July 8, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

National News: PUC approves a 6.24% increase in electricity rates
As of Sunday, July 1st, Belizeans can expect an increase in their electricity bills as the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) a 6.24 % average increase in the Mean Electricity Rate. This represents .39 cents increase per kilowatt-hour through June 2020. This is the PUC’s final decision in respect of the 2018 Annual Full Tariff Review Proceedings (TRP) for which BEL made submissions in April. The electricity company had asked for an average rate of 39.25 cents over the two year period, but in May, the Commission only approved an average rate of 38.62 cents. BEL objected and an independent expert, Ian McMillan was appointed to review the initial decision and make recommendations for the determination of regulated values, tariffs, fees and charges that were included in the PUC’s final decision.

Coral Reef Ed-ventures features “Blue Planet” on movie night
The Coral Reef Ed-ventures held their second movie night at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, July 4th. The evening was held as part of their fun-filled activities for their 19th annual summer camp. Shortly after 7PM, the movie “Blue Planet” commenced, and various children along with their parents were entranced. In addition to the movie, they also got to enjoy delicious refreshments. Blue planet is nature documentary series that showcases the protection and preservation of marine life.

Wolfe’s Woofers: Just One of the Guys
When Andrew and I walked into the noisy, crowded Belize City bar things got very quiet. The Happy Hour partiers stopped drinking and stared at him. “What’s wrong with these people?” he asked me. “Haven’t they ever seen a vicar?” Andrew is a vicar of the Presbyterian Church back in the U.S. He never goes anywhere without wearing his clerical collar. “They probably think you’re a priest,” I told him. “They’ll get used to it.” Sure enough, as we talked the crowd went back to partying and drinking. Every once in a while, the lights would flicker out and then the crowd would cheer loudly. When a waiter came over Andrew asked, “Hey, where is the bathroom?”

Misc Belizean Sources

HELP GLENN IN BELIZE TO STAY ALIVE! Fundraiser for Glenn Tillett
Glenn Tillett is one of the preeminent contributors to the political, social, cultural and economic discourse in Belize. His contributions to Belize society are many, varied and impactful. In short, Glenn is a national treasure. Unfortunately, Glenn has contracted kidney disease and as a result, has to undertake dialysis sessions three times a week to stay alive. The cost of the dialysis sessions is unfortunately prohibitive and oppressive. From the words of Glenn Tillett: "Currently, as I have been told by several persons who claim authority, there are 32 persons receiving dialysis services from the WORTH implemented program at KHMH in Belize City and La Loma Luz in San Ignacio. Reportedly they pay $25.00 per session. The rest of us pay upwards of $220 per session at the private providers. For nearly all of us this is unaffordable.

Corozal Summer Camp
With Mrs. Laveena Punjabi and Ms. Sylvia Cruz

Behind Every Favorite Song is an Untold Woman
Behind Every Favorite Song is an Untold Woman is coming to the Wildfire Artzmosphere next weekend. It's a one woman show, and Riti Sachdeva is the playwright and actor. There will be two performances, one on Saturday the 14th, and one on Sunday the 15th, with both starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10, and are available at Kaj Expressions on Burns avenue. In related news, they'll be having a series of plays the next weekend at Wildfire. "Behind Every Favorite Song is an Untold Woman. A Solo Show. Starting... Riti Sachdeva ~ Theathremaker. Playwright. Actor."

Screen on the Green
Summer is here! Come out and enjoy a great movie "ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN” on Thursday, July 12, at the Governor General Field in Belmopan!

The Reporter

Father and son charged for drug trafficking
A man and his son from the Finca Solano area of Corozal town were both arrested and charged for drug trafficking after a police raid on their home on July 5 yielded two parcels of cannabis. On July 5th, around 1:00 p.m. Corozal police executed a search warrant at the residence of Jose Escamila Sr. 48, and his son Jose Escamila Jr. Cops found weed weighing 22.60 grams. Both men were taken to the Corozal police station where they were charged for two counts of drug trafficking.

Breaking Belize News

Senate approves new chair of Integrity Commission
The Senate met on Thursday morning in Belmopan and approved attorney Deshawn Arzu-Torres as the new chairperson of the Integrity Commission, which had been non-functional since last December when former chairperson, Marilyn Williams was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court.[…]

Six students graduate from John Paul’s Junior College in Benque Viejo
On Wednesday, July 4, John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) in Benque Viejo del Carmen celebrated its fourth commencement ceremony. Six graduates were awarded Associates of Arts degrees in Liberal Arts and/or in English.The welcome address was delivered by Florinda Santos Rodezno (Liberal Arts). Jocelyne Nayveth Lemus (president of the Student Council, and Liberal Arts major) offered an Address on Behalf of the Graduates. […]

Beryl weakens to Tropical Storm
This morning the National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded Beryl to a tropical storm. The center of tropical storm Beryl was located near latitude 12.1 North, longitude 51.1 West. Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 miles per hour (22 km/h). A west-northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next few days. […]

Mexican Embassy awards 25 half-scholarships to students at Escuela Secundaria Tecnia Mexico
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize yesterday hosted a ceremony at Escuela Secundaria Técnica México, in Corozal, Belize, where 25 half-scholarships were awarded to Belizean students of the evening shift. […]

Blogs

English-Speaking Belize: The Easiest Country on the Caribbean
Belize is a country that not many people know much about. It is a young state, only independent since 1981, before which it was British Honduras. The British have had a huge influence on this small Caribbean nation, to the point where the Queen is still on the paper money. It is the only country in the region with English as the official language, and this among many other reasons makes it a comfortable and easy place to visit—or live! Belize is just south of Quintana Roo; the Yucatán peninsula so popular with visitors to Mexico, as it contains Cancún, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen. But despite its closeness to Mexico, Belize is a very different country. Belize has 240 miles of coastline and countless “cayes,” or islands, in the Caribbean Sea off its coast. The country is about the size of New Jersey, with the lowest population density in Central America, which leads to jaw-dropping drives through unspoiled country. You will see sweeping vistas of the Mayan mountains, jungles, and little villages that look like they have been there for centuries.

International Sources

Spouses of CARICOM Heads Visit Historic Falmouth
Spouses of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) toured the historic town of Falmouth on Thursday (July 5), where they viewed the 18th century Georgian buildings and participated in craft shopping. The Heads are in Jamaica for the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM from July 4 to 6 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James. Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, wife of the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, told JIS News that it was “great to be able to spend some time with Mrs. Holness and the other first ladies that are here”.

Videos

July 7, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

SPTGA reminds members that tour guide license renewal deadline is July 31st
The San Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) held a general meeting at the Lions Den in San Pedro on Thursday, June 29th. The meeting saw the attendance of various island tour guides who were informed of the necessary guidelines to follow in order to obtain their tour guide license renewals before deadline on Friday, July 31st. Shortly after 7PM, SPTGA President Billy Leslie led the meeting by sharing information about Rickilee Response & Rescue (Triple R Response), a 501-3(c) charitable organization that operates on Ambergris Caye and was formed in memory of Rickilee Mercer by Traci and Jim Curtin. Mercer, an American National, was found dead on the leeward coast of Ambergris Caye on March 1, 2017. She was reported missing on February 28, 2017, after she had gone jet skiing around the area of Secret Beach. In June 2017, the Curtins initiated the Triple R Response program in hopes of organizing a program that coordinates community resources to respond to water emergencies.

Remembering tourism pioneer and island icon Ramon Nuñez Sr.
The island community of Ambergris Caye is mourning the loss of tourism pioneer and island icon, Ramon Nuñez Sr. on Thursday, June 28, 2018. On Monday, July 2nd, after memorial services at Ramon’s Village Resort, his ashes were spread at sea in front of his beloved Ramon’s Village Resort, as per his request. Nuñez was born on June 12, 1940, on a sailboat off the coast of Belize. His father put his mother on the sailboat to get help with the delivery but ended up delivering the baby at sea. Nuñez was the last of 14 boys and a younger sister. He was a bright student and excelled in primary school, however, due to financial difficulties he could not attend college. Thereafter, he joined his father on the fishing boats and became a fisherman at the young age of 14.

Do The Right Thing Pedestrian Crossing 2018 Summer Program begins in Ambergris Caye
Do The Right Thing Pedestrian Crossing (DTRTPC) 2018 Summer Program began in San Pedro Town on Wednesday, July 4th. The program is led by activist Philip ‘Fawada’ Henry and Adilee McKoy, with the goal of educating children on social issues like human trafficking, cyberbullying, crime and violence. The summer program takes place from 9AM to 4PM from Monday to Fridays at the beachfront by the Central Park. Through presentations and fun-filled activities, the children will learn about the effects of social issues. “Our main goal is to educate children about all these social issues they are surrounded by that is affecting them in way or another,” said Henry. “Hopefully it can also serve as way to help decrease the crime and violence on the island.”

“For the Love of San Pedro,” organizers move forward with plans for a safer San Pedro
Following the “For the Love of San Pedro” rally that was organized by the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Chapter (SPBTIA), the Chapter has compiled information gathered from the rally and is moving forward in addressing some of the concerns island residents have.Held at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on June 7th, concerns and possible solutions to the rising crime situation on Ambergris Caye, and specifically, the Town of San Pedro were voiced. With more than 300 people in attendance, out of the 283 who registered, 32 expressed interest in becoming Special Constables, 65 expressed interest in joining the SPBTIA, 60 expressed interest in identifying and improving housing for police while 110 expressed interest in forming a Neighborhood Watch Program.

Home invasion in north Ambergris Caye leaves one person in critical condition after being shot to the head
A home invasion off the north-west coast of Ambergris Caye resulted in a property owner being shot to the head. The incident took place on Thursday, July 5th around 11:30AM. The victim has been identified as retired American Cliff Kirk, 60, owner of the property called Casa Brisas, located 10 ½ miles north of San Pedro Town and only accessible by boat. Kirk was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II where he was treated and airlifted to Belize City in a critical condition. The preliminary report from the police states that as Kirk was walking down his steps, he was approached by four masked male persons. One of them fired a shot at him which caught him to the left side of his head. The assailants thereafter went up the stairs and inside the house where they stole a 9mm pistol, a 12 gauge shotgun and a briefcase with an undisclosed amount of cash. The culprits then made their escape on a jet ski. Kirk was remains hospitalized in Belize City listed in a critical condition.

