Belize News Daily, 1/21/2018 to 1/31/2018, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro Resident Murdered In Dangriga Town

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

Quality Reef maintains lead at the San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament
The regular season of the San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament is drawing to an end. During the fifth week of the San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament, two matches were played on Sunday, January 28th at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex in San Pedro Town. The current standings have Quality Reef at the top of the chart with four wins and no losses as yet, followed by RCGO with two wins and two losses. Extreme has one win and one loss, and at the bottom of the chart is SPHS with one win and three losses. Games continue this weekend on Sunday, February 4th, starting at 9AM with Extreme going against SPHS followed by RCGO versus Quality Reef at 11:30AM. All islanders are invited to come out and enjoy a softball day.

New IDB Manager for Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic meets with Prime Minister of Belize
General Manager of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) department for Central America, Mexico, Panama, Haiti and the Dominican Republic met with the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow on January 29 to discuss Belize’s relationship with the bank and programming for 2018.

Belikin Beer hosts 2019 Calendar auditions on Ambergris Caye
Belikin Beer held its 2019 calendar audition on Saturday, January 27th at the Caribbean Villas Beach Resort south of San Pedro Town. The auditions were conducted from 10AM to 2PM by Belikin Beer Photographer Ernie Alpuche and Belikin Beer Brand Coordinator Jayson Solis. Due to the weather, the outcome was not as it was expected with only five models presenting themselves for auditions. “We didn’t have a huge outcome as we hoped, but at least we had a few girls that came out despite the weather,” said Alpuche. “We took their pictures and information of the aspiring candidates. After we finish conducting all auditions at various locations across of the country, the entire team will then sit down and decide which models have the best attributes to be in the calendar.” Alpuche also mentioned that it doesn’t matter which area the auditions are taking place anyone can audition.

San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks win friendly Rugby tournament
The San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks won a friendly Rugby tournament held on Saturday, January 27th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. The three participating teams in the competition included the Belize City Kings Park Scorpions, San Pedro Turtles and San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks. The tournament was held to better prepare the teams for the upcoming Belize National Beach Rugby Tournament. To further prepare the teams an Inter-District Rugby tournament will be held on Sunday, February 18th at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town. If anyone is interested in joining the island teams, practices are held every week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex from 6PM to 8PM. For further information, you can contact Ryan on WhatsApp at +1-603-953-4732 or email [email protected].

Ambergris Today

Ministry Of Home Affairs, Belize Police Department & San Pedro Town Council Meet To Discuss Crime In San Pedro
On Saturday, January 27th, 2018, representatives from the Belize Police Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, and elected officials from San Pedro Town met in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to discuss the recent shootings and to re-strategize their plan of action for the island. All attendees expressed their concerns in regards to the recent shootings and the general perception as it relates to safety and impact on the tourism industry. Following discussions, a plan of action was formed and its implementation is expected in the coming weeks. Those actions include but are not limited to:

San Pedro Resident Murdered In Dangriga Town
Belize Police are investigating the murder of 48 year old, Miguel Angel “Cabrilla” Guerrero, Belizean wood carver/artist of San Pedro Town, which took place in Dangriga Town. According to police on Monday, January 29, 2018, at around 3:02 a.m.they visited Havana Game Shop, located in the Havana Area, Dangriga Town. Upon arrival police observed a male person of clear complexion, dressed in a camouflage jacket with a camouflage short pants and a black tennis lying face down in a pool of blood, apparently dead. The body was observed with what appeared to be a large cut wound on the left side of his neck.

Belize Ministry Of Health Issues Advise On Measles
The public is hereby advised to IMMEDIATELY report to your nearest health facility if you show signs or observe someone with the following symptoms: - Any person with history of fever of 4 days, rash that started on the neck and face and scattered on the body thereafter and any one of the 3 C’s (Cough, Coryza or a runny nose, or Conjunctivitis) OR - Any person with fever and any one of the 3 C’s (Cough, Coryza or a runny nose, or Conjunctivitis), even before the onset of rash, with history of travel to and from the UK in the previous 30 days. Suspicious cases need to be isolated and investigated to avoid spread to susceptible individuals.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ministry of Home Affairs, Belize Police Department & San Pedro Town Council Meet to Discuss Crime in San Pedro
On Saturday, January 27th, 2018, representatives from the Belize Police Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, and elected officials from San Pedro Town met in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to discuss the recent shootings and to re-strategize their plan of action for the island. Specific tasks have been assigned to the various entities represented at the meeting. While a few of the steps taken will be immediate, some actions will require additional time for implementation; therefore, the public’s support is vital to ensure maximum success.

New IDB Manager for Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic meets with Prime Minister of Belize
Verónica Zavala, General Manager of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) department for Central America, Mexico, Panama, Haiti and the Dominican Republic met with the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow on January 29 to discuss Belize’s relationship with the bank and programming for 2018. During the meeting in Belmopan, Ms. Zavala and Prime Minister Barrow reaffirmed the strong partnership that exists between the IDB and Belize for the past 25 years and discussed the current IDB portfolio as well as the program for 2018, examining potential areas of partnership to support for Belize’s sustainable development.

Discovering Rastafari Exhibition at the San Pedro House of Culture
The San Pedro House of Culture hosts the Discovering Rastafari Exhibition on Feb 1st and to Central Park on Feb 6th for a wonderful night of reggae.

Tropic Air App
All the great airlines getting you to your Belize Vacation have an app. Make the Tropic Air app a central part of your Belize experience. Book tickets, manage reservations, get travel info, sign up for TropicMiles, even check out some fun tours. Download it from the App Store today.

Punta Gorda Public Library Lecture Series: The History of the Struggle for Belizean Independence
With Nigel Bolland and Assad Shoman. Tuesday, February 18th, 2018 at 5:30pm at Coral House, Main Street Punta Gorda. We encourage you to join us after work or classes!

THE LOS ANGELES BASED BELIZEAN BAND "FANTASIA"!
The Los Angeles based Belizean band, "Fantasia", has kicked up a storm during their 1980s and 1990s performances in the "Los Angeles Belizean Community". They brought some classic and nostalgic Belizean music to Belizean music lovers in Los Angeles, California in the day, and will be remembered to include the legendary "Harmonettes" band of Belize lead singer as their lead act.

BHA General Meeting
We are meeting at the Museum Building in Belmopan on Feb. 17 2018. Who: Anyone interested in promoting Belizean History What: BHA General Meeting Where: Museum Building, NICH, Belmopan, Cayo When: 9am Saturday 17 February 2018 Why: To review programs and elect Executive Members

Heavy rain in the Mountain Pine Ridge
Five Sisters...the river look ugly. It’s part of what I love about tropical living the rains. I hope there is no damage to anyone

Law books donated
The Belmopan Police Department is the newest beneficiary of law books donated by the Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte. Earlier this afternoon, the books were officially handed over to Officer commanding Belmopan, Senior Superintendent Howell Gillett.

Big money whine for the Guatemalan Oligarchs!
Fresh source of funding for the ridiculous unfounded Guatemalan claim to Belize being announced today at the OAS HQ in DC.

The various components of Carnaval
As we near Carnaval season, we would like to re-introduce the various components of the pre lenten celebration. During the last few days leading up to Ash Wednesday comparsas would begin to be performed. Dance troupes, accompanied with musicians, would travel through the streets of the community performing comparsas at individual homes or businesses where they would be offered refreshments and, depending on what dance and how many were performed, a small fee would be given. Carnaval Comparsas may be classified in two parts: 1. Traditional- dances with children and adults. Some examples are “the always present” and very traditional El Torito, La Cinta, El Negrito, El Alacran, Sandunga, El Papalote, Caracolito etc. 2. Adult comparsas “las criticas” criticism – was to ridicule immoral behavior, especially by the elite, it was an opportunity to slam the untouchables with their hidden lives; examples are Bailen Chachacha, Silva Sylveria, La Rhumbera, Cabeza de leon etc. In good natured fun, men would clothe themselves in dresses with over-exaggerated female forms and painted faces singing the stories of what had transpired over the past year. All the while, performers were careful not to call out anyone’s name.

Change in San Pedro
It amazes me how we people are so political that we tend to forget that we have come along as a town. I am not originally from San Pedro Town but when I see progress, it makes me feel good. I came to live on the island almost 11 years ago and while it may seems like a short time, one decade is enough for me to observe how rapidly we have evolved and more importantly, to see that as a community are able to handle, while not perfectly, with a sense of stability. In San Mateo– There were no streets, period! London bridges were the only way to access that area. In fact up until 6 years ago, there were no streets. In addition, electricity and water were something farfetched given the fact that there were no road system in place. It was not until under the leadership of Mayor Daniel Guerrero, that the London bridges were replaced by streets. Step by step, the one road at-a-time approach was used, and look at the subdivision now, most of the London bridges have been replaced.

Valentine's Dance by Corozal Events Organizers
A Red Carpet Affair. Live Music. February 10th. Purchase your tickets in advance.

A power outage is scheduled for a portion of the Orange Walk District on Sunday, February 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Entire Orange Walk Town, Laskot Subdivision, Guinea Grass, Carmelita, Chan Pine Ridge, Tower Hill, Palmar, Santa Martha, Trial Farm 1 and 2, San Lorenzo, San Estevan and Indian Hill. BEL to replace lightning arresters on the transmission system at the Orange Walk Substation.

Voice of the West Elocution Contest 2018
Rotary's 2018 Elocution Contest will be next Thursday, February 8th, at Hode's. Everyone is invited to show their support. "This is our 16th annual Voice of the West contest for high school students in the Cayo distict. It is an elocution competition for students to speak to their classmates and the public."

Efforts to curb illegal fishing in Toledo: Two Guatemalan fishermen caught fishing illegally in southern Belize
Enforcing fisheries laws is an important factor to ensure sustainability of the sea as a source of food and livelihoods. Unless properly addressed, illegal fishing and destructive fishing gear will continue to undermine Belize's management efforts. Kudos to the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) team and the Belize National Coast Guard for their continued efforts to curb illegal fishing. Park rangers of the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment along with personnel of the Belize Coast Guard arrested two Guatemalans who were fishing illegally near the Rio Grande in southern Belize. The fishermen tried to escape, but the patrol team was equipped and motivated to apprehend them. The two fishers had no documents for fishing in Belize and fished with illegal fishing gear within the marine reserve (over 2 miles of long lines with 400 hooks in water and additional long lines with 413 hooks in their possession.) Today, the men were arraigned in the Punta Gorda Town Magistrate’s court and were read the following charges and fines:

Institute of Archaeology Reserves
WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY 2018. THE ATM, BARTON CREEK AND NOHOCH CHEEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ALL REMAINS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODED RIVER CONDITION. THE XUNANTUNICH ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVE REMAINS OPEN WITH PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ONLY AT THE FERRY. THIS SITUATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ALL OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES REMAINS OPEN. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION AND BE VIGILANT TO LOOSE EARTH, ROCKS AND WET SURFACES.

Channel 7

Report Of Missing Rangers Near Caracol
Tonight, reports are that Yesterday two park rangers went missing while doing a routine check on the Caracol Archaeological site near the Guatemalan border. The Chacon and Hebert families are extremely concerned especially because of the tension between Belize and Guatemala at the border. We spoke to the uncle of Ranger Elroy Alvarado who is fearing the worst for his relative especially because he is an experienced bushman. Andrew Chacon - Uncle of Elroy Alvarado: "After I talked to the person from NICH this evening, he told me that they realized about 4 o clock yesterday in the evening that was when they actually realized that he and another park ranger went missing and they said that they sent out a search team, that is the BDF that is on site and they have not gotten any nothing came out fruitful from the search team that they sent out from since yesterday until now."

77 Year Old Man Ran Into Bulldozer
It was our headline last night and tonight more is known about a 77 year old man was killed in an accident yesterday evening. George Young was heading back to his Burrell Boom home when he slammed into a bulldozer about a mile and a half pass the dumpsite on the Boom-Hattieille road. Courtney Weatherburne has more.

Truck Does A Wild Flip At Rush Hour
Fortunately, no one was hurt when a most inexplicable accident happened in the city this evening coming unto the 5:00 pm rush hour. A Toyota Tacoma was westbound on Coney Drive when the driver somehow lost control and spun off the road, catapulted over a drain, and flipped on the shoulder of the road. No one in the area knows for sure how it happened but the tire marks on the road showed that the pickup did a wild skid off the road. Passers-by rushed the driver to the hospital - but he had no injury apart from generalized pain in the neck area.

No Charges Yet For Aunt Who Ran Over Niece
Yesterday we told you about two year old Sofi Reyes, who was killed when her aunt Elvita Cruz ran her over. Police have not yet decided what if any charges will be brought against Cruz. The child was following behind her father and no one saw her as she walked in front of her aunt's vehicle. In an update on another fatal accident, that killed 52 year old cane cutter Hermenejildo Patt last week Thursday night, police have charged the driver that knocked him down.

The Case Of CLICO In Belize
There was a teleconference hearing of the Caribbean Court of Justice today in which 54 Belizeans are appealing the decision of the Court of Appeal. They say that the Government of Belize did not adequately regulate the life insurance company which they bought insurance policies from. So, when that company closed down in Belize, they lost 4 million dollars collectively in insurance coverage. They want the court to order the Government to cover that amount. At its heart, this is a case about consumer protection, and a group of policy holders who say that the Government should have stopped this insurance company from carrying on business in an irresponsible manner. That type of business practice, they say, has caused them to suffer losses they weren't supposed to.

Green Gets Off, Again
24 year-old Kendale Green, a resident of the Antelope Street Extension in Belize City, has been freed of criminal charges connected a shooting which happened last year. The victim, Margaret Ramirez, was shot in August. A few days later, police were quick to detain him and charged him with wounding and use of deadly means of harm. Well today, 5 months later, Green went back before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The prosecutor informed the court that he was was instructed by a directive from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw the charges. With that he was free to go.

New Fortune thief Claims Cops Beat Him
On Sunday New Fortune Restaurant in Belize City was robbed. Businessman Xin Hui Zhang reported to police that he was at a restaurant when a man entered and held him up at gunpoint. Three phones and $800 dollars in cash was stolen. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified the culprit as Joshua Smith. When they apprehended him he was wearing the same clothes seen in the footage. Smith insists that he is not the right person. He also claims he was beaten by police.

Mediator Tries To Get Behind What’s Causing Violence
Last night we told you about the three - murder weekend - leaving January with 15 murders so far - 66% more than January of last year. It's a deadly start to 2018 - right after 2017 finished with a near-record number of murders. But what's driving the homicidal rage? We asked Dianne Finnegan - she's a seasoned mediator and counsellor for at risk youths. She says that a community without care is at the root of the problem:... Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Explain if you can the pathology of the rage that is driving this campaign of violence to civil war." Dianne Finnegan: "What we are seeing right now is a carless confused society who's acting on their own in several different ways."

Man Wants Peace with Police Who Beat Him
Tonight, the brothers, 28 year-old Kenrick Gamboa and 24 year-old Akeem Gamboa, who are both police officers, are free after grievous harm charges were dismissed against them. The victim, 20 year-old Michael Crawford, reported to police that on January 28, 2017, exactly a year ago, he was hanging out at a house on the outskirts of Belize City when the Gamboa brothers and another man rushed him. He told police that one of his assailants then pulled out a weapon and fired it at him. Crawford fled, but he was chased into Belize City, and he claims that the men caught him and put a beatdown on him. His mother made a report and he positively identified both brothers as his alleged assailants.

McKenzie Charged
20 year old Keifer Mckenzie - the only living son of George Mckenzie also known as "Junie Balls" was in court today. He is accused of aggravated burglary and unlawful imprisonment. Mckenzie allegedly broke into Marisela Salvador's Burell Boom home, held her up at knifepoint and stole $45 worth of kitchen utensils. McKenzie also faces two counts of unlawful imprisonment upon Leeroy Young and his minor cousin.

Capital Cops Catch Cannabis In Cotton Tree
Belmopan police have been active in cracking down on the marijuana trade. Yesterday, police searched a bushy area in Cotton Tree Village where they found a stash of 18 pounds of weed in bags and buckets. No one was in the area so the weed was deposited as found property.

IDB’s New Boss For Belize
The IDB currently has five loans disbursed to Belize totaling $72 million US dollars, with another $17 million US in technical assistance and investment grants presently in circulation. And that's why Verónica Zavala, the new Regional Manager of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) department for Central America, Mexico, Panama, Haiti and the Dominican Republic met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow yesterday at his Belmopan office. According to a release, they discussed Belize's relationship with the bank and programming for 2018. The release adds that "Zavala and Prime Minister Barrow reaffirmed the strong partnership that exists between the IDB and Belize for the past 25 years." They also explored "potential areas of partnership to support for Belize's sustainable development."

Security For San Pedro
The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is responsible for the police department, held a meeting with the San Pedro Town Council to try to contain the spike in violent crime on the island. A press release from the Government says that on Saturday, representatives from police, the Home Affairs Ministry, and the council met to discuss the recent shootings on the island. Leading the meeting were Belize Rural South Area Rep. Manuel Heredia Jr.; Mayor Daniel Guerrero,; Police Commissioner Allen Whylie, Assistant Police Commissioner, Edward Broaster, and the Officer Commanding the Coastal Executive Unit Superintendent of Police Mr. Henry Jemmott.

Rivelo Roughed Up Mom
23 year-old Oscar Rivelo, a construction worker from Ladyville, is out on bail tonight after being accused of assaulting his own mother. The incident happened yesterday, and according to police, Rosa Rivelo, reported that her son attacked her with a scrub board. Police quickly arrested him and charged him with aggravated assault, and he was arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. During his arraignment, he said that he was washing some clothes at the time, and that his mother started to annoy him by bringing up his common-law wife.

He Did The Right Thing
On Monday's, the police dominate the news for their tales of murder and mayhem, crime and punishment. It's usually very depressing stuff, but tonight is different. It's about the police program called "Do the Raitt thing". The programs aim is to get school aged youths on the right path by recognizing them for their work. Today a 4th former of Excelsior was honoured for his positive change in the right direction. Sahar Vasquez has more: Jaheel Lamb used to be a difficult student that was well known in his school for causing an uproar of trouble inside and outside of the classroom. He was on a doomed path until he changed his life around. He said goodbye to the temptations that once lured him in the wrong direction and willed himself to become not just a better student but a better person to those around him. According to his principal and Corporal Petillo, it was a team effort on all parts to get Jaheel to where he is now.

A Learning Experience At The School of Hard Knocks
In other positive policing news....Today 20 kids from Belmopan went on a special outing. It wasn't your average field trip though. These kids didn't go to the Belize Zoo or the Museum. They went to visit the Belize Central Prison. As we first showed you a few months ago, the idea is to show these youngsters the hard life of deprivation and depredation that befalls those who break the law and get caught. Supt. Howell Gillett explained: Voice of: Supt. Howell Gillett, O. C, Belmopan Police Station: "We want them to gain first-hand experience of what life is inside a prison. We know for a fact that young people don't go to the prison on visitation unless there is a family member inside. The next time they will be there and it is very sad if they become an inmate. So we have taken them and we are very hopeful that the interaction and speeches delivered will help to ward these young people from going to prison."

Measles In CA, Not Been in Bze Since ‘91
Measles has appeared in our region - and the ministry of Health is warning Belizeans to be on guard. They say that they were recently alerted of a positive case of measles in Guatemala, which is suspected to have been imported from Germany. The Ministry notes that measles has not reported in Belize since 1991. They add, however, that in the region of the Americas, the number of cases have increased from 92 to 271 in 2016 and 2017. The Caribbean is also reporting "highly suspicious cases" imported from the United Kingdom.

Channel 5

Family Fearful after NICH Rangers Reported Missing in Chiquibul
There is word tonight that two park rangers are missing in the Chiquibul. The rangers, Elroy Alvarado Villanueva and another who has been identified as Luis Ramirez, set out from [...]

Retired Senior Citizen Killed in Fatal Collision on Boom Road
A BelAm retiree residing in Burrell Boom, Belize District, perished in a fatal traffic accident on Monday afternoon. Seventy-seven-year-old George Young was heading to Burrell Boom when he collided into [...]

Complainant No-Shows, Freeing Jafari Castro and Others of Harm Charge
For a few days last August, the beating of university student Kevin Brown on Ambergris Caye on the night of August sixth was all anyone would talk about. Brown was [...]

Ahmad Family to Address Phone Records in Murder Case
Now to another sensational case, the December twenty-eighth murder of Fareed Ahmad in Hattieville. News Five confirmed last week that police had met with Ahmad’s family to go over recently [...]

Minister Acknowledges Mistreatment in 2016 Raid
At the time of the January eleventh meeting between members of the Ahmad family and Police personnel in Belize City, they expressed their remaining displeasure over the rounding up of [...]

Still No Answers in Murder of Jermaine Hyde
The shooting death of thirty-six-year-old Jermaine Curtis Hyde remains an open case for the Belize Police Department whose investigators have made little progress in delving into his murder. Onion, as [...]

California Belizean “Dreamer” Gets Invite to Trump’s State of the Union Address
U.S. President Donald Trump will give his first State of the Union address tonight in Washington. Marking the first year of his presidency, he will deliver the speech at the [...]

Sedi in Washington Too – Will Meet with O.A.S., Guats on Wednesday
While Denea Joseph will sit tonight at the State of the Union, Foreign Minister Wilfred ‘Sedi’ Elrington is also in Washington, D.C., but for a meeting of the Permanent Council [...]

7 Years Later, Former CLICO Policyholders Take Case to C.C.J.
In August of 2009, the local portfolio of the former Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) was handed over to RF&G Insurance, completing the demise of the company which had sustained [...]

G.O.B. Blamed, but Legislation Provides Immunity
The total liability at the time of the CLICO shutdown was about four million dollars, but the Government is not inclined to pay as the claimants are asking them to. [...]

Armed Ladyville Man Strong-Arms Club Owner Over Paid Sex and Gets Off
A bizarre case of robbery appeared briefly at the Magistrate’s Court this morning. A Ladyville man is said to have paid for sexual service at a nightclub and was dissatisfied, [...]

Man Charged for Chinese Grocery Shop Robbery
Also in the Magistrate’s Court, twenty-two-year-old Joshua Smith of East Collet Canal was read charges of robbery with a firearm for an attack on a Chinese grocery on the opposite [...]

Guat Fishers Held for Plundering Port Honduras Reserve
Two Guatemalan fishermen remain in detention tonight after they were fined in the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court over seven thousand dollars for illegally fishing in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. [...]

Jahleel Lamb is Doing the Right Thing
Another high-schooler was recognized with the ‘Du Di Rait Ting’ award today in Belize City. Eighteen-year-old Jaheel Lamb was a student who misbehaved growing up. But when he decided to [...]

Belmopan Cops Prison Visit Scares Kids Straight
Today Belmopan police took twenty youth from the capital to the Kolbe Foundation-managed Central Prison at Hattieville, though it was to prevent future crime, not punish offenders. The Officer Commanding [...]

Municipal Campaign Trail: Squaring Off in Benque
At the age of twenty-two, he is thrusting himself into electoral politics to serve his people. This ambitious young man, Cristian Castellanos is attempting to topple a seasoned and trusted [...]

Can the Blues Upset Incumbent in Dangriga?
On Monday, we gave you a brief look at the two mayoral candidates for Dangriga. U.D.P.’s Francis Humphreys is the incumbent, a well-known figure in the town having served as [...]

CTV3

Police Charge Driver In San Narciso Fatal Traffic Collision
Thirty five year old Gerardo Silvestre Chable, a teacher from Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court yesterday and was arraigned on charges of Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, Driving a motor vehicle due care and Driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Chable was behind the steering wheel of this white Isuzu Rodeo when he knocked 52 year old Hermenejildo Patt, a cane cutter, husband and father of six children last Thursday evening in San Narciso Village.

IDB General Manager Meets With PM Barrow
A special meeting was held yesterday in the country’s capital where Veronica Zavala, the new General Manager of the Inter-American Development Bank’s department for Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic, met with Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow to discuss Belize’s current relationship with the IDB and programming for this year.

Undocumented Belizean Living In The US Attends President Trump's First State Of The Nations Address
Denea Joseph, an undocumented Belizean living in the United States of America has been invited by US Senator, Kamala Harris, to attend US President Donald Trump’s first state of the Union address tonight. Joseph who is a Belizean by birth, grew up in Los Angeles and is said to be one of 700,000 undocumented immigrants who are protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)… The same program that President Trump announced he was calling quits in September of last year.

PlusTV

Gavin Palmerston stabbed and killed
A man was stabbed and killed in Vista Del Mar on Friday night. 41 year old Ladyville resident Gavin Palmerston was at an apartment building in Vista Del Mar sometime around 9 p.m. According to the police report, Palmerston was visiting a female friend when a person by the name of Robert Brown wa...

Jermaine Hyde shot to the head
Another person was shot and killed in Belize City. The victim was identified as 38 year old Jermaine Curtis Hyde. Police say they were called sometime around 4:30 Saturday morning to Thurton Lane in Belize City. That is where Hyde’s body was found with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. ASP ...

Man’s throat slit in Dangriga
There was a homicide in Dangriga early this morning. Sometime around three o’clock this morning, a man’s throat was slit at Havana Game Shop, located in the Havana Area of Dangriga Town. According to police, when they arrived on the scene, the then unidentified man was laying face down in a pool of ...

Vehicle reversed on 2 year old; child dies
A 2 year old is dead after she was run over by a vehicle. On Saturday 27th January at about 4 p.m., 30 year old Finance Officer Elba Cruz was reversing her grey Ford Escape in a yard in Teakettle Village, Cayo District. While reversing, she accidentally ran over 2 year Sophy Reyes. We spoke to t...

Man shot to the face in Belize City
A man is in critical condition after he was shot to the face in Belize City on Sunday night. The victim is 33 year old Edgar Flores. Police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo, NCIB Acting upon information received CIB, Precinct 2, proceeded to the KHNH where they observed a male person by the name of ...

Parents complain about reckless school bus driver
On Friday, we told you the story of the accident that happened on the La Gracia Road with students who commute daily to Eden High School in San Ignacio. [LA GRACIA FOOTAGE] The school bus that the students were in, crashed into a BATSUB vehicle because the bus was overtaking a parked vehicle on a v...

Fatal accident on Boom Road
Just before our news time, we received reports of a fatal traffic accident on the Boom road. We don’t have much information at this time but we understand that the accident involved a black Toyota Rav 4. Based on the images we have received, it appears that the entire driver side of the vehicle was ...

Minister Castro’s son gets off harm charge
Jafari Castro is no longer facing a charge of harm against Kevin Brown. That was the magistrate’s conclusion today when Brown did not show up for the trial which was to start today. You may remember that back in August of last year, Minister Edmond Castro’s 21 year-old son, Jafari, was jointly char...

Three charged for Paul Jex’s murder
A pair of brothers identified as 19 year old Nelson Samir Paguada and his 15 year old brother, along with 45 year old Timothy Carcamo, were all charged for the murder of Paul Jex Jr. The accused are all fisherman from San Pedro and were arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning be...

Charges withdrawn against accused cops
Tonight two police brothers who had been placed on interdiction are very well likely to be reinstated after serious gun charges were withdrawn from them today in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. They are brothers, 28-year-old Kenrick Steven Gamboa and 24-year-old Akeem Rashaad Gamboa . The broth...

Texting Bus driver puts passenger at risk
And there are more complaints against reckless driving. Complaints against another bus driver has surfaced after the driver was caught on camera; the video posted to social media. The video shows a bus driver texting as he is driving a public bus. It is said to be on the Phillip Goldson Highway fr...

Devon Brooks wanted by police
Belmopan police have issued a wanted poster for Devon Xavier Brooks. The poster indicates that Brooks is wanted for theft. Brooks also goes by the name “Pinker” . The 19 year old is said to be a resident of Cotton Tree Village. Anyone having any information on Brooks is asked to call the nearest po...

Car flips on Phillip Goldson Highway
There was a traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway this weekend. On Saturday morning at approximately 2 o’clock, a vehicle headed from the northern border en route to Belize City somehow flipped and landed on its roof off the highway near to an old abandoned wooden house. Whilst the vehicle was badly damaged, we understand that no one was seriously injured in that accident.

Belize on the lookout for Measles after case reported in Guatemala
The Ministry of Health says it was recently alerted to a positive case of Measles in Guatemala, imported from Germany. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease but is also a vaccine-preventable disease. This disease has not been reported in Belize since 1991 but the number of cases of Measles in the region of the Americas has increased from 92 to 271 in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and the Caribbean is reporting highly suspicious cases imported from the United Kingdom (UK). The Ministry of Health issued an advisory this evening, to IMMEDIATELY report to your nearest health facility if you show signs or observe someone with the following symptoms:

Sergio Aguirre wanted by Police
Belmopan police say they are also looking for 26 year old Sergio Aguirre. Aguirre is wanted for sexual related offences. He is a resident of the Maya Mopan Area of Belmopan. Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Aguirre is asked to call the nearest police station.

Party Ice truck and SUV collide
There was also an accident near Mile 13 on the George Price Highway sometime around 10 o’clock Saturday morning. The accident was between a white Isuzu truck belonging to “Party Ice” and a white four door SUV. It appeared that the truck was turning off the George Price Highway on to a feeder road ...

BEL tells political parties to desist from using poles for banners
It’s political season with the Municipal elections scheduled for March 7. Campaigning is on and one of the common campaign strategies employed by political parties is the placement of banners and flyers in places where people can easily see them. That usually means on or near lamp posts. Belize Elec...

Protest over Killing of Mario Vernon
About 50 persons participated in a protest in Punta Gorda Town on Saturday. It was held due to the killing of Mario Vernon earlier this month. Vernon was shot in the head on January 13th by a police officer. There have been different versions told of what transpired but the officer’s account is tha...

Amandala

Exploding oven kills Sandhill baker
A father of three is dead after there was an explosion inside the kitchen at his family bakery in the village of Sandhill. Amandala has learned that Alfonso Moralez, Jr., 59, and his brother, Alberto Moralez, Sr. (no age provided), were inside the In-n-Out Bakery at around 8 a.m. on Friday when there was a loud bang. Maria White, a sister of the Moralez brothers, told the press that earlier that morning she had told her brother, Alberto, to check the oven because it hadn’t been working properly last week.

Jealousy leads to murder
On Friday night, social media was abuzz with news of a stabbing murder in the Vista Del Mar area of Ladyville, but as the reports of what had transpired became clearer, it became apparent that the murder may have been a crime of passion. The family of the man accused of murder, Robert Brown, was at the Magistrate’s Court all morning waiting for police to bring him to the court. Police brought Brown late in the morning, but took him back until the afternoon session of the court when he appeared before Magistrate Michelle Trapp, along with his attorney, Kareem Musa.

Tragedy in Teakettle: vehicle knocks down 2-year-old girl, killing her
Clifford Reyes and his family of Teakettle are devastated after an initial investigation revealed that an SUV driven by a relative knocked down his 2-year-old daughter, Sophie, at about 4:00 yesterday evening. Elba Cruz, 30, Reyes’ sister-in-law, had just driven into Reyes’ yard to bring motor oil for him from the store for a vehicle he was repairing. As Cruz was reversing out of the yard after delivering the oil, she knocked down the child. The baby was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, but nothing could have been done to save her, and she was declared dead about 10 minutes after arriving at the facility.

Hattieville resident Jermaine Curtis Hyde murdered in the city
The senseless gun violence that seems to have the city in its grip has claimed yet another life. Jermaine Curtis Hyde, 38, a resident of Hattieville who worked at the bus terminal on West Collet Canal in Belize City, was found lying on Thurton Lane with a gunshot wound in the back of the head at about 5:00 Saturday morning. People in the area saw a man on the ground and called police, but he was already dead and his body was taken to the morgue. During a police press brief held this morning at the Racoon Street Police Station, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Commander of Crimes Investigation, said that Hyde was last seen at the tacos stand at the foot of the main bridge (Swing Bridge) at the corner of Regent and Albert Streets, and was walking home to Thurton Lane, when an unknown gunman approached from behind and fired a shot at him.

Jessie Mejia, 24, and Darwin Estuardo Prado, 20, arraigned for the murders of Marlon Spain, 25, and Casey Lozano, 24
Police have formally arrested and charged Ladyville residents Jessie Mejia, 24, and Darwin Estuardo Prado, 20, for the murders of Marlon Spain, 25, and Casey Lozano, 24. The accused men were also charged for gunshot injuries suffered by Sidney Humes, 47, and Johan Gray, 22. On Friday, they appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser, who booked them on charges of two counts of murder, two counts of use of deadly means of harm, one count of wounding and one count of grievous harm. No plea was taken from them, and they were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 26, 2018.

Despite increase in murders, police crime statistics reveal a drop in major crimes
With the exception of murders, the crime statistics released by the Belize Police Department yesterday, Thursday, point to an overall decrease in major crimes. During the first three weeks of this month, there have been 12 murders in Belize, which represents an increase over the murder tally for January 2017, which closed out with 9 murders. Even though the murder rate spiked last year, in 2017, the number of arrests that police made declined from 61 to 54. The police department’s murder statistics indicate that 142 murders were committed in 2017 – 4 murders more than the 138 killings that occurred the year before.

Despite the rain, all PLB Week 3 games completed
Both basketball and football games were rained out in Belize City over the weekend, where the MCC was deemed unplayable on Sunday for the CYDP Peace Cup finals; and the Belize Elementary Gym was also affected enough on Saturday night to cause the cancellation of the basketball clash between the NEBL’s Smart Belize Hurricanes and Belize City Defenders, both based in the old capital. But basketball and football games in the rest of the country were played as scheduled. Week 3 in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Closing Season saw Punta Gorda’s Freedom Fighters sending a strong message to the rest of the league with their big win over Wagiya, which pushed them to third in the standings. (See standings below.)

40-mile Clásica de Candelaria in Valladolid, Mexico – January 28
40-mile Clásica de Candelaria in Valladolid Mexico, featuring some 30 riders in the 50 to 59 year-old “B” Category Race. Congratulations to Julio Dzul, one of the main organizers, as over 200 riders in all the different categories from all over Mexico showed up for this race. From Belize, it was me and my two teammates, Beto Acosta and Omar Gomez, Belizean, Mexican, as well as Juan Jose Cuellar, all who did a stellar job making sure a Santino’s rider was always in the break. Before I go on with this short story, let me say that this week the cycling community suffered a terrible loss in the death of Alfonso Morales, who died as a result of a freak accident in his bakery in Sandhill.

Cricket Marathon this weekend in Isabella Bank, weather permitting
The Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA) had to postpone its season opening of the Sir Barry Bowen, Harrison Parks 2018 Cricket Marathon this past weekend due to inclement weather. The schedule of matches has been pushed forward to this coming weekend at the same venue, Isabella Bank, on February 3 and 4, starting at 9:00 a.m. daily. Two more teams have stepped forward to participate in the Marathon, Wicked 11 and Bright Star, who will face each other in game 5 on Saturday.

Individual Awards at CYDP Peace Cup finals this Sunday at the MCC
The following players are being recognized by the CYDP Peace Cup administrators for their outstanding performance in the regular season of the 2017/2018 CYDP Peace Cup. All players are invited to be present at the MCC on Sunday, February 4, to collect their awards. Kindly note that Sunday’s action kicks off at midday, where Tut Bay FC will be facing Stars Academy for third place, followed immediately after by the championship game, where newcomer FC Elite will be facing Kelly Street FC, which is -1 on aggregate going into the final game.

Editorial: The big picture
When we dared to begin publishing this newspaper in August of 1969 (as a four-page stenciled thing without advertisements), we never imagined that 49 years later, African and Mayan history would still be an issue, in the sense of being absent from Belize’s schools. In fact, next month, February, is Black History Month in the United States and amongst conscious regional populations of African descent. After December of 1977, when this newspaper explicitly changed its guiding philosophy from Black Nationalism to Belizean nationalism, we did not believe that 42 years later, we would be surrounded by this Southside wasteland to such an extent that we have no choice but to feel a sense of continuing worry and renewed responsibility.

Suggests compassion for Guat youth
Dear Editor, I hope somebody in authority sees the grave injustice being done to the three Guatemalan youths being fined $1,000.00 Bzd or 6 months imprisonment. If these kids each had $1,000.00 Bzd they would not be looking for jobs as they say. Six months in prison can mean nothing to some and traumatize others for life. My advice would be to hand the kids back to the Guatemalan authorities with a warning that if they return they will spend the time. Let us please stop shooting ourselves in the foot by filling our prison with illegal immigrants.

Romel’s traffic suggestions
Dear Editor, I view with concern how our national traffic controllers and highway planners love to have us driving longer distances than necessary to reach our destinations. This costs the country more time and fuel, very expensive things. On the Philip Goldson Highway entrance to Belize City I read that a median will be installed. Man, in the newer cities of the modern world, on wide roads, a middle lane is used specifically for people who need to turn left or turn back. That stretch on the PGH is wide enough for two lanes going, two lanes coming, shoulders for cyclists, and middle lane for turning left or returning. The drain coverings serve as sidewalks.

Good laws have the support of the people
In my youth I entertained children, and I had my friends, but I searched for wisdom among my elders. If you’re open to learn, it’s at their feet you should sit. For me there was rarely a dull moment. They have so much to share. Give them respect, share the love, and you will learn and also be entertained. The voice of the people is the voice of God, they say. That’s mostly true. An experienced demagogue can turn good people into a mob. Yes, sometimes the people can be very wrong. However, when the knowledge of a nation is shared without fear or favor, without “agenda”, the people are never wrong. If we look at the laws introduced in the days of Leviticus, we realize that the Jews were deep into wikidnis.

ABUSES EVEN AT THE COURTS
However, the abuse did not end there since in that case not only did my former firm representing me show up on the other side. Attorney Lois Young Barrow made an unprecedented move and applied for my Family Court matter to be removed from the Family Court, where there can be no breach of confidentiality, and asked that my case instead be heard in the regular Magistrate’s Court. It was not being heard like any other public trial and the justification was that it was a contempt charge and the Family Court did not have the power to hand down the punishment they were seeking. Sadly, I really did not know better then, and while I felt it wrong and so unjust and outright unlawful, I again did not have the legal learning to express or prove the violation against me! But today I know better.

Potato farmers may come out on top this year
Local potato farmers (of Irish potatoes) in the north and west suffered massive financial losses last year because the sale of their harvest was undermined by the importation of potatoes from Mexico. Farmers had told the Amandala that the crisis was caused mainly because importation licenses were issued to highly connected UDP cronies. With this year’s harvest scheduled for next week, farmers made a proactive move by meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture in Belmopan on Tuesday. The purpose of the meeting was to establish an estimate of production figures so that the Ministry would better be able to protect the local market.

Cyber-attack compromises Heritage Bank credit card system
Belize is not immune from cyber-attack in today’s brave new electronic world, but legislation and preventative action on the part of system managers to combat this reality have still not been sufficiently developed to meet the challenge. Credible information to Amandala this week is that there was a massive cyber-attack on the Heritage Bank credit card system, resulting in a temporary halt in service to thousands of customers who use the bank’s credit card.

PACT vs PSU
At the middle of the month, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), whose board is chaired by Dr. Percival Cho, closed its offices and told its employees to return to work in a week. The announcement caused much uncertainty and fears that the company would be downsizing. In a statement released following the announcement, it was revealed that PACT was retrenching its employees. The statement said that they conducted an organization review and concluded that PACT needed to restructure itself to reduce and contain administrative costs.

William Godoy, 33, arraigned for golf-cart execution of Alfredo Cowo in San Pedro
On Tuesday, San Pedro resident, William Godoy, 33, appeared in the San Pedro Magistrate Court to answer to charges for the murder of Alfredo Cowo, 26. No plea was taken and Godoy, who was represented by attorney-at-law Richard “Dickie” Bradley, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to return to court on April 13. Police believe that Godoy was the man who walked up to Cowo and opened fire just before sunrise on Tuesday, January 16. Cowo was in a golf cart with his girlfriend in front of the Jaguar night club on Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro Town when he was executed.

Breaking Belize News

January records 16 murders
With one day remaining, January has been a bloody month. Data collected by our newsroom […]

Attorney General donates law books to Belmopan Police
Today, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte donated 15 volumes of the Laws of Belize to the […]

Family of missing ranger seek assistance
The family of missing ranger Elroy Alvarado is seeking public and police assistance in locating him […]

More rain headed our way
Cool and moist conditions to continue throughout Belize. The National Meteorological Service is reporting that […]

Two Belizean Rangers missing
BBN has received reports that two Belizean rangers are missing since yesterday. The two rangers […]

Belizean to attend US President’s State of the Union address
An undocumented Belizean living in the United States will be the special guest of a […]

Belmopan Youths visit prison
Today, the Belmopan police formation took 20 young persons from that jurisdiction to gain first-hand […]

Home Affairs Ministry, Police & San Pedro Town Council meet to discuss Crime situation in San Pedro
On Saturday, January 27, 2018, representatives from the Belize Police Department, Ministry of Home […]

Retiree dies in Boom road accident
Yesterday afternoon around 2:45, police responded to a report of a road traffic accident on the […]

Political ad draws criticism, gets fact checked
With the upcoming municipal elections, an endless bevy of unimaginative political ads from all sides […]

Belize and Guatemala foreign ministers to meet tomorrow in Washington
The Organization of the American States (OAS) is hosting a special meeting for permanent council […]

Case against Castro’s son dismissed
In August 2017, Jafari Castro was charged along with James Young Jr., 21, and Gilbert […]

Fake Belizean diplomat busted in London
A man pretending to be a Belizean diplomat was busted last Friday in London. According […]

Three jailed for Paul Jex murder
Police charged three persons yesterday with last Tuesday’s murder of Paul Jex, 32. Jex was […]

Blogs

Juicey Juice Dive, Yummy Healthy Eats
A lot of people are excited about this new joint in San Pedro, Belize, but we have never seen Madi this energized about eating out. She even broke out with a happy dance at the Juice Dive; it’s the new cold press juicery and restaurant on Ambergris Caye. The buzz around town has not stopped since they opened at the end of December last year. Why was Madi so excited? Juice Dive is the first cold pressed juicery in Belize, serving fresh pure fruit juice – no added water, sugar or anything else. The health benefits of cold pressed juices are well documented and they are delicious. I am eagerly looking forward to their Acai Bowls for breakfast on a regular basis. They are delicious and something new to Belize; I have not seen anyone else carry it in their menu. They are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals…a perfect nutritious breakfast.

Belize Food
Belize’s abundant cultural interaction makes for an incredible diversity of foods. As tourism has increased, so has the availability of international cuisine countrywide and whilst the mainstay of Belizean fare is undoubtedly stewed chicken, rice and beans served with plantain, potato salad or coleslaw, every region has at least one or two specialties based on its cultural heritage. Corozal maintains a strong Mexican influence. Corn is a staple here and used in the making of tamale, a corn based dough called masa surrounding chicken, wrapped in a banana or plantain leaf served with a juicy tomato based sauce. Traditionally the tamale was prepared by the ancient Maya for feasts. Today they are eaten by everyone. Dukunu another delicacy is made from the ground and roasted corn kernels steamed in corn husks. Most street corners in Belize towns, have their own taco stands and local favorites but Orange Walk arguably has the best. Tacos, a rolled corn tortilla with meat filling can be spicy or not, and make for a delicious breakfast. Orange Walk tacos are shipped countrywide by Tropic Air via our cargo department, so wherever it is likely that will be able to enjoy them or you can get them flown in specially.

