for it to be uses as a strategic geographical location in the balance of power between the U.S.-backed so-called freedom fighters, the “Contras”, and the communist-backed “Sandinistas” of Nicaragua.

Rak to lead substanceless UHS Enquiry
CJ: Hello, hello, just call me a, the concerned journalist (CJ), okay. I’m here with this High Level Red Operative (HLRO) who’s going to give us the scoop on the latest story about the UHS scandal, open paki, fish from riva batam, the whole deal. Let’s start this story when your party became head dog, HLRO. You brought a theft charge against Muster and Funster for diverting the money from Venezuela and Taiwan—tell us, what really was the deal with that? HLRO: First of all, we had nothing to do with such case. That’s all rumor. Poppycock. The legislature has no control over the judiciary. It was some overzealous someone in the prosecution branch that brought that charge. No, no, there never was any discussion in our camp about bringing such a ridiculous charge against that duo. Our legal luminaries would never have wasted our resources on anything so pointless.

First two babies born at the KHMH on New Year’s Day
While Belize’s cycling community had their minds fixed on the annual KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic, and over a hundred eager cyclists dreamt of being first across the finishing line, a goodly number of expectant Belizean mothers, and expectant fathers, were experiencing their own nervous moments. For a number of families, it was all smiles on New Year’s Day, after nine long months of wait and sometimes worry. At the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), the family of Arlene Burgess of Gardenia was the first to experience the joy, and relief, of a new birth. Her baby girl (yet unnamed), weighing eight pounds twelve ounces, came into the world at 12:52 a.m. A few hours later, at 4:39 a.m., the Castillo family of Belize City got their new bundle of joy at the KHMH, when Elizabeth Castillo delivered a seven-pound ten-ounce baby boy.

Tensions high as rival gangs clash in the old city
The ongoing feud between the Victoria Street and Majestic Alley gangs has resulted in the shooting deaths of the reputed Victoria Street boss, Leon Garcia, 30, and the brother-in-law of a Majestic Alley associate, Jermaine Vellos, 39. That feud has additionally led to the shooting of Charles Foreman, Sr., 59. Sometime around 9 o’clock on Wednesday night a man dressed in full black visited Foreman’s home on Pickstock Street. The man called out, “Charlie!” That was when Foreman opened his door to a barrage of gunshots. As many as six shots roared out, one of which struck him in his chin and exited his neck. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he is listed in a critical condition.

Ranchito Village driver charged with drug trafficking for 6,328 grams of cocaine
A 41-year-old man who allegedly attempted to smuggle 6,328 grams of cocaine from Belize into Mexico, was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared today in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. He is Robert Gentle, a driver of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District. Gentle pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was denied bail and he was remanded unto custody until February 20, 2018. At around 4 p.m. on December 13, a man driving a cream Lincoln Navigator car went to the northern section of the Custom Department’s cargo area at the Corozal-Mexico border. As he crossed the border into Mexico, the scanner detected that something was hidden in the dashboard of the car.

Fred Smith, last murder victim of 2017
With less than two hours remaining in 2017, there was a murder recorded on Belize City’s southside. This murder pushed the homicide count for last year to 145, which matches figures from 2012—the year that had been dubbed one of the bloodiest in Belizean history. Fredrick “Tall Order” Smith, 22, was shot dead sometime after 10 o’clock on Sunday, December 31. When officers arrived on the scene they saw him lying face-up in a drain on Antelope Street Extension. He had been shot once in the upper back.

The Reporter

Stepfather accused of raping and impregnating 14-year-old girl
A 14-year-old girl from Guinea Grass village in the Orange Walk district reported to police that she was raped twice by her step-father last year and is now 6 months pregnant. The girl made the report in the presence of her sister on January 2nd. Doctors confirmed […]

UHS appropriation bill tabled for first reading at 2018’s first House sitting
While no vote was taken on the bill by members of the House of Representative, the Universal Health Services (UHS) appropriation bill was tabled for its first reading at this morning’s sitting of the House of Representatives, the first sitting of 2018. According to Prime Minister Dean […]

KHMH gives gifts to the firstborns of 2018
Keeping with a tradition spanning over 20 years, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) handed out gift hampers this week to the mothers of the first born children in 2018. The KHMH and its private sector partners which sponsored the items in the hampers, held a brief […]

US places Belize-flagged cargo vessel on proposed UN blacklist China vetoes sanctions against 6 of 10 vessels
Belizeans take great pride in saluting their national flag – a symbol of identity and sovereignty – paraded at official functions at home and abroad and is especially owned during the season of our Independence. What many Belizeans do not know, is that just as […]

UHS payment motion headed to Parliament
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, during the upcoming meeting of the House of Representatives scheduled for Friday, January 5, will bring a motion to the house on whether or not to honor the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling to pay the Belize Bank $90 million. After keeping […]

Taiwan gifts Guatemala towards strengthening of Adjacency Zone
Guatemalans who live and work within the Guatemalan side of the Adjacency Zone out west will benefit from a grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to their government. Though the figure gifted has not been disclosed, Taiwan’s granting of money to the Belize and […]

Is US striking back at UN?
The United States government has announced a $200 million reduction in its national budget, following a non-binding vote by 128 United Nations countries to nullify the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem. The US government announced last week that its congress has successfully negotiated a […]

Highlights of 2017
Belize, like countries all over the world, experienced its share of victories and challenges for the year 2017. While people were divided on some issues, 2017 also had its share of people uniting for a common cause. Some events were more memorable than others but these ten events particularly stood […]

Business-Climate Reforms Must Be Large Enough to Influence Growth
Now, the last Business Perspective article for 2017 had focused on the impact of high public debt could have on the economy. But the conversation was a bit more on the empirical side with a fairly recent research paper, published by the Central Bank of Belize (CBB) on its website, […]

Two hospitalized following stabbing in Corozal
Two men are hospitalized in separate hospitals following a stabbing incident in the Corozal district on New Year’s Day. Police say that the incident happened shortly after 2:00 a.m., on New Year’s morning in Louiseville village when a group of men attacked a man with […]

Fredrick Smith was 2017’s last murder victim
The year 2017 ended on a sad note with the shooting murder of Fredrick Smith, 22, less than two hours before the year came to an end. Smith’s body was discovered sometime around 10:40 Sunday night, lying face down in a drain on Antelope Street […]

Suspected arson destroys one home, damages another
Police are seeking one suspect in Stann Creek and have arrested another pending a charge of arson in Orange Walk following two fires they believe were deliberately set in these districts. In the south, police were summoned to a house at mile 25 on the […]

New Year’s gun and ammo bust lands Henry “Pulu” Gillett behind bars
There will be no bail for 36-year-old activist and Taxi-man, Henry “Pulu” Gillett who along with his wife, 38-year-old Sandra Gillett and their 16-year-old daughter, who were pulled in by police on a firearm and ammunition charge stemming from a raid at their Bride’s Alley address in […]

Editorial
The year just ended has been traumatic for most working class Belizeans because of the high level of violence we have endured! One hundred and forty-two murders a year is a lot of carnage for a small country like Belize, especially when you consider that 34 percent of the population […]

$5 Million paid to Barrow and Company in 2017
Two images shared with the Reporter by a credible source, purportedly screenshots of government’s Smart Stream system, through which all government payments are made, indicate that GOB paid more than $5.3 million in 2017 alone to Barrow and Company, the law-firm of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s brother, Denys. The images […]

PUC audit shows outrageous spending of public funds
The Reporter has received copies of a letter of representation which suggests that there has been outrageous spending of public funds by the government’s utility monitoring agency, the Public Utilities Commission, some of which an auditor suggested did not appear to be PUC-related. The letter, […]

The Ahmad murder – the story behind the story
Shocking information surfaced this week over the Thursday, December 28th murder of barber, Fareed Ahmad, 38, when screenshots of text messages emerged, purportedly sent from one member of the Police Department’s Special Assignment Team (SAT) to another member, discussing what appears to have been a […]

Gang feud explodes, two dead one injured
Police say there is a possibility that the string of violence which has left two men dead and one injured may be the result of an ongoing feud between rival gangs in the Pink’s Alley and Victoria Street areas. Officer Commanding the Crimes Investigation Branch […]

Breaking Belize News

Investigation into cocaine bust at Northern border not yet completed
Police have formally arrested and charged Robert Gentle, a Ranchito resident who was driving […]

Cool weather to continue
A cool and dry northeasterly airflow prevails over the country. The 24-hour forecast is for cloudy and windy conditions to prevail with little or […]

Evangelical Association of Belize issues statement for 2018 and Jerusalem
The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) extends New Year blessings to all Belizeans, after […]

Ahmad family fear for their lives after receiving text threats
According to the family of Fareed Ahmad they are fearful for their lives after having […]

Minor knocks down woman in Guinea Grass village
Last night around 9, police responded to a report of a traffic accident at the […]

Couple shot in Belama, one dead
Last night around 7:40, police responded to a report of a shooting in Belama. Police […]

Michelle Brown remains silent
Yesterday, disgraced woman police constable, Michelle Brown, who was assigned to the Special Assignment Team, […]

Delmas Zelaya charged for One Mall robbery
According to police reports, on Friday, December 23, 2017, One Mall gas station in Corozal […]

Chen’s robbed on New Years Eve
At yesterday’s press brief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette informed that on New Year’s […]

Blogs

A glimpse at the passion behind the Fly Fishing industry of Belize
I’m having the BEST…DAY…EVER. It’s the middle of the work week, and I’m on a boat; the sun beats down mercilessly as we search for the coveted permit, tarpon, and bonefish. I am laughing uproariously with my guide and friend Alexander Gomez, and new best friend, Captain Michael Peralta. Despite being the saltiest guest ever (I mean, could the fish avoid me any harder?!) – I’m having a blast fishing – something I never thought I would ever do willingly. Yet by day’s end, I’m in love, grateful that I had a chance to watch the masters at work fly fishing. The moment I mentioned to Alex that I was interested in doing this story, his enthusiasm was off the charts. Never mind that the entire conversation lasted a minute and took place inside a bar after downing way too many Belikins. He did not forget, and as a matter of fact, neither did I. He was excited to introduce me to his mistress: the sea – and his enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn’t wait to see him in action, so we set a date.

The Cold Front Reaches Ambergris Caye Too
“Bomb Cyclone” ravages NorthEast! The headlines about snow-meggadon 2018- Winter Storm Grayson- make the situation sound more than downright miserable. Just the term “thunder snow” sends a shiver up and down my spine. I feel for you…I really do. So I won’t talk at length about the temperatures on Ambergris Caye – how it is DRY and windy, how we went down to the 60s last night and we didn’t even use our air conditioner. I won’t tell you about how this is as far out of our normal range as your temperatures are…

Why Skip the Coast and Head to Inland Belize this 2018
When you don’t follow the crowds, discoveries are made The coastal areas can be quite tempting but that’s not the only beauty you can find in Belize-- the tropical forests are as good as it can be these days! As much as we LOVE our gorgeous coastal destinations—we encourage you to skip those common places and try something new while travelling the warm and sunny Central America. inland belize Heading to where everyone is, can be an easy way to plan a vacation but what about heading inland and ticking off numerous adventures off your bucket list? San Ignacio, Belize is packed with exhilarating journeys, history, calmness, warm atmosphere and moments beyond expectations. Here is why you should skip the usual places and book inland Belize!

International Sources

BELIZE PASSES LAW TO PROTECT ITS REEFS
Most of you will have heard of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, but have you heard of the Belize Barrier Reef? This beautiful World Heritage site is the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and is home to almost 1,400 species, including the endangered hawksbill turtle, manatees and six threatened species of shark. It is also Belize's biggest tourist attraction, contributing between $182m and $237m a year to its economy. In recognition of the biological and cultural importance of this reef, Belize today announced the end to oil exploration in its waters, becoming a world leader in ocean protection. Since 2009, the Belize Barrier Reef has been on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites In Danger List, but it is hoped that this bold move from the Belizean Government will bring it closer to being removed from the list when the UNESCO World Heritage Committee make their recommendations in June this year.

Belize says “No!” to offshore oil
Belize has made history by unanimously passing the Petroleum Operations (Offshore Zone Moratorium) Bill, 2017, which will place an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil in Belize’s marine territory. This decision has been welcomed by Oceana, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and other members of the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage as a landmark step forward to protect the Belize Barrier Reef and strengthen marine conservation worldwide. This action is historic given Belize’s economic dependence on its natural resources and will safeguard invaluable marine environments including the second longest barrier reef in the world, which runs along Belize’s coast. Just as importantly, this law recognizes and respects the collective leadership and persistent involvement of tens of thousands of Belizeans for more than seven years on the issue of offshore oil.

Videos

January 5, 2018

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Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Cost of living continues rising in Belize according to SIB’s latest report
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) recently released its latest statistics in three categories which include: Consumer Price Index, External Trade Bulletin, and Labor Force. The latest release shows that all-items consumer price index for November 2017 stood at 105.2, an increase of 104.2 compared to the same month in 2016. According to the SIB, for the month of November 2017, goods regularly purchased by Belizeans households were 0.9% higher than they were last year for the same month.

Einer Gomez is grand prize winner in Castillo’s Hardware Ltd’s 2017 raffle
Castillo’s Hardware Limited held its annual Christmas raffle for its customers on Friday, December 22nd, with five amazing prizes on the line. Thousands of raffle tickets had been placed in the barrel leading up to the grand day, and everyone who participated was hoping to be the lucky winner. Reef Radio was on hand to do the live drawing, and Miss San Pedro, Virginia Vasquez, was tasked with drawing the five winning tickets. After a few brief words of thanks from Mr. Alfonso Castillo, the first ticket was drawn. Winning the fifth prize, a Huffy Men’s Mountain Bike, was Amilcar Chi. Thomas Ack was the lucky fourth prize winner of a Panasonic 400 Watt Stereo System, while the third prize of 10 gallons of Do It Best Paint & Primer-In-One was Jorge Flores. Second prize, a 30” Frigidaire Gas Stainless Steel Stove, went to Guido Edwards, and then, it was time for the grand prize. Walking away with a fantastic LG 65” 4k LED SMART Television was none other than Einer Gomez!

Prime Minister’s Dean Barrow delivers New Year’s Address 2018
As is customary, Belize’s Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow delivered his New Year’s message on Friday, December 29, 2017. In his speech, he highlighted the accomplishments and obstacles that the country faced as a nation through the year as well as projects to be expected for the upcoming year. Finally, he wished all Belizeans a Happy New Year.

Misc Belizean Sources

Gaming Control Board Notice
The Gaming Control Board of Belize would like to remind all gaming machine licensees that their licenses will expire on 31st March 2018. Licensees wishing to renew their licenses are asked to submit their application forms to the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce in Belmopan on or before Friday, 2nd February 2018. Application forms are available at the Ministry.

Mrs. Maria Idalia "Daly" Paz passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Paz friends and family on the passing of Mrs. Maria Idalia "Daly" Paz. We hope the family can find strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May her soul rest in peace.

BTB Vacancy: Information Technology Services
Got what it takes? If you want to work in a collaborative environment where opportunities are offered, skills and excellence are rewarded, you might be exactly what we're looking for. To find out, check this page for vacancies.

Movie Night: "Lake Placid" followed by a Q&A with croc experts!
Wednesday, January 10 at 7 PM - 9 PM, at The Truck Stop 1 Mile North of the bridge, San Pedro. Here's a special treat: this Wednesday we'll be showing the crocodile thriller "Lake Placid," and afterwards we'll be having a Q&A with local crocodile experts Chris Summers & Christina Manzi from ACES / American Crocodile Education Sanctuary! In addition to telling us a few things that the movie gets hilariously wrong, they'll answer your questions about our own local monsters.

Power outage scheduled for Wednesday, January 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to affect Joseito & Dominguez Layouts, Pueblo Viejo, Saltillos, Copper Bank, Chunox and Sarteneja
BEL to replace lightning arresters on a transformer at Corozal Substation.