Costa Maya Festival Presents: Miss Guatemala
The International Costa Maya Festival 2018 is coming together, and organizers are happy to announce the first candidate for the fabulous Reina de la Costa Maya pageant! Hilary Dhianette Castillo Cumings is proud to represent her beloved country of Guatemala. The 26-year-old Architecture and Interior Design student enjoys volunteer work, and when she isn’t organizing events, she loves to dance, garden and catch up on her studies.

Superintendent Reymundo Reyes is the Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Police Department
As of Sunday, July 1st, Superintendent Reymundo Reyes is the new Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker). The senior officer took over the position held by Superintendent Henry Jemmott, who was recently transferred to the Capital City of Belmopan. Reyes comes to the Cayes with 21 years of experience in the police department, and looks forward to working along with the community to achieve the common goal of both islands’ well-being.

Ambergris Today

Introducing Miss Guatemala Hilary Castillo Cumings
The International Costa Maya Festival is proud to announce the first delegate for the Miss Costa Maya Pageant her name is Hilary Dhianette Castillo Cumings proudly representing her country Guatemala. Hilary Dhianette Castillo Cumings is 26-year-old and is studying an architecture and interior design. Hilary enjoys volunteer work, and when she isn’t organizing events, she loves to dance, do some gardening and catching up on her studies.

Unpremeditated Book Release Renews Focus On McAfee Cold Case
25 people attended the official book launch of Unpremeditated: A Murderous Caribbean Travelogue at Senser's Kitchen in Bloomington, Minnesota. The E-book is available for sale now through Amazon. The book accurately reports the vivid sights and sounds of Belize in 2012: the world's best snorkeling; rain forest zip-lining; and white sand island cays where golf carts offer the primary form of transportation. Shortly after Prince Harry toured Belize, the next door neighbor of security pioneer John McAfee was murdered and now six years later, the case is as cold as the national beer- Belikin. The actual events surrounding the murder are unfolding in the background while the characters experiencing the drama and romance—are fictional.

Misc Belizean Sources

Movie Night at KoKo King
Family Friday comes around again. Starting after darkness falls, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 and to follow the exciting JR Tolkien movie Fantastic Beasts.

Idealist Day on Caye Caulker
It's time for another Idealist Day on Saturday! This time we will meet in front of Aria Kat Art Gallery at The Split to catch the breeze ;) We have received great feedback on our T-shirt bag project so far and we are going to set up a table at the event to make more - we have more T-shirt bag requests from our guesthouses than T-shirts! So, every T-shirt you can bring to the event to turn into a bag is highly appreciated :) We will have a special guest, Tony Gillings, the founder of Rugby Belize, who will talk to us about his youth projects on the mainland! Don't miss it!

The Department of Co-operatives to Commemorate International Day of Co-operatives
Getting an early start on the International Day of Cooperatives, the Registrar teamed up with the Belize Police Department to teach entrepreneurship to kids from different city neighborhoods. However, the Department of Co-operatives will be hosting a ceremony in commemoration of the International Day of Co-operatives on Saturday, July 7, 2018. The ceremony will be held at Battlefield Park in Belize City at 10:00 a.m. Following the ceremony will be a mini expo where co-operatives will be promoting their services and have for sale their goods and produce, including fruits, vegetables, honey, seafood products, and processed and fresh foods.

Results of Clerical Promotional Programme 2018
In an effort to continually provide vital training initiatives to enhance the aptitude and competency of public officers, the Ministry of the Public Service hosted a Clerical Promotional Programme. The programme, held from 9th April to 8th June 2018, was geared towards increasing the capacity and skills of the various clerks employed by the Government of Belize. It also provided working knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations, policies, processes as well as the technical functions required of them. Furthermore, the programme offered a means to standardize the level of verbal and written communication within government agencies.

Ministry of Agriculture Concludes Five-Day Training Course on Digital Elevation Model and Manipulation of Geospatial Data
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and through the sponsorship of the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership, today concluded its five-day training course on Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Manipulation of Geospatial Data. The five-day training, which started on 2nd July 2018 at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds conference room in Belmopan, is in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s advancement towards the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and other geo-processing tools to improve planning, promote climate resiliency, and implement climate smart agriculture programmes for farming communities. The DEM is the first step in championing this move as it covers a cross-section of agricultural zones in northern Belize.

Health Fair at Lion's Den
Happening tomorrow, Saturday, July 7th at the San Pedro Lions Den! A Health Fair to which everyone is invited to attend!

Results of Clerical Promotional Programme 2018
In an effort to continually provide vital training initiatives to enhance the aptitude and competency of public officers, the Ministry of the Public Service hosted a Clerical Promotional Programme. The programme, held from 9th April to 8th June 2018, was geared towards increasing the capacity and skills of the various clerks employed by the Government of Belize. It also provided working knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations, policies, processes as well as the technical functions required of them. Furthermore, the programme offered a means to standardize the level of verbal and written communication within government agencies.

Ministry of Agriculture Concludes Five-Day Training Course on Digital Elevation Model and Manipulation of Geospatial Data
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and through the sponsorship of the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership, today concluded its five-day training course on Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Manipulation of Geospatial Data. The five-day training, which started on 2nd July 2018 at the National Agriculture and Trade Showgrounds conference room in Belmopan, is in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s advancement towards the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and other geo-processing tools to improve planning, promote climate resiliency, and implement climate smart agriculture programmes for farming communities. The DEM is the first step in championing this move as it covers a cross-section of agricultural zones in northern Belize.

Summer Arts Program
In this year's Summer Arts Program we are offering five dynamic classes focused on developing the creative, cultural and also life skills of our participants. We are proud to announce that our 'Cultural Industry' classes namely; 'Coconut Art' and 'Ti-Tai Art' workshops, are free of charge with special thanks to the Belize Electricity Limited! Registration is available for all classes, call 223-4524 for more information, don't let your child miss out!

Mrs. Elmira Phillips nee Vasquez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council would like to express its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mrs. Elmira Phillips nee Vasquez on her passing, affectionately known as Chichi/Tia Mila. We hope her friends and family find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May her soul rest in peace.

25 STUDENTS IN COROZAL ARE RECIPIENTS OF SCHOLARSHIPS FROM MEXICO
In a ceremony that took place at Escuela Secundaria Técnica México in San Roman, Corozal this morning Friday, Juy 6th, Ambassador of Mexico to Belize, His Excellency Carlos Quesnel handed scholarship awards to 25 scholarships to Belizean students of the evening shift. The ceremony included special musical presentations by the Ambassadors Band from ESTM and the Coro en Movimiento - Koonex K'aay from Chetumal. The cooperation between the Mexican Government and the administration of ESTM has been both very courteous and generous over the years, building the bridges of friendship and peace among each other. Thank you Mr. Ambassador and special thanks to Mrs. Marie Espat!

Primary School Examinations Award Ceremony
This morning, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture held a ceremony to honor the top 25 students from across the country for their outstanding performance in this year's Primary School Examinations (PSE). Congratulations to all! Students who placed within the top 10 of their district were also honored. Among those who received special recognition was Asher Leslie, an extremely bright, respectful and vibrant student from Ephesus S.D.A Adventist School in Belize City. Despite his physical limitations, with the assistance of the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education (NARCIE), Asher was not only able to sit the PSE, but achieved the highest score among all standard 6 clients who access services provided by NARCIE, and the second highest at his school.

Channel 7

Jump Street Man Killed Because He Didn’t Want To Be In A Gang
Last night's downpour did not cool down a killer who was stalking the Jump Street area. Around 7:00, 23 year old Akeem Vargas was gunned down near his home on Wagner's Lane. When police got to the scene, they found his motionless body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Emanuel Pech has more details on this story. The pitter patter of the raindrops might have made for a lyrical sort of melancholic scene, had this not also been a crime scene. Police responded to a shooting incident around 7:00 pm. Shortly after, the paramedics arrived but there was little anyone could do; the gunman got his target. The victim is 23 year old Akeem Vargas, a Belizean construction worker who was gunned down in this alley just a stone's throw from his home.

Armed Robbers Jack New Fortune, Chef Chases With Cleaver
New Fortune Restaurant, on King's Street, Belize City, was the target of another armed robbery last night. It all unfolded at a few minutes to 10:00 - and was over in thirty terrifying seconds. Emmanuel Pech reviewed the video from the security camera: You can see the gunman casually entering the restaurant while waiting for his two accomplices before pulling out what looks like a 9 mm pistol. He brandishes the weapon in front of the counter threatening owner Xinhui Zhang and the workers while his accomplices go behind the counter to help themselves to approximately $700 bz in cash.

Plans to Fly Out American Shot In Head
A 60 year old American is still clinging to life after he was shot in the head yesterday. Cliff Kirk was the victim of a well organized home invasion at his remote residence 10 and a half miles north of San Pedro Town on the west side of the island. Four masked men docked up at his home on jet ski's At 11:30 in the morning and him - and one of them shot him in the head. They then went into the house and stole a 9 millimeter pistol, a shotgun, and a briefcase with an undisclosed amount of cash. It was about an hour before they could get him to the town polyclinic, and then to the San Pedro Airstrip for a flight to airlift him to Belize City where he was admitted in a critical condition.

Homero Campos, Now A Reward, But Still No Word
Homero Campos has been missing for almost three weeks now - and, his family is beyond desperate at this point. The family is now offering a reward of 15,000 dollars for quote, "any information that will lead us to Mr. Homero Campos". They say the information must be concrete and precise - and will be kept confidential. The number to call if you have any useful information is 608-4078.

