February 27, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

United States and Belize Sign Cultural Property Agreement and Repatriate Belizean Cultural Property
The Government of the United States and the Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material of Belize. The Agreement solidifies the collaboration between the United States and Belize to combat looting and trafficking of cultural objects in Belize. The Government of the United States also repatriated Belizean cultural property recovered by Special agents from the U.S. National Park Service. Acting Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Lingwood represented the Government of the United States and Acting President of NICH Greg Vernon—the Government of Belize. The goals of this cultural property Agreement are to: reduce the incentive to pillage; help Belize protect its cultural heritage; and increase lawful access to cultural objects and awareness of world heritage by encouraging interchange of materials for scientific, cultural and educational purposes.

Ambergris Today

Belize Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With The United States Of America To Protect Artifacts
On Friday, February 23, 2018, the Government of the United States and the Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material of Belize. The Agreement solidifies the collaboration between the United States and Belize to combat looting and trafficking of cultural objects in Belize. The Government of the United States also repatriated Belizean cultural property recovered by Special agents from the U.S. National Park Service. Acting Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Lingwood represented the Government of the United States and Acting President of NICH Greg Vernon—the Government of Belize. The goals of this cultural property Agreement are to: reduce the incentive to pillage; help Belize protect its cultural heritage; and increase lawful access to cultural objects and awareness of world heritage by encouraging interchange of materials for scientific, cultural and educational purposes.

Misc Belizean Sources

Police find a burnt airplane in Northern Belize
They find nothing and say there is no additional information to share.

Spanish Lookout Commercial/ Industrial EXPO
Come out and see us at the Expo 2018, all Grow big products will be marked down, on special, and you can register to win either free products or a free garden or farm consultation for Cayo residents! Mar 2 - Mar 3, Countryside park, Spanish Lookout. 9am - 5pm.

Belmopan City Council Receives New Equipment from the Belize Road Safety Project
The Mayor of the Belmopan City Council, Mr. Khalid Belisle has received equipment from the Chair of the Belize Road Safety Project, Ms. Yvonne S. Hyde, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum along with the Contractor Representative – the Belize Roadway Construction (BRC) at approximately 2pm today, February 26th, 2018. In 2013, the Government of Belize received funds in loan financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the Belize Road Safety Project. Over the past five years, many activities have taken place and have contributed to an increased awareness in reducing severity of road traffic deaths and injuries. The question that is always lingering on everyone's mind is: What can be done to address key risk factors that cause road traffic deaths and injuries?

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: Weeks of February 12th thru February 18th, 2018
Our first Orvis Bonefish Bonanza of 2018 produced smiling faces in our beautiful places as everyone enjoyed their time on the water. The weather wasn't as good as it could have been but the company and camaraderie made up for it. Enjoying the lodge with a group can create lifelong friends, and that is what it is all about. There is nothing better than spending time with friends in beautiful places! Lots of bones landed

Water Interruption today in Santa Elena Town and Esperanza Village
Belize Water Services informs its customers in Santa Elena and surrounding areas that there will be an interruption in the water today, Tuesday, February 27, 2018, starting at 1:00pm. The areas to be affected are Santa Elena Town and Esperanza Village. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrade, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these or nearby areas are advised that water supply should return to normal by 11:00pm. If they experience water supply problems after 11:00 pm, they should immediately call BWS’ hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297) to report it.

Street Art Festival 2018 Winners

A few snippets of this year's Street Art Festival!
As the daylight fades the Main Stage lights up and the music of the Marimba Legends brings the masses together along with MORE FM's DJ Bobo. The Living Statue draws many admirers, even a Mayoral Candidate. The Chalk Competition is coming to a close and the winner will soon be announced, here are some entries...

Arte con Voz de Mujer Exhibit
In celebration of Women’s Month the Corozal House of Culture is delighted to present our annual Arte con Voz de Mujer Exhibit; creating a platform for expression and appreciation by showcasing our exceptionally talented female artists of Corozal. Sculpture, paintings, textiles, basketry, photography, jewelry, animation and more will be on display through to March 23, 2018. You are cordially invited to the exhibit launch Friday, March 2nd beginning at 7pm.

Belize Police Department Public Information Day
The Belmopan Police Formation cordially invites the public to be an integral part of its community awareness day.

SonoScan Ultrasound in Corozal
We will be in Corozal Town this Wednesday Feb. 28 at 5 Rivers Medical Clinic on 5th Avenue. For appointment & info inbox or call 653- 1120

Live comedy show of " YANCUIC "
Everyone is cordially invited to enjoy a wonderful weekend full of laughter and fun at the PRINCESS CASINO FREEZONE, Corozal this Friday March 2nd and Saturday March 3rd with our live comedy show of " YANCUIC ". Come out, enjoy and get a chance to win. See you there! It all starts at 10:00 p.m. NO COVER!

BSI new Sugar Industry Newsletter
Download a copy of our new Sugar Industry Newsletter by visiting www.sugarindustryofbelize.com

Channel 7

Eight Lawmen Arraigned For Murder
Tonight, 8 lawmen are in jail for murder - 7 BDF soldiers and 1 police officer - all members of the Belize Special Assignment Group. They are accused of the murder of 46 year old Ariel Salazar and the attempted murder of Oscar Payes. It is the first time 8 lawmen have been charged for a murder - and the first time so many soldiers have been sent to jail on remand.

Family Of Deceased Wants Convictions, Not Arraignments
And so how does the family of the deceased feel now that they have been charged? As you've been seeing in interviews with them - they are stricken by grief - and then on top of that - outraged by the unthinkable injustice of the fact that their loved one was killed by lawmen who had no business looking for a phone in their his home. This evening, our colleagues from CTV3 News caught up with Ariel Salazar's sister, and she made it clear that she is not comforted by the quick arrests of these 8 lawmen until somebody is found guilty for her brother's death. She explained why:

ACP Williams Says Investigators Had To Get “Behind The Masks”
As we told you in our first story, it is a historic first time that eight lawmen have been charged at once for murder. It was a joint effort between the Orange Walk police on the criminal side and the commander of the Professional Standards Branch on the internal side. But, ACP Chester Williams - as a trained attorney - brought the force of his learning and the seniority of his office to an investigation that is very bold. Today he explained that they had to get behind the masks of these members of BSAG:

Drug Plane Lands And Set On Fire In OW South
We met Williams in Dangriga - where he was investigating another death in police custody - and we'll tell you about that in our next segment. But, first to news about another drug plane landing in Belize….This morning, Orange Walk Police were called out to the rural parts of Orange Walk South to an area between Indian Church and Hill Bank. That's because another aircraft was illegally landed in that part of the country.

Jamaican Died In Police Custody - Who’s to Blame?
Since yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has been in Dangriga - investigating another death in police custody. This time, 44 year old Jamaican detainee Humphrey Mitchell allegedly jumped out of a moving pickup truck to his death on Saturday afternoon around 3:00. No, we know you're saying - it sounds like the typical kind of police story - where a victim is turned into a perpetrator - or, in this case, a man with some kind of death-wish. Courtney Weatherburne went down to Dangriga to search for answers:

Leader Of The Opposition Criticizes Compol
Now, this public perception of increasing lawlessness within the law enforcement fraternity - reflects - to a large extent - on the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie. Today the Leader of the Opposition was very critical of Whylie: Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition: "We have a Commissioner of Police that has been there for a number of years, and obviously he's totally incapable in addressing these structural issues that are affecting the Police Department. And until we address the top, then we can't address the bottom, and the Prime Minister needs to act very quickly because people's lives are at stake."

Is GOB Broke? Fin Sec’s Fiscal Panic
We heard from Briceno at an impromptu press briefing he had today about Government's finances. That was triggered by this extraordinary memo which leaked to the press on Friday. It is a panicked memo from Financial Secretary Joe Waight to CEO's of all Ministries - and it is reported to say, quote: "We are being overwhelmed with requests for reallocations and dereservations of "savings" identified in various accounts. These are illusions as the reality is that there is no money in the bank. As it is we will likely have to issue more T -Notes to meet the early end of (fiscal) year payday next month. Our debt is already at 100% of GDP and rising. If we continue on this path we will certainly crash. I am appealing to all to instruct your finance officers to just stop trolling through their books to find unspent funds. The money is simply not there."

Opposition Leader John Spoke to Fin. Sec. Joe
Government says that all the details of the Government's finances will be known when the Prime Minister presents the budget on Friday, March 9th. That's two days after the elections, and just three weeks before the end of the fiscal year. To be sure, it's a very late budget presentation - but the Leader of the Opposition says he knows why government is waiting until after the election:..

Oil Tanker Anchored Off Bz Coast Is PDVSA’s Problem, Not Belize’s
And a story that dovetailed perfectly with all this talk of budgetary panic is the news that an oil tanker named "Syrtos" has been anchored off the coast of Belize since last week Wednesday. The tanker, with thirty eight thousand barrels of fuel from the PDVSA refinery in Curacao because the ship's owner hasn't been paid. The way the story was put out by certain media outlets was that government can't come up with the money to pay - and that fit right in with the Joe Waight panic memo. But, a neat fit doesn't always make for good facts - and in this case, that story is inaccurate. Indeed, there is an oil tanker parked off the Belize City coast which hasn't been paid - but it's PDVSA in Venezuela who hasn't paid them - and it has nothing to do with Belize.

Still Looking For Alaine
Last week Friday, we told you about 35 year-old Alaine Garcia. He's the Belize City resident who went missing from his new home in Hattieville on last Week Tuesday morning. His common-law wife told us that he walked her out to the road to catch her bus to work. A little later that same morning, he did the same thing for their 3 kids, so that they could get to school. The problem is that a shooting happened near to the area of their new home, and residents reportedly saw him fleeing for his life. He's been missing for 6 days now, and with every passing day, his family's worry grows.

Teakettle Shooter Caught
Belmopan police are reporting tonight that they have charged a man for a Saturday night shooting which left a man hospitalized. He's 58 year-old Jose Luis Herrera, a resident of Santa Teresa Village, and he's facing charges of attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm. Police say that around 11:50 p.m. on February 24, they were alerted to a shooting incident at the Gato Verde Bar, which is located in the Arizona area of Teakettle Village.

Stolen Car Recovered In Las Flores
Yesterday 26-year-old Roberto Adolfo Leiva reported that he parked his grey 1997 Honda CRV on Sultana Street Belmopan. He went to a nightclub but when he returned an hour and a half later his vehicle was gone. Leiva told police that he has the only key for the vehicle and his passport, credit card, and vehicle documents were inside the glove compartment. The Police found the vehicle in Las Flores. They continue to investigate.

City Double Murder - No Arrests
At the top of the news, we told you about the arraignment of the 8 lawmen for the murder of a man in Orange Walk. That was the high-profile case which hit the news late last week, but before that, it was the Wednesday night double murder of 26 year old Lloyd Valentine, and 12 year-old David Morrison. As viewers are aware, this 12 year-old young man was mercilessly gunned down and killed in a gang war between adults that he has nothing to do with.

Police Still Can’t Confirm Murder-Suicide
And before that public outrage of 12 year-old David's murder, the concern was for the apparent murder suicide in Belize City. As you'll remember, on Saturday February 17, just before 6 p.m. police forced their way into the Rose Lane home of 46 year old Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel, and her husband 43 year-old Jason Emmanuel. They found both dead from gunshot injuries to the head, and a 9mm pistol beside Jason's body.

Late Evening City Shooting
Someone was shot in Belize City a few minutes ago. It reportedly happened on Gibnut Street where one person shot. Our sources say that the 2 suspects on a black motorcycle did it and sped off to the direction of Central American Boulevard.

Another Sarstoon Showdown
This weekend - the Guatemala military was back at it - blocking a Belizean vessel from traversing the Belize side of the Sarstoon. It was another mission by the Territorial Volunteers along with a Spanish news team. The Guatemalans told them that they are not allowed to go up the river and directed the group to to turn around. They crew told the Guatemalans that they are in Belizean waters, but they said nothing it's not Belizean waters, it is a disputed area and they are in control of it.

Street Art Festival Was Sweet!
On Saturday Downtown Belize City turned into a sort of Art gallery with live displays. It's the annual Street Art Festival which, again, transformed Albert Street and attracted crowds of curious art lovers and interested observers. 7News was there and Sahar Vasquez tells us what she saw:...

Man Accused Of Immigration Swindle
Belmopan police say they caught a man in an immigration hustle. 45 year old Salvadoran Alberto Lopez 45 yrs of Montalvo Street Belmopan reported that in August, Mark Rosales approached him claiming to be an immigration officer. Rosales allegedly offered to help Lopez get his nationality and was paid a total of $7,055 in 22 installments.

Police Concede Nexus Between 8th. Street Murders
Last week, we told you about the murders of 35 year-old Luis Dominguez and 45 year-old Clinton Fitzgibbon which happened in the same Kings Park area, only 3 days apart. Both men were City Council employees, and Fitzgibbon was supposedly murdered because the shooter was looking for a family member of his. It has been speculated that Fitzgibbon was murdered as some form of retaliation for Dominguez's killing.

Shooting On A Highway
And in our last story from today's police press conference, the cops shared the details of a weekend shooting which happened between miles 7 and 8 on the George Price Highway. It happened yesterday at around 6:30 p.m. 18 year-old Darnell Domingo, a student from Western Paradise told police that he and 29 year-old Francis Parham were heading to Belize City on motorcycle. While on their way, they were approached by a white car coming from the opposite direction.

Half Pound Of Weed
Yesterday morning while conducting a routine patrol in Las Flores police saw a man acting in a suspicious manner. They searched him and found 232 grams - or about half a pound - of cannabis inside his backpack. The man has been identified as 24-year-old Elmer Castillo of Belmopan. He was charged with drug trafficking.

Revolver In The Bush
Today around 11 am uniform and special branch officers assigned to the Belmopan Police found a .38 revolver while searching a bushy area on the outskirts of the Armenia Village. No one was in the area at the time so the firearm was deposited as found property. It will be sent to the Forensic Laboratory for fingerprint and ballistics testing.

Man Takes Plea For Passengers
Today 33-year-old Alfred Williams, Frank Smith, 37-year-old Moses Conorquie, and a 17-year-old appeared in court. On February 23rd the four men were driving there Toyota Camry when they were stopped at a checkpoint between miles 3 and 4 on the George Price Highway. They found a black .380 pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition under the front seat.

Bze. District Rules: Hummingbird and BES Win
On Friday Belize's best Primary School Volleyball teams met at the Nationals in Orange Walk. The boys and girls battled all day for the first place trophy. In the end, both Belize City teams left with the big win. For the females, Hummingbird Elementary school won for the second consecutive year while Belize Elementary School won for the boys.

Channel 5

8 to Court for Murder, Attempted Murder in O.W. Beating
Tonight, eight lawmen are behind bars on charges of murder and attempted murder. Seven are members of the Belize Special Assignment Group and the other is a cop, assigned to [...]

Did Humphrey Mitchell Have to Die in Dangriga?
Police have another incident on their hands that is giving them a black eye. A forty-four-year-old resident of Sarawee in the south died on Saturday while in custody. Police picked [...]

Drug Plane Goes Down in Western Orange Walk
A suspected drug plane was discovered partially burnt this morning in an area between Indian Church and Hill Bank villages in Orange Walk District. Police say they were tipped by [...]

Shooting Near the Exit of Belize City
Just after six p.m. on Sunday when shots rang out near the six-mile bridge on the George Price Highway. Eighteen-year-old Darnell Domingo, a student of Western Paradise Village, and twenty-nine-year-old [...]

One Held for Cayo Shooting
Meanwhile in the Cayo District, police have one person detained in connection with a shooting incident that occurred just before midnight on Saturday. It occurred in the Arizona area of [...]

Reporters Stand Up to Guats in Sarstoon; Who Will Stand Up for Belize?
Over the weekend, there was yet another confrontation in the Sarstoon River. Members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces aggressed a group of Guatemalan and Belizean journalists traveling with the Belize [...]

Gov’t Defends Finance Woes but P.U.P. Unconvinced
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight sent a blistering communication to chief executive officers some days ago asking that their finance officers stop searching for additional funds as there is no money [...]

Don’t Touch the Diesel!
The Government has also hit out at suggestions that it owes for previous shipments of diesel oil from Venezuela and that a tanker cannot be discharged because G.O.B. hasn’t paid [...]

BSAG, ComPol, Aragon Must Go, Says Opposition Leader
The People’s United Party has called for the dismantling of the Belize Defence Force’s Belize Special Assignment Group, in the wake of the murder of Ariel Audinette. Seven members of [...]

Many Suspects, No Arrests in Double Murder
The gunman who ended the lives of twelve-year-old David Morrison and twenty-six-year-old Lloyd Valentine in a deadly shooting on Wednesday evening in Pregnant Alley remains at large tonight.  It has [...]

Eighth Street Murders Linked, but Not Solved
Clinton Fitzgibbon and Luis Dominguez, both former employees of the Belize City Council, were killed within days of each other on Eight Street, in the city’s quiet King’s Park neighbourhood. [...]

Police, Family Stumped in Disappearance of Alaine Garcia
Police say the search continues for missing thirty-five-year-old Alaine Garcia of Hattieville. The six-foot-five-inch tall man was last seen alive around five a.m. on Thursday, as he dropped off his [...]

Trinidad C.J. Archie Challenges Law Association, Media in Court
Trinidad and Tobago’s Law Association and some media houses have found themselves facing legal action from the country’s Chief Justice, Ivor Archie. Archie has been accused of various instances of [...]

Cycling Clear for Elections According to Sports Council
In sporting news, elections for the Belize Cycling Federation have been called for a few weeks from now. The federation said it was waiting for the National Sports Council to [...]

M.C.C. Locked Down, Say Footballers
Think football in Belize City, and three letters come to mind – M.C.C. Yes, the name originally belongs to a cricket club from London, but the patch of land they [...]

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

Soldiers, Cop Under Scrutiny as O.W. Reels from Vicious Beating and Killing
Seven soldiers of an elite unit of the Belize Defence Force and a police officer are in custody tonight following the savage beating of an Orange Walk resident at his [...]

Victim of Gang of 8 Speaks Out
Noe Sanchez was the other person attacked by the group of eight soldiers and a police officer. He told his story to the media, saying that as they were being [...]

BSAG Soldiers, Policeman Had ‘No Authority’: Chester
As we said, eight law enforcement officers are now in custody and there is an ongoing criminal and internal investigation into Ariel Audinette Salazar’s death. There are also many unanswered [...]

P.S.B. Chief Says it May be Murder; D.P.P. Decides
ACP Chester Williams says that the men didn’t get a directive from the commanders of the Orange Walk Police Station to go to Sanchez’s house that morning. He says that [...]

Williams Says ‘Rogues’ Do Not Define Police, B.D.F.
And while the Police Department has had its fair share of a black eye, ACP Williams says that the actions of the men are not indicative of the mode of [...]

In Hattieville, Preacher/Businessman is Prey for Early Morning Thuggery
This morning, a most vicious act was visited on the former Regional Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Errol Robateau. The churchman now owns a bus service in Hattieville Village [...]

Where is Alaine Garcia and What Happened to Him?
Tonight, Alaine Garcia, a resident of Hattieville, remains missing, and his family believes something bad may have happened to him. The former Belize City resident was last seen on Tuesday [...]

No Money No Deh! FinSec Tells It Like It Is
Is government broke? So broke that they may have to resort to issuing treasury bills just to pay salaries at the end of the month? Recent correspondence to C.E.O.s purportedly [...]

P.M. Mum on Budget
The budget for the new financial year 2018-2019, is to be tabled in the House of Representatives on March ninth, that’s two days after the municipal elections. From what we [...]

CTV3

GOB On The Defensive, Claims Fin. Sec. S.O.S.To CEO's Is Not Alarming
On Friday February 23rd, the information contained in a text message sent by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight to Government Chief Executive Officers and leaked to the media, that additional funds were not available for this month’s salaries for public officers, sent waves of distress across the country. The text message, which Waight confirmed as his, appeared to be setting the record for CEOs, who had been requesting the release or “dereservation” of funds, which remain in “savings” accounts for each Ministry. Waight responded in his message that the money they see in the system is just “an illusion” and that there is actually no money in these accounts.

RTA Claims Life Of Orange Walkeno
There was also a fatal traffic accident on Sunday afternoon in Ranchito Village in Corozal which claimed the life of an Orange Walkeno. This was the gruesome scene between mile 82 and 83, where 26 year old Justavo Patt of San Jose Village was knocked down and killed by the damaged vehicle seen a few yards ahead from his body on the road. The black in colour GMC Terrain SUV was driven at the time by 34 year old Carlos Vargas, a resident Orange Walk Town.

Weekend RTA Claims The Life Of August Pine Ridge Residence
A road traffic accident which occurred in the wee hours of Sunday morning near Camp one in the village of Shipyard here in Orange Walk District, has resulted in the death of one man from August Pine Ridge Village. At about 3:30 yesterday morning, twenty five year old Alvin Reneau was driving a white Dodge caravan from Guinea Grass Village towards Shipyard when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and collided into a tree.

LOVE FM

Three officers investigated for death of detainee
Three police officers are being investigated following the death of 44-year-old Jamaican, Humphrey Mitchell who allegedly jumped out of a moving police vehicle in an attempt to escape police custody. The incident happened in the area of mile three on the Stann Creek Valley Road while officers were transporting Mitchell to the Dangriga Police Station …

BSAG eight charged with murder of Ariel Audinette
The Professional Standards Branch continues its investigation into the death of 46-year-old Ariel Audinette. As we reported, Audinette was at his Orange Walk residence with three other friends when eight members of the Belize Special Assignment group forced their way into the house, reportedly looking for a cellular phone. But the men acted outside of …

Opposition Leader doubts government’s explanation on fuel matter
Last week news broke of fuel rationing in the country. This, according to reports is the result of government not paying outstanding bills. The oil tanker, Syrtos, is anchored off Belize’s coast unable to unload its shipment of fuel. While government, late on Sunday afternoon, issued a release debunking that allegation, today Opposition Leader John …

Opposition Leader: Government trying to spin the truth on budget
And while the government gave an explanation on the Financial Secretary’s statements, Opposition Leader John Briceno is not convinced, especially since he says the Prime Minister has been avoiding the subject of the budget. Here’s how he put it. Reporter “Sir you say you spoke with the Financial Secretary are you able to divulge any …

Opposition Leader – Government response weak on Guatemalan incursions
Briceno was also questioned about his party’s position on the recent events that have occurred at the western border, where Guatemalan soldiers entered Belize to make an arrest in Belizean territory. John Briceno – Opposition Leader “I saw the video and I’m quite disturbed that the Guatemalan Military are now becoming so brazen but that …

GOB addresses diesel delay
The Government of Belize says it is not responsible for the temporary delay in the replenishment of the supply of diesel. In a release issued yesterday, the Ministry of Finance said that this delay is quote, “solely due to unanticipated difficulties encountered by PDVSA, not by PUMA or the GOB, in the offloading of a …

GOB clarifies Fin Sec’s statement
The Ministry of Finance also clarified statements made by the Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight. As we reported on Friday, Waight sent a message to Government CEOs telling them that there is no money in the bank, so finance officers should stop searching for unspent funds. According to Waight, the Government will likely have to issue …

Burnt aircraft found in Orange Walk District
The Belize Police Department confirmed this morning that an aircraft was discovered between the villages of Hillbank and Indian Church in the Orange Walk District. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvette, who is in charge of National Crimes Investigation Branch, the discovery was made early this morning. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head NCIB “Sometime …

Alaine Garcia still missing
Hattieville villager, thirty five year old Alaine Garcia remains missing tonight. Tomorrow will make one week since his disappearance. He was last seen on Tuesday morning by his common law wife, Kellyn Neal. His family fears that he might have been a victim of gun violence but they still have the hope of finding him …

Main murder suspect released
The main suspect in the double murder of 26-year-old Lloyd Valentine and 12-year-old David Morrison has been released. Valentine and Morrison were fatally shot last week Wednesday night in Pregnant Alley, Belize City. However, today ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media that the person they believe did it, had to be let go due to …

Francis Parham targeted by gunman
Yesterday evening Belize City police responded to a shooting incident near mile 7 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Assistant Superintendent of Police and Head of the Belize City Crimes Investigation Branch, Alejandro Cowo shared what the investigations have revealed.

Both murders are drug related, says investigator
The murder of Luis Dominquez and Clinton Fitzgibbon are related to each other. This was confirmed this morning by Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of Belize City’s Crime Investigation Branch, Alejandro Cowo. Dominquez was shot and killed while he was at a residence on 8th Street. Fitzgibbon was fatally shot on the same street, a stone’s throw away from where Dominguez was gunned down. ASP Cowo updated the media.

Teenager killed in road traffic incident
Nineteen-year-old Silvan Mencias lost his life as a result of a road traffic incident early yesterday morning. It happened in Camp One in Shipyard Village in the Orange Walk District. Mencias was in the passenger seat of a white dodge caravan which was being driven at the time by 25-year-old Alvin Reneau.

Jose Herrera charged with attempted murder
A bar brawl led to one man being shot. He is 29 year old Adolfo Flores. According to the Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, ACP Joseph Myvette, over the weekend Flores got into an altercation with a group of persons in a bar in Arizona Village, Cayo.

Guatemalan farmer caught inside the Chiquibul Forest
A Guatemalan farmer was caught inside the Chiquibul Forest last week. On Thursday morning, while police were conducting a joint patrol with members of the Belize Defense Force in the South Cebada Area of the Chiquibull National Park they came across a beans farm located some two kilometers inside Belize’s.

Ranchito Villager knocked down and killed
Twenty six year old Justavo Patt also lost his life as a result of a road traffic incident over the weekend. Patt who is from Ranchito Village was on his bicycle when he was knocked down by 34 year old Carlos Vargas who was driving a Black GMC Terrain SUV.

Blogs

Relaxed and renewed at Oasis Day Spa
After the devastation that 2016’s Hurricane Earl wrought on the majority of beachfront businesses, including Oasis Day Spa, it was hard to imagine whether recovery was in the cards. Thankfully, the owners and therapists were resilient, and a year later, a brand spanking new building is up on the newly constructed dock, ready to tend to your spa desires! The rustic setting is beachy and perfect, gauzy curtains blow in the breeze, seashells and wood walls in soothing tones charm you into feeling right at home! With such marvelous delights like hot stone, Swedish, or deep tissue massages, body scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures, there’s much to choose from. The ambiance is Caribbean perfect: over the water with open windows providing light and refreshing sea breeze, but set at the right height to allow privacy while undergoing your treatment of choice. Below, the lapping of waves provides a soothing soundtrack while Jessica and/or Samirah work efficiently at working the worries out of your troubled muscles.

Reef Week 2018 Belize
The Reef Week Belize Instagram contest is underway! It’s the time to submit your photo(s) or video(s) to showcase the 2018 theme: Our Reef Rocks! Protect it! Don’t Neglect it!

Mama Lowe's Oriental and Organic Products
Mama Lowe's Oriental and Organic Products is located at 4th Ave and 1st St South Corozal Town. No need to go far to find organic for your home stacks. Our Organics products we sell come in different flavors, orders, fruits, vegetables, milk and more. Our products we sell are pure natural stuff from local products and imported products. Here's a list below of what we sell: We sell pure organic Strawberry smoothie and banana and Ginger smoothie, bob's red mill whole wheat, fitness cereal, choco krispis, zucaritas, golden fit, stila, Muli, Kellogg's, Quaker, zucchini with blossoms...

Bandfest 2018 to be held in Corozal
On Saturday, March 24, 2018, the Ricalde Stadium in Corozal Town will be holding its bandfest. People will come out and witness the 13th annual Belize Band Fest. Under Sir Collvine Young this event is made possible. Sir Colville Norbert Young GCMG MBE (born 20 November 1932) is the Governor-General of Belize, and also a patron of the Scout Association of Belize. He was appointed Governor-General in 1993, taking office on 17 November of that year, and was knighted in 1994.Sir Colville studied at Belize's St Michael's College (now part of Anglican Cathedral College (ACC) and not to be confused with the institution now known as Maud Williams High School), and earned a B.A. degree in English from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica prior to his doctorate in linguistics from the University of York in England. Here's a view of last year's event:

International Sources

How to Spend a Few Perfect Days in Belize
Formerly the colony known as British Honduras, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. With ancient Mayan ruins rivaling the ones on the Yucatán Peninsula, lush tropical rainforest, and white-sand beaches with access to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s well worth a visit. And with the recent openings of Mahogany Bay and Itz’ana, plus many more resorts on the way, it’s the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destination. Because the country is so small, it’s easy to take a puddle jumper by the local airline Tropic Air and explore several different regions.

Ed Goldman: “Authorpreneurship”: The agenda for debut of Belize writers' confab
If you want to ask industry experts for help with your writing, remember to say, “Belize” and thank you. Even if that semi-pun makes you groan, I hope it means I have your attention. What I have to tell you about may be worth a read. Belize is the English-speaking coastal paradise where advice columnist and author Joey Garcia is organizing what she hopes will become an annual get-together for wannabe and wannabe-better writers. So perhaps you’re asking, “Why Belize?” For one thing, Garcia — who writes the popular and often sage-like “Ask Joey” column for the Sacramento News & Review as well as the book, “When Your Heart Breaks, It's Opening to Love" is a native of the Central American/Caribbean paradise and one of its cultural cheerleaders.

Breaking down walls in Belize’s hearts through mission
While some students will spend their spring break vacationing in tropical paradises, a certain group of Franciscan University students will spend it sharing themselves with the people who live in paradise but can’t own it. The Belize Mission, sponsored by Missions of Peace, takes 21 students and chaplain the Rev. Shawn Roberson, TOR, to three high schools in Belize in order to teach theology and catechetics in the classroom for a week during the university’s spring break. At the end of the school day, classes are followed up by after-school relational ministry with the children. Mission leaders Bridgette Behler and Evan Nohara said that the biggest and perhaps most unexpectedly difficult element of the mission is establishing relationships with the children in the schools before being able to teach them. Nohara described the goal as “reaching them on a human level before God changing their heart,” emphasizing that nothing they could teach would make a difference without that personal relationship.

A rod and reel bridge the age and income gap
Life has a funny way of hitting us with the unexpected. About a year ago, I met a gentleman named Winston Moore. At first glance, Winston and I have very little in common. He’s in his 90s; I’m in my 30s. He’s a self-made multimillionaire and one of the most successful businessmen in Idaho history; I’ve never seen a million dollars, and I probably never will. But our mutual friend, Marty Holly, introduced us because of one great commonality — a deep and insatiable love of fishing. As it turns out, Winston and I also share a love of Belize. I’ve only been there once (it’s where I caught my three bonefish), but Winston went as many as seven times in a single season. During a recent chat, he told me the story of the biggest tarpon he ever caught in Belize. Estimated at 212 pounds, the fish took him more than 6 hours to land.