NEBL Opening: Bandits Host Tigersharks
The NEBL 2018 season starts on Thursday, January 18th, and the big game is the Bandits hosting the Tiger Sharks. "Opening night for the 2018 Elite Basketball season takes place on Thursday ,January 18 ,2018 inside UB Gymnasium. Mark the date, you sure don’t wanna miss this one! "

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Happy New Year! The Disaster Artist, Happy Death Day, Coco, Geostorm. See ya at the movies .. *Please note the theater is closed Friday night for a church event*

Channel 7

Ahmad Family Says Text Messages Show They Are On a "Hit List"
The saga of the Ahmad family continues after the murder of Fareed Ahmad. Tonight, it has gone from perplexing to almost unbelievable. As we told you, the family is convinced that they are in grave danger, and are being hunted by rogue elements of the police department. They are seeking protection, and they also want an independent investigator to take over from the police in trying to get to the bottom of Fareed's death. And while they allege a wider conspiracy, there was no concrete evidence offered to back up that claim. But, now, they've disclosed a series of text messages which they say is proof of this conspiracy. We've seen the messages, and we'll share them with you, but first a disclaimer. These messages could simply be the photoshopped product of some mischief maker trying to stir up serious trouble and suspicion. But, the family believes them to be authentic, and so, we'll let you be the judge.

Older Man Shot in Gang Warzone - Wasn't The Intended Target
The violence continued in the city last night - and again it was the product of gang warfare between Victoria Street and Pink's Alley. 59-year-old Charles Foreman was shot while at his home on #9 Pickstock Street - which is one block across from Victoria Street. The shot went into his cheek and exited through his neck and has left Foreman in Critical condition at the KHMH. Sahar Vasquez found out more about the shooting. 59-year-old Charles Foreman sat in the comfort of his living room last night socializing with a few other when things went terribly wrong. Several shots were fired at his house a little after 8 pm. The shots came out of nowhere. Everyone escaped unhurt except for Foreman. He was shot in the face. Foreman now lies in a hospital bed in critical condition. But was he really the target? Well according to the police the 59-year-old Foreman was not the intended target.

Violence in A Community Cordoned Off By Checkpoints
So what can police do to contain this rivalry that has left two dead and one critical since New Year's Day? foreman was shot in an area with heavy police presence, and, on New Year's Day, Leon Garcia was stabbed to death not far from another police checkpoint. In fact, three checkpoints form a kind of cordon around the Victoria Street area. Yet the violence continues. Today police told us what they are doing about it: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Now sir would you be able to speak to the checkpoints in that area. There is a triangulation of them. Up the Street on Castle Street and PickStock and then you have another that is on the corner of New Road and Victoria and then you have another on Barrack Road and Victoria. So you have in a half mile radius a very dense area of checkpoints. Yet one murder and one attempted murder have happened within this locus. Is this a concern for you all that no matter how many active patrols or checkpoints you all seem to erect the criminals are able to operate within that with murderous intent?"

Police Looking For Vellos Shooter
Jermaine Vellos was also killed as a result of that gang war between Pink's Alley and Victoria Street. It happened far from that neighborhood in the Belama area - but was directly related to the gang rivalry. That's because the gunmen went to a Belama home looking for a Pink's Alley figure, but ended up shooting his brother in law - who has smilier features, but is visiting from New York. Today, we asked police more about the execution of the wrong man, and the wider issue of gang warfare between these rival groups: Reporter: "Did the killers indeed come on the river and are there any clues? Were there any surveillance cameras that may have picked them up? Anything like that?" ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "Based on the investigation on the cameras in the area, yes we were able to establish that they came from the river side and they were hiding behind some bushes. The police found some exhibits in that area as well that the persons were using."

Woman Critical After Orange Walk Accident With 16 Year Old Driver
A woman is battling to stay alive after she was knocked down in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk. Last night around 9:00, 28 year old Shakira Villanueva was crossing the road at the entrance of the village when a 16 year old boy, who was driving a Izuzu pick-up truck without a license, knocked her down. Her mother spoke to CTV-3 today. Lilia Villanueva, Mother: "When my daughter was going by the road, somebody hailed her. I don't know where she was going but the same time someone called me and said that a boy just knocked down my daughter and left her on the ground and left. Someone else came, picked her up and took her. They sent her right to Belize, and from there 3pm in the evening they called and told me they will operate on her brain because there was hemorrhage..."

Boy Beat Down In Sugar Town
Also in Orange Walk, a mother is pleading for justice after a man fractured her son's skull on New Years Day. 11 year old Jahmar Ferguson and his cousins were walking to a friend's house in Trial Farm when another man threw a stone at a nearby house. Two men from the house came out and went after Ferguson -thinking he had thrown the rock. According to the report, one of the men held the boy down and the other struck him in the head with an object. After the incident, someone called a family member because he was unconscious and bleeding out. It is a vicious attack on a child and today his mother, Patricia Hendricks told us that all she wants is for her little boy to recover and for the men to pay for this monstrous act.

PUC Audit Raises Questions
The working papers for an audit of the Public Utilities Commission is raising eyebrows and could stir a political storm two months before municipal elections. The Audit is for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, and, in his august Management Letter, accountant Cedric Flowers points to a few worrying details in his letter to the board of the PUC. He notes that there were over $50,000 dollars in donations for which he found no evidence of approval by the Commission. As regards the Raspberry PI Program where the PUC purchased a large number of computers for youth training, Flowers notes, quote, "substantial modification of previously approved expenditures, payment of unbudgeted expenses, lack of proper support for expenditures, and financing of its operations without an approved budget."

NEAB Is On The Zion Train To Jerusalem
The National Evangelical Association of Belize has sent out its first press release for the new year, and its tackling 2 very weighty and controversial topics. As we told you, the unofficial murder count is tied with 2012, for the most murderous year in Belize's history, with 145 murders. Their release says, quote, "As our murder rate for 2017 has tied the 2012 highest ever record, we urge all Belizeans to live vigilant, sober lives guarding our children and families and let us cry out for God to heal our nation." End quote. They've also taken a swipe at Government of Belize for refusing to support US President Donald Trump in recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel.

Investigation Into Lincoln Navigator Not Done
One man has been charged in the case of the cocaine carrying Lincoln Navigator - but that's not the end of the story. 41 year old Ranchito resident Robert Gentle, has been remanded into custody for driving the Lincoln Navigator which had 13 pounds of cocaine in a hidden compartment. But, how did he get possession of the vehicle? And what about the owner, who reported it stolen minutes after the crash? Police say the owner and the driver still have more questions to answer:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "Yes the police is looking at that angle and likewise other persons are being seek in reference that same vehicle."

Granny Jumped GSU Officer?
She's a 51 year-old grandmother, but police officers from the Gang Suppression Unit are accusing Irma Caceres of assaulting them. Well, in a trial at the Magistrate's Court, she accused them right back of assaulting her sons. Police Constables Marvin McKoy and Andrews testified that in January of last year, they were attempting to search for drugs, firearms and ammunition at her house on Madam Liz Crescent in Belize City. They testified that when they entered her property, residents blocked them from entering because a party was underway. The police still jumped over the gate, removed the chain and lock, and entered anyway. From there, things escalated and one of the party-goers allegedly elbowed one of the police officers. Constable McKoy testified that he rushed to help, and that's when he was jumped from behind. He said that someone grabbed him by his shirt collar, and when he turned around, he saw that it was none other than Irma Caceres. They then arrested her and charged her with assaulting a police officer and obstruction.

Belize Bank Delivers 90.6 Million Dollar Certificate to GOB
The 90.6 million dollar question is going to the House of Representatives tomorrow. Should Government pay the arbitration award to the Belize Bank? The question has weighed heavy in the public's mind for 6 weeks, and tonight it's coming close to closure. Reports to 7 News are that the government received the certificate from the registrar only just this evening. That is the instrument from the court which states the amount that is due and it is served on the Financial Secretary and the Minister of Finance. Now, the Prime Minister will table this in the house tomorrow as a request for an appropriation by the National Assembly. But reports suggest that it might only be tabled, and then debated and voted on at a later occasion. The issues of costs still has to be finalized and there will be another certificate for that, which would have to be added to this one for approval by the House.

SSB and CWU Agree On Money, But Disagree On Principle
The Social Security Board and the Christian Workers Union have agreed on a raise for employees, but are having a dispute over how backpay is to be calculated. Social Security says the retroactive pay should not be compounding, while the union says it should. It's a difference of about 5.3% which Social Security has agreed to pay in the union's favour. Great, so end of dispute, right? Not so fast, because Social Security wants the union to accept, quote, "that the Board is not setting a precedent for past or future negotiations relating to 'salary increase or retroactive salary increase."

Search Intensifies for Missing Jamal
Jamal Humes has been missing for 16 days now. After tireless search efforts, his family still has not found him. Today his mother and the search party leader Jose Espat held a press conference to share some promising leads and request assistance from the public. Jose Espat, Search Party Leader: "We moved on as well based on tips and so forth. After canvassing we learnt a lot about Jamal. We learnt he was not any person of trouble. We learnt that he used to do mechanics and he would often go out at any hours of the night to help anyone. We also found that he used to work for the police and he used to work at the mechanic shop beside LI-Chee. He worked for the police almost five years. We also came across Information that Jamal was a witness in a murder that occurred five years ago on Faber's road and that is a very key point in the investigation. I cannot go into details of the matter because the police are dining their investigation as well. We also have another lead that I will not go into details right now. Those are the two motives we are looking at presently and going on."

Cops Keeping Up Hope For Jamal
And police say they have been assisting in the search for Homes as well. ASP Cowo told us what the cops have done and disclosed some angles in the case:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "I know that the police is working along with the family members conducting searches within different areas within Belize City, 8 miles. Just yesterday sometime after 5, police went to an area behind the dykes area where they conducted a search at a location. However, it was led that nothing was found there. He is still reported missing." Reporter: "Are you all aware of any person or persons who had a grievance against Mr. Humes or any reason why anyone may have wanted him disappeared or dead?" ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Not that we know up to this moment."

Basketballers To Sarstoon
Border Activist Wil Maheia has become well-known for his regular trips to the Sarstoon Island, He usually takes different groups of Belizean on an excursion - if you will - to experience what it is like at the southernmost border with Guatemala, and to see the activities that the Guatemalans engage in at the edge of the Toledo District. Well, this morning, he and Clinton "Pulu" Lightburn organized a trip to the Sarstoon for 16 Belize City Southside youths - who also make up an under 14 basketball team. And surprisingly, they got the full treatment, everything from the sights and sounds, to even the Guatemalan military's attempt to stop them circling the Sarstoon Island. They've put together a sort of video blog of the trip, and here's what they saw:

Channel 5

Gang Rivalry Explodes on North Side; G.S.U. Swoop Into Action
Gang violence in the city has once again exploded since the murder of well-known gang leader Leon Garcia on New Year’s Day.  On Tuesday night, a pair of gunmen shot [...]

Charles Foreman Sr. Shot; Family in Trauma
As the GSU cracks down on rivalry gangs in the City, another act of violence overnight left an elderly man in critical condition. A bullet penetrated the cheek of fifty-nine [...]

Vellos Attackers Got Away by Haulover Creek; 1 Sought
The Foreman and Vellos families are still reeling from the deadly attack on their loved ones on Tuesday night in Belize City.  Husband and wife couple Jermain and Stephanie Vellos [...]

P.U.C. George Price Highway HQ Will Cost Big
On Wednesday, we reported on questionable transactions queried by certified public accountant and auditor Cedric Flowers in respect of the 2016-2017 audit of the Public Utilities Commission. He questioned among [...]

“Uncle Sam” Closing in on Andrew Bennett
The Office of the Attorney General has completed the requisite paperwork and is awaiting Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington’s signature before proceeding with the extradition request for attorney Andrew Bennett, who [...]

Texts Say S.A.T. Planning More for Ahmads
Tonight there is more from the family of Fareed Ahmad, whose claiming that despite Fareed’s murder, they continue to be under surveillance. As we reported on Wednesday night, the family [...]

P.M. Says Answers for U.H.S. on Friday
Friday morning’s meeting of the House of Representatives is a special session. It is expected to be closely followed as the motion for payment of more than ninety million dollars [...]

Guats Maintain Tight Hold on Sarstoon; “Allow” Belizeans to Visit
A fun trip to the Sarstoon River for members of a youth basketball team from Southside Belize City this morning threatened to become an international incident when members of the [...]

“Dogs” Cracked Trial Farm Boy’s Skull in Mistaken Identity Case
An eleven-year-old student from Trial Farm Government School in Orange Walk is tonight recovering at the K.H.M.H. following a near fatal blow to the head at the hand of another [...]

Could Youngster Lose Ability to Walk?
According to the family, it was not until today, when Ferguson regained consciousness that a statement was taken by investigators, even though there were witnesses to the incident. But the [...]

Arrests for Shooting in Belmopan, Trafficking at Border
Several arrests have been made in respect of a number of crimes that were committed across the country in December.  Police have since charged a Ranchito resident in connection with [...]

George Street’s “BT” Charged in Female’s Shooting
Another well-known George Street affiliate has been charged in connection with a shootout along the Boom Road on New Year’s Day.  Brandon Tillett was intercepted in a vehicle following the [...]

Search Continues for Jamal Humes; Was Someone Trying to Get Rid of Him?
Jamal Humes has been missing for two weeks and as the days go by, his family in becoming increasingly worried. The twenty-eight-year-old mechanic was last seen on the corner of [...]

Police Confirm Disappearance May Be Linked to Coming Trial
While the search has come up empty-handed, the family and police believe that the disappearance of Humes may be linked to an upcoming trial in which he was to appear [...]

Fighting Gangs in Boston-Area City
In part two of our series on community policing in U.S. Cities, we take you to Boston, Massachusetts where News Five joined a team of journalists from Central America on [...]

Chairman Backtracks on Land Grant in Unitedville
Michael Juan, chairman of Unitedville Village in the Cayo District, is in a pickle tonight. One of his villagers has complained that his land appears to be unfairly being taken [...]

Healthy Living: How Cycling Can Help You Lose Weight
The holiday season was probably a period when many eat too much or drank more than the usual. So shedding those extra pounds to get back in shape is a [...]

LOVE FM

NEAB condemns Belize’s recent vote at the United Nations
Last month US President, Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In this regard, he made the decision to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Thereafter, the United Nations General Assembly convened a meeting of its member-states where 128 countries including Belize voted against the US decision.The UN’s resolution …

Man clings to life after being shot
59-year-old Charles Foreman Sr. is fighting for his life after being shot in his home last night. ASP Alejandro Cowo spoke about the incident at this morning’s press brief. ASP Alejandro Cowo – Head of CIB, Belize City “Last night Police responded to a shooting incident Wednesday the 3rd of January at about minutes before …

SSB sticks to its position; urgent meeting pending
The Social Security Board (SSB) is sticking to its stance in regards to the calculation of the salary increase as contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Christian Workers Union, CWU. We sought a comment from the Chairman of the Social Security Board, Doug Singh who wrote to our newsroom stating quote, “The CWU …

Does the Prime Minister know about PUC’s questionable spending?
Is Prime Minister Dean Barrow familiar with the findings of Accountant Cedric Flowers as it relates to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)? Among the leaked documents there is a document entitled “Report for the Prime Minister”. That document contains further questionable financial transactions and practices. For instance, it points out that in 2016 the PUC …

Certified accountant questions PUC’s spending
Yesterday we reported on the leaked financial documents relating to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The documents include audited financial statements and minutes of meetings of the commissioners of the PUC. Certified Public Accountant Cedric Flowers was contracted to audit financial statements of the PUC for the year ended March 31, 2017. While Flowers complained …

Alarming text messages suggest Fareed Ahmad was on hit list
Alarming text messages allegedly sent between two members of the Special Assignment Team, SAT, suggest a hit list and that Fareed Ahmad was a victim. In previous press conferences, the Ahmad Family expressed their belief that the death of the 38-year-old barber was planned. They say he was assassinated. We understand that the head of …

The Guardian

UHS loan goes to the house on Friday
On Friday January 5th the now infamous Universal Health Services loan motion will be tabled in the National Assembly. While there has been much speculation as to what will happen thereafter, there is no indication as what will happen thereafter. When bills are tabled it is done so for 3 readings as well as for debate after which a vote is done to see if there will be approval. It is not certain if the bill will have an amount attached to it. When we checked, the Attorney General’s ministry had not yet received a Certificate to make it an instrument from the Claimants through the Supreme Court which will affix an amount that is being claimed. And while there is no certainty as to what will happen, what bears watching is what the PUP will do. They need to decide whether they will vote for the supplementary bill to be approved and in so doing saddling the Belizean people with a debt which we have nothing to show for or whether they will say no to the bill.