Police Have A Suspect For Killing 17 Year Old
On Monday's news, we told you how police did not have any significant progress to report in their investigation of the murder of 17 year-old Warren Rudon. He's the Oleander Street resident who was shot and killed one week ago on Lovely Lane. Well, we can report tonight that investigators have a significant lead that they're trying to follow in this case. Police sources tell us that one 31 year old Belize City man from that same area has been identified as a suspect.

Western Waters Rise, Briefly
There was some alarm raised today when this footage of the Warrie Head Bridge, around mile 60 on the Western Highway was circulated on social media. Many feared the bridge had been washed out, and Cayo would be cut off. But, there's no such thing. The water - which came down from the Barton Creek area has run off - and the area was filled up. Traffic is now moving normally. There was also some flooding entering Unitedville, and by Central Farm - but again it washed off quickly. The mini flash flooding is the result of 13 to 14 hours of rain the day before which sent all these waters coming down from the hills above. Again, traffic is moving normally and the waters have receded. NEMO reports that dam waters are normal and so are the river levels.

The Robotics Revolution Arrives
For some of us, the concept of building robots began and ended with our LEGO sets when we were 5 years old. Well, a group of St. Johns High School and St. Martin's De Porres Primary School students are taking it to another level by building and programming robots that can do a lot of cool tricks. It surely sounds fun but it still takes a lot of science, engineering and math to bring those robots to life. 4 volunteers from the St. Louis University High School in the US are the ones who brought this robotics camp to Belize. I stopped by SJC to see these young inventors There are many STEM programs for kids in the US. FIRST Robotics is one of the major ones.

Disturbing Case Of Abuse To Family Court
Tonight, there is a very disturbing case of sexual abuse coming out of the family court: a 13 year-old boy is accused of sodomizing his 5-year-old female cousin. The girl told police that on Tuesday, she and her older cousin were at her family home, and they started playing "mommy and daddy" after their parents went to bed. That game turned from innocent to disturbing when her cousin allegedly made her lie down on the floor where he sodomized her. The child's mother woke up, caught the 13 year-old in the act, and immediately called the police.

Lucas Weighs Verdict For Lemoth
Tonight, 29 year-old Justin Lemoth is at the Belize Central Prison awaiting a verdict from Justice Adolph Lucas after he stood trial for the murder of 17 year-old Richard Waight Jr. The killing happened in April, 2014, in Hattieville. Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell called 9 witnesses to testify against Lemoth. Her chief witness told the court that it all started with a street brawl over a young person being punched. That escalated to murder when Lemoth allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Waight in the chest.

Cops, Kids And Co-Ops
Tomorrow is going to be observed as the International Day of Cooperatives. Countries around the world will celebrate how cooperatives have helped small business owners by pooling their resources and working collectively to fund and manage their enterprises. In anticipation of this special day, the Department of Cooperatives, under the Ministry of Agriculture, teamed up today with the Police from Eastern Division Region 1 to teach youth from Belize city about how to become an entrepreneur. The premise is that these young people should already be learning about how to start their own businesses - and form or join a cooperative for greater success.

PUP’s Sheepish Retreat, Saldivar Smiles
On Tuesday, the PUP Chairman announced that they had decided to re-open the application process for the Belmopan standard bearer convention. This directly benefits and placates Arthur Saldivar, who brought a lawsuit against his party to challenge his disqualification from the race. He filed a claim before Justice Shona Griffith, and after the first hearing in the Supreme Court last week Friday - the PUP agreed to postpone the convention by one week. But the party has since walked back their hardline even more - agreeing now to have the convention at the end of August - which would be just fine by Saldivar who needs time to campaign.

Bail For Man On Crutches
He may be on crutches, but 27 year old Jahnon Trapp of Esperanza Village is out on bail after he was arraigned at the San Ignacio Magistrate's Court earlier this week for an attempted robbery. According to reports he was shot during the incident - and Trapp used the crutches because of gunshot wound on his right leg. The incident occurred last week Thursday on June 28th at a Chinese grocery store. He was subsequently arrested and arraigned in San Ignacio where he was denied bail. Today he was successful in his application for bail of $6,000 plus two sureties of $3,000 each. As a result he will be spending his days at home while his case is in process, with the condition of course that he attends all his court hearings and that he presents himself to the San Ignacio police station every Friday, effective July 13th.

A Book That Soars
One writer is bringing back the Kite flying culture in Belize with his new book entitled "Keron Flies his Kite." It's Harold Young's first children's book but it's more than just about kite flying - it is about a young boy's passion for kites and how he uses that passion to "seize the day". We were there for Young's book launch at the Image Factory... Harold Young, Author: "The name of the book is "Keron flies his kite" so it is about this young boy who doesn't have a kite, loves kites, nobody wants to fly kites with him, even his brother doesn't have time so eventually he builds his own kite and that is the success story that he realizes that he can do it today, he doesn't have to put it off anymore and so the story ends with him flying his kite, his friends joining him and his brother joining him flying his big singer kite."

That’s The Truth, Youth!
Last night, we showed you the luncheon that the National Sports Council held for the young Belizean basketballers brought home Gold and Silver medals from the Hoops on the Beach Tournament in Cancun. We didn't get a chance to show you our interviews with the talented ballers themselves, and so, tonight, we have those for you, including their plea to the Government to start focusing on the proper training regimen for the next generation of ballers, now that the sporting facilities in Belize are starting to catch up with international standards. Here's how they put it:

Free Zone Burglars Tunneled Through Wall
A store in the Corozal Free Zone was burglarized sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The thieves got lots of money - but the news is how they tunneled into the store, right through the zinc siding. The burglars burrowed a hole about 3 feet high and 2 feet wide in the wall, enough for them to sneak in and make off with nearly $14 thousand dollars in goods and cash. According to police the culprits stole 55 thousand pesos, 500 US dollars and 100 bz dollars. They also helped themselves to an assorted amount of clothing amounting to around 60 thousand pesos. The estimated value of the stolen goods is $13,877 Belize dollars. Police have made no arrests.

YCT, Communities and Conservation
The Ya'axché Conservation Trust has been working in southern Belize for 20 years now. They started out as a conservation NGO with a mission to safeguard a natural corridor connecting the forests of the Maya Mountains with the lowland forests of the Caribbean coastal plain. From there they took on co-management of the Bladen Nature Reserve - but learned that for conservation to be successful it must involve, engage and empower the surrounding community. The Executive Director spoke about this mission from the Bladen Reserve:

The Rock Park Remix
The Rock Park on Princess Margaret Drive near the sea in Belize City is a favourite attraction for photo opportunities and fishers. But, thanks to two area residents, it's also getting a complete clearing and overhaul. They've pruned the park and removed the thorny plants - in the hopes of creating less safe spaces for criminals to lurk - while also making the space more child friendly. It's a privately sponsored initiative - but the park was long upkept by area resident Steffi Lupp. Lupp has gone back to Germany and Daniel Arguelles who bought her home is now spearheading this effort. He assures us that the remaining trees and plants will re-grow and fill out the open spaces. The park is and remains an area for public use and enjoyment.

Channel 5

Akeem Vargas Gunned Down in Belize City
Twenty-five-year-old Akeem Vargas was shot multiple times early on Thursday night as he headed to his Wagner Lane’s house. He is the first murder victim in the city in seven [...]

American Expat Shot in San Pedro is Flown to the U.S. for Medical Treatment
Sixty-year-old Clifford Kirk is on his way to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland in the U.S. for medical attention following Thursday’s shooting in San Pedro. A local non-profit called [...]

A Freak Storm in Ladyville Tears off a Rooftop and Drenches a Bungalow
A system has strengthened to become the first hurricane for the 2018 season; Beryl is not heading this way and expected to weaken before landfall. But on Thursday evening, a [...]

UNCAC Experts from Tuvalu and Haiti to Arrive in Belize for Assessment
Belize signed on to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, on December ninth, 2016, becoming the hundred and eighty-fourth signatory to that agreement.  Earlier this year, a scheduled visit [...]

AG to Excuse Himself from UNCAC Meetings
Despite the disparaging remarks made by the N.T.U.C.B. against the island nations of Tuvalu and Haiti back in March, a meeting with the UNCAC representatives has also been scheduled.  According [...]

Arthur Saldivar to Reapply for P.U.P. Belmopan Convention
Attorney Arthur Saldivar’s application for an injunction to stop the P.U.P.’s Belmopan convention was not heard today. In fact, the application has been withdrawn following the party’s announcement three days [...]

A New Elections and Boundaries Commission is Named
One of the matters on the agenda of the special senate meeting was the appointment of four commissioners to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, chaired by Doug Singh. It comes [...]

Family Offers 15K for Information Leading to Omero Campos
A reward of fifteen thousand dollars is being offered for any information that can lead police or the family of Omero Campos to his whereabouts. The family says that the [...]

Girl Raped by Ex-Boyfriend
Police in Cayo are investigating a case of unlawful sexual intercourse. Along with her mother, a fifteen-year-old girl reported to police on Thursday that she was sexually assaulted by her [...]

The Clavius Project Brings Robotics to SJC
Schools have closed so students are at loose ends. Over at Saint John’s College a first of its kind summer camp is capturing the attention of young high school students. [...]

Senate Says Yes to Doha Amendment of Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, so named after a city in Japan.  The treaty signed in 2012, commits [...]

“Keron Flies His Kite” – A New Belizean Children’s Book
A children’s book called ‘Keron Flies His Kite’ was launched today by its author, Harold Young.  The publication is described as an inspirational book to motivate children of all ages. [...]

Boulevard and Vernon Street Intersection Gets Brand New Traffic Lights
If you’ve been driving along the Central American Boulevard, by now you would have seen the bright, new traffic lights. It has been some years since the lights at the [...]

Mental Health Welcome Resource Center Celebrates 5th Anniversary
The Mental Health Welcome Resource Center at the corner of Tibruce and Vernon Streets today celebrated its fifth anniversary, having opened its doors in July of 2013. The facility currently [...]

Triple R Rescue – Where It All Began
Earlier in the newscast, we told you about Triple R Rescue who assisted gunshot victim Clifford Kirk to go to the U.S. for further medical attention. Jodie Harnish is also [...]