Videos

February 26, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Press Release – Country music star Kelly McGuire loses another shirt for Saga
Country music star Kelly McGuire certainly has found his island dream in San Pedro, and part of that dream includes celebrating his birthday each year, Saga-style at the Palapa Bar and Grill. As Kelly entertained this year’s sold-out crowd with his favorite tunes, “Boat in Belize”, and “Blame it on Buffet”, birthday guests hoped that Kelly might again, give a lucky fan the shirt off his back this year. It has become a tradition of McGuire to interrupt the Saga Humane Society Live Auction to offer a personal item for bidding…the very shirt he performed in at the event, sweat and signature included! The shirt went for over $500!

Wolfe’s Woofer: Eight Ball
“It looks like Vernon’s going to be late again,” Mario said. “Oh, he’s usually only ten or fifteen minutes late,” I told him. “He makes up for it by being an incredible pool player.” “I don’t mind so much him being late,” Juan said. “What I mind is that he beats us nearly every time shooting either lefthanded or righthanded.” Every Saturday evening at six o’clock I meet Mario, Juan and Vernon at the bar for our weekly Eight Ball challenge. We went ahead and started without Vernon but he wandered in about fifteen minutes later.

ACES relocates large problematic crocodile to mainland sanctuary
An old 10.5-foot American crocodile named Julio was transported to Sandhill on the mainland of Belize on Wednesday, February 14th, where his beautiful and lush pen in the sanctuary at Rainforest Adventure Zone awaited his arrival. American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) has given this crocodile many chances over the years, but unfortunately, even after interventions, he continued to express worrisome and problematic behavior, leading ACES to make the decision to remove him from the wild for the safety of the community, as well as for his own safety.

Doctor Love: Name Withheld
Dear Doctor Love, My mother-in-law is ruining my marriage. From the moment she took over my wedding planning she has let me know I am not good enough for her son. She criticizes my cooking, complains about the way I keep my house and constantly reminds me that I don’t have a good education and my job doesn’t make much money. She knows I take a medication that makes it hard to manage my weight, but she always points out when I am “getting chunky” or “thin and sickly looking.” She is not concerned about my health—she is concerned that my pants look “painted on”. We cannot have a normal discussion because having a differing opinion or disagreeing with her makes her become aggressive.

Misc Belizean Sources

Temporary Delay in Replenishment of Supply of Diesel Oil
It has come to the attention of the Government of Belize (GOB) that a temporary delay in the replenishment of the supply of diesel oil, which has led to some gas stations not receiving their full orders, is somehow being attributed to a purported non-payment by Government of its fuel bills. The Ministry of Finance wishes to advise the public that this delay is solely due to unanticipated difficulties encountered by PDVSA, not by PUMA or the GOB, in the offloading of a shipment of fuel from Venezuela to Belize, and has absolutely nothing to do with any payment by GOB of its fuel bill. All GOB bills are, and are expected to remain, up to date. The Ministry of Finance has been informed by PUMA that it is has made alternate arrangements to bring in diesel fuel from other sources to fill the full needs of the gas stations.

Gov't of Belize Issues Statement on Current Cash Flow Position
The Ministry of Finance wishes to clarify emphatically that the Government of Belize’s annual budget is achieving its broad goals, allowing all obligations to be satisfied in a timely manner, including payroll. There is no requirement for the Government to access any financing whatsoever outside of the budgeted and approved sources. It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that certain statements made by the Financial Secretary in an internal document sent to accounting officers are being interpreted to suggest that the Government is broke and may have to resort to borrowing to meet the end of March payroll.

Tza-ten-a-ha by Yasser Musa
Holding a bamboo stick, 79 year old Jorge Verde, took his own stage, a small room with a big mural, overlooking the green blue waters of Sartaneja. He stood ready, in front of forty members of the history club of St. John’s College. And for thirty-five minutes he masterfully sanctioned the spirit of charm, charisma and passion. He danced with words, giving a gripping narrative of his people who in the mid-19th century fled blood and fire from the Caste War raging to the north near Tulum, Mexico. Earlier that morning, before the sun broke, we journeyed by bus from the swamp of Landivar in Belize City three hours north, though cane fields, past San Estevan, through sorghum, past little Belize, then Chunox, until we navigated a rough road shadowing the Shipstern Conservation Area toward the north-east coast. When we arrived at the place of the boat builders, farmers, tourism operators, and fishers our band of hungry teenagers packed the tiny Taste Twister family restaurant for some tacos and coke. Some of us ventured off next door to the Sarteneja Community Library, a rock building once the village water reservoir, now a container of books.

2018 Belize DJ Championship
Great hype, great energy at this past Friday night's District Championship of the 2018 Belize DJ Championship produced by Music Ambassador of Belize Shyne Barrow. Congratulations to DJ Trick who came out on top and will advance to the National Semi finals and Finals. Great thanks to all of our DJs who took up the challenge, it was an excellent opportunity to showcase our talented artists. A gracious thank you to Shyne Barrow for producing such a high energy event in Corozal; Scotty's Bar was lit!!!

Corozal House of Culture 6th Anniversary
We graciously give thanks to our community members, educators, students and visitors to Corozal for attending our 6th anniversary celebration this past Friday. It was an honour to feature Wildtracks which is located just outside of Sarteneja Village. Wildtracks is the only manatee and monkey rescue and rehabilitation centre in the region. A wonderful day with the outreach and educational staff of Wildtracks; most of our community members were unaware of Wildtracks....making the event even more meaningful.

Cayo DJ Competition
Congratulations, DJ Wicked Vybz! He won the Cayo round of the DJ Competition. He routinely plays at Oki's. Best of luck at the national competition. Darren Lamb got some great pictures of the event.

Birding
Finishing an AMAZING Tour with Whitehawk - Birdwatching and Conservation. We ploughed through Crooked Tree, Chan Chich and Mountain Pine Ridge. These gems are from the MPR on the last day...

The Reporter

Soldiers to be charged with murder
The Belize Police Department has announced that the Belize Defence Force Soldiers involved in the beating death of Ariel Salazar will be charged with murder. On Friday the department said that the Director of Public Prosecutions would consider the evidence and determine what charge would be laid in the case. Yesterday the officers were officially arrested and will be charged. Lennart Cajun, 29yrs, Police Constable assigned to Special Patrol Unit and Assigned to BSAG, of San Francisco street Orange Walk Town, Mateo Bolon 28, of Jalacte Village Toledo, Patrick Villagran 31 of Ladyville, Patrick Diego 26, of Pomona Village, Elvis Cob 33, of San Victor village, Edmar Petillo 26 of Catmelita Village, Bladimir Escarraga 21, of San Jose Village and Francis Sho 23, of Mountain view Belmopan, will all be charged with murder and attempted murder. They are expected to be arraigned tomorrow.

GOB says all well with economy
Today, the Government of Belize acknowledged that the leaked correspondence circulating in the media on GOB’s financial position did come from Financial Secretary Joseph Waight. GOB’s statement, however, went on to say that the message is being shared out of context, and that all is well with the Government’s finances. “The statement made by the Financial Secretary was the standard financial year-end instructions given to Accounting Officers so as to restrain overspending and encourage senior public officers to remain diligent in the pursuit of budgetary objectives,” GOB said. GOB added that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will share all the pertinent financial information when he presents the National Budget on March 9.

Another illegal farmer in the Chiquibul found
Friends of Conservation and Development, the NGO which co-manages the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, has found another Guatemalan national illegally farming in the reserve. FCD said they were conducting a joint patrol with the Belize Police Department and Belize Defense Force on Thursday when they found 28-year-old Elfido Francisco Esteban Cano cultivating beans. Cano, who is from of the community of Laurel, Municipality of Dolores, told authorities that he had been cultivating beans, corn and pumpkin for about a year in south Cebada are of the Chiquibul, along with other relatives.

Breaking Belize News

Protocol for Sarstoon visit?
Today, there was an incident at the mouth of the Sarstoon River in southern Belize. According to reports, Guatemalan military officials stopped a Belizean boat from being in Belizean waters.

Temporary delay in replenishment of supply of diesel oil not due to “cash flow” says GOB
The Government of Belize Press Office has issued a statement to inform the nation that the temporary delay in the replenishment of the supply of diesel oil (which has led to some gas stations not receiving their full orders), is not attributed to a purported non-payment by Government of its fuel bills.

Fuel tanker anchored on Belizean waters; Government reportedly unable to pay for it
Information reaching BBN is that the fuel tanker “Syrtos” continues to be anchored on Belizean waters. A source informed our news desk that the owner has refused discharging operations until the government pays for the fuel.

GOB issues statement on current cash flow position
The Ministry of Finance has released a statement to clarify that the Government of Belize’s annual budget is achieving its broad goals and allowing all obligations to be satisfied in a timely manner, including payroll.

Thousands hit the street in Belize City for Street Art Festival
Thousands of Belizeans crowded on Albert Street for the eighth installment of the Street Art Festival hosted by the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH).

Maya Mountain Challenge takes off
The Maya Mountain Challenge, a four-day challenge for expedition athletes, kicked off today in San Ignacio town. From February 25-28, co-ed teams of four will travel more than 220 miles, while canoeing, hiking, trekking, rappelling and spelunking.

Jamaican man dies after jumping out of moving Police vehicle
Yesterday afternoon around 2:25, police officers in Dangriga detained Humphrey Mitchel, 44, a Jamaican of Sarawee Village on the strength of a commitment warrant.

Man shot while socializing in a bar
Adolfo Flores, 29, of Arizona Village was shot late last night while socializing at a bar in his village. According to police reports, Flores got into a misunderstanding with a male person known to him as Alex Hernandez […]

Motor vehicle stolen in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan are looking for a gray 1997 Honda CRV that was stolen this morning around 1:30.

Beans plantations found inside Chiquibul; Guatemalan farmer arrested
On Thursday, February 22, 2018, a joint patrol by rangers of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), members of the Belize Defence Force, and Special Patrol Unit of the Police Department met a Guatemalan man on a beans field in the Chiquibul National Park.

Blogs

A Few Blissful Hours on the Sandbar, Leeward Side of Ambergris Caye
I won’t talk too much right now about the sargasso that has been coming onto our shores. I’ve heard reports of it in Cancun and in Southern Belize. Towards the end of this week, it’s really started coming in and hotels and town workers are having a hard time keeping up. This is one of the busiest weeks of the year – just this past Monday was a holiday in the US and many schools are on a one week break. When we arrived, there was a fishing boat and people wading the north end of the island. A few boats of swimmers and loungers arrived… And then some of the boys went off to stalk some Permit. (Note: it is not easy to creep up on fish in large groups of small children)

International Sources

Natuurgebied Burgers' Zoo in Belize wordt uitgebreid met meer dan 15.000 voetbalvelden
De regering van Belize heeft deze week een zeer belangrijke beslissing bekend gemaakt voor de toekomst van de dieren en de natuur in dit Midden-Amerikaanse land. Het natuurgebied dat Papiliorama Zoo (Zwitserland) en Burgers' Zoo al bijna 30 jaar succesvol beschermen is officieel uitgebreid met 110 km2, oftewel meer dan 15.000 voetbalvelden. Essentieel voor de toekomst van diverse bedreigde diersoorten is dat het nieuwe stuk ongerepte natuur een groene brug vormt die het noordelijke en zuidelijke deel van het bestaande natuurgebied met elkaar verbindt. Actuele onderzoeksgegevens bewijzen dat de nieuwe verbinding ook daadwerkelijk wordt gebruikt door bedreigde dieren als jaguars en Baird's tapirs!

CRFM fast tracks protocol for climate change and disaster risk management in fisheries and aquaculture
We know from the devastation wrought in the Caribbean last September by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, just how important it is for the region to step up its game in tackling climate change and the risks posed by natural disasters. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has recently inked an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that will put the region on better footing to address the impacts of disasters on fishing communities. The CRFM—the CARICOM agency which works to promote sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector—is a regional partner on the Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It is under this umbrella that the new initiative is being implemented for the benefit of the CARICOM States.

Videos

February 25, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

CRFM fast tracks protocol for climate change and disaster risk management in fisheries and aquaculture
We know from the devastation wrought in the Caribbean last September by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, just how important it is for the region to step up its game in tackling climate change and the risks posed by natural disasters. The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has recently inked an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that will put the region on better footing to address the impacts of disasters on fishing communities. The CRFM—the CARICOM agency which works to promote sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector—is a regional partner on the Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It is under this umbrella that the new initiative is being implemented for the benefit of the CARICOM States.

San Pedro Tour Guide Association weighs in on the regulations addressing gill nets
The movement by the Government of Belize (GOB) to develop a task force to address the issues surrounding the use of gill nets in the country was applauded by the San Pedro Tourist Guide Association (SPTGA). The said taskforce will further monitor the use of gill nets in Belizean waters, hoping to eventually lead to the consideration of a total ban. A gill net is a wall-like mesh that hangs in the water column designed to catch fish by allowing only their head to get through the net, thereby entrapping them by the gills. The main concern about this fishing practice is that it traps and kills both target and non-target fish species, including protected species. In a press release issued on Monday, February 19th, the SPTGA commended the decision by the government to reduce the harmful effects of gill nets on the Belizean marine eco-system.

BTB’s Hotel minimum standards to come into effect the end of 2018
A series of hotel regulations proposed by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), with the aim to improve the minimum standards for the hotel industry in the country, is expected to be officially legislated by the end of the year. The regulations focus on Health, Safety, Security, and Emergency measures. The BTB claims that they have been visiting different tourism chapters around the country, in particular, the accommodation sector, informing them of the regulation process and guiding them in preparation to comply with the regulations when they become policy. Herbert Haylock of the BTB stated that for three years, they have been consulting with different stakeholders around the country in order to come to a mutual agreement on the proposed regulations. According to him, after dialoguing and answering questions pertaining to the recommendations, they are now focusing mainly on the health and safety of the customers. “At the different hotels we have visited, we are inspecting their emergency plan if the staff is trained to deal with issues such as fires and emergency evacuations,” Haylock said.

Sagebrush Community Church holds ground-breaking ceremonies for their new church in San Pedro
The Sagebrush Community Church San Pedro Campus celebrated the groundbreaking of what will be their new meeting hall on Sunday, February 18th, near the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge north of San Pedro Town. The event marked the official commencement for the construction of a building that will serve as the Church’s congregational edifice on the island. Present at the short ceremony were members of the church along with invited guests. During and after the ground-breaking act, everyone was treated to tacos and refreshments. Early on Sunday morning, Sagebrush, a non-denominational church with its headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the United States of America (USA), welcomed its hundreds of followers as they do every Sunday for their routine church service. However, this time the crowd was even bigger with the anticipated historical event of the ground-breaking. For the past four years, they had been meeting at the Paradise Theatre, while they raised funds to start building their church. According to congregation members, most of the funds for the project came from the different Sagebrush campuses around the USA.

Misc Belizean Sources

Basketball tournament organized by the Belize Police Department
180degree view. It gives the rival neighborhoods and the department an opportunity to socialize and communicate in a controlled but fun environment. There is also a mediation session to complement the tournament which travels to courts throughout Belize City.

BSAG OFFICERS CHARGED WITH MURDER!
On today's date, police arrested and charged Lennart Cajun, 29yrs, Police Constable assigned to Special Patrol Unit and Assigned to BSAG, of San Francisco street Orange Walk Town, Mateo Bolon 28yrs, of Jalacte Village Toledo, Patrick Villagran 31yrs of Ladyville, Patrick Diego 26yrs, of Pomona Village, Elvis Cob 33yrs, of San Victor village, Edmar Petillo 26yrs of Carmelita Village , Bladimir Escarraga 21yrs, of San Jose Village and Francis Sho 23 yrs, of Mountain view Belmopan all members of the Belize Defense Force assigned to BSAG for the crime of Murder and Attempt Murder.

Wedding & Honeymoon Fam Tour

Come out to the Street Art Festival this weekend!
Sculpture and Jewelry lovers from near and far come to Street Art Festival for the newest authentic creations from designers and creators. Artisans and the Belize Humane Society have everyone and their pets visiting their booth!

Yarborough Basketball Court Renovation
The The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project has begun works at the Yarborough Basketball Court. Workers have started to dig the footings for the metal roof structure. In the other picture students from Wesley College are eagerly awaiting the completion of the basketball court. The good news for the students and the community is that this is just the beginning; They will soon have something even better in their back yard. This project is being brought to the Yarborough community through the auspices of the Government of Belize through its agent the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and our partners: Taiwan ICDF, NICH and Belize City Council.

Street Art Festival 2018
As predicted people already out getting their Food Fix on! Artists already making sales on Jewelry, Sculpture, and Paintings! Come on out and be a part of the pARTy on Albert Street! Come pARTy With Us!

LOVE FM

“If we continue on this path we will certainly crash”: Financial Secretary
An internal text message sent my Financial Secretary Joseph Waight to Government CEOs has been leaked to the media. In the message, Waight who has confirmed its authenticity says that the Ministry of Finance is quote, “being overwhelmed with requests for reallocations and dereservations of “savings” identified in various accounts.” End of quote. Waight tells …

Police investigates fatal BDF beating
Seven members of the Belize Defense Force and one police officer are in police custody following the fatal beating of 46-year-old Ariel Audinette. A post-mortem examination this afternoon revealed that he died due to blunt force trauma. He was beaten so bad that his kidneys and liver ruptured. The men who are accused of causing …

Venezuelan Foreign Minister and PM Barrow discussed PetroCaribe
Earlier in the month, we told you about the visit of Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza here in Belize. Arreaza met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow to discuss matters of mutual interest. According to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, matters of mutual interest included PetroCaribe. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary “The Venezuelans I believe are doing the …

‘There is no $2.1 million dollars in the Ministry of Education’: Fin Sec
The Financial Secretary was also asked about reports that the Ministry of Education found 13 million dollars to pay for school fees for selected students. These students were reportedly selected by UDP Campaigners as the March 7 election nears. Here is how Joseph Waight responded. Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary “I don’t know about $2.1 million, …

Cultural King, Florencio Mes, celebrates 80th birthday
Cultural King, Florencio Mes is celebrating his 80th Birthday today. Mes is known as one of the three cultural kinds of Belize as he has been keeping Mayan musical traditions alive since he was a teenage boy. Love news spoke with Mes this morning. Hipolito Novelo, Love News Reporter “Mr. Mes, Happy Birthday sir.” Florencio …

The Reporter

Are Belize’s coffers dry?
Several local media houses have reported possession of an internal text message sent from the Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, which paints a dismal picture of Belize’s economy. Stations such as Plus TV and Love Fm claim to have come in possession of the alleged text sent to Chief Executive Officers, telling them to cease accounting queries, because the Government of Belize simply does not have any money. The screenshots have been shared on several media pages, and even more from person to person. However, the Reporter noted that the screenshots only contain the name “Joe” at the bottom and do not proove that they originated from the FinSec’s phone.

Street Art Festival 2018 comes to Albert Street
Over 2000 people took to downtown Belize City on saturday, for the 8th annual Street Art Festival, hosted by the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH). The event gathered more than 20 businesses and over 50 artisans to showcase a variety of items, many of which were on sale at discounted rates. NICH blocked off Albert Street from the Belize Bank, down to South Street (just after Wesley Church) for the festival. The festivities included live entertainment on two separate stages for adults and kids, face painting drumming, live artwork demonstrations, and items such as sculptures, wood carvings, paintings and jewellery for sale.

Gas shortage imminent
Belize is about to experience mass disruptions in businesses countrywide, due to an imminent shortage of fuel. The Reporter has been reliably informed that the container which was to resupply the country with fuel is near Belize, but cannot come in to unload because the Government of Belize has not paid for it as yet. Sources tell the Reporter that representatives acting on behalf of GOB have visited several gas stations telling them to ration the amount of fuel they sell to each customer, because if stocks deplete before the situation is resolved, there will be no fuel to replace it with. Gas stations may begin rationing as early as Saturday, February 24. The Reporter will follow up with the relevant authorities to see how GOB intends to resolve the matter before it becomes critical.

Breaking Belize News

Eight law men charged for murder
By BBN Staff: Today, police arrested and charged Lennart Cajun, 29, police constable assigned to the Special Patrol Unit; Mateo Bolon, 28; Patrick Villagran,31; Patrick Diego, 26; Elvis Cob, 33; Edmar Petillo, 26; Bladimir Escarraga, 21; and Francis Sho, 23, all members of the Belize Defense Force, assigned to the Belize Special Assignment Group (BSAG), for the crime of murder and attempted murder.

PACT earmarks $3.5 million for new conservation investments
Yesterday, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) announced a new funding strategy for Belize’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS). This Conservation Investment Strategy will ensure the allocation of funds for long-term support towards the achievement of priority actions within priority ecosystems.

UNCAC experts visit to Belize postponed
By BBN Staff: The Government of Belize today announced that the upcoming United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) country visit to Belize by the governmental experts from Haiti and Tuvalu, scheduled for February 27th to March 1st, 2018, has been postponed.

Man, 53, arrested for drug trafficking close to 8 lbs of weed
By BBN Staff: A man was arrested on Thursday morning at a police checked point between miles 73 and 74 on the Philip Goldson Highway. According to police reports, the man, Harold Grant was seated on the back of a bus with a bag that contained close to 8 pounds of marijuana.

Prominent Attorney passes
By BBN Staff: Attorney at Law, Jose Amir Cardona passed away on Thursday night. Cardona was a well established Belizean attorney with a Certificate in Public Administration, LLB (HONs) from the University of the West Indies , and a certificate in legal education from Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica.

Heavy rains ruin agricultural crops
By BBN Staff: According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the rainfall experienced in January and February have caused uncalculated damage to the agricultural industry, hindering the production of grains, fruits, root crops, and vegetables.

US and Belize sign cultural property agreement
By BBN Staff: Today, the Government of the United States and the Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material of Belize.

1 police officer and 7 soldiers detained for beating Orange Walk man to death
By BBN Staff: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will decide whether or not to charge seven Belize Defence Force soldiers and a police officer with murder after they brutally beat a man who later died from his injuries in Orange Walk.

Does leaked Fin Sec correspondence signal gasoline shortage?
By BBN Staff: An allegedly leaked correspondence from the Financial Secretary (FinSec), Joseph Waight is raising concerns that Belize may be facing a nationwide shortage of gasoline.

International Sources

Eileen Ogintz Shares the Spring Break Magic of Belize!
Takingthekids.com ‘s Eileen Ogintz joins Dane to share the amazing and under the radar elements of an adventure in Belize! Hear about coral reefs, Mayan ruins, eco resorts and more, plus the warm people and ways that Belize cam be the perefect fit for your family this spring!

Jaguars Facing Increased Threats
Jaguars once roamed from the tip of South America up through Central America into modern day Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. This big cat has seen its numbers decrease over the years in spite of many efforts to protect the jaguar and save those who remain. One of the major threats to jaguar populations is habitat reduction. Currently, jaguars only live in about half of their former range. Deforestation and the expansion of the human population have caused a step reduction in jaguar numbers.

Conserving the ocean of life
Our oceans provide a vital source of food and resources for people, underpinning trillions of dollars of economic activity worldwide! Incredible, isn’t it? However, the ocean is facing increasing amounts of stress, resulting in widespread damage, like the bleaching of coral reefs species :( Here’s why that’s happening - when the ocean becomes too warm, corals can expel the algae which lives on them, thus losing their primary food source. This causes them to turn pale or completely white. Corals don’t always die after a bleaching episode. If heat conditions decrease, they may be able to recover! But if the heat remains, it stresses them and makes them more prone to disease, reducing their chances of survival.

Videos

February 24, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island students learn about the MOU for cultural protection and preservation
A small delegation from the Public Affairs section of the United States Embassy in Belize and personnel from the Institute of Archeology, met with students from the San Pedro Junior College on Wednesday, February 21st, to host a presentation on the upcoming renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both countries addressing cultural protection and preservation. Hosting the presentation was Dr. Andrew Cohen, Senior Cultural Property Analyst, from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S Department of State. He discussed the key points of the MOU, which aims to continue combating the looting of Belize’s archaeological sites and create awareness for the preservation of the country’s historical heritage for future generations.

Ocean Academy hosts annual Ubuntu open day and honors mentors
The Ocean Academy (OA), hosted their third annual ‘Ubuntu’ open day on Thursday, February 15th at the Palapa Gardens in Caye Caulker. Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ocean Academy embraced the word as symbolizing that OA exists thanks to the continued support of the community. The event showcased multiple booths featuring the many activities the high school offers to their students, including arts, music, culinary arts, electrical and even karate. The activity also served to recognize several mentors, who with their guidance have helped the students to explore their interests and talents.

New Shark species discovered in Belize has been identified
A new shark species discovered in Belizean waters about a year ago has been named the Atlantic Sixgill Shark. The identification was made by scientists of the Florida Institute of Technology, MarAlliance in Belize, Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory in Teresa and the National Marine Fisheries Service. According to a press release that was issued by the Fisheries Department last year, on Monday, February 6, 2017, the shark discovery was made during research led by Doctor Demian Chapman from the Florida International University. He had been conducting studies on sharks in Belize since 2008 with a focus on the Hammerhead species.

San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament semifinals begin
The San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament semifinals kicked-off this past weekend on Sunday, February 18th. The first round of semifinals saw two intense matches taking place at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex in San Pedro Town. The first match started at 9:30AM with Quality Reef taking on San Pedro High School (SPHS). At the end of the game, Quality Reef managed to come out victorious by tallying seven home points against SPHS with six home points. The next match saw RCGO taking an easy victory with 12 home points against Extreme with five home points. The semifinals continue this upcoming weekend on Sunday, February 25th, starting at 9:30 with Extreme versus RCGO, followed by Quality going against SPHS at 11:30AM. Everyone is invited to come and support their favorite team during the semifinals playoffs. Food and drinks will be on sale during the games.

Ambergris Today

UWG Condemns The Actions Of Jorge Aldana Against Women
On Nomination Day, Jorge Aldana was escorted to Police station by police for insulting a woman PUP supporter. He made a very defamatory remark when he called her a pig. Mr. Aldana works for Child Friendly Spaces Municipality Program by UNICEF and is the Local Economic Development Officer of the UDP San Pedro Town Council. UDP Mayor Danny Guerrero and Minister Manuel Heredia went to get him out from the police station. The police asked him to apologize. Yesterday on his Facebook page, Mr. Aldana continued his insults of the woman in one of the most distasteful posts ever.

Misc Belizean Sources

University of Belize FREE self-defense for women and girls
It's March next week and that means Women's Month and that means FREE self-defense for women and girls. Please see the flyer for details. If interested, inbox me the location, your email, cell, and if bringing girls, their ages. The sessions will be held on all campuses.

Belize Petition: Don't Allow Animals To Be Used As Entertainment
A Guatemalan circus worker's life has forever been changed. And not in a good way. Earlier this month, Cipriano Alvarez - a 55-year-old man in charge of feeding 13 circus tigers - was nearly mauled to death. The circus animals were being held in a Guatemala before they found a permanent home in Belize. If the circus had been in performing in Guatemala, it would have been illegal, that's because that nation, along with three other Central American countries including, Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador prohibit using wild animals in circuses. Their officials know that using animals in entertainment is not only cruel but dangerous, as Mr. Alvarez's story proves. Yet, Belize is one of the few countries in the region that still doesn't have a national ban against using animals in entertainment. But that can change. Belizean officials should not allow this circus or any other to perform inside their borders. Please sign the petition and encourage the Government of Belize to ban wild animal performances in circuses and any other type of entertainment.

NCFC Issues Statement on Increased Incidences of Violence
The National Committee expresses grave concern about the increase of incidences of violence that has led to the loss and damage of many young lives; especially in Belize City as again we are witnessing the death of another child. These incidences have not only caused grief and disruption in the lives of the families involved, but have had a serious negative effect on all Belizean families. The people who have been most affected are those in their productive years and their loss of life signify a financial loss to their families and erodes these families’ ability to care for their members. The killing of our young people has become an almost daily occurrence and it is not to be tolerated in any shape or form. There is a need that responses from all sectors of society are critically important in addressing the many root causes of violence and reversing this ominous trend.

UNCAC Country Visit by Governmental Experts Postponed
The upcoming United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) country visit to Belize by the governmental experts from Haiti and Tuvalu, scheduled for February 27th to March 1st, 2018, has been postponed and is now rescheduled for July 10th to 12th, 2018. The postponement is as a result of one of the governmental experts from Tuvalu being unable to acquire the necessary travel documents and authorization in time for the impending country visit. Consequently, in order to maintain the objective and impartial character of the Implementation Review Mechanism and to ensure participation of both reviewing States, an agreement was reached to postpone the country visit.

Excessive Rainfalls Impacting Agriculture and Food Production
he unseasonal excessive rainfalls experienced during the months of January and February 2018 has impacted agriculture and food production in particular grains, fruits, root crops, and vegetables. The Ministry of Agriculture has conducted a damage assessment in a number of farming areas to ascertain total damages and losses, however as the rains continue it is still a developing event. Preliminary reports to date indicate that there is a shortage of lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli on the market. In an effort to meet local demand and while local production normalizes, the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) will be allowed to import shortfalls for the next two weeks.

Over 200 Students will have access to Quality Education at New Government Primary School Building in Ranchito, Corozal District
An Official Ceremony to inaugurate Ranchito Government Primary School new building was held on the school’s compound in Ranchito Village, Corozal District on Thursday, February 22, 2018. This is as a result of the Government of Belize recognizing the critical role of Primary education for social, economic, cultural, environmental and political development by way of empowering future leaders with knowledge, skills, and values to enhance Belize’s socio-economic development. The Government of Belize funded the completion of a new 8 classroom two storey, ferro-concrete building and as well as the rehabilitation of an existing classroom building that houses three primary level classrooms and pre-school classroom courtesy of a grant of $1.1 million from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Basic Needs Trust Fund, BNTF7’s Education & Human Resource Development Sector with counterpart funding from the Government of Belize and the community of Ranchito who contributed in landscaping , security fencing and projectors.