Police woman charged for murder of Fareed Ahmad
Police have arrested and charged 24 year-old Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown for the murder of 38 year-old Fareed Ahmad. Ahmad was a well-known barber, businessman, community activist, and a practitioner of the Muslim Faith, who died under very questionable circumstances. The mystery started unravelling on Thursday, December 28, 2017, when residents of Hattieville Village heard a loud bang outside their homes, sometime after midnight. Concerned persons exited their front doors and found Ahmad’s grey BMW X5 SUV smashed into the side of another vehicle that was parked on the side of the road between miles 16 and 17, less than a half a mile away from the Hattieville Police station, and half a mile away from Ahmad’s home.

16 more streets upgraded in PG
Work officially started on Wednesday January 3 for the upgrading of 13 streets in Punta Gorda town. The contract was officially signed the day before between the Ministry of Works’ Chief Engineer, Lennox Bradley and Contractor Brian Holland of Belize Minerals. The work is the second phase of work in the municipality which had previously upgraded 10 streets starting in September of last year. Deputy Mayor, Ashton McKenzie, told the Guardian that the work will see the investment of $204,930 dollars in 16 streets across the municipality. With these streets it will bring the total to 26 streets that would have been upgraded in the town of Punta Gorda. All told there would be a total investment of 300 thousand dollars in streets in the town.

The U.S. wants attorney Andrew Bennett for Money Laundering
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received the first ever extradition request from the US Government for a Belizean Attorney. According to the Attorney General’s Ministry, they are processing the request for the lawyer who they want to face grand jury charges for money laundering, 46 year-old Andrew Bennett. The US Government says that it allegedly has surveillance video of Bennett reportedly taking 250 thousand US dollars from an agent, in a surveillance operation. Official documents say that there is a warrant for Bennett’s arrest from the District of Puerto Rico grand jury dated July 2015, and there is also an indictment from a Puerto Rico Grand Jury for 7 counts of money laundering. The extradition request was sent from the US State Department to the Foreign Affairs Ministry in late December 2017.

Villages in the West receive electricity
The villages of Selena, San Marcos, Los Tambos, and Santa Teresita have received power lines for electricity and, as a result, the Belize Electricity Limited says that it has met its promise to bring electricity to four communities. The feat was achieved on Friday, December 29, 2017, just two days before the end of the year. With the four communities receiving power lines, approximately 300 houses will now have access to power. While the main parts of the villages now have access to power, the complete installation is expected to be finished by March 2018. Members of the communities are happy to finally receive power, especially since their production will be significantly impacted.

Calla Creek Bridge now useable
The Calla Creek cable bridge that connects the community of Calla Creek to the rest of the World is now open to pedestrians. This is good news to residents as the former bridge was washed away late last year due to flooding of the Mopan River. Chief Engineer from the Public Works Department Lennox Bradley tells the Guardian that work on that bridge is now “substantially complete.” Photos released from the office of the Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Public Works, show large cement suspension towers at both ends of the bridge. With the added strengths, students, farmers and all other residents will now be able to enjoy the bridge for a longer time.

Year in Review 2017
2017 got off to a rough start as 5 lives were lost to gun violence in the first three days of the year Colin Sutherland, 22, was killed on New Years Day, Robert Gillett, 28, and Kenneth Dobson, 32, were killed on Monday, January 2, Randolph Johnson, 19, and Bert Abraham, 47, were killed on Tuesday, January 3. Most of the deaths were as a result of gangland violence and these set the pace for the police’s course of action for the rest of the year. With that the Ministry of Home Affairs began working on a plan for a short medium and long term plan to address the crime situation. From the beginning of the year ACP Chester Williams sounded the following warning, “You cannot be out there on one hand committing crime and pushing others to commit crime and on the other hand think that you can call me and I will rescue or take the police off your back. That will not happen.” By mid year under William’s leadership murders in the city slowed down, even ushering a gang truce.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow’s New Year Address 2018
My Fellow Belizeans, I drive, almost on a daily basis, that portion of the Philip Goldson Highway between the Buttonwood Boulevard roundabout and the Benny’s roundabout. And latterly I have been struck by how, to the accompaniment of jackhammers and drain-digging and detritus-clearing, a four-at some points six-lane expressway is taking increasing shape on that stretch of road. It has the makings of an impressive piece of infrastructure. And it is, of course, to be joined up with what has already been done between the Airport Link Road and the Haulover Bridge; and with what is also to be done coming all the way in to the Belcan overpass. The work originates at the PGIA junction, and its importance for tourism and development is underlined by its connectivity via Belize City to the West and South in one direction, and the North in another.

Comprehensive drainage works at Mile 8
The Western Paradise community at mile 8 on the George Price Highway is receiving some much needed assistance with massive and comprehensive drainage works being done by the National Emergency Management Organization Flood Mitigation project. The work comes after Area Representative Hon. Beverly Williams identified that the improper draining in the area was causing major problems for the earthen streets in the community. As a result of lobbying, NEMO stepped in and over the past month they have been in the area digging and linking drains to ensure that water runs off during rainy conditions.

Johnny says business is bad but not for him
Over the next 62 days we will be bombarded with all sorts of PUPs saying that, ‘the sky is falling POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT.’ These advertisements won’t contain anything positive. Leading the charge with these advertisements will be the soon to be, FORMER LEADER OF THE PUP, Johnny Briceño. He has already started on his negativity. Some of you readers of the Guardian may have heard Johnny’s New Year’s Speech and got an idea of the type of thing we are referring to. Johnny’s behavior is the product of a desperate man, trying to survive. These Municipal Elections will be what will lead to Johnny being replaced as Leader of the Opposition. He knows that his days are numbered and he is now hearing footsteps behind him.

Shooting in Belama leaves husband dead and wife injured
On Tuesday, January 2, 2018 about 7:40 p.m., police officers responded to a shooting in Belama which had occurred on Maurice Bishop Street in Belama phase two. Upon arrival, police observed the motionless body of a male person apparently dead on the stairs of a two story house. The body was seen with several gunshot wounds. Initial investigation revealed that earlier that night, Jermaine Ryan Vellos, a 37-year-old Belizean warehouse machine operator of Queens, New York, and his wife Stephanie Nicole Foreman Vellos, a 29-year-old Belizean sales clerk, were both arriving home and while walking up the stairs of the house, two male persons armed and wearing masks emerged from the dark and fired several gunshots in their direction.

One culprit caught in attempted robbery
Surveillance footage of two men attempting to rob a Chinese businessman surfaced on social media. The footage with the men, who were brazen enough to commit the act without masks, was what helped the police to identify one of the men. That man, 21-year-old Stanley Samuel Flowers, was arraigned and charged on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 on several offenses which include attempted robbery and firearm related offenses. Flowers, an unemployed resident of Mahogany Heights, was taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where he appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Before the magistrate, he was read three criminal offenses, one count of attempted robbery upon Joe’s Shopping, located in the King’s Park area, one count of kept firearm without a gun license, and one count of kept ammunition without being granted a gun license.

Busted with weed on Christmas day
Ashley Welch, a 25-year-old Belize City resident was busted with more than 10 grams of cannabis on Christmas day. He was taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on December 28, 2017 to answer to a single charge of possession of a controlled drug. Welch appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp where he pleaded guilty to the charge. The bust was made on Monday, December 25, 2017 on Mopan Street. According to police reports, a team of officers were conducting a mobile patrol in the area when their attention was drawn to Welch who kept acting suspiciously while he was riding toward the mobile. As a result, the police approached him and conducted a search for illegal drugs and firearm.

Corozal man survives stabbing incident
The life of a Corozal man, Alejandro Yam, was almost taken in the wee hours of New Year’s Day. Around 2:30 a.m. on January 1, 2018, Yam was chopped in Louisville, Corozal. According to ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, National Crimes Investigations Branch, Yam reported that while walking in the village, he was attacked by a group of male persons. One of those men inflicted a chop to the lower back. In an attempt to defend himself, Yam inflicted a stab wound to one of the assailants. Yam, as well as Eric Cob who he stabbed, are recovering in separate hospitals.

Dangriga Teacher found dead on Antelope Street
Desmond Lewis, a 35-year-old teacher from Dangriga, was found dead at a house on Antelope Street Extension on December 28, 2017. Police responded to the report and upon arrival, they observed a man of dark complexion in a kneeling position between two beds. The lifeless body had a large cut wound to the throat and another stab wound to the neck. The body was later identified as Lewis’. He had travelled from his hometown of Dangriga to Belize City earlier that day and was staying at a friend at the Antelope Street address. He was reportedly socializing just hours prior to his death.

Hattieville resident in court on drug trafficking charge
Alex Lewis, a 28-year-old laborer and resident of Hattieville, was taken before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 to answer to a single charge of drug trafficking. The convicted drug peddler pleaded not guilty to the charge and was offered bail in the sum of $2,000 plus one surety of the same. Lewis’ court records show that he was in debt to the court for an undisclosed amount of money. He has two drug trafficking charges before the court, one in 2006 and another in 2014 where he was fined.

Henry “Pulu” Gillett on remand for gun charge
Taxi driver and PUP mouthpiece, 36-year-old Henry “Pulu” Gillett, was found with a 9mm firearm along with 14 live rounds of ammunition after a raid at his home in Bride’s Alley on New Year’s Eve. As a result, Gillett was charged for kept unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Along with Gillett, his wife, 38-year-old Sandra Gillett, and 16-year-old daughter were also charged. The family of 3 was in police custody until their arraignment on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, a day later than it was to be. They appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police charge driver in death of double hit and run
Police have arrested and charged Hector Monterosa with two counts of manslaughter, two counts of causing death by careless conduct and failure to stop and render aid. Monterosa is believed to be the driver of a vehicle that knocked down and killed 24-year-old Oscar Alvarado and his girlfriend 33-year-old Linda Hernandez on Christmas Eve on the George Price Highway. On Sunday 24th December 2017 about 11:13p.m. police from Roaring Creek were called out to an accident scene between miles 42 and 43 on the George Price Highway in Cotton Tree Village. Upon arrival police saw a Hispanic decent female lying on the median of the highway convulsing. She would later be identified as Linda Carolina Hernandez a 33 year old food vendor.

Last man killed in 2017 was Frederick Smith
Frederick Smith, a 22 year-old Belize City resident of Antelope Street Extension, was gunned down and killed on Sunday, December 31. He became the last murder victim for 2017, and it happened less than 2 hours before he could celebrate the New Year’s Day with family and friends. Police say that at around 10:40 p.m. on New Years Eve, they were called to an area on his home Street. When they arrived, they found him lying face down in the drain with a gunshot wound to the upper left side of his back.

Leon Garcia stabbed to death on New Year’s day
Leon Garcia, a 30 year-old Belize City resident, was unfortunately, the first victim for 2018 to be murdered in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. His family freely acknowledges that he had a criminal past, which may have caught up with him. It appears that Garcia and his early morning companions were cornered in a deadly street brawl. Police say that that at around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, January 1, Garcia, Raheem Reed, and other companions were walking on Barrack Road, and they were heading in the direction of Newtown Barracks. That was unfortunately the time when they were waylaid by a crowd of men, reportedly from several of the city’s gangs.

Murders for Christmas
Over the long, 4-day, Christmas weekend, there were three homicides; two of the victims are being treated as a murder, and the third police aren’t so sure of. The first one happened on Christmas Day, December 25, on the Placencia Peninsula, and the victim was 20 year-old Carlos Jackson. Jackson, an assistant chef at the Rumfish Y Vino Restaurant, was reportedly out socializing at a night club after a long-day’s work on Christmas Eve. It is uncertain what exactly happen but his friends, family and co-workers told the press that the night of celebration was going well until sometime in the early morning hours of Christmas Day. Someone slashed his throat after he left the establishment he was socializing at.

Giovanni Lovell is the 28th Krem New Year’s Day Cycling champion
The Cycling Federation of Belize in collaboration with Krem Radio sponsored the 28th Edition of the Krem Radio New year’s Day Cycling Classic on Monday 1st January, 2018. The event took place in four major categories which included the Elite and Masters, Female, juniors riders and youth. The elite and Master riders started the 96 miles event at the Belize-Mexico Border in Santa Elena, Corozal District, where some 68 cyclists started the now historic ride and of this amount only 36 completed the event. At the end of some 3:31:07, it was Giovanni Lovell of Digicell 4G Elite Cycling Team, who was the first rider to cross the finish line to lay claims to the title.

Premier League of Belize Closing Season to commence on January 13
The Premier League of Belize 2017-2018 Closing Season will commence on Saturday 13th January, 2018, with a single game on the schedule. The teams that will compete in the Closing Season includes the defending champions Verdes FC, Belmopan Bandits SC, Placencia Assassins FC, Freedom Fighters FC, Belize Defence Force (BDF) FC, Wagiya FC, Police United FC and the San Pedro Pirates FC. It is being anticipated that the regular competition of the Closing Season will come to an end on 15th April, 2018, with the championship games scheduled for May 12th and 13th respectively.

National Elite Basketball League season to open January 18, 2018
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) will be tipping off its fifth consecutive season on Thursday, January 18, 2018, as the defending champions, Belmopan Bandits, will host the sub-champions San Pedro Tiger Sharks. This game will be played at the University of Belize Gymnasium in Belmopan, with tip-off time being 8:30 p.m. The upcoming season will have 8 teams. Six (6) of the teams from last season will return to compete in the upcoming season. These teams are Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize Hurricanes, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Bandits, Cayo Western Ballaz and Dangriga Dream Ballers. Belize City No Limit has changed management and their new team name is Belize City Defenders. The eight team competing will be Agharta, which is a team from Chetumal, Mexico.

Football Federation of Belize assigns portfolios to executive members
The Football Federation of Belize in its endeavour to improve the delivery of services in the development of football is pleased to announce the following appointment and assignments of portfolios to its Executive Members. Appointment: Mr. Earl Jones General Secretary Portfolio: Mr. Sergio Chuc Finance, Local and International Relations and Premier League. Mr. Marlon Kuylen Marketing, Communication, National Team Programs (elite) and Referees. Mr. Cruz Gamez – Chairman & Mr. Shane Orio –Deputy Chairman

Horse Racing held in Santa Elena, Cayo
When elicited in the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, no other sport can bring forth so much passion as the sport of horse racing. So on Sunday the Peter August Memorial Jockey Club took out their best horses to unwind the crowds. This time it was at the Peter August Memorial Race track in Santa Elena Town where raw horse power and strategic thinking by jockeys paid off after a year of training. As a climax for the evening in the Sixth Furlongs race, Byron Robinson Junior walked away with $1,200.00 for coming first place with his horse Cheese Royal. This horse was trained by Javier Guzman and came from the Kenworth Stables. Coming in second was the horse Eclipse from the Manuel Rodriquez stable and the light Jockey ‘Chepe’ also walked away with $800.00

Another burnt plane found this time on Coastal Road
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a burnt plane that was found in some flatlands off the Coastal Road in Eastern Belize. On Sunday December 31 at around midday, police say they were called out to an area some 2 miles in a road off the Coastal Road where they found the remains of a plane that had been burnt. In a weekly briefing, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette explained that the plane was found on an illegal airstrip. He explained that the plane’s remains had been there for several days. There was also no evidence in the area to suggest what it was doing there or if it had any illegal cargo such as drugs inside before it was burnt. The plane’s origin or destination are also unknown.