At-Risk Youths Learn to be Entrepreneurs
More than sixty at risk youths of Belize City came together today for a one day session to learn how to do business. The collaborative effort between the Belize Police [...]

LOVE FM

Who killed Akeem Tiron Vargas?
Another man was gunned down in Belize City. 25-year-old Akeem Tiron Vargas is the latest victim as he was gunned down last night on Wagner’s Lane in Belize City. Lorna Sanchez, Vargas’ mother-in-law said that she met Vargas in the alley when she came from work and not too long after while talking to her …

What happened to Ivan Witzil?
Police continue their investigation into the disappearance of 51- year- old Ivan Roger Witzil. As we reported earlier this week, Witzil’s ex-common law wife and his children became concerned after he did not visit their home as he was accustomed to. The last time the family saw Witzil was on June 17, however, it was …

Living Hope giving children a second chance
Living Hope Preparatory School has been giving children a second chance to reach their goals and make a difference in life. The school caters for at risk youths who have failed the PSE by giving them another opportunity to re-sit it. Terri Westby, the principal of Living Hope Preparatory School, said they have twenty scholarships …

Saldivar will get his wish
Last week, Arthur Saldivar took out a lawsuit against the trustees of the People’s United Party after his application to be a candidate in the Belmopan PUP convention was rejected by the party’s vetting committee. Saldivar said that he was seeking an injunction from the court to postpone the convention. Attorney Arthur Saldivar: What was before …

Police say fire may have been arson
Police are also investigating a fire which occurred earlier this week on T-Street which was occupied by one person who had recently moved to the premises. At yesterday’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch briefed the media on the incident. ASP Alejandro Cow – Head of CIB: The house fire …

Police investigating fire on T-Street
Police are also investigating a fire which occurred earlier this week on T-Street which was occupied by one person who had recently moved to the premises. At yesterday’s press brief, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch briefed the media on the incident. ASP Alejandro Cowo: The house fire which took place on …

Number of Mexican visitors to Belize grows over past two years
The Mexican press is reporting that Belize has opened its border to Mexicans wishing to tour the Jewel. According to several reports, Belize’s Immigration Department has facilitated Mexican tourists with a border crossing card that allows them to enter Belize without having to present their passports, similar to the system of border crossing cards issued …

Family offers $15,000 for information leading to Businessman Omero Campos
The family of Omero Campos is now offering a monetary reward to anyone who can assist with information that can lead to his whereabouts. Campos, a businessman, went missing on June 17 after leaving his house to go to his farm in San Narciso Village in the Corozal District. His family received a call hours …

A “YES” Campaign
Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially launched the Public Awareness and Preparedness Campaign on taking Guatemala’s claim over part of Belize to the International Court of Justice, ICJ. The launch was done as the United Nations and the United States of America presented a grant in support of the education campaign, and by extension, …

Police investigates family’s allegation against Bella Vista Police
Police are now looking into the case of Jose Pop, the teenager who was assaulted by two civilians and taken to the Bella Vista Police Station on June 28 in San Isidro Village in the Toledo District. Pop’s family allege that he was taken from a neighbor’s house, where he sought refuge, by two men, …

Amandala

Accused, undefended rapist acquitted
A jury of 7 women and 2 men deliberated for about 6 hours on Tuesday, July 3, in the court of Justice Colin Williams, before it found Rudolph Smith, 43, aka “Tubba”, not guilty of rape and aggravated burglary. The jury’s verdict was unanimous. The allegation was that in the early morning hours of November 23, 2011, Smith entered as a trespasser a house in Belize City and raped a girl who was 16 years old at the time, at knife point. To prove its case, the Crown, represented by Crown Counsel Killeru Awich, called the virtual complainant, who testified that she was awakened when she felt someone on her back. She said that when she got up, she saw that it was a man with a knife about 10 inches long in his hand.

CitCo welcomes new City Administrator
On Tuesday, July 3, Mayor Bernard Wagner officially introduced the new City Administrator, Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt. CitCo, in a press release, said that Stephanie has a “proven track record as a top performer in complex business environments in both the private and public sector management. Her applied work experience in sustainable project management and her established achievements in strategy and change management are key assets in supporting the Belize City Council in carrying out its three-year mandate while establishing solid foundation for its continued success.”

Cliff Kirk, 60, shot in head during robbery in San Pedro
Cliff Kirk, 60, an American businessman who owns Casa Brisas in northern San Pedro, is fighting for his life in the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Kirk, a longtime resident of San Pedro, was shot in the right side of the head by one of four masked thieves who went to his house to rob him at about 11:00 this morning. Police said that Kirk was walking down his stairs to go into his yard when four masked men came up and one of them fired a shot at him which struck him in the head.

CitCo cuts taxi operators fee in half
In the former UDP City Councils, taxis were organized into 13 unions and each taxi driver had to pay a $20 per month operator’s fee. Making good on a manifesto promise, the PUP Council has cut that fee in half. City Councilor Allan Pollard said that much of his job has been to work with taxi drivers and that last week, the Council passed a resolution to slash the service fee in half, to $10. He said that the taxi drivers were very appreciative of this move, because, prior to being elected, the Council had heard these concerns from them.

Attorney Deshawn Arzu-Torres appointed chair of Integrity Commission
The Senate met today in a special session to consider a number of appointments, but the debate in the Upper House was dominated by the appointment of attorney Deshawn Arzu-Torres to head the Integrity Commission. As is required by the law, the chairperson of the Integrity Commission must be an attorney with at least 5 years in practice. Attorney Arzu-Torres takes up the spot of chairperson of the Integrity Commission that became vacant last December when the previous holder of the office, attorney Marilyn Williams, left the post to take up an appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Eric Echols wins “Julia Humbles” Award
Eric Echols, son of Virginia Echols, host of the KREM Radio show Moments of Inspiration, was awarded the Julia Humbles Award by the Crystal Ball Foundation in Atlanta on June 30. The award is presented to persons who “seek to promote human welfare, are philanthropists, social reformers, excellent leaders, and Good Samaritans.” The Crystal Ball Foundation supports the development of young people who are attending or plan to attend college. According to its website, it “serves as a beacon of light to enhance the lives of students through mentorship, leadership, and scholarships.” It also salutes individuals it considers as “mentors” or role models for these young people.

Basketball champions celebrated with luncheon
The Ahmadiyya Basketball team recently participated in the “Hoops on the Beach” basketball tournament held in Cancun, Mexico. Despite the lack of facilities provided for them to practice and the limited time they had, the U13 and U19 teams both managed to bring home the gold while the U17 team brought home silver Naveed Mangla, the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Belize, said that just taking the teams out of the country to participate in the tournament was a success for them. The basketball league has been running for the last 4 years, and in the last couple of years it had about 100 youths participating. The basketball tournament lasts from January to May, and this year it was extended to include 400 youths.

BFLA holds 12th Annual Team Relay Triathlon
On Sunday, July 2, the Belize Family Life Association (BFLA) kicked off its Youth Month activities with the holding of its 12th Annual Team Relay (Swim, Ride amd Run) Triathlon. Eight (8) teams of three (3) members each participated in the Triathlon, which began with a 300m swim at the YWCA pool on St. Thomas Street (17 laps of the pool), followed by a 40K ride (9 laps of a route leaving from in front of YWCA on St. Thomas Street, on to Princess Margaret Drive, up Coney Drive, turning at Buttonwood Bay Boulevard, back to Coney Drive roundabout, and retracing their route on Princess Margaret Drive and then St. Thomas Street, to tag their teammates in front of YWCA for the 10K run (6 laps from YWCA around Freetown Road roundabout, up St. Thomas Street, turning around at the Marion Jones roundabout and return to YWCA).

Smart Mundialito 2018 Opening Season finals results from the MCC
The Smart Mundialito 2018 Opening Season finals were held on Saturday, June 30, at the MCC Grounds, where Ladyville Rising Stars dethroned 2017 champions, City Boys, to become the 2018 Smart Mundialito Opening Season Champions in Belize City. In the 3rd place game, Reality Youths came out with a 1-nil victory in overtime, after going scoreless in regulation against Hattieville Riverside Boys. Scorian Stuart got the winning goal for Reality Youths.

FFB National Over-40 reg. season winding down
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Over-40 football tournament is nearing the end of its double round-robin regular season. The tournament is divided into two groups of 6 teams each, with the top 2 teams from each group qualifying to the semifinal playoffs. We don’t have the scoring details, but here are the results of games played since we last reported the standings on Sunday, June 24:

Editorial: Belize’s television generations
When live television entered Belize in 1982, the year after Belize achieved political independence, it was supposed to take the form of a controlled experiment, wherein two or three dozen affluent households would purchase equipment which would enable them to receive television signals from a specific satellite company. The majority shareholders in that company were Arthur and Marie Hoare, and the exclusive rights had been given to that couple as a political favor to Mrs. Marie Hoare, the chairlady of Prime Minister George Price’s Freetown constituency for many years. Belizeans in Belize City, the nation’s population center, were desperate for television. In the extreme north and extreme south, Belizeans had been viewing television signals from Mexico and Guatemala, respectively, for decades. Many, many Belize City homes owned television sets which they had never been able to use.

The friend of my enemy is my enemy, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend …
Dear Editor, I shall not be drawn into the argument as to whether the Zionist State of Israel is secularist, apartheid and racist, with its capital,Tel Aviv, recognised as the gay capital of the world, as against it being a continuum of the Biblical Israel, despite its government, form, ideology, values and practices are at total variance with the Israel of the Bible. Neither will I discuss the history of this state’s formation in 1948 by its secularist and atheist founders, beginning with Theodor Herzl, David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir and Chaim Weizmann. Nor will I examine the Machiavellian role of Britain, which had the Mandate and was unduly influenced by centuries of Restorationist doctrines within Britain, as well as those of the US, and a guilt-ridden Europe which all needed to salve their consciences because of the genocide of a people whose DNAs expose them to be more European and less Jew – hence the compromise, “Jewish”.