Government of Belize Continues to Invest & Empower Over 300 Students with Educational Opportunities in Orange Walk District
An Official Ceremony to inaugurate Carmelita Government Primary School new two-storey six (6) classroom building and a new Preschool building was held on the school’s compound in Carmelita Village in the Orange Walk District on Thursday, February 22, 2018. This is as a result of the Government of Belize recognizing the critical role of education for social, economic, cultural, environmental and political development by way of empowering future leaders with knowledge, skills, and values to enhance Belize’s socio-economic development. The School project is aimed at increasing access and providing enhanced quality education for students in a more conducive learning environment as well as enable the school to address the increasing demand for enrollment and over-crowding.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Wonder Wheel, Justice League, The Breadwinner, Still/Born. To prepare people for the Oscars, we'll be playing a different movie at 7pm on Screen room Each night .. the other movies will stay the same for Screen 2 and 9 o'clock. Friday is Wonder Wheel at 7. Saturday is Call me By Your Name at 7. Sunday is The Florida Project at 7.

MAYA MARRIAGE ANCIENT TIMES ,18th Century
When looking into the Maya world of Yucatán, we find that during the 18th century and beginnings of the 19th century, it was the custom for males to marry at age 17 or 18, and females at age 14 or 15. The parents preferred, for their sons, girls from the same social class and town. As well, it was considered petty if the male looked for a companion for himself or his children, rather than obtaining the servces of a professional matchmaker (ah atanzah). Once the matchmaker was selected, the ceremony and the amount of the dowry were discussed. This usually consisted of dresses and other items of little value, which were paid by the father of the groom to the father of the bride as a marriage pledge; for her part, the groom’s mother prepared the clothing for her son and for her future daughter-in-law.

PACT EARMARKS $3.5 MILLION FOR NEW CONSERVATION INVESTMENTS
On February 22, 2018 the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) announced a new funding strategy for Belize’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS). This Conservation Investment Strategy will ensure the allocation of funds for long-term support towards the achievement of priority actions within priority ecosystems. The investment portfolio will see an initial budget allocation of $3.5M to be replenished periodically. The Strategy is another component of PACT’s transition to a new operational framework which seeks to improve the impact of the Fund. It was developed through a collaborative planning process among protected area co-managers, PACT, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Environment, & Sustainable Development.

XXXVI ORDINARY MEETING OF PRESIDING OFFICERS OF CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN BASIN (FOPREL)
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Laura Tucker-Longsworth is in Tegucigalpa, Honduras attending the 36th Ordinary Meeting of the Forum of Presiding Officers of Central America and the Caribbean Basin (FOPREL). The Honourable Tucker-Longsworth, who chaired FOPREL for one year, officially handed over the Pro tem Presidency to the Speaker of the Congress of Honduras, the Honourable Mauricio Oliva Herrera. the official handing over ceremony was held this morning and had the participation of member countries like El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico. At the meeting, the Presiding Officers of FOPREL also signed eight Resolutions in terms of the work of FOPREL in relation to its Interparliamentary Committees.

MAFFESDI Launches “Reducing the Carbon Footprint of San Ignacio Town and five surrounding villages in the Cayo District” Project
On Tuesday, February 20th, 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration (MAFFESDI) launched a project entitled “Reducing the Carbon Footprint of San Ignacio Town and five surrounding villages in the Cayo District”. This project is funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS). The project is being implemented with technical support from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) and the Sustainable Development Unit in the Ministry. The project encompasses two main components; the installation of new LED street lighting and construction of a modern Resiliency Centre. Together the two components will contribute to the reduction of local energy demands as well as reducing the vulnerability of the communities to climate change related extreme weather events. At the same time, the project is expected to improve safety and security as well as provide avenues for community development and social transformation.

CULTURE DAY AT SPRCS
Thank you San Pedro R.C. School for inviting us to your culture day exhibition! It was a lot of fun learning about the different cultures that exist in our beautiful country.

Reef Week 2018 Schedule
Movie night March 9th, Recycle competition March 14, Bike float competition March 16.

Corozal Billiards Tournament
Billiards Tournament starting todat at Civic. Anyone living in the Corozal district can compete.

Spanish Lookout 2018 Expo
Dates: 2 and 3 of March 2018. Time: 9 am to 5 pm. Location: Countryside Park Spanish Lookout, Cayo Belize.

Wedding & Honeymoon Fam Tour

Andrew Cohen and Dr. Alan Moore visit San Pedro Roman Catholic School
Thank you, San Pedro Roman Catholic School for welcoming Dr. Andrew Cohen and Dr. Alan Moore to share with you about archaeology and cultural heritage protection and preservation! We had a blast and hope to come back soon!

Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material of Belize
Today, the Government of the United States and the Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material of Belize. The Agreement solidifies the collaboration between the United States and Belize to combat looting and trafficking of cultural objects in Belize. The Government of the United States also repatriated Belizean cultural property recovered by Special agents from the U.S. National Park Service. Acting Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Lingwood represented the Government of the United States and Acting President of NICH Greg Vernon—the Government of Belize. The goals of this cultural property Agreement are to: reduce the incentive to pillage; help Belize protect its cultural heritage; and increase lawful access to cultural objects and awareness of world heritage by encouraging interchange of materials for scientific, cultural and educational purposes. The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage in Belize and around the world. Our policy is clear: the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage and the trafficking of cultural property are unacceptable.

Maya Masewal warrior Pedro Carrillo
This cultural Maya Masewal warrior is Pedro Carrillo from San Lazaro (Orange Walk). Don Pedro is fluent Yucatec Maya speaker,always welling to tell stories of our Maya folklore,stories of war from his parents and to share our beautiful Maya culture .

Channel 7

7 Soldiers, 1 Cop Detained For Beating OW Man To Death
Tonight Orange Walkeños are still reeling from the news that masked soldiers and a policeman stormed into a town resident's home - and beat him so badly that he died within hours. And, it's all because they were looking for someone's cell phone. 7News broke the story last night and tonight we'll have the full update on the 7 BDF soldiers and one policeman from the Belize Special Assignment Group who are detained in the investigation. But first, we have a recap of the almost unbelievable home invasion - slash - search that happened at the corner of San Antonio Road and Staines Alley at 3:40 on Thursday morning. The family found their loved one badly beaten and dying on a septic tank:

Head of PSB Says BSAG Had No Lawful Authority
Indeed, they are lawmen, mostly soldiers, and tonight 7 of them, and 1 cop are in the custody of Orange Walk police. Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is handling the investigation into the role of the lone police officer. He's doing that as the head of the Professional Standards Branch. But he is also the ranking officer in an investigation with clear criminal implications. Today he briefed the press on what they know so far, and what's going to happen next: ACP Chester Williams, Professional Standards Branch, Commander: "Sometime in the early hours of Thursday gone, police responded to an incident on San Antonio Road here in Orange Walk Town. Upon arrival police observed two male persons severely beaten and two others who complained of having been beaten by some persons who were dressed in battlefield type uniforms. As a result of that complaint, the individuals were taken to the Northern Regional Hospital where hours later one Ariel Salazar who was one of the persons passed away and the other individual..."

They Robbed Robateau, the Noted Charity Worker
Tonight, one of Belize's most well-known charity workers is in the KHMH recovering from a massive beatdown that a gang of home invaders put on him. At 4:20 this morning, former Salvation Army Commander, Errol Robateau was attacked in his Hattieville home. The 73 year old has taken up a bus run in his retirement - and he was getting ready to leave out on his first run when as many as 7 men pounced on him. His conductor, Marilee Cardinez was waiting for him in the bus - and she saw it all - while also getting clubbed in the head. She gave Daniel Ortiz her story off-camera: This is the Hattieville home of Major Errol Robateau. Sure, it looks quiet and peaceful right now, but it was the scene of a home invasion early this morning. The 73 year-old gentleman and his employee were held at gunpoint by 5 armed robbers who put a beatdown on him to convince him to give up his money and his valuables.

Grave Concern For Missing Man In Hattieville
Just before our commercial break, we told you about the Hattieville home invasion targeting former Salvation Army Commander, Errol Robateau. Well, that's not the only incident that has Hattieville residents on edge. 35 year-old Alaine Garcia, who recently moved to the village with his family 2 months ago, has been missing for 3 days now. The last time he was seen was Tuesday morning when he walked his wife and their 3 kids to the road side so that they could catch the bus. Residents have told his worried common-law wife that there was a shooting near their home, and he was reportedly seen fleeing for his life.

No Arrest For Ride-By Double Murder
Tonight, police are no closer to making an arrest in Wednesday's double murder of 26 year old Lloyd Valentine, and 12 year old David Morrison. On Thursday night a gunman on bicycle shot the two of them and Albert Wagner at the corner of Pregnant Alley and Cemetery Road. All three men were in a group when the gunman let off with a spray of 10 bullets. The shooting is the product of an ongoing rivalry between the George Street Gang and Taylor's Alley - which are right next to each other. The 12 year old was a promising Standard 6 student who was looking forward to going to Wesley high school.

Alleged Police Street Shooter Charged
And while there is no arrest in that case, police have made an arrest for Wednesday night's other shooting. As we told you 25-year-old Emmerson Garnett and 23-year-old Houston Apolonio were shot by a gunman on Police street. Apolonio was only grazed, but Garnett was shot to his chest and remains in a critical condition. Tonight, the police say 23-year-old Belize City resident Akeem Augustine did it. He appeared in court today and was charged with 1 count of attempted murder, 1 count of dangerous harm, 1 count of use of deadly means, and 2 counts of aggravated assault.

Unseasonal Rain Ruining Crops
Last night we showed you how the excessive rains threw a damper on the PUP's Belize City manifesto launch. But while that was inconvenient, it's nothing compared to the losses that the rains have caused in the agricultural sector. A release from the ministry says that the unusually excessive rainfall in January and February destroyed crops, particularly grains, fruits, root crops, and vegetables. The Ministry has launched a damage assessment in a farming zones to find out how much has been lost in value and foodstuff - even as the rains are ongoing. So far though, the rains have caused shortages in lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli on the market.

Government Moving Ahead Slowly With Pitts/Vega Suits
Tonight we have an update on the ongoing lawsuit against Andre Vega and Sharon Pitts. The Government had sued them both in an attempt to recover $800,000 in public funds which the Ministry of Natural Resources paid them in compensation for a series of dubious land transactions. They were wrongly compensated for private land which the government sold them - supposedly in error. Now, you'll remember that the way this particular "come-up" works is that once the Government attempts to sell private land to a second buyer, that person is "compensated" for the "mix-up".

Busted on A Bus
Early yesterday morning police at a checkpoint stopped a bus - and found many pounds of marijuana. It happened between miles 73 and 74, at the junction of San Pedro Village on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The cops found 53-year-old construction worker Harold Grant seated on the back of the bus with a knapsack. They searched the bag and found just under 8 pounds of weed. Grant was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.

Capital Cops Caught Cannabis in a Community Park.
And in another weed bust, capital cops found cannabis in a community park. Acting on information received from the public, police searched the Las Flores Community Park and found five bags containing a total of four pounds of weed. The drugs were found along with plastic bags suggesting that it would have been prepared for resale in smaller quantities. The marijuana was deposited as found property.

US And Belize Combine For Culture
We know that tourists throng to Belize for our rich archeological history - but some of them - very few - take back more than just snapshots. True enough, there's a black market for mayan antiquities looted from sites. Some unscrupulous visitors or smugglers buy them as a keepsake - because, they think that taking home a shard of jade, is better than a selfie in front of Xunantunich. But, it's a crime - and now the US government is making it an international offence to traffic in Belizean antiquities. Today, the US Government and NICH signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Imposition of Import Restrictions on Archaeological Material of Belize.

Buddy Got A Birthday Bone
Today primary school kids from La Democracia and Toledo skipped school to go to a birthday party for an 11 - year - old. But it wasn't any old pre-teen that they went to celebrate, it was Junior Buddy - the jaguar. The zoo threw him a big party and our Sarah Vasquez stopped in to pay the birthday boy a special visit. Junior Buddy may be one of the Belize zoo's most popular animals. Buddy attracts admirers from all over the world with his beautiful coat and feline charm. Today he celebrated his eleventh birthday, and just like the past 10 years, a celebration with some of his biggest fans was held in his honour. Jaguars usually have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years but, at eleven, the charismatic jaguar is thriving. And it does not seem like he will slow down anytime soon.

Thinking Carbon In Cayo
And, keeping it on the environment, the Ministry of the Environment, and Sustainable Development has launched a project called "Reducing the Carbon Footprint of San Ignacio Town and five surrounding villages in the Cayo District". Here's what it will do. First, LED street lamps will be installed, and an energy efficient community will be built. According to a release, these two developments alone will reduce local energy demands, and, they say, will also reduce the vulnerability of the communities to climate change related extreme weather events. That sounds a little simplistic…but there's Italian funding to make it real, and so it begins with 1000 LED streetlights which use 50% less energy than existing fixtures, while producing 3 times the light.

Channel 5

Soldiers, Cop Under Scrutiny as O.W. Reels from Vicious Beating and Killing
Seven soldiers of an elite unit of the Belize Defence Force and a police officer are in custody tonight following the savage beating of an Orange Walk resident at his [...]

Victim of Gang of 8 Speaks Out
Noe Sanchez was the other person attacked by the group of eight soldiers and a police officer. He told his story to the media, saying that as they were being [...]

BSAG Soldiers, Policeman Had ‘No Authority’: Chester
As we said, eight law enforcement officers are now in custody and there is an ongoing criminal and internal investigation into Ariel Audinette Salazar’s death. There are also many unanswered [...]

P.S.B. Chief Says it May be Murder; D.P.P. Decides
ACP Chester Williams says that the men didn’t get a directive from the commanders of the Orange Walk Police Station to go to Sanchez’s house that morning. He says that [...]

Williams Says ‘Rogues’ Do Not Define Police, B.D.F.
And while the Police Department has had its fair share of a black eye, ACP Williams says that the actions of the men are not indicative of the mode of [...]

In Hattieville, Preacher/Businessman is Prey for Early Morning Thuggery
This morning, a most vicious act was visited on the former Regional Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Errol Robateau. The churchman now owns a bus service in Hattieville Village [...]

Where is Alaine Garcia and What Happened to Him?
Tonight, Alaine Garcia, a resident of Hattieville, remains missing, and his family believes something bad may have happened to him. The former Belize City resident was last seen on Tuesday [...]

No Money No Deh! FinSec Tells It Like It Is
Is government broke? So broke that they may have to resort to issuing treasury bills just to pay salaries at the end of the month? Recent correspondence to C.E.O.s purportedly [...]

P.M. Mum on Budget
The budget for the new financial year 2018-2019, is to be tabled in the House of Representatives on March ninth, that’s two days after the municipal elections. From what we [...]

Business Senator Eyes True Accountability and Proper Spending
Still on the national budget, eagle eyes will be turned on Belmopan to see if Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his government have been able to live up to the [...]

Mark Lizarraga Says Societal Ills Must Also Be Addressed
Senator Lizarraga went on to address another key area of concern in the Budget: what will be allocated to addressing the root causes of crime such as joblessness and lack [...]

Backboards are Back in Buttonwood Bay – in Different Colors
Tonight there is a sort-of-happy ending to Thursday’s story about the battle of the backboards at Buttonwood Bay Park. The “Kings of the Park” backboards installed and sponsored by area [...]

No Payment of Fuel Bills Leads to Diesel Ration
Information to our newsroom is that the supply of diesel fuel is running very low. In fact going into the weekend, gas stations are receiving only a limited amount and [...]

Akeem Augustine Charged for Nomination Day Shooting
He was previously accused, but later acquitted, of a murder. But twenty-three-year-old Akeem Augustine is back behind bars tonight, charged with the attempted murder of Emmerson Garnett and aggravated assault [...]

No Bail for Murder Accused Daniel Myvett, Facing Retrial
Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Williams says she cannot offer bail to accused murderer Daniel Myvett, who is awaiting re-trial on the charge of murder. Myvett is accused of killing Nigerian [...]

Re-Registration Will Lead to New-Look Electoral Map
The re-registration of the voters list is long overdue and the government has said that it will take place after the municipal elections and before general elections in 2020. There [...]

Belize, U.S. to Work Together on Policing Stolen Artifacts
An agreement was reached today between the governments of Belize and the United States on Cultural Property. The Memorandum of Understanding commits both governments to work together to fight the [...]

The Last of the Three Kings, Florencio Mes, Turns 80
Florencio Mes, the last of the “Three Kings”, celebrated a milestone today. He turned eighty years old.  He is the renowned Mayan Harpist who lives in San Pedro Columbia in [...]

Maya Leaders Say Work is Not Done in San Jose Double Murder
San Jose, Toledo residents continue to puzzle over the horrific discovery of two sisters hacked to death outside the village after attending a church service and visiting a family member. [...]

LOVE FM

Will the Municipal Elections see a large turn-out of voters?
According to Election & Boundaries, the 2015 Municipal Elections saw fifty-seven percent of those registered to vote taking part in the voting process. Love news spoke to Joseph Sampson, Lecturer at the University of Belize, who spoke about the trends of the past elections. Joseph Sampson – Lecturer at the University of Belize “In Belize, …

Villagers suffer without water
The village of Gales Point Manatee has been without water for some time now. One of the villagers, Ionie Samuels, told Love News that the situation has disrupted their way of living as it has become difficult to do simple things. Samuels said that it is the second time in six months that they are …

NCFC speaks out against violence
In light of the recent death of a young child, David Morrison, the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) issued a press release expressing grave concern over the increase of violence that continues to plague our society. The release made reference to article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) …

PlusTV

Two dead; including 12 year old boy; shot and killed in gang wars
5 persons were shot on Wednesday night in Belize City. Two of them died; one is a 12 year old boy. The first shooting happened on the corner of Cemetery Road and Pregnant Alley. 26 year old Lloyd Valentine and 12 year old David Morrison were both killed. The other person injured in that shooting w...

Two more persons shot in Belize City
Just three hours later, another shooting left two persons injured; this time on Police Street. 29 year old Emmerson Garnett was shot to the right upper part of the chest while Houston Apolonio received a graze to the left shoulder. Both were taken to the KHMH for treatment. Police told us more. ASP ...

Fire destroys homes in Belize City
There was a Belize City Fire that destroyed two buildings. The fire started on the lower flat of a house at No.20 Fredrick Alley. The two story wooden structure is the property of Michael Rosado. The fire expanded and damaged another two story structure belonging to 68 year old Agatha Gonzales. P...

GOB and Sharon Pitts will go into mediation
The matter of Andre Vega and Sharon Pitts receiving hefty compensations for lands sold to them by the lands department is still not settled as yet. Following public pressure, Government said it would pursue the return of the monies. Today, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke updated us on where they are a...

Store on Santa Rita Road, Corozal robbed
There was a robbery on the Santa Rita Road in Corozal. 30 year old businesswoman Qiao Hong Li told police that she was at her shop named Ban’s Store located on Santa Rita Road sometime around 5 o’clock on the evening of Wednesday January 21st. That is when three male persons entered her store. Two ...

BTV says GOB not holding proper education forums on ICJ issue
In a press release issued today the Belize Territorial Volunteers says that the Government of Belize still has Belizeans in the dark as to when its referendum will take place. Guatemala’s referendum on whether or not they will go to the I.C.J. is slated to take place on April 16, 2018, but in Belize...

Life imprisonment for Sylvan Robert’s murderer; 18 years for the other
The Wheels of Justice turn very slowly in Belize and convictions are a rarity but one family has some sense of closure today as the two men accused of killing their loved one were given hefty jail sentences. Today, Donovan Casildo was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2011 murder of 39 year...

Nomination day held for Municipal Elections
Nomination day was held today across the various municipalities. It’s a bit of a political showcase of primarily red and blue shirts as candidates make their way to the nomination centers to register their names to be placed on the ballot tickets. Nomination day for Municipal elections are generall...

Clinton Fitzgibbon killed; woman injured
Two persons were shot in Belize City last night; one is dead. According to police reports, 45 year old Clinton Fitzgibbon and 37 year old Dorita Wallace were socializing in the King’s Park area when a male person approached them and fired several shots at Clinton Fitzgibbon. Fitzgibbon was shot thr...

Nomination Day in Belize City
Belize City is the largest Municipality of the nine across the nation. Nomination Day in that city sees larger numbers on average as it relates to political rallies and marches and today was no different. As in Belmopan, the Pup were the first to make their way to the nomination center. PUP M...

Amandala

Gunman, in a shooting rage, kills student, 12
The destructive ongoing gang rivalry between the George Street Gang (GSG) and the Taylor’s Alley Gang, informally referred to as “Westmoreland”, has added two more dead bodies to the long list of casualties. A promising Standard 6 student at Queen Street Baptist School, David “Capo” Morrison, 12, fell victim to the gangs’ feud at about 7 o’clock on Wednesday night, when a lone gunman on a bicycle rode up to the corner of Cemetery Road and Pregnant Alley and opened fire. The boy was shot in the head and legs and died on the scene.

PUP launches Belize City manifesto
Some members of the People’s United Party (PUP) National Executive, campaign workers and party well-wishers converged on a basketball court in the Collet constituency this morning for the launch of the “PUP Team-11 The Rebirth” manifesto for Belize City. The PUP National Deputy Leader, Hon. Cordel Hyde, was tasked with introducing the team. Hon. Hyde began by outlining the special characteristics of the PUP mayoral candidate, Bernard Wagner, who he said has been engaged in the community long before he even dreamed of entering the political arena. Wagner’s contribution to the community has been through his years of involvement in sports.

Murder again on 8th Street; Clinton Fitzgibbon killed
Three days after a gunman invaded a yard at #5 8th Street, Kings Park, at about 11:30 Saturday night, and killed Luis Dominguez, 35, a killer crept up to a yard a few lots away from where Dominguez was killed and gunned down Clinton Fitzgibbon, 45, while he and his girlfriend, Dorita Wallace, were sitting on an old refrigerator that was on the street-side in front of their home. At the time Fitzgibbon was murdered, at about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday night, a wake for Dominguez was taking place at the yard in which he was killed, about a hundred yards away. Dominguez, the father of a daughter, 2, and a baby not yet born, was shot 5 times, in the head and chest, while he lay sleeping on a table. He was killed almost instantly.

Masked OW cops allegedly beat man to death
Around 4:00 a.m., officers from the police’s Special Assignment Group (SAG) and one officer from the Special Patrol Unit (SPU) stopped at a house in Orange Walk Town, where four men and a woman were socializing. The officers were investigating a stolen cell phone. When the police were finished, however, one man was beaten so badly that he succumbed to his injuries hours later, and another man is clinging to life at the Northern Regional Hospital. Ariel Salazar, 46, died around 11:00 a.m. this morning while undergoing treatment and his friend, Oscar Pias, remains hospitalized and is reportedly clinging to life.

Accused cop killer on trial
Last Friday, the trial of a man who has been accused of gunning down a police corporal while that corporal was executing his duty in Hattieville, in July 2012, began in the Supreme Court of Justice Adolph Lucas, who is hearing the case without a jury. On the night of July 25, 2012, Corporal Victor Lima, 35, along with two police constables, in response to a report made to them, went to a house near the location of the Mennonite Primary School in Hattieville. All three police officers were armed and when they approached the house, Corporal Lima announced “police,” and when the front door swung open, a dark-complexioned man, who was later identified as Delford Slusher, answered the door with a blazing .9mm pistol, with which he shot Corporal Lima twice.

People’s United Party “Rebirth Team 11” nominated
Inclement weather was no deterrent for a crowd of People’s United Party (PUP) supporters which gathered on Vernon Street in front of the Berger Field yesterday morning. They took up positions behind three trucks that were equipped with large speakers, and then they moved forward, marching and dancing to the party’s battle songs all along a route that took them to their destination, the Charles Bartlett Hyde building, where they went to nominate the party’s Belize City Council slate, which has been dubbed as the “PUP-11 Rebirth team.” The crowd, estimated to consist of about 1,500 persons, came to a halt and waited at the junction of Mahogany Street and Administration Drive, while each of their candidates, and their two nominees, made their way onto the compound of the Charles Bartlett Hyde Building, in which the Elections and Boundaries Department is located.

Valley United FC wins the Belmopan F.A. Amateur 1st Division 2017/18 Opening Season Tournament
Fans swarmed into the Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Sunday, February 18, to witness the second leg of the Belmopan Football Association (BFA) Amateur 1st Division 2017-18 Opening Season Finals between Valley United FC and Club Atletico. Before the hostilities got underway, there was the matter of finding out which was the third best team in the competition. In that game, an underperforming Coast Guard FC fell to Cavetubing.Bz Strikers, 4 goals to 1. Cavetubing got a trophy and a $750 cash award for their third place finish, while the Coast Guard settled for $500 and a trophy. In the cool of the evening and more threatening rain (it had rained earlier), fans marveled at a beautiful rainbow which stretched across the sky, perhaps a sign from the Higher Power that there would be no more rain today, and the grand finale between Club Atletico and Valley United FC could be enjoyed uninterrupted by the roughly one thousand four hundred fans who were gathered inside the friendly confines of the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.

NEBL MVP Watch: 3rd Edition
With this week’s schedule packed with five games, more answers about the league shall be revealed between the lines! The top four in the third edition of the 2018 NEBL MVP Watch: Jihad Wright, San Pedro Tiger Sharks Season Stats (4 Games): 16 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 4.25 APG, 3.5 SPG, and 1 BPG. MVP Case: Wright continued his spectacular all-around play last weekend in Dangriga, as he filled the box score to the tune of 22 pts, 11 rebs, 5 assts and 6 stls. Picking up for the noticeably absent Ashton Edwards, Wright completely dominated his matchup with Dangriga import Daniel Conorque, and led the Tiger Sharks to the huge road win. As Coach Rico Black continues to unleash Wright on the NEBL, his MVP stock will continue rising with every convincing win and dominant performance. Look for Wright, arguably the best conditioned athlete in the league, to embrace Friday’s matchup against local legend Darwin “Puppy” Leslie and the confident Defenders, and dazzle the crowd in Saturday’s quick turnaround versus Orange Walk. His pick and roll efficiency should be featured with the floor spaced as well as it is.

Kelly Street FC – 2018 CYDP Peace Cup Champions
We missed last week, so we take this opportunity for the record to Big-Up Kelly Street FC, the champions of CYDP Peace Cup 2018 football tournament, which climaxed at the MCC Grounds on Sunday, February 11, with the third place and championship games, after which team cash prizes and individual awards were handed out. The third place game was a one-sided affair, as Tut Bay FC could only field 7 men, and abandoned the game after halftime, trailing 6-1 to Stars Academy FC. Sharing the scoring for Stars Academy were Shemar “Mini” Thompson with 3 goals, Harold Thompson with 2, and Charles Canton, Jr. with the other; while Kevin Alvarez scored what at the time was the 1-1 equalizer for Tut Bay.

City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots – Week 2 results
The City Boys 10 & Under Grassroots Tournament 2018 continued with Week 2 games on Saturday, February 17, at Yabra Field. In the 4 games played, Warriors FC clipped St. John Vianney, 1-0; Reality Youths won, 3-1, over Poor & Famous; City Boys Jr. and Ladyville Rising Stars drew, 0-0; and Carlston Elite (formerly FC Elite Jr.) got the 2-1 win over Sampson Academy. Player of the Day was Tishawn Gillett of Reality Youths, who scored 2 goals in their win over Poor & Famous.

Editorial: Hidden hand
Apologists for the violent ruthlessness of the late business baron, Sir Barry Bowen, would always point out that, in stark contrast to the safety first, buy-and-sell local merchants who never took chances and always banked their money overseas, Sir Barry invested in industrial ventures and he created jobs in Belize. And, the apologists were not lying: Bowen took chances and created jobs. What his apologists never mentioned was that when he got into trouble taking those chances, Belize’s elected politicians, of both the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP), always bailed him out. Along the way to creating the more than a thousand jobs the King Street and Southern Foreshore giant now controls, Sir Barry acquired major influence over some of the most powerful Belizean politicians of the last fifty years, including Dean Lindo, the first Leader of the UDP; Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize from 1998 to 2008; Rt. Hon Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize since 2008; Michael Finnegan, area representative of Mesopotamia since 1993; and Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and area representative of the Collet constituency since 2003.

From The Publisher
Dear readers, this is not my regular column. Yes, I’ve been missing in action, but I haven’t gone anywhere, and I’m in pretty good shape. It’s difficult to explain all the issues and personal emotions of the moment. With your permission, I want to reproduce what I believe must be the very first one of these columns ever. At the time it would not have been written in a publisher’s capacity, mostly because I was still the editor. So the piece below was not entitled “From the publisher,” but “A farewell to arms,” which was a phrase which would have been borrowed from the one Ernest Hemingway. It was originally published in Amandala No. 251 of Friday, November 8th, 1974, reproduced in Feelings in 1975, and in X-Communication in 1995. There are some special times in life when a man must take stock of himself, what he has been, what he is, and what he will be. In one of these critical times I now find myself and I can only say what is a man, what has he got, if not himself, then he has not.

The problem is not guns
Dear Editor, “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.” — Dalai Lama, Seattle Times, May 15, 2001. I seldom comment about issues in the United States, but the trend that Belize is taking seems to indicate that we are poised to make some of their own mistakes. I grew up with guns in my household, on the farm and in the vehicle. It was not a mystery nor a curiosity. All my siblings knew what it was, how to use it and what it was used for, which was for protection and to gather food. We were all shown how to use it safely because it was nothing to be feared but rather a tool like a hammer or a saw. I did the same with my daughter because I realized that by the time my daughters were born, guns were being looked at in a totally different way. It had now become glorified by Hollywood movies and violent video games; the respect for it was totally gone and it was now just a fashion item like a purse or an expensive tennis shoe.

Chant down Babylon!
Dear Editor, The late Mrs. Emogene Hyde of Cayo and her family generously opened their doors for us whenever my grandmother needed to receive an international phone call. Back in the 1970´s, having a telephone in your home was second to owning a little pot of gold. And so we were grateful then, as we are today. I also recall that the Chebat family of Burns Avenue extended credit to us for household goods from their business establishment. They did so without reservation or complaint. The bills were settled when a hard-earned cheque arrived from my parents working in the USA. A few houses up the road that has now become Joseph Andrews Drive, there was the Warrior home. It seems to me that agricultural activity was always happening at the Warriors. And the gang of children living there would always bring over some kind of vegetable or fruit or livestock to share with us. Same with other neighbors.

A portrait of the Belize City Council PUP candidates
The PUP Belize City Council campaign has jolted what many thought would be another hum drum election. The UDP has won every election since 2006 and just a month or so ago, most of the pundits were posting that they should fairly easily win this one too. That speculation was fuelled by the late launch of the PUP slate, more than two months after the incumbents had held a wild convention in September to select their candidates. The candidates are for the most part media unknowns, but in the various neighbourhoods that make up Belize City’s social and political economy they are familiar faces to many in the electorate because they have watched most of them grow up literally before their very eyes.