The drowning Johnny is clutching at straws!
Politically Johnny is in very deep trouble. PM Dean Oliver Barrow and the UDP have transformed Belize into a shining Jewel. The tiny amount of work that George Cadle Guatemala Price and big thief Musa did in 50 long painful years pales in comparison to the vast amount of good work that we have seen since 2008! Indeed, the ‘wuthliss,’ thieving, lying, disingenuous PUPs are complaining about infrastructure! Smooth roads, highways and streets that make walking, riding and driving much easier is not pleasing to the PUPs. New, functional, beautiful sporting complexes for our youths and athletes are not pleasing to the PUPs. Big new buildings and bridges that enhance our lifestyles are not pleasing to the PUPs. Speedy and effective drainage because of new drains, improved culverts and canals are not pleasing to the PUPs. Larger enhance parking spaces are not pleasing to the PUPs.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
This week I share with you some thoughts I shared with our church family at Christmas. God our Father spoke through the prophet in Isaiah, chapter 1, verse 3: The ox knows its master, and the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. (New International Version)

New Year Resolutions - Easy to Make, and Easy to Break
People have been pledging New Year self-improvement for thousands of years. Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. It has since been a common practice for people all over the world to pledge to accomplish new things in the new-year as is evidenced here in the top ten list of things people want to change or accomplish in 2018

Blogs

Hitchhikers Guide to Ambergris Caye
As I started studying my NYE party choices, I knew there was no way I could do it all so I decided on lucky number seven. My decision factored heavily on #2 destination; a 7:30 reservation at Black Orchid Restaurant. As turned out there is seemingly not a golf cart to be had on this island right now. Ok likely not true but of the 10 or so companies I made contact with, they were all out. I opted for plan B which is a combo of hitching rides and walking. It was back in 2008 that my friend Cindy told my ex Paul and I that we need to get better at learning how to hitch rides so I did. Often I start putting it “out there” while I am getting ready for the universe to please send me a ride. Once on the street and heading towards where I want to go, I watch who is coming my way and sometimes I will stop someone and ask. Being that this is a small island, I often just wait for someone I know to come along.

International Sources

Belize Central Prison was once a run-down, overcrowded mess, but then Rotarians started running it
Belize Central Prison was once so crammed full it had 900 prisoners sleeping in only 300 beds. The sole correctional facility in Belize was an overcrowded mess before it was taken over by Belize Rotarians who had a unique vision for the facility. “It was pigsty, it was bad all round,” explained Doug Vincent, a local Rotarian and the United Nations Ambassador for Rotary. Today it has become the only non-profit prison in the world, managed by Rotarians who, he said, “have a different way of thinking than civil servants.” Vincent, who visited the facility just before Christmas, is sharing his findings with local residents next week in a presentation at Oxford Gardens. “It is totally amazing what they have done,” he said. “They are completely self-sufficient.” Located on 225 acres (91 ha) Belize Rotarians have created a prison model focused on the creation of a life-skills training centre. The grounds include a carpentry shop that looks after the prison’s needs, as well as makes a tidy profit from building coffins and doors, a tailor shop, a kitchen and bakery, gardens and areas for animal husbandry. It even has its own radio station.

Caribbean Nations Join to Tackle Criminal Networks
“We need your cooperation to continue to make our region a zone of peace, a zone that is free from the scourges of money laundering, piracy, terrorism,” said Guyanese Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during his welcome remarks to military and defense leaders at the 16th annual Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC), held in Georgetown, Guyana, from December 6th-7th, 2017. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sponsors the regional security forum to foster dialogue among chiefs of defense and public security ministers and examine threats to Caribbean stability and improve regional security cooperation. For the 2017 edition, Guyana made its mark as the first South American nation to host CANSEC. “CANSEC offers us one significant platform where we can share our resources and pool our ideas,” added Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

Videos

January 4, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Rotaract Club of Ambergris Caye fills homes with happiness for the Christmas Season
Thanks to the Merry Boxes Campaign, 50 unprivileged families across Ambergris Caye were able to spend a happy Christmas Day. The Rotaract Club of Amerbergis Caye along with the San Pedro Food Bank at Collen’s Kitchen started the Merry Boxes Campaign at the beginning of the month of December with the aim to bring much needed food and personal items to the less fortunate families of Ambergris Caye during the Christmas holiday. The boxes were labeled with items such as rice, canned soup, flour, tinned fruit, corn, cereal, toothbrushes and other items. Businesses and persons that adopted a Merry Box were encouraged to place at least 24 items per box that were not expired, unpackaged and unsealed.

The construction project for the San Pedro R.C library begins
The construction of the new library at the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) begun shortly after the students were dismissed for their holidays. The new library is being constructed through funds that were raised via fundraisers and donations from sponsors abroad.

San Pedro Pirates F.C host a friendly match against Caye Caulker F.C
Hoping to prepare for the upcoming season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB), a friendly football match was held on Saturday, December 30th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town, between the San Pedro Pirates F.C and Caye Caulker F.C. The match, saw the best of both teams, but at the final whistle, it was a clear 6-0 victory for the home team. The San Pedro Pirates will be playing their first match of the new season of the PLB on Sunday, January 14th, against the Police United Football Club. The game is scheduled to start at 3PM at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. All Islanders are invited to come out and support the island team.

Misc Belizean Sources

Hiring Video Production Specialist
Only two days left to submit your application to join our team as a Video Production Specialist. Click the link for more details. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 5th, 2018.

Repairs on Philip Goldson Highway Thursday
Belize Water Services informs motorists on the Philip Goldson Highway that repairs will be conducted on a 24” Mainline tomorrow, Thursday, January 4, 2018, starting at 7:00am. Motorists are advised that traffic will be reduced to one lane near Mile 15 ½. Please drive with extreme caution when travelling through this area of the Philip Goldson Highway. Traffic should be restored to normal by 6:00pm. BWS apologizes for any inconvenience this will cause to motorists but ensures that the job will be completed in a safe and efficient manner.

Consular Spotlight! Tarun Issrani
In December, we met Tarun Issrani, Risk Assurance Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. After completing his Associates Degree at St. John’s College in Belize City, he completed his Bachelors in Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. During his time at USF, he was a part of several associations which helped him expand his network, including the international business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Caribbean Cultural Exchange.

20th Anniversary of Ya'axché Conservation Trust!
2018 is a very special year for Ya’axché! We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary! We thank each past and present donor, partner, board, staff, friend and supporter! Join us as we continue to find harmony between nature and human development for the benefit of both!

Placencia Breeze January 2018
What’s Inside: Pg 3 From the Fire Hearth: Fyah Bun! / S.E.A. Security Pg 5 Placencia Art Festival Registration Form Pg 7 Christmas Play Review Pg 9 Croc Corner Pg 10 & 11 Seine Bight News Pg 15 & 18 Placencia BTIA Members Pg 16 & 17 Placencia Peninsula Map Pg 19 Placencia Christmas Parades Pg 20 & 21 Placencia Peninsula Guide Pg 22 & 23 Liquor License Notices Pg 25 Marathon Water Station Winners Pg 26 Community Corner Pg 27 Placencia Rotary News Pg 28 PHS News Pg 29 Mistletoe Ball Photos Pg 30 Placencia Peninsula Happenings Pg 31 Calender of Events

SOME LEGENDS IN BELIZEAN BASKETBALL! "LOOKING AT A "1978" TOP 20!"
"Belizean Legends" want to thank Belizean basketball player of the 1978 era, Harry Bennett, for contributing to our documentary series these classic photos from the 1978 Belizean basketball magazine, "Basketball '78" of some of the top 20 Belizean basketball players of the 1978 Belizean basketball greatness and era. This historic photo essay on Belizean basketball featured 20 of Belize's best basketball players in that year. As we glance through this collage of photos we are reminded of the golden days of Belizean basketball and the outstanding athletes who made Belize a force to be reckon with in the game in Central America and the Caribbean.

"FRANZWAH" THE PHOTO ARCHITECT! BELIZEAN LEGENDS "MAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2017!
Belizean Legends man of the year is our brother and Belizean artist, producer, photographer, photo journalist, and filmmaker, Franzwah Estrada. His dynamic and powerful work in capturing the resistance of the Los Angeles Belizean Community against the Anglo Guatemalan Claim of Belize has graced the pages of this documentary series page over three consecutive years. We thank him for his support and contribution to the Belizean casue. Franzwah is also the producer and director of the new and popular Belizean Garifuna show called, "GARIVISION", that is broadcasted through his own television production company also called, "Garivision"!

Contract for Pharmaceuticals and related Medical Supplies
Notice is hereby given to interested persons to participate in the contract for Pharmaceuticals and related Medical Supplies of the Ministry of Health, Government of Belize for the period April 2018- March 2019. This Ad is also in all the major newspapers for the next four consecutive weeks. Contact us for more information.

San Pedro Liquor License meetings to start on Monday
Please take note on Liquor License meetings to start on Monday. Read the ad to find out on which date you should attend. New applicants will be entertained on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018. Payments can be at the venue. Cash or cheques only. No credit cards. *some restrictions apply.

Maaga Season Bash
Pepsi is having their Maaga Season Bash on Saturday, January 27th, at the Galvez Stadium. Supa G, Gilharry 7, the New Sensation Band, and many others.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of Dec. 25th - Dec. 31st, 2017
Families and friends joined us this week for fishing and fun and to celebrate the coming year. Out with the old and in with the new. As old friends left new friends came to enjoy a great week of togetherness and bonefishing. Lots of tugs this week as everyone caught the bonefish fever. Be careful it's contagious.

Yucatec Maya(Masewal) from the village of Patchakan in Corozal doing Pib
F for the holy Wahil Kol Primicias

THE YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE: MASEWAL
Many times we hear some Yucatec Maya in Belize call themselves "Masewal" or "Maya Masewal" . The name “Masewal” is of central Mexican Nahuatl origin and originally meant “peasant” or "The People " Brought to the Yucatan at the time of conquest by indigenous Nahautl warriors .By the beginnings of the Caste War of the Yucatan in the mid 19th century, this word had been adopted by the Yucatec Maya to mean “us” as opposed to the Spanish speaking colonials. The term Masewal became an identity for the Yucatec Maya rebels during the Caste War(1847-1930) . It was only among the Maya rebels in what is today the State of Quintana Roo(Mex) and parts of Belize that a ethnic consciousness develop,however excluded Maya speakers of the rest of the peninsula . Today, the term persists in Belize especially villages of western Cayo also between some Maya from Orange Walk and Corozal , where it is known as an ethnic term of Maya identity. Many in Belize are descendants of the Yucatec Maya rebel groups like the Icaiche Maya who fought against the British during the Caste War . While other are descendants of the Yucatec Maya group known as the Cruzoob Maya rebels from Quintana roo state settle in Belize during and after the War .

Channel 7

Mistaken Identity: Belizean - American Executed, Killers Wanted His Brother In Law
Was an innocent man killed in a case of mistaken identity ? The family of 37 year old Jermaine Vellos is convinced that's exactly what happened. Vellos was shot and killed last night at his home in the Belama Phase 2 area. It has shaken the entire community because residents say that nothing like that ever happened in that area before. But the family os the most shocked: they say that Vellos certainly didn't deserve to be executed like this – in front of his wife and with his baby girl inside the house. It is a heartless and senseless attack and Courtney Weatherburne has more. A Christmas visit gone wrong, Jermaine Vellos came from New York to spend the holidays with his wife and 6 month old baby girl. But last night around 8:00, his stay ended in bloodshed.

Fareed's Family Holds Vigil, Claims Sustained Threats
Last night, we showed you the arraignment of Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown for the murder of Fareed Ahmad, the well-known barber from Hattieville. While his family views that as a positive development in the resolution of the case, they have made several demands that they hope that the leaders of the country will listen to. First, they want an independent investigation because they believe that, in the interest of transparency, the department shouldn't be investigating their own. Next, they are seeking some sort of police security at this time because they say that they've been receiving threats. And on the public front, they are keeping up the pressure on the police and the Government, and this evening, they held their second candle-light vigil for Fareed's death. We spoke to his brother Abdul Ahmad about the purpose for the vigil.:

Ryan Hide, Form Wire Theft To Attempted Murder
Roaring Creek resident Ryan Hyde has been busy. He's charged for shooting a man in Belmopan and stealing hundreds of feet of copper wire in San Joaquin. Yesterday in Corozal Magistrate's Court, he was charged for stealing 220 feet of copper wire from a SMART office compound in San Joaquin, Corozal. He pled guilty and he was fined $1,000. The incident happened on November 29. Hyde cut the padlock of Smart compound in San Joaquin Village, and stole the copper wire, valued at $1,237. And while he took the plea, he didn't go free. Police were waiting to take him to Belmopan where this evening the 24 year old was charged for attempted murder. He and 23 year old Denzel Wagner were jointly charged for shooting 20 year old Jose Amilcar Najera.

"Pulu Musa" to Court, To Jail
Last night, we told you about the arrest of PUP firebrand Henry Gillett, known as "Pulu Musa". He along with his wife and a 16 year old girl were all arrested for the possession of a loaded 9 millimeter pistol on New Year's Day in Bride's Alley. Today, they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where all three were charged for possession of a firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition. 36 year old Gillett and his wife, Sandra Gillett along with the 16 year old all pled not guilty. They were remanded into custody until April 4. All three were represented by attorney Kareem Musa.

Notorious BT Remanded For Shooting At Wife
A man shot at his girlfriend and their child on New Year's Day. It happened in Burrell Boom. Camila Terry was driving on the Boom road with her baby and two other passengers when someone from another vehicle drove up and opened fire. She leaned over to protect her child. Well turns out, the father of her child – well known street figure 31 year old Brandon Tillett A.K.A "BET" was charged in connection with this shooting. He was charged with aggravated assault when he appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. Tillett pled not guilty to the charge. Here is what police had to say at yesterday's press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "We had the incident yesterday at Burrell Boom where one Camilla Terry reported that she was driving on the Boom Road along with two other male persons when she observed that she was being followed by golden color vehicle...."

Anke Doehm Loses Custody
The last time Anke Doehm made our newscast was back in October, when we told you that she was locked in a custody battle over her 3 remaining adopted daughters. You'll remember that her husband, and co-accused, David Doehm, committed suicide. That now leaves her as the only remaining parent who will have to stand trial for child cruelty for the death of her adopted daughter 13 year-old Faye Lin Cannon. Well, just before the Christmas holiday, she lost a custody battle to her ex, David Cannon, and at this time, the 3 remaining girls are in his care in the US. The Family Court, after hearing from both sides, decided to release them from the Human Service Department's protective custody, and the court awarded David Cannon full custody.

Alleged Driver of Cocaine Carrying Navigator Remanded
Last night we told you how Corozal police had finally tracked down the driver of the cocaine carrying Lincoln Navigator. IT crashed into the customs fence at the northern border three weeks ago. He is 41 year old Robert Gentle, a driver of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District. He was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared yesterday at Corozal Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Gentle pled not guilty to the charge. He was denied bail and he was remanded into custody until February 20. Based on information from an X-Ray taken on the Mexican side of the border, Belize Customs and Police detected a hidden compartment behind the dashboard where they found 6 parcels of cocaine weighing 6.3 kilos or just about 14 pounds. The approximate street value in Belize is 150 thousand dollars, but in the US it is far more.

Cops Say Demas Did It
And also tonight, we have the picture of the man accused of robbing the One Mall Gas Station and Supermarket outside of Corozal Town. He is 22 year old Demas Zelaya, a wood carver of Mile Two on the George Price Highway who police say was one of 4 men who robbed One Mall on December 22nd. He was charged with robbery yesterday in Corozal Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Zelaya pled not guilty to the charge. He was remanded into custody until February 13. At 11:00 AM on Friday, December 22nd, three robbers held up the female storeowner inside, while another brought her wash-man, Randy Montero inside at gunpoint. Eventually they got inside the office and ordered the storeowner's husband - at gunpoint - to open the safe.