Jerry Enriquez thanks Henry Young, Sr.
Editor Sir, I am writing with reference to a letter written by Mr. Henry Young, Sr. in this newspaper dated June 23, 2018, (pg. 7) in which he recommended that my book, To Educate a Nation: Autobiography of Andres P. and Jane V. Enriquez, should be a required reading for all; especially for teachers. His recommendation is an honor for which I am very grateful. Hopefully, the Ministry of Education as well as Principals and teachers of primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions will heed his advice and seek to deepen their awareness of our nation’s rich history. Indeed, our teachers cannot continue to remain apathetic about various aspects of our nation’s history – including our political, cultural, social and economic history. Promoting the knowledge of Belize’s history is so important for nurturing well-informed citizens, and for providing valuable insights for current and future generations.

Romel queries the Ministry of Transport
Dear Editor, I have a query for the Ministry and/or Department of Transport. On our Belize driver’s licence there is a B2 category for six-wheel trucks and a B3 for tandem drive vehicles (with trailer). On our highways you can frequently see delivery trucks with an extra (dead) differential, adding four more wheels to the vehicle so it can withstand more weight. Some delivery truck drivers have only a B2 six-wheel truck licence, and some transport officers want to ticket them whenever they are driving these added dead axle trucks because they consider them ten-wheelers.

Pastor Jim Duncan from Boston Village
Dear Mr. Hyde, I have enjoyed reading your newspaper and editorials for many many years, and have responded a few times before. This time I am writing in response to your editorial in the June 29 Amandala, titled “Belize or Israel: country or God?” I respectfully submit to you that for Belizeans to choose between our country and God would not only be foolhardy, but actually an impossibility. I will explain. I certainly will never be as knowledgeable about the history of Belize as you are, as I’ve only lived here for 20 years, but I do know that our Belizean constitution affirms in its preamble that “the Nation of Belize shall be founded upon principles which acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free men and free institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator.”

Who is afraid of Belize’s Diaspora?
On the whole, it is fairly obvious that the Belizean Diaspora is misunderstood and thus mis-appraised. It is not a monolithic group, but one of the most fragmented and possibly divided Diasporas. There is a lack of leadership, organisation, ideological focus and goals, and therefore there is an urgent need for capacity building. In a number of important aspects our Diaspora mirrors the national chaos and anomie at home. The Belizean Diaspora is also economically modest when compared to other Diasporas in North America and Britain. But one needs to appreciate that a Diaspora can only work its economic magic not only if the host country within which it is situated tolerates it and gives it opportunities, but also if the home country appreciates it.

Mexico goes socialist, and a NY district might too
All the talk in Mexico and Latin America right now is about the victory of Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, a democratic socialist, in the presidential elections in Mexico this week. Much of the talk in the USA right now is about the victory of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old democratic socialist, who shocked a 10-term incumbent in a congressional district in New York. There’s little pure glory for mankind in the daag-eat-daag capitalist system. We have heard American president, Donald Trump, speak about the “art of the deal” as if it is some wholesome science. It’s not! Yes, much of the success in the capitalist system depends on your talent, hard work, home work, and intuition, but a heck of a lot of the deal is about dishonest insider trading, lobbying shady politicians, and at its most vicious, taking advantage of people who are financially desperate. In the political arena it is pointing a gun or pointing to the bomb and telling leaders of less militarily powerful governments, DEAL!

The Growth of Black Consciousness in Belize 1914–1919
Violence, whether spontaneous or premeditated, has an inherent attraction for both the historian and his reader. On the one hand there is the heightened colour of strong emotions unleashed in an individual or society exposed to unacceptable stress. On the other, the rare opportunity to perceive fully, perhaps for the first time, the processes in that individual or society which are most important to its functioning. Those processes and the psychological and ideological assumptions which regulate them may be only fully comprehended when the organism, be it individual or collective, makes war upon itself.

Riding across Belize for kidney patients
The Ride Across Belize is a community-supported annual initiative by the Social Security Board (SSB) to raise funds to support charitable causes and aid in the development of Belize. According to the SSB’s website, they started the initiative because, “medical practitioners linked to the Social Security Board decided that the institution needs to do more in emphasizing the importance of healthy living.” The Ride Across Belize program, according to the website, has two main objectives: to “work as a team and raise needed funds to generate public awareness for worthy causes, and to promote healthy lifestyles in Belizean homes.”

Michelle Cox Hoare new KHMH CEO
Michelle Cox Hoare, a veteran administrator of 33 years in the Belize Healthcare Service, is now the new Chief Executive Officer of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). She came with a Master’s Degree in Public Health, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Administration and served as the Director of Nursing Service at the KHMH, and the Program Officer for the United Nations Population Fund for Belize. Hoare was introduced to the media yesterday as the new CEO during a brief ceremony.

Brhea Bowen, 20, awarded $10,000 in damages for GSU violation of her constitutional rights
The Belize Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) has been costing taxpayers many thousands of dollars in lawsuit awards as a result of a number of incidents involving the violation of citizens’ constitutional rights by the unit, which has engaged in an overzealous enforcement of the laws, especially the Amendment to the Firearms Act, which calls for the arrest of all persons on a premises where unlicensed firearms or ammunition are found. Today, a Supreme Court judge awarded a 20-year-old woman $10,000 after the court found that the GSU had violated her constitutional rights when she was arrested and charged, along with her mother and brother, for possession of unlicensed ammunition for some shotgun cartridges a GSU search party found at the family’s La Croix Boulevard home.

Jose Salinas, 16, attacked and stabbed after exiting bus in Hope Creek
Jose Salinas, 16, a fourth form student of Hope Creek, is recovering at the Southern Regional after he was beaten and stabbed in his back and abdomen yesterday morning in the village. Salinas is now declared to be in a serious but stable condition. Information to us is that yesterday morning, Salinas travelled from Belmopan to Hope Creek on a James Bus and on his arrival in the village three men were waiting for him at the bus stop.

The Reporter

Belize city restaurant robbed
New Fortune Restaurant located at the corner of West Collet Canal and King street in Belize city was targetted by three thieves on Thursday night. While A

keem Vargas shot dead on Wagner’s Lane
A shooting on Wagner’s Lane in Belize city on Thursday night has claimed the life of Akeem Tiron Vargas, 25. Vargas was shot to the right side of his neck

Two men arrested for stabbing and assault cases in St. Mathew’s village
Two men, Germaine Joseph and Santos Eduardo Lopez, have been arrested for separate stabbing incidents, both of which happened in St. Mathew’s village recently. Joseph, 30, a construction worker of

Guatemalan citizens can re-register: Attorney General
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte told the media today – despite a reported pause by the Immigration Department on the issuance of Belizean nationality to Guatemalans amid concerns over the renunciation

UNCAC inspection team to finally arrive this weekend
A team of government experts from the nations of Haiti and Tuvalu, whose February visit to Belize was reportedly postponed due to logistical challenges with arranging their travel plans, is

Prime Minister Set to give speech at CARICOM H-O-S, July 5th.
Developing story, Caricom H-O-S Meeting at Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 4th. – 6th. 2018

Breaking Belize News

Beryl intensifies to a Category 1 hurricane
The National Hurricane Center has just upgraded the status of Beryl to a Category 1 […]

Police find weed and cocaine in Caye Caulker
Yesterday morning between 5:15 and 6:30, a police search in an abandoned lot on Estrella Street, Caye […]

Father and son charged with drug trafficking in Corozal
Yesterday around 1 p.m., police searched the residence of Jose Escamila Sr., 48, of the Finca Solano […]

Belize City man gunned down
Belize City police are investigating the murder of a twenty-five-year old construction worker. Last night around 7:00, […]

International day of Co-operatives being celebrated on Saturday in Belize city
The Department of Co-operatives with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, […]

Minor reportedly raped by ex-boyfriend
Belmopan police are investigating a report of rape in their jurisdiction. Yesterday, a 15-year-old minor […]

Over 120 clerks participate in training program
The Ministry of the Public Service hosted a Clerical Promotional Program to provide vital training […]

Belizean artist awarded 2018 Bridget Jones Award
Belizean artist, Katie Numi Usher is the recipient of this year’s Bridget Jones Award for […]

Ministry of Agriculture concludes five-day training course
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and through the […]

First hurricane of 2018, Beryl, continues to gain strength
Beryl became the first hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season today. As of 11:00 […]

Blogs

Cayo Espanto – Private Island Paradise
Located just three miles off the coast of Ambergris Caye is the ultra-exclusive private island, Cayo Espanto. Attracting a mix of discerning luxury travelers and A-list celebrities, this five-star resort features seven private villas, including one over-the-water bungalow. If you’ve ever fantasized about a private island getaway with round the clock pampering and gourmet cuisine, rest assured – Cayo Espanto is the stuff dreams are made of! You won’t have to wait until your arrival to realize how special this vacation is going to be – the pampering starts the minute you make your reservation. An e-mail questionnaire fleshes out important details like the time you prefer your morning coffee, what your dream dinner is, and how much pampering do you want. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, let them know as the staff will do their best to make it happen. Complimentary transfers to Cayo Espanto depart from Ambergris Caye via a quick 10-minute boat ride. Before you even have time to settle in on the boat, you’re already being delivered to your villa’s private dock, where the entire staff is on hand to welcome you.

Sometimes You Need Extreme Patience
I messaged both Wade and Kathy from Roadkill Bar this morning to let them know that I was finally changing my sign that is on display along the outside fence of the bar. After that, I decided to check and I found the start of getting the sign repainted dates back to May 20th, 2016. I tried to speed up the process but there was just no way around it. I was not only waiting on one sign painter either. I tried three and finally, I ended up going with the original of the three. And yes there is great a lowdown to that slow down however in the interest of respect, I am keeping it light. The irony to this story is when I turned up at the internet cafe to leave some money for the clear coat, my previous sign painter was there – I have literally not seen him in years. Belize definitely was showing it’s sense of humor when it had me on delay for my sign.