Tour ATM with Tropic Air
Belize is fortunate to possess some spectacular and diverse wonders of nature. From the world famous Blue Hole, to hundreds of coral rimmed Cayes, to Maya sites scattered across large swaths of rainforest. Amongst all this beauty is ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) Cave, a must see on your Belize bucket list. Actun Tunichil Muknal, which means Cave of the Stone Sepulcre, was discovered in the late 80s and first opened to the public in the late 90s. Located deep within the Cayo rainforest, it’s a 7 mile journey down a dirt track from the main highway near Teakettle village. Then, it’s a 45 minute hike through the rainforest, crossing the Roaring River several times, before arriving at the hourglass shaped entrance to the cave. The cave is reached with a brief swim. Ancient Maya belief held that entering a cave was to enter Xibalba, the Maya Under-world. As you wade, walk and swim through the dark underground river using only the light from your headlamp, one can begin to imagine why the Maya used caves as sacred places. As you reach “The Cathedral”, named because of its scale, magnificence and sacredness, you can see giant stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and ancient Maya artifacts including pottery and human bones littering the cave floor.

Birds In Paradise: A Birder’s Guide to Belize
It’s no secret: Belize is one of the world’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing. Here at Ka’ana, in the country’s western jungles, guests have prime access to some of Belize’s nearly 600 species of birds. For birders, that’s sheer paradise. And the winged creatures are so beautiful, that even visitors who haven’t thought much about birds often leave Belize with a newfound passion (especially if they’ve joined us for our birding adventure). One of our most beloved birds is the toucan. It’s everywhere in Belize, and not just eating the plentiful fruits of the rainforest. As the national bird, it’s on the logo for Belize Tourism Board. It’s even on the dollar bills! We prefer to see it in the wild, though, and revel in each sighting as it flits from tree to tree. The scarlet macaw is also a must-see for birders. The archetypal red parrot, it has a ruby-red body and bright flashes of yellow and blue on its wings. It’s also the largest parrot in the world. The scarlet macaw’s numbers have diminished in Central America, although the species is still plentiful in South America.

Take Your 2018 Family Vacation in Belize
Family vacations are a great time to bond and get away from the stresses and distractions of modern life, and one of the best places to unplug, unwind, and enjoy some fantastic adventures is the country of Belize. Just 2-3 hours' flying time from cities across the United States, Belize is a natural wonderland where monkeys and iguanas far outnumber people. With no malls, Starbucks, or fast-food joints, Belize is a land with unspoiled landscapes that are teeming with plant and animal life. Indeed, Belize is the perfect place to get away from video games, cell phones, and tablets. Other fun activities for the family to enjoy in Belize include canoeing down a pristine river, exploring the depths of a sacred cave once used for human sacrifices, and sailing through the canopy on a zip wire. Other popular activities include cave tubing or using an inner tube to float down an underground river, a natural "ride" far superior to anything you'll find in an amusement park.

Belize On The Rise As A Spring Break Destination
Although Belize certainly looks and feels like an exotic vacation destination for spring break, it's actually just a few short hours' flying time from the United States thanks to a bevy of affordable non-stop options from leading airlines like American, Southwest, United, and Delta. Whether your idea of the perfect spring break is enjoying the nightlife on a gorgeous tropical island or getting lots of fresh air and sunshine as you explore a pristine jungle, there is truly something for everyone in Belize. Here are a few adventures that you can enjoy on your spring break in Belize:

Inspire EdVentures and Caves Branch Jungle Lodge
Caves Branch Jungle Lodge has for years supported and encouraged educational groups of all ages to visit and experience the cultural, historical and scientific aspects of Belize. Groups have included High School and College groups as well as archaeology & scientific research groups, photography workshops and even groups who focus on community service. Inspire EdVentures is a multifaceted educational company that was founded on the principle of providing outstanding educational experiences for a wide diversity of audiences. Inspire EdVentures has been leading educational based groups to Belize for over 12 years. Group demographics have included traditional study abroad courses as well as educational based adult learners. Inspire EdVentures supports the learning process of their groups by hosting an online portal that features science based educational materials that provide the foundation for a more meaningful travel experience. Recent trips to Belize have focused on studying the jaguar population in central Belize, water quality of the Sibun River and how the invasive lionfish is impacting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Mayan Roots Grow Deep in Belize
Appearing more than 3,500 years ago in the Yucatan Peninsula of what is now Mexico, the ancient Maya civilization soon spread throughout all of Central America. For more than 2,000 years, the Maya were the dominant civilization, constructing a vast network of trade routes, religious sites, and enormous stone pyramids, palaces, and temples. The Maya also developed advanced forms of mathematics and used astronomical observatories to create the world's most accurate calendar. The Maya were also master craftsmen, designing and creating elegant jade items, engraved stones, and innovative agricultural implements that allowed them to feed their vast population. It is estimated that more than 1 million Maya lived in what is now Belize. Today, Belize has a population of only a quarter of that figure.

No Bar Code: Sean Kuylen shares his passion for Belize Cuisine at TEDx Belmopan
Don’t let Belize Cuisine be defined by Rice and Beans, stewed chicken, potato salad, fried plantains and a side of lime juice. Belize cuisine is much more varied…and top Belizean chef Sean Kuylen speaks of the culinary delights that abound our country. With the tagline “Inspired Belizean Cuisine”, Kuylen’s cooking reaches new heights and flavors, especially as he embodies the true meaning of “farm to table’…’organic’…’free range’…and more! He shares his experiences about cooking up a storm throughout Belize with the audience at TEDx Belmopan, in a talk titled “No Bar Code”. An unabashedly raw, straight-to-the-point and hilarious talk, his insight into Belize Cuisine is a must listen. Enjoy!

Videos

Criminal Justice System in Belize, 28min. on Open Your Eyes

Violations to the Finance and Audit Reform Act., 40min. on Open Your Eyes

New bridge for San Ignacio/Santa Elena, 1min. Santa Elena and San Ignacio now boast the longest and highest bridge in Belize. A new bridge and newly paved roads from 2012 to 2017 and the works continue in 2018!

Driving to the secret beach Belize, 2min. Long long road to the lagoon with a beautiful beach and waters.

REVOLUTIONARY BELIZEAN NATIONALIST WIL MEHIA STANDS READY FOR THE REVOLUTION!, 21min. At a short moment's notice, Wil Mehia, the revolutionary Southern Belizean Activist against the Guatemalan military oligarchy aggression on the Belize Sarstoon River and Island in the Toledo District, comes to "Belizean Legends" finally in this powerful and informative exclusive interview with yours truly about the state of affairs of Guatemala's recent aggressive tactics against Belize, and to share his perspective on the scheme to force Belize to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

BELIZE SOFTBALL LEGENDS REUNION "WHEN WE WERE QUEENS: CELEBRATION! 3 min. This specular reunion of the legendary Belizean women of softball "Hall of Fame" comes to you the "Belizean Legends" audience as a special tribute to the these outstanding Belizean athletes of Belize. Let's honor them through this celebration of being the best ever of their time and throughout the years, and remember this as a monument of greatness achieved for Belizean generations of athletes of the past, present and the future. Through the gracious courtesy of the legendary softball giant and philanthropist, Doreth Martinez, and her team of "Golden Girls" of softball like Beulah Gillett, Margaret Usher and many others who worked tirelessly to make the first ever reunion of champions of Belize since that period of world class athleticism was accomplished some thirty-eight years ago. It serves as a beacon light for other Belizean sporting legends in Belizean football, cycling, boxing and basketball to follow such effort of reuniting the greats in one place and moment in classic sport commemoration.

CHARLES GOFF: BELIZE'S MOST DOMINANT BASKETBALL CENTER!, 34min. Belizean 1960s, 70s and 80s basketball has seen many a big man come through the middle on a Belizean basketball court; but through the lens of many a Belizean sports enthusiasts, Belizean basketball center of the 1970s basketball great team "Wheels", Charles Goff, had made a serious impact on Belize's basketball landscape. Depending on which way you want to look at it, Goff dominated the center as one of Belize's most domineering big men, under considerable pressure and opposition from others like J.J. Lynch and Emile Grinage of the legendary Belize basketball team, "Happy Home Builders". In our Belizean Legends interview with Goff last year, he remembered how it was when he was a novice under the shadows of the towering Wilton "Cama" Cumberbatch, who at that time stood more than six feet tall and taught him many basics in terms of how to dominate in the center. Goff reflected that he had to wait his turn as a junior member of Cama's team. "I really was getting tired of just sitting on the bench", said Goff. "But as soon as I got my chance to play, I worked hard on becoming better at the game every chance I got."

BELIZE'S SOFTBALL ACE PITCHER MARGARET USHER TALKS ABOUT BELIZE'S SOFTBALL GREATNESS!, 17min. Belizean Legends featured two years ago the legendary Belizean ace pitcher, Margaret Usher, from the 1979 Bronze Medal Team, that struck out the American batters in a historic game that gave team Belize an advantage to beat the softball world champions the United States, "Orlando Rebels", 2-1 in the 1979 Pan American Games. Margaret Usher stole the hearts of many Belizean sports enthusiasts who still feels that she has become Belize's best pitcher of all times because of her strikeout averages, and having taken Belize to international acclaim standards in the historic game against the world best softball team at the 1979 Pan American Games. She also led Belize's national team to win the gold medal in the 1980 Central America softball tournament in Mexico City just after the national team came back from the Pan American games in 1979.

BELIZE'S FOOTBALL GREATNESS: RUPERT "CANALAYTE" ANDERSON! (PART ONE), 41min. Meeting the legendary Belizean football goalkeeper, Rupert Anderson, for the first time in person after seeing him play so many games as the "hard to score on" iron clad defense for first team Landivar in the 1960s and early 70s, then Spurs, and later on White Label in the late1970s and early 80s, Belizean Legends embarked on one of the most prestigious production to date two weeks ago to document the incredible story of one of Belize's most celebrated athletes of all times. The keen vision of Belizean sports enthusiast and athlete, Everett "Koby" Coburn, who invited yours truly to Florida to chronicle the life and times of the man they called "Canalayte", Rupert Anderson, has got to be appreciated here. Being a visionary in many ways, Coby saw the story and pressed me urgently since the long time Belizean goalkeeper has been ailing, and found it very important that Anderson's classic work as probably Belize's best goalkeeper of all times be respected and not be forgotten by all means necessary.

WHEN RAYMOND GONGORA REVOLUTIONIZED BELIZEAN THEATER! (PART ONE), 31min. 1970s Belizean theater can be dubbed as "The Belizean Artistic Renaissance" since its period of high quality accomplished Belizean drama taken from the streets of Belize City and the underlining Creole villages of Belize District carried the narratives of Belizean ancestors of African Creole folklore. But these stories would not have been preserved if it was not for the work of a drama group from Belize City called, "The Square Peg Players", that was the brilliant brainchild of the legendary Belizean actor, playwright, and visionary, Raymond Gongora. Gongora's range as an artistic interpreter was seen in his ability to take the language of the common day Belizean folk of the 1970s Belize, and captured it in prose and drama. He was the architect of Belizean comedy theater pulling from the incredible works of legendary Belizean artists and playwrights like Evan X Hyde, George Gabb and Sandra Coye. He turned these works into masterpieces of Belizean artistic freedom that served as a main source of entertainment at that time when radio was the only medium of communication and the coming of television was never even realized.

Department of Youth Services - FREE Assistance with Song Creation, 1min. Start writing and creating your winning entry for the National Song Competition 2018! After putting pen to paper, get your instrumental created and your recording done professionally. Visit the Department of Youth Services for FREE assistance with producing your winner!!! What do 3 winners in National Song Competition 2017 have in common? Where should you go to create your winner?

Hungry Woodpecker, 1/2min. Successful video shoot behind him, he gets his juicy worm treat. While I volunteered here last year, I got to help him grow up. Oscar Valle and I found a termite nest and place it close to his sleeping aviary. And at night I carried him to the board in which he slept.

Woodpecker feet, 1/4min. Woodpecker feet are designed for clinging to the side of trees to forage. They can’t walk - rather they hop. This video’s a slow motion of Pomona (aka Dum-dum) hopping to get a big juicy worm.

TODAY CTV3 NEWS MEDIA VISTED THE WINNERS OF THE MUFFLES HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE AND BUSINESS FAIR, 8min. On Friday Muffles College High School hosted its highly anticipated Science and Business Fair at the school’s auditorium. The event is one that takes place every two years and provides students from all four levels with an opportunity to showcase several unique and interesting experiments as well as business products.

DOCTOR.ELSIE CONSTANZA SHARES SOME MEASURES ON HOW TO PREVENT THE DREADFUL MEASELS, 7min. Belize has not seen a case of measles since 1991. But yesterday the Ministry of Health issued a general alert after the highly infectious viral disease recently showed up in neighboring Guatemala, on the heels of an increase of cases in the region back in 2017. The suspected cases are said to have been imported from Germany and the United Kingdom.

Live Art Session - Sketching & Sculpting, 50min. on Open Your Eyes

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), 35min. on Open Your Eyes

Medical malpractice laws in Belize, 35min. on Open Your Eyes

Richard & Carol's Margay Savannah Guest House, 1min.

Leaf cutter ants, my favourite, 1min.

Playing games with Chiqui (Jaguar) at the zoo, 1.5min. Fond memories I'll always cherish. The Belize Zoo is doing some fine work!

Butterflies in Toledo, 1min.

Problem Jaguar Preservation, 3min. Expert interviews: -Frederito Villanueva, Assistant Site Manager at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary -Even Montejo, Tropical Science Educator at the Tropical Education Center of the Belize Zoo The increased diminishing of natural habitats forces many jaguars to hunt for food elsewhere. Often, that elsewhere becomes farms, where desperate jaguars drag off livestock from farmers as a source of food. These “problem jaguars,” or jaguars that have repeatedly hunted on livestock and domestic animals, often get killed by farmers just trying to protect their livelihoods. This project tells the story of Belize’s problem jaguars, and how methods of dealing with the jaguars evolved overtime. According to Even Montejo, Tropical Science Educator at the Tropical Education Center of the Belize Zoo, the Belize Zoo takes in about 13 to 15 of these problem jaguars each year and attempts to rehabilitate the jaguars. Those problem jaguars who “graduate” after being trained to peacefully interact with humans go on to larger sites off site at the Belize Zoo.

The Miles Family in Belize 2018, 7.5min. Miles Family Travels - Placencia, Belize in 2018. Stayed at the Nautical Inn. Thanks Roger & Gail & Mr. Cereal!

Belize san pedro 2018 night life mesoamerica reef, 4min. Lot of night life in caribbean sea here in san pedro.

COCO BEACH | BELIZE | RESORT, 3.5min.

Belize Coral Reef And Rainforest Conservation May 2017, 3.5min. University of Alabama coral reef and rainforest conservation corse, May 2016. Lime Caye, Southwater Caye, Punta Gorda.

Belize Moray January 2018, 1min. Dive master found a local Moray just hanging out.

Belize Reef Shark January 2018, 1.5min.

Police Check Point Talk Show January 30, 60min.

January 30, 2018

Traffic accident in Corozal Monday morning

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 resident found dead in southern Belize
The lifeless body of San Pedro resident 48-year-old Miguel Angel Guerrero was discovered on Monday, January 29th in Dangriga Town in the Stann Creek District. Police have since launched an investigation after confirming that he died from a single chop wound to his neck. The official report from police states that around 3:02AM police visited Havana Game Shop located in the Havana Area of Dangriga Town. Upon arrival, they observed a male person of clear complexion dressed in a camouflage jacket with camouflage short pants and black in color tennis shoes lying face down in a pool of blood, apparently dead. The deceased was later identified as the carver and painter from San Pedro.

Three charged with Paul Jex’s murder
Police have charged three persons in connection with the murder of Jimell Paul Jex. The trio includes a 15-year-old minor, alongside 19-year-old Delson Paguada, and 45-year- old Timothy Carcamo. They appeared at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, January 29th, where they were arraigned for the offense. Jex was gunned down on Tuesday, January 23rd on Crocodile Street at the entrance of the San Pedrito Subdivision. In the shooting incident, a second person identified as Dion Neal also suffered gunshot injuries but was treated at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.

Ambergris Today

Three Charged For Murder In Paul Jex Shooting
Police have arrested and charged three person in connection with the shooting in the San Pedrito Area, Tuesday, January 23, 2018, that left Jimell Paul Jex dead and his cousin Dion Neal injured. Delson Samir Paguada (19-years-old), Timothy Carcamo (45-years-old) fisherman and a 15-year-old minor all residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye have been jointly charged with murder. Paul Jex was fatally shot in the head, while Neal received a gunshot to his lower back. The incident occurred at the entrance of the San Pedrito Subdivision. Police confirm that the shooting incident is a result of an ongoing gang rivalry on the island.

BEL Pleads For Stop To Potentially Deadly Installations On Utility Poles
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reminds the public that two lives were lost within the last year due to people being too close to power lines. The Company is writing the political parties and pleading to the public to desist from endangering lives by installing attachments such as banners, flags, signage and flyers near to power lines.

Why Worry About Staying Dry In Belize?
First it was COLD! Now it got SOGGY! We asked our readers to submit pictures to show us how they are staying dry during these very wet days on Ambergris Caye. Kevin Barker had a different idea; he would rather get wet and catch some tail. That is why he came to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize! Meanwhile, Cecilia C. Flinchum submitted a couple pictures on land. One staying dry and hanging out on the porch reading with her daughter. The next day they decided to get wet as well, but they have a different plan than Kevin - they decided to go bar hopping!

Misc Belizean Sources

Spay and Neuter Clinic Jan 31
Dr. Baptise will be on Caye Caulker this Wednesday, 31 January, doing spay and neuter surgery on dogs and cats. Please message us if you would like an appointment.

"Food Preparation for Wellness" Workshop
President of the Belize Alumni Association, Yvette Mazariegos and Embassy colleague Nurse Dylcia Link participated in the "Food Preparation for Wellness" Workshop at the Maya Mountain Lodge & Tours. The focus of the workshop was to learn how to prepare a quick and healthy lunch.

Maya Textiles
Visiting archaeological sites in the Maya world, chances are you will find textiles for sale at the gift shops. The weaving of these textiles are pretty much carried out by the women of the communities. They imbue the textiles with their own identity and that of her community. While the patterns have changed over time, symbols and patterns from non-Maya origins have been "Mayanized" to create the Maya aesthetic. The goddess of weaving, Ix Chel, still inspires Maya women today in weaving their own huipils and spreading the beauty of Maya weave-work for all to see and enjoy.

The Ministry of Health advises on the present Measles Situation in Central America and the Caribbean
The Ministry of Health was recently alerted to a positive case of Measles in Guatemala, imported from Germany. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease but is also a vaccine-preventable disease that has not been reported in Belize since 1991. The number of cases of Measles in the region of the Americas has increased from 92 to 271 in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and the Caribbean is reporting highly suspicious cases imported from the United Kingdom (UK). The public is hereby advised to IMMEDIATELY report to your nearest health facility if you show signs or observe someone with the following symptoms:

Miguel Angel Guerrero killed in Dangriga
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Guerrero family and friends on the tragic passing of Miguel Angel Guerrero, also known as Cabria. May his soul rest in peace.

2018 Eco Challenge Kayak Race
Preparations are underway to hold the kayak race once again here in San Pedro. Are you ready and do you have what it takes to compete in this grueling race? 26, 27 of May.

Corozal House of Culture 6th Anniversary
Friday, Feb. 23, 9am-3pm

Representatives of Northern Maya Association of Belize met with organizers of the traditional "Comparsas" in Caledonia Corozal
Please click on each photo to view the story.

Immigration and Nationality Department relocated to Mountain View Boulevard in Belmopan

Corozal Blood Drive
The Rotaract Club of Corozal in collaboration with The Corozal Community Hospital and the Belize Red Cross are conducting a Blood Drive to assist those persons in need blood. We ask the community to HELP US HELP OTHERS and come on out if you are a donor. This event will take place at the Corozal Community Hospital by the laboratory/blood bank area.

Meet the 2018 FBB Grant Winners
Full Basket Belize has decided upon this year's grant winners, and most are in Cayo. The Belize Zoo, Eden High School, For the Children, the Santa Teresita Village Council, and the Tropical Rainforest Institute of Belize all received grants for their projects. FBB will be accepting scholarships for the 2018-2019 school year soon, and they are asking for help with reading and grading them. Contact them if you can. Thanks, FBB! "Learn about the 6 amazing community projects we're supporting this year with $1,000 grants. And welcome the new FBB Board of Directors!

Belize Mountain Bike Adventure
The European Nature Trust (TENT) is partnering with FCD on a 240 km Belize Mountain Bike Adventure starting February 5th. Follow the activity on the TENT site.

Channel 7

Man Loses Life In Bulldozer Scrape
It was a weekend of death in Belize - there were three murders, one accidental death - and this afternoon, a fatal traffic accident. It happened on the Boom Road around 3:00 where a Toyota RAV 4 clipped a bulldozer that was being carried on a trailer. The impact shredded the driver's side of the RAV4 - leaving it a mangled wreck. When our team arrived on the scene, the driver was dead, and his body lay on the pavement surrounded by police officers. We understand that when police got there he was in the vehicle behind the wheel already dead from the massive impact which tore off the side of the RAV. Police zipped his body in a bag, and took him away in the back of a patrol truck. We have the name, but are not releasing it, to make sure his family is informed.

Two Year Old Tragedy: Run Over By Aunt In Mishap
And in another kind of fatal vehicular accident. A Teakettle family is still in shock tonight after their 2 year old baby girl was crushed under her aunt's vehicle. It happened on Saturday evening after 4:00. Little Sofi Reyes just wanted to be with her dad but it ended in tragedy when her aunt, Elvita Cruz drove over the baby. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this devastating mishap. 2 year old Sofi Reyes was a ray of sunshine. She was cheerful and loving. But now her family will only be able to see her gleaming smile in photos she has left behind. Little Sofi was run over and killed on Saturday evening in front of her Teakettle family home.

PG Protest Against Police
And coming up - we'll have the weekend's bad news about all those murders - but first we go to Punta Gorda. It's been a little over 2 weeks since Mario Vernon the Third was shot and killed by Police Constable Tevin Aranda in that southern Town. He's out on bail for a manslaughter charge, but his family and friends are not satisfied. They say that he should be facing a murder charge for the death of the 24 year-old. On Saturday they organized a protest to voice their displeasure with the outcome of this controversial police shooting. Now a community protest in PG is always news, so our news team traveled south, and Daniel Ortiz has the story:

Police Say Accused Cop is a Colleague and a Human
So, as you saw in our story, the protesters were up in arms about reports that the PG police were fundraising for PC Aranda. It was a repeated refrain during Saturday's event that the cops were holding barbecue sales to help him pay for a defense attorney. Family and friends of the victim interpret that as the other police officers somehow condoning his actions. So, we asked the police spokesperson about it. He said that the officer is a human and a colleague: Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "I don't see anything wrong if they want to do a fundraising. It's a normal human being. It is just like Ms. Hortence mentioned, if it's a colleague, everybody will try to assist, noh? We are human beings."

Castro Trio Cleared Of Harm Charge
Back in August of last year, it made big news when Minister Edmond Castro's 21 year-old son, Jafari, was jointly charged with harm along with 21 year-old James Young Jr. and 18 year-old Gilbert Franklin Jr. They were accused of putting a beatdown on 21 year-old Kevin Brown, a resident of Camalote, who ended up hospitalized in a serious condition. The charges followed weeks of media and police intrigue - where many questions were asked about why they hadn't been charged. It culminated in the most intensely covered arraignment for the minor charge of "harm" in the history of the courts. And, tonight, what started out with a bang has ended with a whimper. The 3 accused, Castro, Young and Franklin are accused no more. That's because the case was set for trial today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. They showed up to face the case, but the complainant, Kevin Brown did not.

Three Murder Weekend Began In Residential Neighborhood
It was a three murder weekend - with two killings in the Belize District and one in Dangriga. Those become the 13th., 14th., and 15th. murders for January. We begin in the Vista Del Mar residential community - just outside Ladyville where what might be called a love triangle - exploded into murder. When it was over, Gavin Palmerston was dead - and his female friend's ex-common law husband was a murder suspect. They are, or were, both Ladyville residents. We found out more from police. Sahar Vasquez reporting: On Friday night 41-year-old Gavin Palmerston went to visit his friend Stephanie Coye at an apartment building on Barrier Reef Crescent Drive in Vista Del Mar. But that regular visit turned into a nightmare.

Why Was Hattieville Working Man Killed? Not Even Cops Know
And while that was Friday night - by early Saturday morning - there would be another murder - this one - an all too familiar type of Belize City killing: a man found shot to death on the street. Except in this case, the victim, 36-year-old Hattieville resident Jermaine Hyde was no kind of criminal - and no kind of gangster. So why was he shot in the head?. Police told us today that they are puzzled: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "The investigation has shown that Mr. Hyde had just left from the Tacos place which is located by Swing Bridge and was heading towards Thurton Lane when he was suddenly approached by an unknown male person who fired on single shot at him, causing the fatal injuries. He used to work at the old Novelo's Bus Terminal or the terminal that is being used at this moment."

From Pedro, To ‘Griga, To Grave For Miguel Angel
And the weekend's third murder happened in Dangriga Town this morning. A man from San Pedro was found dead in a Dangriga bar around 3:00 this morning. Police told us more: Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "The third murder was reported in Dangriga this morning. Sometime after three in the morning police visited the Havana club, which is located in the Havana area, Dangriga Town where they observed the motionless body of a Hispanic male person with a large cut wound to the neck. At this time the person is being called John Doe as no identity has been established. We do not know or have any information if he was a worker there or anything like that - up to this moment. That's all I can give you in regards to that murder there." Reporter: "So, stab wound to the neck?" Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "Apparently, it's like a chop to the neck."

Man Shot In Jaw Is Critical
A Belize City man is in critical condition after he was shot in the face last night in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. Police told us that 33 year old Edgar Flores was hanging out with others when the shots rang out:... ASP Alejandro Cowo: "On Sunday the 28th of January, sometime just after 8:00 pm, acting upon information received, CIB precinct two visited the Karel Heusner Memorial Hospital where they observed a male person by the name of Edgar Flores with an apparent gunshot wound to the right side of his jaw. He was being treated and up to this moment is admitted in a critical condition at the KHMH. What police has gathered so far is that he was inside of a yard on Jones Street. They were socializing when a male person from the roadside fired several shots at their direction which caused the injuries to Mr. Flores."

Jex Killers Charged
Three persons have been charged for the murder of 32 year old Paul Jex - who was killed on San Pedro 6 days ago - as the result of ongoing rivalry between drug gangs on the island. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "The arrest of 3 males persons reference the Paul Jex murder - who are a minor and two other individuals. The first one is Mr. Timothy Carcamo, a 45 year old Belizean of San Juan area and Delson Paguada, a 19 years old Belizean of San Mateo area along with a minor from that same address. He is 15 years old." Reporter: "Will three persons be charged for murder, or will it be conspiracy and abetment?" ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "What we have so far is that it was more than one shooter that was involved in that murder there."

Cops Say Simon Was Target Because of Jex Murder
And Simon Velasquez's murder on Plues Street in Belize City - two days after Jex is directly related. Velasquez had been detained for the Jex murder - and when police released him - he came directly to Belize City. He would be murdered within hours. Police linked the two: Reporter: "He had just come into town from San Pedro where he was being held in relation to Paul Jex." ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "He was living with a female and that is the address or area that he usually frequent and because of his name being called out or after his release from San Pedro police in regards to the investigation of Mr. Paul Jex that he came to Belize and that might have led to him fatally shot is a possibility."

Police Looking For Two New Cowo Killers
And while Velasquez was a gang rival for Paul Jex - he was considered an ally to Alfredo Cowo - who was executed in San Pedro on January 16th. As we told you last week, police have been looking at a new suspect - and investigating the possibility that William Body - who has already been charged and remanded - was not the killer. Cowo discussed it today:... Reporter: "Is another suspect being actively sought or looked at or detained?" ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B: "Yes, police are reviewing other surveillance cameras in that area and at a farther distance and at this moment we are looking for two other persons who can help us in this investigation."

Mexicans And Mucho Dinero
A trio of Mexicans who are on remand at the Hattieville prison, will face more charges. They are Leonel Isaac Rodriguez, Joscan Jafet Hernandez, and Belen Hernandez - and they were all arraigned last week for a single charge of theft. The trio is accused of ripping off the Atlantic Bank - with bogus bank and credit cards. They alleged withdrew a hundred thousand dollars form Atlantic bank branches throughout the country. But - it turns out - that hundred grand - is just the starter figure. Police told us there's more:... ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Over the weekend we have received additional information from the Atlantic Bank, so at this moment police is preparing additional charges to be levied on them. It will be sometime during this week that we will get a new order and they will be brought again to answer to several other counts of thefts that will be given to them."

Capital Cops Seeking…
Belmopan police are looking for two men. Maya Mopan resident Sergio Aguierre is wanted for sexual related offences while Cotton Tree villager Devon Brooks is wanted for theft. If you all may remember, Brooks was charged for alleged involvement in the 2016 Income Tax Office Heist in Belmopan. If you see any of these men, contact the police immediately.

OAS Permanent Council Welcomes Wilfred Elrington and Sandra Jovel
We haven't heard anything about the OAS in a while - and that's probably because the Guatemalans haven't been too happy with them since the report exonerating the BDF in the killing of a Guatemalan youth. But, on Wednesday, both parties are going back to Washington for a special meeting of the Permanent Council. It's scheduled for 9:00 on Wednesday morning and it's a pretty big deal - as far as these things go. The official invitation says the Permanent Council will receive Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Guatemalan counterpart Sandra Jovel. The meeting will be broadcast live on the OAS Website, Facebook page, and right here on Channel 7.

”Chiste” Remembered With New Auditorium
Dangriga opened its Belize Infrastructure Limited sporting facility this weekend. Coming so close unto the Town Board elections - it was a time for all the rival factions inside the Dangriga camp to come together for a rare show of unity. They did it for the opening of the Russell Garcia Auditorium. The deceased Chiste Garcia was a former UDP representative for Dangriga and a much loved figure in that community. Speechgivers sung his praises:

Jackson Family Not Happy With Police
At the top of the news, we took you to Punta Gorda for the protest that the family members and friends of the late Mario Vernon organized. Well, while we were there, we ran into the family of 20 year-old Carlos Jackson Jr. He was the young chef from the Placencia restaurant Rumfish Y Vino, who was murdered on the Peninsula over the long Christmas Holiday weekend. Well, it's been over a month, and his family is dissatisfied because police have made no progress in solving the case and bringing criminal charges. On Saturday, his mother told us that it has been frustrating trying to follow up with Placencia Police, especially because they are from the Toledo village of San Pedro Colombia. Here's how she explained why she thinks the cops aren't doing enough:

Wigmore's Diplomatic “Delicto"
Andy Wigmore - his name may not be known much inside Belize - but he's been using Belize's name a whole lot over the past few years. British press reports say that he was pulled over this weekend when he was found pretending to be a diplomat. He was stopped on January 19th allegedly using illegal diplomatic plates and carrying an expired diplomatic ID card. Press reports say Wigmore was later detained. He held diplomatic status for Belize until 2017, when it was revoked. Wigmore claims he was unaware his license plates had been decommissioned.' Wigmore's works with the BREXIT campaign - and has long aligned himself with the political right - while hobnobbing with Belizean glitterati.

Channel 5

Ex’s Jealous Rage Takes Out Gavin Palmerston in Ladyville
There were three murders over the weekend, one in Ladyville, another in Belize City and the third occurred this morning in Dangriga. We start tonight’s newscast with the stabbing murder [...]

Who Wanted Jermaine “Onion” Hyde Dead?
A Hattieville resident was the second murder victim for the weekend. Jermaine Hyde aka “Onion’’ was executed on Saturday morning here in the city. Hyde was last seen alive in [...]

San Pedrano Artist Chopped to Death in Dangriga
In Dangriga early this morning, an artist from San Pedro was found dead. Miguel Angel Guerrero was chopped to the neck and left to die on the street near the [...]

P.G. Residents Take to the Streets to Protest Mario Vernon Case
On Saturday morning in Punta Gorda, despite inclement weather, residents, including family and friends of Mario Vernon Junior took the streets to protest his killing. The twenty-four-year-old grandson of Leela [...]

Death Reported on Boom-Hattieville Road
This evening, there was loss of life on the Burrell Boom Circuit. The details we have gathered so far are that just before five p.m. today, a Toyota Rav-Four SUV [...]

The Tragic Loss of Sosphie Reyes in Teakettle
A two-year-old girl is dead after a relative driving a vehicle accidentally knocked her down on Saturday afternoon. Thirty-year-old Elba Cruz was driving up the street to another relative’s home [...]

3 Charged for Paul Jex Murder
For security reasons, the three men accused of killing Jamaal Paul Jex last Tuesday on Ambergris Caye were brought to Belize City for arraignment. Nineteen-year-old Nelson Paguada and a fifteen-year-old [...]

Search for Simon Velasquez’s Killer Continues
But following the murder of Jex, several persons were detained for questioning. One of the detainees was Simon Velasquez, who was murdered two days later on Plues Street in Belize [...]

2 More to Join William Godoy in Alfredo Cowo Murder
William Godoy is accused of murder, following the shooting death of twenty-eight-year-old Alfredo Cowo in San Pedro on January sixteenth. Despite having been charged and placed on remand at the [...]

Man Chopped, Robbed in South Stann Creek
One man remains hospitalized after being chopped multiple times on Saturday night in South Stann Creek. The incident took place just outside of Independence Village where the victim was reportedly [...]

Gunman Targets Edgar Flores near Complex
Thirty-three-year-old Edgar Flores is listed in critical condition at the K.H.M.H., after being shot in the right side of his face on Sunday night. The incident happened on Jones Street, [...]

Police Officers Cleared in Attack of City Resident a Year Ago
Brother police officers twenty-eight-year-old Kenrick and twenty-four-year-old Akeem Gamboa saw charges of grievous harm against them dropped today in Magistrate’s Court. Exactly one year ago, twenty-year-old Michael Crawford, a security [...]

Be on the Lookout for Measles
In health news, Belize has not seen a case of measles since 1991. But there is a general alert out tonight from the Ministry of Health after the highly infectious [...]

Ex-Diplomat Andy Wigmore Busted for Expired Diplomatic Vehicle Plates
A British-Belizean dual national who formerly held diplomatic status for Belize was pulled over by cops in London on January nineteenth. He was cited for using illegal diplomatic license plates [...]

Have You Seen Sergio Aguirre, Wanted for Sex Offenses?
Police are looking for this man, Sergio Aguirre for sexual related offenses. Aguirre is from the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan and is twenty-seven-years-old. His occupation is listed as a [...]

Introducing Candidates in Dangriga
Over the past week we’ve been featuring the mayoral candidates contesting the March seventh municipal elections. Today, we reached out to the mayoral hopefuls in Dangriga. Incumbent Francis Humphreys is [...]

Handling the Sarstoon
On Friday the Minister of Defence John Saldivar addressed an unexpected visit to Belize from members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces who were said to be asking about an earlier [...]

Bandits Not Hogging FIFA-Certified Isidoro Beaton Pitch
On a more positive note, the Isidoro Beaton Stadium at the corner of the Ring Road and San Martin Road was recently certified to FIFA-standard. It is the second stadium [...]

The Best of Belizean Sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend sporting activities…]

LOVE FM

Attorney General a no show at Justices of the Peace meeting
Paul Mahung reporting… “The seventeenth annual general meeting of the National Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Supreme Court was held yesterday in Belize City. Reports and activities of the National Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Supreme Court over the past year was done by National President Adrian …

San Pedro man killed in Dangriga
Harry Arzu reporting… “A San Pedro resident who has been identified as Miguel Angel Guerrero was murdered in Dangriga in the wee hours of Monday morning. At about 3:02 this morning, Dangriga Police responded to the murder scene on Havana Street where they observed a male person of clear completion dressed in a camouflage jacket …

Jermaine Hyde shot to the head
The second murder was that of Hattieville resident, 38-year-old Jermaine Curtis Hyde, who was killed on Saturday morning shortly after four o’clock in Belize City. Police report that they found Hyde’s body on Thurton Lane with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of his head. Hipolito Novelo reports. HIPOLITO NOVELO REPORTING At around 5 …

Man recovering from chop wounds
24 year old John Rash was brutally attacked last night while on his way to San Pablo Village in the Toledo district sometime before 10 o’clock by five armed men who also robbed him of $200.00. Police say that Rash who works at a banana farm in Cowpen Village was travelling through ‘Farm 14’ when …

Family still seeks justice for Mario Vernon
The family of Mario Vernon staged a protest on Saturday in Punta Gorda Town demanding justice be served. They were joined by a handful of residents. The Family of Mario Vernon is demanding that the police conduct a transparent investigation into his murder, and so are PG residents who remain discontent with the charge that …

Toddler run over by SUV
Fem Cruz reporting… “A two-year-old female toddler of Tea Kettle Village is dead after she was knocked down and ran over by a grey Ford Escape driven at the time by thirty-year-old Elba Cruz, a Finance Officer and a resident of Ontario Village. According to the father of the child, forty-two year old Clifford Reyes, …

More Charges for Mexicans accused of stealing over 100K
Police say that they will be levying more charges on the three Mexican that were arrested for theft. As we reported before, 26-year-old Jacson Jafet, 31-year-old Leonel Rodriguez and 27-year-old Belen Hernandez have been remanded to prison after they were charged with the theft of three hundred dollars Belize currency from Atlantic Bank in Corozal …

Caught using illegal Belizean diplomatic plates
Andy Wigmore, a high profile political operative, and businessman of the United Kingdom was reportedly caught using illegal Belizean diplomatic plates and an expired diplomatic ID card. Wigmore was detained by police two weeks ago after they suspected that he was driving without a license. He is also the holder of a Belizean Nationality certificate …

Belizean to attend Trump’s State of the Union Address
Tomorrow US President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union Address. A Belizean who migrated to the United States will be in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives listening to the 45th President of the United States of America. Her name is Denea Joseph, a born Belizean who journeyed …

TIDE presents project for funding from Compete Caribbean
Belize presented two projects for funding from Compete Caribbean during an Investment Panel at the Inter-American Development Bank (IBD) Barbados last Friday. There were eight final project presentations and two were from Belize. The Belize Shrimp Biosecurity Aquaculture Zone project was presented by Belize Shrimp Growers’ Association and the Enhancing Six Small Tourism Enterprises in …

Measles detected in neighboring Guatemala
Health officials in Belize have been placed on alert to a positive case of Measles in Guatemala, imported from Germany. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that’s caused by a virus. (VO STARTS) It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose. It is also a vaccine-preventable disease that has not been reported in Belize since 1991. The number of cases of Measles in the region of the Americas has increased from 92 to 271 in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and the Caribbean is reporting highly suspicious cases imported from the United Kingdom (UK) …

Wanted for sexual related offenses
Twenty-seven-year-old Sergio Aguirre is wanted by police. He is wanted for sexual related offenses. Aguirre is described as being of dark complexion, weighing 145 pounds. He has brown eyes and his hair is black. He is originally from the Maya Mopan Area of Belmopan city. If you have any information concerning Aguirre, you are asked to contact the nearest police station …

Devon Brooks wanted by police
The Belize Police Department is also looking for twenty-one-year-old Devon Xavier Brooks. He is wanted for the crime of theft. Brooks is from Cotton Tree Village in the Cayo District. He is of a dark complexion and weighs one hundred and thirty pounds. He has brown eyes and black short hair. Again, if you have information that can lead police to Brooks, you are asked to contact the nearest police station …

PlusTV

Plans in place to better secure Western border area access
We have reported on the two recent incidents at the Western border where Guatemalan press and Guatemalan soldiers have meandered over to the Belize side of the border. At least on of t hose resulted in a scuffle between a Guatemalan journalist and Belizean authorities. Today, the media caught up wit...

Two charged for Double homicide in Ladyville
Police have arrested another person in connection to the murder of Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain who were shot on Tuesday night in Ladyville. Today, police arrested and charged 20 year old Darwin Prado , Belizean construction worker of Ladyville. He was charged with 2 counts of Murder, 2 counts...

Gruesome murder of Toledo sisters still unsolved
The investigation into the gruesome murders of two sisters from Toledo district is still ongoing. Post mortem examinations have concluded on the bodies of the teenage sisters Josephine Oh and Cresencia Oh. They died due to the multiple chop wounds to the head. The bodies of the females were foun...

Simon Velasquez murder update
Yesterday we told you about the murder of 24 year old Darwin Velasquez. Details were still sketchy at news time yesterday but today police issued a report on the incident. The shooting happened shortly after one o’clock at the corner of Plues and Bishop streets. Darwin Dwayne Simon Velasquez, a Beli...

Fatal accident on San Narciso Road
There was a fatal traffic accident last night which claimed the life of one person. On Thursday January 25, at about 6:30 p.m., 35 year old Gerardo Silvevestre Chable was driving a white Isuzu rodeo on the San Narciso main road from the direction of Phillip Goldson Highway towards San Victor Villag...

Man dies in explosion in Sandhill Village
Reports are that one man died as a result of an explosion which occurred this morning in Sandhill Village. The explosion occurred inside In-n-Out Bakery. The deceased has been identified as 59 year old Alfonso Policarpio Moralez. Alberto Moralez was also injured in the explosion. According to report...

School Shuttle with students Crashes on La Gracia Road
The parents and students of La Gracia Village who commute daily to Eden High School in San Ignacio are this evening up in arms because of a traffic accident which occurred on the la Gracia road on Tuesday afternoon. PlusNews visited the village earlier this afternoon and spoke with the students who ...

Ladyville business robbed at gunpoint
A business establishment was robbed in Ladyville last night. On Thursday January 25th, sometime around 8:30 p.m., Freddy Hernandez was in his place of business serving a male customer when another male person entered the establishment wearing a jacket. The individual removed a gun from the jacket and pointed at Hernandez demanding money. Hernandez handed over about $200 in cash and the perpetrator made good his escape. Police are investigating.

Cashier at Dangriga Magistrate’s court charged with theft
A Belizean cashier at the Dangriga magistrate’s court has been charged with theft. Belizean Finance Officer for the Attorney General’s Office/Magistrates Court reported that whilst conducting an internal audit at the Dangriga Magistrates Court, she discovered that, on August 26th of 2016, a payment of $300.00 was made and was issued a receipt which was signed and stamped by Janay Ciego, the cashier at the Dangriga Magistrates Court. However, a further investigation revealed that only $2.50 cents was paid into the Treasury Department using the specific receipt number.

Major crimes down in 2017 according to police
2017 saw a reduction in major crime across the country. That’s according to the police statistics, which shows a 6.8% reduction for major crimes. These figures were released yesterday as the official crime statistics for 2017. While the media reported 145 murders for 2017, police say there were only 142 murders for 2017. That’s a slight increase from 2016 which saw 138 murders. There was also an increase in robberies. However, all other major crimes saw a reduction; rapes, burglaries, thefts, and unlawful sexual intercourse all saw a reduction. Those are reported cases and does not take into account the many thefts and burglaries that police are not reported.

Customs Day observed
Today is being recognized as International Customs Day. Belize’s Customs and Excise Department is also joining in on the celebration of the day which is being observed under the theme “A Secure Business Environment for Economic Development”. Traditionally in Belize, going through customs is often seen as an exercise that one would rather avoid. However, the customs department is trying to reform its image of the entity that clamps down on businesses at the borders but rather as a facilitator of business and trade. Comptroller of Customs, Collin Gillett explained.