Jarrell, From Belize to Brooklyn Was Tough
Last night we had part one of our interview with Jarrell Big Baby Miller - the #2 ranked contender for the world heavyweight title - who's also a proud Belizean. In part two of our interview, Miller talks about growing up in Belize City - and then migrating to Brooklyn, New York at the age of 6. He says the transition was a sharp and tough learning curve: Jarrell Miller - World Heavyweight Contender: "You could see the difference in poverty line depending on, you know, where you live and where you stay at and how your family, you know, the way they move. In Belize it's a lot more different. It's like you know, you might feel you're poor, but you don't feel it inside you know emotionally, because you know all your family's together, you eat dinner together, you go to school together, your cousin down the block, your aunty down the block, everybody have fun, you know, it's a different vibe, when you're on an island, or when you're in a Caribbean country, but like in New York, it's totally different, you have to take trains, you have to take buses, you have food stamps....and emotionally it changes kids. Kids act differently when they come to the states from when you live in Belize, and you know it taught me a lot, but it made me kind of like hard at the same. Kind of like an M & M, soft on the outside, but hard on the outside, yeah.

Mother of Six Cries Out For Help
Having a roof over our head is something we take for granted at times but for Donna Arnold, it is all she really wants. She has a house but it is quite literally falling apart. This morning we went to visit her and she showed us the condition she had her children are living in. A swamp that is what Donna Arnold describes her house as. What was once a structure with firm flooring and strong walls has deteriorated drastically over the years. All the rain has caused her floors to remain in a damp state while her walls have taken a beating due to strong winds and hurricanes. Arnold just gave birth to her sixth child so coping in this wilting structure is becoming ever more difficult for her and her family who wake up to a cold wet ground every morning.

Senate Probe, A Few Highlites from 2017
Having a roof over our head is something we take for granted at times but for Donna Arnold, it is all she really wants. She has a house but it is quite literally falling apart. This morning we went to visit her and she showed us the condition she had her children are living in. A swamp that is what Donna Arnold describes her house as. What was once a structure with firm flooring and strong walls has deteriorated drastically over the years. All the rain has caused her floors to remain in a damp state while her walls have taken a beating due to strong winds and hurricanes. Arnold just gave birth to her sixth child so coping in this wilting structure is becoming ever more difficult for her and her family who wake up to a cold wet ground every morning.

Channel 5

P.U.C. Faces Questions on Audit; Chair Says They Were Answered
Tonight, there is information that tells a tale of obscene spending at the Public Utilities Commission.  News Five has obtained a copy of an audited report done by certified public [...]

Killer Struck Unsuspecting Couple in Belama Phase 2; Bel-Am Husband Shielded Wife
A visiting father of one was to return to the United States this Thursday after spending the holidays here, but his life was cut short before he could make the [...]

Fareed Ahmad’s Brother Says Police Still Trailing Him
At this time, a vigil is taking place to celebrate the life of the fallen barber, Fareed Ahmad and we’ll come to that. But tonight the Ahmad family believes they [...]

Text Messages Reveal Special Assignment Team Hunting Ahmad Family
Aside from the alleged surveillance, text messages purportedly indicating that Fareed Ahmad had been threatened and coerced by members of the Special Assignments Team prior to his murder are said [...]

Remembering Fareed Ahmad and Others at Late Evening Vigil
Now to the vigil which is underway on Euphrates Avenue in honor of Fareed.  The late-evening peace march is organized by family and friends of the Muslim brother who was [...]

ACP Chester Stands Up for Sr. Supt. Marco Vidal
The homes of the Ahmads were raided by officers attached to the Special Branch during a predawn operation in Hattieville in June 2016.  That close watch by law enforcement reportedly [...]

SAT Leader Tried to Get Firearm from Accused WPC
With the passing of Fareed Ahmad last Wednesday, what becomes of the initial complaint filed against the Special Assignments Team?  It’s a question that was posed to ACP Williams.  He [...]

Final Look at Very Violent 2017
Is 2017 the deadliest year ever? The official count for homicides stood at one hundred and forty-four when 2017 came to an end. But there are three cases involving four [...]

P.M., Opposition Leader Trade Barbs over New Year’s Addresses
The tradition of the New Year’s Address is fairly recent. It gives the government an opportunity to boast about accomplishments, to replenish national resolve, or to announce new strategies and [...]

Is C.J. Benjamin Headed Back to Guyana?
Could Belize lose Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin later this year? It depends on happenings in his native Guyana, where today President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met to [...]

L.A. Police Talk Community Policing Tactics
Over the years, we’ve reported the Belize Department’s community policing initiatives. Locally, a number of programs are used to combat crime – but it is no secret that this softer [...]

Dale Trujeque Out at C.W.U. after one Year
Dale Trujeque is no longer the President of the Christian Workers Union, having served less than a year. According to the CWU, Trujeque resigned in the latter part of last [...]

Teachers to Lend Support to Crime Fight
2017 was a record year for murders in recent history – one shy of the 2012 murder count. And three days into the New Year, there have been two murders [...]

P.M. Wants Answers on U.H.S. – B.N.T.U. Says Pay Up!
Earlier we told you about the PM’s New Year’s Day message. And while more than half of the message highlighted the infrastructural projects, the PM didn’t miss the opportunity to [...]

Play Ball! Little League Baseball Coming Back to Old Capital
While there are some baseball fans in Belize, especially of major league teams like the Chicago Cubs, the sport hasn’t been actively played here in a quarter-century. Softball is still [...]

CTV3

Trigger Happy Corozaleno Remanded To Prison
Twenty two year old Carlos Phillips, a resident and plumber of Corozal Town, was summoned at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer to the charges of ‘Aggravated Assault’ and ‘discharging a firearm in public’ after another resident, Vernice Crawford, launched a report against him indicating that on December 28th, 2017, Phillips allegedly pointed a firearm at her whilst in her yard and then proceeded to fire several shots in the air. Phillips pled not guilty to the charges, therefore, Magistrate Patricia Arana ordered that he be remanded into police custody until the 13th of February 2018, where he is scheduled to re-appear in court.

Alamilla Returns To Court For Preliminary Inquiry
Alleged murderer forty-two-year-old Hilmar David Alamilla, was today escorted back into the Orange Walk magistrates court where a preliminary inquiry was to take place for the murder case brought against him following the shooting death of twenty-four-year-old Orange Walkeno Daniel “Danny Boy” Sosa back in July of last year. Alamilla was arrested and charged on Saturday July 29th for the brutal murder of Sosa, whose body was discovered inside the parking lot of D-Victoria Hotel with a single gun-shot wound to the head. Investigations at the time lead to Alamilla as being one of the last persons to have been seen with Sosa the night before his murder as both men accompanied by two other individuals were seen leaving D Gym Club in Alamilla’s pickup truck, after a night of socializing.

Guatemala Prepares For Its Upcoming Referendum
If you have been keeping up to date with international news, you may be aware that a couple of months ago, Guatemala established an official date for the hosting of its referendum, where millions of Guatemalans are expected to visit the polls and cast their votes in relation to the long-standing territorial and maritime dispute between Belize and Guatemala. At the referendum, they will decide whether the matter is to be taken to the International Court of Justice as a form of last resort. With the date scheduled for April 15th, 2018, reports coming from Guatemalan media, Prensa Libre, indicates that Guatemalan citizens are left with only a few more days to update their current data or to register for the upcoming referendum.

Belize Among The Most Crime Ridden Country
A report issued today by “La Prensa Gráfica” from El Salvador indicates that the seven countries that form the Central American isthmus have registered at least 275,714 homicides in the last 19 years, based on official records from each of the countries. (Show fig 4) While here in Belize the homicide rate at the end of 2017 showed an increase compared to other years, the report indicates that as a region 2017 (Put fig 1) closed with at least 14,784 homicides, the lowest figure since 2007, when the region had 14,010; that same year an upward trend began, which reached its highest point in 2011 with 19,094. As of that year, the trend began to fall until 2015 when it rose again, and then began to fall again. (Put fig 6)

Gentle To Seek Bail At The Supreme Court
In yesterday’s newscast, we reported on the arraignment of 41 year old Robert Gentle at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court, as the person accused of drug trafficking in this luxury Lincoln Navigator with drug packages hidden under the dashboard through the Northern Border. Due to some difficulties we couldn’t show you Gentle’s picture, but we have sorted those difficulties out. Gentle, as we reported, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Magistrate Patricia Arana told the Ranchito Village resident that due to the quantity of drugs she cannot offer bail but that he can apply to the Supreme Court for it. She then proceeded to remand him to prison until to February 20th.

LOVE FM

Couple ambushed: husband killed and wife injured
The second murder for the year was recorded last night when Jermain Ryan Vellos and his wife Stephanie Nicole Foreman Vellos were ambushed as they made their way into their house in the Belama Phase Two area in Belize City. Jermain Vellos did not survive the deadly attack and his wife sustained injuries. Witness “A …

SC Eamon Courtenay to help decide fate of CJ of T&T
Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay has been selected by the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) as one of the two senior counsels appointed to investigate Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago. Courtenay, along with the president of the Grenada Bar Association Francis Alexis, will be heading up an investigation into whether or …

Leak documents reveal questionable financial transactions by PUC
One hundred and sixty-seven files have been leaked to the media showing questionable financial transactions made by the Public Utilities Commission, PUC. The documents date back to 2012 and it includes financial statements, budgets, minutes of meetings and a report sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, Dean Barrow. Our team is …

CWU and SSB to meet over workers salaries
The Christian Workers Union, CWU, has requested for an urgent meeting with the CEO of the Social Security Board, SSB, Dr. Colin Young. That’s because the patience of CWU members who are employees of the SSB is running thin and we are told that those members are ready to act. In a letter sent to …

Dale Trujeque resigns as the President of the CWU
Dale Trujeque is no longer the President of the Christian Workers Union, CWU. The union’s Vice President, Basil Brannon has taken up the post of Acting President for the last month. According to emails shared between CWU’s executive and Trujeque, his resignation became effective on October 31, 2017. Trujeque’s short stint as CWU president ended …

Leader of the Opposition New Year’s Message
The leader of the Opposition, John Briceno says that 2017 was not a good year for Belize. At the end of every year, the leader of the country and the Leader of the Opposition release their New Year’s Day Addresses. In this case, Prime Minister Dean Barrow highlighted the accomplishments of his government while the …

UNICEF to launch “Every Child Alive Campaign”
Yesterday, we told you that the first baby of 2018 was born to 28-year-old Arlene Burgess at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Burgess brought her new baby girl, weighing eight pounds twelve ounces, into the world at 12:52 a.m. UNICEF has pointed out that worldwide 46 percent of all deaths among children under five are …

Kerri Nabet alleges police brutality
Another report against officers of the Belize Police Department has surfaced. This time around, those accused of using excessive force on Belizean civilians are from the Quick Response Team. According to twenty-year-old Kerri Nabet from Benque Viejo Del Carmen, she and her common-law husband, eighteen-year-old Jared Gonzalez, were assaulted by three members of the QRT …

Crooked Tree causeway to be upgraded
The Crooked Tree causeway will be upgraded this year. This is according to Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Edmond Castro. Over the past years, Crooked Tree Villagers have complained that the causeway needed to be upgraded and elevated because heavy rains have damaged portions of the causeway. During the rainy season, the lagoon rises, …

Robert Gentle charged with drug trafficking
Forty-one-year-old Robert Gentle, a driver of Ranchito Village in the Corozal District, who allegedly fled when the car he was driving was detected to have cocaine by Mexican border officials, was charged with drug trafficking when he appeared yesterday in Corozal Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Gentle pled not guilty to the charge. He …

PlusTV

Couple shot in Belize City; one dead
A man was shot and killed in Belize City on Tuesday night. The shooting happened sometime around 7:30 last on Maurice Bishop Street, Belama Phase Two. 37 year old Jermain Ryan Vellos was shot dead on the stairs of a two story dwelling house. He was shot multiple times. According to the police report...

Brandon Tillett back behind bars
Tonight, notorious George Street figure, 31-year-old Brandon Tillett aka “BET” , is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after police with heavy armed high power weapon had to escort the prison bus from the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to the Belize Central Prison. The reason for the special pol...

Trio arraigned for unlicensed firearm and ammo
Henry Gillett , also known as “Pulu”, is on remand tonight following a house raid that police conducted on Tuesday. Officers attached to Strike Team North conducted a house search on Brides Alley where 36 year old Henry Gillette was present along with his wife, 38 year old Sandra Gillette and a 16 ...

Armenia resident beaten and robbed in Belmopan
43 year old Emerson Sheppard, a resident of Armenia Village, was beaten and robbed around 7 o’clock on New Year’s night. Sheppard was at the bus stop near the roundabout on the Hummingbird Highway in Belmopan waiting for the bus, Emerson Sheppard: I went to look for my family in Camalote but when I...

Prime Minister’s New Year’s Message
The Prime Minister of Belize’s New Year’s message to the nation speaks of continued progress for Belize going into 2018. The PM began by speaking about gains made in 2017. PM Hon. Dean Barrow: 2017 was certainly an improvement over 2016, not least in the fact that the year just past saw a return to...

Opposition Leader’s New Year’s Message
The Leader of the Opposition also issued a New Year’s address in which he spoke about the challenges the Belizean economy has faced based on decisions made by Government. Hon. Johnny Briceno, Leader of the Opposition I think it would be fair to say that 2017 was not a good year for Belize. We saw so...

Free eye clinic in Cayo
Throughout this week, free eye tests are being given out to the San Ignacio/Santa Elena public. A team from the US, the Ministries Opportunity Short Team, are conducting the free eye examinations. It is taking place at the Manzanero complex in San Ignacio town. The clinic is in collaboration with th...

Blogs

2018’s Pantone Color of the Year in Belize
Manhattan was my home for almost 10 years. It’s a place MADE to be photographed in black and white. And during the winter, no photo-filters are needed, New York City is only shades of grey. Belize is the complete opposite – a wave…an explosion of color. Shocking, almost neon ocean blues, lush tropical greens, hot pink and eye popping yellow flowers…no color seems too outrageous. Especially when you see a scarlet macaw fly through the jungle tree tops. These babies are JUST about to fly. So, when Pantone, THE authority in color, the company that has named and codified colors for decades, announced their much anticipated color of 2018…

Belize by Land: Discovering the Ruins, Wildlife, and Culture
“Oh! You’re going to Belize! You must be so excited to go diving.” Anyone who has ever booked a trip to Belize has probably heard something like this. And it makes sense: Belize is one of the top diving destinations in the world. With clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and of course, the “Big Blue Hole,” it’s easy to see why. Unfortunately, because the water gets so much attention, people who don’t dive, or just aren’t all that interested in being in the water, often don’t consider Belize travel because they are afraid there won’t be much for them to do. The truth is, though, that even if you never set foot in the water, you can easily fill your time in Belize with unique and exciting experiences. So, before you cross Belize off your list of potential vacation destinations, consider these alternatives to diving and snorkeling.

3 Ways Placencia, Belize Taught Me to Enjoy Life
When people find out I left my life in the U.S. to move to Placencia, Belize, one of the first questions they ask is how it has changed me—and what life looks like compared to the U.S. The truth is, life is very different in Belize. Here is a look at three aspects of everyday life that I experience differently because I live in Placencia. My grocery shopping this week consisted of several stops at local farmer’s markets that are scattered throughout the village. The fresh fruits and vegetables come in twice a week, so you really want to get there that day. The grocery stores in town have all the basics, but produce isn’t sold in the stores, so you have to make several stops to get everything. This week, I spent about $35 for eight small grocery bags of fruits and vegetables. My grocery bill here overall is about 60% of what I spent in the U.S. However, brand name foods that are imported are expensive, and you are much better off learning to cook with the locally available foods.