Buying Liquor On Your Way Into Belize
This was originally posted in 2012 but there have been some important updates at the international airport. Most notably, there are TWO inbound duty free stores and the selection has broadened to include some sunglasses, make-up and candy in addition to American brand cigarette cartons and wine and liquor. AND it can get you lower prices. There are no two ways about it…drinking in Belize can be expensive. Enjoying a beer at a local bar starts at $5BZD (or $2.50 USD), local rum is generally priced about the same and it goes up, way up, for imported liquors. Vodka or tequila drinks generally start at $12bzd. A glass of (often Chilean) wine starts at $15bzd. A night out can grow expensive depending on your tastes and your venue.

International Sources

Hurricane Beryl to raise risk of flooding in Caribbean; State of emergency declared in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Beryl, a tiny storm over the south-central Atlantic, is projected to take a path over the northern Caribbean. As of early Saturday morning, Beryl was moving west-northwestward at about 14 mph (22 km/h) and had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). Beryl is entering a zone of conditions that are likely to inhibit its further strengthening. "Because of the small size of Beryl and anticipated weakening, widespread wind damage is not expected," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jake Sojda. However, there will be some risk to lives and property along the storm's path. People should take precautions.

Videos

July 5, 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, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Meloney Arnold Crowned Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2018-2019
Under the glow of a waning full moon, the Miss Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2018-2019 pageant was held on Friday, June 29th on the beach of La Isla Cariñosa. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the very engaging Dale McDougall of WAVE Radio and TV who introduced the lovely contestants to a very enthusiastic crowd. Competing for the coveted crown were 18-year-old Meloney Arnold, 17-year-old Normari Blanco, 16 year-old Valerie Arnold, and 18 year-old Yammira Rosado.

Patron Saint Peter honored during Dia de San Pedro
From June 28th to June 30th, San Pedro Town honoured its Patron Saint with the ‘El Dia de San Pedro celebrations. This year, festivities at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex were witnessed not only by island residents but also by a delegation from the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, headed by the Municipal President of the sub-division Othon P. Blanco, Maria Luisa Alcerreca Manzanero. The different events during the three-day festivities highlighted San Pedro’s beginnings, its rich island culture and its potential to continue being the leading municipality in the country.

Ambergris Today

United States Schools Are Looking For Teachers In Belize
If you are an experienced preschool, primary or high school teacher and you are looking to expand your professional background, this opportunity may interest you. Participate is looking for Belizean teacher candidates. Applicants should be willing to work for a period of three up to five years in U.S. schools. This is the first time that Participate will recruit native teachers from Belize. Participate supports teachers throughout the cultural exchange experience, allowing them to fully develop themselves and share their skills with their students. Participate will be with the elected applicants every step of the way. The teachers will learn about new educational methods, strategies and they also will be familiarized with a new culture. Teachers will have opportunity to share with U.S. students about their own culture. Upon their return to their country, teachers will be able to apply their new knowledge to the Belizean school community.

Misc Belizean Sources

Vacancy exists for Parenting Educators!
Community and Parenting Empowerment Program

Xcalak & Othon P. Blanco delegation visit San Pedro Town
60 photos.

COLORS BEACH FESTIVAL | Foam + Paint + Water
SATURDAY JULY 21ST AT COROZAL RAINBOW BEACH. Music By: DJ Callie - DJ Kenneth - Generation 2 - DJ Infinity - DeeJay Dev + Special Guest NO FEAR DJS & DJ ODYSSEY. Tickets are now available for $15 Pre Sold (Contact 621-1835). Cover Fee $20 at the gate.

Fiestarama
Fiestarama live performances by Di X Band and From Quintana Roo Mexico, La Red Latina. Jugglin' by Evolution Sounds and video mixing by Dj Oxigeno. July 28th and 29th, Orange Walk People's Stadium.

River to Reef Ambassador Program
A initiative between Build Belize and Green Reef Belize for the conservation and protection of the Northern Belize Coastal Complex, a River to Reef Seascape. The aim of the program is to create Environmental Ambassadors of youths living along the New River. Every year on Earth Day, the children of the River to Reef Ambassador’s Program plant and up-keep Mahogany Trees along the New River Bank to support the filtration of land-based agro-chemicals washed into the New River. Every summer children in the program travel to Basil Jones for a one week camp to experience first-hand the connectivity of the River and the Reef and learn about marine conservation. If you would like to sponsor a child for the River to Reef Ambassador Program, please contact Mr. Julio Uck at 626-2514

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
I Feel Pretty, Super Troopers 2, Stolen Princess, Truth or Dare. (for those who noticed the heat in the big room last week, friday .. we got the A/C fixed for the billionth time .. it's cool once again)

Channel 7

Two Teenagers Charged For Killing Man And Stuffing Him In Couch
Eleazar Chan’s murder was one of the most sensational of the year - and tonight police say two teenagers did it.   On Good Friday, the 42 year old Customs Broker from Luisville village was beaten to death inside his house in Luisville, and then his body was wrapped in a hammock and stuffed in his own couch.   The killers took care to remove his sofa from his living room, put his body inside the sofa, then went to the nearby village of San Pedro and left the couch in a cane field.  A bizarre end, and, a 19 year old and a 15 year old from nearby villages have been charged for murder.  19 year old Ronaldo Marin is from San Luis, and the 15 year old is from San Narciso.

OW South Area Rep Sued For Causing Death
Viewers may remember the traffic accident that Jose Abelardo Mai, the PUP Area Rep. for Orange Walk South, was involved in back in April of 2016. He was driving a Toyota Hilux which ran over Trial Farm resident, Julia Arana on the Belize-Corozal road. Arana survived, but spent 2 difficult months recovering and then, her condition took a sharp dip and she died of acute cardio respiratory failure, caused by broncho pneumonia. Ever since the accident, the Arana family has insisted that Mai was responsible for her demise, and they expected that he would have taken on the financial responsibilities of covering her medical bills and all other expenses they incurred. 

Jules Vs. Julius: Is The Cayo South Rep A Team Player or A Lone Ranger?
We reported on Friday that PUP Cayo South Representative Julius Espat had resigned as Deputy Leader of the West.  This is 4 months after he was re-elected to that post in a National Convention - and a few days before re-registration.  So why did he resign so abruptly - and on the cusp of re-registration?  Today, in a testy interview, he told Jules Vasquez that the Central power in the party stripped away the autonomy of the west, making him a deputy in name only:… Hon. Julius Espat - Resigned PUP Deputy West: "And, of recently, central politics has determined the actions in the west and I believe that’s not the best way of doing. And so I decided you know something, I want the people united party to win. I don’t want to be an obstacle in allowing the west to do better. And so I will just move aside for a little while until he party defines who bets to address the situation in the west. Because the last municipal election was a clear example that there has to be more participation of members of the caucus for the future of the caucus."

Hon. Julius Says Party Has To Be Clearer On Candidates
And, Espat also wants reform also in the process to screen candidates for divisional conventions.  The ongoing convention fiasco in Belmopan has blown up in the PUP’s face - where the party has now had to twice postpone the convention, and re-open the call for applications from interested candidates.  It’s a proper mess and Espat says it could have been avoided if the party would open up to some reform:… Hon. Julius Espat - Cayo South Rep: "The reason I think the party has to do a little more reform. I believe has to consider more people.  I believe the party should be including more people instead of expelling people. And I believe our system of how we decide who should run or not should be defined."

New KHMH Boss Lays Out Her Plan
Last Week Friday, we told you that the KHMH finally named a new CEO, after Dr. Adrian Coye left office in May. She’s Michelle Cox Hoare - who was holding over after Coye.  She comes with 33 years of service in different parts of Belize’s healthcare system. She also holds a Master’s Degree in public health, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Administration, and she was previously the Director of Nursing Services at the KHMH. Today - the unlikely choice - who, we are told, never even applied for the job - introduced herself to the public with a short press conference. Here’s what she had to say today about the thrust of her leadership of the KHMH:

Owner Of Roadside Bar Brutalized By Robber
A roadside bar on the George Price Highway was robbed early this morning and the proprietor was badly beaten.   50 year old Yunguang Ruan was closing up the M & S nightclub which is near Saint Matthew’s Bridge when a hispanic male attacked him and started beating him with a stick.  He left the bar owner unconscious, with a large open wound to the back of his head.  The attacker then raced off in Ruan’s van - which was later discovered just up the road in Harmonyville. Ruan was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state.

Where Is Witsil?
A 51 year old Belize City man has been missing since father’s day, the 17th – that is over two weeks now and his daughters are very worried.  He is Ivan Witzil. One of his daughters Carla Garcia told us that she just wants to know if her dad is okay Jovanna Witzil - Daughter: "Last time that I saw him is for father's day, we gone to my house, he come here first because we did a little lunch. So in then night he gone to my house, I give him thing to make him eat and he said okay I'm going to my house because he is a person that like drink. We tell he sometimes you know stop drink, pa stop drink."

Riding To Save Lives
“We Ride to Save Lives” - that’s the theme for the annual Ride Across Belize.  It started today in Corozal and we met the riders after the first leg at the Social Security Headquarters in the city.   Organizer Chandra Nisbet Cansino said that this year it’s about raising money for those suffering with kidney disease:… Chandra Nisbet Cansino - GM, Corporate Customer Relations, SSB : "Today is the 14th annual Ride across Belize. Today is the first stage which is from Corozal to Belize City and that is about a total of about 84 miles. We had about 70 persons sign up at the start which is the bigger signing ups from the beginning.  We arrived about 100 persons in to Belize City today."