Domestic violence was always an issue and a culture
I think I was about twelve years old and it was around my birthday, June 1982 (if my memory serves me right) when I first heard of the most cruel story I could imagine against a beautiful young woman at the hands of her boyfriend. It has remained imbedded in my memory which was triggered to real-time with the murder of Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel by her husband, Jason Emmanuel. This very beautiful young lady was Marion Idolly Singh and she was working then at this luxury hotel in Corozal named Don Quixote, based in the then secluded area known as Consejo Shores. Television was just becoming the in-thing in the North and so the hotel had made this TV commercial featuring her. I can still vividly see her face and beautiful flowing hair and soft tender smile and hear her voice saying, “Welcome to Don Quixote…” I was mesmerized. Well, I do not recall the exact date, but I remember the buzz in my house one fateful day as I heard the adults speaking of her murder. Now, I was only eavesdropping, since in those days kids dare not ask or get in adult conversation.

Sedi can come out but we’re not accepting the proposal
Sedi Elington describing some Caleb proposal as “lovely” cannot go unremarked. Ever since Katherine Hepburn informed Peter O ’Toole in “The Lion in Winter” (movie about England’s King Henry II) that old men like to develop crushes for little boys, it’s been a part of my knowledge base. It’s good to know things, so when you see things you are not lost as to what is going on. This Caleb obviously puts a lot of exertion, goes the extra yard into maintaining a boyish look. Elrington is an old man with a Santa Claus white beard. If you have any sense of numbers, you’ll see what I see, that the math is—interesting. You might not have heard it directly from the horse’s mouth, but thank gudnis for transcripts it’s all there in the Channel Seven files what Minister Elrington said: “LGBTI has come onboard, they will be working with us. We have been having meetings with Caleb and they have presented a wonderful proposal to help us.

When the PUP exits the wilderness …
“The ruling party is bloated with greed, vanity and arrogance” – this was the damning verdict of AMANDALA’S editorial of 17th February, 2018. As Belize’s most widely read and influential newspaper, both at home and in the Belizean Diaspora, this is a serious indictment, and those who fail to understand and act on it, do so at their peril. It well may be acted upon on 7th March, 2018 when Belize goes to the polls in the national municipal elections. The People’s United Party (PUP), Belize’s Opposition Party, has been sequestered in the political wilderness long enough to have learnt its lessons and re-invent itself, or, it will not be “Uhuru” just yet. Perhaps one of the most significant of all lessons is that all power is temporary, except God’s, and as the Igbo saying goes: “Even a hundred years must end one day”. Hence, there is nothing immutable about the UDP’s stranglehold on our poor, marginalized, and traumatised people, since no condition is permanent. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Jacob Zuma, “the Teflon President” of South Africa, two African juggernauts with nine lives like the proverbial cat, can attest to this.

Sharon Pitts’ $400,000 “hustle” now slated for “mediation”
While Gaspar Vega served as the UDP’s deputy party leader and the nation’s deputy prime minister, with responsibility for natural resources, his son, Andre Vega, and UDP crony, Sharon Pitts, both walked away $400,000 richer, courtesy taxpayers’ money, following a couple of shady transactions in which the two acquired plots of land that subsequently had to be returned because they had already been privately owned. In compensation, the two individuals had been paid $400,000 each. In November 2016, the Attorney General had written the two, demanding that they return those monies to the national treasury. But they did not do so.

3 Ambassadors appointed to Belize
Three new ambassadors presented their credentials to Belize’s Governor General, Sir Colville Young, on Monday morning in Belmopan. The ambassadors are Janet Omoleegho Olisa from Nigeria; Yasser Morad Osman Hosni from Egypt; and Tasawar Khan from Pakistan. The ambassadors each expressed good wishes from their countries to the government and people of Belize, and pledged their continued cooperation and collaboration. They also expressed commitment to peaceful and prosperous relations between Belize and their countries.

Caribbean Court of Justice “exasperated” with GOB’s delay in implementing Maya court order
Caribbean Court of Justice judge Jacob Wit met with the attorneys for the Government of Belize and the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA) today via teleconference, to personally resolve one of the big issues that he adjudged has been causing the implementation of the CCJ judgement of a Consent Order – Maya Customary Land Tenure and Rights, to have been delayed since it was ordered by the court almost 3 years ago, in April 2015. Judge Wit had said in court earlier this week that he believed that “a dispute resolution framework needs to be established. We ask you to do so.” He went on to state, “We got a dispute resolution proposal from the government’s side and a letter from Mrs. Coc-Magusson reacting on that. The idea is that we will sit together, you and I, and I propose that that will happen this week. if possible on the 22nd Thursday, same time as now. So 11 o’ clock our time, 9 o’clock your time.

2 houses destroyed by fire in Frederick Alley
Two timber houses in Frederick Alley, Belize City, both two-flat structures, were destroyed by fire at about 7:30 last night. The owners of one of the homes, Michael Rosado and his wife, were away in Mexico when a fire erupted from within their house. The other house, which was next to the Rosados’ house, was occupied by its owner, Agatha Gonzalez, and two others. They lived on the upper flat, while the downstairs flat was used as a kitchen. In total, five persons were rendered homeless after the fire. Gonzalez told us that nothing was saved. No injuries were reported.

The Reporter

Security forces detained as murder suspects
By Benjamin Flower The Belize Police Department has detained one of its own officers and seven soldiers of the Belize Defense Force in on ongoing murder investigation. Assistant Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, head of the department’s Professional Standards Branch, confirmed this afternoon that the officers were detained in connection […]

KHMH CEO steps down
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital will need to find a new Chief Executive Officer, after the current CEO, Dr. Adrin Coye tendered his resignation this week. Coye, who has been at the helm of the of the KHMH Authority since October 2014, officially tendered his resignation on Wednesday, February […]

After the flowers have died
Earlier this month, Belizeans joined with the rest of the world in celebrating Valentine’s Day. Stores all over the country were vibrant with activity as Belizeans bought flowers, jewellery, chocolates, clothes, and social media followers were treated to a never-ending parade of photos, memes, quotes and the […]

UNICEF survey discusses issues keeping children out of school’s
On Thursday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) presented the results of its Out of School Children Initiative (OOSCI), a one-year study analyzing the various factors affecting children going to school. UNICEF presented the results at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza where it highlighted the methodology, […]

Labour unionist, Antonio Soberanis remembered
His bust rests in the historic Battlefield Park, where he called important meetings over important labour issues of his day, but his grave was not, until recently, given the honour that the late Antonio Soberanis probably deserves. Last Thursday, surviving relatives and friends of the […]

Belize Chinese celebrate New Year of the Dog
The crackle of firecrackers, and the loud pounding of drums and cymbals all over Belize City last Saturday morning, February 17, signaled the Belizean Chinese community’s annual celebration of the lunar new year – the Year of the Dog, which launched their New Year’s festival,which had begun Friday, February 16. […]

Southwest flight from Belize makes emergency landing
A Southwest Airlines flight headed from Belize to Denver, Colorado had to make an emergency landing in Houston after the plane suffered mechanical problems during the flight. A spokesperson for Southwest told international media that Flight 289, which left Belize on Sunday, February 18, had to be […]

Taiwan grants $1 Million to Belize towards security cooperation
The Belize Police Department’s security system has received more assistance from Taiwan. Last Thursday, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Charles Liu handed over a cheque valued $1 million towards an ongoing project to strengthen the Department’s security system, to Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Elrington. The […]

Innovation and Growth in Belize: Impact of Tax Policy
“There is an ongoing debate about the impact of a country’s tax structure on entrepreneurship generally, and on innovation specifically. … Suffice to say that most experts believe that relatively high marginal personal and corporate income tax rates discourage entrepreneurs from taking the risks of starting new business ventures and […]

BTB donates to disaster relief in the Caribbean
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in collaboration with its industry partners managed to raise over $100,000 for disaster relief funds for Caribbean countries affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria last September. The BTB’s Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Karen Pike, handed over a cheque for $119,868 […]

Man shot dead in yard in King’s Park; police have no motive
By Marion Ali A man was shot dead sometime after 11:00 p.m., on Saturday as he and friends were socialising in a yard in the otherwise peaceful King’s Park area of Belize City, and police are yet to establish a motive for the killing. Police say officers responded to a […]

Toddler’s body retrieved from well in Silk Grass village
Police do not suspect foul play in the death of three-year-old Keon Martinez, whose lifeless body was recovered from inside a well in Silk Grass Village on Tuesday morning. Just after 6:35 a.m. on February 20th, police responded to a report in Silk Grass village of a […]

Tourist raped; San Pedro man charged
A tourist was reportedly raped in her sleep two Fridays ago in San Pedro, and police have charged a man in connection with the incident. The victim, a 25 year-old American tourist visited the San Pedro police station last Thursday afternoon to report that sometime […]

San Ignacio caretaker found hacked to death in farm house
San Ignacio police are investigating the murder of Gian Espat, 24, a caretaker who was killed at the farm-house he looked after in Santa Elena town sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. According to police, one suspect has been detained in connection with the murder. Cops […]

Living in the belly of a region labeled “corrupt”
Being in the belly of the beast is not a position to covet, and neither is sitting in the belly of a region that has been labeled “corrupt” for more than a decade. Transparency International today released its 2017 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 180 […]

Editorial
Reading through the two page newspaper spread put out this week by the Central Bank of Belize concerning the economic outlook for our country was one of the most depressing things we have done this year. The report speaks of a .5 (point five) contraction of the economy in 2016 […]

Belize named among best performing tourist destinations in the Caribbean
Despite being struck by two back-to-back catastrophic hurricanes last September, the Caribbean was able to pull through 2017 with positive growth in the tourism sector, and Belize was among the handful of countries whose double-digit growth, helped to make last year a record year for […]

Fire chars two houses Fire chars two houses
Victims claim poor response by authorities Staff Reporter A Wednesday night inferno through Fredrick Alley in Belize City ripped through two homes, completely destroying everything in its path and leaving two families homeless in the process. No one was injured during the blaze but residents say the […]

Minor killed as gang fued rages on, police say
A Belize City family is torn apart by grief this week after a 12-year-old boy was shot dead at the corner of Pregnant Alley and Cemetery Road on Wednesday night. Primary school student, David Morrison, was one of three persons that got shot in the […]

Rain and supporters pour out on nomination day
Wednesday’s downpours in the morning and afternoon would have sent anyone running for shelter on an ordinary day, but the hundreds that stood behind their respective UDP and PUP municipal teams seeking election on March 7, marched on as if though it was a bright, […]

Mayoral candidates promise jobs and service at UB forum
Jobs, crime, financial accountability, services, personal security, and sanitation were the tough issues on which young voters and students challenged the four candidates for Belize City Mayor, when the University of Belize hosted a mayoral forum at the Bliss Center in Belize City on Wednesday […]

Fatal hit and run accident on George Price highway
A man was knocked doen and killed om the George Price highway on Saturday night. Police say that around 7:00 p.m, they responded to a report of the incident between Esperanza Village and Central Farm. There they found the body of a Hispanic descent man […]

Man shot dead in Belize City
A man was shot dead in Belize City on Saturday night. According to police, sometime around 11:38 Saturday night they responded to a report at #14 8th Street, Belize City, where they saw the body of Luis Dominguez, 35. Dominguez had been shot several times, […]

Blogs

Perfect Day Trip: Caye Caulker with KIDS and Creative Tours
I’ll admit. The arrival of four adults and 6 kids, 10 years old and under, had me a bit nervous. But things have been great. Everyone is loving Ambergris Caye. Yesterday we went on a day trip to Caye Caulker with Creative Tours and I am ready to declare it THE BEST DAY EVER. A unstructured day with our own big comfortable chartered boat was PERFECT for this group of 11. Cold drinks, pick ups and drop offs, an incredibly friendly, helpful crew that thought of everything we didn’t – like bait for the jumping tarpon and fresh baked cookies that they whipped out WARM at the end of the day. Seriously perfect. EVERYONE is going to be talking about our trip to Caye Caulker with the C-Monkey (christened the Chunky Monkey by the kids) for a long long time.

International Sources

WCS Mesoamerica & Western Caribbean 2018 Photo Contest!
Sharing our regional photo competition entries. We have grouped the best into categories ahead of the main winner announcement on March 2nd. Some wonderful photos including a few from Belize. We would appreciate it if you can show your appreciation for the ones you like!

China's lust for jaguar fangs imperils big cats
Wildlife traffickers in South America seek body parts from protected species to satisfy demand in Asia. The jaguar was found floating in a drainage canal in Belize City, Belize, on the day after Christmas last year. Its body was mostly intact, but the head was missing its fangs. On 10 January, a second cat — this time, an ocelot that may have been mistaken for a young jaguar — turned up headless in the same channel. The killings point to a growing illicit trade in jaguars (Panthera onca) that disturbs wildlife experts. The cats’ fangs, skulls and hides have long been trophies for Latin American collectors who flout international prohibitions against trading in jaguar parts. But in recent years, a trafficking route has emerged to China, where the market for jaguars could be increasing because of crackdowns on the smuggling of tiger parts used in Chinese traditional medicine.

Videos

February 23, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Mayor Daniel Guerrero says NO to Candidate Debate
In last week’s issue of The San Pedro Sun, Issue #07 Volume 28, dated February 16, 2018, a press release issued by Reef Radio/TV and The San Pedro Sun was printed, informing readers about their plans for hosting a mayoral debate. They stated that invitations were extended to both UDP Mayoral Candidate Daniel Guerrero and PUP Mayoral Candidate André Pérez and that the debate would be held on Monday, February 26th. The candidates were asked to confirm participation by February 14th. Although Pérez confirmed his attendance, Guerrero did not respond. However, the Mayor went on record while on the Reef Radio/TV that he categorically would not participate in the debate. He reiterated his stance on Nomination Day on February 21st where he told his constituents, “I want to make it clear here, in front of everybody, that I’m not going to participate in the debate with André Pérez. The reason is because I don’t have nothing valuable to debate with him.”

IDB hosts regional Governors in Punta Cana to review opportunities for growth and investment
The Governors for the Inter-American Development Bank’s member countries in the Central American isthmus and the Dominican Republic gathered at their 32nd Annual Meeting February 20-21 to discuss formulas for achieving inclusive economic growth, managing vulnerability to natural disasters and harnessing disruptive technologies to increase productivity and spur investment. At the meeting, held in Punta Cana, the Governors, ministers of economy and planning, reviewed the risks and opportunities facing the region, which grew at 3.8 percent in 2017, considerably above the rate for the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean. Growth is projected to reach 3.9 percent in 2018.

The San Pedro Pirates crush Freedom Fighters 4-1
San Pedro Pirates Football Club climbed to third place in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Tournament after defeating Punta Gorda’s Freedom Fighters 4-1 on Sunday, February 18th at the Ambergris Stadium. The match saw a full stadium with islanders supporting their home team who dominated during the 90-minute game. At the end of the match, the island team gained its well-deserved three additional points, which now puts them on the top three teams of the season, along with Belmopan Bandits and PLB 2017 champions, Verdes F.C. In the first half of the game, Freedom Fighters’ defense gave Pirates a challenge that would not give them a chance to score. However, 25 minutes into the match, Pirates’ Inri Gonzaga scored the first goal for the island squad. But 18 minutes later, Gabriel Ramos scored for Freedom Fighters tying the game 1-1. Many of the spectators thought that by halftime the game would end in a draw, but on the last minute Luis Mencia swept through the defense and scored the second goal for Pirates.

San Pedro High School Hosts Career week 2018
The San Pedro High School (SPHS) celebrated their Career Week from Monday, February 12th through Friday, February 16th. During the week, students had the opportunity to listen to local and national speakers who spoke to them about what their career is all about. The week commenced with a ceremony on Monday, February 12th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The ceremony was facilitated by Doctor Dionne Chamberlain from Chamberlain Consulting, who shared with the students what her company is all about and how it started. Belizean Soca Artist, Ernestine Carballo, also shared a couple words with the students on how she started her career as a singer as well as to motivate them to never give up their dreams. “I am here today because I never give up on my dreams. Don’t worry about what people say, you work and dedicate yourself and you will be able to accomplish your dreams,” said Carballo. She then entertained the students with her most original hits.

Belize 2018 Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament begins
The Belize Inter-District Rugby 7’s Tournament began this past weekend on Sunday, February 18th at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town. The tournament saw the participation of the San Pedro Turtles, San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks, Belize City Kings Park Scorpions, and Orange Walk Mamba, who all aim to win the championship. The current standings have Kings Spark Scorpions at the top of the chart with 18 touchdowns, followed by Mamba’s with 10 touchdowns. San Pedro Hammerhead Sharks have six touchdowns and at the bottom of the chart is San Pedro Turtles with two touchdowns. The second round of the tournament will be held on Saturday, May 20th at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. Everyone is invited to come out and support their favorite team. Food and drinks will be on sale during the games.

Ambergris Today

Nomination Day 2018 In San Pedro Town
Nomination Day was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2018, in the heels of the upcoming Town Council Elections. Both political parties presented their candidates who were officially nominated to run for a seat at the Town Council elections on March 7, 2018. The People's United Party (PUP) and crowd of supporters hit the streets around 10a.m. and paraded through the streets to downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and down to the Town Hall where nominations were carried out by Rerurning Officer Catherine Cumberbatch and Election Clerk Leodan Torres.

Misc Belizean Sources

Mr. Les' BBQ Fundraiser on Caye Caulker
Central Park, Saturday February 24th, 10:30am.

Bridging the Gap Community Outreach Fair
Belize Diabetes Association Corozal are looking forward to seeing you soon at our Bridging the Gap Community Outreach Fair, being held on March 17, 2018, at the Corozal Central Park.

Belize Embarks on Preparation of Treaty-Specific Reports for Two International Human Rights Conventions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Immigration and Nationality Department and the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), embarked on the process for the preparation of national reports under the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICMW). A three-day Treaty Body Capacity Building Programme for state officials began on Tuesday, February 20th and concluded today, February 22nd ahead of the two reports that Belize is internationally obliged to submit under the two conventions this year.

National Emergency Minister Meets with Visiting Fire Experts/Donors from Virginia (USA)
Yesterday, February 21st, 2018, Minister of National Emergency Management, Hon Edmond Castro, visited the Belize National Fire Service Headquarters in Belize City, where he met with two fire-fighting experts from Virginia, United States, who are assisting the Belize National Fire Service in improving its firefighting capacity. They are a retired Fire Chief from Chesterfield County, Virginia, Paul Mauger; and a Belize-American who is President of the Virginia Emergency Service Assistance Program (VESAP) for Belize, Archibald McFarlane. (VESAP for Belize is currently sponsoring training for two Belizean firefighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, who are in Virginia for a six (6) month course at the Hanover Fire Academy). McFarlane is also a trained Firefighter and Registered Nurse (RN) in Virginia.

St Francis Bazaar Sun, 25 Feb 2018
The acolytes of Saint Francis of Assisi of Saint Francis Xavier Parish invite everyone to their bazaar from 7am to 11am on Sunday, 25 February 2018, next to St Francis Xavier Parish. Come buy clothes, household goods, school items, movies, snacks, tamales, and much more. Funds collected go to support people in need in the community.

Cleaning the lane that leads to Finca Solana
It went from a garbage filled roadside to a better view on the Consejo Road, as you enter the lane that leads to Finca Solana. Here is a cry to help us keep it clean. Please Keep our Corozal Safe and Clean.

BAN'S Store robbed again
30 year old Qiao Hong Li, Belizean businesswoman, resident of Santa Rita Road, reported that about 5:10 p.m., on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 whilst inside her business-place namely BAN`S Store located on Santa Rita Road, three male persons, two of which were armed with what appeared to be fire-arms, entered her establishment and demanded money as a result one of the male person took $800.00bcy from a cash-drawer, a pink I-Phone 6-Plus value at $1,400.00bcy, and (4) cartons of assorted cigarettes valued at $360.00bcy. All to a total value of $2,560.00bcy. Police are investigating.

St. Francis Xavier R.C. School
Congratulations to Jennifer Levy as the 1st place winner at the Bowen and Bowen Spelling Bee Zone Elimination 2018. We wish her good luck at the District Elimination.

Electrification from the Copper Bank junction to Progresso Village is currently taking place
BEL has set up utility poles from the junction to the new development project in Progresso called "Cujo Lagoon". It is already halfway to the village. The electrification of this stretch of road to Progresso Village will enhance the quality of life of the residents in the area and will help boost development as well. Thank you BEL once again and best of luck to the developers of "Cujo Lagoon" project.

Verdes Host Bandits
The Verdes are hosting the Bandits this Saturday. The after party will be at the CK Sports Bar and Restaurant. Go Verdes! "This Saturday inside Sacred Heart Auditorium. Come out and support your Verdes Basketball Team. Our fan support is most important . VIP tickets : $15 General: $10 Students with ID : $5"

Channel 7

City Double Murder, Including 12 Year Old
There was blast of violence last night in the city – 5 persons were shot – 2 of them fatally. Among the murder victims is 12 year old David Morrison. It has sent waves of pain and rage across the city as this innocent life was cut short. Morrison and Lloyd Valentine were shot dead on Orange Street. We start off with their killings. Courtney Weatherburne has more. The usual active and energetic atmosphere on Orange Street vanished last night after 7:00 as gunshots echoed throughout south side Belize City – killing two persons and injuring another. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, OCB Belize City: "They were socializing at the corner of Cemetery Road and Pregnant Alley when a male person rode towards them and fired several shots." 26 year old Lloyd Valentine was hit to the head and stomach. He died on the spot. Albert Wagner was struck to the left arm and the bullet exited the right side of his stomach. He survived.

Elite Law Enforcement Unit Accused of Killing Man
Tonight, the BDF and Police Department are under intense public scrutiny in Orange Walk because a bunch of lawmen are accused of beating and killing a town resident. Here’s what happened. At 4:00 this morning, two members of an elite police and BDF unit, known as the Belize Special Assignment Group - or B-SAG - went on a home search along with one Orange Walk based police officer from another specialized team, the Special Patrol Unit. The trio pulled up at Ariel Audinette Salazar’s residence in a black pickup with camouflage uniforms and wearing masks. They stormed the residence where he was socializing with Oscar PAYES, Noe Sanchez and a female friend. Sanchez says they were looking for a stolen cell phone - and inquiring about the female friend. Here’s his account of what sounds like outlaw brutality- as told to CTV-3:

Two More Shot In city, Off Duty Soldier Shot Back
That is quite a case in Orange Walk - but we turn now back to the city - where the killing of two men and the shooting of another wasn’t the end of violence in the city last night. Three hours after that double murder, at 10:15, a gunman pulled up on a crowd of men on Police Street and opened fire. He let off with multiple shots, and when the smoke cleared three men were injured. Cell phone video captured at the scene shows the desperate moments when one of the injured men was being put in the back of a pickup truck and rushed to the Hospital. Police told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB - Belize City: "Police were called to a shooting incident at police street and as a result they proceeded to the hospital where they observed two male persons suffering from apparent gunshot wound to their bodies. The first person police observed was Houston Apolonio - he had a graze at his upper shoulder, right shoulder and he was treated and discharged last night. The other male person that suffered injuries is Mr. Emerson Garnett.”

Fire Took Down Two Homes
Last night at around 7:50 a large fire took down two homes in Fredrick’s Alley. The house where the fire started was unoccupied while the other house was occupied by a small family. They got out in time and no one was injured but a lot was lost. We visited the scene today and found out the extent of the damage. A cool night for residents on Fredericks Alley turned into a scorcher. A little before 8 pm a monstrous blaze broke out at a two-storey house on the street and it quickly spread to another house. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire before it could spread to any other houses. But ultimately two people lost their homes. The fire started at the home of Micheal Rosado but Rosado and his wife were not home, in fact, they were out of the country. A neighbor was watching the house for them.

Fire Department Has Answers For Its Critics
Many of the area residents were upset because they felt the fire department came unprepared to fight the blaze. They ran out of the water and their hose had several holes in it. Now, this is an all-too familiar refrain at fires, so today we asked Station Officer Orin Smith to give a definitive answer. Orin Smith - Station Officer, National Fire Service: "The concept is that when the truck arrives on the scene it should discharge and the endless supply of water which impractical. We only have one tank on the truck. The truck has a limited capacity and based on the amount of water you discharge per minute it is the time that tank of water will last. It can last anywhere from one minute to three minutes. The public does not understand that concept. They would believe that ten minutes is minimum that they except water to be discharged which is really not practical."

Philloughby to the Rescue
One person who was not complaining about the fire department’s performance was city councillor Phillip Willougby. He was on the scene last night, and back again this morning. We spoke to him about the disaster response for the victims. Phillip Willoughby - City Councillor: "I'm sorry for the residence who suffered the lost, I'm sorry for the residence who live in the immediate surroundings who were affected by the loss of electricity, probably affected by the national fire service doing their jobs the issue of water being sprayed across the other properties and that so I feel for those who are affected in that way. We will be working with the affected families and we hope that we can try to assist along the way of returning them to some semblance of normalcy.”

KHMH Needs New Boss
The country’s biggest hospital is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Adrian Coye, who’s been in the job since October 2014 has tendered his resignation. According to a release, the resignation was effective yesterday - and in accordance with the mandatory three month notice period in his contract - his tenure end on May 21st 2018. Coye stays on at the hospital as a Cardio Thoracic Surgeon and the release says he will now focus his energies on developing the Cardio Thoracic Surgery Program. The KHMH now has three months to find a new CEO to run the largest, and most difficult hospital in the country. They may also have to find a new Chairman of the Board- as Marilyn Williams was the board chairman last time we checked. She is now a judge, and cannot hold both posts because it would be a conflict of interests.

Playing Politics With A Basketball Court
There was a showdown today between the PUP’s Kareem Musa and UDP’s OJ Elrington, which played out on the Buttonwood Bay Basketball court on Seashore Promenade. The two sides butted heads over a pair of basketball rims and backboards which Musa and his team installed months ago. This morning, staff from the National Sports Council went to the court and took them down completely. The National Sports Council says that they have to change them to accommodate the ongoing Sprite Eastern Division South Youth Basketball Cup. You’ll remember that this tournament, which allows youths from warring gang territories together to intermingle and socialize in a positive setting, started last Friday. The teams will be playing games all over the City.

PUP Launch City Manifesto
And while Musa was playing politics on the basketball court - we didn’t see him today at the PUP Belize City manifesto launch. That’s probably because the man who replaced him as Deputy Leader for the East, Antony Mahler was there running the show - along with the National Deputy Cordel Hyde. The Manifesto Launch comes a little late into the campaign - but today the PUP team told us getting it right takes time. We were there in the rain and Jules Vasquez reports:… Symbolically, it may have seemed like a good idea to have the manifesto launch on a basketball court in the mayoral candidate’s old neighborhood - but when a sunny day once again turned into a rainy day - it was a challenge with sheets of rain tunneling down from the tents.

Can UDP Hold Off Cordel?
Now, as the PUP takes that manifesto to voters - politicians on both sides have already started to project how many votes they can get and where. As we’ve discussed before, the UDP has to find a way to counterbalance the division where the PUP has its biggest numerical lead - and that’s Lake Independence - the eminent domain of incumbent area rep Cordel Hyde. He’s got plenty of skin in this game - because basically it’s his slate - and the pressure is on him to deliver the city for the PUP after 12 years out of city hall. The UDP are hoping to counter the big lead he has in Lake - I - and yesterday the Prime Minister told us how:…

Attorneys Extradition Case Lumbers On
3 weeks ago, we showed you the latest in the extradition proceedings against attorney Andrew Bennett. He’s currently out on bail while the Magistrate’s Court decides whether or not he should be sent to the US to stand trial for 7 counts of money laundering. He was to return today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer so that his attorney could indicate whether or not they would object to the official extradition file from the US Government being admitted into evidence against him. At the last hearing, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke asked a Foreign Affairs employee to officially present the document before the Chief Magistrate, for her authentication. But, instead of returning today for the continuation of the extradition proceedings, the two sides asked for an adjournment. We got a chance to speak with Solicitor General Nigel Hawke about the slight delay in the case:

Sol. Gen Defends GOB On Lapses In Mayan Case
We also asked the Solicitor General about Monday’s teleconference hearing before the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Attorney General and the Maya Leaders went before the CCJ to give a progress report on the implementation of the April 2015 order of the Court. The consent order says that Maya Customary Land Tenure is to be recognized, respected, and protected through an official land system. The problem is that in the almost 3 years since this judgment was finalized, no real progress has been made to implement it. At the end of the hearing, CCJ Judge Jacob Wit said, quote, “…After 3 years, the parties have not succeeded in getting anything done in this regard and this cannot continue.” End quote. We asked the Sol Gen about the clear implication of the judge’s statement, and he told us that the Government isn’t dragging its feet. Here’s how he explained it:

The Titan Matter to The CCJ
We also asked about an appeal that will be going to the CCJ. It’s the Titan Securities case, which was completed before the Court of Appeal in June of Last year. Back in 2016, Justice Courtney Abel ruled that the Government should pay 8.8 million dollars to Bahamians Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach. The judge reasoned that they deserved that huge compensation for the September 2014 raid at their Titan's Securities, at the Matalon building in Coney Drive. You’ll remember that the ADU cleaned out their offices on behalf of the FIU which was working with the US Government based a Federal indictment for Securities fraud.

Two Men Free After Murder Case Falls Apart
Tonight, two Cayo District men are at home after spending two years on remand for murder. On Monday, Justice Antoinette Moore told 21-year-old Damion Donovan Velasquez, from Roaring Creek and 20-year-old Justin Giovanni Banner, from Camalote Village that they had no case to answer. The acquittal came after a no case submission by their attorneys, Oscar Selgado and Leeroy Banner. Justice Moore found that the eyewitness evidence provided by his parents did not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He also disputed what police put in the statement - so he was treated as a hostile witness.

Sylvan’s Killers Sentenced
And while that was Monday - there was better news coming out of the Belmopan Supreme Court today. The two men convicted of killing Sylvan Roberts Jr. were today sentenced for murder. Donovan Casildo and Brian Clarke were found guilty. Casildo was sentenced to life with possibility of parole after 25 years and Brian Clarke was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

Caye Caulker Stabbing Leads to Remand
31 year old Jermaine Grant was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. Grant was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. No plea was taken and he was remanded into custody until May 15. Grant was allegedly involved in the stabbing we told you about on Tuesday. It happened in the Palapa area of Caye Caulker. Grant and 34 year old Jamal Bennett, got into an altercation and Bennett was stabbed in his left shoulder and upper left abdomen. Bennett was admitted to ward at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where his injuries were classified as dangerous harm. Grant said in court that he was defending himself.