Rough Guides Names Belize as a Top Place to Visit in 2018
Rough Guides, first published in 1982 and now one of the most popular travel publishers in the world, recently released their Rough Guide to 2018 list that included Belize in a top position. Rough Guides lavished praise on Belize for its rich history as the epicenter of ancient Maya culture, its gregarious and friendly English-speaking population, and the complete lack of "tourist traps" and overpriced, overhyped destinations. The recommendation to visit Belize from Rough Guides comes on the heels of similar recommendations from other top travel sites such as Fodors and National Geographic, highlighting Belize's continuing rise as a popular adventure vacation destination. All of the biggest airlines in North America now fly non-stop to Belize, meaning that everyone can now enjoy an adventure vacation in Belize.

Happy New Year 2018!
All of us here at The Lodge at Chaa Creek would like to wish our extended family, colleagues and many friends around the world all the best in the New Year. And, as we farewell 2017 and look forward to 2018, we thought a brief recap of this busy and rewarding year would be in order. January 2017 started off with the accent on luxury as we opened the new Ix Chel Rainforest Villas. With Chaa Creek’s range of accommodations running from the Macal River Camp’s more rustic casitas to the signature cottage collection and on to the beautifully appointed villas and suites, our indefatigable founding owners Mick and Lucy Fleming wanted to raise the bar by creating an oasis of unparalleled luxury in a pristine rainforest setting.

Top 5 Hostels in Belize (Recently Updated)
With the popularity of backpacking in Central America, it may surprise a lot of people to know that Belize has been late in the game when it comes to catering to backpackers and low-budget travellers. However, I’m happy to announce that in the past few years, many new and impressive hostels and affordable guesthouses have been popping up all over Belize. The original location in Belize for low-budget travellers has always been Caye Caulker, however, now it’s extending to the South and West of Belize. Matter of fact, on my recent visit to San Ignacio, I got the exciting news that friends were opening a new hostel! How awesome is that? I am honestly tired of Belizeans thinking that the only way to get into tourism is by opening a luxury resort.

Don’t Let Rain Get in the Way of Parties
I mentioned to you in this month’s events Calendar that December in Belize is a busy time of year, so much so that it’s looking like I will add a second calendar of events next week once I find a few more. Here are two of the recent parties that happened on Ambergris. Both for great businesses, one was a fundraiser and one was an anniversary. I have also included weather at the bottom, as indicated by the title we have been getting rainfall and a bit of winter is on the way this weekend. The Glamor Shots party at CG Esthetic Fundraiser was a big hit for the second year in a row. The event was from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm $4091 was collected to benefit Raise Me Up; an organization that is helping the children in San Pedro have a safe environment to live in.

A view from Rainbow Beach Corozal
Cold weather is hear and it that's time to hsve some hot coffee. Corozal is experiencing some low tide on the Bay because of the Cold Front. People are out walking on the solid part as far as they can walk. I saw pelican, Ducks, fish, a black bird with a blue feather on its neck and the sugar bardge passing by. What I love about this weather it is because it is not to hot. I walked towards the park and as I approached by the Y Not bakery I smelled the bread was being baked and It smelled so good I wanted to eat it. When I arrived the park it was empty. But, the weather did'nt stopped. The sky was blue the water was low. This park has a spot for volleyball sand spot for you to play. It has slide for kids to use, sits and table for picnics.

Tropic island survival kit essentials, part 2: a dog, of course
Island dogs are great social facilitators. Rarely does a day go by when some visitor doesn’t stop to pet Moppit and mention how badly they miss their own dog(s). Moppit, being Moppit, will often walk up to a stranger expectantly with the “You may begin petting me now” look on her face. Never fails. She will curl up on a stranger’s feet, like a cat, if the petting is especially good. Sometimes I joke, “Couple more minute of this and you will own her.” Sometimes I’ll say she can be rented out to people who clearly are missing their canine fix. Funny, funny me. In the future, I will let people know that Saga can always use dog walkers. I wouldn’t be surprised if some island visitors take me up on the suggestion.

International Sources

Guatemala Updates Data for Referendum on Dispute with Belize
The Guatemalan population update their data today or register themselves for the referendum scheduled for April 15th to settle the conflict with Belize. That day, the population will decide if the territorial, maritime and insular dispute between Guatemala and Belize is definitively settled in the International Court of Justice. According to Ana Elly Lopez, acting magistrate of the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE), most voters are already registered, but it would be necessary to update data if any address was changed, which would allow people to vote at the closest polling place to the current address.

How the rise of gourmet chocolate can lift the fortunes of small farmers
As consumers discover the subtle flavors of single-source cocoa, this cacao-producing company is working to make sure that demand lifts the fortunes of small producers around the world. Chocolate once reigned supreme in Central America: the Mayans considered it the food of the gods, and they used cocoa beans as a form of currency. But the birthplace of chocolate has benefitted little from the chocolate boom – despite the fact that this is where most of the world’s purest and most flavorful beans, called “criollo” beans come from. Indeed, whil Ghana produces more than 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa, Belize and Guatemala combine for only about 1 per cent of global production, leaving its indigenous producers on the sideline.

Thirty years of Garifuna advocacy and the 20th anniversary in NYC
In 1988 during a business trip to Los Angeles, that I felt a strong inner impulse toward serving my own community. I returned to my home in Dallas, Texas, and decided to answer my calling! I shared the experience with my twin brother Tomas Alberto who decided to join me in the cause. A few weeks later I met Leslie-Avila Reyes, who was in Dallas attending a conference. We hit it off and started sharing ideas about the Garifuna community and agreed to work together. That conversation led to an organizing meeting on Sunday, February 5, 1989, at Club Cubano Interamericano Social Club at 671 Prospect Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455. In 1991 along with Tomas and other local Garifunas, we organized the First Garifuna Summit Meeting in New York City with the theme, “Don’t Be Ashamed, We Are Garifunas”, and the Second in Los Angeles in 1992 with the theme or “Separation, Dispersion, Reunification”.

Study to review CARICOM intra-regional migration of healthcare workers in the Caribbean
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas, Washington DC, has contracted the consultancy and research firm of Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company, Canada Ltd, to conduct a study on the status of current migration trends of health workers in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region and to provide a report that will be used to inform and make recommendations on migration within the health sector of the countries involved. According to recent published reports, migration of health workers in the public health care system in much of the region is in crisis, lacking the resources to fund hospitals, implement and maintain complex medical procedures, or even to maintain the services of qualified and trained staff.

Videos

January 3, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Believers World Outreach hosts annual camp on the island
A vacation bible camp was held in San Pedro Town from Wednesday, December 28th to January 1, 2018, by the religious organization ‘Believers World Outreach.’ The holiday activity was organized in collaboration with the local Sagebrush Church Community aimed at engaging children in a variety of activities ranging from plays, games, arts, crafts, and sports. They got to know many islanders and helped construct a home for a family in northern Ambergris Caye. At the end of the camp, a festival was held celebrating the New Year filled with games and a hip-hop performance by this year’s participants.

San Pedro brings in 2018 in spectacular fashion!
As the clock ticked over to 2018, both island residents and visitors alike in San Pedro Town rang in the New Year with a spectacular party and a dazzling pyrotechnics display. Hundreds of revelers gathered at the Central Park on Sunday, December 31st, as early as 10PM for the annual festivity organized by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC). The fun jamboree included live music with lots of food and drinks, which kept the celebration in full swing until the wee hours of the new year. Following the official speeches, Miss San Pedro 2017-2018 Virginia Vasquez delivered the vote of thanks, after which Master of Ceremonies Eiden Salazar Jr. invited everyone to dance to the hits of Caribbean Roots Band and DJ Debbie as they waited for the countdown.

Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project brings joy to islanders on Christmas Day
Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project brought happiness to many children and senior citizens of Ambergris Caye during Christmas Day, on Monday, December 25th. Over 100 children of modest means received a Christmas present while some senior citizens who were gifted with a box of groceries. Shortly after 1PM, Project Founder Nayobie Rivero along with her team started the distribution of gifts across the island. The gifts were distributed randomly to any child they encountered on their route, while the boxes of groceries were given to the less fortunate seniors of the island. “It was the best time of my life, seeing the innocent reactions of these kids and elders. Their smiles are my best Christmas gift,” said Rivero. “I want to thank every business who contributed, my entire team and my family who have supported me from day one. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow’s New Year Address 2018
My Fellow Belizeans, I drive, almost on a daily basis, that portion of the Philip Goldson Highway between the Buttonwood Boulevard roundabout and the Benny’s roundabout. And latterly I have been struck by how, to the accompaniment of jackhammers and drain-digging and detritus-clearing, a four-at some points six-lane expressway is taking increasing shape on that stretch of road. It has the makings of an impressive piece of infrastructure. And it is, of course, to be joined up with what has already been done between the Airport Link Road and the Haulover Bridge; and with what is also to be done coming all the way in to the Belcan overpass. The work originates at the PGIA junction, and its importance for tourism and development is underlined by its connectivity via Belize City to the West and South in one direction, and the North in another.

Caye Caulker Liquor License general meeting
Tuesday Jan. 9th at 10am

Coming very soon to the Halston Chan Indoor Futsal Stadium
To seek for talent you must start from the roots from the foundation of U-10 to U15 Coming very soon to the Halston Chan Indoor Futsal Stadium Corozal South End Bacadia Area ,First ever U-15 Fast Indoor Fut 7 2018,promoting and developing football in our municipality for more information call me at 628-4055 or simply visit the Sports Office located at the Andres Campos Civic Center.

Belize, Your Natural Niche
Belize’s natural resources, pro-business investment climate, democratic stability, and incentives have led to steady growth in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). The Government of Belize’s (GOB) strategic commitment to support the sustainable development of its priority industries, such as, Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Offshore Outsourcing, Sustainable Energy, Logistics & Light Manufacturing, and Tourism, has contributed to a 17% increase of FDI inflows in 2016, when compared to 2015. Guided by the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, the Tourism Industry contributed to approximately 40% of Belize’s GDP in 2016. Over the years, the GOB has cultivated airline connections, which span beyond sixteen cosmopolitan cities, and expects to remain steadfast in achieving over 3% annual growth in arrivals.

Horizon is now open in Corozal.
We sell accesories such as toys, watches, house accessories and more. We are located across from Uno Gas station.

Dukker Ice Cream Roll
We are located in Corozal on second street south. Well, the moment arrived, Tuesday, January 2, we open doors in Dukker ice cream. We hope to see you the first day. Remember all our ice creams are made at the moment and with the combinations of flavors that you prefer. And without forgetting that all our bases are free of lactose and sweetened with fructose, so that there is no pretext. There you can take care of your health and continue enjoying a delicious and organic ice cream, free of chemicals, and lots of flavor.

Museum of Belize 'Call for Artist Vol.2' Art Exhibit
Start the New Year Right, with a visit to the Museum of Belize to view our recently opened 'Call for Artist Vol.2' Art Exhibit! This exhibit features Abstract Expressionism, Portraits, Photography among other profound Art pieces produced by our very own gifted Belizean Artists. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Belize's Wonder Women: Dr. Gwen Nuñez Gonzalez
For the month of January we are proud to announce that Dr. Gwen Nuñez Gonzalez is our Belize Wonder Woman! Gwen Nuñez Gonzalez was born in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, to Julia and Victoriano Nuñez. She earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Higher Education from the Nova Southeastern University in Orlando Florida through the University of Belize and her dissertation focused on Intercultural Bilingual Education. Dr. Gwen hopes that her dissertation will contribute to the literature on the subject matter in order to ignite interest from others to pursue the value of intercultural bilingual education in Belize.

Ieducing Illegal Wildlife Trafficking
Guatemalan NGOs and FCD are ending a 3 year program that was aimed at reducing illegal wildlife trafficking (IWT). The effort at FCD, however, will continue with the realization that IWT is an ongoing threat to wild species. The multiyear support was provided by UKAid and DEFRA

Paint N Splash
Come join us Thursday from 2pm-4pm at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar to paint “Under The Mangrove” Part 2 of our 3 part series. See you there! Make sure you sign up on the website to reserve your spot!

Come check Orange Wok in the heart of Orange Walk District
Orange Wok is located across from Atlantic Bank. We serve Belizean and chinese food. We serve food such as fry chicken, soup, burger, rice and beans, chow mein, meat balls @ and more. We have a list of fruit juice, ice cream, smoothie, coffee, cappuchino. We also have kids area while you eat and relax.

2018 SPTC Schedule of Events
Here we go... plan for 2018

The ATM Archaeological Reserve is open for visitation
All other Archaeological Reserves are open

Full Moon Concert
Los Hijos Del West Marimba, CorozalHouse of Culture, January 27 @ 7:30pm.This is surely one concert to look forward to.....mark your calendars!!

Maya Calendar & New Year: Are you ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in July?
According to the Haab Maya Calendar that follows the cycle of the earth in relation to the Sun, the new year does not being on January 1 but rather July 26 each year. Unlike our Gregorian calendar that dominates the way much of the world calculates what day of the year it is through an arbitrary system inherited from the Romans for knowing when to collect taxes, the Mayan recording of time is calculated using a series of up to 17 cycles, each linked to the movements of the Sun and Moon as well as the transits of planets like Venus or even constellations like the Pleiades.

Channel 7

Woman Police Constable Charged For Fareed Ahmad's Murder
One of the most sensational murders of 2017 happened right at the end of the year - when Fareed Ahmad, the well-known Muslim barber, football referee and community worker from Hattieville was killed. Well, tonight, Woman Police Constable Michelle Brown is accused of killing him. And, in a shocking reversal, the cop from the Special Assignment Team is in jail tonight, on remand for murder. And while she has been charged - there's still so much uncertainty about what happened inside Ahmad's SUV last Thursday night. It ended with him being shot in the face and then crashing on the shoulder of the highway, right within his home village of Hattieville.

Ahmad Family Alleges Conspiracy
So a few hours after the arraignment, the Ahmad Family called a press conference to discuss the major development that the cops had charged one of their own for the murder of their loved one. This grieving family, which distrusts the police for past encounters, made it clear that they want an independent investigator to handle Fareed Ahmad's case. They say that for the appearance of transparency, the cops should not be investigating their own. Here's how Fareed's sister explained it. We stress that Constable Michelle Brown is charged with murder, which is an allegation, and she is innocent until proven guilty:

2017 Ends With Another Murder
2017 ends tied with 2012 for the most violent year on record with 145 murders - by our count. That is tied with 2012 for the all time high - though we expect police will have a slightly lower number. And just as 2017 was about to end another life was lost to gun violence. 22 year old Fredrick Smith was murdered on Iguana Street Extension in the wee hours of New Year's Eve. The motive of the murder is still being investigated but, it matters little, because tonight, another family grieves the loss of a loved one. We found out more about Smith today. Sahar Vasquez reporting: Fareed Ahmad's murder was not the last of 2017. On New Year's Eve night 22-year-old Fredrick Smith was fatally shot in the upper back while riding away from his mother's house on Iguana Street Extension.

Are Police Patrols In Violence-Plagued Antelope Making A Difference?
So, the area of Antelope Street extension has seen two murders in the last four days - and it has been an area of chronic gun violence for months now. This is despite the fact that there is a police mobile command centre along with frequent patrols in the area. So are the stepped up patrols really working? Well - in spite of the statistics - ASP Cowo said they are. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB Belize City: "It does raised an alarm for us. As we have mentioned, any life that is lost is too many for us. Yes, police are out there doing their specific jobs likewise, patrolling the areas and we know that it is a fact that sometimes the criminals are monitoring the police movements and those are the advantages that they take sometimes when the police are moving from one area to go to another location. They cannot be stationed at one specific only location. It's an area that they patrol within that immediate area, not only that Antelope Street. They have to go all around the little alleys and the other streets around Antelope Street."

Leon Garcia Killed On First Day Of 2018
And hours after that killing on Iguana extension in the Antelope area, there was another city murder- the first for 2018 - again near an area with a fixed police presence. Leon Garcia was stabbed to death after 3:00 in the morning on New Year's Day. He and his friend were walking on Barrack road when two men pounced on them from behind. One of the men stabbed Garcia to the stomach and chest. Courtney Weatherburne has more from his mother who says it's his street life that finally caught up with him. Voice of: Judith Rocke, Mother: "Definitely it's his past. I can't say anything else. It's his past."