Changing Of The Guard At The CCJ
Today in Jamaica, Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders officially took over leadership of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is the highest court in Belize.   Taking over from Sir Dennis Byron, Saunders becomes the 3rd president of the court.  Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow - whose had his difference with the CCJ - praised the court and its new president at the swearing in which was held today as part of the activities of the 39th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Montego Bay Convention Centre:

Fantasy Five Win Leads To Charity
The Belize City Council is in a revenue crunch - so it welcomed a donation of two patrol bikes at the municipal transport department today.  Councillor Allan Pollard who’s responsible for the Traffic portfolio says that when one guwonwer came up on a fantasy five jackpot, he shared the wealth:… Allan Pollard - City Councillor: "Serrano's bus line, they offered to us to donate 2 motorcycles to the department which was well needed because one of the things here at the department is lack of mobility for the officers and they have to be deployed all over the city and we have 2 mobile vehicles that have to wait and drop off, pick up. So this is very instrumental part of the department now, knowing that 2 officers could mobilize around the city much better."

Traffic Lights Regime Coming To City
We also asked councillor Pollard to comment on the new streetlights on the busiest junction on Central American Boulevard.  The lights at the corner of Vernon Street and the Boulevard have been out of service for years - and just this week we saw some shiny new ones in place.  Pollard told us that we should thank the Ministry of Works:… Allan Pollard - City Councillor: “Well, the new traffic lights, I've seen them up now fully functioning, those under the ministry of works for quite some time even before me getting here, I know the department, the manager has been writing to the ministry to get those up. Every day we have officers in that area, every morning, every evening, it’s a hotspot for us, the intersection, many accidents, so we're very happy for those lights, we thank the ministry for getting those up. We also have in our pipeline some traffic lights in other areas that we identified as key hotspots where we've seen a surge of accidents, so those will be coming soon from other donors outside, they have committed to over 20, possibly 30 so we can't wait to get those as well."

PUP Council Gives Taxi Operators Half Off New Fee
And while those 20 or more traffic lights are a future project, in the here and now Councillor Pollard says his focus has been on taxi operators.   The last UDP Council focussed on organizing the taxi’s into unions and charging a twenty dollar operators’ fee for each cab driver across the 13 unions.  Pollard says - following up on an election promise - the new council has cut that fee in half:… Allan Pollard - City Councillor: "For me that’s been most of my job dealing with the taxi people. Last week we've passed a resolution in the council to slash the current service fee in half, which was 20 dollars per month for each taxi. We slashed that and we brought it down to 10 dollars, so the taxi people they really appreciate it, they operators, the drivers, every appreciates it. So it’s one stepping stone to getting where we want to be and that’s what we campaigned on the platform, we met with a lot of taxi operators before elections and that was the concern from them and we're happy to address that.”

Caring About Cops
A dinner outing, an overnight trip and a gift certificate. That’s what 3 Region 1 officers walked away with as a reward for their outstanding service. Each officer got one prize. Two were rewarded for officer of the month for May and June while the other was recognized for his contribution to the community outreach programs. There was a short handing over ceremony at the Raccoon Street police station this morning where we met the distinguished awardees. Sr. Supt Howell Gillett - Southside Commander: "Three of the officers, one is for the month of May, the other is for the month of June and the third is for the community outreach programs that this guy PC 1414 Shal has been doing. He has been doing the GREAT Program in the prison at the Wagners Youth Facility and he is the person in charge of the cadet at Rocky Road and also at Mayflower Street."

New Deputy For Gritty City
Region 1 Commander Howell Gillett has his Belmopan pal as his new deputy. That’s Superintendent Dwayne Sutherland. Sutherland took up the post on Monday. We spoke with Sutherland at the police awards ceremony and he says he is ready to get to work in the gritty city. Supt. Dwayne Sutherland - Deputy Commander, Region 1: "I am very optimistic in taking up this challenge. I am dedicated and committed in continuing to work with the general public in terms of providing safety and continue with the building of good working relationships with the community." "I believe personally in two main policing strategies and community policing is one for sure and the reason being we can’t solve crime or do much without the assistance of the general public."

San Isidro Cop Concerns
There’s a cry against police from southern Belize - where a family says they were victimized by criminals, and now police refuse to do anything about it.  Last week Thursday in San Isidro village, two men armed with machete and gun appeared at the Pop house and tied up a 15 year old resident, pointed a gun to his head and beat him.   The family says Bella Vista Police didn’t act or appear interested in the report, so they were forced to go to the Independence Police Station where, again, they claim, police refused to take the report.   They say it ended with the 15 year old being remanded - while his attackers walked free. The family says they have taken complaints as far as the professional standards branch in Belmopan, but to no avail - because police seem disinterested. We could not get a comment from the police press office today.

Channel 5

OW South P.U.P. Area Representative Faces Lawsuit from Arana Family
Orange Walk South P.U.P. Area Representative, Jose Abelardo Mai, is before Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel. The lawsuit against Mai stems from a traffic accident which occurred on the Phillip [...]

2 Teenagers Are Charged for the April Murder of Eleazar Chan
Police have cracked the murder of forty-two-year-old Eleazar Chan in the Corozal District.  Two persons, including a minor, have been charged for the killing of the Louisville resident.  The body [...]

Meet the New C.E.O. of the K.H.M.H., Michelle Cox-Hoare
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital officially introduced today its new Chief Executive Officer who takes over from Doctor Adrian Coye. The new C.E.O. has over three decades of experience in [...]

BERT Responds to Complaints about Ambulances Down
Today, News Five received several reports of BERT being unable to carry out ambulatory services because the emergency vans at the facility were all down. We were able to confirm [...]

CARICOM Leaders Converge on Montego Bay for Annual Heads of Government Meeting
The thirty-ninth CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting got underway this evening in Montego Bay, Jamaica and continues through to Friday.  Belize is represented at the summit of regional leaders by [...]

Sedi Says No Need for Alarm on Belizeans Abroad and Naturalized Guatemalans Re-registering
The national re-registration exercise is in its third day, with centers being established countrywide.  The exercise takes place ahead of next year’s I.C.J. referendum and the upcoming general elections.  Prior [...]

Belize Assumes Pro Tem SICA Presidency from the Dominican Republic
For the next six months, Belize will remain at the helm of the Central American Integrated System, SICA, having assumed the Presidency Pro Tempore on June thirtieth from the Dominican [...]

Is Six Months Too Short for SICA Presidency?
Belize last held Presidency Pro Tempore of SICA in 2014.  According to Orla Cantun-Coleman, Director of International Affairs Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, even with such rotating presidency, [...]

Rudolph Smith Jr. Not Guilty of Rape
After deliberating for six hours, a jury has found Rudolph Smith Junior not guilty of rape and aggravated assault. The unanimous decision was reached on Tuesday evening in the courtroom [...]

Maje, the Hawksbill Turtle, is Tagged
Sea turtles are a valuable part of marine ecosystems because they help to preserve sea grass beds which are important for shelter and resource to many other sea organisms.  But the [...]

CitCo is Gifted 2 Cycles
The Belize City Council received two brand new cycles from a charitable Ladyville resident, Hernan Serrano, the owner of Serrano’s Bus Line. According to Serrano’s wife, he took home two [...]

Kidney Association to Benefit from Annual Ride Across Belize
The annual Ride Across Belize got underway this morning in Belize City and continues through to Friday. This year from the proceeds raised, the Social Security Board will be making [...]

Belize Police Department Recognizes 3 of Their Own
Commander of Region One of Eastern Division, Senior Superintendent of Police, Howell Gillett rewarded three of his police officers for a job well done. Police officers Christopher Smith, Evaristo Cob [...]

Eastern Division Region One Has New Deputy Commander
Region One of Eastern Division has a new Deputy Commander and he is Superintendent Dwayne Sutherland.  Sutherland, who was previously the Commander of the Belmopan Police Formation, has nineteen years [...]

Justice Adrian Saunders Ascends to Presidency of the Caribbean Court of Justice
A change in the leadership of the Caribbean Court of Justice took place earlier today during a ceremony which paved the way for a three-day meeting of CARICOM heads.  The [...]

Summer Camp for South Side Kids
Youths Creating Talent is hosting a one-month free of cost summer camp for children on the south side at the Cumberbatch Field. The grassroots organization says that they have received [...]

Belizean Violinist Selected for Orchestra of the Americas European Tour
Professional violinist Cindy Burgos left the country today for a European Tour as part of the Orchestra of the Americas. Burgos, who has been playing the violin since she was [...]

LOVE FM

Family claims police refused to take their statement following an attack upon a family member
A family in San Isidro Village in the Toledo District is alleging that Independence police has refused to take their statement about an incident that involved a member of their family since June 28. That person, identified as Jose Pop has been remanded to prison but the circumstances surrounding his detention, at least the family’s …

Activist groups say PUDP benefit from re-registration of former Guatemalan nationals
Activist groups, BUFERHD, The PEACE Movement, Northern Territorial Volunteers and the Belize Territorial Volunteers, including two groups from the diaspora, BREDDA and Belize Diaspora Voting Rights are opposing the inclusion of Naturalized Belizeans of Guatemalan origin onto the voters list. In a press conference on Tuesday, President of BUFERHD Derek Aikman expressed their determination …

Service fees for Belize City taxi operators is cut in half
The Belize City Council has made some adjustments to the fares charged to taxi drivers in the city. Councilor Allan Pollard says it was a decision made at a recent meeting and even though the council is strapped for cash, the move will not further cripple the council’s purse. Councilor Allan Pollard: Last week we …

Julius Espat makes no headway in proposed changes to the Public Accounts Committee
This is not the first time that the Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat has rallied under the banner of transparency and accountability. One of his bigger campaigns has been to depoliticize the Public Accounts Committee and its functions. Espat, who serves as the Chair of the Committee says that his fight has not really …

Lottery winner donates new cycles to Belize City Traffic Department
This afternoon, Serrano’s Bus Line, which operates out of Ladyville made a donation to the traffic department. Proprietor Tenisha Serrano handed over two Honda brand motorcycles to the department, a gesture that the couple decided upon after her husband won the fantasy five lottery recently. Proprietor Tenisha Serrano: My husband won the fantasy five and …

Julius Espat and PUP share different views on post of Deputy Leader
Area Representative for Cayo South Julius Espat is no longer a Deputy Leader of the People’s United Party. On Monday, the Area Representative tendered his resignation from the post, which the party accepted. He has said, however, that the move does not mean that he is bitter with his party or that he is stepping …