How Many Drop Out?
The Ministry of Education is collaborating with the UNICEF and UNESCO to determine just how many Belizean children drop out of school. In 2010, UNICEF and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics launched a global Out-of-School Children Initiative. They’ve been in Belize since 2016 to carefully study the out-of-school population of children, and they’ve presented their findings to the Government. Today at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel, a working group of education technocrats were assembled to review the results and start brainstorming strategies to combat the growing number of children who are out of school.

DPP Is Bar President
The Bar Association of Belize has a new president - and she is a name well known in the news. It’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal - who was elected last night at the Bar’s Annual meeting. She is backed up by Robertha Magnus Usher as Vice President, Jose Alpuche as Treasurer, and Ilona Swift as Secretary. Vidal - who is a senior counsel - becomes the first DPP in memory to be Bar President.

Channel 5

12-year-old and Adult Latest Gun Victims of the City
There was a double murder on Wednesday night in the city in which the life of a twelve-year-old student was abruptly cut short on Pregnant Alley in the Mesopotamia Division. [...]

Shooting in Twilight of Nomination Day on Police Street
The gun violence was not contained to Pregnant Alley. Two more city residents were injured in a shooting in the Lake Independence area. Emerson Garnett and Houston Apolonio were on [...]

1 dead, 2 Injured in Mysterious Orange Walk Altercation
Police are tonight investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Orange Walk Town earlier today.  It is alleged that an individual identified as forty-six-year-old Ariel Audinette was [...]

Fire Claims 2 Houses in Frederick Street
Back to the city where even as police were processing the crime scene at Pregnant Alley, a fire broke just off Hyde’s Lane in the city. It started at a [...]

Area Rep and Sports Council Member Clash over Buttonwood Bay Park
Caribbean Shores area representative Kareem Musa, and fellow attorney and member of the National Sports Council Orson J. Elrington, are front and center of an odd dispute over the basketball [...]

Belize Protests as Guat Soldiers Nab Fellow Citizen in our Territory
More details of an arrest made by Guatemalan soldiers in Belizean territory are emerging, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that they were not approached for assistance. The [...]

Dr. Adrian Coye Resigns as K.H.M.H. C.E.O.
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority will be looking for a new C.E.O. due to the resignation of Doctor Adrian Coye. According to a release, Coye handed in his resignation [...]

Jermaine Grant Charged in Caye Caulker Brawl
Turning to the courts…Caye Caulker resident Jermaine Grant is accused of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm against Jamal Bennett following a stabbing incident on [...]

Delay in Andrew Bennett Extradition Case
Attorney Andrew Bennett, accused by U.S. authorities of money laundering in Puerto Rico, was due back in court for the continuation of his extradition hearing. A D.E.A. agent alleges that [...]

Sharon Pitts Headed to Mediation for Land Compensation; Will Andre Vega Follow?
There is a significant development tonight after months of silence concerning the infamous Haulover Bridge land compensation case which exploded in 2016, costing former Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega [...]

Titan Case Headed to C.C.J.
Also before the Caribbean Court of Justice is Titan International Securities, which is suing the Government in respect of a raid of their Matalon Business Center offices on Coney Drive [...]

P.U.P. Touts People-Centered Manifesto for CitCo Election
Coming off from a massive national convention and Wednesday’s successful nomination of mayor and councilor candidates, the People United Party launched the Belize City manifesto today.  The event took place [...]

City Mayoral Candidates Take Bliss Stage for U.B. Forum/Debate
Fresh from being nominated, Belize City’s four mayoral candidates attended a special forum organized by the University of Belize on Wednesday evening at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. [...]

Why Are So Many in Danger of Leaving School?
The Ministry of Education and UNICEF collaborated for the Out of School Children Initiative. The aim is to improve the analysis of factors affecting the exclusion of children from education, [...]

G.O.B. Insists It’s Taking Communal Land Rights Seriously
Solicitor General Nigel Hawke was a busy man at the court’s environs today, with cases before the Caribbean Court of Justice and Magistrate’s Court. The latter is the aborted return [...]

SolGen Says No Early Solution as Yet
But is three years too long to still not have implemented the Consent Order, especially for Maya communities that have waited nearly a generation? Hawke told us the Court understands [...]

Maya to be a Part of Referendum Campaign
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has apologized to the Maya communities of the south for an alleged breach of privacy committed by self-avowed agents of the Government. The Maya Leaders [...]

D.P.P. Now Leads the Bar
At its executive meeting on Wednesday night, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal moved up as new the president of the association where she was serving as VP. From [...]

Belize to Address Key Treaty Obligations
This afternoon there was a closing ceremony for a three-day Treaty Body Capacity Building Program for state officials which began on Tuesday. Later this year, Belize is internationally obliged to [...]

Foreign Affairs to Meet with Civil Society
Participants received their certificates from C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pat Andrews, who stood in for Minister Wilfred Elrington. He told News Five that the government is taking [...]

Healthy Living: Caring for Your Heart
Not because Valentine’s Day is over means that all the talk about your heart should stop. In fact, it is always a good time to talk about the health of [...]

LOVE FM

Belize committed to reporting on two human rights conventions
Representatives from about nine government ministries today concluded a three-day training on human rights. The focus was on the process of preparing national reports under the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, CERD, and the International Convention of the rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, ICMW. CEO in the …

Two men injured in Wednesday night shooting, one critical
Sometime after ten thirty last night, two men were shot on Police Street in Belize City. One of the men remains in a critical condition. ASP Alejandro Cowo told the media what they have uncovered on the incident. ASP Alejandro Cowo – Head, CIB, Belize City “Police were called to a shooting incident on Police …

Gun violence claims two lives in old capital
Last night, the gun violence continued in the old capital with not one, but two shooting incidents. The first shooting incident took place at the corner of Cemetery Road and Pregnant Alley, where multiple shots were fired. When it subsided two persons were dead, 26-year-old Lloyd Valentine and 12-year-old David Morrison, a student of Queen …

Ministry of Foreign Affairs addresses Guatemalan incursion at Western border
There is more to report tonight on the incident at the western border. As we told you on Wednesday night, a Guatemalan money changer was allegedly robbed of thousands of dollars; we understand as much as twenty thousand. (VO STARTS) That crime then led Guatemalan military to enter Belize to apprehend the suspect, who we …

Maya Leaders to be included in Referendum awareness campaign
The Toledo community leaders will be included in the public awareness campaign on the referendum to take the Belize Guatemalan dispute to the International Court of Justice. That is what CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pat Andrews told us today. As we have reported, the Toledo Alcaldes Association and the Maya Leaders Alliance …

Two families lose everything in fire
Last night, two families, the Gonzalez and the Rosado, lost everything in a fire that occurred on Frederick’s Alley in Belize City. Love News spoke with Elsa Medina, whose mother and two brothers lived in one of the houses that was destroyed. Elsa Medina – fire victim’s daughter “As far as I saw it was …

‘Always ’bout The People’
This morning the PUP’s Belize City municipal slate launched a manifesto entitled ‘Always ’bout The People’. In their six-page manifesto, the PUP candidates discuss governance, revenue collection, and social infrastructure among other things. Here is that story. The launch took place at the basketball court on Neal Pen Road.

2183 children are out school, report says
This morning UNICEF alongside key government partners launched the Out of School Children Report. The purpose of the study was to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on the profiles and barriers for out of school children and those at risk of dropping out. The study found that 2183 children ages 5 through 10 are not …

Andrew Bennett’s Attorney wants original extradition request document
The extradition case against Attorney Andrew Bennett was before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser this morning. As we have been reporting, he is wanted in the US territory of Puerto Rico on money laundering allegations. Last month, Bennett was granted bail of one hundred thousand dollars plus a surety of the same amount. During the previous …

GOB vs Sharon Pitts case goes to mediation
Solicitor General, Nigel Hawke, also updated the media with regards to Government’s case against attorney Sharon Pitts. According to Hawke, both parties have been ordered to go to mediation. The Government is after four hundred thousand dollars which Pitts received through an alleged illegitimate land compensation transaction. Documents show that Pitts and Andre Vega had …

Manifesto calls for suspension of gun license for domestic abuse offenders
Tonight we take another look at the “Manifesto for Linda”, which was first presented by Attorney and Women’s rights advocate Lisa Shoman. The manifesto seeks to bring about significant changes in Belize on the subject of domestic violence. Tonight we look at another of the point outlined in the manifesto which reads, quote, “we want the law to refuse and/or suspend gun licenses for domestic abuse offenders, sexual offense violators and all accused until they are lawfully acquitted and not just ‘nolle prosequied’,” end of quote.

“Maya Land Rights Commission has done a lot of work”: Solicitor General
On Monday the case involving Maya Communal Lands Rights was back before the Caribbean Court of Justice. As we have been reporting, three years ago the CCJ ordered that the Government of Belize “create an effective mechanism” to identify and protect Maya lands in accordance with Maya traditional governance. While the Mayan Land Rights Commission has been formed, some believe that not much has been done by the government to comply with the ruling. Solicitor General Nigel Hawke spoke on the matter.

DPP is the new President of the Bar Association
The Director of Public Prosecution, Senior Counsel Cheryl-Lynn Vidal is the new President of the Bar Association of Belize. During its annual general meeting in Belize City, the Bar Association held elections for a new Executive Committee which will serve for one year. Vidal will be joined by Senior Counsel Robertha Magnus-Usher as Vice President, Jose Alpuche as treasurer and Iliana Swift as secretary. They are joined by Bar committee members, Natalia Bevans, Leslie Mendez and Gavin Courtenay.

Titan takes case to the CCJ
Titan Securities has taken its case to the Caribbean Court of Justice. This was confirmed today by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke. In 2016 owners of Titan Securities Bahamians Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach were awarded close to nine million dollars by the Supreme Court of Belize. In 2014, the United States Department of Justice had accused several offshore securities trading companies in Belize of scamming the US Government of one billion dollars in taxes.

B-SAG members allegedly beat up man, he dies hours after
One man is dead tonight after he was allegedly beaten by law enforcement officers. He is 46 year old Ariel Audinette. He was recently deported from the United States of America and was staying at an apartment at the corner of San Antonio Road and Staines Alley in Orange Walk Town. Love News has been reliably informed that at around 4 o’clock this morning, Audinette was at his house along with Oscar Payes, a man named Steve and a woman by the first name Dania when members of the Belize Special Assignment Group (B-SAG) made their presence known.

Still no leads as to who killed activist Albert Cattouse
There is still no closing the case of the murder of Albert Cattouse, a well-known taxi driver and activist from Belize City who was slain on October 12, 2017. Although the family has pressed for results in the investigation, and despite the numerous speculations surrounding Cattouse’s execution, Police say they have not come across any solid leads that may lead to an arrest.

The West sees candidates nominated
In Belmopan, Mayor Khalid Belisle spoke to Love News about his campaign strategy leading up to the elections. Belisle said if he is re-elected, he will continue to build on the excellent work his administration has been doing. Meanwhile, Mayoral candidate for PUP, Marconi Matus, is confident that he will be the next mayor of the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. There is also an independent candidate, Lupita Ferguson, contesting for the mayoral seat in the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Love News spoke to Ferguson who shared why she decided to enter the race.

Major Political Parties say they are ready to take over Corozal Town
In Corozal Town, both major political parties gathered their troops for nomination day. First to be nominated was the People’s United Party slate led by Mayoral Candidate Rigo Vellos. In the afternoon, the United Democratic Party slate led by Mayoral Candidate Richard Quan was nominated. Reporter Rene Mendez spoke with both Mayoral candidates on their …

Belize Progressive Party officially in the race
While both major political parties entered with hundreds of supporters, the representatives of the Belize Progressive Party came in with far less fanfare. Mayoral candidate, Paco Smith reiterated the fact that his party is a viable option in this election. Smith said it is his belief that the change in the thought process of many …

UDP nominated; Party is confident about its hold on Belize City
The afternoon belonged to the United Democratic Party as their supporters came out in numbers. Ava Dias Sosa interviewed Mayoral Candidate Dion Leslie and Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow.

UDP and PUP flex muscles in Orange Walk for nomination day
In Orange Walk Town, the blue and red machines also mobilized and flexed their muscles. That municipality is of interest as it has remained the only town that has been held by the PUP since 2012. Reporter Hipolito Novelo spoke with PUP Mayoral Candidate Kevin Bernard and UDP Mayoral Candidate Philip de la Fuente.

PUP candidates officially nominated for upcoming Municipal election
Today the candidates that will be contesting the upcoming municipal elections went to get nominated. Love News had teams across the country and we will share some of those images with you. We start off in Belize City where this morning the PUP supporters took to the streets.

PlusTV

Another Belize City home invasion; man injured
Around 2 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon, there was another home invasion in Belize City, this time at a house on Morning Glory Street in the St. Martin’s area of Belize City. According to reports, two men climbed on the verandah of the house and entered through an open door. One of the men had ...

Mexicans found in Guate with Belizean money and fake credit cards
We have reported on three Mexicans who were arrested and charged for using international debit cards to take monies from Atlantic Banks across the nation. Those three Mexicans are accused of stealing approximately 100 thousand dollars in all. They are currently on remand at the Hattieville prison aw...

Another border crossing by Guatemalan soldiers?
And in more Guatemalan related news, Plusnews received amateur video which purportedly shows Guatemalan military in Belizean territory at the Western Border, hauling off an individual. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear but reports to Plusnews are that a Guatemalan money changer ...

Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 released
Transparency International has released its Corruption Perceptions Index 2017. It is list of countries that are ranked according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption based on information received from experts and business people within the countries. The Index uses a scale of 0 to 1...

Janet Olisa is Nigerian High Commissioner to Belize
Yesterday Nigerian High Commissioner to Belize, Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, spoke to the Belizean media. Olisa is one of three new ambassadors who presented their credentials to the Governor General on Monday. Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa Nigeria- Belize is a very important relationship for us in the...

Billy Graham dies at 99
Evangelist Billy Graham is dead. The popular and well loved Evangelist died this morning at the age of 99. The American preacher has touched lives around the world with his simple message of Jesus’ love and salvation. The iconic preacher filled stadiums all over the world throughout his decades of ...

Belmopan City Council launches website
The Belmopan City Council held a small ceremony today to officially launch its website. The website is aimed at keeping Belmopan residents informed of the activities in Belmopan and accomplishments of the City Council. It is free, accessible information and according to Deputy Mayor Ralston Fraser, it also includes all audited financials up to 2016. Deputy Mayor Ralston Fraser: The vision for this is to have the general public of Belmopan in particularly have an insight an inroad directly to City Hall you will notice that on the website all the services are available where the processes that it goes through from traffic to municipal everything is there .Our locally economic development department and their function everything is there so people can just go in there and it’s just as if they are at City Hall in a single glimpse....

Nomination Day but VIP not participating
Municipal elections were scheduled for March 7 but before that, another big political day is Nomination Day. February 21st was nomination day in the 9 municipalities across the nation. Nomination day is when the various political aspirants make their way, along with their party supporters, to the st...

Mario Vernon family continue quest for justice
Mario Vernon is the young man who was shot and killed in Punta Gorda over a month ago at the hands of a police officer. The officer, PC Tevin Aranda, was charged for manslaughter, as he reported that Vernon had a gun and was being pursued when Vernon turned around and aimed the gun at the cop. Arand...

BPPS councilor offered bribe by UDP operatives?
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) Councillor candidate in PG, Maria Lara, is claiming that she has been approached by ranking UDP operatives from Belize City who went to PG and invited her to a meeting. In that meeting, Lara was allegedly offered a bribe to step down as a BPP candidate. Maria La...

Trapeche man found dead with chop wounds to the neck
San Ignacio police are investigating what appears to be another murder. This morning police officers were called to a house at Capital Height in the Trapeche area outside Santa Elena Town. Inside the elevated wooden house, the lifeless body of a male Hispanic person was seen on a bed. Theman was ide...

Body of 3 year old found in well
A three year old boy apparently drowned in Silk Grass Village. 3 year old Keon Martinez went missing on Monday afternoon but was reported missing around 5:30 this morning. According to police reports, the child’s mother , 24 year old Chelsey Castillo, Belizean housekeeper of Hopkins Village, repor...

Caye Caulker resident stabbed during fight
Yesterday we told you of the stabbing incident that occurred on Caye Caulker. Police have since issued a report to the media on the incident. According to police, on the morning of Monday, February 19th m., Caye Caulker Police responded to a report of a fight in the Palapa area. Police say that whe...

Man falls to his death in Belmopan
A man fell to his death in Belmopan. Carlos Funesa, a construction worker from Pomona Village, was working on a house in Belmopan when he apparently had an accident. According to reports given to police by the construction manager, sometime around 2:30 on Monday February 19, Funesa was taking measur...

The Guardian

New Government Primary School in Ranchito to benefit over 200 Students
An Official Ceremony to inaugurate Ranchito Government Primary School new building will be held on the school’s compound in Ranchito Village, Corozal District at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018. This is as a result of the Government of Belize recognising the critical role of primary education for social, economic, cultural, environmental and political development by way of empowering future leaders with knowledge, skills, and values to enhance Belize’s socio-economic development. The Government of Belize funded the completion of a new 8-classroom, two-storey, ferro-concrete building and as well as the rehabilitation of an existing classroom building that houses three primary level classrooms and pre-school classroom courtesy of a grant of $1.1 million from the Caribbean Development Bank under the Basic Needs Trust Fund.

UB’s Mayoral Forum to hear from All Candidates
ust before the upcoming city council elections, the Belize City mayoral candidates met at the Bliss Center of the Performing Arts for an open forum. There, Ernesto Torres, Bernard Wagner, Paco Smith, and Dion Leslie met and spoke to an audience eager to hear their thoughts. The first to speak was Ernesto Torres, an independent mayoral candidate. Torres expressed his wishes to manage Belize City “in the words of the newly elected president of South Africa: with humility, faithfulness, and dignity meaning trust, respect and worthiness”. Following Torres was the People United Party’s Mayoral Candidate, Bernard Wagner. He was introduced in light of his accomplishments, which include his educational background and his extensive studies and 30-year-experience in financing and banking.

12-year-old killed on Trench Alley
As we go to press, police are investigating a shooting incident in Belize City, which claimed the life of two people including 24-year-old Lloyd Valentine and a 12-year-old identified to us only as David. A third person identified as Albert Wagner was injured. At around 7:20p.m. on Wednesday evening, the three were at the mouth of Trench Alley located on Orange Street when a lone gunman approached them and opened fire on them. As they ran through the alley for cover, both Valentine and David were struck by bullets.

Two Families displaced after Frederick Alley Fire
A late evening fire on the North Side Belize City has left two families displaced. While no one has died or received any bodily injuries as a result, the people affected have lost just about everything. The fire seemingly started at a near-abandoned bungalow structure just after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 and spread to two neighboring wooden structures, home to at least two families, scorching everything in its path. One affected person was an elderly woman, who made her bread and butter in the structure she called home. That woman took on to babysitting and now, her means of survival has been destroyed. The second family is reportedly away in Mexico.

How to improve Literacy and Numeracy in Belize
The Ministry of Education launched its national literacy strategy “Literacy as a National Priority” at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Monday, February 19, 2018. The project, which was rolled out under the theme “Literacy: An Essential Skill for School Participation”, has the focus of ensuring that children are reading and writing at their grade level or higher. So far, participation has been carried out on nine-primary schools in Belize City and at the literacy event, teachers from those schools displayed their techniques, both traditional and non-traditional, that prompt engagement from their students.

The Red Army rises!
The United Democratic Party pulled out the stops countrywide and the fine-tuned election machinery cranked up the gears and displayed the might of the party. It was Nomination Day and all across the country thousands of UDP supporters took to the streets to take their candidates for the respective municipalities to be nominated to contest the March 7th election. The combustion of the well oiled machinery was in full form and across the country the support could not be denied. This was most evident in Belize City as over 3,000 of the party faithful gathered in front of the UDP headquarters just as rains threatened the activities. The crowds were undaunted and one by one the ten Belize City constituents filed in with their soldiers all clad in red.

3 new ambassadors present credentials
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence on February 19th, to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and H.E. Tasawar Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic State of Pakistan; all presented their credentials to the Governor General. They each conveyed on behalf of their respective countries well wishes to the Government and people of Belize and their commitment to ensuring continued peaceful and prosperous diplomatic relations with Belize.

Promoting history in Belize
The Belize History Association (BHA) held its first meeting for 2018 on Saturday at the National Institute of Culture and History headquarters in Belmopan. A driving force for the meeting was to review the achievements and the steps now needed to promote history across Belize. Current chair of the BHA, Dr. Abigail McKay, was present at the meeting to inspire Belize’s historians and transcribers of Belizean history. BHA member Margaret Ventura was also present and she remarked that as Belizeans we need to begin to appreciate our own history, creativity and cultural diversity. So that when the foreign content on our televisions are severed due to copy right laws “…we will already have all Belizean” contents. The BHA operates on an annual $25,000.00 budget, but for this fiscal year only had access to half on that amount. Nevertheless, the Institute for Cultural and Social Research (ICSR) is ever present to act in a supporting role of the BHA.

CCJ sets Timetable for Maya Land Rights Implementation
The Caribbean Court of Justice will take steps to help the Government of Belize and the Maya of Southern Belize implement a judgment of that court so that Maya Customary Land Tenure be observed. That consent order was delivered back in April 2015, and from the perspective of one judge sitting on the case, “…We cannot continue in the way that we have continued up to now.” That statement was made by Justice Jacob Wit at the last hearing before the CCJ, which was held on Monday, February 19 via teleconference. These hearings have been taking place since April 2016, because the court decided to retain jurisdiction to ensure that the judgment would be implemented.

High Commissioner of Nigeria to Belize speaks on Belize-Nigeria Relations
One day after presenting her Letters of Credence to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young; Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of Nigeria to Belize, shared some words on the Belize-Nigeria diplomatic relations. She started thanking the people of Belize for being very hospitable to her since her arrival from Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday, February18, 2018, where she is officially based. She will be working in that post for the next 3 years. High Commissioner Olisa highlighted the Nigeria-Belize relationship saying “Nigeria-Belize is a very important relationship for us, in the sense that we are one people that have passed over the centuries through the movement in the Trans-Atlantic and we are grateful to God for the ability to reconnect.”

A PUP CITY COUNCIL WILL CUT JOBS
There seems to be some level of disconnect between the Leader of Opposition and his Belize City Mayoral Candidate Bernard Wagner. In Giving an interview with Channel 5 Belize news, Wagner stated that his goal will be to derive budgetary surplus and to undertake capital projects. In his interview, Briceno said his Belize City Council will be about people not projects. Wagner and Briceno are saying diametrically opposite things. The PUP has been using the catch line “PEOPLE FIRST.” What exactly this means in context of Belize City Council functions only they know. Does this mean that they will abandon the core functions of infrastructure, drains, streets and cleaning? Only they know.

PUP lacks Gusto and It lacks Support
For a few days now the PUP had been promising that they would be able to replicate the showing that they had at their National Convention. However, they were unable to get the Belize City folks out on Nomination Day in any large number so as to faze the UDP. Based on our estimation and those of other persons we spoke to, the PUP had a little over 600 people at the high point of their Nomination Day Parade. There numbers were so small that even Shakron, who is not good with numbers could count them; there was no need to ask Jules. On the other hand, the UDP brought out an estimated crowd of just over 3,000, according to our estimate. There was also a huge throng of UDP friendly persons who lined up along the parade route and cheered the UDPs on as they passed by.

Where are the PUP Manifestos?
As we go to press on February 21, 2018, which is just 13 days before campaigning stops and the Municipal Elections are to take place on Wednesday March 7th, the PUP has still not come up with a Manifesto in any of the nine Municipalities as yet . Even Mr. Torres, a man who many people believe is a bit eccentric and might not be playing with a full deck, has come up with a few things that he would do if he were ever to be elected. He has not published those things in any written form but at least he has made them public. The PUP on the other hand has said no such thing. All they have been doing in every municipality is to attack Central Government as if though this were an election to elect a Central Government.

ROC (Taiwan) grants US$500,000 to Belize as part of Security Cooperation
A $500,000 US grant was handed over to Belize from the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Laing Building. The grant was given to support the ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the Belize Police Department, part of the Security Cooperation between the two countries who have established diplomatic relations almost 30 years ago. The monies will be used for the purchase of equipment and law enforcement technologies such as but not limited to bullet proof vests and motorcycles. At the ceremony, Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, conveyed the government’s gratitude for the support.

SI/SE Town Council organizes Valentine Show
The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council sponsored a Valentine’s show on Friday night at the Cayo Welcome Center. Cayo’s popular band lead by the legendary Joe Moreno took to the stage to offer the public a wide selection of music. It was a privilege for us to learn that Joe Moreno has been singing since he was 10-years old and his current family band is now the 20th that he has gone through. His daughter Iliana Moreno was also present, and she has been singing for the past 30 years.

VISION - EXECUTION - VICTORY
Now that Nomination Day has come and gone the campaigning has reached another level. We are now less than two weeks away from the Municipal Elections across this country. With time running out, our opponents will be getting more desperate and trying to throw us off our game. Their attacks will be fast, vicious and plentiful. As the days go by, we can expect them to try and use every underhanded tactic to try and snatch away our victory, but we must stay the course and guide the UDP to victory. The work of securing pledges is only the first step in trying to garner a victory. Getting those pledges to the polls is what counts. A pledge is just a promise. We need to convert those pledges into votes. It is the duty of party members to go out and do the sort of campaigning that will secure election victories.

Young Man found murdered in Santa Elena, Cayo
reparations for burial were being made late Tuesday for twenty-four-year old Santa Elena caretaker Gian Espat. The young man was found with a gaping cut wound to the back of the neck on his bed in the Trapiche Area of Santa Elena Town. A bucket of blood was also discovered in front of him. Gian Espat was last seen Monday evening drinking with a pair of men from the Cayo Area.

Hattieville Handyman serving 10 years for Attempted Burglary
Joel McGregor, a handyman of Hattieville, is serving a 10-year sentence imposed on him after he was found guilty of attempted burglary and damage to property. The sentence was handed down to McGregor on Friday, February 16, 2018 when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford.

Daniel Myvett applies for Bail in a Murder Case
Daniel Myvett remains on remand for a city murder. His two alleged accomplices, Jamaal Jackson and Talbert Mena, walked free while the jury could not reach a verdict against Myvett and a retrial was ordered. It has been three years and seven months since Myvett’s first trial and since he has been on remand. Myvett, represented by attorney Alifa Elrington, filed an application seeking bail in 2017 and that application was heard before Justice Marilyn Williams on Friday, February 16, 2018. The crown was represented by DPP Crown Counsel Porshia Staine-Ferguson.

Caye Caulker Fight leads to stabbing
A Caye Caulker fight on Monday, February 19, 2018 in the Palapa area led to a boat chase. At around 11:10 a.m., Caye Caulker police responded to an incident in which the parties fled. The police eventually caught up with a vessel on the western side of the island and on that vessel, Jamal Bennett, a 34-year-old laborer of a Caye Caulker address, was seen suffering from a stab wound. Police investigation revealed that Bennett was involved in a fight with Jermaine Grant, a 31-year-old resident of a Caye Caulker address. During that incident, Grant inflicted Bennett with a stab wound to the upper left abdomen as well as to the left shoulder. For his injuries, Bennett was transported to the Caye Caulker polyclinic then to the KHMH where he is listed in a stable condition. Police investigation into this matter continues.

Farmer claims Police gave him Cannabis Tree
Robert Smith Jr., a 37-year-old hunter and farmer of Saint Anne’s Village, is making the claim that he was given a cannabis tree by the police. For that tree, he was taken to the court before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was read a single charge of cultivation of a cannabis plant. In court on Monday, February 19, 2018, Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge stating that the tree was found on an empty lot near his residence and was given to him by the police. There was no objection and as a result, he was offered bail in the sum of $2,500 plus one surety of the same, an amount he has not yet been able to meet.

Hit and Run claims Succotz man
A quiet night along the uninterrupted stretch on the George Price Highway from Central Farm to Esperanza village in the Cayo District was suddenly shattered when a 46-year-old male craftsman from San Jose Succotz was killed by a hit and run. Arcenio Itza received multiple bone fractures and severe head injuries as a result of this traffic accident. His sister, Francelia Alfaro has told members of the press that Itza had gotten on the wrong bus and instead of being taken to Benque, was being taken towards Belize City. It was when he had alighted the bus and was walking back to San Ignacio at around 7:00 pm that he was hit by an unknown vehicle.

John Cus charged with Rape in San Pedro
An American tourist made a report that she was sexually assaulted in San Pedro just before dawn on Friday, February 16, 2018. In her report, the 25-year-old woman stated that she was asleep and awoken by a push. That is when she realized that someone that is known to her was forcibly having sexual intercourse with her. For this crime, John Cus, a 37-year-old electrician of a San Pedro address, was charged. He is yet to be arraigned. Police investigations continue.

Another murder in King’s Park
Clinton Fitzgibbon, a 45 year-old Belize City resident of the King’s Park area, was shot and killed on Tuesday, February 20, in his neighborhood. His girlfriend, 37 year-old Dorita Wallace was hospitalized for a gunshot wound to the left leg. Police say that sometime after 11 o’clock, the couple were socializing right outside of Fitzgibbon’s home when a gunman approached them and fired several shots at the two of them. Fitzgibbon was injured 3 gunshot wounds to the left side of the chest, and 2 more to the right side of the back. In the spray of gunfire, Wallace was injured on the left calf. They were both rushed to the KHMH for emergency treatment, but Fitzgibbon passed away while the doctors were trying to save his life.

Luis Dominguez murdered in King’s Park
A late night shooting in the normally quiet King’s Park area of Belize City has led to the death of 35-year-old Luis Dominguez, better known as Esse. Up until his murder, Dominguez was employed as a sanitation worker with the Belize City Council. According to Dion Leslie, City Councilor, Dominguez was changing his life and was happy to be employed with the council. Unfortunately for him, he would be shot, despite his attempts at changing his life. The shooting took place just before midnight on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at a home on Eight Street in King’s Park. Dominguez was at the family home for a memorial. As night set in, he became too tired to drive his motorcycle home and started to doze off.