Contraband cigarettes found in San Jose Orange Walk
Early this morning, a joint operation was conducted between Special Branch and Quick Response Team in the area of San Jose Village, Orange Walk district. Police say it led to the discovery of 10 boxes of assorted contraband cigarettes which amounted to 352 cartoons. Police did not say exactly where they were found but no one was in the area at the time and so the items were labelled as Found Property and handed over to customs Department.

Tourists robbed in San Ignacio
Five tourists were victims of an armed robbery last night in San Ignacio Town. Police have not issued any reports on the incident but we understand that the group of tourists were walking from Guava Limb restaurant towards Venus Hotel when they were attacked by a man armed with a knife. The tourists ran but one of them, a female tourist, was not able to get away before the armed man grabbed her purse with cash and personal documents.

UDP on campaign trail in Belmopan
Municipal elections are on March 7th. On the radio and television stations at this point, PUP campaign ads can be heard daily; not so with UDP ads at this point. In Belmopan , the only huge campaign posters we have seen hoisted on street corners so far are also those of the PUP. However, while the United Democratic party appears to be confident of another win, they are on the campaign trail working hard. Belmopan area representative John Saldivar was asked today if he is also involved in the municipal elections campaign.

Breaking Belize News

Health Ministry issues advisory on Measles situation in Central America and Caribbean
The Ministry of Health informed today that it was recently alerted to a positive case […]

Chinese Restaurant in Belize City robbed at gunpoint
Fifty three year old Chinese business owner Xin Hui Zhang of Belize City reported that last […]

Belize City Police: man shot in face, is in critical condition
Last night around 8:20, police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they saw Edgar Flores, 33, of […]

Belize City security officer arrested for gun and ammo without license
Yesterday morning, police were conducting a mobile patrol on Commerce Street, Dangriga where officers conducted […]

US impedes Ukraine money laundering investigation with ties to Belize
Special prosecutors from Ukraine are worried that three money laundering investigations, one leading to Belize, […]

Belize: Racism is just a race
rac•ism 1. prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that […]

Residents request streetlights between Georgetown and Maya Mopan
According to some residents from Maya Mopan and Georgetown villages in the Stann Creek district, […]

Santa Teresita village floods
BBN readers have shared several photos of the condition of Santa Teresita village in the […]

Cable providers may soon be affected by increasing copyright pressure
Increasing pressure on Belize to conform to international copyright standards may soon affect Belizeans, who […]

Cristo Rey residents concerned about garbage dump
Residents of Cristo Rey village, Cayo are concerned that there are two areas along the […]

Belize among confirmed nations exempt from solar import taxes
A report from PV Tech Org informed today that the United States government confirmed the countries that will be exempted from the recently announced 30% import tax on solar cells and modules […]

Man chopped to death in Dangriga
Dangriga police found a man chopped dead today but have not ascertained his identity. Police […]

Blogs

Sunday Afternoon at the Truck Stop on Ambergris Caye
The perfect Sunday spot to meet friends is the Truck Stop. By now you all know it but for those brand new to the island, a quick reminder. It’s Ambergris Caye’s food court, bar, pool, ice cream parlor, movie spot and all around happening spot. They have an Asian food/noodle truck, a Taco/Latin food truck… A Pizza truck and DELICIOUS ice cream. The conch pizza is my very favorite. OMG! Maybe they need a dumpling truck! Chinese Dim Sum, Polish pierogis, Italian ravioli, ‘Merican chicken and dumplings, gnocchi, gyoza, wontons, samosas and momo and soup dumplings…THIS IS THE GREATEST IDEA EVER!

Worth Getting Wet – January Farmers Market Truck Stop
As January comes to an end, we are getting more than our share of wet weather. Thankfully it is still interspersed with sunny periods and not like the great rains of Fall and Winter 2012. Saturday, the weather Maya God Chaac, deemed it a constant shower day. I watched the Truck Stop Facebook page and they stated during a short sunny patch that the farmers market was happening, rain or shine. Of course right after they said that the skies opened up and drenched the island – many times that day. Including right before we were leaving as you can see in the picture below, my yard had turned into lake taco – my friend Cindy’s joke. My visiting friend Patrick and I decided we were on a rainy day mission. We wanted to help our friends make some sales. That may sound altruistic however it was just as much a Homer Simpson moment. Cindy (aka Lunch Box) called it right by saying we’ve got Homer beat on the eating circuit. Since Patrick arrived from the great white north (ok Toronto really) we have been nonstop foodies. We are often talking about our next meal before we finish the one we are eating.

International Sources

More Thoughts On The 2018 Atlantic, Gulf Of Mexico & Caribbean Hurricane Season
Back on November 30th, we released our preliminary thoughts on what the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season may bring. Since then, I continue to examine, study and analyze many different things that could go into determining how busy the hurricane season may be. These include ENSO forecasts, sea surface temperature forecasts and analog years. Based on everything that I continue to look at, I continue to have concerns that the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season could be another active one with activity either similar to 2017 or possibly even a little more active. The latest ENSO model guidance continues to point towards neutral ENSO conditions during the 2018 Hurricane Season. If we do see neutral ENSO conditions during the 2018 Hurricane Season, it could mean a very active season. With that said, ENSO forecasts this time of year can be highly inaccurate. It should also be noted that it is rare for a La Nina to quickly transition into a El Nino and normally there is at least a year with neutral ENSO conditions.

Videos

What to do in the event of another Tsunami Warning, 5.5min. Belize has been affected by many tropical storms, hurricanes, and tremors, but a couple weeks ago the coast of Belize was threatened by a natural disaster unusual to the country, a tidal wave or a tsunami. Janel Rodriguez found out more about tsunamis and the seriousness of its impact.

Protecting a Caribbean wonder from disappearing in Belize, 10min. The largest coral reef in the Americas is under siege. Off the coast of the Central American nation Belize, it is one of the world’s great treasures. Just below the surface, a magnificent coral reef spans the entire length of the country. It was declared a World Heritage Site more than twenty years ago. But today, the reef in under attack. Coastal development, oil exploration and rising water temperatures are taking their toll on this jewel of the Caribbean. Correspondent John Zarrella went to Belize to see what’s being done to save the reef from ruin.

Healthy Living: Teen Pregnancy in Belize, 6min. "Healthy Living" is a health & lifestyle Feature produced in Belize for News 5 Live on Channel 5. The feature has been a weekly feature in the local newscast since 2008.

Healthy Living: Breastfeeding and Working Moms in Belize, 9min.

Healthy Living: Speech Therapy in Belize, 6min.

Healthy Living Urban Gardening in Belize City, 4.5min.

Healthy Living: New Technology at Belize Central Medical Lab, 6min.

Healthy Living: Getting your Flu Shot in Belize, 5min.

Healthy Living: Belize Close to Malaria Eradication, 5.5min.

Healthy Living: Belize Flu Outlook 2018, 5min.

VEHICLE STOLEN FROM CHINESE BUSINESSMAN IN COROZAL…., 2min. Corozal Police are investigating the brazen theft of a pickup truck belonging to Da Quan Li, a Chinese businessman and owner of Relax Restaurant which is located on 2nd Street South. The theft which occurred minutes to midnight was caught on camera.

POLITICAL FLAGS AND BANNERS PROVE TO BE A MAJOR INCOVENIENCE FOR BEL AND ITS CUSTOMERS, 3min. The March 7th municipal elections is fast approaching, and that means that across the country political flags as well as blue and red collectively adorn lampposts as part of the political campaign.

THE LEAKED VIDEO FOOTAGE OF GUATEMALAN MILITARY MEN STROLLING ACROSS OUR BORDER, 3.5min. Last two weeks, the leaked video footage of Guatemalan military men simply strolling across our border in western Belize for unknown reasons enraged Belizeans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly announced that they would investigate what was taking place. On Friday the Minister of Defense John Saldivar commented on the matter, saying that the border is just too open for those kinds of incidents.

Grace & You - Cilantro Pepitos and Pesto Pasta recipe, 35min.

UBAFU Entertainment is hosting the 2nd Annual Pepsi Maaga Season Bash, on Open Your Eyes, 27min.

POSH Hair Studios (latest in cuts, colors and types of hair extensions), on Open Your Eyes, 33min.

The ABCs of Entrepreneurship - Teaching methods for young entrepreneurs, on Open Your Eyes, 28min.

The Belize Volleyball Association of Belize - National Championships Games, on Open Your Eyes, 23min.

The Be'Gan Kitchen (variety of vegetarian cuisine for those interested in changing their diets), on Open Your Eyes, 22min.

Twin Town Residents take advantage of Infrastructure Works, 10min. The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena have seen tremendous infrastructural development over the last years. Our Belize Now team visited the area to see the works first hand.

How to Build the Best Little Zoo in the World | Sharon Matola | TEDxBelmopan, 17min. What would you do with animals left behind after a documentary project? Well, Sharon Matola started a zoo and in this talk, she tells us all about the journey. With her love for protecting our furry, feathered and scaly friends, Matola rekindles our love for these animal ambassadors. Sharon Matola is the Founding Director of The Belize Zoo and is passionate about directing her life so that the natural world benefits from her living and working profile. While this strong desire to protect wildlife has always been a part of her being, the finest and the most rewarding part of her life is sharing her work and passion with the people who visit The Belize Zoo. She takes special time to create a fun and magical experience with the kids who visit. They never forget, their joy is overwhelming, and their bonding to the animals of their country is heartwarming and inspiring to me. She considers herself luckiest person in the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

, 12min. Cave tubing in Belize! We used a company called Butts Up! They were pretty awesome! We are in no way affiliated with them.

BELIZE TRAVEL VLOG 2, 30min. This is my second part to my Belize VLOG! I hope you enjoy this one in this one you'll see the rest of the Sunday market that they have going on in Belize as well as the rest of the mayan temples! I

Bullet Tree Falls - Belize, 2min.

Fishing with kids in Belize, 3min.

Hattieville Tumblers, 7min.

Manu e Pri em Belize, 4min. Primeiro país da saga do nosso mochilão maravilhoso. Que lugar!

Lesson one of our beautiful Yucatec Maya language, 3min. This is lesson one of our beautiful Yucatec Maya language which is still spoken in Corozal,Orange Walk and Cayo . Today the Yucatec Maya is endangered in Belize and we need to preserve it . Vamos a aprendir Maya . video courtesy of Kan maaya yéetel mejen tsikbalo'ob" Ismael May May

January 29, 2018

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: Pooper Scooper
“Mario, what’s going on?” I asked, when he answered the phone. Mario is my yard man and handyman, whenever he decides to come to work. Over the years he has become a friend instead of just an employee. “I can’t come to work today, Mr. Dennis,” he said. “I’m fixing the plumbing at my suegra’s house—my mother-in-law. I’ll be here two or three days.” “What am I supposed to do in the meantime? The fence is only three-quarters painted and the yard is only half-cleaned.” “I can send Juney over to help you.”

Letter to the Editor: Mr. Homero Escalante thanks supporters
Dear Editor: I wish to thank those who sent flowers and those who expressed their condolences verbally or in writing. A special thanks to all who attended the funeral mass in spite of the weather. Very special thanks to Kay and Chetin Encalada, Clarice and Smiley Nuñez, Florita Ancona, to the SP Town Board, to Cristina Espejo, to the Sisters of Mercy in Belize City, to Severo Sr. and Jr., Ramon and the CCV. Thank you to the ladies and friends who visited and prayed for Lois, and are still doing so. All these and more were extremely helpful and kind in my hour of need. Thank you all, and God Bless! /s/ Homero Escalante

Doctor Love: Nervous
Dear Doctor Love, I am dating a very sweet girl. We have things in common and I like being with her. My friend told me last night that she is very pretty and she will look for other men so I should not trust her. I know I am not a handsome guy but she says she loves me and is really happy when we are together. We haven’t talked about getting married but I think we could except that now I am worried that my friend might be right. I didn’t tell her what my friend said but it has stayed in my mind. How can I know that she will not look for another guy? /s/Nervous

Misc Belizean Sources

Statement by the Senator representing the NGO Community, Osmany Salas, on the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No. 3) Bill, 2017
At Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate, the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No. 3) Bill, 2017, was taken through its three readings. The Bill aimed to appropriate "further sums of money for the use of the Public Service of Belize" for the following services: Capital II Expenditure (CAP II) = $6,643,518. Capital III Expenditure (CAP III) = $7,327,580. The CAP II money was for expenditures approved by the Ministry of Finance between May 2016 and August 2017 for Hurricane Earl assistance (Belmopan cleanup and general aid), hurricane assistance (cleanup Belize City), other hurricane assistance (cleanup and general aid – including house materials, house appliances, beds, transport, phone credit, etc.), emergency management (relief supplies & repair, construct 175 houses damaged by Hurricane Earl), and for Mother’s Day Appreciation Programme.

Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival
Belikin Limited Edition Gala Diner at Naia Resort and Spa

EXPO 2018
The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout has set the dates for the 2018 Spanish Lookout Business Expo for March 2nd and 3rd. A must attend event!

Cayo Race for Conservation 2018
The Belize Wildlife and Referral Clinic's Cayo Race for Conservation was this morning. They had a 5k and a 10k route(from Hode's to Bullet Tree, and back), and the winners of the 10k got a free entry to the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon, which is in 3 weeks. The results are now online. "Here some pictures of todays event. Thank you to Jasmin Ford for these images! Congratulations to all winners and participants (see event page for webscorer results)! Special congratulations to the 10 K winners who qualified for free participation in the Chiquibul Challenge Marathon (18th of February): Junior Chiac (in 44:13 min) and shout out and congrats to BWRC's professional intern and team part-time Team for Conservation member Nuria Holzleg (in 51:44 min). See you in Chiquibul next!"

Closed/Open Reserves
The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History would like to advise all Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Tour Guides and members of the General Public that as of 06 AM Monday January 29, 2018: The NOHOCH CHE'EN and ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES are both CLOSED due to rise in water levels. BARTON CREEK IS ALSO CLOSED DUE TO HIGH LEVELS AT THE RIVER CROSSING. All other reserves are open.

The Reporter

Baker killed and brother injured in explosion
A baker/cyclist was killed and his brother was injured in an explosion at their workplace on Friday morning. The incident happened at Moralez’ In and Out Bakery in Sand Hill village sometime around 8:00 a.m., and claimed the life of Alfonso Moralez Jr., who was trying to fix an oven to bake the day’s supply for the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB). Reports are that the stove exploded – a bang that flung open the oven door violently, hitting Moralez in the head, and hurling him to the ground unconscious. His brother, Alberto Moralez, who was next to him, was also struck in the head by the oven door but survived with a gash on his head.

Toddler reportedly crushed to death
A 2 year-old toddler was reportedly crushed to death on Saturday afternoon in the Cayo district. Police say that sometime around 4:00 p.m., Elba Cruz, 30, was reversing her SUV in a yard in Teakettle village when she accidentally ran over 2 year-old Sophy Reyes. The child was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Police are investigating the incident.

Breaking Belize News

Man shot in Belize City
A man was shot just minutes ago on Belize City’s south side. He was standing on Complex Drive when a man on a bicycle rode past and opened fire.

Toddler killed in tragic accident
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a toddler. Yesterday evening around 4:00, Teakettle resident Elba Cruz, 30, was reversing her SUV in a yard in Teakettle village, Cayo. While reversing, however, she accidentally ran over 2-year-old Sophy Reyes.

Blogs

International Sources

Protecting a Caribbean wonder from disappearing in Belize
The largest coral reef in the Americas is under siege. Off the coast of the Central American nation Belize, it is one of the world’s great treasures. Just below the surface, a magnificent coral reef spans the entire length of the country. It was declared a World Heritage Site more than twenty years ago. But today, the reef in under attack. Coastal development, oil exploration and rising water temperatures are taking their toll on this jewel of the Caribbean. Correspondent John Zarrella went to Belize to see what’s being done to save the reef from ruin.

Triple treat: Supermoon, blue moon and lunar eclipse all coming to a sky near you next week
The first "blue moon" total lunar eclipse since March 1866. Skywatchers will get a rare triple treat Jan. 31: a supermoon, a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse. A blue moon — which occurs about every 2½ years — is another term for the second full moon in a single calendar month. January's first full moon occurred Jan. 1. Though the exact moment of this full moon is 8:37 a.m. ET Jan. 31, the moon will appear plenty full for a day or two before and after that.

Videos

No Bar Code, 21min. Chef Sean Kuylen presented at the TedxBelmopan, and it was all about Belizean food, and not just the standard fare either. From chaya to chocolate to casava, he covers it. You'll love his sense of humor: "Here we are living in Belize, we are craving KFC, McDonald's, and we want Contraband beer, Shelly!"

2016- Belize: Cave of Wonders, 1min. Pt. 1 of our Cave Tubing adventures.

Belize 2018, 3.5min.

Belize 2018, 11min. Miles Family in Placencia, Belize

Belize Diving Caye Caulker January 2018, 6min.

This is Belize - Part 1, 6min. Join my trip around Belize, as we discover some of the hidden gems of the Caribbean.

Zip Lining in Belize!!!, 4.5min. This is our personal video of our shore excursion in Belize. This excursion included zip lining, ATV, and a Belizean Lunch

Belize Wild Dolphins, 3min. Wild Dolphins at Ambergris Caye, Belize July 2014

Belize Turtles 2014 Movie, 7.5min. Belize Turtle compilation, June/July 2014 Ambergris Caye, Belize.

San Pedro, Belize - Part 2 (Make Memories Travel More), 5min. Our Christmas trip to Belize! Time to have some fun with the fam! In this video, we join the Lady Leslie as they sail to Caye Caulker! On the way, we stop at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley!

Belize 2018, 1min. Diving Hol Chan, San Pedro, Belize.

Bacalar - Corozal (Mexico Belize boarder crossing), 10min. Today caution was thrown to the wind and a journey on the bike was made despite the bad knee. It was supposed to be a trip to Chetumel in Mexico but instead a last minute decision was made to just go straight into Belize.

Belize Sharks June:July 2014, 8min. Belize Sharks compilation, June/July 2014 Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Caribbean Cruise Vacation Day 5 Belize City, 9min. Day 5 of our cruise on the Norwegian Pearl took us to Belize City Belize. We did not do a shore excursion, just went into the port and hung out a bit and had some lunch. I did enjoy the tinder boat rides to and from the ship. The locals were friendly and we enjoyed our seafood lunch.

Trip to Belize 2007 Part 1 of 2, 61min. Our trip with my two sons and nephew where we horseback rode, went zip lining, killed cockroaches by the hundreds, and pulled out ticks

Ambergris Caye - Belize scuba diving, 6.5min. Second half of our trip to Belize in 2017. This time we are diving off Ambergris Caye. Very sharky waters!

BELIZE TRAVEL VLOG, 23min.

Diving The Great Blue Hole, Belize, 5.5min. After punching our way through huge surf to get past the reef it was time to embark on a two hour, almost rib breaking rollercoaster ride through turbulent seas out to the Blue hole. There had been strong SSE winds for almost 4 days on the island of Caye Caulker beforehand, which resulted in our first trip to the hole being cancelled two days prior. Determined not to miss the next one, we were prepared to ‘tough it out’ even if it meant losing our breakfast over the side along the way. It was everything I expected it to be. Big. Round. And spectacular! Our decent was along a sloping sandy bottom to the edge of the drop off into the hole which plummets to a depth of 124mtrs (407ft deep). The real thrill was going over the edge into the unknown having all but dreamt of this moment for such a very long time. To the depths we descended. A weightless moment of controlled freefall with my surroundings becoming darker with each passing metre. A somewhat surreal feeling, almost like narcosis except perfectly alert and in control. That was until the alarm started screeching on my Suunto dive watch indicating that I had reached my maximum pre-set depth (30mtrs- 131ft) It was then that I knew the opening to the cave was near. Almost time for action!

BELIZE FAMILY BACKPACKING TRIP 2018, 16min. Ambiana, Jakobi, Colleen & Mochi backpacked their way around Belize from Dec.19th 2017 until Jan. 13th 2018. They visited Cay Caulker, Sarteneja, San Ignacio, Hopkins and Belize City. Riding buses, sailboats, ferries and taxis they camped, climbed ruins, explored caves, swam in the ocean, made friends, fell in love with dogs, and celebrated Ambiana's 12th birthday!

ADVENTURES OF BELIZE | VLOG DIYwithHan, 5min. We stayed at St. George’s Caye in Belize, went snorkeling, sunset sailing, Lamanai Mayan hiking, and chilling

BDF vs Verdes FC (PLB), 2.5hr.

January 28, 2018

BEL pleads for a stop to potentially deadly installations on utility poles

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

The San Pedro Sun

Meet your Councilor Candidates: Part One
With the municipal elections right around the corner, The San Pedro Sun takes the opportunity to present the Councilor Candidates to the San Pedro Town public. As such, questions have been issued to all candidates in an effort to learn more about them. In this issue we present People’s United Party (PUP) candidates Dianeli Aranda and Johnnia Duarte.

Misc Belizean Sources

Man punches woman and kills a man during fight
On Friday 26th January 2018 at 9:38 p.m. police visited an apartment building in Vista Del Mar, Ladyville. Upon arrival they saw the body of 41 year old Gavin Palmerston on the ground. An hour earlier, Palmerston, was standing on the verandah of the apartment building having a conversation with a woman when Robert Brown arrived and punched her in the mouth. He then approached Palmerston and a fight ensued between both men. As a result Palmerson received several stabbed wounds to the back. Palmerston staggered inside the kitchen area of the apartment and collapsed to the floor. Robert Brown escapes and later handed himself over to police.

Shooting at Bus Terminal
On Saturday January 27, 2018 at about 4:50 a.m. police visitd Thurton Lane in Belize City where they found 38 year old Jermaine Curtis Hyde, a Bus Terminal employee, with a apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head. He was transported to KHMH where he was pronounced dead. The body now awaits a Post Mortem Examination.

Official opening of the Russell Chiste Garcia Auditorium!
Dangriga’s first multipurpose sports facility.

NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW
Join the Belize Hotel Association at Booth 313 at the NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW this weekend and Let us help you plan your next AMAZING BELIZE adventure! Get information on hotels, tours, transfer services and everything you need to know about Belize. See you there!

Kuylen’s Gas Service New Location
On Santa Elena Road

Corozal Beach and Water Clean Up
Join us for a Beach and Water Clean Up at Mangrove Park, Finca Solana on February 3rd, 2018 at 8 AM - 12 PM, we weill be Removing trash from the water and on the beach and park area close by. Let's continue to keep Corozal Safe and Clean!

Sarteneja Tour Guide Association launches Water Taxi Boats
Sarteneja Tour Guide Association will soon be launching a Water Taxi Boat to Corozal Town and eventually to Chetumal and is asking the villagers of Sarteneja and the community in general to help us in providing an adequate Time Schedule. We are planning in departing from Sarteneja at 6:00 a.m. to Corozal and leaving Corozal at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will be anxiously awaiting for your opinions and comments".

Rotaract Club of Corozal Blood Drive
The Corozal Rotaract Club will be having a Blood Drive this February 10th @ the Red Cross Building @ Santa Rita from 8:00am - 2:30pm. We ask all blood donors to come forward on that day to donate blood. Help us Help Others. The blood will be given to those who are in need of it.

LOVE FM

Two Charged for Ladyville double murder
Twenty-two year old Darwin Prado and 23-year-old Jesse Mejia, were charged with the murders of 25-year- old Marlon Spain and 24- year- old Casey Lozano, when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. They were remanded into custody until April 26. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, on Marage Road in Ladyville. …

Elderly man Killed in road traffic incident
An elderly man was knocked down and killed on around 6:30 Thursday night in San Narciso Village in the Corozal District. According to police, 52-year-old Hermenjildo Patt, a resident of San Narciso Village was riding his bicycle on the left hand side of the San Narciso main road towards San Victor Village when he was …

Belize hosts 25th Uniendo America Project Fair
Belize is hosting the 25th Uniendo America Project Fair for the third time. The fair is held annually and is hosted by different Central American Countries. Eight of the ten Rotary Clubs in Belize are part of the fair that opened this morning. Seventeen districts from the US and Canada are also being represented. Dalila …

Brigadier General Steven Ortega takes over Command of the BDF
The Belize Defense Force today celebrated its 40th anniversary. To observe this milestone achievement, the BDF also saw the passing out of recruit intake 63. Additionally, Brigadier General David Jones officially handed over the Command of the BDF to Brigadier General Steven Ortega, who has been holding over the Command since December last year after …

The Reporter

Police charge man for Friday night stabbing murder
Less than 24 hours after the stabbing murder of Gavin Palmerson, in Vista del Mar, police have arrested and charged the suspect in custody. This evening police charged Robert Brown, 37, a laborer of Ladyville village with “murder”. Palmerson was attacked and stabbed several times in his back sometime around 8:30 Friday night, while he was talking to a woman on a verandah in the Vista del Mar area, a couple miles away from Ladyville. The attacker also punched the woman in her face before he attacked Palmerson.

Man stabbed to death
A man was attacked and stabbed to death as he spoke to a woman at an apartment building in the Vista del Mar area, Belize district on Friday night. Police were summoned to the scene, located on the outskirts of Belize City and there they saw the the body of a man lying face up in a pool of blood. Police discovered that sometime around 8:30 p.m., the man, identified as Gavin Palmerston, 41, of Ladyville village was standing on the verandah of the same apartment building, and was having a conversation with a woman when another man arrived and punched the woman in her mouth. The man then walked up to Palmerston and they got involved in a fight, which resulted in Palmerson suffering several stab wounds in his back. Palmerston reportedly staggered inside the house and collapsed on the kitchen floor.

Bus terminal employee found shot dead in Belize City
Police found a bus terminal employee shot to death early this morning in Belize City. Police say their discovery was made sometime after 4:00 a.m., on Thurton Lane. They found Jermaine Curtis Hyde, 38, of Hattieville village with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Hyde’s body awaits a post mortem examination and a police investigation is now underway.

Breaking Belize News

Universal Hardware to host annual family day
Universal Hardware has announced that its annual Friends and Family day will take place on February 17. The event will be full of new inventory, discounts and tons of raffles. Food and drinks will be available all day.

Gavin Palmerston stabbed dead
Ladyville resident, Gavin Palmerston, 41, was stabbed dead last night. Police say that sometime after 9:00 p.m., cops visited an apartment in the Vista Del Mar area where they saw him motionless in a pool of his own blood.

Early morning killing in Belize City
Jermaine Curtis Hyde, 38, an employee at the Belize City bus terminal was shot dead this morning. Sometime after 4:00 a.m. police visited Thurton Lane in Belize City where cops observed Hyde with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.

Dangriga treasury clerk charged for theft
On January 15, Gaynor Flowers, 37, a finance officer for the Attorney General’s Office/Magistrates Court reported that while conducting an internal audit at the Dangriga Magistrates Court, she found discrepancy with two receipts. One receipt was for a payment made on the 16 of August, 2016 for $300.

One dies in bakery explosion
Reports to BBN indicate that one person has died and several more are injured after a tank explosion at a bakery in Sandhill Village.

PUP postpones National Convention due to inclement weather
The People’s United Party (PUP) had planned their national convention and rally to be held on Sunday, January 28, in Belize City. Today, the PUP issued a release informing supporters that the convention is being postponed for a second time. The PUP had initially planned their convention to be held in November 2017 but it was postponed to January.

Blogs

Potluck Picking Party at Paradise Villas
Yesterday was one of those classic San Pedro days. Where you are thinking about doing something and having that take you in a completely different direction. For me, it was wanting to show my visiting friend Patrick my friend Jack’s house and garden south of town. I messaged Jack and told him we were thinking about swinging by his place. He immediately countered that idea with joining him for a potluck picking party at Paradise Villas. Since we still have rental wheels until Saturday, we went to pick him up and did a fast pitstop at Castillo’s Hardware as Jack needed a plumbing part. We parked around the corner from the party and walked in on the beach side of the popular condo complex. In spite of the skies looking like it was going to pour any minute, it stayed dry and there was a big turnout for the party. I was to see a couple of people I had not seen in a while (Gary & Mel) and met lots of new ones from the Jerry Jeff Walker scene – everyone was so friendly. Although Patrick and I had just eaten bacon mac & cheese for lunch, we could not resist all the yummy food. There were some awesome cooks. We took a foil pack of fresh veggies in mango sauce to go on the barbecue.

International Sources

The Future of Belize Automobile Markets to 2023
Trends, Drivers and Supply, Demand Outlook of Belize Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles. The new report by the Automotive and Transport Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of automotive and transport industries. Belize Passenger cars and commercial vehicles outlook report provides detailed research and outlook of automobile sector in Belize. Current market conditions, consumer preferences and key strategies of leading players in the Belize automobile sector are analyzed in detail. The report analyzes SWOT analysis of Belize automotive industry including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, buses, vans and motor cycles. Further, value of imports and exports by sourcing and destination countries are included.

Videos

Talk Ah Di Town January 27, 2018, 70min.

Family of Agouti's playfully enjoying their breakfast foraging, 1min. Something always happens while I am enjoying my morning coffee and looking at the activity in the garden. Notice how the female beg and get food from the male, then the baby repeats the same trick on her.

One of the bats came early to feed on banana skin leftovers in the feeder..., 1/2min.

Belize Aggressor III, 2min. With more than 400 islands, white sandy beaches, the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and 298 kilometers/185 miles of coastline, Belize is a world-class scuba diving destination. While the Blue Hole is Belize’s best-known dive site, there’s much more to discover.Belize packs a hemisphere’s worth of adventure within its borders. Located between Mexico and Guatemala, this is the perfect destination for exploration, relaxation and romance.

Brittany and Justin - Caye Caulker Belize, 12min.

Scuba Diving - Belize - October 2017, 5min. Amber Waves Diving Co. at Ambergris Caye, Belize in October 2017.

Suyatours san pedro belize 2018 deepfishing, 4min.

Belize 2018 deep sea fishing and cooking the fresh catch, 4min. Fishing reef and deep sea at suya tours.

Landing Belize (BZE)~ WestJet B737-800, 10min. Landing Belize from Toronto (YYZ) on January 17, 2018.

Belize 2017, 30min. Belize Vacation, Ramon's Village.

Bandits SC vs Police United FC (PLB), 2.5hr.

January 27, 2018

Farmers Express Road to Spanish Lookout flooded

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

WHO issues Yellow Fever Travel Advisory; Belize not on list
A travel advisory for international travelers is in effect following the outbreak of contagious diseases across many countries in Latin America. The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) advised the hospitality industry in the country of the situation on Wednesday, January 24th, asking them to inform customers of the official advisory issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The advisory describes specific diseases such as malaria and yellow fever affecting different countries, but so far Belize has not been named among the countries. “[We] need to clarify that Belize is currently not experiencing any epidemic or widespread of the diseases mentioned on the WHO advisory,” said the BTIA. On January 24th, WHO, along with the US Embassy and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention released a Yellow Fever travel advisory after being provided with an update from Brazil’s International Health Regulations (IHR) and National Focal Point (NFP).

Minister of Foreign Affairs asks Belizean authorities to be lenient with illegal Guatemalan border crossings
On Saturday, January 13th an alarming video leaked on social media clearly showed three Guatemalan soldiers (Kaibils) walking into the immigration hall at the Belize Western Border. The blatant actions by the military personnel rose concern among citizens as it is illegal for an armed officer to cross over into a foreign land without the necessary permissions. Causing even more outrage to the public was the comments made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs asking Belizean authorities to be more lenient on an issue involving Belize and Guatemala’s relationship. The 50-second video shows the soldiers carelessly walking past the Organization of American States (OAS) office and proceeding to the Belize Customs and Immigration Building. At the Customs and Immigration Office, the soldiers approached a Belizean officer on duty. However, there is no official report as to what transpired between the Guatemalan soldiers and the Belizean Customs officer.

No arrest made in the shooting of Tour guide Gilberto ‘Hillyboo’ Lara
San Pedro tour guide, 48-year-old Gilberto ‘Hillyboo’ Lara, continues to recover after being shot on Saturday, January 20th. However, the police are yet to provide an update on their investigation, as no motive has been established for the attack. Lara has not offered any comments to the media regarding the attack, but following his release from the hospital, he thanked everyone that stood by his side via a post on his Facebook page. He also thanked both the medical staff at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II and at KHMH. Lara said in his post that he continues to recover and is feeling well.

Editorial: For the Record
Each election year The San Pedro Sun believes that the community should have the opportunity to learn about the candidates who are running for office. Traditionally we run a “Meet the Candidates” forum over a period of weeks where the politicians answer a list of questions submitted to them far in advance. As a non-partisan newspaper, every step is taken to ensure fair and equal publicity for the aspiring candidates. On January 5th The San Pedro Sun sent an email to the secretaries for both United People’s Party (UDP) and People’s United Party (PUP) campaign parties in San Pedro Town. The email stated, “As municipal elections are coming closer, The San Pedro Sun will start featuring the different candidates running. Can we please ask you to share these questionnaires with your candidates to be answered and submitted back to us by Wednesday (January 17th)?”

Eight years later, Antonio Tepaz relieved of manslaughter charges
On Tuesday, January 23rd manslaughter charges were dropped against Antonio Tepaz. Tepaz was prosecuted for the death of 33-year-old Cesar Scott in a boat accident that occurred on November 15, 2009, in which he was allegedly the captain. Tepaz’s attorney, Ellis Arnold submitted to the prosecution that the eight witnesses didn’t provide sufficient evidence to prove that he was the driver of the boat in which Scott died. Justice Adolphus Lucas heard the case and determined that he was not guilty. The case was unresolved from November 2009 until now when Tepaz has been cleared from all charges regarding Scott’s death.

Misc Belizean Sources

PUP Cancels National Convention Due to Weather
The People's United Party regrets to advise our thousands of supporters countrywide that as a result of the inclement weather, a decision has been made to postpone the National Convention & Rally planned for this Sunday in Belize City. A decision has been made to hold the Convention on Sunday, January 11, 2018. This morning, following consultations with each of our Caucus leaders and with the forecaster on duty at the Belize Met Office, we were advised that many areas in the South and West are already experiencing worsening conditions as a result of incessant rains. We have been advised, also, that a flash flood warning will be issued by midday today for the entire country, and that the rains are expected to continue through Sunday. It was not an easy decision, as our soldiers in every corner of this country had already prepared to mobilize to send a strong message to the United Democratic Party that change will soon be sweeping across the nation. On February 11, 2018, we will send that message, and on March 7, 2018 it will be hand-delivered and received. We ask that Belizeans heed the warnings of the Met Service which will be issued and ensure that they stay safe and as dry as possible.

Rotary Club of Corozal Annual Cheap Sale
Every Wednesday at 11:30 am we are collecting a little bit of everything for our cheap sale! We are located on 5th Avenue next to Five Rivers Clinic. Cleaning out your house? Donate to Rotary all your new and used items you no longer need! Need more information call us 615-9005

Corozal Full Moon Concert Postponed
Due to wet weather we regret to inform the postponement of tomorrow's scheduled Full Moon Concert. The good news is that we will have the pleasure of featuring Los Hijos del West Saturday March 3rd.

Beach Cleanup on Caye Caulker Today
2pm, meeting at the cemetery by Tropical Paradise.

Game Licensing for Hunting
If stewed Gibnut is favorite meal for you, make the most of it this month in December because come Jan 1st the season to hunt and eat it is closed until June 1st when season reopens. Be responsible and only buy your game meat from licensed hunters or licensed game meat dealers, these people PAY Forestry for a license to legally hunt, don't undermine their responsible hunting practices by buying meat from unlicensed hunters or out of season. Below is the seasons for game meat in Belize and requirements for hunting or dealing/selling game meat license.

2018 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card
Healthy People Initiative is a collaboration of 69 research, conservation and management organizations led by the Smithsonian for over ten years, working to safeguard the Mesoamerican Reef. The report presents the health status of 319 sites along the MAR, analyzes the changes over the last decade for several indicators and proposes actions to improve reef health. It includes some good news for coral reefs and some challenges we are addressing. Partners, allies and personalities from each countries attended the events, which have received a good local and national media coverage. Please help us get the word out and enjoy learning about our work.

Immigration Headquarters Relocated
Immigration Headquarters in Belmopan has been relocated to Mountain View Blvd. Our contact details are as follows: Online: Website: www.ins.gov.bz. Facebook: Belize-Department of Immigration and Nationality Services. Walk in services are available, however, appointments can be made for all services in Belmopan by calling: Headquarters: Office telephone: 822-3680 or 822-0284. Passport (Express -24 hrs/48 hrs/5days services): 828-4554. Email: [email protected].

New York Times Travel Show Presentation
Belize presenting to over 100 agents and media at CTO's Focus On The Caribbean initiative at the New York Times Travel Show

Celebrating Exceptional Belizeans!
For the month of January, and to kick off this new series, we are excited to feature Mr. Donovan Reneau as our Exceptional Belizean! Born in Belize City, Donovan Reneau is one of Belize’s exemplary citizens who overcame great challenges as a young man and became an inspirational role model for Belizean people. On April 3, 1983, Donovan was with his family at a horse race when an accident occurred, leaving him completely blind. The onset of such a setback in his life had led him to contemplate suicide on several occasions. But his indomitable spirit always allowed him to find the courage to pull himself out of that darkness. With gradual strengthening, he was able to adapt to his situation and through his love of Music Donovan become a DJ voice that thousands of Belizeans listen to everyday on Love FM - News and Music Power. Donovan's name has become a household name, and his over 30-year career in broadcasting has allowed him to build a network and brand for himself.

U.S. Citizen Town Hall Meeting in Corozal
Friday, February 2 at 11 AM - 1 PM, Jam Rock Bar & Grill. At the meeting, we will introduce staff from the Embassy who provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Belize, discuss the services the U.S. Embassy provides, and answer questions you may have about our services. Topics include: security in Belize, hurricane preparedness, and information on renewing your passport via DHL. Limited consular public services will be offered (cash; exact change required): Adult U.S. passport renewal – BZ$220 or US$110 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-82, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page Child U.S. passport renewal – BZ$210 or US$105 Please bring current U.S. passport, completed form DS-11, 2”x2” passport photo, clear copy of passport biographic data page, birth certificate + 1 photocopy, each parent’s ID + 1 photocopy. BOTH parents must be present if listed on birth certificate. Fee for first adult renewal after age 16 is BZ$270 or US$135. Notary services – BZ$100 or US$50 (Per seal) RSVP to: [email protected]

Home Remedies That Work
Stifle Hiccups by swallowing 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar. The dry granules stimulate and reset the irritated nerve that is causing the spasms of the diaphragm. Any coarse substance, such as salt, can work in a pinch, but sugar tastes best.

8th Annual Tribute to Bob Marley
The San Pedro House of Culture hosts the Discovering Rastafari Exhibition on Feb 1st and then to Central Park on Feb 6th for a wonderful night of reggae music.

Wanted: Volunteers and become a part of the San Ignacio Santa Elena House of Culture's family

Ya'axché Conservation Trust looking for Protected Area Ranger
We have another amazing opportunity for you to join our team – as Protected Area Ranger! Yaáxché's rangers are on the frontline protecting nature within the Maya Golden Landscape of southern Belize. Interested persons can drop a letter of interest at Yaáxché's Field Station in Golden Stream or Main Office in Punta Gorda no later than Wednesday, 28th February 2018.

K'aak'as iik' (Mal aire) And the Northern Maya of Belize
For the Northern Maya of Belize which belong to the Yucatec Maya group the Air has Positive characteristics but also negative . Many of our Maya tatitos and chiichi told us about K'aak'as iik' (Mal Aire) which cause Sickness and even dead . When people get Mal Aire normally a H-men(Maya Shaman) cures it . Also the Maya Masewal of Corozal and Orange Walk perform a ritual name Jetz' Lu'um which is done to secure the prosperity of the land . They ask Los Duenos del monte protection to avoid Mal aire which may affect the land, animals and Humans who inhabit it .

Channel 7

Freak Oven Explosion Kills Baker
A 59 year old father of 3 was killed in a freak accident at a Sandhill bakery. This morning after 8:00, the Moralez's were at their 'In and Out' bakery preparing the kitchen for another baking week when the stove exploded - killing Alfonso Moralez Jr. We went to Sandhill to find out what caused this deadly bang. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: The Moralez family opened the 'IN N OUT' Bakery in Sandhill about 6 years ago. Almost every day, the workers would wake up early to start baking primarily for the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Ladyville. But this morning, instead of the warm and pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread, the heavy scent of butane lingered in the air.

Island Target, Mainland Murder
Yesterday we told you about the murder of 23-year-old San Pedro resident, Simon Velasquez. It happened here in Belize City on the corner of Bishop and Plues Street. Velasquez had just arrived in town when he was killed in broad daylight. His murder is the product of an ongoing gang warfare which is playing out on the island and the mainland. He had just been released from custody as a suspect for the murder of Paul Jex. But, more than just another gang casualty, today we travelled to San Pedro to found out more about who Simon Velasquez was from those closest to him.

Pair Charged for Ladyville Double Murder
And while there haven't been any arrests for the Velasquez murder, last night, we told you that police had charged 23 year-old Jesse Mejia for the Ladyville double murder which happened earlier this week. Well, they have also charged another man, 22 year-old Darwin Prado - who had previously been charged for a 2016 incident at the Lozano home - when Casey Lozano was shot in the hand. But now this is a 2018 double murder - and Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain are dead. So, today both Prado and Mejia were arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer. Both men have been jointly charged with 2 counts of murder for the shooting deaths of Lozano and Spain. They are also jointly charged with 2 counts each of use of deadly means of harm for the injuries that 22 year-old Jonah Gray and 47 year-old Sidney Humes suffered in the same shooting. They have also been charged with grievous harm upon Sidney Humes, and wounding upon Jonah Gray.

Godoy Family Says He’s Not The One Who Killed Cowo
And while two have been charged for that murder - one more person may be charged for Alfredo Cowo's murder on San Pedro. But, there was only one gunman - and information to 7News is that police are considering the possibility that they may have charged the wrong man the first time around. That's William Godoy but new evidence suggests that he may not be the assailant. His family has been confident from the time of his arrest that their loved one was not the one who murdered Cowo. They have been very vocal about it on social media and were even planning to have a protest, but now it seems they are going to step back and leave it in the hands of the authorities. Today on San Pedro we spoke to his brother about it:

Post Mortem: The “Oh” Sisters Were Chopped In the Head
The Post mortem for 17 year old Josephina and 19 year old Cresencia Oh has been concluded and it shows that the sisters died from multiple chop wounds to the head. They were reportedly found wearing only their blouses - but police tell us that the post mortem did not say anything about sexual assault. And while the cause of death is known, the whereabouts of the killer is not. Police have made no arrests and presently have no suspects detained.

Grandfather Run Over on San Narciso Road
There was a fatal accident last night in northern Belize. At about 6:30, 52 year old cane cutter Hermenejildo Patt was riding his bicycle on the San Narciso Road heading to San Victor village when he was run over by an Isuzu Rodeo. The driver, 35 year old Silvevestre Chable hit Patt and dragged him some distance before he stopped. Remarkably, the 52 year old survived the impact - but died on the way to the hospital. An eyewitness told CTV-3 news that Chable did not apply brakes and seemed to have been drinking: Voice of: Witness: "The victim was crossing on this side when the white Rodeo was approaching. At that moment, the man didn't brake, he just accelerated, that's when he hit him."