Yam Survives Stabbing
And about an hour before that city murder on New Years Day - a man was chopped in Corozal. The victim is Alejandro Yam. He survived what we are told is a massive brawl and is recovering at the hospital. But his attacker is also recovering at another hospital up North because Yam fought back and stabbed him. Police had more on this bloody fight. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head National Crimes Investigation: "There was a stabbing in Corozal district in the Loiseville Village sometime around 2:30 am yesterday morning. One Alejandro Yam reported that while walking in the village, he was attacked by a group of male persons one of whom chopped him to the lower back and in the process of defending himself he inflicted a stab wound to one Eric Cob who was a part of the group." As you heard, both are recovering at separate hospitals.

Likely Drug Plane Found Burnt Off Coastal Road
Police got quite a New Year's Eve surprise when they found the burnt remains of what is most likely a drug plane off the Coastal Road. Rural cops found the wreckage on the 31st after 12:00 in the afternoon. In an official release it states it was a twin engine King Air Beach Craft. Now we have reported on countless abandoned and burnt planes. And, given that this one was found near an illegal airstrip - it's almost certainly some high level drug operation - since that's the standard practice to land, offload, and then burn the evidence. But the police can't say for sure what happened since nothing illegal was found in the area. Here's more. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head National Crimes Investigation: "A joint team of police and BDF responded to an information some 2 miles in a road off the coastal road where they found the burnt remains of an aircraft in the vicinity of an illegal airstrip. Initial investigation reveal that the brunt remains seem to have been there for several days. Police investigation along with BDF and civil aviation into this matter continues."

Belizean Big Baby is Top World Heavyweight Contender
Did you know that one of the top heavyweight contenders in the world is a Belizean? Unless, you're a true fight fan, you probably didn't, but Jarrell Miller, known as the Big Baby is on the verge of becoming a household name - and we don't just mean in Belize. The WBA, the IBF and the WBO all rank him in the top five heavyweight contenders worldwide. Jarrell and his family are visiting Belize and we tracked him down to Bacab Waterpark today where we found out more about the boy who was born in Belize City - and migrated to Brooklyn, New York at the age of 6. But, first we got the introduction from his buddy, and traveling companion, world famous ring announcer, David Diamante.

Monterroso, Alleged Hit and Run Driver in Double Fatal
Belmopan Police have charged the alleged hit and run driver who killed two people on Christmas Eve. He is 25 year-old Hector Armando Monterroso, a construction worker of Hattieville. As we told you, at around 11:15 on December 24, Oscar Rene Alvarado was traveling on his motorcycle towards Belmopan from Cotton Tree. The 24 year-old had his 33 year-old common-law wife, Linda Carolina Hernandez on the back of the bike. They were hit by a driver who did not stop to render aid. Well, police have investigated and have since charged one man for it. He's now facing 2 counts of manslaughter by negligence, 2 counts of causing death by careless conduct, and 1 count of failing to stop and render aid.

Unfortunate Fortune Shot On New Year's Day
A man was shot last night as he sat in his vehicle on Ebony Street. Charles Fortune was hit in the right knee. Now it is not clear if Fortune was the target or not. Police shared what they know so far. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB Belize City: "Initial investigation revealed that he was inside of a vehicle that was on the bridge on Ebony Street when shots were heard and as a result he noticed that he was injured. He is presently admitted at the KHMH in a stable condition at this moment. So far nobody has been detained for that incident." No one has been detained.

Driver of Runaway Coke-Carrying SUV Charged
Finally, police have tracked down and charged the man who was allegedly driving the cocaine-carrying Lincoln Navigator that ran away from Mexican Customs and crashed into the Customs gate three weeks ago. The Head of National Crimes Investigation told us more: ACP Joseph Myvette, Head National Crimes Investigation: "Police are also in the process of charging one Robert Gentle reference the discovery of a vehicle that had crashed into the customs compound that was found with drugs some two or three weeks ago."

One Mall, One Robber
Keeping it in the north, police have also charged one man for the bold holdup of the One Mall Shopping Center - outside Corozal town. He got off with seven grand in cash and the owner's Tacoma pickup truck. It happened on the Friday before Christmas and police told us they've gotten the suspect and the vehicle he stole: ACP Joseph Myvette, Head National Crimes Investigation: "Also police has arrested and charged one Demas Zelaya for the robbery of the 'One Mall gas station in Corozal and also the Toyota Tacoma pickup which was stolen has since been recovered."

Chen's In Cayo Robbed
And in another robbery of a Chinese business... While most of us were with family or hanging out with friends on New Year's Eve - a group of men were jacking Chen's Store in San Ignacio. The store owner reported that around 8:00 that night two men held him up at gunpoint and stole $2,200 dollars and his cellphone. They hopped into a car and drove off but their freedom was short lived because police caught them at a checkpoint. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head National Crimes Investigation: "Police received a report on the 31st December sometime around 8:30 pm that there was a robbery on Joseph Andrews drive in San Ignacio. Following up on the information police intercepted a vehicle where 3 persons have since been detained and 2 masks were found in the vehicle. These persons remain detained as police investigation into this matter."

Domestic Disputes Lead to Arson Cases
There were two house fires that happened around the same time on Saturday night - one in Dangriga and one in Orange Walk. And in both cases, they appear to be motivated by domestic issues. Regarding the case down South, an enraged man burnt down his ex-wife's house at Mile 25 on the Southern Highway. Home owner Innocenta Bol met her ex-husband Feliciano Ical, on the way to the store. He told her "right now you will see what will happen". Then he ran over to her house and allegedly lit it on fire. The home owner in the Orange Walk arson was also threatened. Diana Mai reported that a man she knows as Catelino Urizar threatened her with a machete and then burnt down her house. Police didn't go into all these details at the press briefing but said they are following up on the reports.

A New Winner On New Year's Day
The KREM New Year's Day cycling Classic had its 28th running on Monday. Our Codie Norales followed the 70 plus riders from Corozal and stayed with them throughout the 96 mile race for more than ten thousand dollars in station prizes as well as one of the most coveted crowns in cycling. Kwame Scott has the report: Third place finisher for 2017, Giuovanni Lovell from Team Digicell was among the first to sign in. Ernest Bradley, the Son of two time cross country champion Ernest Meighan was also Team Benny's was also there. Oscar Quiroz from Team Smart was also amongst the ones to watch Nissan Arana and the current national road champion of Belize was there.

Belizean holds Off foreign Rider For First
After the race, Lovell and the other top finishers spoke to the race announcer. the champ says he held his patience until the finish line: In the Female race, Alicia Thompson finished first and became a four-time Champion, second was Kaya Cattouse and third was Miguenela Lopez from Merida. In the male junior race, Shawn Armstrong was first and Eric Heusner was second.

Hapless Robber Caught
Police have charged one of two men who were caught on camera trying to pull off an armed robbery. It happened at Joe's Store in the King's Park area on December 23, 2017. The video went viral when the storeowner grabbed his own gun and chased off the two robbers. The gunman got so scared he dropped his gun. Well, that same footage has led police to charge one of the robbers. Today 21 year old Stanley Flowers was charged with attempted robbery with a firearm, and kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license. Flowers, an unemployed of Mahogany Heights was arraigned at 11:00 this morning in the Belize City Magistrate's Court where he appeared unrepresented before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford.

"Pulu" Facing Gun Charge
He's famous as a PUP firebrand, but tonight, Henry "Pulu" Gillett is facing a very serious charge. On New Year's Day the Northside Strike Team searched his home in Brides Alley where they found one Silver and black 9mm pistol along with 14 rounds of ammunition. Also present at the time of the search were 38 year old Sandra Gillette and a 16 year old minor. Police formally arrested and charged, Henry and Sandra Gillette, and the 16 year old minor for; Kept firearm without gun license and kept ammunition without a gun license.

First Baby Of The New Year Is Magic
New Year's day was especially bright for 28-year-old Arlene Burgess and 19-year-old Elizabeth Castillo. These new mothers both gave birth to their babies in the early hours, or minutes of the first day of 2018. It's auspicious timing, and this morning they showed off their new bundles of joy and shared a little more about their gestation journey. Burgess gave birth to her daughter on January 1st at 12:52 am and Castillo gave birth to her son at 4:39 am. Both mothers received different essentials from San Cas, Brodies, and the Rotary Club.

Channel 5

WPC Michelle Brown Arraigned for Murder of Fareed Ahmad
In this our first newscast for 2018, we start with a story which was the headline at the close of 2017; the murder of popular barber Fareed Ahmad. This morning, [...]

WPC Brown Also Disciplinary Charged
On the night of December twenty-seventh, WPC Brown reportedly signed off from duty at the Raccoon Street Police Station around eight p.m. and is said to have departed the compound [...]

Disgraced WPC Exercises Her Right to Remain Silent
Despite facing a single charge of murder, the police constable has opted not to provide a caution statement.  Instead, she has clammed up by exercising her right to remain silent.  [...]

Ahmads Ask for Independent Investigation into Murder of Fareed
While police offered details of their investigation this morning, two of the Ahmad siblings, Taheera and Abdul, flanked by the leader of the Muslim Community, Kaleem El-Amin, their father Abdus [...]

Were Other Officers Involved in the Murder of Fareed Ahmad?
The Ahmad family has since been told that while the internal inquiry is being carried out by ACP Chester Williams, Inspector Wilfredo Ferrufino is heading the murder investigation.  The family [...]

Is There Any Involvement by the U.S. in the Continued Surveillance of the Ahmads?
This is not the first incident involving the Ahmad family. Back in June of 2016, the Special Patrols Unit conducted an early morning raid at their family homes. Later on, [...]

The Ahmads, a Decent Family
Fareed’s father was philosophical about the way of life of his family. He believes that following the Muslim religion has led to a straight and narrow up-bringing of his children. [...]

Eamon Courtenay is Appointed to a Sensitive Judicial Case in the Region
Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay has been retained by the Trinidad Law Association to a very sensitive assignment involving the judiciary in that country. Courtenay along with the president of the [...]

First Murder for 2018; Leon Garcia Stabbed to Death
Within hours of the start of the New Year, a Belize City man was murdered. At about three-thirty on the morning of January first, Leon Garcia was savagely stabbed by [...]

Frederick Smith is the Last Murder Victim for 2017
While Garcia was the first murder for 2018, police closed off the year with another murder on their hands, bringing the total of murders for 2017 at a staggering one [...]

Suspected Drug Plane Found Burnt off the Coastal Road
Belizean authorities are investigating the remnants of a burnt aircraft discovered off the Coastal Road. The airplane was found in a remote area near an illegal landing strip. Police say [...]

Stabbing in Corozal Leaves 2 Men Hospitalized
Two Corozal men are hospitalized following an attack in a village in the north. According to Police, a man reported that a group of men attacked him with a machete [...]

Crime Update: Arrests Made for Incidents across the Country
Several arrests have been made in a string of crimes that have been committed across the country over the past three weeks.  In the case of the theft of copper [...]

Meet the New Year’s babies at the K.H.M.H.
Thirteen babies were born on New Year’s Day. According to the Belize Health Information System, the Ministry of Health says that four babies were born in Belize City; three in [...]

B.N.T.U. Condemns Continued Violence in the Wake of the Murder of Teacher
Teacher Desmond Lewis was brutally killed in the early hours of the morning of December twenty-eight sent shockwaves among his colleagues and the Dangriga Community. The teacher’s throat was slashed [...]

2 Non-Fatal Shootings over the Weekend
Twenty-nine-year-old Charles Fortune is recovering from a gunshot wound to the right knee after being injured on Monday night by an unidentified assailant who opened fire on him on Ebony [...]

2 Arsons over the Holiday Weekend
The holiday weekend wasn’t without its share of arsons.  In the north and south there were two cases reported of the criminal burning of properties.  On Saturday night, at around [...]

1 Dead Manatee; Another to be Rescued
Forty manatees were killed in 2017. It proved to be a dangerous and deadly year for the gentle mammals. Belize has one of the healthiest populations of the West Indian [...]

Sports Monday: the Highlights of the Weekend Sporting Activities
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities…]

LOVE FM

WPC Brown charged with the murder of Fareed Ahmad
There have been varied speculations as to who is responsible for the murder of well-known barber and referee Fareed Ahmad. Today the woman who Police believe shot Ahmad appeared in court. Johnelle McKenzie was at the courthouse and has the story. There was a heavy police presence as one of their own was being arraigned …

Has Crime infiltrated the Police Department?
And while WPC Michelle Brown has been arrested and charged criminally and administratively, police continue to piece together what really happened on the night of December 28. But the investigation does not only stop there, police say they are also looking into one of its own units, the Special Assignment Team, and their role, if …

Did Ahmad report to police led to his death?
As we mentioned earlier, the CIB and Professional Standards Branch are also looking into the role of the Special Assignment Team, SAT. Fareed Ahmad had made a report to the police, hours before he died. ACP Chester Williams says they are looking at whether that report had something to do with his death, but, so …

Fareed Ahmad’s Family held a press conference
Meanwhile, the family of Fareed Ahmad held a press conference of their own this afternoon. The family is not only requesting a full and transparent investigation into Ahmad’s murder. Additionally, the family is saying that they are still being threatened and have strong reasons to believe that these are being made by the very members …

Leon Garcia: first murder of 2018
On October 24, a family had just sat down to watch the news when suddenly a barrage of bullets invaded their living room. As a result, 60-year-old Judith Rocke and her 7-year-old granddaughter Malli Herrera were injured. Two and a half months later, the family is back in the news again. In this latest incident, …

Family is distraught over the death of love one
The year 2017 came to an end on Sunday, but not before taking with it 21-year-old Frederick Smith. Smith was gunned down in the old capital. The family is in shock and disbelief over the death of their loved one. Smith’s grandmother spoke with the media about her grandson. Grandmother “Well he would come if …

Police puzzled over burnt plane
Police say that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a twin-engine King Air Beach Craft that had been almost completely destroyed by fire. ACP Joseph Myvett gave the media a preliminary report on the case. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch “Sometime around 1:30 p.m. a joint team of …

Prime Minister’s New Year’s message
Prime Minister Dean Barrow took the opportunity of his New Year’s message to highlight the ongoing infrastructural works going on countrywide. The Prime Minister also spoke of inroads made in the growth of the economy. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister “2017 was certainly an improvement over 2016, not least in the fact that the …

Monterosa charged with two counts of manslaughter
25-year-old Hector Monterosa of Cotton Tree Village in the Cayo District has been charged with two counts of manslaughter, two counts of causing death by careless conduct and failure to stop and render aid. It is alleged that Monterosa was the driver of a vehicle that knocked down and killed 24-year-old Oscar Alvarado and his …

Belize Leaders for Social Justice take a stand against crime
Belize Leaders for Social Justice held a candlelight vigil on the night of January first in memory of those who have been murdered, prompted primarily by the recent murder of Fareed Ahmad. Activist Moses Sulph was one of the organizers. Moses Sulph – Belize Leaders for Social Justice “It is to commemorate them basically and …

PlusTV

Leon Garcia is First murder for 2018
The first murder for 2018 took place only about three hours into the new year in Belize City. About 3:30 am on Monday January 1st, 2018, Leon Garcia, Raheem Reed and others were walking on Barrack Road from the direction of Newtown Barracks when they were attacked from behind by two male persons...

Frederick Smith last Murder for 2017
The last reported murder for 2017 also happened in Belize City. It happened on Antelope Street about 10:30 on the night of Sunday December 31, 2017. 22 year old Fredrick Smith 22 was found lying in a drain. He had been shot in the back. ACP Alejandro Cowo, CIB Sometime after 10:40 p.m. police were...

New Year’s Day shooting; victim hospitalized
We already reported on the first murder for 2018 but that was not the only violent crime in Belize City for New Year’s Day. 29 year old Charles Fortune, a Belizean laborer of Belize City was also shot and is at the KHMH in a stable condition. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC, CIB Belize City “Initial ...

Man shot in Burrell Boom
There was another shooting incident. This one happened in Burrell Boom where one man was injured. ACP Alejandro Cowo, NCIB Camela Terry reported that she was driving on the Boom Road together with two other male persons when she observed she was being followed by a gold vehicle. As a result of that ...