Missing Gun leads to remand of George McFadzean
A Western Paradise Village resident is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was arraigned on a single charge of theft before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Thursday, February 15, 2018. That man is George McFadzean, a 35-year-old construction worker who appeared unrepresented before the magistrate. The allegations against McFadzean are that on Saturday, February 10, 2018, he dishonestly appropriated a black .38 pistol valued at $2,500 from Kumar Cocom, a Belize Recovery Officer at the Heritage Bank. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge but the prosecutor in the case had objections stating that the gun is still missing. The prosecutor in the case also said that the case against McFadzean was strong based on the report made by the virtual complainant.

Two men walk from Murder Charge
Two men, who were accused of a ruthless murder, are free of the charge after a trial by jury. They are 21-year-old Damian Donovan Velasquez of Roaring Creek, and 20-year-old Justin Giovanni Banner, of Camalote. At the time of the killing, both persons were only 18 years old and were accused of killing 16-year-old Ivan Choc during a Camalote home invasion, in the presence of a two-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl. Two years after that murder, at their last arraignment on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the accused murderers got news of their acquittal when they appeared before Justice Antoinette Moore. The two men had been on remand for two years, three months, and six days. Their acquittal came after a no case submission was made by their attorneys, Oscar Selgado, (who represented Banner) and Leeroy Banner (who represented Velasquez).

Prisoner found with 10 grams of weed
Oliver Peters, a 40-year-old inmate, who was already on remand at the Belize Central Prison awaiting his PI for a murder, has now picked up a new, lesser charge whilst behind bars. Police say that on Sunday, February 11, 2018, while inside the Belize Central Prison, they found Peters in possession of 10 grams of weed. Peters was charged with drug trafficking with intent to supply given that the substance was found on the prison premises. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge but because he was already awaiting a trial, he could not be granted bail and was remanded back into custody until May 7, 2018.

Duo charged and remanded for Ladyville Robbery
A duo has been arrested and charge by Ladyville Police for the robbery of a Bowen & Bowen delivery truck which was making a drop-off at a store in Ladyville. The culprits men have been identified as 25-year-old Tarique Munnings and a 17-year-old minor. The duo appeared represented by attorney Ronnell Gonzalez at their arraignment on Monday, February 19, 2018. They appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser where they were read two counts of robbery. The allegations made against the duo are that on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, they stole $2,500 from Christopher Martinez and $900 from Lung Chu Wong, a Chinese businessman. They were armed during the robbery.

Security Guard shot at University of Belize
A shooting incident at the University of Belize’s Old Teacher’s College Campus led the police to the KHMH at 1:25 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018. At the hospital, they observed Edwin Williams, a 26-year-old security guard of a Belize City address, suffering from a single apparent gunshot wound to the upper right leg. According to the victim, he was on duty with two other persons at the campus earlier that morning when he was approached by a male person. That person pointed a firearm at him but Williams struggled and attempted to flee from his attacker. Unfortunately for him, he was shot at while running away and received the injury to his right leg.

Shooter remanded after he shoots and misses
Bruce Reneau, a mason of an Iguana Street Extension address, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after he was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm upon Kenroy Willoughby. Reneau was arraigned Friday, February 16, 2018. He appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Michelle Trapp. In a police report made by the victim, Willoughby said that he and his brother were walking on Neal’s Pen Road in Belize City and as they walked through an alley, they heard two loud bangs. The brothers threw themselves on the ground and laid there for a while until they felt it was safe to get up. According to Willoughby, when he got up, he saw Reneau about 20 feet away from him holding two objects that appeared to be 9 mm pistols.

One Year in Prison for Theft
Steven Carter, a construction worker and resident of Lauren Burgess Avenue in Belama, is serving a one-year sentence imposed upon him by Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser. On Thursday, February 15, 2018, he appeared in court to answer to a single charge of theft. Carter was accused of stealing items from inside a parked vehicle belonging to Gilmer Carreo. In court, Carter, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft. The facts were read that he broke into the car but he denied that saying that the door was opened and that is how he came to take the items. He said that he stole the items because he needed to eat.

Belmopan Bandits and Verdes FC play to a Draw in Premier League competition
The Premier League of Belize Closing Season Competition continued over the last weekend with four games on the schedule. On Saturday 17th February, 2018, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, the defending national football champions of Belize Verdes FC and the Belmopan Bandits, in its first facing of each other in this year’s competition, played to a 1-1 draw. The home team Belmopan Bandits SC was the first to make it onto the scoreboard when Darwin Bermudez scored his team’s only goal of the game in the 47th minute of play to give it a temporary lead. However, the lead was shot lived when Verdes’ FC Alcides Thomas scored the equalising goal for his team in the 50th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1.

Football Federation of Belize Vice President and Technical Director to visit local associations
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is pleased to inform its football family that Mr. Cruz Gamez, FFB Vice – President and Chairman for Youth Development, National Team Programs (Youth), Youth Leagues, Associations, Coaches and Women, along with the Technical Development Director Mr. Philip Marin will be conducting a series of two (2) days meeting through the country, beginning February 16 to March 11, 2018. The purpose of the meetings is to present the FFB 2018 Competitions Calendar to the football family and to hear from the District Association Executives their plans for competition through the year 2018.

Hummingbird Elementary Girls and Belize Elementary Boys capture Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball Competition
The 2017-2018 Belize District Primary Schools Volleyball Competition came to an end on Thursday 15 February, 2018, at Stars Gymn. In the girls’championship game, Hummingbird Elementary School defeated its nenemis Belize Elementary School by the score of 25-11 and 25-5. In the first game played in the girls’ championship, Belize Elementary School won over Burrell Boom Methodist School by the score of 25-7 and 25-4.

ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT NOTICE - VOTE BY PROXY
The Elections and Boundaries Department encourages qualified Public Officers who wish to apply to vote by proxy for the 7th March 2018 Municipal Elections to submit their application to the nearest Elections and Boundaries Department office on or before Wednesday, 28th February 2018. Please be informed that in accordance with the Regulations 69:01 (1) of the Cities and Town Councils Regulations, only the following Public Officers are qualified to vote by proxy. - Persons acting as Election Officers in some other Polling Station - Persons employed in transporting or in any other manner assisting an Election Officer in some other Polling Station. Officers are advised that they must submit fully completed Forms 14 (Proxy Paper) and 15 (Application for Appointment of Proxy) to the Elections and Boundaries Department. Once the information is verified for accuracy, Form 14 will be returned to the officer applying to vote by proxy.

Shocking Murder Suicide in Belize City
Two families are grieving the tragic end of the life of 43-year-old Jason Emmanuel, and his wife, 46 year-old Hermelinda Pinks-Emmanuel. The couple was found dead inside their locked Belize City apartment, and both suffered gunshot wounds to the head. It remains to be confirmed officially by police through a post mortem, but it is believed that Jason killed his wife “Linda”, and then committed suicide afterwards. Linda’s family has told the press that on Saturday, February 17, they were expecting to hear from her, since it is normal she and her sisters would socialize. It was very much unlike her to not answer any calls or text messages from her family. They then tried to get in touch with Jason, her husband. And when he didn’t pick up, they got very worried. By this time, it was well past midday, and so, her dad went to their home on Rose Lane, in the Saint Martin De Porres area. He found the house completely closed up, and his vehicle was missing.

Santa Elena and San Ignacio Residents honored for Lifetime Dedication
Two senior residents from Santa Elena and San Ignacio have been recognized by their younger peers for outstanding work during their entire lifetime. As Justices of the Peace, these residents have answered the call at their door step, sometimes into the late hours of the night or early morning to tend to the needs of their fellow men and women. Justice of the Peace Godwyn Buckley was handed a certificate on Sunday by members of the Association of Justices of the Peace, Cayo Branch. The certificate received by Godwin Buckley J.P C.S.C reads as follows: The Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of the Supreme Court award this certificate in recognition for valuable contribution to the People of Belize.

Silk Grass Toddler drowns in Well
A report of a missing toddler in the Silk Grass Village of Stann Creek has led to an unfortunate event. On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, Chelsey Castillo, a 24-year-old housekeeper of Hopkins, reported that her 3-year-old son was missing. Her son, Keon Martinez, lived with her mother, 51-year-old Francisa Augustine, in Silk Grass Village. It is understood that on the previous day, the toddler was playing with some friends in the area at around 1:00 p.m. until about 4:00 p.m. when he could not be found by his grandmother. Around 6:35 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, an hour after his mother reported him missing, police received information of a body of an infant male found inside a 6ft by 6ft well in Silk Grass Village.

Bernard Wagner, P.U.P. Mayoral Aspirant, Caught Lying!
Feb 19, 2018 on NEWS 5, the Peoples United Party Mayoral Aspirant Bernard Wagner said: “The people are tired of the twelve years of the Darrell Bradley-Dion Leslie regime...” That statement is absolutely NOT true! I refer you to www.elections.gov.bz. The official information is there! Darrell Bradley’s first run was in 2012. He got 12,694 votes to Karen Bodden’s 9,399. In 2015 Bradley got 11,928 to Schakron’s 6,573. That’s it! Bradley’s regime lasted ONLY six years! I wish it was twelve… I applaud the work that Aikman, Moya and others did; but no one has done more for Belize City than Bradley! This is the best that Belize City has ever looked! Bradley did EXCELLENT work! It is likely that very deep in Wagner’s mind, are wishes he dares not tell his father-in-law and brothers-in law about, Wagner has the same wish.

Mind you bite yu tongue
As I watched the various scantily attended PUP parades and hopeful interviews on LOVE TV this nomination morning 21st February 2018, I was taken way back to 2015 where an identical scenario evolved with the same catch phrases being parroted by the Blue candidates promising, if elected, “good governance, more transparency and better accountability”. I recall the only candidate who made the 2015 municipal election more interestingly amusing was Belize City PUP Mayoral candidate Ms. Karen Bodden, who coined the phrase “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired (of corruption)”. What made this statement ironic was that she was representing the very party, which had mastered this national scourge to an art form from 1998 to 2008. At that time, I marveled at Bodden’s stoic demeanor when she would utter her trademark statement, even as she managed to never once bite her tongue as she went on and on about UDP corruption.

Words of Life with Pastor Barry Fraser
In the Gospel of Mark chapter 4, verses 35 – 39, we find an account of how Jesus calmed a storm, while he and his disciples were travelling by boat on the Sea of Galilee. A storm arose and the waves were washing into the boat, which looked like it would sink. Verse 39 reads: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace, be still.” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Blogs

Curiosity Almost Killed the Cat Before Iguana Juan’s Comedy Night
I was offered to come experience the food and eclectic vibe at Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar. It was their first professional stand up comedy show with Rob Sherwood. I was not familiar with him so I decided to let it be almost a complete surprise as to what he is like. I say almost as I went old school and messaged two friends to see what they thought of him. I got different reviews, and one knew him right away the other had to Google. The show was starting at 8:00 pm with a cattle call of 7:30. Since I wanted to try the food there first my friends Cindy, Deb, and I decided to go for 7:00. When we got there the place was pretty full. We got the last indoor table. The comedy crew of Iguana Juan’s co-owner, Brad Reeder, Crazy Canucks co-owner Rob Burrows, Gains Kelly, and headliner Rob Sherwood came together to make us laugh. They cracked jokes about everything from tourists to no necks and sex. The odd time there were crickets but that made it funnier when the comedian on stage came back with a zinger to crack up the crowd.

Tip's about Caye Caulker
If barefoot and boho is your thing, take the water taxi ($14 one way) from Belize City and head 21 miles north-east to this palm-fringed paradise.The reef in the turquoise waters surrounding the island provides excellent snorkeling with routine sightings of manatees, ray, sharks, and turtles. For experienced divers, the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau, is a must, but the less intrepid can take a charter flight for spectacular views over this world-class atoll. On the four-mile-long island itself, even the main drag is pure white sand. For a cheap and cheerful retreat (plenty of hostel and guesthouse rooms from about $15) with a friendly Caribbean vibe, Caye Caulker can’t be beaten. Ocean Ferry round trip tickets to Caye Caulker are 22us per person and direct to San Pedro is 35us roundtrip.. Ocean Ferry Belize will take you to and from four main locations: Belize City, Caye Chapel, Caye Caulker and San Pedro!

International Sources

Permit fishing near Belize challenges veteran angler
“Cast to the left of the stick about two feet,” my guide Kenan Coc told me. I made the cast three feet to the right of the stick and heard Kenan shout, “Your other left, Bob!” My Lord, I thought I have been fly fishing for more than 50 years and have been a fly-fishing guide for 39 years, and here I am making rookie mistakes. I got buck fever fishing for an elusive saltwater fish that stands at the top of the list for difficulty to hook and land. Permit are very particular as to the flies they will eat and, since my casting was suspect, I didn't even know if I had an acceptable fly tied on. I was humbled and embarrassed and made a mental note to remember how I came unglued so that I could aid my anglers when they were struggling. I'll back up a bit; my wife, Carol, and I had joined good friends Jon Sweet and Barbara Baker at a small island, Caye Caulker, in Belize for a little fishing, relaxing and thawing out. We had flown from Sheridan, Wyoming, to Belize City and taken a water taxi to Caye Caulker. We arrived about 5 in the afternoon and managed to get settled in to the place that Sweet had rented.

Videos

February 22, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Candidates officially nominated for Municipal Elections; will elected candidates present Financial Disclosure?
With the 2018 Municipal Elections less than two weeks away, aspiring candidates were officially nominated to run for office across the country on Wednesday, February 21st which is required under the Town Councils Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Belize and the applicable Regulations. In San Pedro Town, slates for both the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) showed party pride, with parades of supporters leading to the Town Council where the candidates were nominated. Now that the race to Election Day has officially begun, if elected, the winning candidates have three months to file their declaration of financial affairs in accordance to the Laws of Belize under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Ambergris Caye represented at the Belize District Finals Primary School Volleyball Tournament
The San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) male and female volleyball teams represented Ambergris Caye at the District elimination on Thursday, February 15th in Belize City. The District Finals were held at the Stars Gym in the Belize City where SPRCS, Burrell Boom Methodist, Belize Elementary School, Holy Redeemer School, and Hummingbird Elementary School competed for a chance to represent the Belize District at the National Tournament to be held on Friday, February 23rd in Orange Walk Town. Another game in the female category was between SPRCS facing the girls from Hummingbird Elementary. The island girls fought hard but were not able to steal the victory and at the end of the game they fell short. Hummingbird Elementary won 25-13 and 25-7. In the second game in the male division, the SPRCS boys lost against Belize Elementary 25-4 and 25-12.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks beats Dangriga Dream Ballers
The sub-champions of the 2017 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, returned from Dangriga Town victorious after defeating Dangriga Dream Ballers on Saturday, February 17th. Held at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium, the Tiger Sharks went up against a difficult opponent who made them work hard for their victory. Throughout the match the scoring stayed tight, pressuring the island team to take advantage of every opportunity to stay in the lead. However, at the end of four grueling quarters, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks managed to steal the victory with a close score of 85-81. The Tiger Sharks are now the top team in the NEBL, with a clean record of zero defeats. Other games that took place over the weekend included Verdes defeating Belize City Defenders 73-61, and Belmopan Bandits overcoming Orange Walk Running Rebels 82-73.

Roni Martinez is the 2018 James A Waight Award Honoree
Since 1987, the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has bestowed a deserving individual or organization with the James A. Waight Award every February 16th. The award highlights the positive work done to protect and enhance Belize’s conservation, and this year’s awardee is none other than Roni Martinez. After countless nominations, he was selected for his tireless efforts in promoting birding in Belize, working alongside organizations and individuals to promote a better, more sustainable tourism product for the country. Held at the Toucan Room at the Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza in Belize City, the short ceremony was led by Oceana in Belize’s Vice President Janelle Chanona. After a brief invocation and formalities, the BAS’ Carolee Chanona detailed James A. Waight’s work as the Belize Audubon Society’s first President who had a passion for nature and wildlife. Nominees for the award must not only be Belizean or a resident of Belize, but also be involved in rainforest protection, coastal zone protection, pollution control, waste management, eco-tourism promotion and the socioeconomic environment, indigenous rights, and/or socio-cultural protection.

Ambergris Today

The San Pedro Cancer Society Elects New Board Of Directors
The San Pedro Cancer Society would like to inform the community that on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, a meeting to elect new board members for the year 2018 was held. President Gonzalo Munoz officiated the meeting, and after all reports were given and a new board was elected. The San Pedro Cancer Society 2018 board of directors are: President: Delsie Graniel, Vice President: Miguel Perez, Treasurer: Claudia Miranda, Secretary: Lucy Munoz. For the year 2017 the SP Cancer Society has helped seven families battling with this disease, helped the San Pedro Town Board with the October Cancer walk they organize and made a donation to the Raise Me Up Foundation.

Misc Belizean Sources

Kindy take note of Archeological site update
WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018: ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE OPEN FOR VISITATION. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE UNTIL THIS SITUATION CHANGES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES. LIFE VEST IS MANDATORY AT CAVE SITES.

Come check Patty's Bistory in Corozal

St Francis Xavier Parish Bazaar!Sunday, February 25th. Next to St. Francis Xavier Parish from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

XAIBE R.C. SCHOOL CULTURAL BUSINESS EXPO 2018 "We Learn, We Build, We Teach"
Thursday, March 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Xaibe R.C. School Grounds - Cultural competition and presentations, Cultural dances, games, food galore and local drinks, many business promotions! Here is a snippet of last year's Business Expo. Please share and support this event. Our culture..Our Traditions...One Love

Rumble in the West
The Belize Boxing Development Council and TNC are having the Rumble in the West on Saturday, March 24th, at the Octavia Waight auditorium. They'll have 4 main bouts. "Belize Boxing Development Council in Collaboration with The National Channel presents - Rumble in the West - March 24th,2018. Octavia Waight Center, San Ignacio, Cayo. Event starts at 7:00PM 4 Professional Fights! Mecanico Esquivel vs Francisco Luna Max Pain Williams vs Fabian Martinez Edwin Ramirez vs Wilmer Canales Frencho Medina vs Brujo Perez. Live on Channel 10, Exclusively on Central TV & Internet."

Maya Story: Sak Pakal (Paloma)
There was the dove in his nest guarding his huevesillos. He sang sad because he was hungry and he didn't want to go out and leave his eggs alone. What I sang over there was the squirrel the k ' UK. When he heard the crying, he came up to see what was going on. The pigeon tells her her grief and the help tells her to go eat, that he will take care of the eggs while she comes back. No! The pigeon said you're going to eat my eggs. No! Answer the squirrel. I don't like eggs. I eat seeds and fruit. The convinced dove went to eat. In which the pigeon is gone and the distracted squirrel is going to see some seeds near the nest and while not the k ' au or kawis the black bird and steals the eggs. When the squirrel comes back, the eggs are gone. The Dove comes and says you stole my eggs. No! I didn't say the squirrel. And he left.

Job growth, increased saving keys to sustained and inclusive growth in Central America and the Dominican Republic
IDB hosts regional Governors in Punta Cana to review opportunities for growth and investment PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic - The Governors for the Inter-American Development Bank’s member countries in the Central American isthmus and the Dominican Republic gathered at their 32nd Annual Meeting February 20-21 to discuss formulas for achieving inclusive economic growth, managing vulnerability to natural disasters and harnessing disruptive technologies to increase productivity and spur investment.

XAIBE, COROZAL - Opportunity for you - FREE LEGAL ADVICE
UNICEF Belize! - Attorneys will be available for FREE consultation regarding issues and questions dealing with: Immigration, Family Law, Criminal Law, Employment and other areas to be held at the XAIBE COMMUNITY CENTER, Friday, February 23rd from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Princess Casino Freezone, Corozal went out in full swing to celebrate the CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018
The year of the Dog which represents loyalty.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Belize Sugar Industries Limited invites qualified and motivated individuals to submit applications for the position of PAYROLL SPECIALIST within the Finance Department at Tower Hill, Orange Walk District.

Benque Rotaract Food Drive 2018
The Rotaract Club of Benque distributed food to people in need over the weekend. This was their 4th annual food drive, and they delivered care boxes to people in Arenal, Benque, Calla Creek, and Succotz. Thanks, Rotaract! "Rotaract of Benque Viejo's 4th annual Food Drive to help those who may be in need across Arenal, Benque, Calla Creek and Succotz. SERVICE ABOVE SELF!"

6th Anniversary Celebration of the Corozal House of Culture
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Museum of Belize and the Corozal House of Culture is celebrating 6 years of service to the community in Corozal. All are invited to celebrate with us as we feature one of our community’s conservation leaders in Corozal beginning at 9 am on Friday, February 23. Community members and educational institutes will engage with the staff of Wildtracks; Belize’s only manatee and monkey rehabilitation center. These 6 years of service to our community have been filled with many magnificent memories. We at the Corozal House of Culture look forward to creating many more opportunities to engage with the people of Corozal through our continued and dedicated focus on showcasing the talents, history and culture of Corozal.

Channel 7

PUP Rolls Out City Nomination
Goodnight and welcome to 7News - we have a very full newscast ahead for you tonight - including, of course, the nomination of about 150 councillor candidates in all municipalities - as well as news of another murder in the city - and a very strong statement form the Coast Guard against domestic abuse. We start with politics - and the nomination activities. We start in the city, where today the PUP were first up with their nomination parade. Sahar Vasquez was on the ground with them and she has that report:.. Sahar Vasquez reporting: This morning's rain did not stop PUP supporters young and old from coming out to cheer on their party. Many of them sporting their white and blue shirts stood behind their City Council candidates in staunch support, waving their flags and proudly chanting their party mantras. But was it an impressive showing? Crowd estimates hover at under a thousand. According to Deputy Opposition Leader Cordel Hyde it was solid but this is really just a rehearsal for the big day.

UDP Was Buff in Belize City
And in the afternoon, the UDP rolled out from about 1:00. Supporters had been gathering from midday - and with rain clouds looming - they were eager to get on the road. Still, they didn't beat the rain - but - as we saw - it was the kind of street party where even rain couldn't dampen their spirits. Jules Vasquez was there as they made their way to the CB Hyde building: Jules Vasquez reporting: The UDP City Council slate walked the street today as if they owned it. To be fair, they did at least pave it. And the now trademark UDP largesse was on full display this afternoon, with the crowd combustion, the political percussion, and the antics. So much noise that even nearby schoolchildren had to leave their classroom to come and see. For the Pickstock area rep, it was a contagious and the red tide overtook Mahogany Street. Party Leader Dean Barrow joined his mayoral candidate for the final stretch. And in the long view, it was like a carnival road march with supporters scattered and splintered - mostly by a downpour that fell in the middle of the procession. The flag hoisted over Mahogany wanted to communicate dominance and on the street, the crowd did the same.

PUP “Flounced” Up Fonso
The marches in the city - and all across the country were scheduled so that there wouldn't be interaction between rival UDP and PUP supporters. And, indeed, there were no reports of political violence. But we did pick up a few incidents of note. First, when the PUP were marching, the UDP's Alonso Noble was parked on the side of the street capturing them on his cell phone. Well, when the crowd saw him, that got them all hyped up. But then one of the well-known supporters jumped unto his pickup - and Noble had to push him off. Police came to stand to protect him, and that's when the crowd started throwing empty bottles at him and crowding the truck. But, fortunately, it didn't escalate beyond that - and a few hundred obscene words and gestures. To end it off, well known rabble rouser PULU Musa did a dance for him - which ended it off the little scene on a humorous note.

Finnegan And Vidal “Catch”
And while that was the scene with the PUP in the morning, in the afternoon the scene was between Southside Commander, Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal and the UDP's Michael Finnegan. It seems that Vidal did not want to let in anyone who was not a candidate or an endorser. Now, the custom is that all the leading political personalities from the city enter the compound of the CB Hyde building and congregate at the entrance to the building. But, it seems Vidal had some problems with that and he didn't seem to be listening to appeals from the UDP Secretary General Peal Stuart or Finnegan himself - who was appealing from outside the gate. The Prime Minister had to get up from his seat inside and go to the gate and basically order that they be let in.

Cayo Killers Were Especially Cold Blooded
And, coming up shortly we'll show you the nomination events in Orange Walk and Corozal, plus, we'll have Cayo and Belmopan after that. But, first to crime news. 24 year old Gian Espat was buried last night after 10:00. He is the caretaker who was found dead yesterday morning at the Capital Heights Farm in the Trapeche area of Santa Elena. Espat was chopped to the back of his head but the brutal killers didn't stop there. Today Courtney Weatherburne and Codie Noralez found out more about this disturbing murder. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Gian Espat had been living at this breezy riverside cabin on the Capital Heights Farm in Santa Elena for 3 months. He was the care taker. He would cut the yard and make sure the place was spotless. But today the house was in a mess, With his blood splattered on the bedroom tiles. His killers chopped him to the back of the head and then tucked his body in his bed.

Another City Council Employee Murdered On Eighth Street
A little after 12 this morning there was another fatal shooting on 8th Street, the same street that Luis Dominguez was murdered on three days earlier. 45-year-old Clifton Fitzgibbon and 37-year-old Dorita Wallace was socializing at his residence when a man pulled up and fired shots. Fitzgibbon received three fatal shots to the body while Wallace received one non-fatal shot to the foot. We spoke to a good friend of Fitzgibbon today that said the 45-year-old was nothing but a hardworking man who was wrongly killed. Kirk Davis, Friend of the deceased: "He is a very good friend. No gangbanger. He is a hardworking man that takes care of his wife, his family, his children - everyone. He is very kind. He is a good family friend. I don't like how they took his life just like that in the streets."

Coast Guard Speaks Out Against Domestic Abusers
Hermelinda Pinks Emanuel was killed on Saturday in what appears to be a domestic homicide. Her husband Jason Emanuel is believed to have killed her and then himself. Her family has been speaking up about their abusive relationship - but today representatives of the place where she worked also spoke up strongly. That's the Belize Coast Guard where she was a highly respected administrative assistant. She juggled responsibilities both in logistics and administration. One persons who worked close with her was Commander Elton Bennett and today she spoke up boldly for her and against domestic abusers:... Elton Bennett- Belize Coast Guard Commander: "The Coast Guard strongly condemns the actions taken by Jason Emanuel against his wife, not only as an organization but myself as a man. And any man standing out there across Belize, anyone who dares support or dare to stand by his actions and try to throw the blame elsewhere is doing serious injustice to the family structure and doing serious injustice to women in this country."

Lisa and Linda
And that strong emotion you saw in our interview with the Coast Guard Vice-Commandant is also what has caused attorney and human rights activist Lisa Shoman to come up with a "Manifesto for Linda". It's an ambitious project she has started in an effort to make major changes in her push to reverse the culture of domestic violence, and improve women's rights. Last night, we gave you a snapshot of the idea, and, tonight, we explore a few of the changes she wants to see made. Here's a few examples of what they look like, ranging from cosmetic to very complex: You can take a thorough look at a draft of the "Manifesto for Linda" on her Facebook page.

PUP Holding Ground In OW
And, now, back to politics. So, earlier in the news, we showed you the nomination day madness for both the PUP and the UDP in Belize City. Well, we also had teams dispatched to the West and the North, and we take you now to the PUP's event in Orange Walk Town. It's significant because incumbent Mayor Kevin Bernard and the outgoing Town Council is the only municipal slate that the PUP won 3 years ago - the only 5 seats of the 67 available countrywide which the opposition holds. And they have to hold unto it - for this reason alone, as well as the fact that this is the home turf of their leader, John Briceno. Daniel Ortiz got a look at how they did in sugar City: Daniel Ortiz reporting: Even though the weather was bad this morning, the PUP still had about 400 supporters who came out to see Incumbent Mayor Kevin Bernard and his PUP team be nominated once again. As it is with any mass party event, the Opposition made sure to put on their best show. The blue carnival strutted through the main streets, and as soon as they arrived in front of the Town's court house, the PUP 7 made their way inside to start the nomination process.

UDP trying To Hold Serve in Corozal
From there, our news team went north for the UDP Nominations in Corozal Town. This location will become a battle ground for both parties in the upcoming municipal elections. That's because the UDP has held onto this Town for 12 years, since 2006, when outgoing Mayor Hilberto Campos got elected. It was considered a sure win for the UDP, but this time around, Campos will not offer himself for a 5th term in office. So, suddenly, that municipality is in play, and the UDP has to hold on to it, and prevent the PUP from snatching it from their grip. Our news team got a chance to meet the UDP slate who's been entrusted with that responsibility, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: Daniel Ortiz reporting: This afternoon, the UDP Corozal 7 got their chance to take over the northernmost town but for a municipality has been a sure thing for the ruling UDP, their crowd of supporters appeared smaller than the PUP's morning demonstration. We counted about 270 participants in their short march to the Nomination area. But the outgoing Mayor, who's served for 12 years and 4 terms in office, is not worried. He told us that he's leaving Corozal to newcomer Richard Quan.

12 Year Old And Adult Killed In Late Evening Shootings
And before we go ahead with tonight's stories - there is breaking news of another murder in the city - two actually. About half an hour ago there was a shooting on West Street near its junction with water lane Multiple credible reports say a 12 year old was fatally shot, along with an adult. We'll have more on this very tragic event in tomorrow's news.

UDP And PUP Showed Off In Capital
At the top of the news we showed you all the action and hype of nomination day in Belize City - and in our middle segment we showed you how it went in the north. Well our Courtney Weatherburne and Codie Noralez were out west and they bring the highlights for both the UDP and PUP nominations in Belmopan and Cayo. We start off in Belmopan where neither party had overwhelming numbers but both teams were optimistic. Here's that story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: This morning, the PUP team moved off well before 10:00 from their Oriole Street office in Belmopan, they marched down to the Civic center with raised flags - the blue and white blending into the clear sky... Change: that's this PUP slate's main campaign message. And when the small crowd of supporters finally assembled at the Civic to witness the official signing - the candidates reflected on all the change they believe they can bring this time around.

UDP Dominant in Cayo
Now in Cayo, the UDP stole the show with all their antics and lively presentations. And how did the PUP do in this UDP stronghold? You be the judge. Here's that story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: It was as if the PUP had already won as they zoomed through Cayo Streets after the nomination signing this morning. They all had nothing but smiles, waves...and chants of excitement. Sure they had the energy on the streets But when the supporters gathered under a tent at the Macal River Park, it was a different scene - more low key. The turnout wasn't impressive either, but PUP Standard Bearer Michel Chebat says that people shouldn't get caught up in today's numbers.