Norales, Who Allegedly Knocked out Nonagenarian, Gets Free Again
He's been tried twice for the same heinous crime, and, twice, Chester Norales has gotten off. In December of 2015, the 38 year old was accused of beating up his 93 year old neighbor, Patrick Grant - and then burglarizing the old man's home. The first trial seemed straightforward enough - and - even at his advanced age - Grant himself went to testify. But police didn't have the case file, and so the charges were withdrawn in December 2016. But, the southside commander at the time, ACP Chester Williams re-instated them and re-arrested Norales. Well now, that trial has ended in an acquittal - meaning he has been found not guilty and cannot be re-arrested or re-tried.

Female Tourist Roughed Up At Knifepoint in Cayo
A Czech tourist fell victim to a ruthless armed robber in San Ignacio. It happened last night at around 8:30, when Lucie Nemeckova and 4 other friends had just left a restaurant and were walking back to her room at the Venus Hotel in the downtown area. On the way, they were attacked by a man with a knife. He tried to rob her friends but they ran away, and so, he turned his attention to her. He held her against the fence at knifepoint, grabbed her handbag and fled. A security guard heard her screams and chased the attacker, but he escaped.

Customs Wants to Keep Contraband Potatoes Out Of Market
Earlier this week we told you how the Ministry of Agriculture won't be issuing any import permits for potatoes until the local supply of 3.7 million pounds is depleted. But that doesn't necessarily mean that farmers will get the price they are hoping for at the market. And that's because there's always a wild card in the deck, and it's contraband. Every day, dories come across the Rio Hondo River in northern Belize loaded with sacks of onions, cabbage, potatoes and sweet peppers. Today the Comptroller of Customs told us that their enforcement remains active in the north - and they will even go into the marketplace to weed out contraband produce:...

Shady Smokes In San Jose
And the authorities stayed true to their commitment on active enforcement when they confiscated contraband cigarettes in San Jose, Orange Walk. This morning after 6, Special Branch and the Quick Response Team found 352 cartons of assorted cigarettes packed in 10 boxes. The cartons were labelled as Found Property and handed over to customs Department.

BDF Will Take Measures to Prevent Recurrence Of GAF Casual Crossover
Last week - those images of GAF personnel freely entering the immigration hall at the Benque Viejo border stirred a good deal of controversy and outrage. It was seen on this side of the border as a bold and bare-faced affront to Belize's sovereignty and standard military protocol. Today, Defence Minister John Saldivar said that the BDF is considering its options to make sure there isn't a recurrence: Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security: "The Belize Defense Force does not have a permanent presence at the border. We are nearby for when problems arise but we don't have a permanent presence there. But we are looking at the security arrangements that currently exist with a view to correcting and taking the measures to ensure that there isn't a repeat of what took place."

Managing The Sarstoon River Reality In Real Time
Another area that the BDF has to always be monitoring are the terms of engagement on the Sarstoon River. The soldiers at the Guatemalan Navy base on their side of the river are always playing it close to the BDF and the Territorial Volunteers - often, too close. Today Saldivar said both sides must accept that a river boundary is not a thick red line:... Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security: "As long as the Guatemalans do not intervene and intercept and try to stop our access and passage through the river they are sharing that river with us as a boundary."

Minister: Major Burns Text Was Minor Matter
Keeping it on the subject of the BDF - we also asked Minister Saldivar about those text messages which were exchanged between a BDF Major and a man caught with decommissioned BDF uniforms. It happened back in July of 2017 when Sarco Torres's phone showed that he was communicating with BDF Major Jermaine Burns - who is the airwing commander. Today, Saldivar said that the uniforms are a matter for the Ministry of Finance and the Major has been cleared of wrongdoing:... Reporter: "I remember that the head of the Air-wing, there were messages sent between numbers and it said that the head of the Air-wing has sent those messages. First, has that case been closed in terms of the investigation and was that a legitimate contact?"

Welcome, General Ortega
And moving on past all that BDF bad news… The Force officially has a new commander tonight. 5 weeks ago, at the BDF's annual Christmas Lunch, Defence Minister John Saldivar announced that the transition would take place: Col. Steven Ortega would take over from Brigadier General David Jones, who is now retired. Well, Col. Steven Ortega is now Brigadier General Ortega, and he formally received command of the military at the official ceremonies to celebrate the BDF's 40th anniversary. We got a chance to speak with both Ortega and the Defense Minister about the transition in leadership. Here's what they had to say: Hon. John Saldivar - Minister of National Security: "I am very happy with the selection of Colonel Ortega now to be General Ortega to lead the BDF and his deputy, Colonel Loria and today at the ceremonies we are going to be happy to be able to see the smooth transition from one general to the other."

89 New Soldiers
The BDF also celebrated the passing out of Recruit Intake #63. The BDF trainers assembled Intake 63 on October 1 of last year, and they went through 16 weeks of intense and rigorous training in weapons handling, first aid, map reading, foot drills, communications, law of armed conflict, and conventional and non-conventional tactics. Approximately 130 applicants showed up on day 1, and at the end, only 89 passed out today. Here's what the new commander had to say about these soldiers who now join the rank and file of the BDF: Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega - New Commander of The BDF: "Recruit training is the basic introduction into the military. As the minister mentioned in his speech. This is the start of training for them. So there is always continuous training afterwards. Recruit training is where we convert the civilian into the military person. It's difficult in the beginning. He mentioned how many was there previously and how much we're left with, only 89. It takes quite a bit of discipline, especially in the terms of physical demanding and the

Customs as Business Facilitator, Not Tax Collector
Today is International Customs Day - and while no one ever wants to celebrate the tax collectors - that may not be the case anymore. Slowly, the Customs Department is trying to change its image from collector to business facilitator. This year's theme is "A secure business environment for economic development" - and that was underscored at the launching ceremony today at the Battlefield Park in Belize City: Colin Griffith, Comptroller of Customs: "We continue to work vigorously to improve integrity in customs. As we build our relationship with the business community." Hon. John Saldivar: "That there is a role for customs administration in creating the environment for economic development. Customs officials are our front line ambassadors along with immigration officials. Customs regulations are the second regulatory regime after immigration law that investors experience when coming to Belize. It is therefore imperative that we continue to improve this experience for importers and of course exporters."

Does Saldivar See Himself As Min. Of Finance?
And seeing Defence Minister John Saldivar at an event for Customs - which is under the Ministry of Finance - triggered us to ask him about his aspirations. Is that the ministry he hopes to someday hold? Maybe even as Prime Minister? Saldivar was cagey - but also candid - when we asked him about it today: Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Is your presence here an indication or an exposition of the fact that you believe that you are competent to hold the ministry of finance. You said up on the podium that policy ideas are racing through your mind." Hon. John Saldivar: "No I'm just grateful for the invitation from the customs department. As I said in my remarks I won't speculate as their motives for inviting me."

Saldivar Will Hold The Line At House Meeting
And a senior minister, Saldivar is also expected to be one of the lead debaters when the House of Representatives meets in February to decide on whether it should pay the 90+ million dollars to the Belize Bank. He told us from November that he is against paying - and today he says his position hasn't changed:... Hon. John Saldivar: "Well I am certainly convicted in what I will do on that day. I certainly believe that it was an egregious act or several egregious acts that were committed by the then prime minister and his government in costing the Belizean public millions of dollars and I find that I cannot in good conscience support the payment of that debt."

PUP Vs. UDP: In Praise Of Unity or Vive la Difference?
And while the UDP controls the majority in the House - right now the PUP is trying to win over the hearts and minds of a majority of voters. They're the ones running ads for municipals elections, and on Sunday they were all geared to a national unity convention. That has since been re-scheduled due to bad weather - but today we asked Saldivar to compare his party's last contentious convention to the PUP's friction free event:.. Jules Vasquez, reporter: "Do you want to praise the PUP? They are having a convention on Sunday and so unlike the last UDP convention which is rife with division and everyone is left with hard feelings when it's done. Hard feelings which persists the last UDP convention when a deputy leader was elected." Hon. John Saldivar: "I don't know that there was any acrimony out of that convention. Minister Faber and myself remains great friends, so I don't know that there was any."

Isidoro Beaton Cannot Be Beaten For Turf
And while Saldivar didn't want to talk about the PUP convention, he was beaming when we asked him about the FIFA accreditation for his Bandit's home field - the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan:..

Would Saldivar Speed Up Timeline For Civic?
But Saldivar also has the basketball Bandits. Their home court is the UB Gymnasium. But when they are on the road playing the Belize City Defenders - wouldn't he want them to play at the country's premier sporting facility - which is the Civic Center? Basketballers had hoped it would be open in time for the NEBL season which started last week. But, the co-chairman of BIL and the Minster of Sports Patrick Faber says it won't be ready until April. We asked Saldivar what he would do if he was the Minister of Sports:

Channel 5

Business Senator Deplores ‘Pathetic’ Excuses for Finance Act Violation
On Thursday, People’s United Party senators Eamon Courtenay and Valerie Woods brought public attention to the lack of accountability and transparency in government expenditures. This is in respect of monies [...]

Gov’t Also Afoul of Official Financial Regulations
Accompanying the Finance and Audit Reform Act are Fiscal Transparency and Responsibility Regulations. That set of guidelines contains sixteen steps, including a fiscal outlook and mid-year review report, none of [...]

Social Partner Senators Show Rare Unity
In an unprecedented move, six of the non-government parliamentarians, including church senator Ashley Rocke, sided with Senator Eamon Courtenay on Wednesday when a call was made to bring the Financial [...]

Accidental Oven Blast Kills Baker, Injures Brother
Two brothers were caught in an explosion inside their family bakery in Sand Hill, Belize District, this morning. One of them is dead and the other is hospitalized following an [...]

B.D.F. Graduates 89; Gets New Commander
At Price Barracks in Ladyville this afternoon, it was out with the old and, especially, in with the new. The national army is now forty years old and has had [...]

Changes to Protocol after Kaibil Border Walkover
Surveillance footage captured last week showed an alarming occurrence at the western border between Belize and Guatemala. Taken from inside the Customs office, a trio of Guatemalan soldiers dressed in [...]

‘Normal’ Communication Between Soldier and Person Found with Stolen Disposed Equipment
The Ministry of Finance continues to investigate how a significant quantity of outdated military equipment scheduled for disposal ended up in the hands of three civilians, including a Mexican national. [...]

Cane Farmer in San Narciso is Latest Traffic Accident Victim
A cane farmer was knocked down and killed in San Narciso Village around six-thirty on Thursday evening. Police say that thirty-five-year-old Gerardo Chable was driving his vehicle on the San [...]

2 Arraigned for Ladyville Double Murder
On Thursday evening, police officially arrested and charged a duo from Ladyville for Tuesday night’s double murder. This afternoon the two youths were brought to court for the murders of [...]

Sisters Died from Chop Wounds to Head; Killers Still at Large
Teenage siblings Josephine and Crecencia Oh were chopped to death in the southern community of San Jose, Toledo on Sunday night, while they were returning home to San Antonio Village. [...]

Chester Noralez Wins Acquittal after Accusers’ Deaths
Thirty-six year old Chester Noralez, accused in the brutal beating and home invasion against senior citizen Patrick Grant in 2015, was acquitted of the charge today before Chief Magistrate Sharon [...]

N.G.O. Senator Joins in on Government Condemnation
Earlier we heard from Private Sector Senator Mark Lizarraga on dated government expenditure that has just gone before the senate. Senator Osmany Salas, who represents the N.G.O. community, also spoke [...]

Twin Towns Join in Municipal Campaigning
The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are in full gear for the March seventh municipal elections. Both parties are on the ground campaigning house to house and [...]

Some Parts of Cayo Inundated by Rains
In the west, water levels rose cutting off access at Iguana Creek Bridge to the Spanish Lookout Community. Several other villages such as Santa Teresa and San Marcos are inundated. [...]

Customs Talks Improving Business
International Customs Day was observed around the world today in honor of this vital cog in the international financial and trade machine. As has become tradition, Belize’s Customs and Excise [...]

Customs Watches for Contraband Potatoes
The news makes regular reports on persons caught with uncustomed goods, usually contraband from the free zone and Mexico. Often these matters are settled by the department without a need [...]

NWC’s Ann-Marie Williams Headed for CARICOM Post
Ann-Marie Williams is moving on up. She is leaving her Executive Director position with the National Women’s Commission (NWC) for a regional job. Williams is heading to the CARICOM Secretariat [...]

Outgoing City Mayor Calls for Public Sector Reform
Earlier this week, News Five sat down with outgoing Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley in his final days as head of the municipal government. The two-term mayor spoke candidly about [...]

LOVE FM

Student recovering from stab wounds
“A stabbing incident yesterday evening after a football game between two high schools left a nineteen-year-old resident of Camalote Village injured. According to the victim, nineteen-year-old Sulma Escobar a resident of Camalote village, she was at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan watching a football match between Baptist and Belmopan Comprehensive High School when sometime after …

NEMO Toledo awards outstanding citizens
“After the welcome remarks by Toledo Emergency Operations Center Director Marian Nolberto, NEMO District Committee, remarks were made by Chairperson Mayor Fern Gutierrez. Guest speaker was Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Edmond Castro. Edmond Castro – Minister NEMO “I came here to thank all the representatives of the NEMO …

Experts discuss effects of human trafficking on economies
Human trafficking is known as the modern-day slavery and it is a growing problem for every country in the world. Human trafficking is mainly defined as the coercion of a person to engage in sex acts against their will or to forcefully get someone to perform labour. Sex trafficking accounts for seventy percent of human …

Gas leak causes explosion; one man dies
An explosion in Sandhill Village this morning resulted in the death of 59-year-old Alfonso Morales. The explosion occurred inside In-n-Out Bakery. Morales was with his brother, Alberto, inside the bakery fixing an oven when a match was lit and the explosion followed. Hipolito Novelo has the story.

Defence Minister comments on border incident
Last week three Guatemalan Armed Forces soldiers were captured on surveillance camera entering Belize’s Western Border office. The video is only fifty seconds long and it shows the Guatemalan soldiers causally making their way into the Western Border Office. The video shows no sign of confrontation or aggression. But the fact that the soldiers were …

Sarstoon Protocol being worked on, says Cabinet Minister
This is not the first time that Guatemalan Armed forces have illegally entered into Belizean territory. Several instances have been recorded especially in the Sarstoon River where Guatemalan Armed Forces have been recorded intercepting civilians in Belizean waters. Defence Minister John Saldivar says that the Sarstoon Protocol is still in the works. JOHN SALDIVAR, CABINET …

Minister Saldivar says Government complied with the law
On Wednesday the Senate passed a bill which approved the spending of thirteen point nine million dollars by the Government in the fiscal year 2016/2017. The People’s United Party say that the Government has broken laws because it was noncompliant with the Finance and Audit Reform Act. They say that the Government unlawfully spent the …

International Customs Day celebrated in Belize
Today Belize’s Customs and Excise Department joined its counterparts throughout the world in celebrating International Customs Day. The day is observed under the theme “A Secure Business Environment for Economic Development”. The Department held a short ceremony this morning at Battlefield Park in Belize City where the Comptroller of Customs and Excise Colin Griffith explained …

The problem of contraband potatoes
Earlier this week potato producers and importers met with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss issues facing the industry. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that the approval of import licenses for potatoes will be halted in order to allow the potato producers to successfully sell their products on the …

Thirty-nine more days to Municipal Elections
Both major political parties have launched their municipal campaign in an effort to convince voters why they are the better choice. They have thirty-nine more days to do so and Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar says that he is confident that the UDP will defeat the PUP on March 7.

PlusTV

Double Murder in Ladyville
Two persons are dead after another shooting that occurred on Tuesday night. Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain both died after they were shot sometime around 8 o’clock last night as they socialized in a yard in Ladyville. Several persons were at the scene when two gunmen opened fire at the crowd. ...

Brutal Murder and shooting in Roaring Creek
Another murder was reported in the village of Roaring Creek, Cayo District. One person shot and killed and the other was hospitalized at Western Regional Hospital. Thomas Henry and his common law wife, Kimberly Smith had just recently moved to Roaring Creek with their three children a little bit ov...

Murder on San Pedro, again!
There were three shooting incidents on Tuesday night that led to 4 people dying and 4 others injured. The first one happened at around 5 o’clock on Tuesday evening on the Island of Ambergris Caye. Two persons who were at the Boat yard in San Pedro were fired upon. They are Deon Neal and Paul J...

Amandala

Simon Velasquez, 23, shot dead in bike shop
There has been no let-up in violence in the country of Belize since the start of the New Year, but in one area, Belize City’s south side, there had been a welcomed calm. That calm, however, was shattered today, Thursday, when San Pedro resident Simon Velasquez, 23, was shot four times on Plues Street sometime after midday. His body was recovered by police from inside the Brown Bomber’s Bike Shop. According to eyewitness information, Velasquez had been in an altercation with his attacker, who pulled out a firearm and shot him at close range. Police have not yet provided any additional information in connection with this latest murder. A review of the Amandala archives reveals that Velasquez was no stranger to the law, and that there had been at least two previous attempts on his life.

13 — too many murders for January — which isn’t finished yet!
Data collected by Amandala revealed that there have been 13 murders across the country in the first 25 days of the New Year. Three females and ten males have been murdered. The Belize district tops the list with 8 murders while there were three murders in Toledo, one murder in the Orange Walk District and one in the Cayo District. The first murder of the year, which happened on Belize City’s northside, took place less than three hours into the first day of the year. Reputed Victoria Street gang boss, Leon Garcia, 29, was walking on Barrack Road when he was attacked by two men. He and another man were both stabbed multiple times. Garcia succumbed to his injuries. Police have made an arrest in this case.

GOB violated Finance and Audit Act
Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) senators Eamon Courtenay and Valerie Woods called a press briefing this morning to update the media on government’s very late Supplementary Appropriations Schedule for fiscal year 2016/2017 that the Senate was asked to approve yesterday. The two senators are alleging that the United Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow is in breach of the Finance and Audit Reform Act and “somebody has to be held accountable.” Senator Courtenay told the press that the purpose of calling the media’s attention to the issue was to highlight firstly the gross financial irresponsibility by the government and secondly, the fact that a number of the non-compliances by the government amount to criminal offences.

Three charged for Thomas Henry’s murder
Late news to Amandala this evening is that Belmopan police have arrested and charged three men for the murder of Thomas Henry and the attempted murder of Kimberly Smith and her brother, Orlando Smith. The three accused are Tyler Herrera Cruz, 18; Joseph Cadle, 22; and Israel Cadle, 19. Police said that Joseph Cadle and Tyler Cruz have been charged with Thomas Henry’s murder, while Joseph Cadle is charged with the attempted murder of Kimberly and Orlando Smith.

Ladyville man charged for double murder
On Thursday night police charged, Ladyville resident Jessie Mejia, with two counts of murder in connection with the Tuesday night shooting on Marage Road, located in an area of the village known as “Japan.” Mejia was also booked on two counts of use of deadly means of harm, one count of wounding and one count of grievous harm. Police are alleging that Mejia, 24, was one of two armed men who climbed through some high bushes around a swamp to ambush a group of men who were socializing in front of the Spain’s Marage Road residence. Marlon Spain, 25, and Casey Lozano, 24, were shot dead, while Sidney Humes, 47, and Johan Gray, 22, received gunshot injuries.

Ann-Marie Williams exits National Women’s Commission for CARICOM appointment
Ann-Marie Williams, the first Executive Director for the National Women’s Commission of Belize, last month resigned from the post she has held for nine years to take up a new appointment as the deputy program manager for gender and development at the CARICOM Secretariat. In an interview with KREM TV, Williams said that there was never a really good time to go. As a Belizean who is very rooted in her community, I think I’ve earned my keep, I’ve paid my dues. There is never a good time to really go, but when the opportunity presents itself, you really have to go. Williams said, “This is something I’ve always really wanted, to work regionally and internationally. I consider myself very honored and I am humbled.”

NADO reports clean Anti-Doping results for 2018 Krem New Year’s Classic
This morning, Krem Radio manager Michael Hyde, organizer of the 2018 Krem New Year’s Day Cycling Classic, was informed via email from the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) that results for the Anti-Doping tests at this year’s Krem Classic had all come back negative. In an email letter today to CFB President Dion Leslie from Dr. Michael Pitts, Director of the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), an arm of the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, Dr. Pitts stated: “Please be informed that the results for the three samples sent for the male Krem Classic of 2018 were received. All the tests were negative.

Dangriga sports stats Secondary school football – Dangriga Zone
The Dangriga Zone secondary school football tournament got started on Monday, January 22, at the Carl Ramos Stadium. This tournament will be a double-elimination round. In the female results on Monday, Delille Academy won over Ecumenical, 1 goal to nil, the goal coming at the 8th minute of first half from Lesly Ann Lucas, with an assist from Edith Engleton. Meanwhile, in the male, both Ecumenical High and Delille Academy ended up in a 2 to 2 tie. The goal scorers for Delille Academy were Tyler Peters and Yibemeh Lewis; while Ecumenical High goals were by Myreek Francis and Zion Ramos. Hillary Coleman was red carded for Ecumenical. Delille Academy was the host school on Monday.

Where to, Billy Boy?
Belize is a strange place indeed, and football shenanigans is as good an example as any. Now, we are all familiar with the decades-plus long struggle to liberate our football from the dictatorial yoke of past president, Dr. Bertie Chimilio. Symptomatic of that struggle was the formation of a breakaway group called the Super League of Belize, which featured some teams comparable in ability to those of the FFB’s top level league, the then BPFL (Belize Professional Football League). There were a number of flaws in the management of the Super League, not least of which was its penchant for a gross lack of punctuality in the start of its games, which often started much later than advertised. But we all endured; it was part of the battle to remove the tyrant.

Chief’s Thursday Race of January 25, 2018
It rained around 5 o’clock this morning, but 24 riders still showed up; and by our start time of 6 a.m., there was not a drop falling from the sky; and so the race was off. Ernest “Peenie” Bradley has been riding extremely aggressively recently, and today was no exception, as he attacked from the GUN, getting away with Carlton “Bubble Head” Robinson. These 2 held out the peloton all the way to Hattieville; but the Heads of State in the peloton, such as Brandon Cattouse, Hijo, the Baddest, et al, put in a furious chase, keeping the speed up to 27 mph in the headwind, thus closing in on the 2 front runners mile by mile.

Editorial: Civic absurdity
It is interesting to note that there was major controversy involved with the opening of Belize City’s first Civic Center in 1981. In the first instance, then Premier George Price did not want the auditorium to be called the “Civic” Center, because there had been a militant group called CIVIC, an arm of the Opposition National Independence Party (NIP). CIVIC (the acronym for Citizens Integrated to Voice Interest in the Community, or some such), had sprung up in the middle 1960s and railed in anti-government public meetings usually held at the Courthouse Wharf or the old Harley’s Open Lot. (CIVIC lasted well into the 1970s.) Mr. Price wanted us to call the new structure, City Center, but this became a rare occasion when he did not have his way: the Civic it became, and the Civic it remained, bounded on the north by the historic Haulover Creek, on the west by the relatively new Central American Boulevard, and on the south by St. Jude Street.

From The Publisher
If it’s drugs that the Americans want to keep out with their wall along the Mexican border, and let’s say the wall was built and succeeded in reducing the inflow of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, PCP, Ecstasy, and so on, then what that will do is raise the price of those illegal narcotic products. Always the constant in the situation is the powerful demand for these drugs amongst the American people. So there is this very rich, seemingly permanent market in the United States for products which their political leaders have declared illegal. If you build a wall and drive the prices higher, then you bring sea routes along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans into play, and perhaps even the air routes. There is simply too much money to be made bringing drugs into the United States. The money is so big, the impoverished rest of the hemisphere is willing to kill and to die to make some of the Franklins.

We stand with the Palestinians
Dear Editor, There is no time limit to how long a struggle for justice takes, so one has to be ready to go the long haul. We have been fighting for an end to racism and classism most of our lives. Growing up and facing racism in a white society on one hand and joining the civil rights movement on the other, brought us together and has sustained us through 45 years of marriage. It should be no surprise to anyone that we have supported the struggles of the Palestinian people since the mid-sixties and continue to do so. It should be no surprise to anyone that the struggle continues. We have been asked, on a number of occasions, if we were still fighting for justice and our answer is, “We are still breathing, aren’t we?” As long as we have breath to give, we will be working for equity and justice around the world.

European Nature Trust group on Bike Belize: 6 Day Mountain Bike Adventure
Editor, Amandala Sports: My name is Dylan, I’m a photo journalist and film maker. I’m coming to Belize to document a group of people (12-14 people) from The European Nature Trust (https://theeuropeannaturetrust.com/) on a 6-day, 240km mountain bike adventure through the country. The team will arrive in Belize City on the 4th of February, and the cycle takes place from the 5th until the 11th of February 2018. The aim of the adventure is: To support projects dedicated to the protection of our remaining wild places and the rich diversity of wildlife that lives there, in association with the Belize Nature Trust. We are able to offer participants not just the opportunity to join us on the most fabulous travel experience, but also the chance to help save these critically important ecosystems.

The Commercialization of Indigenous
Dear Editor, There is a slow but steady move to commercialize everything indigenous. While on the one hand this may seem contrary to the recent promotion of global indigenous trends in clothing, food, music and culture in general, a closer in-depth analysis will prove to the contrary. I grew up in a time when neither Nike, MacDonald’s, Tommy or any of the other large, name-brand corporate companies that provide, goods, foods, commodities and services was popular. We were satisfied with living simple, basic and, by all accounts, much healthier lives. We grew our own food, made our own clothing, caught and raised our meat, and anyone who has re-used an old condensed milk can as a drinking cup or cut up used clothing to stuff into a pillow as cushion or floor mat, will realize that we were masters at recycling long before anyone from the north or Europe brought that idea to us. The global indigenous trends that have taken over the world over the past couple of years, while there is much positive to it, there are those who see it merely as another way to extract profits from Third World countries. Indigenous has the positive aspect of preserving cultures, languages and music, but it is also one of the greatest areas where huge profits can be gained.

Amandala’s year in review: Part 2
July “Tied up, naked and dead,” Amandala’s lead story on July 4, was about a mysterious murder that shocked the Bangladeshi community, a small, close-knit business community operating in various parts of the country. Abdush Salam, 29, a Bangladeshi businessman who had lived and worked in Belize for a number of years, was found tied up naked and dead in his bed in an upstairs house at 4 Orange Street. Salam had operated a shop at the Novelo’s Bus Terminal. Later in that same month, police charged Juan Choc, 23, for the murder of Salam. Choc is a construction worker of Baymen Avenue.

ABUSES EVEN AT THE COURTS
I think one of the rudest, more cruel realities I had to face at law school was to realize that law was not about the ideals of truth and fairness, but rather about who could present the best evidence, had the most knowledge of the law and their rights, and who could influence the decision-maker, be it lawfully or unlawfully. I had opted to go study law after myself being dragged before the courts umpteen times and in circumstances where to my entire being it felt unjust and unfair. Yet I was legally trained to find the provisions and appreciate the nuances as to why I was right about the injustices being exercised against me. My ordeals with the courts in Belize were at their worst between 1998 and 2000, when I was a Senator for the United Democratic Party, then in opposition after suffering a massive and crippling defeat when the People’s United Party won by an impressive landslide.

Screw your upstaatnis to the right place
I had my chances to try and join the ranks of the educated elite. In my youth, higher education in the US beckoned a few times. My boss at HHL (Hummingbird Hershey, Ltd.), NE Wade, saw me “squandering” and he called me aside one day and “warned” me to go. I didn’t. I’ll leave off telling you why I didn’t go, but I’ll tell you why I never went, not even to touch ground in Miami. I had to go on a trip one time, and the travel agent, a friend, asked me if I wanted her to arrange it so I could overnight in Miami. I’d prefer not; only if I have to, I told her. So, when I got to Miami I moved from one chute to another chute, to my connecting plane. I was damned happy I didn’t have to touch their soil.

The connection between the disappearance of Kelvin Usher and the murder of Fareed Ahmad
The recent murder of Fareed Ahmad and last year’s disappearance and subsequent discovery of Kelvin Usher at first blush bear no ostensible connections. A closer analysis into both incidents, however, reveals an underlying theme: the lack of public confidence and trust in the authorities entrusted to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Belizean citizenry. The Peelian principle developed by nineteenth century two-time conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Robert Peel, asserts that the legitimacy of any police force emerges from the transparency and accountability police demonstrate while undertaking their duties.

False advertising: UDP Belize City Council slate says they built new Civic Center
CITY, Wed. Jan. 24, 2018– The massive Civic Center building with its 4,500-seating capacity that was built at a cost of 33 million dollars was recently featured in an advertisement by the United Democratic Party (UDP) Belize City Council slate, in which one councilor candidate claimed that it was the City Council which built the structure. That however, is a falsehood. In advertising the accomplishments of the UDP City Council, the councilor candidate and incumbent, Jason Edwards, standing in front of the Belize City Center, declared: “We have rehabilitated community parks and playgrounds and built a brand new Civic Center for your recreation and pleasure.”

2 die in Marage Road ambush
With four homicides occurring there between March 2016 and February 2017, Marage Road has developed a reputation as the most dangerous place to be in Ladyville. After years of violence there was a momentary lull in that community, but that was interrupted sometime around 8 o’clock on Tuesday night when two armed assailants crept from the back of the Spain family’s residence, through high bushes and swamp, to ambush a group of men socializing on the street in front of an unfenced yard. Marlon Spain, 25, was shot in the head and left for dead on his doorstep, while Casey Lozano, 24, was found dead 200 yards away. He had been shot in the back and thigh.

Jaimell Paul Jex, 32, shot dead in San Pedro
On Tuesday evening, a high-ranking member of the George Street Gang, Jaimell Paul Jex, 32, secured bail in the San Pedro Magistrate’s court after he was busted with 15 grams of marijuana. However, less than 15 minutes after securing his freedom, he was ruthlessly executed. Police investigations revealed that Jex and his cousin, Deon Neal, 32, had both exited court and were walking on Crocodile Street in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town at about 5:30 on Tuesday evening when they were ambushed. Two armed assailants emerged and set chase after the men, firing a barrage of gunshots, and injuring both targets.

Omar Cruz, 62, dies after killer bee attack
Omar Cruz, 62, a farmer and resident of Unitedville, was cutting the grass in his yard with a lawn mower and his son, Adrian, 31, was helping him clear the yard when suddenly, killer bees swarmed and attacked Cruz. He tried to get away, but reportedly fell and that was when the bees began to sting him. His son ran into the house and alerted the other family members, who ran to help him, but their efforts were in vain. They had to retreat, and the bees sustained their vicious attack on Cruz for about 45 minutes, after which the bees’ attack abated. Cruz was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital in an unconscious state, but he was declared dead on arrival.

The Reporter

Joint police operation yields contraband cigarettes
Police have found a significant amount of contraband cigarettes during a joint operation conducted by members of its Special Branch and the Quick Response units this morning. The operation took place in San Jose Village, Orange Walk and led to the discovery of 10 boxes […]

Police make arrest for Ladyville double murder
Police have arrested and charged a man for the Tuesday night double murder of Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain and for wounding two other people. Darwin Prado, a construction worker also of Ladyville, has been arrested and charged with two counts of ‘murder’, two counts […]

Man killed in traffic accident
A man from San Narciso village, Corozal was knocked down and killed on Thursday evening while riding a bicycle. Police say that sometime around 6:30 p.m., Gerardo Silvevestre Chable, 35, was driving a white Isuzu Rodeo on the San Narciso main road from the direction […]

Surviving the flu season
Almost everyone has been plagued by the flu (influenza) at one point or another in life. It is one of the most common forms of illness, yet it can prove to be deadly if the particular strain is so debilitating that our immune system is […]

Ras Indio signals coming album with new single
Renowned Belizean reggae artist Ras Indio has announced that he will be releasing a new studio album in 2018, teasing the release with the launch of his new single entitled Unity. Indio launched the new single, which features fellow Belizean artists Boss Lady, on Friday, January 19. […]

Upgrades coming to George Price Highway
Drivers who use the George Price Highway between Belmopan and Santa Elena can expect better road conditions in the near future, following the government of Belize’s announcement of upgrades coming to that section of the highway. On Wednesday, GOB through the Ministry of works, signed a contract […]

16th Annual Bob Marley fundraising concert coming soon…
The 16th annual Bob Marley Tribute and Food Drive, is just two weekends away and organizer, Joel “Dara” Robinson appeals to Belizeans to support the initiative so he can have enough supplies to sustain his feeding program for at least a few months. Robinson told […]

Butane increase set for March
The government of Belize and the companies importing butane, Z Gas, Gas Tomza and Belize Western Energy Limited, have agreed to one more price increase for butane in 2018, due under new terms in March. Director of the Belize Bureau of Standards, Jose Trejo, explained […]

Sugar production up but concerns linger over changes in EU market regime
Sugar production at the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) at Tower Hill in Orange Walk is up by roughly 10%, with cane quality also better than the same time last year. Information supplied upon request by BSI indicates that up to Sunday, January 21, a total of 287,883 tons of sugar […]

CARICOM committee submits report on marijuana
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Marijuana Commission, which was established to investigate the issue of marijuana use in the region, submitted a status report in preparation for the presentation of findings later this year. The 10-member commission submitted its report this week, noting that the […]

Tsunamis would not hammer Belize like they did Indonesia, says oceanologist
Belize would not likely be hammered as devastatingly as Indonesia was if a tsunami were to hit us, says George Hansen, an Oceanologist who has worked in Belize for more than three decades. Many people who saw the footage from the December 26, 2004 tsunami […]

Farmer mysteriously dies, police hastily rule out foul play
A Salvadoran farmer was found dead by police on Wednesday in a drain along the Hummingbird highway; however, due to the advanced state of decomposition, police could not determine the cause of death but have already ruled out foul play. Jose Romulo Cornejo, 42, of […]

Five persons detained for brutal butchering of Toledo teens
Five people are in police custody pending investigations into the brutal butchering of two Toledo teenagers on Sunday night. Sisters, Crecencia and Josephina Oh, 18 and 17 respectively, were chopped to pieces on Sunday night. The gruesome images from the crime scene, which looked like […]

Africanized bees kill man and 2 dogs
A man has died of bee stings he suffered over the weekend in his yard in Unitedville, Cayo. Omar Cruz, 62, and his son were cleaning his yard on Saturday, January 13, when a swarm of Africanized bees that occupied an adjacent abandoned building attacked […]

GSU find 51 pounds of weed in Western Paradise
A Gang Supression Unit (GSU) raid in the Western Paradise community at mile 8 on the George Price highway over the weekend yielded 133 parcels of marijuana hidden inside two PVC pipes which were buried in the ground. Just after 5:00 p.m on January 21, […]

Editorial
It’s not just our imagination! The gangs in Belize are getting bolder, targeting their victims at will, and operating with sullen impunity. Belizeans have been relying on the police to curb this rush of violence, but the Police Department has been overwhelmed by the number and variety of stealth crimes, […]

Government broke the law, claims PUP
Wednesday’s Sitting of the Senate departed from standard procedure when People’s United Party (PUP) senators requested the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, to attend the Committee Meeting, during which he acknowledged that the government had not complied with the Finance Reform and Audit Act with regard […]

Shooting proves fatal for San Pedro resident
Belize’s latest murder of the new year happened on Thursday afternoon in Belize City around 1:00 p.m., on Plues street. According to reports from the scene, three men chased 23-year-old Simon Velasquez onto Plues Street and fired three shots at him. Police and paramedics gathered […]

Queen Elizabeth II congratulates centenarian, Francesca Arnold
Congratulations were in order for career nurse-caregiver-teacher and lay-minister, Francesca Arnold, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday, January 22, and even the Queen Elizabeth II sent her a card congratulating her on this milestone. Francesca Saldivar was born in the village of San Roman, […]

4 dead, 4 injured in 5-hour bloodbath
This past week was perhaps the most violent since the start of the new year, with four murders and several more injured over a span of five hours on Tuesday night. The Tuesday night bloodbath started just after 5:20 p.m., on Crocodile Street in San […]

PACT open again for business, two employees fewer
After taking a one-week break for restructuring, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), opened this past Wednesday, but with two employees fewer. Their jobs had reportedly become redundant by the new organizational and operational framework now in place. The conservation trust issued a press release […]

Billion-dollar bud Who will reap the profits in Belize?
By William Conde Belize Hemp Co-operative The global discussion and perspective on the use of marijuana medically, recreationally and industrially has evolved over the decades. Belize recently passed legislation to decriminalize up to 10 grams of cannabis for personal use but Belize’s decriminalization effort was limited compared to other nations […]

Driver charged for causing Leonte Ampie’s death
Almost a month after Leonte Ampie, 39, was killed in an accident on the George Price highway in Camalote village on December 16, 2017, the driver of the pick-up truck which hit him was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate court. On Thursday, January 18th, Winston Gordon, 45, […]

Breaking Belize News

Notice: Immigration Headquarters relocated
The Immigration Headquarters in Belmopan has been relocated to Mountain View Blvd. Contact details are […]

Vernon family to protest in PG tomorrow
Tomorrow there will be a protest in Punta Gorda town in connection with the January […]

Ladyville businessman robbed
Last night, Freddy Hernandez, a resident of Ladyville village reported that around 8:30 p.m., while […]

St. Margaret teen reported missing
A teen girl from St. Margaret village has been reported missing by her father. Alejandro […]

Attorney General dismisses PUP claims
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte has dismissed claims by the People’s United Party (PUP) that the […]

Man ambushed and killed on Plues Street
On Wednesday, January 24, around 1:15 p.m., Belize city police visited the first floor of […]

Two young men charged for murder of Thomas Henry
Belmopan police have arrested and charged two men in connection with the murder of Thomas […]

5 tourists attacked and robbed in San Ignacio Town
According to reports, five tourists were victims of an armed robbery last night in San […]

Blogs

A Gorgeous West Side Beach Morning – TV Crew and SUP Yoga
Yesterday, I headed south of town for an early a.m. meet-up. A warm sunny January day – I turned through the imposing gates of Mahogany Bay Village and pulled up to Science and Soul Wellness – the GORGEOUS yoga studio, spa and meeting spot. We were headed out to showcase the MBV Beach Club and the Stand Up Paddle board yoga class S&SW conducts in this ridiculously stunning spot. Climb the stairs, they have the HUGE upstairs space. The most recent class had just finished and ladies and men were lounging on the couches drinking lightly scented waters…all so very…namaste.

Belize Customs and Excise Department; Post Clearance Audit
The Belize CED believes that an effective and efficient PCA function is an essential component of a modern Customs Administration. The ultimate goal is a balanced compliance and enforcement strategy of allowing trade to move more quickly and easily across the border, supported by the ability of Customs to selectivelyand effectively intervene to ensure that all Customs requirements have been met as per the relevant laws regulations. PCA helps to ensure that clients report their importations to Customs accurately and on time, and that the correct amount of revenue is paid. PCA auditors review past importations and where errors are found, revenue adjustments are made for collection. During the audit, further guidance and information is provided to assist importers in improving complaiance with all Customs Obligations and procedures.

International Sources

The Most Beautiful Places in Belize that Aren’t Beaches
Belize is quickly getting a reputation for being one of the hottest spots in Central America. More than a million tourists visit annually for the beaches, Great Barrier Reef, countless islands and natural beauty. But not everyone wants to relax in a hammock and spend all their time in one of the luxurious overwater bungalows in Belize. With the variety of ancient ruins, natural wonders and national parks dotted around the island, it’s easy to indulge in a different type of tourism. Here are the top non-beach places to visit in Belize.

Belize's Garifuna Collective Showcases Central American Culture to a Wider Audience
During his childhood in Belize, bassist Al Ovando grew up surrounded by music. His father played guitar and he and his brothers had a family band. Even as a child, Ovando took the reins, setting up equipment and tending to instruments that needed repair. Now, as an adult, he's the bandleader of the pioneering Garifuna Collective, a renowned music group that has taken the music of the Belizean Garifuna people around the world. Ovando says live music plays a significant role in people's lives, but the Garifuna Collective is among the first major acts to break out of the Central American nation. Perhaps its greatest contribution is providing a foundation upon which other Belizean musicians can share their music with an even wider audience. "All the band members understand the mission, what they want to share with the world... but the bigger mission for us is to keep doing what we are doing and set up a platform for other Belizeans coming behind." He says that involves mentoring musicians not only when it comes to the actual music, but on administrative aspects as well, from navigating the logistics of touring to doing interviews. "There is nobody in Belize who has ever done this on this level," he says. "We are pioneers when it comes to... bringing the awareness to this vast world."

Coral Reefs In Central America Are Finally Getting Healthier
Coral reefs have been struggling in recent years, with reports that huge swathes of it had succumbed to coral bleaching; the Great Barrier Reef had its most devastating die-off ever recorded in 2016, as CNN reported at the time. Bleaching happens when ocean temperatures get to hot. As Stephanie Wear, The Nature Conservancy’s director of coral reef conservation, told Nature, the color from coral actually comes from tiny algae that live symbiotically with it. “The first thing to understand is that corals get their brilliant colors from tiny algae that live in their tissues. These tiny organisms live in harmony with coral animals, and they basically share resources,” Wear explains. “For example, the most important thing that the algae do is provide food to the corals through carbohydrates they produce during photosynthesis."

Initiative announced to end malaria in Central America and the Dominican Republic
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carlos Slim Foundation have announced an initiative to support seven Central American countries and the Dominican Republic in taking the final steps necessary to eliminate malaria in their territories. The Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative (RMEI) will bring $83.6 million in new funds, and is expected to leverage over $100 million in domestic financing and $39 million of existing donor resources across the region by 2022 to ensure malaria remains a top health and development priority despite dwindling numbers of cases. The funding will serve to close the technical and financing gaps to support and execute country elimination plans in Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Videos

The Caves of the Chiquibul, 6min. By Carol Farneti Foster. Area being exploded heavily by Guatemalans and needs protection FCD is protecting the area but needs to gather more funding. and help from government for protection.

Raspacola and Macal River areas in Chiquibul Reserve in Belize, 4min. This specific area is now a dam site and the animals no longer are there. They had cut down the trees where the Scarlet Macaws nest and the tapirs and other animal roaming around for food. The web of life has been broken. Now(and for many years in past)the Guatemalans are coming over the border into the Chiquibul Reserve and using Belize's natural resources through mining, farming, killing animals for food and taking the scarlet macaw young to sell in Guatemala.

Rio on Pools, Belize | Aerial View, 2.5min. This is a remote location that can be found in Mountain Pine Ridge Area in Belize. It's a beautiful place to swim during the dry season but can only be reached by car or motorcycle if it's not too wet. We reached this area after hitchhiking for 3 hours since the road is all dirt road. It's recommended you leave early and try to visit during the weekend which is when locals tend to visit the area.

Costa Deliziosa Scuba diving Belize City, 8min. Finally got to do some scuba diving at Belize City

Jaguar in MPR, 10sec. Just returned from a little field work in the Mountain Pine Ridge. Here is a nice video of a jaguar there! He slows down slightly to check out the Panthera camera on the other side of the trail.

FIFTY TWO YEAR OLD SAN NARCISO RESIDENT IS FATALLY KNOCKED DOWN, 5min. A teacher from Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico is facing the possibilities of serious criminal prosecution after the vehicle he was driving hit and ran over a 52 year old man who worked as a cane cutter in the village of San Narciso on Thursday evening. Today we visited the community to find out more.

MEET THE FUTURE SCIENTISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS OF MUFFLES HIGH SCHOOL, 12min. The biennial Science and Business Fair hosted by Muffles College High School here in Orange Walk Town kicked off this morning at the school’s auditorium where students from all four levels were provided with an opportunity to showcase a portion of what they have learnt throughout the first semester of the school year. Today as the fair was opened to the public, our news team visited the high school and filed the following report.