Man stabbed in Corozal
There was a New Year’s Day chopping and stabbing incident in Louisville Village in the Corozal District. Alejandro Yam was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds to the body. ACP Joseph Myvett, NCIB “There was a stabbing in Corozal district in the Loiseville Village sometime around 2:30 ...

Cotton Tree resident arrested for hit and run
Hector Armando Monterroso, a 25 year old Belizean construction worker of Cotton Tree village, was charged with two counts of Manslaughter by Negligence, two counts of causing death by careless conduct, and failure to stop and render aid. This is in relation to the tragic hit and run accident we rep...

Fareed Ahmad family holds press conference
This afternoon, the Ahmad family held a press conference in which they issued a statement of their own where they are asking for an Independent Investigation into the murder of their loved one, Fareed Ahmad. Sister of Fareed Ahmad A member of the Police Department is responsible for the murder of on...

Blogs

Wildlife & Nature: Green Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Chloroceryle americana. Well known for its angler skills, the Green Kingfisher can be found from Southern United States through Central and South America. They are the smallest of the Kingfisher family which include the American Pygmy Kingfisher, Belted Kingfisher and Ringed Kingfisher. The Green Kingfisher is olive green with white markings on its wings and plump, and have short tail feathers. Apart from the white collar around their neck, the males also have a burnt orange patch on their chests while the females have green chest bands and spots along the side of their bellies. These birds are 20 centimeters in length and weigh a little over an ounce on average.

De Caribische chaos van Ambergris Caye
Razende golfkarretjes, sissende foodstalls en kakelende kippen; slechts een dagelijks tafereel van het levendige eiland Ambergris Caye voor de kust van Belize. De hagelwitte stranden en azuurblauwe zee zijn slechts één van de vele kanten die Belize te bieden heeft, maar een hele fijne kant is het zeker! Belize en de Cayes: De Cayes (uitgesproken als het Engelse ‘Keys’) is een verzamelnaam voor bijna 200 paradijselijke eilandjes die liggen voor de kust van het land. Ze heten ‘Cayes’ omdat ze gevormd zijn bovenop een koraalrif. Met – op Australië na – het grootste barrièrerif ter wereld, is het dan ook niet verwonderlijk dat Belize zo’n enorme rijkdom aan Cayes heeft. De eilanden wisselen van relatief groot en gezellig druk – denk aan Ambergris Caye en Caye Caulker – tot een heleboel ieniemienie onbewoonde koraaleilandjes te midden van een azuurblauwe zee. Een walhalla voor de liefhebber van zon, zee strand én de onderwaterwereld dus! Want het is vooral die onderwaterwereld die de Cayes van Belize zo beroemd hebben gemaakt.

Island life: Essentials for your tropical island survival kit to get over your days of malaise
Nothing is going to help you survive life on a tropical island if you don’t go into the whole thing with the right attitude. No amount of local rum or chocolate will get you over the days of malaise brought on by the lack of a national holiday to celebrate with a parade, the end of lobster season, the start of rainy season, the deja vu feeling you get hanging out at the same drinking spots day after day after day after … Well, no need to belabor the point. Life on a tropical island has ups and downs, just like living in other strange foreign countries, like the United States since January 2017.

International Sources

BLIND DETERMINATION
To save a vital nonprofit from shutting down, native-Belizean Rowan Garel began an aggressive fundraising effort predicated on doing things that no blind person had ever done before. Now, the Drew University sophomore is world famous and barely slowing down. At only nineteen-years-old, Rowan Garel, a sophomore at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, has already climbed Victoria Peak, walked across a country and dived the Great Blue Hole, accomplishments that have made the blind Belizean an internationally recognized figure. Garel began his efforts when he discovered that the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI), a nonprofit organization critical for blind students in the country, was at risk of being defunded. In response, he set out to bring attention to the issue by taking on high-adventure treks as a means of fundraising. His efforts helped raise enough money for the BCVI to continue hosting their summer camps, which are vital for helping ensure that the visually impaired students are all able to attend school.

Army Photographer of the Year winner Rupert Frere captures reality of military life
IT takes a keen eye to effectively capture the many facets of life through the lens of a camera. Many people may think it is as simple as “point and shoot”, but the true art of photography is in the story an image can tell, or a feeling it can stir. If you ask Sgt Rupert Frere, he will tell you that nowhere is this more apparent than in the life of an Armed Forces photographer. Wielding a camera in one hand and a rifle in the other, Mr Frere has undertaken three tours of Afghanistan, two as the official photographer of the hardened Paratroopers of Colchester’s 16 Air Assault Brigade. Together with the professional portfolio win, Sgt Frere took first place in the professional story, social media video and multimedia video categories. The professional story was shot deep in the Belize Jungle and captures foot guards from 1st Battalion the Irish Guards conducting a live firing exercise. Sgt Frere said: “This displays four phases of a patrol, from jungle training and preparation and patrolling, to advancing on the enemy and the final fight.

A global reef survey to build better satellites for coral conservation
Coral reefs are special places. They contain thousands of species often assembled in kaleidoscopic patterns that defy both our scientific understanding and our imagination. Reef ecosystems feed millions of people and protect our shorelines, acting as buffers to waves and storms. The corals, fish, invertebrates and other creatures residing in reef ecosystems vary greatly from region to region, generating an exciting global-scale tourism industry: a trip to the Caribbean turns up species that can’t be found in the Pacific Ocean; swim off a beach in Indonesia, and you’ll find reef inhabitants different from those in the Red Sea. Coral reefs are said to be the rainforests of the ocean, and indeed, the untrained eye often finds that discerning coral species on a reef is similar in experience to telling tree species apart in the jungle.

Videos

January 2, 2018

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Dale Trujeque and Christian Workers Union part ways
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Fraternal greetings! And Season's greetings! It is my duty to inform you that Bro Dale Trujeque has tendered his resignation as President of the Christian Workers Union. Due to family reasons, Bro Dale can no longer continue to serve as our President. The CWU Executive Board met in emergency session last night and accepted Bro Dale's resignation, effective October 31, 2017. Until our Annual General Meeting mandated by March 2018, current Vice President Bro Basil Brannon will act as CWU President.

Clandestine Airstrip and burnt plane found
On Sunday, 31st December 2017 at 12:24 p.m. police and Belize Defence Force personnel visited an area off the Coastal Road, in the Belize District. Upon arrival they observed a twin engine King Air Beach Craft almost completely destroyed by fire. Near the aircraft were the visible signs of an illegal airstrip. It is believed that this aircraft had been in this area for a few days and it was pulled from the airstrip and burnt. Checks were done in the nearby bushes and surrounded areas but nothing was found.

Cayo Race for Conservation 5k/10k - 2018
The 2018 Cayo Race for Conservation is happening on Sunday the 28th. It's the BWRC's prep run for the Chiquibul Marathon, and it's from Hode's to Bullet Tree and back. "After the holidays we hope you are ready to put your running/walking shoes on, get in the groove and join us once again for the 2nd Cayo Race for Conservation on the 28th of January. We hope to encourage fitness and enjoyment of nature, right in our backyards, in the beautiful Cayo Hills. This 5k/10k race is scheduled 3 weeks prior to the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon (CCM) so you can check if you are ready for this special event. The first prize for the 10k is a free entrance to CCM. The route is from Hode's place to Bullet Tree and back."

New Year's Day Supermoon!
Photo by Belize's Fernando Cruz Crasborn.

BELIZE KI'IMAK OOLAL TUMBEN JAAB 2018(BELIZE HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018)
Another year promoting our culture,people,food,traditions,history and identity of the Yucatec Maya of Belize. Cooking traditional Yucatec Maya food Piib in one of the villages in Orange Walk District . What you guys cooking ? Pictures courtesy of Ak kuchkabal Maya (Our Maya Family) 2018 .

The Reporter

Man critical following stabbing in Corozal
A stabbing incident in the Corozal district has left a man in a critical condition. According to police, sometime around 2:30 this morning, they responded to a report of a stabbing in Louisville village, where they saw Alejandro Yam in an unconscious state, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Yam was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk, where he is listed in a critical condition. Police are investigating the incident.

Murder victim identified
The man who was shot dead on Antelope Street Extension last night has been identified. Police say he is Fredrick Smith, 22, of Belize City. Smith was discovered around 10:40 p.m., lying face up in a drain on Antelope Street Extension in the Collet area. He had been shot in the upper back. No one has been charged in connection with the murder as investigations continue. The murder happened a few hundred yards from where a manned police intelligence mobile has been stationed on Antelope Street for the past two months to deter bloodshed and drug trafficking.

First murder recorded for 2018
The year 2018 has seen its first murder, coming just hours after 2017’s last murder – that of Fredrick Smith on Antelope Street Extension. Police say that Garcia was walking along with Raheem Reed and others on Barrack Road from the direction of Newtown Barracks when two men attacked them from behind. One of the men reportedly began to stab Garcia, who collapsed on the street, while his friends ran back towards a police check point stationed on Barrack Road at its junction with Victoria Street.

Breaking Belize News

BBN 2017 Man & Woman of the Year
As we prepare for 2018, BBN takes this time to reflect on the year that was by celebrating the efforts of Belize’s diligent conservation community, selecting Oceana Belize’s Vice President, Janelle Chanona, and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Director, Rafael Manzanero as our 2017 Woman and Man of the year.

Blogs

2017’s Most Popular Posts & Some Small Things Learned Living in Belize for 10 Years
Happy Happy New Year everyone. I would regale you with stories of my epic night in San Pedro but…I was happily sleeping by 11.15pm. Looking back on 2017, it seems almost like a blur. But then, in many way, so do the last 10 years. I first visited Belize in August of 2006, moved here permanently in May of 2007, managed a bar for a few years and started my blog – just for fun – in June 2011…time really does fly. During that time, the island has changed fast and furiously. You can only imagine what those who were born here think. It is not particularly challenging and not at all satisfying to sit back and find fault with it all. It’s not the San Pedro of my first visit…things are busier, growing too fast. There is no master planning and if there is, there are too many loopholes, too much corruption and everything is WAY too political. The island has too much trash and too little focus on our environment.

International Sources

De weergaloze binnenlanden van Belize

Brigitte de Graaff, a well known European blogger, wrote a great article about mainland Belize. Unparalleled indeed. Great article! "The interior of Belize is characterized by endless diversity. High in the north, close to the border with Mexico, you will find an interesting mix of cultures that can be easily recognized by the rich cuisine. Spanish, Mexican and Asian influences are not to be missed and this region has a pleasantly rippling agricultural culture. Completely opposite is the west of the country, where you can attract yourself as an adrenaline junky. Deep in the jungle you can raft, zipline, cave and tube until you are completely tired and you will still have admired only a small part of all the beauty. This is also the place where you can visit many well-hidden Mayan ruins, or even spot wildlife." Natuurlijke schoonheid is niet altijd even eerlijk verdeeld in de wereld. Dat wordt des te duidelijker in Belize. Denk je aan Belize, dan denk je al snel aan het duizelingwekkende Blue Hole, de azuurblauwe wateren en de wuivende palmbomen die je treft op een van de vele cayes en atolls die het kleine landje rijk is. Waar de kust de nodige gasten mag verwelkomen, blijft het binnenland tot op heden nog vrij onontdekt, terwijl de diversiteit op dit mini landoppervlak ongeëvenaard is. De hoogste tijd dus voor een ontdekkingstocht door de weergaloze binnenlanden van Belize!

Could Chocolate Actually Go Extinct In 40 Years?
How can you deal with horrible news if the horrible news is losing one of the best ways of dealing with horrible news? An article from Erin Brodwin for the Business Insider blared the following headline, "Chocolate is on track to go extinct in 40 years." Apparently, the concern is that cacao plants, which are the natural source of chocolate (otherwise known as happiness), may go extinct by 2050. In the words of singer-song writer Kate Miller-Heidke, are you bleeping kidding me? How can you drown your sorrows in chocolate without chocolate? Mayonnaise doesn't quite work the same. Is this for real or is this (snicker, snicker) a joke?

Videos

January 1, 2018

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Lazy Lizard is looking for a Bathroom Attendant
Responsibilities include making sure bathrooms are kept clean, restocking paper towels and soap dispensers. Stop by the split to apply.

Corozal Bus Terminal Schedule
For Jan 1, 2018

Breaking Belize News

Gun and ammo found in Caye Caulker
Around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, December 29, while police were conducting mobile patrol within the airstrip area of Caye Caulker village, cops searched an open lot. Police found a black plastic bag containing a chrome and black .9mm Taurus pistol without a magazine and one live .9mm hollow point round .

The Reporter

Murder on Antelope Street Extension
Unconfirmed but reliable reports are that a man was murdered before midnight last night in Belize City. Police have acknowledged that a shooting happened on Antelope Street Extension in the Collet area, but reliable reports are that the man died at the scene and was taken to the KHMH morgue in the pan of a police pickup. The incident happened sometime around 11:00 p.m., just a few hundred yards from where a police intelligence bus had been stationed for the past two months to quell bloodshed and drug activity in the area. Police say they will release the details of the incident later on today.

Police investigate fires in Stann Creek, Orange Walk
Police are investigating two fires, both of which they suspect were cases of arson. In the first instance in Dangriga, police say they were summoned to mile 25 on the Southern Highway sometime around 7:25 on Saturday night, where they observed a wooden and thatch house measuring 20 by20 feet totally destroyed by fire. According to the owner, Innocenta Bol, 24, sometime around 6:20 p.m., she was going to a shop when she met a man she knew, who told her something, after which he ran towards her house. Bol said that moments later, she saw flames and smoke coming from the direction of her house. The fire destroyed all of Bol’s personal belongings.

Woman police constable charged with murder of Fareed Ahmad
Police, this afternoon, informed that they have arrested and charged Woman Police Constable, Michelle Brown, with the murder of popular barber, Fareed Ahmad. Brown, a member of the Department’s Special Assignment Team (SAT), formerly the Strike Team, was the prime suspect. She had been found in the passenger seat of Ahmad’s SUV, when it was found crashed into another vehicle sometime after 2:00 a.m., on Wednesday in Hattieville. Ahmad was in the driver’s seat, dead. He had suffered a bullet wound that penetrated his face. Police say Brown’s police-issued firearm was not found during the first search of the vehicle, and that it was not until after the Fire Department had cut the vehicle open that they found the gun wedged in a section of the vehicle that had been smashed by the crash. Ahmad’s licensed firearm which he kept with him is still missing.

Blogs

Visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye
If you are escaping the winter this year, This island San Pedro Ambergris Caye is the best to be. I have seen many activities such as Paddle boarding, Sailing, Parasailing, Jet skying, Boat ride's around town, Tourists riding with bicycle's and more. Local's enjoyed the Island weather and came out to swim with families and kids. To be honest, the weather was so hot and humid, if you do not have golf cart it will make your trip shorter for your adventure's when travelling to San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Do not offer any ride's to strangers or even talk to strangers. Especially, to tourists who come here and have a lot off confidents of the Island. If you are going out, leave personal equipment's at your hotels. Including your golf cart keys, camera (you can bring it out if you are not going to the club), cellphones, and anything that's personal. I hope you have a very blessed New Year's 2018 in Belize.

International Sources

This Brave Scientist Grew a Maggot Inside His Skin And We Can't Stop Watching
When Piotr Naskrecki travelled to Belize in 2014, he found himself riddled with tiny parasites that had taken up residence under the surface of his skin. Called human botflies (Dermatobia hominis), these tiny parasites had made their way inside him via fresh mozzie bites. Botfly eggs are so small, they're actually laid on top of a mosquito, and when the mosquito is surrounded by a person's body heat as they feed, this causes the eggs to drop off and onto the flesh. Once inside, the botfly larvae will grow fat inside the soft, protective layer of their new host. When he realised what was going on, Naskrecki and did what anyone would do when faced with a parasitic insect baby - he carefully extracted it using a suction venom extractor.

Videos