LOO Laments Vacancies
Recently we've been reporting on the vacancy at two government posts which are critical to transparency. That's the Contractor General and the Chair of the Integrity Commission. Last week Friday Deputy Prime Minister Faber said that naming a new integrity chair is complicated and as for a contractor general that is still up in discussion. Opposition leader John Briceno lamented the vacancies today:…

Channel 5

Nominations in for Municipal Elections; P.U.P. First Off the Mark with Confidence in City
As of this Wednesday evening, there are no longer aspirants, but candidates for the March seventh municipal elections. The process of nomination took place under overcast skies countrywide, with rain [...]

Belize City P.U.P.’s Manifesto to be Launched
On Thursday, Belize City’s P.U.P. slate will gather at the Neal Pen Road basketball court to publicly launch their manifesto. But we got a bit of a preview from mayoral [...]

U.D.P. Take Over Streets in Afternoon
In the afternoon, it was the turn of the United Democratic Party’s supporters to show their muscle in Belize City where just a week ago, the People’s United Party held [...]

P.U.P. Wants Old Capital Scalp; U.D.P.’s Target Orange Walk
With just five seats to their name countrywide, any wins for the People’s United Party will be counted a success for party leader John Briceño. But the P.U.P. believes they [...]

Second Overnight Murder Claims Clinton Fitzgibbon in King’s Park
Forty-five-year-old Clinton Fitzgibbon of Eighth Street, Kings Park in the city was shot multiple times on Tuesday night. Fitzgibbon was along with his common-law-wife Dorita Wallace when a gunman walked [...]

In Santa Elena, Residents Puzzle over Vicious Murder of Gian Espat
In the west, a twenty-four year old caretaker was savagely chopped to death. Gian Espat was found dead on Wednesday but was likely murdered two days earlier. His body, already [...]

Co-Workers of Late Hermelinda Parks Tell Story of Strained Marriage
Hermelinda Pinks, the slain wife of Jason Emmanuel, by all accounts was a woman of tremendous strength and fortitude. At the Coast Guard headquarters on the Western Highway where she [...]

Guat Soldiers Make Detention in Belize but Did They Have Authority?
In foreign affairs news, there are sketchy details about an apparent incursion by Guatemalan soldiers into Belizean territory. The question tonight is what authority they had to act. In this [...]

2 Youths Acquitted of 2015 Cayo Murder
Two young men from the villages of Roaring Creek and Camalote were told on Monday in Supreme Court that they no longer had a case to answer on charges of [...]

Political Parties’ Pageantry in Orange Walk
At the top of the newscast, we reported on the activities in the city where both parties pulled out their supporters in numbers.  Nominations to fill a total of sixty-seven [...]

Twin Towns Nomination Day Sedated
There are four mayoral hopefuls for the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council; Marconi Matus of the P.U.P., Earl Trapp for the U.D.P.; Rudy Wade for the B.P.P. and Independent Candidate [...]

Who Else is on the Ballot?
The major parties, the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party, submitted full slates of candidates for all nine municipalities, a total of one hundred and thirty-four nominees. But [...]

Candidates for Belize City Mayor Participate in Evening Forum
The University of Belize has managed to persuade all four Belize City mayoral candidates to participate in a special debate which is ongoing at news time at the Bliss Center [...]

Education Minister Explains Subsidy Funding
The campaign season has been relentless with plenty mudslinging and besmirching candidates at every turn.  The People’s United Party has released an ad claiming that government is spending as much [...]

Search Continues for New Contractor General, Integrity Commission Chair
The search continues for a new Contractor General to replace Godwin Arzu, and for a new head of the Integrity Commission to succeed Justice Marilyn Williams who has moved on [...]

Michael Finnegan Talks Campaign Strategy in Mesop
Mesopotamia is historically a red constituency, controlled by career politician Michael Finnegan.  It is also one of the smallest electoral divisions within Belize City.  Despite its size, the mobilization of [...]

“Boots” Martinez Says He Can Still Deliver in Port
In Port Loyola, it would seem as though Area Representative ‘Boots’ Martinez’s popularity has been waning.  If one were to recall the voter turnout during the 2015 general elections, it [...]

LOVE FM

VIP will boycott Municipal Elections
Municipal Elections is set for March 7 and today nomination day saw representatives from the United Democratic Party, the People’s United Party, the Belize Progressive Party and independent candidates being nominated to run in the upcoming elections. However, the Vision Inspired by the People’s representatives were absent from today’s nomination activities. In a press release, …

Belize Coast Guard mourns the loss of a staff member
Earlier this week, we told you of a couple that was found dead in their home; 46-year-old Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel and her husband 43-year-old Jason Emmanuel. It is alleged that Hermelinda died at the hands of her husband Jason Emmanuel who later turned the gun on himself. The tragedy has sent shock-waves through the Belize …

Second murder on Eight Street within a week
A shooting incident last night in Belize City has left one man dead and a woman hospitalized. The incident occurred on Eight Street just a stone’s throw away from where Luis Dominguez was gunned down and killed on Saturday night. According to a police report, at approximately 11:40 p.m. 45-year-old Clinton Fitzgibbon and 37-year-old Dorita …

“Manifesto for Linda” – a campaign to address domestic violence/women’s rights
When news of the death of Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel spread on social media and at every level of society, presumably at the hands of her husband Jason Emmanuel who was also found dead in their home on Rose Lane Belize City, it triggered the discussion on domestic violence. Many women and even the PUP’s United …

More needed to address domestic violence
Another prominent attorney who has spoken out against domestic violence in Belize is Audrey Matura. She has herself taken up many cases of domestic violence and today she spoke about the social ills that have affected hundreds of women in Belize and the challenges that women face when they try to get out. Audrey Matura …

“Manifesto for Linda” – a campaign to address domestic violence/women’s rights
When news of the death of Hermelinda Pinks Emmanuel spread on social media and at every level of society, presumably at the hands of her husband Jason Emmanuel who was also found dead in their home on Rose Lane Belize City, it triggered the discussion on domestic violence. Many women and even the PUP’s United …

More needed to address domestic violence
Another prominent attorney who has spoken out against domestic violence in Belize is Audrey Matura. She has herself taken up many cases of domestic violence and today she spoke about the social ills that have affected hundreds of women in Belize and the challenges that women face when they try to get out. Audrey Matura …

Blogs

Election Are Just Around the Bend: 6 Interesting Facts about Voting in Belize
As soon as you step foot on our island, you realize that something is up. Flags, banners, t-shirts, posters, music, rallies…elections are near. Very near. In fact, March 7, 2018 is our next election day in Belize. I have witnessed a few Belizean elections in my 10+ years as a resident and many more in the USA…and while each is exciting for various reasons… In the US, voting is a relatively solemn affair. Campaigning is not allowed within a certain distance of the polling station. On election day, most of the action and results are viewing on TV often in the evening into the later night. Here in Belize, rallying, campaigning, parading…they all take place around the polling station (the High School in San Pedro) – it’s actually a pretty exciting day.

Villa's Cafe is now open in Corozal
Looking for quick local fast food Cafe shop in Corozal? On Febraury 24, 2018 Villa's Cafe opened its doors to serve the Corozalenos an excellent food in town. Villa's Cafe is located next Villa's Import in Corozal. We open hour doors from 6am to 5pm. Villa's Cafe is a combined cafe that serves breakfast and Lunch. We offer various food for those who are going to work. No need to worry because we have great food prep just for you. Come try out daily special food we offer for you to try. Some of our menu include's: Sopa de boracho, Rice and Beans, Tostas or with cheese, fish and other selection, we have Salbutes, Tortas, tortas with ham and cheese and other selection on the menu, gorditas, Fry Jack, and a selection of pastries, Crepas, tamales, johny cake, panadas, Rice and beans every Saturday.

TAKING THE “BACK ROADS”….. | AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE
When tourists visit the island for a few days, most have an idea of which well-known bars, beaches, and restaurants they definitely want to try. With a limited amount of time, it’s often difficult to sample all this great little island has to offer. My advice to allow at least one day and “take the back roads”. Explore the small mom and pop stands for the best local food you will find. Take time to shop the street vendors and local fruit stands. Visit backstreet on Tuesday mornings when the Mennonite farmers come from the mainland in boats filled with local produce. Visit Caye Coffee and observe their roasting process of the islands famous coffee. Enjoy a Saturday morning Farmers Market at Mahogany Bay down south, or the Truck Stop on the north side of the island. Rent a golf cart, rent a bicycle or better yet, spend the day walking and truly explore the all the unique little “back road” experiences here on Ambergris Caye Belize.

La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – It’s more than just a race
Over 90 teams are getting ready to compete in the biggest sporting event on Belize’s Calendar: the La Ruta Maya canoe race. The event, which ranks on 40th on Peak Races’ 100 Toughest Races in the World, is a grueling 180 mile race, spanning over four days. Three-man teams tests their skills and preparations by competing in various categories, including: Male, Female, Mixed (male and female), and Masters (over 40 years of age and may include mix of male and female). Teams row with single blade paddles in paddle open canoes which can be up to of 20 feet long. Winning teams are determined on an elapsed time basis, with station pries along the way at the various checkpoints. Teams from Belize, Canada, Japan, and even the U.K. will compete in the annual event. The race kicks off on March 9, 2018 in San Ignacio Town Cayo District just under the Hawksworth Bridge, and ends in Belize City at the BelCan Bridge on March 12.

14 Reasons That Will Urge You to Travel to Belize
Belize is one of the world’s top travel destinations in the world that offers captivating and spectacular attractions and plenty of fun-filled adventure and activities. In this article, we’ll give you ten reasons why Belize should be on top of your travel bucket list. There are Plenty of Cool Places to Stay in Belize: Aside from trying so many exciting things to do in Belize, there are plenty of options for cool places to stay, too. You can choose from different options such as campgrounds, live-aboard vessels, guesthouses, Belize vacation rentals, condominiums, hotels, luxury resorts, and more. From north to south and east to west, here are some of the top best places to visit in Belize.

MUST EAT FOOD IN BELIZE
Belize has Mexico towards its northern borders and Guatemala towards the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east side. Although overshadowed by its better-known neighbors, Belize is still able to hold on its own and shine on the map of tourism because of its untouched jungles and pristine beaches, and not to miss, the rich culinary scene. The small but diverse country reflects its amalgamation of ethnicities in the Belizean kitchen. Here, one can savor dishes from all over the world that have been reinterpreted the local way. Explore Belize, not just for its spectacular views and incredible adventures but also for the new taste sensations that arise from the melting pot of different cuisines! All you need to do is book yourself a Belize overwater bungalow with great views, impeccable services and get ready for an extraordinary journey.

How to Make the Most of Your Belize Vacation
When planning a trip to Belize, some travelers mistakenly assume visiting multiple parts of the country on the same vacation is not possible. Geographically speaking, Belize is tiny enough that you can stay on one of the islands and do day trips back to the mainland’s top attractions. However, if you want to make the most of your Belize vacation, consider what many call a “rainforest/reef” combination. Some resorts even offer packages in partnership with other properties, which can often result in savings for you. Here’s a look at how you can spend a week in both the jungle and beautiful islands of Belize.

2018 Placencia Arts Fest Pics, another great year!
The Arts Fest was another success in 2018! The best way to describe the Art Fest short of being there is to check out some pictures from this year... When you come to Belize, do your self a favor and have a do-it-yourself wine tasting with local wines - totally unique! Garifuna drumming is a huge part of the culture here.

THE BLACK WATER FISHING EXPERIENCE
If you’re a fishing fanatic looking for the next best destination to check off your fishing bucket list, we present to you, Belize – your one-stop destination for an unforgettable fishing vacation! Belize is renowned for having some of the best fishing grounds in the Caribbean with vast waters which present the perfect opportunity to test your skills. Ambergris Caye in particular, offers some of Belize’s best fishing spots for extraordinary deep-sea fishing; and here at Grand Caribe we give you only the best tools to do so. With over 500 species of fish inhabiting our waters, it is truly a fisherman’s paradise. Sport fishermen and tourist alike, travel to Ambergris Caye to experience some of the best deep-sea fishing available in the country. Possible catch includes a variety of Bluefish, Wahoo, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Swordfish, Blue marlin, Barracuda, Kingfish, Amberjack, and Queen Snappers among numerous others.

All About Belize’s La Ruta Maya Race
Four days. 170 miles of rapids and rushing waters. Welcome to La Ruta Maya. The annual canoe race sees teams of three paddle down the Belize River on their epic journey, beginning on March 9. Here at Ka’ana, we’re privileged to be just eight minutes from the race’s launchpoint at Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio. Hundreds of locals see the racers off with rowdy cheers and a marimba band. From there, the groups of professional and amateur canoers speed through 49 winding miles to Banana Bank. Resting for the night, the 100 or so teams—from the likes of Belize, USA, Canada, Japan, and Britain—start out again the next morning for another day of paddling, this time for 60 miles. The last two days are sprints: 36 miles on the third, and a marathon’s-worth 26 miles on the fourth, ending in Belize City where the river meets the Caribbean. Along the way, canoers have to brave the elements and battle rapids. Some shallow areas require teams to carry their canoe by foot, and heavy winds near the Caribbean can upset the tip-prone vessels.

Getting to Belize From Europe
Due to Belize's location in Central America, there are no non-stop flights to the country from Europe. The good news, however, is that it is now easier than ever for people in Europe to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Belize. Directly from London, England: As a former British colony, Belize has always been a popular destination for Britons. American Airlines now offers direct flights to Belize that depart from London's Heathrow Airport and make a stop in Miami, Florida before continuing on to Belize. Flights to Belize depart four times per week from Heathrow and have only a short layover in Miami before continuing directly to Belize City. Via Mexico: Other options to get to Belize from Europe involve flying to the neighboring country of Mexico. Multiple airlines across Europe (including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic) offer non-stop flights to top destinations in Mexico, including Mexico City, Cancun, Merida, and Playa del Carmen.

Chaa Creek And Inland Belize Meet Boston TV
Ah, Boston…what’s not to like? Known as the Cradle of Liberty, with the Boston Tea Party pretty much kicking off the American Revolution, and home to Harvard University, Fenway Park, the Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, Boston Baked Beans, musical icons the Boston Pops and Aerosmith, and an urban design and road system that can only be described as magical (in that getting across town involves an enchanted, rather than rational approach). Yes, we like Boston, so it’s great news to know that Boston likes Chaa Creek. For proof, check out this newscast on popular Beantown ABC television station WCVB TV channel 5, where reporter Anthony Everett starts out extolling the virtues of Ambergris Caye before informing his viewers that: “But the coast isn’t the nation’s only calling card. Belize is in fact a many splendored thing. It’s the perfect place for a little ‘R and R’ – reef and rainforest.”

Belize’s Maya: Thousands Of Years Later, Still Making News!
A few years ago we covered a story about Maya artefacts from Belize going on a road show across the US of A, drawing and wowing large audiences wherever they went. Which doesn’t surprise because – call us biased – it’s a beautiful collection of striking objects from one of the most fascinating civilisations humankind has ever produced. And the other day we were delightfully interested to see that now, some four years later, US media is once again singing the praises of the “Maya: Hidden World Revealed” exhibit, featuring over 230 Maya archaeological artefacts displayed over some 10,000- square feet in select museums, science centres and other venues.

The Top 8 Eco-Adventures in Belize
For those interested in eco-adventures, Belize is the ideal place. The country is a pioneer in sustainable and ecotourism due to the abundance of natural attractions that remain practically unchanged since travelers first visited Belize. National parks, reserves, and preserves are located throughout the country, protecting the land and sea: the habitats and ecosystems of an array of plant, animal and marine species. For example, Belize’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s only preserve dedicated to protecting the mighty jaguar. Another example is Half Moon Caye, which was the first marine protected area to be established in Central America. It is evident that from early on, Belize recognized the value of protecting its flora and fauna and through eco-tours, Belize’s natural beauty is sustained.

Videos

February 21, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Scotiabank Belize announces closing of branch offices
Scotiabank Belize announced today that it will be closing its Spanish Lookout Branch effective April 20, 2018 and its Placencia Branch effective June 22, 2018. Like any organization, Scotiabank continuously reviews its operations on a local and global scale to ensure we meet the needs of our customers while maximizing operational efficiencies. Scotiabank is now focused on ensuring our customers are informed of these changes and guiding them through this process. We are also committed to supporting our employees through this transition while staying true to our principles of treating employees, fairly, equitably and with respect.

San Pedro’s PUP 7 launches Manifesto on Ambergris Caye
The Belize Rural South People’s United Party (PUP) slate launched their manifesto on Saturday, February 17th in front of Evelia Paz residence at the end of Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro Town. As the 2018 Municipal Elections draw near, the event gave the opportunity to the aspiring candidates to present what they want to accomplish if they manage to be elected. Present at the launch was PUP Mayoral Candidate, André Pérez, the six councilor candidates and PUP Party Leader, John Briceño, who addressed a large crowd of supporters. The event began at 9PM, with Master of Ceremonies, Alex Nuñez, welcoming the attendees and thanking them for their presence. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and the national prayer by Santos Acosta. Nuñez then invited the first counselor to the podium, Ruben Navidad, who thanked the attendees for their support and decided to speak on the street conditions of the island and other infrastructural issues.

BEL Establishes Relationship with CFE Affiliate
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has established a new relationship with Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) through its affiliate company, CFE Calificados to create new opportunities for energy trade. A new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed today with CFE Calificados, enabling BEL to purchase more power from Mexico when prices are low. This new agreement replaces the previous PPA with CFE.

U.S. Embassy holds annual Town Hall meeting on Ambergris Caye
Citizens of the United States of America (U.S.) who live on Ambergris Caye convened at The Blue Water Grill on Friday, February 16th to attend the annual Town Hall meeting sponsored by the Embassy of the United States of America in Belize. Representatives from the Embassy addressed the group of expatriates at the lunch meeting. Yomaris Macdonald, Consular Chief, opened the town hall and provided Consular updates and information about what services the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of U.S. Embassy Belmopan’s Consular Section provides to U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Belize. Macdonald also introduced U.S. Wardens for Ambergris Caye Jeff Bella and Tamara Sniffin and explained that as volunteers they are here to assist expats in contacting the appropriate Embassy officials when needed. Following Macdonald, Julie Yapp, Assistant Regional Security Officer, gave a security briefing. Yapp informed that the Embassy security officers are Federal Law Enforcement Officers and they are here to assist local law agencies when a U.S. citizen is involved. She pointed out that the Embassy does not interfere with the legal process, but they can assure that proper procedure is followed.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High School Holds Fun Career Week 2018
San Pedro High School celebrated Career Week from Monday, February 12, 2108 to Friday, February 16, 2018 under the theme “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together”, it was a week full of events including general assemblies with motivating speakers, students dressing up and an unforgettable closing ceremony. Students got to hear a very motivational and fun general assembly with a very popular Belizean person, Oceana Belize’s Janelle Chanona. Janelle spoke to the student body about her studies, her dreams and her goals. She shared with them how she wanted to be a marine biologist but while studying she crossed paths in the journalist field and found out she can be a lawyer, a marine biologist and much more while in that field. She loved her job even though it wasn't what she had dreamed of becoming she then became the chairperson of Oceana Belize where she has become and advocate to help save our beautiful Barrier Reef.

Successful Fundraiser Held For Charlie Trent
Recently Charlie was diagnosed with complications from a stroke, so his friends jumped in to give Charlie much needed financial help to combat medical needs. On Sunday, February 11, 2018, Dianne Lawrence (AKA Quicksilver), with the huge help from Carlo and Ernie, Runway Bar, a fundraiser was held from noon to 5pm. The festivities included music by Dennis Wolfe, Jr., Carlos Jex and Gary, followed later by DJ Trax. Travelers Rum donated bottles of rum not only for raffling off, but sales from the product offered 25% donation to the cause. A bake sale offered everything from cheesecakes and pints of curry sauce to cakes, cookies and even doggie biscuits! Charlie Trent, AKA Charlie T., has been in San Pedro for a long time. Charlie became a friend to many after retiring here some 15 years ago. Charlie suffered a bad stroke but that didn’t put him down – oh no! Fighting back, you can find him most of the times at Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar & Grill or up at Sandy Toes enjoying visits with his friends and fellow SP Walk-a-Holics!

Movie Casting Call In Belize
Hi! My name is Grecia Méndez and I am casting manager for the movie “Tragic Jungle”, under the direction of the distinguished Mexican filmmaker, Yulene Olaizola. We are currently looking for Belizean talent to play the main character; also, two secondary characters, as well as extras. I am reaching out to the Belizean Community through Ambergris Today to announce the casting event that will be held in Belize City very soon and it is very important for us to be able to contact as much candidates as possible. It is a very big opportunity to be able to participate in this international and prime project and we are very excited in this collaboration with Belize.

Environmental Screening & Regularization Of Existing Hotels
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been working in conjunction with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in ensuring that existing and new hotel facilities are compliant with the environmental laws of Belize, particularly in obtaining environmental clearance. For the BTB, this is a pre-requisite for the renewal of the hotel license.

Belize Electricity Limited Signs A New Power Purchase Agreement With Mexico
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has established a new relationship with Mexico’s Comision Federal de Electrcidad (CFE) through its affiliate company. CFE Calificados to create new opportunities for energy trade. A new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed on Monday with CFE Calificados, enabling BEL to purchase more power from Mexico when prices are low. This new agreement replaces the previous PPA with CFE.

Misc Belizean Sources

Kindy take note of Archeological site update
WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018: ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE OPEN FOR VISITATION. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE UNTIL THIS SITUATION CHANGES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION AT ALL TIMES. LIFE VEST IS MANDATORY AT CAVE SITES.

Paint N Splash
Join us on Thursday from 2-4pm to paint “Tie Dye Leaves”. Remember to sign up on the website to save your spot!

Blackfish spotted in coastal Belize!
This image (and coming videos) come from a captain who observed this group west of the Drowned Cayes. We are currently working to confirm if these are false killer whales or melon-head whales. Importantly, these are deepwater animals in Belize and their presence in shallow lagoon waters could mean they are lost, disoriented, and may possibly strand. If anyone has information on these animals or knows captains regularly passing through the Drowned Cayes, please be on the lookout and please let us know if you see them! This is one of a handful of sightings of this species in Belize, and if they do strand, we may be able to help them!

Redesigned Visitor's Center at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
As part of our co-management agreement with the Government of Belize, BAS continues in its engagement of environmental education and visitor management of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with a re-introduced Visitor's Center. Through environmental education and advocacy to visitors, BAS Staff have engaged with tourists and Belizeans alike, and up to ~1,000+ school-aged children in a year. We are elated to re-introduce infrastructure back into the Sanctuary as we prepare to continue sharing the value of conservation!

Annual Reef Week swim across the English Caye Channel
Join us for the annual #ReefWeek swim across the English Caye Channel on Monday, March 12th in support of all things awesome about our Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage site. Started in 2013, Reef Week is an initiative led by "Reef-minded" organizations coming together to celebrate Belize’s national resources, through a week-long celebration nationwide!

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday FEBRUARY 21st @ 7:00pm. LONE STAR GRILL AND CANTINA. Agenda: (subject to change) 7:10 Treasurer’s Report, 7:20 Introduction of a Patrol Officer, 7:30 Incident Report, 7:40 Neighborhood Updates, 7:50 New Business, 8:00 Open floor. PLEASE ATTEND AND BRING A NEIGHBOR!

San Pedro Town Council Closed Today
The San Pedro Town Council hereby advises the general public that its offices will be closed tomorrow, February 21st, 2018, due to Elections 2018 Nomination Day. We will resume to regular working hours on Thursday, February 22, 2018. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Barrier Reef Drive closed for Nomination Day
Drivers are advised to avoid the town center Wednesday the 21st unless you are supporting the political parties. It will be very busy and Barrier Reef Drive will be closed as the different political parties arrive at the Town Hall to carry out the nomination process. Please be patient if you are held up and follow any instructions given by the Traffic Wardens or Police. We also remind people that there will be NO parking outside the Town Hall. Vehicles will be removed if they are in the way. We must allow both parties free access to the Town Hall. Thank you for your under standing.

THE CJC EXPO AND TRADE SHOW 2018
We all have been waiting for this day. PIN it on your diary. "Each year, the Corozal Junior College continues to strive “In Pursuit of Excellence.” Through our programs and school sponsored events, such as the ANNUAL CJC EXPO AND TRADE SHOW 2018, we have seen many students’ lives changed for the better. We have provided students with hands-on and practically real experiences as they simulate owning a business. The success of the event can be measured by the number of students who emerge better prepared from this experience when they eventually face the workplace. In particular, the EXPO AND TRADE SHOW has enjoyed great success in the past years. Many of our students have been able to enter society as productive citizens in the workplace and as proactive citizens establishing businesses of their own.

Benque Elderly Appreciation Day
The Benque DYS teamed up with the Benque Youth Group and Helpage Benque to have an Elderly Appreciation Day. They got the Benque Viejo Marimba Band to play at the event. Lots of smiling faces there. DYS Benque Youth Center collaborated with the Benque Viejo Volunteers Youth Group and Helpage Benque to host their first Elderly Appreciation Day. The purpose of the event was for the youth group members to show their appreciation to the elders in their community. They did so by sharing a luncheon together filled with delicious food and great music. The music was provided by the Benque Viejo Marimba band “Voz de la Celba”. One of the main highlights of the day occurred when the youth interviewed the elders on how life in Benque Viejo was during their youth and what their recommendations are on how they would want to see the Benque Community today.

Volunteers Needed
No more than 125 pairs of macaws are believed to exist in the wilds of Belize. We can help build that number by protecting them. Join us on this effort.

U.S. Embassy Town Hall Meeting in PUnta Gorda
Thursday, February 22 at 10 AM - 12 PM, The Sea Front Inn 4 Front St., Punta Gorda. 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):

MAYA STORY: THE PHEASANT,DEER AND THE RATTLE SNAKE
Long ago, but a long time ago, Mr. Itzamná decided to create a land that was so beautiful that everyone who knew it would want to live there, in love with its beauty. Then he created El Mayab, the land of the elect, and planted in it the most beautiful flowers that adorned the roads, created huge cenotes whose crystalline waters reflected the light of the sun and also deep caverns full of mystery. Later, Itzamná gave the new land to the Maya and chose three animals to live forever in El Mayab and whoever thought of them would remember it immediately. Those chosen by Itzamná were the pheasant, the deer and the rattlesnake. The Maya lived happily and were in charge of building palaces and stone cities. Meanwhile, the animals chosen by Itzamná never tired of touring the Mayab.

Channel 7

Caretaker Hacked To Death In San Ignacio
The murder count for 2018 keeps growing. A farm caretaker was killed out west - chopped to death and his body found this morning at around 11:30. After getting a call, Police found 24 year old Gian Carlos Espat's body inside a house at the Capital Heights Farm in the Trapeche area of Santa Elena. He had been chopped several times behind the head. Information is that his body was on the bed and he was covered up to his chest with a white sheet. A bucket of blood was also in front of him. Reports say he was last seen yesterday evening drinking with two other men in the Cayo area.

Toddler Fell In the Well, Found The Morning After
And from violence in the west to tragedy down south - a 3 year old baby boy drowned in a well in Silk Grass, Hopkins. His mother, 24 year old Chelsey Castillo told police that between 1:00 and 4:00 yesterday afternoon her 3 year old son Keon was playing with friends in Silk Grass - where the toddler lives with his grandmother. When the grandmother - went looking him around 4:00, he was nowhere to be found. But, the mother - who lives. down the road in Hopkins - didn't report him missing to police until 5:30 this morning. And one hour later - at 6:35 they found him floating face down in a 6 foot deep well in Silk Grass. Police say the body had no sign of physical injuries.

The Lesson of Linda’s Death
The issue of domestic violence continues to be the center of the national discourse since Saturday, when the news spread that 46 year-old Hermelinda Pinks-Emmanuel and her husband, Jason Emmanuel, were found dead inside their Belize City home. The theory is that Jason shot Linda in the head, and that he then turned his gun on himself and committed suicide. The big question that everyone wants answered is why did this happen? Well, Linda's family, who have been very forthcoming with the press, have told us that the couple had marital problems over the issue of infidelity.

Senior Citizen Stabbed During Home Invasion
Around 2:00 this afternoon, there was a home invasion at a house on Morning Glory Street in the St. Martin's area of Belize City - and it ended up with a senior citizen being stabbed. Reports say two men climbed on the verandah of the house and entered through an open door. The men stabbed a 77-year-old man who was in the house and took a phone and cash. Fortunately he was only injured to the hand.

Capital Cops Caught Stolen Hyundai
This 2010 Hyundai Tucson with Cayo plates was stolen from Guatemala - and will be returned to its country of origin. That's what Belmopan police say after investigation led them to the vehicle which was registered in Punta Gorda. Interestingly, it is registered to a police officer - but it cannot be established that he knowingly bought a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was brought into the country, fraudulently registered - and then sold on the market as legitimate.

Two Daughters Accused of Mashing Up Mom’s House
Two women have been charged for trashing their mothers Roaring Creek home. 57 year old Daphne Hanson reported that she and a couple friends were at her house on Sunday afternoon When her daughters, Beverly Hanson and Jessica Wagner showed up at the house. She said they were upset with her choice of company. When Hanson wouldn't get rid of her friends, her daughters got into a rage, and allegedly grabbed a knife and a machete and ripped up her sofa set, destroyed her TV, DVD player and stereo system, all to a total value of $2,800. Both were charged with one count of damage to property. In court, they were granted bail of $1000. The conditions are that Hanson and Wagner are not to contact or go within 100 yards of their mother. Their court case was adjourned until April 20th.

Living A Belizean Dream
Our next two stories are about a pair of Belizean sister resorts - which have consistently garnered top honours in Trip Advisors' Travelers' Choice Awards. Now, we always report on these awards - and all the posh resorts that usually only tourists visit. But, this weekend, Courtney Weatherburne and cameraman Codie Norales wanted to try it for themselves. So - with the assistance of the ownership group - they travelled down south to visit the Coco Plum Island Resort and Belizean Dreams Resort. We start on-shore at Belizean Dreams in Hopkins:... Matt and Dara spent most of their Friday evening lounging on the breezy beachside in Hopkins. From the looks of things, it may seem that they have known each other for years but really, they just met. And there is nothing that says "life long bond" better than a shared Belikin beer. But they really owe their new friendship to the lively and open atmosphere at Belizean Dreams Resort.