THE CHARITABLE ROOTS FOUNDATIONTRIBUTES TO BOBMARLEY CONCERT FOR RAISING FUNDS FOR CHILDREN, 5min. For the past seven years, the Charitable Roots Foundation, a non-profit organization, has been hosting their annual ‘Tribute to Bob Marley Concert’ here in the north, with the aim of raising funds to provide financial assistance to the families of children who suffer from several illnesses and who are also in dire need of immediate medical attention.

Belize Now | January 26, 2018, 28min. In tonight’s headlines: Twin town residents take advantage of infrastructure works, and what to do in the event of another tsunami warning. These stories and more on this week’s edition of Belize Now. Thanks for joining us on this Friday, January 26th, 2018.

What's Going on? Crazy Sting Ray And Shark Encounters - Belize Vlog, 12min. In this travel vlog I travel to the amazing country Belize. I jump between islands and go a cool snorkeling trip around Caye Calker to see alot of nurse sharks and southern sting rays.

al sur del mundo LA RESERVA MARINA DE HOL CHAN (BELIZE), 32min. LA RESERVA MARINA DE HOL-CHAN (BELIZE) Una fascinante exploración por el mundo submarino de los arrecifes de coral en las antiguas aguas costeras del caribe. Miles de turistas, llegados desde. Buceo con tubo en la Reserva ina de Hol Chan en Belize. Un dia de snorkel con Tiburones Nodriza, tortugas y rayas en la reserva marina Hol Chan, Belice. Tiburones nodriza rodean nuestro velero en la reserva marina de Hol Chan, Belice.

[Doku HD] Reise durch Amerika - Belize, ein Schmelztiegel der Kulturen, 37min. Das kleine Land Belize nimmt hinsichtlich seiner Kultur und Geschichte eine Sonderstellung unter den Ländern Mittelamerikas ein. Die parlamentarische Monarchie war vor ihrer Unabhängigkeit. Etwa eine Autostunde südlich von Panama-Stadt, einst als erste europäische Siedlung an der Pazifikküste gegründet und heute pulsierende Hauptstadt der Republik Panama, ragt die Halbinsel.

Belize 2018 Dive Summary, 7min. Mark and Rick diving Ambergris Caye with the gang at Chuck and Robbie's.

Montage Vidéo Kizoa: BELIZE EN MER 2018, 6min.

Eli versus the Belize cows, 2.5min. I found those beasts to be passive aggressive. They look mild and friendly, but don't be fooled. They are evil.

Belize 2017, 18min. Our trip to Gaia where we hiked to see the Mayan pyramids. We went scuba diving and snorkeling in Ambergris Caye.

Sighting of dolphins in Belize, 1min.

Verdes vs San Pedro Tiger Sharks, 3hr.

January 26, 2018

Belize Tourism Board New York Sales Presentations

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

Island resident Simon Velasquez murdered in Belize City
Police have confirmed that a San Pedro resident was gunned down on Thursday, January 25th in Belize City. The victim has been identified as 23-year- old Simon Velasquez, who according to unconfirmed reports was targeted by a trio of gunmen at Plues Street. Police have confirmed the incident, but an official report is yet to be issued by authorities. Velasquez, who reportedly resided in the Boca del Rio Area, had several run-ins with the law. His first encounter with the police took place in March of 2012 when he confronted police and was shot in the process. The official report states that police were called to an area of the San Juan Subdivision around 3:30PM, where Velasquez had been involved in a series of fights. When police arrived, Velasquez saw them and allegedly ran away. Police set chase, but Velasquez apparently jumped two fences and made his way to an overgrown empty lot near the lagoon. Two officers pursued him on foot and found him hiding. When officers approached him, they said that Velasquez pulled out a stick and charged at one of them.

SPTC and local law enforcement discuss current crime situation in SP
The San Pedro Town Council and the Office of the Mayor expresses concern over the recent shootings on the island. Over the past few days, the council has been meeting with representatives of the police department and a follow up meeting is scheduled for the weekend. It is our hope, that following this meeting, a course of action will be taken to help reduce tension between rival groups that has contributed to the recent shooting. The Ministry of National Security has given the council the reassurance, that the Government of Belize will do whatever it takes, to re-establish a sense of security on the island for our citizenry and visitors. The council will be meeting with the Area Representative and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Manuel Heredia, the Minister with responsibility of Police (Home Affairs) Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., and Senior Personnel from the Police Department, to establish what those measures will be.

Forest and Fisheries Departments get SMART
Belize’s conservation agencies, both government and non-governmental, have been using the Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool (SMART) technology to monitor the use and exploitation of the nation’s natural resources for some time now. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change officially endorsed the effectiveness of the SMART technology at a ceremonial handing-over of licensing equipment by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the Radisson Fort George Hotel on Wednesday morning, January 24th.

San Pedro R.C School awards top 10 students on BJAT examination
On, Monday, January 15th, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) held a ceremony to award the top 10 students for their outstanding performance on the Belize Junior Achievement Test (BJAT). “We decided to award our top ten students as to motivate them and the upcoming ones, and to let them see that we acknowledge their hard work and dedication,” said SPRCS Principal Roxani Kay. The SPRCS top ten students included first place student Radley Rodriguez, Ruan Azueta took second place, third place went to Kristian Bardalez and Cassian Chavaria, Maria Carrera took fourth place, Jarvin Velasquez took fifth place, sixth place went to Angelique Castellanos and Oscar Gamez, Bryan Monje took seventh place, Jose Beteta came in eighth, Rochelle Acosta took ninth place and Charles Saki placed tenth.

Ambergris Today

Government of Belize Endorses “SMART” Technology for Conservation Law Enforcement
On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, the Government of Belize officially endorsed the use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). The SMART technology is already being used by several government and non-governmental organizations. SMART is the world's leading tool for conservation law enforcement monitoring. The software and training materials both extend and simplify existing technologies for monitoring efforts to tackle poaching and other illegal activities, making those technologies more effective, efficient and user-friendly.

SP Town Council and Law Enforcement Discuss Current Crime Situation
In response to the recent crime situation on Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council has issued a press release stating that the San Pedro Town Council and the Office of the Mayor expresses concern over the recent shootings on the island. It says that over the past few days, the council has been meeting with representatives of the police department and a follow up meeting is scheduled for the weekend.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Defence Force gets a New Commander for 40th Anniversary
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) will hold official ceremonies to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Friday, January 26th at Price Barracks, Ladyville, commencing at 2:30 p.m. The event includes the passing out of Recruit Intake 63 and the official handing over of Command of the BDF from Brigadier General David Jones--who retired in December 2017, after four years as Commander, to Brigadier General Steven Ortega. Incoming Commander, Brigadier General Steven Ortega was born and raised in Esperanza Village in the Cayo District. He attended Sacred Heart College and Belize Technical College before joining the BDF in 1990. He thereafter attended the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and was Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of the BDF in 1992. Throughout his twenty-seven years of service in the BDF, General Ortega attended various courses and conferences locally, regionally, and internationally.

Corozal House of Culture Full Moon Concert
Greetings from the Corozal House of Culture! We welcome 2018 with our first musical event of the year. As part of the Full Moon Concert Series the Corozal House of Culture kindly invites you to enjoy a night of cultural music with the Benque Marimba Music Program’s Los Hijos del West. Please join us at 7:30 pm Saturday January 27th, 2018 here at the House of Culture for a wonderful night of marimba music.

Spatial Monitoring and Report Tool
Congratulations to the WCS Belize for the launching of the Spatial Monitoring and Report Tool in Belize! This is a tool aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of Belize's natural resources. Ya'axché Conservation Trust has been leading the customization and adoption of SMART in the terrestrial protected areas we manage. We are utilizing SMART to improve our patrols and data collection within Bladen Nature Reserve, Golden Stream Corridor Preserve and Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve.

Ek' Balam Poktapok team in Orange Walk Central Park Saturday
Ek' Balam Poktapok team will be presenting in Orange walk central park this Saturday at 8 in the night. Disfruten nuestra Cultura Maya del Norte de Belize . Kux'ano'on(We are Alive) .

PACT Issues Statement on New Organizational Structure
On January 16, 2018 the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) initiated a transition process to adopt a new organizational structure and operational framework. On January 23, 2018, PACT successfully completed the transition with its employees. As part of this process, employees were given paid leave and a copy of the draft contract to aid them in their consultation and consideration of the new terms which to date they have all voluntarily accepted; some employees doing so as soon as the day after being notified. PACT received no objections from employees to signing their contracts of service. In response to the Public Service Union’s allegation, no staff member was summoned to the office to sign contracts. Neither was any staff member forcefully coerced to sign contracts. Additionally, it should be noted that there is no type of agreement between PACT and the PSU and PACT did not receive any indication from its Union members that they wished to be represented by the Union in this matter.

CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS..
Find out more about the call for proposals and apply here. In September 2015, the United Nations ratified the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which set 17 critical socioeconomic and environmental goals for the world’s countries to achieve over the next 15 years. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is both a stand-alone SDG and a part of the other 16 SDGs. In 2016, Compete Caribbean conducted research into how the gender composition of ownership and management affected firm performance in the Caribbean. This research suggested that women-owned firms are significantly smaller, less likely demand credit from financial institution, less likely to take advantage of technical assistance and more likely to perceive access to finance as an obstacle to their businesses.

Part time Job Opportunity at Euphoria21 in Corozal
Another vacancy is currently available for a waitress at Euphoria21. We're hoping to find a female that is dependable and responsible. Between ages 20-30, with previous experience in the field. Important to note this is a weekend only job. Therefore its a great oppurtunity for someone looking to earn a little extra. Interested persons...Kindly inbox us here or visit us at White's Auto Wash.

JOB OPPORTUNITY in COROZAL
Kuylen's Gas Service announces vacancy for the post of "Office Assistant".

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216102482105018582/
Belikin will be having auditions in Cayo for their 2019 calendar on Saturday, March 3rd, at Midas. Call 227-7031 if you're interested. "2019 Belikin Stout Calendar Auditions! Auditions start at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Attire: tank top and shorts (swimsuit recommended) Call 227-7031 if you would like to schedule your time."

The United States Peace Corps Belize has a vacancy for the position of Program Manager, Health Project
Basic Functions of the Position: The Program Manager (PM) oversees project direction, collaborates with Belizean work partners, develops work sites, and provides oversight, training, mentoring and support for 40 to 60 Volunteers. She is also a valuable member of the management team, providing innovative and creative ideas for the efficient operations of the Peace Corps program in Belize. This position is based in Belmopan and requires extensive year-round travel throughout the country. Required: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, Health Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, or related field; andat least 5 years of relevant experience in community health development, project coordination and/or technical training.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
The Post, Suburbicon, Thor: Ragnarok, Woody Woodpecker.

Join our team at Ya’axché as Development Officer Volunteer!
Join our team at Ya’axché as Development Officer Volunteer! Ya’axché, like most NGO’s, is financed mostly through grant funding. The Development Officer Volunteer contributes a critical role within the Development Team, a team that leads fundraising according to Ya’axché’s Fundraising Strategy. Deadline to submit application is February 28 2018.

Channel 7

Gang War Rages From Island to Mainland: San Pedro Man Killed On Arrival In City
There was more bloodshed this afternoon on city streets. 23 year old San Pedro resident Simon Velasquez was gunned down at the corner of Bishop and Plues streets which is known gang turf. He had just come in from the island - and killers didn't waste any time in settling a score between rival drug gangs based between Belize City and San Pedro. There isn't much concrete information at this time but Courtney Weatherburne puts together what we know so far. A band of police officers blocked off Plues Street this afternoon around 1:30. After a man was shot and killed at the corner of Bishop and Plues Streets. The victim has been identified as 23 year old Simon Velasquez.

Police Charge Three For Roaring Creek Murder, Also Gt Murder Weapon
All Kimberly Smith wants is justice for the killing of her 31 year old common law husband Thomas Henry. Well, Belmopan police have delivered on that justice and solved this case rather quickly. A trio of Roaring Creek men men have been charged. They are 18 year old Tyler Cruz, 22 year old Joseph Cadle and 19 year old Israel Cadle. Cruz and Joseph Cadle were charged with Henry’s murder. Cadle was also charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and wounding for shooting Kimberly Smith in the back. Israel Cadle was charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition. That weapon is believed to be the one used in the shooting. Joseph Benjamin was additionally charged for two counts of Attempted Murder, one count of Use of Deadly Means of Harm and Wounding.

Police May Charge Another For Cowo Murder
Tonight San Pedro police are investigating the possibility that William Godoy may not be the shooter in the murder of Alfredo Cowo on San Pedro 9 days ago. 7News is reliably informed that police have re-opened the investigation into that murder and may end up charging someone else. Now, Godoy has already been arraigned for murder and is on remand - against the bitter protestations of friends and family who say he has an airtight alibi for the time span when the murder was committed on Tuesday January 16th. Island police are re-examining the entire murder investigation in light of new evidence which reportedly points to another shooter. We are told this shooter may also have a connection to someone in law enforcement.

Murder Up, But Major Crime Was Down 6.8% for 2017
So, in the first 25 days of 2018 there have been 24 shootings and 12 murders - which is up from last year January when there were 9 murders. So while 2018 has a violent start - Police Headquarters in Belmopan finally released the official crime statistics for 2017 - and it shows that major crime is down - despite the murder total being up. As we were expecting, the police murder total is 142 - which - according to our count - is off by at least three murders - our total is 145. But, going with their numbers - that total of 142 homicides, is four more than the previous year - an increase of 2.9%. In other major crimes, there was one less rape reported, 26 more robberies, 43 fewer burglaries, 99 fewer thefts, and 32 fewer cases of unlawful sexual intercourse. Again, all these figures are what was reported - we know that many major crimes - except murder - go unreported.

One Man Charged For Ladyville Double Murder
Late this evening, police informed us that they have charged one notorious Ladyville figure for the double murder of Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain - which happened two nights ago. The accused is 24 year old Jesse Mejia who has been charged for 2 counts of murder, and 2 counts of use of deadly means of harm, and 1 count of wounding and 1 count of grievous harm for shooting two other persons in the murderous melee. Mejia has been charged for violent, gun-related crimes in Ladyville many times before.

PUP Senators Say GOB Ran Red Lights With Petro-bucks
At the Senate yesterday, the Government Senators tabled and passed the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill of 2016-2017. The bill regularizes the unbudgeted public spending of some 13.9 million dollars that the government already disbursed and used as far back as 2016. The Government takes these types of bills to the House every 3 months for use of Petrocaribe funds, and in the use of those 13.9 million dollars, some of it went to relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Earl in August 2016, as well as Belize Infrastructure Limited for different construction project, and the Barrow Administration’s Mother’s Day Cheer. But, the debate heated up when the Opposition accused the Government of violating the Finance and Audit Reform Act and the Fiscal Transparency and Responsibility Regulations of 2010. In the end, the UDP Majority in the Senate passed the bill, and dismissed the Opposition’s concerns as politicking for the sake of it.

UDP Senator Says PUP Claims Farcical
So, we went to UDP Senator Michael Peyrefitte for a response, since he’s the Attorney General, and a sitting member of the Senate. And he wasn’t too kind to his senate colleagues on the Opposition side. Here’s how he insisted that the Government has not run a red light with the Finance and Audit Reform Act: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "Listen there is a practical reason for the delay in bringing the appropriations budget. You cannot know in certain instances, you don't budget for a hurricane from year to year for example. You don't budget for hurricane so if a hurricane occurs or a hurricane comes close enough that causes damage you have to immediately come to the rescue of the people in need and then when that is done you do an appropriations budget to cover the expenses of taking care of people. Those things cannot be completed in a day, in a week or in a month.”

You Decide….
But, while the matter of public spending could be very technical, it is a matter of urgent public interest. We’ve put together a few of the major points that the two sides presented today for you to make up your own mind about who’s right and who’s wrong in the way these revenue appropriation bills are handled: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte - Attorney General: "The opposition Senators and members in the house they are just so incompetent and to call a press conference to discuss a matter that was recorded and debated yesterday just reeks of utter desperation on the part of the PUP." Eamon Courtenay - PUP Senator: "We cannot be faulted by saying that we are attempting to make political mileage of this, they were the ones who brought the bill to the national assembly at this time and they were the ones who set the dates for the hearings and we were doing our job okay? So in terms of timing they are the ones who control timing."

Mayflower Neighborhood Quick To Anger With Cops
There was an uproar on Maylflower Street in Belize City this evening when resident form the gang affiliated Ghost Town area clashed with police. Passers-by called our cameras out to the area because residents were looking to clash with police who had to call for backup. When we got there the excitement had subsided - but what triggered it was when a woman police contactable tried to arrest a female resident of the area. Her neighbors weren't about to have it - and they pounced on the police. In the end, the cost superior numbers forced them to back down and the uproar was defused without incident.

Global Intellectual Property Pressures May End Premium Channel Spree On Cable
It’s not exactly a sexy issue - but intellectual property is an emerging topic of national importance. It may seem remote to you - but it could be as close as that remote control at your fingertips. We’re talking about cable television - and those 200 plus channels which you pay 45 dollars a month for. It’s the cheapest, and dollar for dollar, best cable in the world - and - the be blunt - it’s made possible by mass copyright infringement - which doesn't pay for the intellectual property of the US based rights owners. But that could great cable package could change soon - as it has in other Caribbean countries. Belize is now coming under the microscope for its rather loose intellectual property regime. Earlier this week on the show “Know Your Rights” here on Channel 7, intellectual property specialist, Attorney Marissa Longsworth explained the peculiar situation of cable television in Belize:…

Ann-Marie’s Moved On From Those Many Slights
Last night on 7News we had our interview with Ann-Marie Williams who’s taken up a post at the CARICOM Secretariat as the Deputy Program Manager For Gender & Development. It’s a major international posting in Guyana - but as she leaves Belize behind - for the time being - we wondered, does Ann - Marie still want to be a politician? Jules Vasquez: "Is the political fire still burning in you that maybe someday you would want to step back and reenter that ever appealing fray?" Anne Marie Williams: "Put it like this I have an inextinguishable blaze, my fire burns and it burns bright but if you notice that I have put my energies to getting women involved and elected for politics, the women in politics project and so that fire was never for myself personally because if you achieve and its only you alone and you look back and there's no one there then you haven't done well and that's a message for all. And so had I gotten there I would have been bringing a number of women with me. I didn't get there but look at my handy work it continues undaunted."

Muslims Meet In Belize
Today the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama' At held a press conference to share more about their fourth annual convention that will take place this weekend. The convention is chance for them to share more about their beliefs and practices with the general public. President Naveed Mangla shared more. Naveed Mangla, President - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: "We have representatives from Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, Honduras. Some of them have arrived and some are coming tomorrow. We invite all our local Belizean Brothers and Sisters to come and learn about what this religion is. The reason why it is important to learn about Islam is that right now 24% of the world population is Muslim."

A Center For Hand In Hand
Hand In Hand Ministries is known for its community initiatives - and the many houses they have handed over to needy persons. But, they had no home for themselves - a single central location with facilities and services for the community. Well, after three years of hard work, their building is finally up. Today was the opening ceremony and we spoke to one of the biggest advocates and supporters of the project. Abel Vargas - Hand In Hand Ministries: "The building isn't completed yet but we have been working on the building for the past three years going on four years. It is actually 40 by 90. It is two level and houses all our programs under one roof which is one of our biggest accomplishments."

Father Gets Fined For Threatening Son
Tonight, a 42-year-old Belize City father, Sheffield Brown, is lucky to be home and not behind bars after he admitted in court to assaulting his 13-year old son and threatening him. Brown who well known to police appeared this morning before Senior Magistrate, Aretha Ford where he was read two criminal offenses of common assault upon his son and using threatening words upon the boy. The incident occurred at the child’s home in the presence of the baby sitter and his older sister. According to a report made by the Baby Sitter, she told police that the boy was home when Brown came to see him. He asked his son to cook some noodles for him. The boy refused and that’s when his father stoned him with an object and threatened to kill him.

Rock It, Jeezy!
He’s from Seine Byte, but the Punta artist named Jeezy is lighting up dance floors all across the country with his new song “Wine Gial”. It’s part of a 10 track album which also features reggae and dancehall. He told us that he’s been making music since he's 7: The party-ready album is available at Stone Jame and Teddy’s for eight dollars.

Channel 5

San Pedro Gang Rivalry Spreads to City as Simon Velasquez is Murdered
There is another murder to report tonight and many believe that the brazen execution of Simon Velasquez on Plues Street this afternoon may be related to the ongoing spate of [...]

3 Charged for Murder of Thomas Henry
Belmopan Police say they’ve got a two-for-one murder case solved. This evening, police charged Tyler Herrera Cruz and Joseph Cadle for the killing of Thomas Henry, but they say the [...]

Arrest Announced in Ladyville Double Murder
As you heard, three persons were charged in connection with the murder of Thomas Henry in Roaring Creek, who is one of four persons killed by gun violence on Tuesday. [...]

Major Crimes Down for 2017
Police are reporting a significant decrease in the number of major crimes reported across Belize in 2017. Some one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two major crimes – defined as murder; [...]

How G.O.B. May Have Violated Finance and Audit Act on Appropriations
Is the Barrow Administration guilty of breaking the Finance and Audit Reform Act? It’s an admission that Financial Secretary Joseph Waight reportedly made before the Senate on Wednesday, in respect [...]

Gov’t Admits “Slippage;” Criminal Complaint?
With the FinSec’s purported confession that the Finance and Audit Reform Act has not been complied with, is there a course of action that can be taken against government by [...]

It’s Not Politics; Says P.U.P., but Accountability and Transparency
Many of the opposition’s detractors will perhaps say that the People’s United Party is simply looking to capitalize on political mileage ahead of the March seventh municipal elections, given the [...]

Can We Believe B.I.L. Figures?
Nearly every municipality in Belize now has its own multi-purpose center or sporting complex upgraded or built from the ground up by the special purpose vehicle Belize Infrastructure Limited. The [...]

We Will Do Our Best on Trafficking in Persons, Says A.G. after Ban
For the next year, Belize has been placed on a list of nations whose nationals are not eligible to obtain temporary U.S. work visas of the H-Two-A and H-Two-B non-immigrant [...]

Jackie Willoughby Got Explanation on Slander from P.S.U.
Ten days ago, former president and long-serving executive of the Public Service Union, Jacqueline Willoughby, severed ties with the union, although she continues to complete her remaining duties as a [...]

Jaguar Killer Still on Loose; Minister Says Trafficking Being Considered
The public outcry on two beheaded jaguars was sounded across the city and a ten thousand dollar reward was set up to catch the poachers. But so far, there hasn’t [...]

PACT Restructuring ‘by the Book’
On Wednesday, we reported on the exchange between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust and the Public Service Union over the fate of six PACT employees who are also members of [...]

Sugar Roads Coming
Last week, we showed you the poor condition of the Indian Church-San Carlos Road, one of the sugar roads used by farmers of sugar cane and other agricultural products to [...]

‘Tsunami of Infrastructure’ Washing over Belize
There’s a tsunami sweeping the country – but not the kind from the sea. According to the Ministry of Works, it will be very busy in 2018 with road construction [...]

The Municipal Campaign in O.W.
Our series on the campaign trail today took us to the northern municipality of Orange Walk where a split council headed by a P.U.P. mayor controls the everyday operations of [...]

Getting SMART About Sustainable Management
Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is a new tool being used by marine and terrestrial conservationists in Belize. The software was introduced locally a little over five years ago [...]

Hand in Hand Opens New Office
Hand in Hand Ministries is known for building houses in three days, but their own headquarters took them a lot longer – three years and counting. And today they proudly [...]

Fisherman Jailed for Repeat Offenses
A fisherman from Trial Farm in Orange Walk is serving a jail sentence for failing to pay old fines related to fishing offenses, and more time was added on Wednesday [...]

Guatemalan Teens Wanted Jobs, Forgot Passports
A trio of Guatemalan teenagers can expect a longer stay in Belize after illegally crossing the border on Monday morning. They were detained at the Novelos’ Bus Terminal in Belize [...]

Why You Need Health Insurance
Should you or shouldn’t you invest in health insurance? We have all heard stories of families who after one major medical trauma have incurred major debt. Right here in our [...]

LOVE FM

San Pedro Resident Killed in the Old Capital
Another man is dead tonight after he was shot in the vicinity of Bishop and Plues Streets in Belize City shortly after one o’clock this afternoon. He has been identified by police as 26-year old Simon Velasquez, a resident of San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Police have not issued many details of the …

Three charged for Roaring Creek murder
Belmopan police have charged three persons for the shooting in Roaring Creek Village on Tuesday night which resulted in the death of Thomas Henry. 22-year old Joseph Cadle was charged with the murder of Thomas Henry and attempted murder of Kimberly Smith who was also injured in the shooting. Cadle was also charged with the …

San Pedro Town Council moves to curb gun violence on the island
In San Pedro Ambergris Caye, the Town Council is taking action to curb the rising gun violence on the island. In a release issued today, the Council states that it has been meeting with the Police to chart a course of action to reduce tensions between rival groups on the island. The Council states that …

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Belize to hold 4th Convention
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Belize is holding its fourth Annual Convention on January 27-28 at ITVET. The convention will host people with various backgrounds, religions and academia. The revival movement was founded in 1889 and spans over 204 countries with millions of persons following in the teachings. Imam Naveed Mangla, President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at …

No Foul Play Suspected in Death of Salvadoran Farmer
Police say they do not suspect foul play in the death of 42-year-old Jose Romulo Cornejo. The Salvadoran farmer of Sarawee Village was found dead and in a state of advanced decomposition in a drain between miles three and four on the Hummingbird Highway. He was clad in a long blue jeans pants and a …

SMART Technology launched for Marine and Forest Department
On Wednesday the Fisheries and Forest Departments endorsed the Spatial Monitoring Interactive Tool, a Smart technology tool that will help increase efficiency in the collection, sharing and analyzing of data. Country Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society, Nicole Auil Gomez explained how it works. Nicole Auil Gomez – Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society “It has …

JP Association holds 17th Annual General Meeting
The National Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of the Supreme Court will be hosting its seventeenth annual general meeting on Sunday January 28. National president, Adrian “Danny” Madrid said that key points in their meeting are the appointment of some thirty new JPs and the recognition of many others from across the …

Hand in Hand Ministries Opens New Headquarters
Hand In Hand Ministries officially opened and dedicated its new headquarters in Belize City today. The Fowler Community Center is located at mile 1 ½ on the George Price Highway across from the Inspiration Center. The new building will help to improve the organization’s efficiency in implementing its programs by bringing all the offices under …

Dangriga Rotary Club and partners pilot project
Harry Arzu reporting… Aquaponics is a natural way of raising both fish and plants together; a system that produces two crops simultaneously and it is very efficient. It is a method of farming that uses the excrements of fish without the use of pesticides or herbicides and it can produce plenty of food every week …

Import licenses for potatoes put on pause
The approval of import licenses for potatoes has been put on pause by the Ministry of Agriculture. This decision was made during a meeting that Ministry officials held with potato producers and importers yesterday in Belmopan. The meeting came after potatoes farmers expressed concern that they might have challenges selling their thousands of pounds of …

PUP Senators question BIL’s Budget
For the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Number 3, 2017 an additional seven point three million dollars were budgeted for Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). For the Fiscal year 2016/2017 five hundred thousand dollars was initially budgeted for BIL but at the end of the year, that amount grew to nineteen point eight million dollars. PUP …

Laws were broken says Lead PUP Senator
Yesterday the Senate approved and passed the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Number 3, 2017. Through this bill, Government sought approval for spending thirteen point nine million dollars between 2016 and 2017. That spending was in relation to Government’s Mothers’ Day Cheer Program, Hurricane Earl Relief and budgetary support for Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). Senators …

UDP Senator says delay was practical, not illegal
Responding to the PUP Senators is the Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte. After the PUP’s press briefing, we sought out Peyrefitte for a response to the comments made by Senators Eamon Courtenay and Valerie Woods. Peyrefitte admitted that there was a delay in bringing the appropriation bill but the reason behind the delay, he says, is …

PSU and PACT at odds
The Public Service Union, PSU, and the Protect Areas Conservation Trust, PACT, are at odds. Last week PACT announced that it had embarked on a restructuring exercise. PACT says that it has decided to execute this restructuring exercise in order to implement a new operational framework. However, the PSU says that PACT employees have been …

PUP Senators say GOB violated the Finance and Audit Reform Act
According to the PUP Senator Eamon Courtenay, there was noncompliance by the Government in following the regulations set out in the Finance and Audit Reform Act. They say that this noncompliance amounts to a criminal offense. UDP Senator, Michael Peyrefitte disagrees. EAMON COURTENAY, PUP SENATOR “This is an extremely serious matter that civil society ought …

Finance and Audit Act has been breached, says Private Sector Senator
The notion that the Government unlawfully spent thirteen point nine million dollars between 2016 and 2017 was also supported by Senator Mark Lizarraga who represents the Private Sector. The Finance and Audit Reform Act of 2010 sets out rules and regulations as it pertains to Government spending and Lizarraga says that after what happened during …

PlusTV

Body Found Near Dangriga Town
There has been the discovery of a decomposing body near Dangriga Town. Police have not issued a report on the discovery as yet but media reports are that the body of a Hispanic male person was found in a drain next to a bicycle 3 miles out of Dangriga Town near the river side. The body was reported...

PSU say PACT retrenched worker
Last week we quoted parts of PACT’s press release on its Restructuring process where it seemed to us that it was talking about retrenchment and wage cuts for some PACT employees to streamline its operational costs. However, a spokesperson from PACT told at least one media house that the press...

Mexicans may face more charges
Those three Mexican nationals who are currently on remand for allegedly stealing approximately one hundred thousand dollars from ATMs across the country may be facing more charges soon.On Monday evening, 27 year old Belen Hernandez ,21 year old Jacson Jafet and 31 year old , Leonel Rodriguez ...

Compol reassures of police work to solve crimes
With all the shootings and murders over the past 24 hours, police called a e press briefing today. The commissioner of police was in attendance and gave a statement of reassurance that cops are doing their best to try and solve the murders and prevent more blood shed. ComPol Allen Whylie Our office...

SENATE Debates money bill for Hurricane Earl
It got quite heated at times at today’s sitting of the Senate as the senators debated the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation (2016/2017) (No.3) Bill. This money bill is for some 9 million dollars for Hurricane Earl spending and mother’s day cheer. Now, that may seem a bit strange seeing t...

The Guardian

20 million dollar George Price Highway Upgrade
Works are to commence immediately on the upgrading of a section of the George Price Highway between the villages of Roaring Creek and Blackman Eddy. Coming in at a cost of BZ$20,540,823.19, the contract was signed on Wednesday January 24, in Belmopan between the Government of Belize, Ministry of works and Tiechroeb and Sons Ltd. The scope of works will be the rehabilitation of 15.335 kilometers of road including the horizontal and vertical realignment of the road to meet international safety standards as well as the upgrading of drainage and construction of runoff channels to improve climate resilience of the road. The project will also address the replacement of major

San Pedro sees Another Murder
The murder total for the year as far as Wednesday, January 24, 2018 is at a whopping 11 persons. Four of those eleven murders all happened in a span of hours on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. The earliest of those happened on La Isla Bonita just after 5 p.m. on Crocodile Street in the San Pedrito area. In this shooting, there was one fatality and one injured person. According to police, the body of Jimel Paul Jex, a resident and laborer of the San Mateo area on San Pedro, was found with apparent gunshot wounds. Upon visiting the San Pedro Polyclinic, Deon Neal, a resident of Caye Caulker, was seen suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. After receiving treatment, he was listed in a stable condition.

Double Murder in Ladyville
The Marage Road area of Ladyville is currently tense with a bitter rivalry that has flared up and resulted in a double murder. 24-year-old Casey Lozano and 25-year-old Marlon Spain were killed in a shooting where an entire group of friends were at risk of getting hurt. Police say that at around 6:45 p.m on Tuesday, January 23, they were called to respond to a shooting on Marage Road. When they visited the yard of 40 year-old Anna Chi, they found the lifeless body of Spain lying on the ground; he had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. About 200 yards away, they found Casey Lozano clinging to life after he suffered a gunshot injury to left upper back and another to the buttocks.

Shooting in Roaring Creek leaves one dead and one injured
There was a murder in the western village of Roaring Creek. Just after 10:30 p.m., Roaring Creek police responded to a shooting incident in the yard of Kimberly Smith. Smith, who received injuries herself, reported that minutes before calling the police, she heard shots being fired in her yard in the Another World Area of Roaring Creek. Upon looking through her window to make checks, she saw two assailants in her yard. One of the men wielded a firearm and turned his attention to her.

100 Grand stolen from Atlantic Bank by 3 Mexicans
Three Mexicans, 26 year-old Joscan Jafet Hernandez, 26 year-old Belen Hernandez Uriostegui, and 31-year-old Leonel Isaac Rodriguez Peralta, are at the Belize Central Prison after police charged them with theft of money from the Atlantic Bank. Police caught them with over 60 different credit cards, all belonging to non-Belizeans, and it is believed that these cards were stolen, and that these three defendants were using them to withdraw money that does not belong to them. It is believed that they have withdrawn about $100,000 from the bank’s ATM’s.

SMART Technology for Better Environmental Management
SMART, which is an acronym for Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool, is the world’s leading tool for conservation law enforcement monitoring. SMART was developed by global conservation organizations which work in collaboration with protected areas authorities, stake holders, and other pertinent organizations. The software makes it possible to collect, store, communicate, and analyze data on illegal activities, wildlife, patrol routes, and management actions. SMART allows all this to be done in a more effective and efficient manner which can directly benefit responsible agencies in determining exactly where, how, and by whom poaching, illegal logging, and other direct threats to biodiversity are occurring. It can be used across a broad range of conservation contexts, from strictly protected areas to multiple-use zones, and from terrestrial to marine ecosystems.

Channel 5 News now a Paid Political Ad
Viewers of Channel 5’s nightly newscast have become accustomed to the undertoned political jabs that the director takes at the UDP on a daily basis, so most of the times the items are taken with a grain of salt. But while viewers have become accustomed to the attacks, what happened on Tuesday night’s newscasts proved to most that even the news is up for sale. A graphic appeared intermittently on the screen while the news anchor was reading the news. Maybe it was an error, we thought, but then the graphic kept on appearing while the news was on. Our investigations have since revealed that in fact, Channel 5 is placing PUP graphic adverts during the newscast.

Streets and Drains are Council’s Primary Responsiblities
Here at The Guardian, we have been listening to the foolishness the PUP has been pushing about how, “people can’t eat infrastructure or cement streets.” Well, let us clear the air on this issue. Sure, people can’t and won’t eat infrastructure or cement streets but those infrastructural works and cement streets, is the reason why many men and women are able to put food on their tables in order to feed themselves and their children. Many of these persons would not have been able to do so if it were not for the jobs they have working on the various infrastructure projects. These people are employed and doing for themselves and their families. They feel dignified and are no longer being forced to have to go to any politician’s office, be it UDP or PUP. We have heard about how people are treated at the offices of those mean PUP politicians. We’ve heard about the way people have been made to stand in line waiting for a measly $20 handout and being grilled and question about which party their next-door neighbour is supporting before that $20 is handed to them. Those honest salt of the earth Belizean men and women can now boast that their dignities have been restored and they are honestly and proudly earning their keep by working and at the same time learning a skill.

City Management to a Whole New Level
A few months ago, the Belize City Council received a donation of equipment as part of the Flood Mitigation Project, which was spearheaded by Councilor Philip Willoughby. While on a daily basis residents of the old capital can see the equipment on the ground doing its work, in the background, there is a new management system in place. It’s called the Routine Maintenance Management System (RMMS), which is an integrated system that will assist the council’s city planning arm better monitor and maintain infrastructure. Carla Patnett is the Belize City Council’s City Planner. She explained to The Guardian that the RMMS is integrated with three components including an inventory of everything that is out on the ground like streets, drains, sidewalks. Each has its particular measurement and is referenced to a GIS map. There is also an inventory of traffic signs, culverts, bridges and any other security items in the public domain, again all of them with a GIS reference.

Extradition Proceedings begins against Attorney
Attorney-at-law Andrew Bennett remains out on bail after being brought before the Magistrate’s Court in the first instance to answer to the extradition request that the US Government has made for him. The extradition proceedings have begun, and it is now in the hands of Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer to decide, after subsequent hearings, whether or not he should be sent to the US to stand trial for 7 counts of money laundering that they say he committed. Bennett was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Frazer on Thursday, January 18, 2018 as part of the extradition proceedings. As readers are aware, the US Government have furnished documents to the Belize Government in which they outline that he was the subject of a DEA investigation. They say that they have evidence of an operation in which they allegedly sent in a confidential informant to catch him in the act of laundering drug proceeds. Their documents say that he accepted a job to launder $250,000 US that he was allegedly told was the proceeds of a Colombian and Puerto Rico drug trafficking organizations.

Children and Families complete Training in San Ignacio
Twenty-five children and their six families hailing from the Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena have completed the first cycle of GREAT Families, a sub-component of the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment or Rise Project. Both children and families were handed certificates of completion at the San Ignacio Police Station on Friday by Richard Rosado, Officer Commanding of the San Ignacio Police Formation in the presence of Gerald Jones, Assistant Commissioner of Police GREAT Families program is a scale-up of the youth and community YCT project that has been implemented for at risk communities in both San Ignacio and Santa Elena as well as in Dangriga. The project is being empowered by the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation with a 1.7 Million US dollar funding from the Caribbean Development Bank CDB and a counterpart $633,000.00 US from the Government of Belize.

Magdalena Talamas bids farewell to Belize Adjacency Zone office and OAS
An internationally-renowned career diplomat Magdalena Talamas delivered her parting tweet on Saturday of this weekend from the Organization of American States. In her tweet, she expressed having the privilege of working over the last decade in the Belize-Guatemala mediation process. Talamas also wrote that it was an honor having served as the first female Special Representative of the Secretary General. This message was almost immediately followed by a tweet from the Ambassador of Mexico to Belize Carlos Quesnel, who wished Talamas the best into the future at both the personal and professional level. It may be recalled that Magdalena Talamas was a significant figure in the tempering of Belize-Guatemala relations in 2016.

Talking Ponzi Schemes by the Master of Ponzis
On Monday night, we watched and listened with dropped jaws as Troy Grab said one of the strangest things we’ve ever heard being said on the BUSINESS HOUR. He said that the Government was involved with investors, who were into PONZI SCHEMES. He even went on to identify some projects and arrangements that he thought were PONZI Schemes. We found his pronouncement very strange, almost to the point of being a joke. We had to quickly check to see if it was really Troy saying those things. Our first question was: how in real life could this particular fellow be casting any such aspirations and lobbing stones? We needed to ask another question and it was: if he was the same gentleman, who was in charge at the Development Finance Cooperation (DFC), at the time when the said DFC was used as the source of funding to finance all sort of PONZI SCHEMES, that made many PUP insiders very rich?

San Ignacio gets New Town Clock
A towering metallic town clock built as a public and private sector partnership was unveiled last Friday in central Burns Avenue in San Ignacio Town. The Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town, Earl Trapp Jr, officially inaugurated the town clock for the enjoyment by residents at one of Belize’s prime tourist destinations. Mayor Earl Trapp was grateful to both Bowen and Bowen as wells as TMM Media for having built a clock that will now provide a unique ambience to San Ignacio Town. He said that much more can be achieved into the future via collaborative efforts. “We are committed to the further development of our Twin Towns as we continue to maintain the policy decisions by the Council. Our focus for the next three years will be through the continued collaboration with the business and private sector by working more closely with them for continual development and improvement of our communities,” he said.

Nelson Henry acquitted of Murder
Nelson Henry, a 28-year-old member of the Mayflower Street “Ghost Town” gang, is a free man after he was acquitted of the murder of Edward Lord, Jr. The murder occurred on June 29, 2011 on Mahogany Street in Belize City and was allegedly witnessed by a special constable, who was working at the Mahogany Police Substation that evening. The case was first called to court in June of 2017 and since the start of the case, the prosecution’s witness was not cooperating. That case fell apart on Henry’s last court date, Wednesday, January 24, 2018. The main witness’s testimony forced the crown to produce no evidence against Henry on the charge of murder. She had to be treated as hostile before leaving the stand after she kept saying that she did not remember anything about the incident.

Andy Rhaburn awaits Murder Charge for Killing His Mother
Andy Rhaburn, who has been accused of beating his mother to death with a crowbar in Carmelita, has been on the run from the police for almost a week. The murder of his mother occurred on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 and, since then, Rhaburn has been eluding the police. There were many sightings of Rhaburn between Carmelita and Crooked Tree villages up until his capture. Almost a week later, on Monday, January 22, 2018, Orange Walk police finally caught Rhaburn in the vicinity of Rhaburn’s Ridge on the Phillip Goldson Highway.

William Godoy is charged with the Murder of Alfredo Cowo
William Godoy, a 33-year-old resident of San Pedro, has been formally arrested and charged for the murder of 26-year-old Alfredo Cowo. Cowo was murdered as he sat in a golf cart in Central Park, San Pedro with his pregnant girlfriend. A barrage of shots rang out in the direction but the one bullet that did make contact with the right side of Cowo’s chest was enough to fatally injure him. Cowo and his girlfriend were approached by a lone gunman, who police now say is William Godoy. Although Godoy’s family claims to have an alibi for him at the time of the murder, the police say that the evidence against him is just as strong.

Jolli Bee’s Businessman robbed
It was reported to the police that on Thursday, January 18, 2018, Bunty Ponwani was robbed. Ponwani, a businessman of a Ladyville address, reported that at about 6:50 p.m. while in Jolli Bee’s Restaurant, a man walked into the restaurant and held him up with what appeared to be a gun. That man took his white-gold chain, valued at $2,000, a black iPhone X, valued at $2,000, an Apple Watch, valued at $1,000, and a leather wallet that contained his personal documents. Police investigations into this matter continue.

5 persons detained in Death of Two Young Women in PG
Police have detained five persons following the chopping death of two young women in the Toledo district. The two women, identified to the press as 20 year-old Crecencia Oh, and her 18 year-old sister, Josefina Oh, were found dead on the outskirts of the Western Toledo Village of San Jose, some 8 miles away from their home. A still-unidentified killer brutally chopped the sisters to death and left them on the side of the main road. Police say that some time around 11 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, they acted upon reports they received, and they visited an area on the road near to San Jose. On the shoulder, they found the partially nude bodies of the Oh sisters. According to the cops, they had “very huge chop wounds” to different parts of their bodies, injuries that claimed their lives right on the scene.

Quincy Gentle gunned down
Quincy Gentle, a 28 year-old Belize City resident, was shot and killed while he was on his way home on Wednesday night, January 17, 2018. Police say that sometime around 11 p.m. they responded to reports of a shooting on Kelly Street. By that time, Gentle, the victim, had already been rushed to the KHMH, and they found him being treated for gunshot injuries to the chest and the stomach area. Initial investigations are that Gentle was walking on his way to his Wilson Street home, when he reached the intersection between Kelly and Matron Roberts Streets, someone ambushed him. Reports are that he tried to flee, but he was injured by his assailant’s spray of gunfire.

Shereffa Jex charged for Unlawful Imprisonment and Aggravated Burglary
Shereffa Jex, a 24-year-old resident of Burrell Boom, is being accused of unlawful imprisonment of 2 persons, an adult and his cousin, who is a minor. Jex is also being accused of aggravated burglary after she entered the home of a woman in the village. Jex was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday, January 22, 2018. There, she was read two offenses of unlawful imprisonment and one count of aggravated burglary. In court, she was represented by attorney Leroy Jex, who submitted that bail should be granted to his client since she is a mother of two children, one of who still needs to be breastfed.