World Class: Coco Plum Island Resort
And from there Courtney and Codie took a boat over to Cocoa Plum Island Resort which has the distinct honour of getting named in the Trip Advisor awards for being among the top 10 hotels in the world for Best Small Hotels. Courtney found out how they've earned that mark of distinction:.. A 30 minute boat ride off the coast of Dangriga lands you in paradise - Coco Plum Island and Resort. And with that sweet tropical blend, the island fun begins. There is something to do everyday - these buddies enjoy going at the corn hole. These guests like to challenge each other at a few rounds of horse shoe. While this crowd loves hanging out by the bar and eating delicious beef tacos. Others rather be pampered at the spa. And if that isn't enough, there are plenty of other activities and tours guests can enjoy. And I went on one of those tours - my first time snorkeling. It was terrifying at first but once I got the breathing technique down, the sea opened up to me:

Belize and Nigeria Sign Tech. Cooperation Agreement
Yesterday we told you about the three new ambassadors that came to Belize and presented their credentials. Janet Olisa was one of the ambassadors from Nigeria. Today she held a press conference to discuss a new technical agreement that was signed between Nigeria and Belize. Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, Nigerian High Commissioner to Belize: "Nigeria Belize is a very important relationship for us. In the sense that we are one people that have passed over the centuries of movement to the transatlantic. We are grateful for the ability to reconnect. Nigeria Belize has further ensured through a technical agreement which allows Nigeria to provide technical assistance to Belize in whatever field, area, or sector the Belize Government chooses."

Independent Candidate Lara Alleges UDP Tried To Buy Her Out
Maria Lara is an independent councilor candidate for the BPP in Punta Gorda town. She's relatively obscure but has risen quite suddenly to national prominence after she alleged that the UDP tried to buy her out - so that she would not run as an independent. Lara gave an interview to PGTV - which is owned by her political boss Wil Maheia. She makes it clear that she had - sometime before - asked UDP activists in her town for assistance with her Galen University fees. That eventually led her to Andre Price, and form there to Juliet Thimbriel. Here's how she explained it:.. Maria Lara, BPP Candidate: "I met Mr. Price the other night, and he asked me the same thing, if I was getting help to cover my school fees at Galen University, and I told him not yet. Then he told me his party is going to help me, and he will check someone that he can talk to, to help me pay all my bills. The following day I got a call which was yesterday and I went to meet them at Mr. Eden's Farm and I met there one of the senator. I think her name was Miss Juliet and I didn't expect what they asked me to do; first I needed to do that before I get the help."

Education Minister Opposes Multi Million Dollar Election Expenditure
And while that is a new example of the oldest game of political leveraging - the PUP allege that the UDP is also pulling a page from the dirty tricks playbook by using public funds to for political ends. The allegation is that over 2 million surplus dollars from the education budget is being disbursed for educational assistance for those who pledge to support the UDP in this campaign. Yesterday the Minister of Education said they did come in under budget - but there's no money in the public coffers:... Hon. Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister: "We are winding down the financial year, the ministry goes through an exercise to see where funds have not been spent and we try to channel those funds to areas that we feel are important. We have recognized that there is the potential for that kind of savings given the line items."

Flashback To 2015
And with all this finger pointing and allegation making - you know that we are deep into the "silly season" of politics. It's the time when politicians with a proven track record of little or no integrity make claims about duplicity and dirty tricks against opposing politicians - who also have a proven integrity deficit. Of course, that's politics - and tomorrow the red and blue bulls will be on parade - stomping their way to the respective nomination centers in all 9 municipalities. Belize City with its ten divisions - is the base of political power - and tonight we have a flashback to the last municipal nomination day on February 11, 2015 to see who had the bigger crowd on that day:…

The Many Problems Of Kurt Morgan
You may remember San Ignacio resident Kurt Morgan. He's came to our office back in December 2016 complaining bitterly of police harassment, after he and his common-law wife, Shaun Gardener, were arrested and charged with drug possession because one of their friends was smoking marijuana back when it was illegal to be in possession of any amount of marijuana. Well, it's been just over 13 months, and today, his common-law wife came to us complaining that the harassment has only gotten worse. He's at the Belize Central Prison at this time after being charged robbery, for allegedly holding up a tourist at gunpoint and mugging her of her iPhone and her wallet which had $300 cash. Gardener says that the way this alleged harassment plays out is that he is always their first suspect whenever any crime is committed in that jurisdiction, and that, there is a certain police officer who is targeting him.

Two Side To Caye Caulker Story
There was a stabbing yesterday morning in Caye Caulker village. Police responded to reports of a fight in an area known as the Palapa - where the warring parties had already fled. They then tracked down a vessel on the Western Side of the Island where they found 34 year old Jamal Bennett with a stab wound to his midsection and shoulder. Police say Bennett was involved in a fight with 31 year old Jermaine Grant. But villagers say that police actually chased after the culprits and opened fire in a public area. What's more they allege that one of the men bartered for his freedom - by turning over a gun - which was labelled as found property. WE know that to be standard police procedure - so the story does have some credence.

Channel 5

Afternoon Murder in Twin Towns
There’s another murder to report tonight. Twenty-four-year-old Santa Elena caretaker Gian Espat was chopped to death in the west. Just before midday today, police found Espat’s body inside a wooden [...]

Co-workers Say No Warning Signs in Murder-Suicide
The families of Jason Emmanuel and Hermelinda Pinks continue to reel in the aftermath of the murder suicide of the pair on Saturday.  Pinks was found dead on her bed [...]

Toddler Drowns in Silk Grass
A three-year-old toddler from Silk Grass, Stann Creek District, lost his life by drowning in a well in the village. The boy, Keon Martinez, lived with his grandmother, fifty-one-year-old Francine [...]

Mexico’s Gain is Free Zone’s Loss
Business at the Commercial Free Zone continues to be affected by Mexican consumers purchasing goods and services in their homeland, instead of shopping in Belize.  The exclusive business location was [...]

Will Trade Agreement Help?
According to Juarez, there are instances where prices on the shelves at the free zone aren’t as eye-catching as they are across the border.  While he could not provide an [...]

Punta Gorda B.P.P. Candidate Alleges Bribery by U.D.P. Officials
On the eve of nomination day, the Belize Progressive Party is charging that one of its municipal candidates in Punta Gorda Town was approached to step down as a candidate [...]

Third Party’s Top Brass Condemn “Low” Political Tactics
Lara says she is disappointed by the incident, but her bosses at the B.P.P. are furious. Political leader Patrick Rogers told us via telephone this evening that the larger political [...]

Nomination Day is Here!
This Wednesday, both major political parties are expected to take out their supporters in numbers as they head to the various offices designated for nomination centers, countrywide. There, after a [...]

No Cell Phones in the Voting Booth
Nomination Day paves the way for Election Day. The voters list for the municipal election shows that there are one hundred and fourteen thousand five hundred and seventy-four persons eligible [...]

Rejected Vs Spoilt Ballots – What’s the Difference?
Except for Belize City where voters are casting their vote for ten councilors and a mayor, in the Capital Belmopan and the remaining municipalities, it is six councilor candidates and [...]

Fixing Government Oversight: the Case of the Contractor General
The Government has indicated that Contractor General Godwin Arzu will be replaced as a result of failing to meet requirements in legislation to submit annual reports on his work since [...]

Business Senator Says Integrity Commission Should Reverse Decision in Filing
The Integrity Commission is presently without a chairman as now-Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Williams resigned at the start of January. On Friday we heard from Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber [...]

Stabbing Reported in Caye Caulker
A Caye Caulker resident is tonight recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for stabbing injuries he received just after eleven on Monday morning on the north side of the [...]

Mario Vernon Family Alleges Cover-Up, Harassment by Police
Mario Vernon’s family says they will not let up. They believe that there is a cover-up surrounding the death of the twenty-four-year-old Punta Gorda resident and grandson of the iconic [...]

Another Award for Kendis Gibson
Belizean-American news anchor Kendis Gibson has another award to put on his shelf. He is scheduled to receive an award at the 2018 International Red Carpet Affair and Dance on [...]

Attitudes Must Change on Campaigning and Financing
What was once whispered about has now, in some quarters, been stated openly: no money, no vote! With municipal elections two weeks away, it is open season for vote-buying or [...]

Nigeria’s Representative to Belize Touts Relationship
Janet Olisa was one of three ambassadors who presented her credentials to Governor General Sir Colville Young on Monday in Belmopan. She is the appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to [...]

African Giants Extend Helping Hand
Also, part of Olisa’s duties will be to minister to the growing Nigerian community in Belize which ranges from nurses in the hospitals to sculptor Stephen Okeke. She told News [...]

Pioneering Attorney Speaks to Enforcing the Law on Domestic Abuse
As we reported earlier in the newscast, the issue of domestic abuse is once again at the center of an open discussion in which many, including lawyers and women’s rights [...]

CTV3

No Murder Charge As Yet In The Case of Braulia Pech
More than a month has gone by since the brutal killing of fifty-four- year-old Braulia Pech in the village of Carmelita and until today, her son twenty-five-year-old Andy Rhaburn who stands accused of her murder has not been charged for the vicious crime. Rhaburn as viewers may recall is accused of causing his mother’s death after he hit her on the head with a crow bar on the morning of January 16th at the family’s home in Carmelita village. Rhaburn was also accused of attacking forty-three-year-old Lilia Xujur some 300 yards away from where he attacked his mother.

New Species Of Shark Identified
A new species of shark has been identified as the Atlantic sixgill shark. The new species which for many decades’ scientists believed to be the same as the Pacific sixgill shark measures up to 6 feet in length, making them relatively smaller than their Indo-Pacific relatives, which can grow to 15 feet or longer. Six-gill sharks are described as having a “unique, saw-like lower teeth and six gill slits” while most sharks have five gill slits, however according to scientists that is as far as the similarities go for the two species.

Scotia Bank Belize Calls it Quits In Spanish Lookout And Placencia
Scotiabank Belize Limited made a public announcement yesterday informing the general public that it will be closing down two of the company’s branches effective June 22nd, 2018. These include the Spanish Lookout and the Placencia Branches. While no precise detail was provided in the release as to why the decision to shut down these two branches were made, Scotiabank indicated that similar to other organizations, the company continuously evaluates its operations from a local and global perspective so as to certify that the needs of customers are met while maximizing operational efficiencies.

LOVE FM

Re-registration is set for July 2018
It has been twenty-one years since the last re-registration took place in Belize and many including the People’s United Party, the Belize Progressive Party and Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action were hoping that another re-registration would take place before March 7 elections since they believe that the voters’ list needs to be clean up. …

The political parties gear up for Nomination Day
Tomorrow supporters of the political parties will take to the streets in numbers as the candidates who will contest the post of Mayor and Councilors in the nine municipalities across the country will go to be nominated. Brendalyn Staine, Registering Officer at the Election & Boundaries Department said they have made the necessary preparations. Brendalyn …

Election & Boundaries prep for elections
Municipal elections have been set for Wednesday, March 7. The two major political parties will contest all seats across the country. The Belize Progressive Party is expected to field a full slate of candidates in Punta Gorda and some candidates in Belize City. Registering Officer at the Election and Boundaries Department, Brendalyn Staine said they …

Belize City family survives home invasion
A family in Belize City is recuperating after they were attacked in their own house this afternoon. It happened at around twelve thirty at a residence in the Lake Independence Area. Two unmasked men gained entry to the house by climbing to the verandah on the second floor before holding up a 77-year-old man and …

Nigerian High Commissioner wants stronger relations with Belize
Yesterday morning, High Commissioner of Nigeria Janet Omoleegho Olisa, presented her credentials to Belize’s Governor General, Sir Colville Young. During the presentation, Olisa shared her country’s willingness to foster a stronger and durable diplomatic relationship with Belize. Olisa who is also Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica and a resident of that country, met with the …

BPP Candidate alleges attempted ‘buy out’
They say there are two sides to a story but in the following story, there seems to be more. The story revolves around a municipal candidate for the Belize Progressive Party. Her name is Maria Lara and she wants to be a town councilor in Punta Gorda under the green banner. Lara, who has bills …

Belize City tour guides do not want to move
Yesterday we told you that Belize City tour guides are upset with the Belize Tourism Board after they learned that they would be relocated. According to the tour guides, the BTB made a decision to relocate the tour guides from in front of Fort Street Tourism Village to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The tour …

Chunox Polyclinic officially opened
Last week Friday the Chunox Polyclinic was officially opened to serve residents, not only from the village but also from other communities. According to the Government, the clinic will serve close to ten thousand people, mainly from the Corozal District. The Chunox Polyclinic cost close to one million dollars to construct and equip. Government funded …

Belizean artworks to be displayed at Donna Service Gallery
Artworks of Belizeans will be on display at a gallery in the USA. More than 50 works on paper and canvas from Belizean faculty and students are scheduled to be put on display starting on Friday at the Donna Service Gallery at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). According to the school, the collection of artwork …

‘Roni’ receives James A. Waight Conservation Award
Ronaldi “Roni” Martinez is the thirty first recipient of the James A. Waight Conservation Award. Martinez was nominated by Caves Branch Lodge and the San Pedro Sun, who both described him as a “vibrant role model for budding conservationists of all ages.” He is a bird guide by profession and one of the founders of …

PlusTV

Murder Suicide in Belize City
A murder suicide occurred in Belize City on Saturday evening. While police have not confirmed who was pulled the trigger, it is believed that 43 year old Jason Emmanuel shot and killed his wife, 46 year old Hermelinda Pinks and then turned the gun on himself and ended his own life. It is another st...

Luis Dominguez gunned down
There was another murder in Belize City. 35 year old Luis Dominguez was shot and killed on Saturday night. According to police reports, Dominguez was sitting on a table inside a yard on 8th Street when he was approached by a dark complexion male person. That person was armed and fired several shots ...

Security guard at UB shot
There was a shooting on Friday night in Belize City. A security guard on duty at one of the UB campuses in Belize City was shot. Police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo: Sometime after 1:25 this morning, police responded to a shooting incident at the Faculty of Education at the University of Belize,...

Succotz man dies in hit and run incident
There was a fatal hit and run incident on Saturday night. According to police reports, on Saturday February 17th sometime before 7 p.m., 46 year old Arcenio Itza was walking from the direction of Central Farm towards Esperanza Village when he was hit by a vehicle that was travelling in the same dir...

Stabbing on Caye Caulker
There was a stabbing incident on Caye caulker today. Details are sketchy at this time. Police would only confirm that one person was airlifted to Belize City and is at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital receiving treatment for stab wounds. What transpired and the severity of the injuries are unknown...

John Cus charged for raping American tourist
Police have arrested and charged 37 year old John Cus for rape. Cus, an Electrician of San Pedro, Ambergris CAye, is said to be the man who raped an American Tourist on the island. Last week reported that the 25 year old American tourist, reported that at about 4:30 a.m. on February 11th, she was a...

Two arrested for Ladyville Robbery
25 year old Tarique Munnings and a 17 year old minor were jointly charged in relation to that armed robbery of Bowen & Bowen delivery man and others at a Chinese store in Ladyville village that occurred last week. The two were allegedly part of a group of four men who robbed a Bowen and Bowen ...

Murder suspect on remand busted with weed in prison
Prison inmate 40-year-old Oliver Peters is on remand at the Belize Central Prison awaiting his Preliminary Inquiry for a murder, but while waiting, he picked up a new charge while behind bars. Police say that on Sunday, February 11, while inside the Belize Central Prison, they found Peters in possession of 10 grams of weed. While 10 grams has been decriminalized, it does not apply to prisoners and so Peters was read a single charge of drug trafficking with

Literacy as a national priority
The launch of Literacy as a National Priority by the Ministry of Education was held today. Literacy is of utmost importance to the development of a nation and today, a recommitment was made to prioritize it in schools. Dr. Carol Babb explained the purpose of the launch today. Dr. Carol Babb, CEO Ministry of Education: Today we are recommitting with a more strategic plan in mind to ensure that students are reading at their grade level. One might say that literacy is already a responsibility of the ministry of education, and that is true, but today we are recommitting our efforts with all our partners to ensure that literacy is a reality for all our students.

Southwest makes emergency landing due to depressurization
A Southwest Airlines flight headed from Belize to Denver, Colorado had to make an emergency landing in Houston on Sunday February 18. Reports are that Flight 289 depressurized mid-flight. According to reports, the pilots took the emergency landing for passenger safety because flying at above 10,000 feet without pressurization can pose health risks to passengers and to avoid any incidents, the plane landed in Houston.

Cocaine found in Belize City ; Gun found in Caye Caulker
584.5 grams of cocaine were found by police on Saturday. About 2:30 p.m., Police conducted a search in an abandoned house on Freetown Road, Belize City, which led to the discovery of the drugs. No one was found in the area and the drugs were deposited as found property Caye Caulker Police visited found a gun and ammunition on the north end of the island this evening. The 9mm pistol along with five 9mm ammunitions were retrieved and deposited as found property.

BTB donates over $100,000 for disaster relief efforts
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and its partners in the industry have donated over one hundred thousand dollars to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The check for $119,868 is specifically for regional disaster relief efforts for countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria which both tore through the Caribbean last September.

Three new Ambassadors to Belize
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, February 19th, to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and H.E. Mr. Tasawar Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic State of Pakistan; all presented their credentials to the Governor-General.

Southwest makes emergency landing due to depressurization
A Southwest Airlines flight headed from Belize to Denver, Colorado had to make an emergency landing in Houston on Sunday February 18. Reports are that Flight 289 depressurized mid-flight. According to reports, the pilots took the emergency landing for passenger safety because flying at above 10,000 ...

Cocaine found in Belize City ; Gun found in Caye Caulker
584.5 grams of cocaine were found by police on Saturday. About 2:30 p.m., Police conducted a search in an abandoned house on Freetown Road, Belize City, which led to the discovery of the drugs. No one was found in the area and the drugs were deposited as found property Caye Caulker Police visited ...

BTB donates over $100,000 for disaster relief efforts
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and its partners in the industry have donated over one hundred thousand dollars to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The check for $119,868 is specifically for regional disaster relief efforts for countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria which both tore ...

Three new Ambassadors to Belize
Three ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence today, February 19th, to the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young at the Belize House in Belmopan. H.E. Mrs. Janet Omoleegho Olisa, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Yasser Morad Osman Hosni, Ambassador of t...

Amandala

Murder-suicide on Rose Lane
A crowd of onlookers gathered on the street in front of #5 Rose Lane on Saturday evening sometime after 5 p.m. A police crime scene tape cordoned off the area from the curious spectators, as the police and crime scene technicians were about to get underway inside. There were whispers in the crowd that a man and his wife were inside the house. They were dead. A neighbor told Amandala that she had heard a loud bang that sounded like a gunshot, and that was followed by another loud bang, several minutes later. Family members became suspicious when they made several calls to the couple’s phone, but got no answer.

Alfredo Pech, 67, charged for impregnating girl, 14
Alfredo Pech, 67, a resident of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District, who was remanded into custody for a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse, was released on a bail of $8,000 that was offered to him today by Justice Herbert Lord. The virtual complainant, a 14-year-old girl who is pregnant, reported to the police that Pech had sex with her in January. Pech had been arraigned in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court on February 1 and was remanded until March 9.

Chinese community celebrates the Year of the Dog
Over the weekend almost 7,000 members of the Chinese community in Belize celebrated the Chinese New Year. In an exclusive interview with the Amandala, chairman of the Chinese Association, Edmund Kwan, explained that the Chinese have dubbed this year the Year of the Dog. The dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac after the rooster and before the pig. For those who were born in the year of the dog, this year is considered a very unlucky year for them.

PUP mayoral candidate, Bernard Wagner, addresses new regulations at FSTV
People’s United Party (PUP) mayoral candidate, Bernard Wagner called a press conference this afternoon to address the new regulations that are being introduced at the Fort Street Tourism Village (FSTV) after a number of workers in the tourism industry called KREM’s Wake Up Belize Morning Vibes (WUB) talk show this morning. Wagner explained that plans are afoot by the UDP Belize City Council to move tour guides from the FSTV, after the municipal elections, and relocate them to the Marion Jones Stadium, which will serve as a drop-off point for cruise tourists. “That will be creating a middleman scenario,” Wagner emphasized, “because when the tourists come out of the gate, they would meet various tour operators and then those tour operators would then link with the tour guides, and the small revenues that these people are getting would then dwindle further.”

Luis Dominguez executed in yard on 8th Street
Luis Dominguez, 35, a St. Thomas Street resident who was the father of a baby girl 2 years old and a son yet to make his entry into this world, had reportedly been drinking and was lying alone on a table in his grandmother’s yard on 8th Street, enjoying the cool of the night, when an unknown gunman sneaked into the yard and shot him at close range about 4 to 5 times. The killer then escaped. Dominguez was hit in the head and chest and died almost immediately. Police went to the yard after being notified of the murder and transported his body to the morgue.

HBO “bringing down the hammer” on Belizean cable consumers
If you have cable television at home there is a possibility that you may no longer be allowed to watch Lifetime, Cinemax, Sci-Fi or any of the 14 channels that are a part of the Home Box Office (HBO) package. That is because executives at the anti-piracy and commercial divisions of HBO, an American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Time Warner, visited Belize last week demanding compensation for the broadcast of their channels in Belize. If cable providers decline to cover costs for the package, the channels may no longer be available to their subscribers. Today, our newspaper spoke to the general manager at the Channel Broadcasting Corporation of Belize Ltd. (CBC), Vanessa Peyrefitte.

Hummingbird Elementary girls and Belize Elementary boys to represent Belize District in Volleyball Nationals on Friday
The National Sports Council (NSC) coordinated Belize District Primary School Volleyball Tournament, which commenced on Monday, January 15, reached its finals last Thursday, February 15, when Hummingbird Elementary defeated Belize Elementary, 25-11, 25-5, for the female championship; while Belize Elementary prevailed over Holy Redeemer in 3 sets, 21-25, 25-18, 15-10, to take the male championship. Hummingbird Elementary females and Belize Elementary males will be representing the Belize District at the National Primary Schools Volleyball Championship to be held in Orange Walk this Friday, February 23.

Near half-way point in regular season, PLB race to playoffs looks interesting
With the completion of Week 6 games over the past weekend, the playoff picture is looking interesting in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2017-2018 Opening Season, as 7 of the 8 clubs are still in good position to claim one of the four playoff berths. A victory for Wagiya FC (which would be an upset) against undefeated Belmopan Bandits SC in their back match on Wednesday, would also put Wagiya in striking distance of a playoff spot. With the changing picture that these results created in the standings (see below), the possibilities in this tournament are getting more and more interesting, starting with Week 7 match-ups. (Bandits and Wagiya play a back match on Wednesday.) After the 14-game double round-robin regular season, the top 4 teams go on to the home-and-away semifinals.

Chief’s Saturday Race of February 17, 2018
Chief’s Saturday Race of February 17, 2018 – Leslie’s thru Boom to Northern Hwy, back to Hattieville and back to Data Pro, for 50 miles. At 7:30 a.m., 37 riders took off for this sojourn. The field consisted of 24 Elite riders, 9 Weekend Warriors and 4 Juniors. Belize’s two top teams, Digicell and Smart came out to continue their battle. Who would have the best telephone service today, right? Well, Digicell had their full complement of 9 riders, while Smart was short-handed with just 3, including their leader, Brandon Cattouse, Phillip Leslie and “Heno” Moreira.

Pepsi NEBL Week 5 scores and upcoming games
Two teams, Verdes (0-4) and Orange Walk Running Rebels (0-4), remain winless at Week 5 of the Pepsi NEBL 2018 Tournament; while one remains undefeated – San Pedro Tiger Sharks, sporting a perfect 4-0 record. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks were sorely tested by the young Griga Dream Ballers on their home turf at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium in Dangriga on Saturday night, February 17, but the visiting Tiger Sharks pulled out the 85-81 road victory, led by Jihad Wright 22 pts 11 rebs 5 assts, Jamal Kelly 20 pts 4 rebs 4 assts, Raul Roches 14 pts 5 rebs 3 assts, and Marteviuis Adams 10 pts 3 assts.

Editorial: “This beautiful jewel of ours …”
To the best of our knowledge, the late Edison “Seferino” Coleman, Radio Belize’s most famous and popular announcer ever, is generally credited with coining the phrase, “this beautiful jewel of ours.” This would have probably been more than two generations ago, in the early 1970s. At the time, Radio Belize was a government monopoly which did not permit any on-air criticism of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP). Seferino was so big, however, despite his controversial lifestyle, that he was allowed to criticize the government from time to time, albeit in coded fashion. Perhaps more importantly in the larger scheme of things, Seferino was allowed to create, and that is how, because of him, that we Belizeans have arrived at this distilled description of our country as, “The Jewel.” To the best of our knowledge again, it was two generations before Seferino came up with “this beautiful jewel of ours,” that Samuel Haynes wrote Land of the Gods and referred to Belize’s “wealth untold” in what became our national anthem in 1981. Our understanding is that Haynes wrote his poem in the early 1930s while living in the United States.

Lawyers really have to check dehnself
There are people in Belize who say they skim over media reports on violent crimes; they say that they only want to read/hear about the good things happening in Belize. Without doubt there are good things happening in Belize, things worthy of reporting. But by far the most important story is the one about the absolutely vicious nation we have become. It’s not too difficult to figure out why some people don’t want to read painful stories. Some people really are overwhelmed by sadness. It is understandable why they hide their heads in the sand. The media cannot fret too much about people who avoid certain types of news. If the media doesn’t report on these crimes the people of the country will not know the truth about what is going on.

Belizean-flagged ship violating UN sanctions against North Korea
Reports in the international media say that a Belize-flagged ship has been spotted alongside a North Korean tanker about 250 kilometers east of Shanghai in violation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea. The two vessels were spotted by a Japanese spy plane. The North Korean-flagged Rye Song Gang 1 and the Belize-flagged Wan Heng 11, which is owned by a Hong Kong company, were spotted in what appears to be a ship-to-ship transfer. The Rey Song Gang 1 is one of eight ships that have been banned from entering ports around the globe under UN sanctions against North Korea. Last September, the UN Security Council passed a resolution that banned UN member states from engaging in ship-to-ship transfer with North Korea-flagged vessels.

“Chonko” McGregor gets 10 years for attempting to break into neighbour’s home
Joel McGregor, 28, aka “Chonko,” a laborer of the Windmill area of Hattieville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford after he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and damage to property. McGregor also was sentenced to 7 months imprisonment for damage to property, but he will only serve 10 years because the sentences (for burglary and damage to property) are to run concurrently. The complainant, Kayesha Cole, 22, McGregor’s neighbor, reported to the police that at about 8:45 p.m. yesterday she was in her bedroom when she heard a loud bang. She said that when she looked through the window of her bungalow house she saw McGregor, dressed in black, staring at her.

John Cus, 37, raped sleeping woman
Today, San Pedro electrician, John Cus, 37, appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Janelle Villanueva Pennil in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court to answer to a single charge of rape. No plea was taken from him and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until April 19. Last Thursday, a 25-year-old female American tourist visited the San Pedro Police Station and reported that on February 9, at about 4:30 a.m., while she was sleeping at a residence, she was awakened by a push. That was when she realized that Cus had been raping her. He had entered the room in which she was staying without her knowledge. When she screamed out for help, he ran away and disappeared until police nabbed him on Friday.

Missing taxi driver found alive and well
Joan Mariano and her family can now breathe a sigh of relief after her common-law husband, Emelio Perez, 47, a taxi driver of Belize City who was reported missing on Friday, was found alive and well in the city on Sunday. The details of where he had been have not been disclosed. Mariano, a nurse at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, said that at about 7:00 Friday morning, Perez took her to her workplace in his cab and that was the last time she saw him. After trying to contact him several times, but in vain, she reported him missing.

Blogs

Caye Caulker Becoming a Top Tourist Destination in Belize
Caye Caulker is changing. There are lots of new things going on, but life on the island still runs at the “Go Slow” pace it is so famous for. Things are different since last time we visited. There are new hotels, restaurants, businesses have changed locations, the north end of the split is developing fast and the famous split just got bigger. It’s HUGE! Amidst all this change, Caye Caulker is holding on to it’s charm. They are not allowing traffic to congest its streets, their beaches are open to everyone and islanders are very protective of the environment. One thing for sure, Caye Caulker is clean; there’s little trash!

We Totally Needed a Boat Bar Crawl
My visiting friend Patrick Starfish, and local one Lara and I recently went on the 2018 boat bar crawl for groundhog day. After cleaning up an emergency apartment flood the night before, I cannot even describe how good it felt to get away and be on a boat. Plus it was Pat’s last day on the island. $50 Belize for a custom boat ride 6 miles up the island and back with a great line up of stops was a perfect pothole free way to show him a bit more of Ambergris Caye. Our first stop was Portofino, a perfect Caribbean oasis. I ordered a delicious chocolate banana shake and headed to the pool to enjoy some barefoot luxury. Not long after Patrick and Lara followed. We enjoyed kicking back and talking about life and being grateful for a gorgeous Friday afternoon view.

International Sources

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018: Belize

Bloodthirsty bat's genetic secrets revealed
If you want to know how vampire bats can surviveon a diet that -- as everyone knows -- consists exclusively of blood, the answer is simple. It's in their genes. Scientists on Monday said they have mapped for the first time the complete genome of a vampire bat, finding that this flying mammal boasts numerous genetic traits that help it thrive on an exotic food source that offers nutritional disadvantages and exposes it to blood-borne pathogens. The common vampire bat, a nocturnal cave-dweller with a 18-cm wingspan, inhabits parts of Mexico, Central America and South America. It feeds on the blood of livestock such as cattle and horses. It lands near prey under cover of darkness, walks on the ground, then feeds on the sleeping animal using razor-sharp teeth to pierce the skin and a lengthy tongue to lap up flowing blood.

The Key to Weight Loss Is Diet Quality, Not Quantity, a New Study Finds
Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that the standard prescription for weight loss is to reduce the amount of calories you consume. But a new study, published Tuesday in JAMA, may turn that advice on its head. It found that people who cut back on added sugar, refined grains and highly processed foods while concentrating on eating plenty of vegetables and whole foods — without worrying about counting calories or limiting portion sizes — lost significant amounts of weight over the course of a year. The research lends strong support to the notion that diet quality, not quantity, is what helps people lose and manage their weight most easily in the long run. It also suggests that health authorities should shift away from telling the public to obsess over calories and instead encourage Americans to avoid processed foods that are made with refined starches and added sugar, like bagels, white bread, refined flour and sugary snacks and beverages, said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

IDB hosts regional governors in Dominican Republic to review opportunities for growth and investment
The governors for the Inter-American Development Bank’s member countries in the Central American isthmus and the Dominican Republic gathered for their 32nd annual meeting on February 20-21 to discuss formulas for achieving inclusive economic growth, managing vulnerability to natural disasters and harnessing disruptive technologies to increase productivity and spur investment.

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