Three Weekend Shootings
Three shootings were reported on the weekend of Friday, January 19 and Sunday, January 21, 2018. The first shooting took place on La Isla Bonita on Saturday, January 20, 2018. In this incident, Gilberto Lara, a 48-year-old tour guide, and Katherine Torres Zelaya, a 25-year-old waitress, were injured. According to police, Lara and Zelaya, both of a San Pedro address, were seen suffering from apparent gunshot wounds around 3:30 a.m. Lara was seen suffering from gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest while Zelaya was grazed to her right upper back. Initial police investigations revealed that both persons were travelling in a golf cart on Seaweed Street toward their house in the San Juan Area when they heard gunshots and realized that they had both been hit.

Hummingbird Elementary School Boys and Girls lead Primary Schools Volleyball Competition
The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Competition continued at the Stars Gym in Belize City. On Tuesday 23rd January, in the first game played in the girls’ competition, The Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball competition began on Monday 22nd January, 2018 with four games on the schedule. In the first game played in the girls’ competition, Hummingbird Elementary School defeated St. Ignatius School by the score of 25-15 and 25-19. In the second game played in the girls’ competition, St. Joseph Primary School defeated Queen Square Anglican School by the score of 25-8 and 25-2.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks upend Belmopan Bandits in Opener
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) 2018 season opened on Friday 19th January, at the University of Belize Gymnasium between the defending champions the Belmopan Bandits and the sub-champion the San Pedro Tiger Sharks. The visiting San Pedro Tiger Sharks spoiled the season’s opener for the defending champion when it defeated them by the score of 103-74. The top scorers for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks were Ashton Edwards with 22 points and a rebound; Jamal Kelly with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal; Douglas Valley with 13 points, 8 points, 2 assists and 2 steals; Raul Roches with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal and Jihad Wright who also scored 13 points, to go along with his 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals.

Verdes FC blank Freedom Fighters FC in Premier League Competition
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season continued over the last week of play with four games played across the country. On Sunday 21st January, 2018, at the Victor Sanchez Union Field in Punta Gorda Town, the defending champions and the leader in this year’s Closing Season Verdes FC blanked the host team Freedom Fighters FC by the score of 3-0. Verdes FC got on the scoreboard when Krisean Lopez scored the 1st goal of the game for his team in the 20th minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Verdes FC lead was further extended when Krisean Lopez scored his 2nd goal of the game in the 52nd minute of play to give his team a 2-0 lead. The score became 3-0 when Jaret Davis scored his goal in the 68th minute of play.

Belize Volleyball Association to host National championship
The Belize Volleyball Association will be hosting the Male and Female National Championship in Belize City on January 27 and 28, 2018, at the St. Catherine Academy Auditorium and the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium. The competition will commence at 8:30 am each day. Team rosters and registration fees of $250.00 per team are due on Wednesday 24th January, 2018. A compulsory meeting of all coaches, team captains and managers will be held on Friday 26th January at the Belize Elementary School Gymnasium at 8:00 pm. The National Championship is expected to see participation from Orange Walk, Caye Caulker, Belmopan, San Pedro, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Cayo and Belize City. It is anticipated that more than ten male and female teams will compete in the championship.

Man killed by bees in Cayo
A senior citizen from Unitedville in the Cayo District, who had been attacked by killer bees over a week ago, has died. Sixty-two-year-old Omar Cruz was clearing the undergrowth near an abandoned building when a swarm of Africanized bees enveloped him. His son was assisting in the clean-up, but escaped unhurt. On a daily basis children from Unitedville frequent near the abandoned building in the morning. The area is also regularly visited by tourists. Chairman of Unitedville Mike Juan has informed the media that he will be contacting the Belize Agriculture Health Authority for assistance in getting rid of the ‘killer bees.’ If BAHA does not respond then he will be getting someone else to do the job.

50 plus Questions to get to know anyone better
Do you crave deeper scintillating conversations with your mate, your friends or your family members but aren’t sure how to get them to open up? Opening up and sharing personal thoughts and beliefs can be the foundation for stronger more substantial and meaningful relationships. These fifty-plus questions are perfect for starting quality conversations and you need not feel as though you are prying because psychologists have confirmed that people love talking about themselves! So use these questions to help you to get to know anyone better; even yourself!

Electrifying the Land Transportation Sector: a Golden Opportunity for Belize
Belize may be somewhat far from having electric trams and buses for mass transportation; however, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electrics Vehicles (PiHEVs) that are making waves in first world countries, can be in the near future. Belize, in fact, can be the leader in the Caribbean and Central America by making decisions which will compliment recent moves, such as its recent ban on off shore oil exploration passed in the house of representative and joining the ten-island challenge, which seeks to identify technical and commercial solutions that can facilitate low-carbon use in the Caribbean. The Government of Belize under the Barrow administration agreed to both initiatives in 2015.

Letter to Sedi Elrington
My Competent Area Rep: I pray that the New Year brings you, your family, the Jewel and every Belizean the very best! I congratulate you; the PUPs cannot compare! A simple word stupefied Mose. Dodo Cordel was wrong to use baby vouchers. With X it was denying Sep 10, 1798. Price was tricked by Guatemala. Believe me, the British and Hero Goldson were NOT wrong to choose the ICJ over bullets. When it comes to your work in the Pickstock Division, the Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence is a shining star on the Southside! No ugly, rusty zinc fence. Gardening, Landscaping, Pantry Program, Community Kitchen, Tuck Shop, Sewing, Cabinetry, Driving School, Evening School, Music Program, Sporting…are just some of the excellent activities available to the citizens in our division and indeed the City/Country! Again, congratulations! You prove by your brave, bold actions that you love Belize and Belizeans!

WORDS OF LIFE with Barry Fraser
In his letter to the Philippians Chapter 2, verses 12 and 13, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” It is also written in James 1:22: “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving (fooling) yourselves.” James was teaching that anytime we choose to disobey, we miss out on knowing the truth.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Defence Force to celebrate 40th anniversary
The Belize Defence Force (BDF) will hold official ceremonies to celebrate its 40th anniversary on […]

One dead in Belize City shooting
BBN has received reports about a shooting incident that left a man dead in Belize […]

$20 million contract signed for rehabilitation of stretch of George Price highway
The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of works, signed a contract yesterday, with Tiechroeb […]

Police release details of decomposed body found in Hummingbird Highway
Police have released details about a body found yesterday morning. The body was found lying […]

Thomas Henry shot and killed in Roaring Creek
On Tuesday night, just before midnight, a man was shot and killed inside his home in Roaring […]

Blogs

A Guide To Grocery Stores and Shopping on Ambergris Caye
Going grocery store shopping will be a part of your trip to Belize whether you are renting a home for a long stay or spending a week at a resort. Even the traveler who packs fastidiously will need to pop into the local shop for a forgotten item. It’s not difficult. We speak English…that’s good. And the conversion rate is a super simple $2bzd = $1USD…. But shopping in Belize isn’t as straight forward as you might think – especially if you are used to a large all-in-one mega-marts. Here are a handful of tips and guidelines that should make things easy.

2018 PLACENCIA SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL 2018
Save the date!! February 10th and 11th 2018, Placencia BTIA 15th Annual Sidewalk Art Festival!!!We still have a couple more booth spaces available for those interested in being apart of this year's Art Festival. For more info please feel free to contact us at 523-4045 or send us an email to [email protected].

Chamoyada now open in Corozal
Chamoyada is a sweet and spicy type of shaved ice, or raspado or Mango sorbet, prepared with chamoy. It is a part of Mexican cuisine, and is also common in regions of the United States with significant Mexican-American populations. The drink is usually sweetened with mangoes or apricots. It is essentially a combination of chamoy sauce, shaved ice, chili powder, and fruit chunks. In certain variations, a whole fruit popsicle, or paleta, is added to the drink and mixed with the shaved ice. The drinking straws served with chamoyadas also often have tamarind candy on the outside. 16 days ago, a Brand New Business was open in Corozal, that sells Chamoyadas. Yes, Chamoyadas!. A Mexican woman and a Corozaleno man Business owner Opened their business to sell Chamoyadas, frappes, Nachos and diablitos drinks. The name of the Business is called "Freppas, diablitos, chamoyadas, licuados". They are located in front of the Bus Terminal. The cups are 5$ and 6$Bz for one cup.

International Sources

Plastic waste associated with disease on coral reefs
Coral reefs provide vital fisheries and coastal defense, and they urgently need protection from the damaging effects of plastic waste. Lamb et al. surveyed 159 coral reefs in the Asia-Pacific region. Billions of plastic items were entangled in the reefs. The more spikey the coral species, the more likely they were to snag plastic. Disease likelihood increased 20-fold once a coral was draped in plastic. Plastic debris stresses coral through light deprivation, toxin release, and anoxia, giving pathogens a foothold for invasion.

Seven-country initiative launched to support management of four-wing flyingfish
Seven Caribbean countries are participating in a recently launched series of subprojects which the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is leading under a sustainable management initiative for the flyingfish fishery. In highlighting the importance of the initiative, CRFM executive director, Milton Haughton, said: “We in the region are utilizing a common space and common living marine resource; therefore, we need to cooperatively manage these common interests. One of these common interests is the flyingfish fishery, and the governance framework developed for the flyingfish fishery could be scaled up and applied to other fisheries in the region.”

You Haven't Had Chocolate Until You've Made It Like the Mayans
When you grind your own chocolate, you’ve earned every bite. At least that’s my perspective after a day learning to make chocolate like the ancient Mayans did in the rural Toledo District of Belize. Belize was one of the hubs of ancient Mayan civilization, and it was the Mayans who first discovered cacao, a sacred flavor once reserved for nobility and soldiers. Through trade, it was introduced to Europe, where milk and sugar were added to create chocolate as we know it today. Ixcacao Maya Belizean Chocolate is the oldest Belizean-owned chocolatier and the only one that also grows its own cacao. “I was born to a couple of Mayan cacao farmers,” owner Juan Cho tells me. “I grew up eating 100 percent pure chocolate, and my great-grandfather lived to be 115 years old, without a doubt thanks to cacao’s health benefits.” Ixcacao is named for the Mayan goddess of chocolate — yes, the Mayans valued chocolate so much they worshipped a chocolate goddess.

Videos

Swimming at Blue Hole in Belize, 1.5min.

Snorkeling off Belize, 1min.

Tajemnice Ziemi- Morskie gbiny odc 4- Wybrzee Belize - Film Dokumentalny PL, 46min.

BSI ASR WEEKLY CROP REVIEW 2018 -WEEK 6, 3.5min.

CTV3 NEWS TEAM ENCOUTERED A YOUNG TRAVELER IN COROZAL TOWN WHO HAS BEEN TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD, 5min. Today our news team encountered a young traveller in Corozal Town who has been trekking for several months from his home in Germany and is on his way across the world with his destination as Argentina. Now Belize has seen many world travellers passing through, but today’s was interesting. Firstly he is only 24 years old, and secondly, he goes by the adventurer name Tarzan. He told us what motivated him to start his adventure.

Talk Ah Di Town January 25, 2018, 30min.

Forest For Life MUSIC VIDEO, 3min. Yesterday, Wednesday, January 24th, the Forest Department officially launched its Sustainable Forest and Forest Fire Management Strategies under the theme, "Forest for Life". As a part of its campaign, the department produced a music video titled, 'Forest for Life'. The Belize Forest Department, through the Key Biodiversity Areas project, is encouraging young people and local communities to join them in better managing Belize's forest resources. Ian "Stizzle" Armstrong, a local musician and a Forest Department officer, created the pulsating and catchy rhythmic sounds. The video features Belizean children and their parents enjoying several nature sites in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Slate-colored Seedeater, Lubaantun, Belize, 15sec.

Howler Monkey, Belcampo Lodge, Belize, 1/2min.

From Bean to Bar candy demo, Belcampo Lodge, Belize, 2.5min.

Belize, 10min.

A little detour: Belize 2018, 7min. 8 days in Belize felt like a vacation from our vacation... Caye Caulker has THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATER (I have ever seen to date) and we lucked out snorkelling and scuba diving seeing some of natures rare and exotic animals. Turtles, dolphins, manatees, sharks and more :)

All Over Belize, 3.5min. I put together a bunch of video clips from over the last few years and called it All Over Belize - lots of aerials from drones, small planes and jet planes. :-)

January 25, 2018

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

Three persons detained following Jimell Paul Jex’s murder in San Pedro; Dion Neal survives attack
Police have detained three persons and are looking for two additional suspects in connection with the brazen shooting on Tuesday, January 23rd that left Jimell Paul Jex dead and his cousin Dion Neal injured. Jex was fatally shot in the head, while Neal received a gunshot to his lower back. The incident occurred at the entrance of the San Pedrito Subdivision. Neal, who survived the attack, was treated for his injuries at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. As police continue to investigate, they attribute the shooting to an ongoing gang rivalry on the island. Reports are that Jex had recently moved to the San Pedrito Area and was trying to control the drug business in that subdivision. According to one source, this latest murder is part of a chain of murders that started with the killing of 30-year-old Jason Gillett in October of 2016. The next on the list was 44-year old Antonio Pagoada, who was murdered that same month. A year later in August of 2017 24-year-old Scott Charles was gunned down at his home in the Elliot Subdivision. Later that month, 34- year-old Armando Lopez was shot and killed in broad daylight in downtown San Pedro. The source added that the last murder related to this chain of incidents was the execution of 18-year-old Christian Contreras on Laguna Drive in October of 2017. It was revealed that one side of the gang rivalry happening on the island brought hitmen from Belize City to get rid of anyone close to Jex or Gillett. Other residents also added that they had known Jex for a long time and that even though he had a bad past, he was trying to change.

William Godoy remanded for Alfredo Cowo’s murder; family and friends claim he is innocent
33-year-old San Pedro resident William Godoy was arraigned for Alfredo Cowo’s murder on Monday, January 22nd at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. No plea was taken, and due to the nature of the offense, bail was denied. Godoy was then remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court date on April 13, 2018, for a disclosure. His family, along with many island residents, are shocked and disappointed with the outcome of the situation as they strongly deny the accusations against Godoy. They are confident that their relative and friend is innocent of the murder charge and that there may be a plot to wrongfully accuse him.

Comedy and Music – Reef Radio hosts talented Mexican duo in San Pedro
Another spectacular comedy show, courtesy of Reef Radio and Reef TV, was held on Saturday, January 20th at the Paradise Theatre. Featuring Mexican performers Humberto Casanova and Rafael Suarez, the show delighted a large audience with their musical interpretations of Mexico’s king of the Ranchera genre, Vicente Fernandez as well as the late Juan Gabriel. Despite the inclement weather, island residents made their way to the show for a fun evening. The event, which began shortly after 9PM, also included a three-member band who accompanied the performers. Casanova’s initial performance included a line-up of different ballad singers from the 70’s and 80’s. Many in the audience traveled back in time singing to songs of Camilo Sesto, Jose Jose, and even Jose Jimenez. Casanova’s presentation also included a bit of comedy in between his singing, drawing loud applause and laughter from the audience.

Ambergris Today

Latest Murder In San Pedro Raises Concerns
Three murders in only the first month of the year. It seems that crime is plaguing La Isla Bonita and it's raising some concerns. Is this the island we fondly remember? Is the San Pedro Police Department doing enough to combat crime? Is the Town Council taking proper measures to secure the safety of the island? Will Government do enough to assist Ambergris Caye, the number one tourist destination in the country? These are the questions island residents and visitors are asking? There is reason for concern; and although crime may not be out of hand yet, it's the right time to start taking strong measures. The latest murder on the island took place yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, January 23, 2018, shortly after 5pm at the entrance of the San Pedrito Area where one person was fatally shot on the head and the other was injured.

Misc Belizean Sources

VOTE LIKE A BOSS CAMPAIGN
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and the National Youth Council of Belize having recognized the valuable role of youth in Belize and the efforts for active youth participation in civic engagement, hereby launch the VOTE LIKE A BOSS Campaign. The VOTE LIKE A BOSS campaign is a mechanism to encourage youth participation in civic engagement through the electoral process. Young people ages 15-29 are being encouraged to participate in the campaign by taking the online survey. This survey is a non-partisan initiative with the main objective to gather the opinions of young Belizeans on the issues and areas of concerns that they would like addressed by municipalities. The responses will be used to guide discussions with respective candidates for Municipal elections on their commitment to youth and community development.

Gateway Retreat's Open House!
Feb. 4th, Xaibe. Join us for the day and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this wonderful site.

Three job vacancies at LOLY'S CO. LTD. Corozal Free Zone
Vacancy exists for a hardworking warehouse keeper and sales clerk with experience. Also a vacancy for an experience cashier. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish). Bring along two letters of recommendation, one from previous employment. Must have at least one year experience. Minimum qualification is a high school diploma. Apply in person on the 26th of January, 2018 at Loly's Co. Ltd Corozal Free Zone.

Teaching our Youth about Wildlife Protection
Illegal wildlife trafficking poses a serious threat to the survival of many species particularly birds. FCD’s environmental educator promotes wildlife protection among school students.

Human Jaguar Conflict Officer
Jaguars help keep Belize’s forest ecosystem balanced. We can all contribute to the co-existence of jaguars and people in Belize. Help preserve them for our future generations. If you have a problem with a jaguar at your farm in the Toledo District, contact our Human Jaguar Conflict Officer Marchilio Ack at 669-0919. We will visit your farm; provide you with guidance and technical assistance. For the rest of the country, contact Jaguar Officer Shanelly Carillo (Belize Forest Department) at 664-4550. If you see illegal activities being conducted with jaguars or any other wildlife report it to the Belize Forest Department. Be the voice, See Something Say Something!

Maya Leaders Request Gruesome Images to be Removed from Social Media
Not all Belizeans are aware that there are responsibilities attached to social media use. In other countries, potential employers monitor social media activity. Social media identified members of the KKK who participated in a hate march in the USA. Social media use has consequences as it is a way to bully people. Juan Luis Lagunas Rosales, better known as “The Pirate of Culiacán,” was just 17 and was a Youtube star and he was killed in December 2017 after insulting a drug lord in Mexico. Social media courses are offered at top Universities. It is a tool used by international news organizations to gather information at the time of disasters and events to correlate facts. By using data, news organizations can pinpoint photos and videos at the time of an accident, flood or hurricane on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Social Media is used to sell products, gather intelligence, and promote community development campaigns.

Ministry of Agriculture and Potato Producers Meet to Verify Estimated Production Figures
The Ministry of Agriculture convened a meeting today at the Agriculture Show Grounds Conference Room in Belmopan, where potato producers and importers gathered to verify potato production figures and estimated harvest dates. Producers representing small, medium and large farms from production areas countrywide attended the meeting. The discussion opened with a presentation and verification of the amount of potato in production by districts. The breakdown is as follows: a. Cayo District representing the highest production with a total of 2.8 million lbs, followed by Corozal with 588,000 lbs b. Orange Walk with a total of 286,000 lbs and Stann Creek producing a total 45,000 lbs

Government endorses use of Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART)
The Government of Belize today, January 24, officially endorsed the use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). The SMART technology is already being used by several government and non-governmental organizations. SMART is the world's leading tool for conservation law enforcement monitoring. The software and training materials both extend and simplify existing technologies for monitoring efforts to tackle poaching and other illegal activities, making those technologies more effective, efficient and user-friendly.

Rehabilitation of a Portion of the George Price Highway
he Government of Belize, through the Ministry of works, signed a contract today, January 24, with Tiechroeb and Sons Ltd., in the amount of BZ$20,540,823.19, to carry out the rehabilitation works for Section II of the George Price Highway. The George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project will substantially improve road connectivity within Belize’s main districts through the upgrading of road infrastructure between Belmopan and Santa Elena. Section I of the project includes the replacement of the Roaring Creek Bridge, while Section II of the project involves rehabilitation of 15.335 km commencing at Roaring Creek Village to Blackman Eddie Village, Cayo District. The scope of the rehabilitation work includes horizontal and vertical realignment of the roadway to meet international safety standards, as well as the upgrading of drainage and construction of runoff channels to improve climate resilience of the road.

Water problems in Big Falls
The Department of Rural Development and the Big Falls Water Board, hereby informs residents of Big Falls, Toledo District that we are currently experiencing mechanical problems, therefore there is limited water supply. The Departments’ personnel have been deployed and are working towards having water restored.

Do you love Chamoyadas?
Here is a sneak peak of Chamoyadas in Corozal District To all Corozaleños here is a new thing to try in town. Do you know where it is? More information coming soon.

SACD OFFERING A GREAT OPPORTUNITY: - Are you from Sarteneja, Chunox or Copperbank Village?
Are you interested in learning about the local environment? Do you want to learn new skills and build your experience? Do you want to actively contribute to management efforts in Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary? Then become SACD's community researcher! Apply Now! Limited Spaces Available-dateline Friday, 2nd February 2018!

Lunar Rising Art Exhibit
The Wildfire Artzmosphere is launching the Lunar Rising art exhibt this Saturday at 7:00pm. They'll have chocolate and sangria, along with other treats. "Join us this Saturday. Meet the Artist and celebrate art, the lunar new year and listen to great music. 7pm! Come check out the extensive collection that includes portraits, nudes and still life paintings. We will serve sangria and other treats."

Exhibition on "Rastafari: Roots & Culture"
The San Pedro House of Culture in collaboration with Errol Gibson will showcase an exhibition on "Rastafari: Roots & Culture." Opening of the exhibition will be on Feb 1st at 4pm. The exhibition will be on exhibit from Feb. 1st to February 6th. One Love...Nuff Respect.

Reserves closed today
The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History would like to advise all Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Tour Guides and members of the General Public that as of 06 AM THURSDAY January 25, 2018: The NOHOCH CHE'EN, BARTON CREEK and ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES are all CLOSED due to rise in water levels.

Blue Moon & Eclipse Jan 31
There will be a blue moon on January 31st. Whenever there are 2 full moons in one calendar month, the second moon is known as a blue moon. This month, the blue moon will be accompanied by a lunar eclipse!

Channel 7

Father of Three Killed in Roaring Creek
4 persons were murdered and 4 others shot in the Belize and Cayo Districts between 5:00 and 10:30 pm yesterday. A deadly five and half hours, and we begin in Roaring Creek where 3 kids are without a father tonight after a late night murder in that village. Around 10:20, 31 year old Thomas Henry was asleep with his girlfriend, Kimberly Smith and their 3 kids in their Another World home. Smith's brother went to visit her but he was followed by two other un-welcomed visitors to the house. These armed men didn't execute their target - instead, they killed Henry. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this chilling killing.

Capital Cops About To Charge Alleged Killer
And Belmopan police are moving with characteristic quickness in this case. We are told tonight that they have two persons detained and could bring charges as early as tomorrow. But police still need all the help they can get from the public. Here is more from the police press briefing. ACP Joseph Myvette, OC. - NCIB: "Police have since launched intensive investigation and operations in the Roaring Creek area which have resulting in the detention of 2 persons pending this investigation. We also want to take this opportunity to appeal to the general public that if they may have any information relating this case that such information relayed to the police in order to assist us in our investigation of this matter."

San Pedro Killing Gang Related
And yesterday's killing spree started at 5:20 pm in San Pedro. That's when 32 year old Paul Jex and his cousin Dion Neal were gunned down in San Pedro. We found out more about the island's second murder in one week. Sahar Vasquez reporting: One week after San Pedro's first murder of the year another one was added to the list yesterday. After a long day of court hearings Paul Jex and his cousin, Deon Neal were walking on Crocodile Street - not far from the airstrip - when they were gunned down right here. Neal survived but Jex didn't - police processed the scene, covering his body on the ground in this tourist town.

Double Murder In Ladyville
And the biggest murder story is the one coming out of Ladyville. That's where two men were murdered and two other persons shot in a long simmering rivalry. Daniel Ortiz has been following that story last night and he found out that it could be retaliation - and that there could be aftershocks because the rivals live less than half a mile from each other: Daniel Ortiz reporting: Last night, Marage Road, a main street in Ladyville, was shut down for hours because it was once again the scene of a murder. Residents who needed to use it to get home were stuck behind police caution tape while police investigators scanned the crime scene in the dark. This time, it was a double murder: 24 year-old Casey Lozano and 25 year-old Marlon Spain.

Cops Try To Contain Retaliations
And the eruption of violence in the Belize and Cayo Districts caused the police to call a mid-week press conference. No doubt under pressure from a 2017 that saw what our numbers show is a record number of murders, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie said that his officers are doing all they can to contain retaliations: Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police: "Today is a very somber occasion. Regrettably, I need to inform you that yesterday we had three different shooting incidents across the country which resulted in the deaths of four individuals and also four other persons were injured as a result of those three incidents. We had an incident in San Pedro where two persons were shot yesterday evening. We also had an incident last night in Ladyville where again four persons were shot, two succumbed to their injuries..."

Body Found in Dangriga Drain
A body was found on the outskirts of Dangriga town today, but police do not suspect foul play. The man was found dead in a drain with his bicycle - in an advanced state of decomposition. A post mortem conducted on - site today found no signs of foul play and certified cause of death to be undetermined. Police suspect that he most likely was intoxicated, fell into the drain and broke his neck. They don't believe he was knocked down because his bicycle had no damages. They say he was probably in the drain for two days without anyone noticing him. He was found at mile 3 on the Stann Creek Valley Road entering Dangriga town. The person was learnt to be Jose Romulo Cornejo 42 year old Salvadoran Farmer of Sarawee Village.

Nelson Henry, Free After Ex Cop Witness Refuses To Cooperate
Nelson Henry has gotten off a 2011 broad daylight murder in a trial without jury. The prosecution's case fell apart because the main witness - a former woman police constable was hostile and refused to cooperate with the prosecutor, Janelle Tillett. When the murder happened she gave police a statement saying it was Henry who opened fire on Edward Lord Jr., killing him on the spot. This morning, she took the stand for a second time, but every time a question was put to her, she said she did not remember. She denied ever giving her statement, ever signing a statement, and denied also that a signature seen on the statement was hers. Prosecutor Tillett then tried to make an application to get a dock identification of the accused, but Judge Lucas rejected that.

PSU Alleges PACT Firings, PACT Says Not
One week after the Protected Area Conservation Trust's embarked on an unusual and dramatic re-structuring - The Public Service Union has spoken up. As we told you - all the employees - who number fewer than 10 - were sent home on January 16th - and told to come back and accept or reject new terms of employment. Sounded to us like a downsizing and pay-cutting exercise, but the Ministry's CEO Percival Cho assured us it was not. But the PSU sent out a release today saying, quote, "despite assertions to the contrary by (the) CEO, the PSU has been reliably informed that staff members of PACT have been terminated as a direct result of an ongoing exercise," end quote. The release adds, quote, "the union has also learnt that the remaining staff were summoned to the office to sign contracts by the close of workday, yesterdayâ€¦or to risk continued employment with the organization," end quote. The PSU also speaks about, quote, "shoddy and completely unlawful treatment of workers," and says that there was "coercion" to sign contracts.

Potato Producers, Importers And Ministry Meet
Last week we showed you how the farmers in San Carlos are preparing a bumper crop of potatoes - and hope they don't get squeezed out of the local market by imports and contraband. Well, the Ministry of Agriculture heard their cry and convened a meeting today in Belmopan with farmers and importers. The idea was to determine how many pounds of potatoes will be harvested and when, so that the Ministry can know how to manage the local supply to avoid shortages. Potato Producers representing small, medium and large farms from all across the country attended. First off, they verified production figures: the Cayo District has the highest production with a total of 2.8 million pounds, followed by Corozal with half a million pounds, and Orange Walk with a quarter million pounds. With Stann creek producing another 45,000 pounds, the total estimated domestic production for this year is 3.7 million pounds, with harvests starting in the first week of February.

Getting SMART With Harnessing Data
Spatial Monitoring Interactive Tool - "SMART" for short - is a groundbreaking tool for those in the marine and forestry department. It presents a more efficient and modern way to collected, shared, and analyze data. Today was the launching ceremony not just for the SMART technology but also for the Sustainable Forest Management and Fire Management Communication Strategies for the Forestry Department. We found out more at the launch of both programs today. Nicole Auil Gomez, Wildlife Conservation Society's Country Director: "Smart technology is actually a technology that is used around the world and it has been predominantly used in the terrestrial landscape looking at protected areas. It is heavily used in Africa for instance..."

An All Time-Low For Apex Predator
A few weeks ago we told you about the gruesome death of two jaguars. The senseless killings sparked outrage in many concerned Belizeans including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environment. They sent out a release shortly after offered a ten thousand dollars reward to anyone who could lead them to the killers. According to Minister of State and Jaguar expert Omar Figueroa, they have gotten some leads but still haven't found the perpetrator. Hon. Dr. Omar Figueroa, Minister of State "I think for the most part the country was alarmed and outraged when they saw an iconic species like the Jaguar not only being killed but being decapitated. In my mind when I saw those pictures I was immediately concerned because I thought that perhaps there was an element here that was involved in trafficking jaguar parts..."

Will Cops Let Alcaldes Help In Toledo Double Murder?
At the top of the news, we brought you coverage of last night's 3 shootings in the Belize and Cayo Districts which left 4 persons dead and 4 persons injured. Police called an impromptu press conference to address the spike, and it also gave us an opportunity to ask them about their investigations into 3 cases of urgent national interest. We start first with police's comments on the Toledo double murders of the sisters, Josephina and Crecencia Oh. We told you how the Toledo Alcaldes Association has offered to help the cops investigate the case, realizing that the remoteness of the location could prove difficult. When the press asked the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch about possible updates, he said that they are still investigating:

More Charges For Mexican Scammers?
Police also discussed their ongoing case against the 3 Mexicans who have been charged with theft from Atlantic Bank. Police believe that from November up to last week, Leonel Isaac Rodriguez Peralta, Joscan Jafet Hernandez, and Belen Hernandez had been visiting Atlantic Bank ATM's in the Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Cayo Districts and that they withdrew huge sums of money with over 60 international credit cards which are all believed to be stolen. But, they've only been charged with theft of a thousand dollars, when the cops have reason to believe that they stole in the vicinity of a Hundred Thousand dollars from the bank. Today, police say that they are working with the bank, and if they are able to, additional charges will be brought against the trio:

Police Still Mum On Planted Gun Theory
We also asked the Police head table about their internal investigation into the controversial shooting of PG resident Mario Vernon the Third. Now, as you will remember, the initial police version on the case was that Police Constable Tevin Aranda, who is facing a manslaughter charge, had to shoot Vernon because he was armed. A weapon was found on the scene, but Vernon's family and friends insist that it was planted in an attempt to justify the deadly use of force. So, we asked the head of NCIB about it, and his response was brief: Reporter: "The account was that this gentleman Mr. Mario Vernon had a weapon on him, that's an element that the family disputes strenuously and so we are trying to find out if your investigators handling the case had been able to determine if that is indeed factual or fiction?"

Fisherman To Jail For Outstanding Fines
All the time on the news we report on fishermen who have been caught with out of season or undersized conch and lobster. And, invariably they are made to pay a fine and go about their business. But, tonight, one of them is in jail - and that's because he got fined today - but already had a large pending fine which he hadn't paid. Trial Farm resident, 37-year-old Samir Dario Rodriguez is the third Fisherman in the history of the court record to go to jail on Fisheries offenses. Rodriguez already owed the court $13,260 dollars and was today read two more Fisheries offenses when he appeared before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. On December 21, 2017 he was found in possession of 61 undersized conch and 35 undersized lobster.

Major Upgrade For Western Highway From Belmopan To Blackman
The Government today signed a multi-million dollar contract to pave 10 miles of the George Price Highway from Roaring Creek to Blackman Eddie. Minister of Works, Rene Montero had details at the signing: Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Works: "Section 2 commences just a few meters before the gas station in Roaring Creek Village and goes about 100 meters pass the community center in Blackman Eddy Village. This contract is being signed between the Ministry of Works and Ticrobs and Sons Limited in the amount of $20,540,823.19. It is expected that this project will create over 100 jobs and it will commence immediately and will take approximately 18 months for completion." This is section 2 of the project. Section I includes the replacement of the Roaring Creek Bridge.

Ann-Marie Leaves NWC for Major Regional Post
She pioneered the post as the first Executive Director of the National Women's Commission - but now Ann-Marie Williams is moving on. The expert in gender issues has gotten a major regional job. She resigned at the end of last month and as she finishes up at the Commission she told us what she's doing next:... Anne Marie Williams: "I have been appointed the deputy program manager for gender and development at the CARICOM Secretariat- so taking a regional perspective on gender and development. I am humbled, it is an extreme honor, I never really thought it would happen truly but it is something that I always wanted. It is really difficult to say goodbye to Belize for a while because as you know I am very rooted in my community and the National Women's Committee is very dear to me. This is big for Belize. I can't see myself being there and Belize is not figured prominently."

Channel 5

4 Murders in 5 Hours: Paul Jex, Once Accused, Now Deceased
The overnight carnage began in San Pedro and within a span of five hours, four persons were murdered and four injured in the madness making Tuesday night, one of the [...]

In Ladyville, 2 Shot Dead; 2 More Injured
Within hours of the execution of Paul Jex, a double murder around seven p.m. rocked the Ladyville community. Casey Lozano and Marlon Spain were gunned down on Marage Road in [...]

Intended Target Speaks as Couple Shot in Roaring Creek; Thomas Henry Succumbs
The fourth murder on Tuesday night occurred in Roaring Creek Village at about ten-thirty. Thomas Henry was gunned down inside his house less than a month after relocating to the [...]

Police Detain 2 after Incident
Just now you heard about the tragic killing of Thomas Henry in Roaring Creek Village. He was murdered in the presence of his common-law-wife and their three children. The family [...]

Body Found Decomposing in Dangriga
An unidentified body, reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered in Dangriga earlier today. News Five understands that the corpse was found in an area off the highway [...]

Police Activate Mediation; Need Your Help in Investigation
This morning, prior to the press brief at the Raccoon Street Police Station in Belize City, the top brass of the police department including, ACP Chester Williams, the Commissioner of [...]

Murder Count Rising; Police Awaken to Meet the Challenge
It’s only twenty-four days into the New Year and already there are ten murders; two are double murders and that number does not including the shooting death of Mario Vernon [...]

At Senate, Opposition Demands Answers on Hurricane Earl Spending
There was a single bill brought from the House of Representatives for passage through today’s meeting of the Senate, the first for 2018. The General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation 2016-2017 Bill [...]

G.O.B. Senators: Much Ado About Nothing
Senator Courtenay requested that Financial Secretary Joseph Waight be called into the Committee of the whole Senate after debate on the second reading of the Bill, which he was. But [...]

Lead Government Senator Says Quality is Key
Wrapping up the debate, Senate leader of government business Godwin Hulse conceded that the bill was perhaps out of time, but he pointed out that there are other means of [...]

Nelson Henry Walks from Murder Charge; Witness Recants on Stand
Six and a half years after the execution of Edward Lord, Junior on Mahogany Street, murder accused twenty-eight year old Nelson Henry was today found not guilty by Supreme Court [...]

Police Investigate Extent of 3-Month, 4-District Bank Theft Spree
Three Mexican nationals are behind bars at the Hattieville prison for scamming the Atlantic Bank of more than a hundred thousand dollars. The three residents from Cancun, including a couple, [...]

Mario Vernon Death Investigation Still Open
An internal investigation continues into the shooting death of Mario Vernon Junior, which occurred in Punta Gorda on the night of January thirteenth. Vernon was shot by Police Constable Tevin [...]

Did P.A.C.T. Mistreat P.S.U. Members? 2 Employees Made Redundant
There is a back and forth tonight between the Protected Areas Conservation Trust and the Public Service Union over the fate of six PACT employees who are also members of [...]

What Will Be in Final Special Select Committee Report on Immigration?
The public hearings of the Senate Special Select Committee on Immigration concluded last December after thirteen months of witness testimony interspersed with lots of drama and theatre. Now, the hard [...]

Technology to Manage Sustainability of Forests
This morning at the Radisson in the city, a pair of strategies was formally introduced by the Forest Department for sustainable forest and forest fire management. The launch coincided with [...]

Women Conference on Inclusion in History
The Building People Movement and Belize Women’s Political Movement held their first annual policy conference. The two organizations brought women leaders together from a number of schools and organizations to [...]

Upgrade Coming for George Price Highway
Back in December, the Ministry of Works and M and M Engineering signed a contract for eleven million dollars to rehabilitate the Roaring Creek Bridge connecting the village to the [...]

San Estevan Ferry Needs Another Week to Re-Open
Residents of the north, particularly the villages of San Estevan, Chunox, Copper Bank and Progresso, can expect further delays as the ferries connecting the villages are still down for repair. [...]

LOVE FM

Four shot in Ladyville, Two are killed
The second shooting happened about two hours later in Ladyville. Sometime around seven in the night shots were fired at a group of persons who were socializing at a house on Marage Road in that Village and it resulted in the death of two men. Two others were injured, one of them a passerby. Dalila …

Belizean Ann Marie Williams to take up post at CARICOM Secretariat
Former Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, Ann Marie Williams will soon be taking up her new post at the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana. Williams told Love News she has mixed emotions at this time, however, she is confident that she will meet the challenges of her new position. Ann Marie Williams, Former Executive …

Vernon family in Punta Gorda to hold protest this weekend
Paul Mahung reporting … Since the fatal shooting of Mario Vernon also known as Jun; grieving family members and friends have publicly expressed strong concerns and will continue to do so in a planned protest march and rally. One of the event coordinators, Mario Vernon’s aunt, Juliet Austin spoke to Love News. Juliet Austin “We’re …

Small stores robbed in southern Belize
Harry Arzu reporting… There were two separate robberies in Hope Creek Village earlier this week where two families were held up at gunpoint. Love News spoke with one of the victims who gave us an account of one of the incidents. Voice of Robbery Victim: “On Monday morning at about 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM I …

Couple shot while at home, Common-law Husband fatally wounded
The third fatal shooting incident happened in Roaring Creek Village shortly before midnight. A man was killed and his common-law wife injured. ACP Joseph Myvett, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch shared what their investigations have revealed so far. ACP Joseph Myvett – Head, National CIB “Last night police were called to the residence …

Controversy surrounds body at PG morgue
Paul Mahung reporting… “Maria Flores’s aunt of the lady who died spoke to Love News of her problem in getting the body of her niece as she urgently needs to take the body to Honduras for a funeral.” Maria Flores – Aunt : “I’ve been trying for the past week to get her remains to Honduras …

Authorities Fear Retaliation, Precautions Taken
Police believe there may be retaliation following at least two of the fatal shooting incidents on Tuesday night. Commissioner of Police says, as a result, they have hiked up police presence in the areas of interest and pled the public’s assistance in solving these latest murders. Allen Whylie – Commissioner of Police “I would like …

Five Detained in Connection with the Toledo Double Murder
The police department has also been actively investigating the double homicide of sisters, Josephina and Crecencia Oh. Today ACP Joseph Myvett says they have made several detentions. ACP Joseph Myvett – Head, National CIB “The police have launched intensive operations and up to this morning there are five individuals that are detained and are currently …

Decomposed Body of Hispanic Male Found in Dangriga
The body of a man was discovered this morning around 11:30 along the Hummingbird Highway. According to reports, the unidentified Hispanic man was found approximately three miles on the Hummingbird highway after exiting Dangriga. He was lying face down in a drain next to a bicycle. Reports also indicate that the body was in an …

First Senate Sitting of 2018; PUP objects to Appropriation Bill (No.3), 2017
The first sitting of the Senate for the year occurred today in Belmopan where Senators debated one bill. That bill is the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2017. The bill seeks to appropriate millions of dollars spent during 2016 and 2017. Senators were asked to approve thirteen point five million dollars which were spent after …

Breaking Belize News

Family of slain sisters calls for public to remove graphic images
The Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) and the Oh family of San Antonio are demanding that […]

Bill Gates, IDB and Carlos Slim team up to end malaria in Central America
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Carlos Slim Foundation […]

Canadian firefighters to offer training in Belize
Three volunteer firefighters from Alberta, Canada will travel to Belize this month to share their […]

Toledo alcaldes condemn brutal murder of sisters
On Sunday evening, two young women were brutally killed on the San Jose Road in […]

Belize, on the brink of moral bankruptcy
By Richard Harrison: In a democracy the people get the government they deserve….and the government is a reflection […]

‘Vote like a Boss’ campaign launched
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors and the National Youth Council of Belize, having recognized the valuable […]

Two persons shot in Roaring Creek Village; One dies
According to reports, a man and a woman were shot just before midnight last night in Roaring […]

International Sources

Dominican Republic and Belize to Benefit From Initiative to End Malaria
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carlos Slim Foundation today announced an initiative to support eight countries, including the Dominican Republic and Belize, in taking the final steps necessary to eliminate malaria. The Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative (RMEI) will bring US$83.6 million in new funds, and is expected to leverage over US$100 million in domestic financing and US$39 million of existing donor resources across the region by 2022, to ensure malaria remains a top health and development priority despite dwindling numbers of cases. The funding will serve to close the technical and financing gaps to support and execute country elimination plans in Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

'Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed' coming to The Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) will host the Wisconsin engagement of Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, the largest exhibition about the ancient Maya ever to be displayed in the United States, on Saturday, February 10. This special exhibit uses authentic artifacts, immersive environments and hands-on activities to explore the rise and fall of the Maya civilization. Its Classic Period (250-900 AD) rivaled any European society; the Maya built elaborate cities without the use of the wheel, communicated using a sophisticated written language, measured time accurately with detailed calendar systems and had an advanced understanding of astronomy and agriculture. Its decline remains a hotly debated topic today among researchers.

CRFM leads 7-country initiative to support management of four-wing flyingfish
Seven Caribbean countries are participating in a recently launched series of subprojects which the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is leading under a sustainable management initiative for the flyingfish fishery. In highlighting the importance of the initiative, CRFM Executive Director, Milton Haughton, said: “We in the region are utilizing a common space and common living marine resource; therefore, we need to cooperatively manage these common interests. One of these common interests is the flyingfish fishery, and the governance framework developed for the flyingfish fishery could be scaled up and applied to other fisheries in the region.”

CARICOM marijuana commission submits status report
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government’s mandate to investigate the issue of marijuana use in the Community has resulted in national consultations in nine countries of the Community, over the past two years. A status report issued by the CARICOM Regional Marijuana Commission, appointed by CARICOM heads of government, indicates that the subject has emerged as an issue of social significance across the region. “It embraces several complex dimensions, including the scientific, economic, social, religious and legal… and there [are] many commonalities in the discourse…” These include “… vital information and strong opinions about marijuana and its use, including strong lobbying for use for medical reasons from a group of persons living with disabilities and in wheelchairs…” the report states.

Videos

GUATEMALA E BELIZE - 2017/2018, 17min. Viagem passando o Ano Novo com meu filho Vitor.

From Yes to I Do Season 5 Episode 1, 65min.

From Yes Season 5 Episode 2, 63min.

THE SENATE HELD THIER FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR TODAY AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN BELMOPAN, 5min. The Senate held their first meeting of the year today at the National Assembly in Belmopan On the agenda was the General Revenue Supplementary Appropriation Bill which sought approval for non-budgeted, extra spending done by the Government in 2017. The amount under Senate review today totalled $9 million, and it is primarily funds spent on recovery efforts following the impacts of Hurricane Earl which hit Belize on August 3rd 2016.

ON A WEEKLY BASIS WE WILL BRING HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SENATE HEARING THAT TOOK PLACE EXACTLY A YEAR AGO, 7min. Now a year is a long time for most to remember details, so for the benefit of our viewers and listeners, on a weekly basis we will bring highlights of the Senate hearings that took place exactly a year ago. Last year the testimony of former Director Ruth Meighan made the headlines when she revealed in her testimony that she accepted full responsibility for anything that went wrong at the Immigration Department.

Warnings have made about fake doctors claimin to give insuling injecting but its virus aids, 1min. Over the past two days our newsroom has received several calls from concerned residents following a message which has been circulating via WhatsApp and social media websites warning people to watch out for fake doctors who are going door to door offering to measure your blood sugar levels for free. Supposedly, the fake doctors are actually ISIS members who will infect you with the AIDS virus via an injection that they will claim is insulin.

Gillnet video clips, 9min.

Unionism of Belize - The Evolution, 40min.

Yes To i Do - Meet Team Reynicia, 17min.

Caribbean Homes and Exports, 26min.

Striped Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus semistriatus), 15sec.

Metalhaven Bash (ACUSTICA) 2014, 2hr. The 2014 Metal Haven Bash was at the Cave Garden, and the video was just uploaded. Lots of great talent singing many great songs. You'll see a lot of familiar faces. "Metalhaven bash (ACUSTICA) 2014, At cave garden"

Belize 2018 - Marine Biology Course, 4min.

Bahia de Ciudad de Belice y el Canal - Belize City Bay and Canal, 2.5min.

Belize's Rangers on the Move with SMART, 2min. This 2 minute film highlights how the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is revolutionizing Belize's approach to protecting its globally important natural resources. From the Maya Mountains to Belize's World Heritage Reef rangers are working hard to ensure that our water, timber, fish, wildlife and natural beauty can continue to support the economy.

January 24, 2018

2 Maya sisters, 17 and 19, hacked to death

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

Paul Jex shot and killed in San Pedrito, Dion Neal wounded
It has been confirmed that shortly after 5PM on Tuesday, January 23rd a shooting incident at the entrance of the San Pedrito subdivision has left one person dead, and another one injured. The deceased has been identified as Paul Jex who received one fatal shot to the head. The other person injured in the shooting was Dion Neal, who after being shot managed to flee the scene heading into town. He collapsed on Pescador driver and was taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II for treatment. According to a witness, she heard two shots as she was heading home from her job. She thought the sounds were from firecrackers, but as she approached the entrance of San Pedrito she noticed someone lying on the road. She then saw three young men running towards the lagoon side. She witnessed a man running past her who said he’d been shot. This was Neal, who managed to reach Pescador Drive before collapsing.

Stanford Eye Clinic is back on Ambergris Caye
The Stanford Eye Clinic is hosting its first clinic for the year at the San Pedro Lions Den. Since Sunday, January 21st, eye examinations are being facilitated by ophthalmologists, Dr. Ecunabaughn Koo and Dr. Katerine Warner from Stanford University in California, USA. According to Dr. Koo, the examinations are not only to determine if patients need glasses, but are also a way to detect eye conditions and diseases. “We check for glaucoma, retinopathy, and cataracts. These conditions are sometimes in their early stage, so if they are detected in time, they can be treated before causing any major damage to a persons’ sight,” she said. “It is very important for people to regularly check their eyes, as you can prevent or detect an eye disease early. Persons who suffer from diabetes and hypertension are more likely to suffer from these diseases, so it’s important for regular check-ups.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Opening at Femi's Secret Cafe on Caye Caulker
Femi's Secret Cafe is looking for someone to do Deliveries male or feamale it can be a young person .. it's to Delivery goodies from Femi's Secret Cafe .. anyone doing nothing and want an easy job please call 6223469.. anyone knows of a young girl boy away from school and need something to do please pass the word .. I give food also call 6223469

The Maya Communities Stand United Against Crimes Committed Upon Women
The Toledo Alcaldes Association of the thirty nine Maya communities in southern Belize condemns the heinous crime that was committed against the young sisters, Josephina Oh and Crecencia Oh, of San Antonio Village on the San Jose road. These horrible acts being committed against Maya women have shaken our peaceful communities to its core. Our communities have always been peaceful and collective. We have enjoyed such peace not by chance but as a result of being on the frontline of ensuring that we live as respectful and caring people to each other and to our environment. The TAA calls on each and every community member to be the protector of each other. We need to care for our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and Elders. This is our way – a way that fosters peaceful living. Furthermore, the Alcaldes call on the Police Department to ensure that a thorough investigation is done and that the person or persons who committed this crime are brought before the law. The TAA stands ready to support and has been in touch with the Alcaldes of San Jose who are and will continue to collaborate with the Punta Gorda Police to resolve this latest incident.

Paint N Splash
Come join us at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar Thursday from 2-4pm to paint “Set Yourself Free”. We will be blending colors and also layering colors

"PIERRE DAVID" at the Princess Casino Freezone
You are invited to another Laugh Out Loud weekend at the PRINCESS CASINO FREEZONE, Corozal for the live musical comedy Show of popular entertainer "PIERRE DAVID". It is all happening this Friday, January 26th and Saturday, January 27th at 10:00 p.m. Come out enjoy, laugh and get a chance to win. Free entrance.

To Educate a Nation Book Launch
The launch of To Educate a Nation will be this Thursday and Friday at the Cayo Welcome Center. It's all about the contributions of Garifuna teachers and their families.

8th Annual Tribute to Bob Marley
Coming Soon! 8th Annual Tribute to Bob Marley in San Pedro Town, Feb. 6th, 2018

Stay in line at the bridge in San Pedro...
Would all drivers please note that they should stay in line at the bridge so as not to cause accidents. Failure to comply will result in their being issued a violation ticket. This is to further enhance safety measures around town, not only for motorists but also pedestrians especially children. Also it is mandatory to STOP at the Toll booth even if you have prepaid. Thanks

Home Remedies That Work: Ginger
To quell nausea - try frozen ginger chips. First, infuse fresh ginger in hot water. Strain, then freeze the concoction in ice cube trays. Crush the cubes and suck the icy chips throughout the day to provide your tummy with a steady soothing dribble. Ginger’s anti-nausea properties are particularly effective during pregnancy of after surgery.

Channel 7

Another San Pedro Slaying - Second One In a Week
There was another murder in San Pedro town this evening around 5:00. It's the second execution that town has seen in a week, and again, it is believed to be related to underworld activities. Paul Jex and Deon Neal were at a boatyard in the San Pedrito area near the airstrip when they were shot. 32 year old Jex died from his injuries while Neal is being treated at the san Pedro Polyclinic where he is stable. Jex had reportedly been in police custody up until an hour before his murder. He was facing a charge for possession of 20 grammes of marijuana - but reports say he received bail and was released. Within an hour, he would be dead.

Boy Survives Being Run Over With Only Minor Injuries
A young boy was knocked down on Sunday evening on the corner of Amara and Dean Streets - it was ghastly collision as seen in this video but the boy miraculously survived without major injury. The boy was on his bicycle when this oncoming car struck him and dragged him along. When we spoke to the boy's father he declined comment but said that his son was fine. Today we spoke to an area resident off camera about the accident. Voice of: Eyewitness: "Sunday afternoon well as basic people gathering in their yard and some of us on the street, this vehicle just appeared out of nowhere from Amara and a little boy was crossing the street and actually the vehicle was under a speed so by the blink of an eye the child was already down the other side. You could have heard that bang so hard, what disappoints us all around here is that that vehicle didn't even stop after hitting that child, it just kept on rolling even faster than when it hit him."

Toledo Alcalde's Tell Police "Let Us Help" Solve Double Murder Of Sisters
Last night on the news, we told you about the double murder of the sisters, 20 year old Cresencia and 18 year old Josephina Oh. On Sunday evening, they left their home village of San Antonio to attend a church service 10 miles away in the neighboring village of San Jose. They stayed back in that village to visit their brother, and they didn't catch a ride home with the San Antonio Resident who brought them. Instead, they were attempting to walk home, but they never made it. Hours after they were last seen alive, their mutilated and partially nude bodies were found on the outskirts of the village. Someone had viciously chopped them to death.

Car Jacking Nets Mobile Robber 6K
In Corozal, a worker at a butane company was heading to the bank to make a deposit when he was held up by a daring robber. Yesterday morning at 10:30, 30 year old Edgar Loria, from Ranchito Village, was in Corozal Town driving on 7th Avenue in a Nissan Frontier pick-up heading towards the Belize Bank, when a black minivan without license plates pulled up beside him and a passenger ordered him to stop. He pulled over, and a man wearing a ski mask and armed with a hand gun jumped out of the van and told him to hand over the money. Loria handed over the deposit bag with $5,751.00 dollars in cash - and the robbers drove off. Police have not made any arrests.

Mexican Trio of Bank Card Fraudsters Will Face More Charges
Tonight, three Mexicans are in the Hattieville Prison pending many more charges for theft and possibly other offences. Leonel Isaac Rodriguez Peralta, Joscan Jafet Hernandez, and Belen Hernandez are being investigated for using bogus bank cards to take ninety-five thousand dollars out of Atlantic Bank ATM machines in the Free Zone, Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker and San Ignacio. This happened between November 2017 and January 2018.

Andy Rhaburn's Big Sister Wants Answers On Why He Killed Their Mother
26 year old murder suspect Andy Rhaburn is recovering in the Northern Regional Hospital after police shot him in the arm and hip yesterday. The cops say he came out of the bushes on the outskirts of Carmelita village with a machete which is when they shot him. Rhaburn is accused of doing the almost unthinkable: killing his own mother Braulia Pech with a crowbar one week ago. That event has destroyed his family - and today via phone his sister Clarita Rhaburn said that she still has questions for her little brother:...

Boat Captain Gets Off Manslaughter Charge Eight Years Later
He's waited 8 years and 2 months but tonight 51 year-old Antonio Tepaz has been acquitted of manslaughter by negligence. It made big news back in November of 2009 when a boat collision between the vessel, "Tio John", belonging to Coastal Xpress Water Ferry and the boat, "Right Now", belonging to the Sueno Del Mar Resort, killed 33 year old Cesar Scott. That accident happened on November 15, 2009 in San Pedro. Scott was the side man on the "Right Now" vessel, which was allegedly being driven by Tepaz. We have to say "allegedly" because Tepaz was prosecuted in a trial before Justice Adolph Lucas. In that trial, the prosecution called 8 witnesses who were supposed to establish that Tepaz committed the offense. At the conclusion of the prosecution's case however, Tepaz's attorney, Ellis Arnold, made a submission that the prosecution did not lead any evidence in the case that he was the driver of the boat in which Scott was killed.

Mother of Two Accused Of Taking Prisoners
24 year-old Shereffa Jex, a mother of 2, is also out on bail after being taken to court for breaking into a house and holding 2 people at knife point against their will. According to Police, on January 18th., Jex, an employee of Transparent BPO residing in Burrell Boom, barged into the home of Marisela Salvador. Once inside, Jex reportedly used a knife to unlawfully imprison Leroy Young and a minor. Police investigated the report, and they charged Jex with aggravated burglary and unlawful imprisonment. She was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Frazer, and she was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner. She pleaded not guilty to the offences, and was released on bail of $4,000. She must return to court on April 5.

Kendis Cole And The Gas Pump Pilfering
29 year-old Kendis Cole, a resident of Caye Caulker Village, is out on bail tonight after his boss accused him of pocketing money from sales he made as a gas station pump attendant. 46 year-old Marlon Skeen, the owner of Stack Up and Go Gas Station, in Biscayne Village, reported to police that Cole worked at his gas station and sold $2,141 in fuel which he did not turn in. He noticed the missing money and reported it to police, who charged him with theft. He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer, and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was released on bail of $1,000, and he must return to court on April 5.

Chunox Villager With Shellfish
19 year-old Jorge Cassanova, a fisherman from Chunox Village, will have to pay fines to a total of $3,480 dollars to the Magistrate's Court. That's after he went before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and pled guilty to 4 fisheries offences. The Fisheries Department reported that at around 9:25 a.m. on December 29, fisheries officers boarded the fishing vessel, La Gadalupana. They found Cassanova in possession of 24 undersized lobster tails, 95 undersized conch, and 3 soft shell lobster tails and 1 lobster which had its eggs removed. The fisheries officers confiscated the shellfish, and they charged him for the out-of-season catch. He was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, and he pleaded guilty to all offenses. She sentenced him to pay fines to a total of $3,480.

Weed and Crack On a Farm
Police busted a Stann Creek resident with crack cocaine and weed. Police found 12 grams of crack-cocaine and 13 ounces of weed in a home at a farm in the Stann Creek District. 29 year old Anthony Argueta has been arrested and charged for (3) counts of "Drug Trafficking.

Gun and Weed In Alley
Police found more drugs and guns on city streets. Yesterday evening around 3:45 police found a .25 pistol, an empty magazine and a bag with 4 ounces of weed in an abandoned lot in Pitts Alley. No one was in the area and the drugs and firearm were deposited as found property.

Capital Cops Got A Shotgun
And, yesterday at noon in Belmopan, police found a home-made shotgun with a small amount of weed. They say the gun was stowed alongside a creek near Suriname Street, in the San Martin Area.

NICH Pickup Flipped - Second Accident In One Day On Same Hill
No one was hurt when a NICH pickup flipped on the Southern Highway today. The Toyota Hilux - lost control in a slippery area known as "Lando Hill" - which is in Big Falls Village. The vehicle skated off the road, and ran up into a hillside, which caused it to flip unto the road. Drivers may not know that the hill gets slippery at the slightest rains, and in the past two days - this is the second vehicle to flip on that very same hill. No one was hurt in either accident, but police are urging caution in that area.

Months After Shooting And Accident, No Charges
Three months after a shooting and accident, no one has been charged. As we have reported, Tyrin Faber and his cousin Elon Faber were shot by a security guard at Princess. He fired his shotgun to the ground to break up a brawl, but one of the bullets ricochetted and injured both Faber's. Now as they were racing to the hospital, a vehicle pursuing them tapped their back bumper on Freetown Road - which you can see in this security video. That small contact at very high speeds caused their Toyota Four Runner to flip on Freetown road, near the Cinderella plaza junction. That's when another one of their friends was injured.

Two More Murdered - This Time In Ladyville
We started the news off tonight with the report of a murder in San Pedro - and news just in says that there have been two more - this time in Ladyville. Credible reports say that a number of persons were shot on Milpa Road - and multiple sources say that two people were murdered. The Milpa road has been the scene of a number of gang related murders over the years. We'll keep following the story and have more for you tomorrow.

CARICOM Contemplates Cannabis
The Caricom Commission on marijuana was in Belize in November, and they have also held consultations in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. Today, CARICOM announced that they have issued a status report which finds, quote, "that the subject has emerged as an issue of social significance across the region." The report notes quote, "strong opinions about marijuana and its use, including strong lobbying for use for medical reasons from a group of persons living with disabilities and in wheelchairs...". But, there's no final position taken yet by the ten person commission. It continues to gather information and will present its findings and recommendations to the Thirty-Ninth Regular meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government scheduled for the first week in July 2018, in Jamaica.

Guat President Under Pressure
Tonight, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales continues to be the subject of controversy in his country after journalists uncovered what is believed to be questionable spending of public monies. News reports out of Guatemala say that the Presidential Office of Administrative Affairs paid $40,000 US dollars for goods and expenses in 2017 on his behalf. He reportedly receives one of the highest salaries of of the presidents in Latin America at $20,000 US a month. Yesterday, he was questioned about his expenses during a news conference, and he was asked about a pair of designer Carolina Herrera sunglasses worth almost $3,000 US. When asked why he didn't pay for it out of his pocket, he is quoted as responding, "Because I don't have to pay for them out of my salaryâ€¦ I was handed that pair of glasses, do you think I go asking for those kinds of purchases?"

The Tale Of The Left Turn
The median on the Northern Highway is nothing new, in fact it has been there for quite some time now but many are still struggling to adjust to the idea of going down to the roundabout to make left turns. Last night, we showed you a clip from an executive at Cisco Construction explaining the median and new no left turn rule. Well, today we went out on to the highway to hear what commuters had to say and to our surprise, the reviews were not all negative. Sahar Vasquez reporting: The reconstruction of Belize City's new six-lane highway is a major step of present-day progress but is it more trouble than it is worth? Well for some Belizeans that is the feeling especially with the most recent median added to a road that is now a patchwork of hardcore fill, stones and clouds of dust.

Channel 5

Breaking: Paul Jex Killed in San Pedro Town; Another Man Injured
There is another murder to report in San Pedro tonight, where a well-known street figure was just shot and killed around five-thirty this evening. Paul Jex, an affiliate of the [...]

William Godoy’s Family Protest Murder Charge
The first murder victim on the island is Alfredo Cowo and tonight, a San Pedro mechanic is spending his first night behind bars at the Central Prison for that murder. [...]

Down South, Alcaldes Pressure Authorities in Gruesome Double Murder
The barbarity of a pair of machete murders in the village of San Jose, Toledo District, has sent shockwaves across the Maya community. This act of savagery, the mutilation of [...]

MLA/TAA Calls on All to Do Their Part
In light of the tragic incident, alcaldes are being reminded to make certain that the highest level of attention is paid to complaints where women and children are being violated. [...]

Killer Bees Strike Down Omar Cruz in Unitedville
Residents of Unitedville in the Cayo District are calling on authorities to tend to an abandoned building containing a swarm of Africanized or “killer” bees which severely stung a senior [...]

Ambassador Talks Trafficking in Persons; Higher Rank for Belize Passports
Speaking out on the issue of human trafficking recently is Belize’s Ambassador to the U.S. and permanent representative to the O.A.S., Daniel Gutierrez. This comes after the U.S. recently added [...]

Things Look Better, But Not Much, Foreign Forecast Says
For those still wondering if the best is yet to come going into an election year, The Economist Intelligence Unit says not quite. Its quarterly economic forecast predicts a return [...]

How Belize’s Murder Rate Stacks Up in Region
In an addendum to the Economist Intelligence Unit report on Belize, the organization discusses the rise in the rate of murder in several Caribbean countries, due to gang feuds related [...]

Boy, 10, Survives Hit-and-Run in Belize City
Camera footage of a hit-and-run accident on Sunday evening, January twenty-first, is cause for concern for parents tonight. A ten-year-old boy was riding his bicycle across the intersection of Amara [...]

Robbers Strike Ranchito Salesman in Corozal Town
Corozal police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Monday morning on Seventh Avenue. Thirty-year-old Edgar Loria, a salesman of Ranchito Village, was on his way to make a deposit [...]

Fisherman Loses Big Money for Illegal Produce
Chunox village fisherman Jorge Casanova was caught red-handed with a variety of illegal produce in December in the vicinity of Tarpon Creek in the Turneffe Atolls. It will cost him [...]

Young Mother Avoids Jail on Home Invasion Charge
Twenty-four-year-old Shereffa Jex was read charges of aggravated burglary and two counts of unlawful imprisonment for a reported home invasion in the Buttercup section of Burrell Boom. She is accused [...]

Meet the Municipal Mayoral Candidates in San Pedro Town
Tonight we begin a series related to the upcoming March seventh municipal elections. We were on the campaign trail in San Pedro, where the U.D.P. Town Council has been in [...]

Darrell Bradley Says Belize City is “Better than I Found It”
Belize City Mayor Darrell Bradley is set to demit office in the next five weeks and is currently in the process of transitioning back to private life as an attorney. [...]

Thanks to Municipal Bond, City is Debt-Free
The hallmark of Bradley’s success at City Hall is perhaps the floating of the municipal bond, monies which were used to concretize over a hundred and sixty streets across the [...]

After Family Time, Bradley’s March to Belmopan Begins
As we said earlier, the outgoing mayor is easing back into private life, with a renewed focus on other career interests, including his law firm. But, politics is still very [...]

Belize City Family Picks Up Pieces after Surprise Eviction
Two Saturdays ago, a Belize City family claims it was forcibly separated at the decision of a landlord who reportedly called the Gang Suppression Unit to help evict them from [...]

CTV3

Opposition Calls On GOB To Assist Farmers And Fix Sugar Roads
Last week we reported on the outcry of the onion and potato farmers in northern Belize about the needed market conditions for the harvest they are preparing to reap in the next few weeks. On a yearly basis, these farmers struggle to sell their produce because of poor protection from Government marketing agencies which allow the importation of vegetables even though locally there is enough to sustain demands. This year, the farmers sought to pre-empt those hurdles and called out the Government to protect them. Opposition leader Hon. John Briceno agreed.

Pablo Marin's Jade Head Project Raised Eyebrows
Two weeks ago we told you about the construction taking place along a roundabout near the Santa Rita area of Corozal Town. As we reported, the project isn’t one being carried out by the Town Council, but rather by Area Representative Pablo Marin. We have also learnt that Marin’s idea is to do a tourism beautification project and he personally chose the location and the construction of a Mayan artefact on the site. While we’ve noted the concerns by residents about the impact which the construction site will have on traffic visibility, there is a more serious concern regarding the utility of the project.

Jahmar Receives Much Needed MRI
Jahmar Ferguson, the seven year old student and resident of Trial Farm Village, who was struck on the head with a blunt object three weeks ago on Monday January 1st, is still recuperating from his injury at a steady pace. As we have been reporting over the past weeks, due to the severity of Jahmar’s head injury, specialists recommended that he conduct an MRI scan as soon as possible to establish whether he suffers from any internal damage that might possibly result in long-term conditions.

Fisherman Charged for Being In Possession Of Underside Lobster
A fisherman of Chunox Village, was fined a total of $3,480 today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford after he pled guilty to 4 fisheries offences. Nineteen year old Jorge Cassanova, was fined $250 plus $5 court cost for each of the following offences: Possession of 95 undersized conch, possession of 24 undersized lobster tails, possession of 3 soft shell lobster tails and possession of one lobster when the eggs have been removed. His additional fine for each offence was $20 per conch and $20 per lobster.

LOVE FM

Police operations yield results
Police in the Stann Creek District searched Argueta’s residence and found 12 grams of crack cocaine and 390 grams of marijuana. He was charged with drug trafficking. Meanwhile police in Belize City conducted a search in an abandoned lot in Pitts Alley yesterday afternoon. There they found a silver and black .25 pistol along with …

Hit and Run captured on camera
A young man was knocked down on Sunday, January 21, while he was on a bicycle on Amara Avenue in Belize City. The incident was captured by a surveillance camera and it shows the young man riding across the intersection and the car hitting the young man off his bicycle. Residents of the area are …

Seafloor mapping being conducted in Belize
Seafloor or Seabed mapping is a geographical survey of the seafloor. Two vessels have been deployed to Belize to conduct such surveys. The survey is being carried out through the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Program which is being spearheaded by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. Representatives of the Belize Port Authority and other government officials …

Family feels safer after murderer was captured
Villagers of Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District can now breathe a collective sigh of relief after the man accused of killing his mother was captured yesterday. 26 year old Andy Rhaburn was captured by Orange Walk Police after being on the run for almost a week. Rhaburn reportedly bludgeoned his mother, 53-year-old Braulia …

Sherla Adolphus loses civil suit against Dorian Pakeman
Sherla Adolphus has to pay the court two thousand dollars after a second civil suit she brought against Director of the Government Press Office Dorian Pakeman was unsuccessful yesterday. Pakeman knocked down and killed Adolphus spouse, Dean Dawson, in March 2016. Dawson was on his bicycle on mile 23 of the Philip Goldson Highway when …

Toledo Alcaldes Association condemns murder of two young Mayan women
The brutal murders of seventeen year old Josephine Oh and nineteen year old Crisencia Oh have left the Mayan communities of southern Belize in shock. The young girls were hacked to death on Sunday night in the Village of San Jose in the Toledo District. Their mutilated bodies were found about two miles off …

PlusTV

No arrests yet in Toledo double murder
Police are still investigating the gruesome and disturbing murder of two teenage sisters who were severely chopped and killed in the Toledo district. As we reported, 19 year old Cresencia Oh and her 17 year old sister Josephina Oh, were heading home from church on Sunday night when they were vici...

Hit and run caught on camera
A hit and run accident was captured by a surveillance camera on Amara Avenue. The time stamp on the video shows that the incident occurred on Sunday January 21st at 5:44 p.m. The video shows a male person entering Amara Avenue at full speed on a bicycle. The cyclist did not stop to look left or righ...

Water shortage continues in Unitedville
“Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink”. The village of Unitedville sits near the Belize river, a couple of creeks and even a spring but many of the villagers say, they are not getting an adequate supply of potable water. [UNITEDVILLE FOOTAGE] Yesterday PlusNews visited the vil...

Ras Indio’s new release; UNITY
We are still in the month of January, and quite a ways from the month of September, but that’s not stopping one Belizean music Artist from releasing his first single for the new year. Ras Indio dropped by PlusTV studios to his brand new track and video titled UNITY . His New release for 2018 also fe...

GREAT family graduation ceremony in San Ignacio
There was another Gang Resistance, Education and Training graduation on Friday January 19th held in San Ignacio. This one is called the GREAT family component. THE training sessions for vulnerable youths have been ongoing for years but the family component has been a recent addition where parents an...

New Town Clock for San Ignacio
On Friday evening, the San Ignacio town clock was inaugurated. The addition to down town San Ignacio is courtesy Bowen and Bowen. Mayor Trapp told us more. Mayor Earl Trapp, San Ignacio Mayor This town clock is something I have long dreamed about. And I always say that when you see projects complete...

Stann Creek man charged with Drug Trafficking
29 year old Anthony Argueta, Belizean Labourer of Mayan King Farm, Stann Creek District, was arrested and charged for drug trafficking on Monday January 22. Police say they conducted a search at the residence of Argueta where they found a bag containing nine grams of crack-cocaine and another one...

Imports and Exports both down for last Quarter
When it comes to imports, according to SIB figures, Belize’s total imports for the month of November 2017 were valued at $154.5 million. This was a decrease of 7.7 percent or $12.8 million from imports for November 2016, which totaled $167.3 million. The ‘Machinery and Transport Equipmen t’ category...

Church complaint against CITY and RECONDEV
La Iglesia Casa de Dios is a church in Belmopan which caters to Hispanic believers. On Sundays the church seats hundreds of members and congregants, pastored by Mr Marcos Vargas, but tonight work has reached PlusTV that the Belmopan City Council and RECONDEV is giving a notice of eviction to the C...

Two teenagers hacked to death in San Jose, Toledo
Two teenagers were found hacked to death in San Jose, Toledo. 19 year old Cresencia Oh and her 17 year old sister Josephina Oh, were heading home from church on Sunday night when they were viciously attacked and killed. The partially nude bodies of the two females were found on the side of the San J...

Another golf cart shooting in San Pedro
There was another gulf cart shooting in San Pedro where a couple was targeted. It happened early Saturday morning. 48 year old Gilberto Lara was shot to the chest while 25 year old Honduran waitress Katherine Vanessa Torres Zelaya received a bullet graze to the back. Police told us more. Gilberto La...

Woman shot on Causarina Street, Belize City
There were two shooting incidents in Belize City on Sunday night. The first one happened sometime after seven o’clock on Causarina Street where a woman was injured. Police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo, NCIB A female was walking on Causarina street. Her name is Asia Felicia Humes. She was in the ...

Andy Rhaburn captured; shot in the process
26-year-old Andy Rhaburn, who is accused of killing his own mother, 53 year old Braulia Pech, was captured by Orange Walk Police this afternoon. According to police, they received a tip around 12:30 this afternoon and went to an area between miles 44 and 45 on the Phillip Goldson Highway, the outsk...

Amandala

82 Belizeans deported from US last year
The United States Department of Homeland Security, through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has released official data on the number of persons deported in 2017. Information contained in the report, titled “Enforcement and Removal Operations”, revealed that of the 197 countries to which deportations were made, Belize ranked 47th. In 2017, a total of 82 persons were deported to Belize. This is a reduction, when compared to the 120 persons deported to Belize in 2016. The Amandala notes that our neighbor to the north, Mexico, headed the list, with 128,765 deportations last year. Although those figures are overwhelming, they still represent a reduction from the previous year, which saw over 21,000 more Mexicans deported.

Sr. Supt. Jones says that police issued blasting licenses to Tiger Aggregates
The earth literally shook under some residents of Santa Elena Town, who were in the blast area of a massive explosion which damaged about 25 houses and killed the man who had set off the explosives on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. In the wake of that tragic explosion, many questions remain unanswered. The public still doesn’t know how that kind of explosive power could be used in a residential neighborhood, and what kind of licenses were granted to Tiger Aggregates, whose owner perished in the blast. The explosion was the consequence of a mining operation that went very wrong when the charge of dynamite that was used to dislodge a boulder on White Mall Hill, located in the Santa Cruz area, apparently was too strong and resulted in the massive destruction.

AG Peyrefitte criticizes US’s banning of H2 work visas as “cowardly and hypocritical”
The US Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State, named three countries last Wednesday — Belize, Haiti and Samoa — which will no longer be receiving the H2 work visa for at least 2018. On Thursday, the reasons that the three countries were banned from receiving the temporary work visas were published in The Federal Register, which is the daily record and archive of the U.S. federal government. The Federal Register cited the Government of Belize’s poor performance in combating human trafficking as the reason that Belizean workers would not be able to access the work visa.

3 Mexicans hit Atlantic Bank for over $100,000
Three Mexican nationals, a couple – a man and a woman – and another man, were charged with theft when they appeared today before the Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. They are Jafet Joscan, 26; Belen Hernandez, 26, and Lionel Rodriguez, 31. Although the trio, according to police, ripped off over $100,000 from the Atlantic Bank countrywide, they were only charged with the theft of small sums at this time. The incidents for which they were charged, occurred on Friday, January 19. Joscan was charged with theft of $300 from Atlantic Bank in Corozal Town.

“Spineless” Sedi on Guatemalan Kaibiles walking into Belize territory as if they owned it
Last Tuesday, the temperature at our Western border rose to a level that was a little higher than normal. First, a Guatemalan journalist for the Prensa Libre, Rigoberto Escobar López, claimed that he was assaulted by Belizean authorities. According to him, while taking photos in the area known as no man’s land (a strip of land situated between the Customs Departments of Belize and Guatemala), he was approached by Belizean authorities who told him to leave the area immediately. Lopez claimed that while he was about to make contact with Guatemalan authorities along the border, he was held by the neck by Belizean authorities.

City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Football Tournament kicks off at Yabra Field
Some ten (10) teams are reportedly registered, though only five (5) showed up yesterday at the Yabra Field to participate in the season-opening Marathon to kick off the 2nd Annual City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Football Tournament being hosted by the City Boys Football Club and coordinated by Yabra icon, Jerome “Pealoff” Mejia and City Boys manager, Leaton St. Clair. The tournament caters to children who are from 8 to 10 years old at the start of the competition, and includes a few female players on some teams. According to St. Clair, they are implementing the true “grassroots” philosophy in this tournament, with fifteen (15) players registered on each team, and all players have an equal amount of playing time in each game. The real “grassroots” philosophy emphasizes participation more than competition; but competition is nonetheless intense, as the youths go at it with vim and vigor in the games “from whistle to whistle.”

Verdes sole leader at Week 2 of PLB 2017-2018 Closing Season
Defending champion Verdes FC became sole leader in the standings at Week 2 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Closing Season, when they grabbed their second straight victory on Sunday in Punta Gorda. (See standings below.) In the first weekend game on Saturday at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, it was Belmopan Bandits SC defending their turf with a 3-1 win over visiting San Pedro Pirates FC. Bandits got a goal each from Rony Sanchez (24’), Hector Martinez (51’) and Elroy Smith (69’); while the Pirates’ only goal came from the penalty spot by Inri Gonzaga (31’ PK).

National Volleyball Championship in Belize City this weekend – January 27 & 28
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) will be hosting the Male & Female National Championship in Belize City on January 27 and 28 at the SCA Auditorium, as well as the BES Gymnasium, starting at 8:30 a.m. each day. The general public is invited to come out and experience the excitement, as the top male and female volleyball teams from all over the country compete to become Belize’s Volleyball Champion. Team rosters and registration fees of $250 per team are due on Wednesday, January 24. A compulsory meeting of all coaches and team captains/managers will be held on Friday, January 26, at the BES Gymnasium at 8:00 p.m. Additional details, including the Official Tournament Ground Rules, are available from the BVA. Game schedules will be available within the coming days, once the teams have officially committed.

2018 Cricket season starts with Marathon this weekend in Isabella Bank
Greetings from the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA)! The BNCA held its first General Meeting for 2018 yesterday, January 21, in Double Head Cabbage. In the adjacent picture of the executive committee members, they are as follows, from left to right, Mr. Winford Broaster II – Member; Mr. Herbert Panton – Treasurer; Mrs. Melanie Banner-Revers – Secretary; Mr. George Moody – VP/Member; Ms. Daphne McFadzean – Assistant Secretary; Mr. Mykelt Anthony – President. (Absent from picture: Mr. Leroy Banner – Assistant Treasurer)

Editorial: Sovereignty’s burden of proof
Their stunning 1979 general election defeat was totally unexpected by the United Democratic Party (UDP). There was an internal collapse, because their dominant Party Leader, the attorney Dean Lindo, lost his Fort George seat in the House. This remains the only time in Belize’s political history when an Opposition Leader has lost his seat in a general election. Dangriga’s Ted Aranda became the new UDP Leader, chosen by the three Southern Districts’ area representatives (Toledo’s Charles Wagner and Basilio Ah, and himself) over the perhaps logical choice – Albert’s Philip Goldson, supported by Mesopotamia’s Curl Thompson. (Aranda, Ah, and Thompson were first time area reps.) When the United States government of President Jimmy Carter told the People’s United Party (PUP) government of Belize, led by Hon. George Price, in late 1980 that the U.S. would support Belize’s independence, the reaction of the Aranda UDP, from that time until actual independence ceremonies on September 21, 1981, was reactive and disorganized. The UDP, to repeat, had collapsed and was a shell of its pre-1979 self.

Rebels and negotiators
I had my columns well set up for the week, until I read the Reporter and the Guardian. The Belize Times was a no show Friday afternoon in Belmopan. I wonder what the heck is going on with Rudon. Really, this columnist doesn’t need this. There are so many absorbing stories in Belize to write about. And then some people go and spoil things. Someone has to have a chat with Clinton Canul Luna. What, he went to look at a Mayan sculpture in Guatemala in 1997, and registered himself as a national? And this Mr. Orosco, who gave him the right to deny the paternal rights of a man who lived with his mom for 20 years. Agh, yu can’t write if yu have to spit. Yu have to spit first.

Guadalupe Flores, 29, busted with contraband goods and weed
Guadalupe Reymundo Flores, 29, a laborer of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District, is in police custody pending arraignment on charges of drug trafficking and possession of contraband goods after he was busted with 3 pounds of cannabis and a quantity of un-Customed goods at about 9:00 this morning in his house in the village. Reports to us are that while conducting anti-drug operations in the village, police went to Flores’ home and conducted a search. Flores was at home, and police said that along with the marijuana, they found (27) cases of Superior beer, (12) cases of Sol beer, (4) cases of Tecate light beer, (4) cases of Modelo Especial beer, (13) cases of Barilito beer, (5) cases of Pepsi, (7) cases of Big Cola, (3) individual containers of Big Cola, (9) bottles of Mirinda soft drink, (8) Manzanita soft drinks, (10) small sacks of flour, (8) large sacks of flour, (4) packs of Maseca, (1) sack of onions, and (1) box of tomatoes.

Gilberto Lara and Katherine Zelaya shot in San Pedro: Lara critical
Less than four days after Alfredo Cowo, 26, was shot and killed in San Pedro while sitting in a golf cart with a woman, San Pedro tour guide Gilberto “Hillyboo” Lara, 48, and Honduran waitress Katherine Vanessa Torres Zelaya, 25, were shot by an unknown gunman while they were riding in a golf cart on Sea Weed Street in San Juan Sub-division. Lara was wounded in the chest, while a bullet grazed Zelaya on her back. A seriously wounded Lara was able to drive the golf cart to the San Pedro Police Station. Policemen on duty took the couple to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were treated.

Andy Rhaburn, 26, to be charged for crowbar murder of his mother, Braulia Pech, 53
Andy Rhaburn, 26, accused of the murder of his mother, has finally been detained by police after being almost one week on the run. According to reliable information to Amandala, sometime after midday officers visited an area in Carmelita, where they found him. Reports are that when officers attempted to apprehend Rhaburn, he charged at them with a machete. That was when police reportedly fired a single blast from a shotgun that hit him in the shoulder and hand.

Cops charge William Godoy, 33, for murder of Alfredo Cowo, 26
Police have arrested and charged a San Pedro resident for the murder of Alfredo Cowo, 26. The accused has been officially identified as William Godoy, 33. He is to be arraigned on Monday morning in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court. Police say that based on an identification parade, and information from an accomplice, they have laid charges against Godoy. In the wee hours of Tuesday, Cowo was in front of the Jaguar night club, inside a golf cart watching a Facebook video with his girlfriend when a man wearing a hoodie walked up to them and opened fire. Cowo was the only one who was hit. He was transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic, and then by air to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he was certified dead by medical practitioners.

Breaking Belize News

1 man dead; another injured in San Pedro shooting
According to reports, around 5:30 this evening, two men were shot at the entrance of […]

Anthony Argueta busted with crack and weed
A Stann Creek man is in trouble after he was busted with cocaine and weed […]

Belmopan police seize homemade shotgun
Yesterday around noon time, police conducted a search along the creek near Suriname street in […]

Cops find gun and weed in Pitts Alley
Belize City cops have taken a firearm off the streets. Yesterday at around 3:45 p.m. cops […]

Ranchito salesman robbed of $5000 cash
Edgar Loria, 30, a salesman of Ranchito, Corozal reported to police that around 10:35 yesterday […]

Eight murders so far in 2018, none on southside Belize City
Coming off the second deadliest year in Belize’s history in 2017, which recorded 142 murders; […]

Mexicans caught in $100,000 ATM scam
Three Mexicans, charged with fraudulently withdrawing at least $100,000 from ATM machines around the country, […]

Weather conditions will remain cool
The National Meteorological Service reports that a relatively moist easterly flow will prevail. The 24-hour […]

Belize city cops take illegal gun and weed off streets
Yesterday evening, members of the Crime Investigation Branch (CIB) support unit visited an abandoned bushy […]

William Godoy charged for murder
Yesterday, William Godoy, 33, of San Pedro was arraigned for murder and remanded to the […]

Belize represented at regional financial meeting
Belize was among the 53 countries represented at the start of a two-day assessors training […]

Blogs

Smart Traveler
It has been on my mind to do a reminder post about traveling smart in Belize. It is also applicable no matter whether you are at home or on vacation and no matter where you are going. A few years back, my phone got hooked on my way to the store. A routine 10-minute walk turned into a really crappy experience. Another time previous to that someone tried a bicycle snatch and grab. Thankfully they did not get it and I was close to the main road and my destination; Crazy Canucks, and people. Both times I was not following an obvious rule. I Could have done one thing different that potentially would have stopped the thieves from targeting me. Put my bag on the inside facing shoulder as I was walking down the road.

Paint or Be Painted! San Pedro’s UNIQUE Carnaval is Coming SOON!
Mardi Gras or Carnival, the holiday is celebrated around the world. The festivus of eating, drinking and naughtiness before the beginning of Lent. Different places do different things…we all know about the celebration in New Orleans or in Rio (Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists during this week alone!) but in San Pedro, it’s been going on for decades and it is totally unique. This is a festival that’s been held for decades – before San Pedro had tourists. Get covered in paint with local kids, dance in the park, drink Belikin beers on a dock and then take a dip in ocean.

Part II: What makes someone an Ambergris Caye person vs. a Placencia person? (for vacation or moving!)
This is one of the most common questions I get asked - should I vacation in Ambergris Caye or Placencia? I figured I can now take the collective knowledge I've absorbed and give as comprehensive an answer as I can. Many people are vacationing to look at Belize as a possible retirement move, and it is so hard to explain without actually experiencing both. They are a little the same but SO different, and they attract different types of people. There isn't one that is "better" and equal amounts of people prefer one or the other. In fact - commonly - those that prefer one, often say they don't care for the other! (There are also those that love both, but it is really common to hear from people that they had a strong preference for one or the other.) The easiest way to do this is to first state what makes them the same. Then I will go through each area where there is pretty significant differences.

Belize - A Great Destination For Adventure Junkies
Test your limits on a heart-pounding adventure in Belize. Travel, at its best, is more than just getting away from home and relaxing in a hotel. The best vacations are the ones where you experience something new, doing something you've never tried before. And there's no better place for adventure than in Belize. If you've been yearning for true adventure in the heart of Paradise, choose from one of these amazing adventure tours in Belize:

Where in Belize? Location revealed!
Despite its relatively small square mileage, a lot of Belize remains a mystery. There are so many hidden nooks that may never be discovered by all. We can’t tell you how often it is we take the wrong turn down a dirt road, only to find ourselves feeling like we’re in a whole new world. It’s the beauty of exploring a place that remains relatively undeveloped, and if you’re up for the adventure, where you end up is anyone’s guess! This month’s mystery location was submitted to us by Clara Albeño. As a Cristo Rey Village resident, she has access to some of the most stunning, undeveloped locations around the Cayo District. Her photographs sometimes inspire a longing to chuck it all and move into the jungle! This location is in the Cayo District, commonly referred to as Branch Mouth. It is the place where the Macal and Mopan rivers meet, joining to form the New River.

San Pedro Part 11: Visiting San Pedro Ambergris Caye Warmer weather
San Pedro is "La Isla Bonita" that Madonna made famous. Now it's a tourist mecca, but still boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops so you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Plan a side trip to Caye Caulker while you're here; it is less developed and more laid back and has its own splendid swimming areas. At 25 miles (40 km) long and 4.5 miles (7 km) wide at its widest point, Ambergris is the queen of the Cayes. Here the Northern Barrier Reef is just a few hundred yards from shore, making access to dive sites extremely easy—the journey by boat takes as little as 10 minutes. On early maps it was often referred to as Costa de Ambar or the Amber Coast, a name supposedly derived from the blackish substance secreted by sperm whales—ambergris—that washes up on the beaches. The remote northern extremity abuts Mexican territory, and the Hispanic influence is evident in language, customs, food, and fiestas.

The best Christmas Birdcount in Belize? The Mountain Pine Ridge CBC
Male Collared Trogon For birders Christmas time is a very important part of the year in addition to the food, family gatherings and gifts, between December 15th and January 5th birders across the world take part in Christmas birdcounts. A Christmas birdcount is when volunteers across the globe go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds within their circle. I decided to participate in the MPR CBC, this would be my second time going to Mountain Pine Ridge. I was stoked! MPR CBC circle So my journey began in Belize City as per usual. I hooked with Ms Luz's team, another team that was doing the MPR circle, so we boarded the van and headed up towards Cayo. We stopped a Hattieville to stock up on rations for the count I got the usual birding staples bread, cheese and canned sausages. By the time we finished shopping and fueling up another member of the team joined Scott Forbes. On the road again we made another stop at Cheers to pick up Chrissy Tupper the last member of the team and she brought along an ice box full of food, perfect right?

International Sources

Waving goodbye to slash-and-burn
The first time I flew into Punta Gorda, a town on the edge of the Maya Golden Landscape in southern Belize, I was struck with how intact the forest remained compared to adjacent Guatemala and Honduras. Where Belizean forests were a rolling green landscape of tall tropical forest canopy Guatemala was nearly the opposite: blocks of intact forest surrounded by extensive clearing, smoke and fire. In tropical regions worldwide, slash and burn practices are failing to provide sustainable food production and income for millions of smallholder farmers in rapidly growing communities. Faced with the growing pressure on the Maya Golden Landscape's tropical rainforests, Ya'axché Conservation Trust (in partnership with Fauna & Flora International) has been working with local communities to encourage a sustainable farming system known as Inga alley cropping so that Belize does not witness the same rampant land clearing as that experienced by its Mesoamerican neighbours.

Beguiled in Belize: Head to Central America for the perfect family-friendly Spring Break getaway
Surrounded by the sparkling emerald green Caribbean Sea, I stepped off the boat onto a dock and took a deep breath. At the end of the pier, beyond a narrow swatch of white sandy beach, sat El Pescador resort, a series of charming colonial-style buildings surrounded by palm trees swaying gently in the breeze. In short: Perfection. Any trepidation I'd had about traveling to Central America with our two young kids disappeared. My husband held our 3-year-old daughter's hand as they peered down into the water, checking out a 2-foot string ray that cruised beneath in search of a late lunch. My 8-month-old son looked around, grinning despite hours of being hauled around on two vans, two planes and a boat in a five-hour time span. I admit, I was nervous about traveling internationally with a 3-nager and an 8-month-old, but Belize turned out to be the perfect family-friendly destination. It's safe, fairly affordable, the official language is English (it's a former British colony), and the exchange rate is super easy to master — $2 Belize to each $1 U.S. What's best, the people there are welcoming and warm; and they loved on our kids at every turn.

UKHO Conducts Seabed Mapping in Belize
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has deployed two vessels to survey the waters of Belize as part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme, the organisation has announced. Following a stakeholder meeting with the Belize Port Authority and wider government earlier this month, priority areas will be surveyed, capturing sonar data of Belize's main ports and approaches. High frequency mapping sonars are being used, which have no negative impact on its diverse ecosystems and marine life. The surveying is expected to continue throughout February and will focus on areas including Belize City, Big Creek and Commerce Bight. Information from the survey will be used to update nautical charts of the region, as well as helping Belize to meet its international maritime obligations, including respective elements of the Implementation of IMO Instruments Code (IIIC). These updated charts will reduce navigational risk and improve the safety of ships, cargo and crew. Data will also support a range of environmental and scientific applications, enabling Belize to better manage the marine environment in these areas.

Strengthening justice delivery in the Caribbean
Antiquated systems have long been the bane of legal practitioners in the Caribbean, contributing to severe case backlogs, expensive legal services and debilitating delays. In 2016, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) established APEX as a not-for-profit agency to deliver capacity building and technology-based solutions to improve justice delivery for Caribbean courts, law offices and related agencies. APEX seeks to address the peculiar needs of Caribbean courts and to advance the development of the region’s judicial ecosystem through its Curia Court Management System. Its governing body comprises chief justices, attorneys general, bar association heads and lawyers drawn from across the Caribbean.

Belize, Please
Welcome to the jungles of San Ignacio, Belize, the perfect place to choose your own adventure. One day, spelunk through caves where ancient Mayans offered up sacrifices to their gods. The next, hop on a horse, canter through the lush landscape to a waterfall and cliff jump into the water. It’s your move. Then, after your day of activity, retreat to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel and unwind at a quaint dinner or watch the sun sink into the treetops while sipping a Belikin lager, a local favorite. Explore a cave! Exploring the Belize caves with a headlamp is like the ultimate treasure hunt. Sparkly stalagmites hang from the narrow caverns, where you’ll find broken pottery pieces that ancient Mayans once sacrificed to the rain gods. One great option: the cave at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park near Belmopan. It’s worth hiring a tour guide who knows all the nooks and crannies (and can point out the bats), as well as relay local lore. Or, chase a waterfall!

Videos

60 Minutes: Belize (1988), 15min. News report on how life was like in Belize in the late 1980s by 60 Minutes correspondent, the late Morley Safer. It touches on subjects such as cultural integrity, the sugar industry, migration of American entrepreneurs and developers, and especially the influence of American lifestyles, with the invasion of American TV and Coca Cola. Featuring interviews and appearances by with the Prime Minister Dean Barrow (then Attorney General), Barry Bowen, the late Vernon Harrison Courtenay and Emory King.

Community Celebration Video, Hopkins Village, Belize, 3.5min. This is a video celebrating our community-based work in Hopkins Village, Belize as part of an NSF funded Research Experiences

Adventure in BELIZE!, 4min. A short clip video of some of the amazing things we saw while in Belize for a week long trip (which was also our honeymoon!) There is a little bit of scenery, flora and fauna included in this one! Enjoy!

Feeding Nurse Sharks, Belize, 2.5min. Sailing trip from Caye Caulker to do snorkeling with Nurse Sharks and we found a Manatee!

walking in Belize City (Belize), 1hr.

Belize or Bust 2018, 10min.

Maya Healer Harry Rivas singing in May, 1min. Maya healer Harry Rivas singing in Maya Yucatec for a break at the workshop of Maya Alternative Medicine at Corozal house of culture

Maya elder from Corozal singing, 1min.

Jaguar Protection / Management - ERI / Department / Panthera, 35min.

Belize Defense Force - Annual BDF Day Bash, 26min.

Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) - President & Strategic Plans, 39min.

Fabrigas Belize Limited - Fire Prevention / Detection / Supperssion Technology, 34min.

NICH - 2018 Calendar (Street Art Festival / Museum of Belize), 22min.

How Drumming Made Me a Feminist , 18min. Joshua Arana spoke at TedX Belmopan, and not only does he give a lesson on the drums and their differing sounds, he talks a lot about Garifuna culture. He plays and sings a little too. "A powerful performance talk, Josh Arana tells us the story of how drumming taught him the value of women in the Garifuna culture, and women on a whole. Joshua Arana is a proud graduate of Ecumenical High School in Dangriga. As a child, he was always passionate about his drums. He loved drumming so much that it got him into trouble many days for playing on the desk.

Compas music sound 2018 en san pedro belize, 10min.

Scuba Diving Belize 2017 -- Night Hunters/ Night Killers, 3min. This video was shot on a reef at night off Ambergris Caye, Belize. I named it Night Hunters/Night Killers because it shows a Green Moray Eel and a Mutton Snapper cooperating to hunt reef fish at night. It is at once both beautiful and brutal!

BELIZE, MUCH MORE THAN BLUE HOLE, 45min. The ultimate skydive in my 22 years of jumping! Exit from 13500 feet in PERFECT weather conditions (ie endless blue skies, puffy clouds and NO wind) with my beautiful. Our 5-way skydive into the Great Blue Hole in Belize. A once in a lifetime scenic jump into this reef 65 miles off the coast of San Pedro Belize. We landed inside the hole, got into a scuba. The Great Blue Hole is mostly known as a dive destination, but that does not mean you cannot visit it for a nice snorkeling adventure. Divers love to add a cave/sinkhole experience to their.

Belize Caye Caulker and Belize Zoo, 3min. Belize trip part 1: Caye Caulker and the Belize Zoo

Gaia Riverlodge 2 Belize, 9.5min. Gaia Riverlodge located in the Pine Ridge area of Cayo. Privassion Creek and Five Sisters Falls.

Belize Trip, 3min. Spent a week at Ramon's Village in San Pedro, Belize. Went scuba diving, snorkeling, cave tubing, mayan ruin exploring and much more.

Police Check Point Talk Show Jan 23, 60min.

January 23, 2018

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

UKHO conducts seabed mapping in Belize to support marine economy
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has deployed two vessels to survey the waters of Belize as part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme, the organization has announced. Following a stakeholder meeting with the Belize Port Authority and wider government earlier this month, priority areas will be surveyed, capturing sonar data of Belize’s main ports and approaches. High-frequency mapping sonars are being used which have no negative impact on its diverse ecosystems and marine life. The surveying is expected to continue throughout February and will focus on areas including Belize City, Big Creek and Commerce Bight. Information from the survey will be used to update nautical charts of the region, as well as helping Belize to meet its international maritime obligations, including respective elements of the Implementation of IMO Instruments Code (IIIC). These updated charts will reduce navigational risk and improve the safety of ships, cargo and crew. Data will also support a range of environmental and scientific applications, enabling Belize to better manage the marine environment in these areas.

3-1 point defeat for San Pedro Pirates
The San Pedro Pirates Football Club lost their second match in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) tournament against the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, January 20th at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan City. The Belmopan Bandits closed the game with a 3-1 point score, leaving the San Pedro Pirates off the tournament charts for another week. The match began shortly after 8PM, with both teams hoping to open the scoreboard. It wasn’t until minute 24 that Bandits Rony Sanchez scored the first goal for his team. The Pirates responded with a goal at minute 31 courtesy of Inri Gonzaga. The first half continued with crosses and passes, but with no more goals, it ended in a 1-1 point tie. In the next match, the San Pedro Pirates will be traveling to Independence Village, Stann-Creek District, to face the Placencia Assassins on Saturday, January 27th. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30PM at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium. For more information on how to accompany the Pirates as a fan, you can contact 629-6770.

Ambergris Today

Mesoamerican Reef Gets Improving Bill Of Health
The Healthy Reefs Initiative released its report card on the state of the Mesoamerican Reef. In the last decade, the grade has risen from poor to fair. The Mesoamerican Reef runs along about 1,000 kilometers of the coastlines of Mexico, Honduras, Belize and Guatemala. Fish populations have grown, as have the coral that make up the reef. But scientists were concerned to see an increase in macro algae on the reef, which results from runoff and improperly treated sewage effluent. A recent report tracking the health of the Mesoamerican Reef indicates that conservation efforts might be helping to turn the tide for the reef itself and the people who depend on it. “Reefs face ever increasing stress which is outpacing that of our management actions,” Melanie McField, an ecologist at the Smithsonian Institution, said in a statement. “[The] measured improvement in reef health demonstrates our capacity to stem the trajectory of decline.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Comparsas Deadline
Inviting all Comparsas to sign up at the San Pedro Town Council. Deadline to sign up is February 7, 2018.

2018 Spanish Lookout Expo Mar 2 - Mar 3
The Spanish Lookout Business Chamber is organizing the 2018 Spanish Lookout Commercial and Industrial Expo this first week of March. It will be held at the Country Side Park a.k.a. "The Pavilion".

“Belize’s Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors” Exhibit
In conjunction with the National Heroes and Benefactors Day Celebrations coming up, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) and The Banquitas House of Culture (BHOC) are dedicated in its objective to preserve and promote Belize’s diverse history and culture. We are delighted to hereby extend this invitation to all, to join us in honoring the lives and accomplishments of “Belize’s Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors” in an exhibit produced by ISCR featuring Belizean Artist such as George Gabb, Zelma “Zee” Edgell, Benjamin Nicholas, Robert “Bob” Reneau, Andy Palacio, Lila Vernon, Wilfred Peters, Paul Nabor Wilfred Peters II, Florencio Mes and Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn, as well as National Heroes, George Price and Phillip Goldson, at the 2018 “Heroes, Patriots, and Benefactors Exhibit”. This year's annual exhibit honors twelve outstanding Belizeans whom have contributed immensely to the development of our country. This informative exhibit will be on display from January 2018 through to March 2018. We kindly extend an invitation to our community and visitors to view the exhibit and learn more about our past and present heroes and heroines.

Don’t forget to take advantage of free eye check up at the Lions Den and low cost eye glasses!
Sending out an invitation to all the community. The eye doctors from Stanford are back in town for free eye check-ups at the Lions Den. They will be here until Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Take advantage of this opportunity. The Lions together with BCVI and Stanford are here to serve.

The 2018 Belize Writers Conference
Mon Apr 23, 2018, at 03:00 pm. The Belize Writers’ Conference, organized by the Joey Garcia will take place from 23rd April to 28th April 2018 at the Ak'bol Yoga Retreat and Ecoresort in Belize City, Belize. The conference will cover areas like Presentations by local experts on the history of Belize and the Maya, Panels on building a successful career as an author.

10TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
Saturday, February 24 at 7 PM - 10 PM. Sacred Heart Primary School, established in 1908, was the first primary in the Cayo District and has been educating residents of our community for 110 years. With the assistance of the PTA, local businesses and community members, the school has grown from a couple thatched roof cabanas to several wooden and concrete buildings. Serving the community for so many years, including offering our buildings as hurricane shelters and polling stations, comes with its challenges. One such challenge being the deterioration of our buildings. With that said, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our anniversary banquet on February 24th. Tickets are on sale for $50 per person which includes a three-course meal, a non-alcohol drink, 2 digital pictures per person, musical entertainment and door prizes. San Ignacio Resort will have a Cash Bar. All proceeds will go towards the betterment of the school.

Maya Alternative Medicine Workshop
Over 30 practitioners of alternative medicine participated in a Maya Alternative Medicine Workshop held in Corozal Town on January 20, 2018. The activity brought together practitioners from the Maya and Garifuna ethnic groups whose ancestors for years relied on nature-based remedies for healing before the arrival of modern medicine. Toone Masehualoon organized the event in coordination with the Northern Maya Association of Belize. Areas of traditional medicine covered included Mal de Ojo, Cirro, El Susto, among many other common ailments. Imparting their knowledge was Mr. Harry Rivas, well known Maya Healer from Xaibe Corozal, and Professor Maria “Maruch” Chable Ruiz from La Universidad de Quintana Roo, Mexico. Another session is being planned for the next couple of months.

Maya healer Harry Rivas
From the village of Xaibe Corozal, talking about herbal medicine at the workshop of Altarnative Medicine at Corozal . He is currently in the process of writting a book about Medicinal plants .

Full Moon Concert in Corozal
We welcome 2018 with our first musical event of the year. As part of the Full Moon Concert Series the Corozal House of Culture kindly invites you to enjoy a night of cultural music with the Benque Marimba Music Program’s Los Hijos del West. Please join us at 7:30 pm Saturday January 27th, 2018 here at the House of Culture for a wonderful night of marimba music.

Corozal Animal Program clinic in Patchakan
Our clinic was a resounding success. We spayed or neutered 80 cats and dogs in two days with the help of 15 vets and vet techs from Montreal, who were amazing. We also had many local volunteers to plan the clinic and help on the two days. We could not have done it without you. A big thank you to Laura Saxon who made Almond Joy cookies both days, and made a bag of chocolates for each vet and vet tech.

Gimar's School Supplies and Stationery Services Relocates
Gimar's School Supplies and Stationery Services in Corozal, one of our favourite little shops, has moved to its new and more spacious location at the corner of 4th Avenue and 2nd St North. Congratulations and here is wishing Gimar the best of success!

Channel 7

Two Sisters Savagely Chopped Up and Killed In Toledo West
There was a grisly double murder in western Toledo last night. It is a crime so savage that it has left that remote rural community in a state of shock and incomprehension. Two sisters, aged 18 and 20, were found chopped to death and partially nude on a deserted road at minutes to midnight on Sunday. Daniel Ortiz has the full story. He produced this story in collaboration with PG TV: Daniel Ortiz reporting: The Toledo family of the sisters, 20 year-old Cresencia Oh and 18 year-old Josephine Oh, were in the depths in grief when our colleagues from PGTV spoke with them today. And, it's easy to understand why. Their loved ones left home on a quick trip to San Jose Village, a few miles away. They were expected to return, but, instead, their mutilated bodies were found on the road last night. Someone had savagely chopped them to death.

Alleged Mother-Killer Andy Rhaburn Caught
Since last week Tuesday when Carmelita resident Andy Rhaburn bludgeoned his 56 year old mother Braulia Pech to death with a crowbar - the 26 year old has been on the run. Repeated sightings were reported in the village - but he remained on the loose and police addressed it at 11:15 this morning: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City "It is a matter that he is moving up and down and we do not have that exact information as to where he is. However we know that the Orange Walk police are conducting several searches within Carmelita and other places within the highway; information is that he is hiding in different locations." One hour after Cowo said that, the cops found Rhaburn - but it was no easy surrender.

Police: Mexicans Were Bilking the Bank's ATM to The Tune of 100k
In June of 2017, two Bulgarian men pleaded guilty to 18 counts each of illegally withdrawing money from ATM's, and to theft from ATM's. They did it using bogus international bank cards - and now, less than a year later, a trio of Mexicans is accused of doing the same thing. They were caught on Friday in Corozal - and went to court in Belize City today. Here's the story of what they did, and to which bank:... Jules Vasquez reporting: Three Mexicans, Belen Hernandez, Lionel Rodriguez, in black and Joscan Jafet with the hoodie were all charged with one count of theft today in Magistrate's Court. Police say the trio fraudulently withdrew at least one hundred thousand dollars from Atlantic Bank Branches throughout the country.

Cowo Killer Remanded
The man accused of killing Alfredo Cowo one week ago, 33 year old San Pedrano William Godoy has been arraigned for Murder and remanded to prison. His family says they have an alibi for him at the time of his murder - but police believe they have strong evidence linking him to the Cowo murder. They say they have an ID parade and a statement from an alleged accomplice to the killing. But, at this time they have not recovered the murder weapon: Reporter: "Was there a murder weapon recovered?" ASP Alejandro Cowo OC-CIB Belize City: "No murder weapon was recovered." Reporter: "Since that man has been charged, has a motive been ascertained for that murder?"

Businessman Shot On A San Pedro Late Night/Early Morning
And 5 days after the Cowo murder, there was another shooting on San Pedro - before dawn on Saturday morning. Fortunately this one was not fatal, but a couple from the island sustained injuries. The couple was driving their golf cart on Sea Weed Street in the San Juan area of San Pedro when the shots were fired. Police told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "Sometime after 3:30 in the morning in San Pedro. A male person was driving his golf cart. He identified himself as Gilbert Lara accompanied by another female named Catherine Torres. Mr. Lara was observed to have an apparent gunshot wound to the left side of his chest and Ms. Torres had a graze on her shoulder. They were transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic where Mr. Lara was then transported to the city via airplane and he was admitted to the ward in a stable condition."

Shooter Aimed At A Male, Hit Female
And there was also a pair of shootings in the city - which happened last night. At around 7:00 Ajesha Humes was shot on Casuarina Street while conversing with a male companion. Her injuries were not fatal but she did have to be hospitalized. Police have more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City: "A female was walking on Casuarina Street. She was in the company of another male person and while they were walking on Casuarina Street several shots were fired in their direction, as a result, she suffered gunshot injuries to her body and she was taken to the KHMH where she is still admitted in a stable condition. The other person that accompanied her was unhurt so far Police processed the scene there and observed several expanded shells of two different calibres of the firearm." Shortly after the shooting on Casuarina Street, another shooting incident occurred on Antelope Street Extension. One shot was fired at a man while who was walking in the area.

Weed Stash Found In Camalote
Yesterday Belmopan police found two and a half kilos, or about 4 pounds of weed in Camalote. They found the stash on a feeder road in the village. The drugs were labeled as found property.

53 Pounds of Weed In a PVC Pipe
The GSU made an even bigger bust at the 8 miles community of Western Pines yesterday evening. The team found 53 pounds of weed neatly parceled off into 94 black plastic bags. The drugs were separated in bags and hidden in a one foot wide and ten foot long PVC pipe. This major weed stash was also labeled and deposited as found property since no one was found in the area. Depending on the grade, Weed sells for about 150 dollars per pound on the street, so that right there has a street value of about 8 thousand dollars.

Mario Vernon's Uncles Demand Justice At Funeral
Leela Vernon's grandson, Mario Vernon the Third, was laid to rest in PG Town on Saturday. You'll remember that he's the PG resident who was killed by Police Constable Tevin Aranda in a controversial shooting. Aranda, who has been charged with manslaughter, claimed that on Saturday, January 13, Vernon pulled a weapon on him, and he had to shoot him in the head. That account is forcefully contested by Vernon's friend's and family, who insist that Vernon had no gun, and that Aranda should be charged with murder. Now, Vernon's grandmother, Leela, is not the only well-known Belizean he's related to. Turns out his uncles are Stanley and and Dennis Usher, 2 former elected parliamentarians, and at the funeral, they both had some strong comments about his death.

The PG Highway, No Left Turns Allowed
The early part of the Phillip Goldson Highway between Belize City and the Haulover Bridge is now in the midst of a long reconstruction. The messy roads are something Belizeans were prepared for, but the new median is not. The median now prevents drivers from making left turns. They are now forced to drive all the way to the roundabout to get to the other side of the road. This has been a major point of frustration for many as so many city residents are already used to the luxury of simply making a left turn into places like Brodies or Benny's, or Independence Drive down by the Divine Mercy church. In August of last year we did a story on the reconstruction of the highway and ARSENIO Burgos from Cisco Construction explained the change as democratization.

Reward For Kids Who Did Right
A first form student from Maud Williams was given the "Do the right thing" award today. Johana Ramos has made a positive impact on her peers and she was recognized today. We dropped by to capture this proud moment. Courtney Weatherburne, reporter: "In terms of the criteria how do you guys go about choosing these awardees?" Corporal Wilfredo Petillo, Community Policing: "Well we look at academic, we look at behavior, we look at turn around stories so it is not just those who continue doing the right thing that we award but those that change their life around." "Johana is a proud member of one of our youth programs also she started in the police youth cadet corp. since she was in Standard 6, 2006, 2007. She was awarded cadet of the month in February 2017 and now we have seen her shine overall using her cadet objectives."

Channel 5

A Shocking Double Murder of Sisters in San Jose, Toledo
A grisly discovery of two nude bodies on a remote road in the Toledo District has left the southern community in shock. The bodies are that of two sisters – [...]

Trio of Mexicans Busted for Robbing ATM; Bail is Denied
A trio of Mexican nationals was arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Sharon Frazer for scamming the Atlantic Bank of a substantive amount of cash. The trio comprises of a couple [...]

Orange Walk’s Most Wanted, Andy Rhaburn, is Captured in Rhaburn Ridge
A week after killing his mother with a crowbar, wanted Carmelita resident, Andy Rhaburn was captured by Orange Walk Police in the vicinity of Rhaburn Ridge on the Phillip Goldson [...]

William Godoy Charged, but Why Did He Kill His Friend Alfredo Cowo?
On Friday, thirty-six-year-old William Godoy of San Pedro was charged for the murder of twenty-eight-year-old Alfredo Cowo, who had foretold his demise a week before. Cowo claimed that his life [...]

Woman Shot While Talking to Friend
There were two separate shootings on Sunday night on the south side of Belize City. Around six-thirty p.m., a data entry clerk was shot to the right arm as she [...]

Eleck McKoy Targeted on Antelope
Minutes later, gunshots rang out again; this time on Antelope Street Extension. Eleck McKoy was shot to the face by a lone gunman who came up to him at close [...]

Couple Injured in Overnight Shooting on Ambergris
Over in San Pedro Town, a couple was targeted by a gunman in the San Juan area. Gilberto Lara and Catherine Torres were on their way home, traveling on a [...]

Shakeem Humes Unable to Evade Police with Weed
Western Paradise labourer Shakeem Humes was charged with possession of five hundred and eleven grams or one point one pounds of cannabis with intent to supply for drug trafficking today [...]

Dorian Pakeman Shakes Off Last Civil Suit in Dean Dawson Death
Last May, Director of the Government’s Press Office, Dorian Pakeman, walked out of the Magistrate’s Court a free man. Then-Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer upheld a no-case submission for lack of [...]

Trio to Learn Date for Murder Retrial in Supreme Court
A retrial is pending in the case of Tyrone Meighan, Orel Leslie and Brandon Baptist, who were acquitted in 2015 of the November 2012 murder of Belize Defence Force soldier [...]

Weed Busts Made in Camalote, Western Paradise
Separate busts of marijuana were made in Camalote village and in Western Paradise village on Sunday. Belmopan police recovered five parcels containing a total of four and a half pounds [...]

Another Year to ‘Du Di Rait Ting’
When you do the right thing, it pays off. Just ask Johana Ramos – the fourteen-year-old student of Maud Williams High School was recognized today with an award for her [...]

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

LOVE FM

Andy Rhaburn Captured and shot in the process
Police have captured Andy Rhaburn, who is accused of the murder of his mother, 53-year-old Braulia Pech. According to Police, Rhaburn was found in the bushes around 12:30 this afternoon. He was located about a quarter mile off the Philip Goldson Highway between miles 44 and 45 on the outskirts of Carmelita Village, Orange Walk …

Police find 51 pounds of weed over the weekend
Police discovered and confiscated over fifty pounds of marijuana on Sunday. The discovery was made by the Gang Suppression Unit during an operation in the Western Pines, 8 Miles Community. The officers found ninety four black plastic bags containing marijuana. These were hidden in a PVC pipe about ten feet long and one foot wide …

Hand in Hand Ministries to officially open new headquarters
Hand In Hand Ministries Belize will be now be operating form its very own office in Belize city after well over a decade of service to the Belizean community. The faith driven organization has been able to realize this long awaited dream through the generosity of many says the director of operations Abel Vargas. Abel …

Hand In Hand Ministries about to deliver 337th house
The team of the building for change program of the Hand In Hand Ministries is currently building its 337th house which will also be handed over to a resident in Southside Belize City this week. Director of Operations, Abel Vargas told us who the new recipient is. Abel Vargas – Director of Operations “It has been …

PUP holds national party council meeting
Harry Arzu reporting Municipal elections across the country of Belize are slated for Wednesday March 7th and already members of the People’s United Party have been carrying out a series of activities to win the hearts and minds of voters who will decide the next town council. One such activity that the PUP held was …

Elderly Man Dies after Being Attacked By Bees
An elderly man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a bee attack last week. 62-year old Omar Cruz and his son Adrian Cruz were attacked while cleaning their lawn. While his son survived, Cruz died over the weekend. Fem Cruz reporting A villager of United Ville fifty seven year old Alma Jean Cruz and her …

Garifuna Farmers Market Project inaugurated
Paul Mahung reporting The project coordinator, CEO and founder of Wagia Garifuna Foundation Mountain Spirit, Dr. Anna Arzu spoke to Love News. Dr. Anna Arzu “We heard from Sever de Castro who is our consultant; she is a knowledge management consultant who is helping us document this event in a tangible form so that our …

New Executive for Toledo Branch of PSU elected
Paul Mahung reporting “Newly elected executive officers include Chairman, Densford Mangar, Vice Chair George Tillet, Secretary/ Treasurer Melania Cayetano and Councilors Cherrymae Coleman, John Roches and Sherlette Hill. The election was conducted by Public Service Union Council of Management Officers Chair of PSU Election Committee Lewis Martinez, first Vice President Herman Pastor Jr. and Assistant …

Belize City Police investigate two separate shootings
Two persons were shot in two separate shootings last night in Belize City. Both shootings happened on the Southside of the Old Capital. ASP Alejandro Cowo shared the details. A.S.P. ALEJANDRO COWO, HEAD, C.I.B. The first one happened after seven at Casuarina Steet, where a female was walking on Casuarina Street by the name of …

Popular San Pedro fisherman shot
Meanwhile, San Pedro Police are investigating a shooting incident which left 48-year-old Gilberto Lara and 25-year-old Katherine Torres injured. It happened early on Saturday morning as Lara and Torres were heading home on a golf cart on Sea Weed Street in the San Juan Area of San Pedro Town. Lara was shot to the chest, …

PlusTV

Mexicans withdraw over $100,000 from Atlantic Bank ATMS with stolen cards
Three Mexican nationals, two men and one female, were arrested on Friday when they were caught in Corozal Town with more than sixty international bank cards, believed to be stolen, along with a substantial amount of Mexican currency. The arrest was as a result of a report from Atlantic Bank Limited...

Unitedville man dies from Killer Bee Attack
A Unitedville man is dead following a bee attack. On Saturday January 13, 62 year old Omar Cruz was cleaning a portion of his property with his son which is next to the abandoned community health outpost in the village of Unitedville. HE was reportedly using his weed eater when a swarm of Killer b...

Belize in top 5 most murderous countries
Belize is listed as the 5th most murderous country in the world according to WorldAtlas. The “worldatlas” internet site lists the 25 most murderous countries in the world and little Belize is starring in the top 5. The majority of the most murderous countries can be found in Central and South Americ...

Weed and Guns found in Belmopan
Belmopan police were conducting operations on Sunday and searched a feeder road in Camalote Village. There they found five parcels containing two thousand and fifty grams of cannabis. Then, as police continued their operations on the periphery of the Belmopan jurisdiction, they also found some guns...

Police find cannabis hidden in PVC pipes
A substantial quantity of marijuana was found stuffed in some PVC pipes. On Sunday, Officers from the Gang Suppression Unit conducted an operation in Western Pines, 8 Miles Community within the Pine Ridge where they found ninety four black plastic bags containing cannabis. The bags were hidden wit...

Two San Pedro men charged with Drug Trafficking
Two men were arrested and charged for drug trafficking on San Pedro. On Sunday January 21st, San Pedro Police were conducting patrol on Nurse Shark Street when they searched two men who were standing on a pier. Police say the men had 115 grams of cannabis. Police arrested and charged 24 year old ...

100 houses from Oasis Ministry with Love
Its a big week for Oasis Ministries and an even bigger one for the Body of Christ as Pastor Ron Braaten leads a group of Christians from the USA in the building of the Ministry’s 10th House in Belize. Work to lay the foundations began last week and over the weekend members of pastor Ron’...

Amandala

AG Peyrefitte criticizes US’s banning of H2 work visas as “”cowardly and hypocritical”
The US Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of State, named three countries last Wednesday — Belize, Haiti and Samoa — which will no longer be receiving the H2 work visa for at least 2018. On Thursday, the reasons that the three countries were banned from receiving the temporary work visas were published in The Federal Register, which is the daily record and archive of the U.S. federal government. The Federal Register cited the Government of Belize’s poor performance in combating human trafficking as the reason that Belizean workers would not be able to access the work visa.

Breaking Belize News

Police confirm details of gruesome double murder
Punta Gorda police responded to a 911 call last night of a woman lying in […]

Police find weed in Camalote
Yesterday, Belmopan police conducted a search on a feeder road in Camalote village and found five parcels […]

Two charged with drug trafficking in San Pedro
San Pedro Police have charged two men with drug trafficking after busting them on a […]

GSU find over 51 pounds of weed in 8 Miles Community
Yesterday around 5:00 P.M., officers from the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) conducted an operation in […]

Woman, 26, shot in Belize City
Belize City police are investigating a shooting that left one person injured last night. According […]

Grim details emerge in cold killing of Toledo teenagers
Last night two teenagers were chopped dead in the San Jose area of Toledo. BBN […]

Man who killed mother captured by police
Andy Rhaburn, 26, a fugitive from the law accused of killing his mother has been […]

Two women chopped dead in Toledo
Unofficial reports from down south indicate that two women were found dead on the San […]

Former Guatemalan Presidential candidate wanted for money laundering charges
Manuel Baldizon, a wealthy Guatemalan businessman and former presidential candidate is […]

Dangriga man busted with gun and ammo
On Saturday, around 1:25 a.m., police searched a pickup truck in front of a night […]

Benque Viejo minor reports unlawful sexual intercourse from last year
Yesterday morning around 10:00, a female minor accompanied by her mother reported that she had been having sexual intercourse with a man since […]

Blogs

A day in Ambergris Caye, Belize
Looking for a well-priced Caribbean beach living in a cozy and welcoming community? San Pedro Ambergris Caye is named after the Amber grease that was all over the place in the 1600's and 1700's. Ambergris Caye, is one of Belize's largest island, is known for its water sports, scuba diving and Caribbean beaches. Off the eastern shore, the Belize Barrier Reef features famed snorkeling and dive sites such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with an abundance of sea life, and the 124m-deep Great Blue Hole. The town of San Pedro is the island's gateway and center for sailing and reef exploration. The fishing village of San Pedro, Belize town on Ambergris Caye 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,". "They're opening businesses, indulging artistic interests, planning community events and inviting each other over for beach barbecues."

International Sources

Caribbean Tourism Organization Scholarships
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships and study grants from Caribbean nationals in CTO member countries.

Fitur 2018
Our Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation,Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and Director of Tourism, Mrs. Karen Bevans representing Belize in Madrid for Fitur 2018.

Operations During a Lapse in Appropriations, USA
At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at our posts overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations. This page will not be regularly updated until full operations resume, with the exception of emergency safety and security information.

Mesoamerican Reef gets improving bill of health
A recent report tracking the health of the Mesoamerican Reef indicates that conservation efforts might be helping to turn the tide for the reef itself and the people who depend on it. “Reefs face ever increasing stress which is outpacing that of our management actions,” Melanie McField, an ecologist at the Smithsonian Institution, said in a statement. “[The] measured improvement in reef health demonstrates our capacity to stem the trajectory of decline.” McField directs a consortium of scientific, government, fishing and conservation organizations called the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, or HRI, that produces regular “report cards” on the health of the reef. The most recent one was released in early January and pulls together data from more than 300 sites on the reef that measure the reef’s live coral, algae cover and fish populations.

2Q16 Belize Mobile Operator Forecast, 2002 – 2018
The new report from Telecoms and Computing Market Reports has been published today. It provides updated in 2018 year analysis of telecoms and computing industries. Our Mobile Operator Forecast on Belize provides key metrics for Belize’s wireless market and is one of the best forecasts in the industry. We provide forecasts at the operator level going out to 2018. We also provide quarterly historical and forecast data starting in 2002 and ending in 2Q2016. Our Mobile Operator Forecasts are updated quarterly and are available for one-time delivery or through regular updates.

US Ambassador Urges Caribbean Countries To Deal With Money Laundering
The United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, Monday urged Caribbean countries to seriously tackle the issue of money laundering in the region. Addressing the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) assessors training workshop, Holloway said regional governments must act now to ensure financial institutions are protected from criminal elements. In a brief address to the opening ceremony he urged the regional countries to the ensure prosecution of financial crimes through compliance with local laws and regulations.

Videos

Sunrise on Belize waters, 1/2min.

Cave Tubing in Belize, 12min.

BELIZE MONKEY RIVER ECO TOUR January 2018, 13min. This is a compilation of some photographs and video from our Monkey River Eco tour from Placencia, Belize, Central America. It was a fabulous experience and our guide Derwin was phenomenal. We loved every moment of it and would do it again! When in Belize you have to see the monkeys!

This coral snake crossed the road in Hopkins, 10sec.

Progress in San Ignacio and Santa Elena towns!, 1.5min. Devin Burns of Belize Film Productions has made another great video, and this time it focuses on some of the great infrastructure projects that have been going on around Cayo. Well done, and worth a watch. "This a small project I was working on from over the weekend. A lot has been going in the twin towns. Check out this short video about it!!"

Belize 17’, 3min.

Meredith & Trevor, 7min. Meredith & Trevor tie the knot in Belize!

Belize-Dive 2, 5min. Had a fun encounter with a nurse shark who just wanted some lionfish meat.

A Prova De Tudo-BELIZE, 43min. MAN vs WILD.

Jeff and Jocelyn 5 year anniversary Belize 2018, 10min. Celebrating our 5 year anniversary we started in the jungle, explored some caves then made our way island-side where we snorkeled for the first time and enjoyed the island vibes.

Belize sanpedro snorkleing with alot marine life 2018, 4min. Sanpedro has to offer at suyatours.

Diving in Belize, 2min.

BELIZE FAMILY DANCE 2018, 4min. Ambiana, Jakobi, Colleen and Mochi dance their way across Belize along with some special guests they met along the way.

January 22, 2018

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: Big Magic
“I’m ready to do some exploring,” I told Dave. “Maybe I’ll discover a Maya ruin while I’m out walking.” “You be careful in that jungle. It can get dangerous in a hurry. Besides that, there are some native people over in Mexico that are completely uncivilized. If you’re not a member of their tribe then you are considered the enemy.” I was visiting my friend Dave, whose ranch near La Union is right at the border of Mexico and Belize. I was still chuckling at his warnings when I suddenly found myself surrounded by dozens of short little men with spears and bows and arrows. I was in trouble.

Doctor Love: Leave My Stuff Alone
Dear Doctor Love, I am fourteen and my brother is sixteen and he has been stealing from my room for a couple of years. I have mentioned it to my parents but they just tell him to stay out and he laughs and says okay. Then he goes in when I am gone. I’ve found him in my room looking in my dresser and after he went out, I saw my money was gone from my pants pocket. He takes any snacks I have and anything else he wants. My brother is a mean person and mostly I avoid him, but he torments me enough already. If I get my parents to talk to him again, I know he will get nasty with me. I worry every time I go out and I don’t like having friends over because he is mean to them and I am scared he will take stuff from them, too. What can I do? /s/ Leave My Stuff Alone

Misc Belizean Sources

Estel's 7th Annual BBQ Cookoff
Join us for our 7th Annual BBQ Cook Off. We are inviting 10 grill masters to compete for the titles: Grand Champion, People's Choice, Judge's choice.

7th Annual Chili Cook Off
The 7th Annual Chili Cook Off will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at 1pm at the New Millennium Restaurant in Consejo Village. The cost is bz which allows you to sample all the chili you want. Free admission to chili providers. Fundraising will include raffles. All proceeds will go to Steps into Corozal Bay in Consejo Village, the Belize School Lunch Program, and Corozal Soup Kitchen. For information, contact Kim at 600-0852.

ATLIB Championship Bash 2018
The SHJC Scorpions won the ATLIB Basketball tournament, and they are having their victory bash. It's a back to school bash at the same time. Thirsty Thursdays is the venue, and the bash is Saturday. Congratulations, Sacred Scorpions! "You've waited for it! The Official Scorpions Victory Bash is here! Saturday, January 27th, 2018 @ Thirsty Thursdays! What better way to celebrate the teams victory than Thirsty Thursday style??? Saturday January 27th come party with Dj Jago and Mr.Ros as they bring you all the LATEST AND GREATEST Hits!!! Come support your favorite basketball team."

The Wahil Kol
The H-Men(Maya Spiritual healer/Curandero) in the Village of Patchakan in Corozal giving the offering and prayers for one of the most important rituals for the Yucatec Maya the Wahil Kol . H-men are known to cure sickness with herbs,also cure mal aire and mal de ojo . They also lead the prayers done in the Maya language and Offerings for the Northern Maya people of Belize when doing traditions like Cha Chaac Primicias and Wahil Kol . One of the most known H-men was Nojoch Mak Agustin Cawich (R.I.P) from San Pablo village Orange Walk. His knowledge continues with his student the H-men Ricardo Acosta from Xaibe (Corozal) .

Blogs

Truck Stop’s Amazing Race 2 Finished Yesterday: Now YOU Can Play Along
Yesterday on a cool grey January afternoon, the Truck Stop – Ambergris Caye’s hottest spot for fun, food and entertainment, brought out about 75 FIERCE competitors to fight for the top spot in the…I arrived just as the game was about to begin and the intensity…the competition…was palpable. Teams in costumes and matching t-shirts limbered up as they listened… With a $1000bzd cash prize for the winning team announced and some ground rules laid out to the participants, the secret first clue was handed out. NO PEEKING UNTIL THE HORN GOES OFF! I headed to my station. Here it is. Mysterious, right? As a clue monitor, I would be sitting at the last spot – to check off teams as they arrived, to call into the organizers. I haven’t had this much responsibility in AGES!

International Sources

Belcampo re-launched as Copal Tree Lodge to eco-travellers in Belize
California-based Belcampo has re-launched its eco-resort in southern Belize under the name Copal Tree Lodge. As part of the rebranding, the lodge is proud to partner with anew farm-to-flask initiative: Copal Tree Distillery, located adjacent to the hotel. Copal Tree Distillery is an initiative to support sustainable agriculture causes in Belize via producing and selling premium organic spirits. As part of this re-brand from Belcampo Belize to Copal Tree Lodge, Muy’Ono Hospitality will provide resort management services to the lodge. The intimate resort, situated within the tropical canopy of Punta Gorda, provides luxury accommodations to those seeking a retreat among one of the world’s most pristine natural environments.

How gourmet chocolate enriches the lives of smallholder farmers
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 that this is where most of the world’s purest and most flavorful beans, criollo beans, come from. Indeed, while Ghana produces more than 40 percent of the world’s cocoa, Belize and Guatemala combine for only about 1 percent of global production, leaving its indigenous producers on the sideline. But that’s changing as gourmets come to appreciate both the higher quality of criollo beans, which account for less than 3 percent of world production, and the importance of buying from chocolatiers that treat their suppliers right. With this new trend, initiatives such as Uncommon Cacao (named for the cacao plant that provides the raw material for the cocoa we buy in stores) have found an enormous opportunity to revive chocolate production in countries with a rich tradition of cocoa cultivation such as Belize and Guatemala.

The 12 best scuba diving destinations in the world
Jerry Seinfeld famously joked that the only goal of scuba diving is to “not die.” Despite the risk, however, there are millions of devotees worldwide who believe the access this extreme sport provides to extraordinary underwater landscapes and the interaction it enables with the unusual sea creatures who populate the ocean’s depths make the experience worth the risks. Certified divers may start small with their explorations, but many chase white whales, so to speak, when it comes to dive destinations worldwide. Below, find some of the best spots in the world for spotting sharks, shipwrecks, and (peacock mantis) shrimps. (Google that last one and you won’t be sorry.) Suffice it to say, when it comes to analog travel experiences, it doesn’t get more unplugged than these. The Great Blue Hole is basically a collapsed, underwater cave formation off of the coast of Belize. Back in 1971, dive pioneer Jacques Cousteau named it one of his top 10 deep-sea destinations in the world. Divers flock here to marvel at the giant stalagmites and stalactites (hello, elementary school science class!) and swim with Caribbean reef sharks, the occasional hammerhead, and other wildlife. Different dives are available for all levels of expertise.

The Top 35 Places to Travel in 2018
AD consulted with the industry's leading experts to uncover the hottest destinations for design lovers in the new year.

Videos

Realm of the Serpent, 49min. People and Snakes. Snake behaviour and people interactions with snakes. Snakes from all over the world. by Carol Farneti Foster

Night Stalkers, 30min. Bats in Central America, by Carol Farneti Foster

Phantoms of the Night, 27min. Scientists difficulties and rewards of discovery bat biology in Central America. by Carol Farneti Foster

THIS IS BELIZE PT1, 21min. Cool promotional videos for Belize from the 1980's

THIS IS BELIZE PT2, 7min. Cool promotional videos for Belize from the 1980's

Honeymooning - Belize 2017, 3min.

Belize 2018, 4min. Miles Family in Placencia, Belize

Trip to Belize - Part 1, 7min.

Young and Wild in Belize, 4min.

Vlog| Belize Family Trip, 1min.

Belize san pedro spearfishing and lobster hunting, 3min. 2018 freediveing spearfishing.

Belize 2018 Davis Family Adventure, 7min. Our family of five goes on the trip of a lifetime! A 10 day trek through the country of Belize. First, Flying into Belize City. Then, riding in a water taxi over to Caye Caulker. After that, we rented a car to drive the country side of San Ignacio. Finished off our journey venturing down to Placencia.

Waterfall adventure in belize, 4min. Riding my atv up the hill towards the beautiful waterfall in belize.

New River Belize, 2.5min.

St. Herman’s Cave Belize, 9min. Cave Tubeing.

Morelets Crocodile on the New River in Belize, 1min.

Green Family Trip to Belize 2017, 13min.

Belize-Drive to Secret Beach, 1.5min. Ambergris Caye, Belize.

2017 | Fall | Belize Road trip to Guatemala border Melcher, 7.5min. Driving through Belize countryside and getting close to Melcher Guatemala border.

Belize Tour Guide of the New River in Belize, 8min. Our tour guide giving us the history of the New river in Belize on our way to Lamanai Mayan ruins in Dec 2017

Belize-Swimming with Fishes, 2min. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Belize-El Norte Beach Drive, 5min. Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Police United FC vs Placencia Assassins FC, 3hr.

January 21, 2018