National Hurricane Center monitoring two tropical disturbances
The National Hurricane Center in Florida is monitoring two tropical disturbances. [ORANGE] Environmental conditions appear conducive for some development of this system, and a tropical depression could form before the end of the week while the system moves west-northwestward and then northward between Bermuda and the east coast of the United States. The system is …

Breaking Belize News

An Open Letter to Evan X Hyde
Dear Mr. Hyde, I have enjoyed reading your newspaper and editorials for many many years, and have responded a few times before. This time I am writing in response to your editorial in the June 29 Amandala, titled “Belize or Israel: country or God?” […]

National dilemma: Naturalized Belizeans (Guatemalans) versus born bred Belizeans in the diaspora
The nation is currently engaged in a countrywide clean up of the voters’ list but there […]

PM Barrow to deliver remarks at CARICOM Heads of Government meeting
Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who is currently in Jamaica, is set to speak at the […]

Medical Director for BERT completes fellowship
On June 29, 2018, the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT) congratulated their Medical Director, Dr. Rigo […]

Young man and minor charged for murder
Police have detained and charged two persons for the murder of 42-year-old Eleazar Chan that happened in Corozal […]

Belizean group intends to challenge 2008 ‘Compromis’
A group of Belizeans, under the name, the Peace Movement, intend to challenge the constitutionality […]

New Children’s Book to be launched this Friday
The Image Factory Art Foundation today announced the latest book presentation, Keron Flies His Kite, […]

Businessman beaten and robbed this morning
Belmopan police are investigating a robbery that left a businessman severely injured this morning. According […]

Belize city man reported missing
A 51-year-old man from Cockburn Lane, Belize city has been reported missing. Ivan Roger Witzil […]

CARICOM celebrates 45th Anniversary with Heads of Government meeting
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its founding today. CARICOM is […]

International Sources

Could Nouvelle Belizean Cuisine Become The Nation’s Next “Cultural…
Belize’s impressive showing at a recent “Culinary Olympics of the Caribbean” highlights the skills of a new generation of Belizean cooks who are combining ancient Maya culture with global influences to forge a Nouvelle Belizean Cuisine, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Chaa Creek managing director Bryony Fleming Bradley was congratulating Belizean chefs returning from the “Taste of the Caribbean” culinary competition held in Florida June 22 to 26 2018. She said the Belizean delegation, who returned to the competition after a fifteen year hiatus, out performed expectations to bring home a silver and three bronze medals amid strong competition from more experienced Caribbean national teams. “Because Belize had been absent from the competition for so long, it entered as somewhat of a dark horse, so having such a strong showing took people by surprise,” she said.

Unitel roaming service arrives in Belize
Unitel's roaming services has arrived for the first time in Belize, Central America, through a partnership with local operator Belize Telemedia Limited, reports Angop. In Central America, Unitel already has voice roaming partnerships in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. In addition to voice roaming, the partnership with Belize Telemedia Limited also includes the provision of a GPRS bilateral roaming service for the sharing of mobile data. Unitel also reinforced the data roaming service in Sierra Leone, through a new local partnership with operator Africell, the second roaming partner in the country. This partnership will ensure the provision of bilateral GSM and GPRS services to Unitel customers.

How we’re solving the mystery of whale shark hotspots
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, but much of its lifecycle remains shrouded in mystery. These gentle giants gather in just a handful of places around the globe – something which has long baffled scientists – but our new research has started to explain why. Better understanding of whale shark movements could help prevent further population loss in a species that has already experienced a 63% population decline over the past 75 years. When swimming solo, the whale shark, which can grow up to 18.8 metres in length and 34 tons in weight, travels all over the world. Recently, a group of scientists tracked the remarkable journey of one whale shark across the Pacific from Panama to the Philippines. At more than 12,000 miles it proved to be one of the longest migrations ever recorded. Yet whale sharks are known to come together at just a few specific locations around the world. Anything from ten to 500 whale sharks may gather at any one time in areas off the coasts of Australia, Belize, the Maldives, Mexico and more.

Videos

July 4, 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, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, and other specials

The San Pedro Sun

Ivy Queen to headline the 2018 Costa Maya Festival!
The International Costa Maya Festival committee has confirmed that the legendary Ivy Queen will be headlining the 2018 stage on Saturday, August 4th. Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez – Ivy Queen – is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, rapper, actress and record producer. Referred to as the Queen of Reggaeton, Ivy Queen’s music focuses on themes of female empowerment, infidelity, and relationships. Her vibrant stage presence, strong vocals and original sound will make for an incredible concert on Saturday, August 4th. The songstress will be performing some of her best hits, including “Yo Quiero Bailar”, “La Vida Es Asi”, “Pobre Corazon”, “Tuya Yo Soy”, “Dime” and much more!

National voter re-registration process begins
The re-registration process of voters nationwide officially commenced on Sunday, July 1st with 100 registration centers around the country. On Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School is the designated registration station during the re-registration scheduled for July and August. The center will open from Monday to Friday 9AM to 7PM, and on Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM. Documents required are a Belizean birth certificate and a photo ID (Social Security card), or photograph certified, stamped, and signed by a Justice of the Peace (JP), or valid Belizean passport. Commonwealth passports and naturalization certificates are also be accepted, if the document has no picture, bring along a photograph certified, and signed by a JP. Re-registration for Caye Caulker residents will take place at the Caye Caulker Community Centre from the 16th to the 23rd of July only. The registration center will open from 9AM to 4PM.

Ambergris Today

Ivy Queen To Perform At The 2018 Costa Maya Festival
The International Costa Maya Festival has announced its main artist for this year’s Festival; The legendary Ivy Queen will be headlining the 2018 stage on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez - Ivy Queen - is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, rapper, actress and record producer. Referred to as the Queen of Reggaeton. The songstress will be performing some of her best hits, including “Yo Quiero Bailar”, “La Vida Es Asi”, “Pobre Corazon”, “Tuya Yo Soy”, “Dime” and much more! More Updates on this Year’s Costa Maya Festival as they become available!

Fire At Street Side Gourmet Burger Place
The newest and hottest place for the most delicious burgers in town caught on fire this afternoon of Tuesday, July 3, 2018, on Pescador Drive. With the help of the community, bucket brigades, water hoses and fire extinguishers from different establishments the fire was quickly put out before the fire spread to near by businesses and homes. Street Side Gourmet recently opened as is owned by local Sanpedrano Anthony Bedford. More Updates on the fire as they become available.

San Pedro Bids Farewell To Mr. Ramon Nunez
In a heartbroken mode if mourning, San Pedro bids farewell to an iconic Islander, Ramon Núñez who passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 2, followed by a memorial services at Ramon’s Village. Ramon was born in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize of humble parents Regina and Cruz Núñez, a fisherman. After primary school, Ramon got a study scholarship but could not go to high school because his parents could not afford the luxury. So at age 14 he became a fisherman and camped out to learn the trade with his older brothers.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Pro-Tempore President Of Central American Council Of Tourism Ministers
Belize Conferred The Pro-Tempore Presidency Of The Central American Council Of Tourism Ministers (Cct) At Its CVIII Ordinary Meeting BELIZE CITY, June 28th, 2018 – Hon. Jose Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, led an official delegation on June 27th and June 28th, 2018 to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to participate in the CVIII Ordinary Meeting of the Central American Council of Tourism Ministers (C.C.T., for its Spanish equivalent), as well as the XII Ordinary Meeting of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (C.A.T.A., for its Spanish equivalent).

Voters Re-Registration Has Begun
The public is hereby notified that the list of Registration Centers below will be opened to facilitate the registration of electors from Monday 2nd July to 31st August 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. In San Pedro the venue for re-registration is at the San Pedro RC School. Click Here for information of what you need to re-register.

Misc Belizean Sources

A Trip to Melville 2
Electronic music festival in Bullet Tree Falls, August 4, 6pm til late. Mind & Me is coming back to Cayo! They'll be having a Pool Party at the new Poolhouse in Bullet Tree Falls. The theme will be Woodstock '69, and NIght Quest, Primal Luxe, and Jeff Gold will be performing.

OAS Professional Development Scholarship!
Are you a teacher, social worker, or in a profession related to the design , implementation and legislation of programs and policies on disability and education . Scholarship Available for an ONLINE Diploma Course in Human Rights, Disability and Inclusive Education. To apply the candidate must submit the following to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs :

BCVI Free eye clinic Wednesday July 4th at the San Pedro Lions Den 8:30am - 2pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity for a free eye exam and follow up!

Week 2 of BTEC’s Childcare Training underway!
This week will cover : Introduction to Babysitting, How to Safely and Happily Care for Babies and Children and much more with Mrs. Dana Smith and Dr. Shirlene Augustine. In 3 more weeks be sure to contact the Belize Training and Employment Centre , a unit of BELTRAIDE if you are looking for certified babysitters!

Belize Youth Challenge Program
There's still time to get in those applications for intake 2 of the Belize Youth Challenge Program! Are you up for the Challenge?

Ministry of National Security Commissions Citizen Security Summit
The Ministry of National Security (MNS) will be hosting a Citizen Security Summit on July 18, 2018, at the Belize City Civic Center. The Summit will provide a forum for stakeholders and other interest groups to examine existing national security policies, strategies, and plans as well as to identify possible solutions to Belize’s unique law enforcement challenges. The participants will be tasked to identify feasible, acceptable, and suitable solutions on the issue of citizen security. These solutions will be used to influence existing and future citizen security policies and plans for Belize.

Movie Night at Central Park
It's Back! Movie Night at Central Park. Playing this Saturday, July 7, is SHERLOCK GNOMES!! Seating is at 6:30 p.m. and we will have food and drinks on sale.

San Pablo Cultural Day
San Pablo Cultural Day saw participants Lol'ha from San Pablo & visitors from Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Mexico. "I think that indigenous women's wisdom is crucial. So much of the care of the Earth has come from the mother's. I think it's imperative we turn to their wisdom in how to take care of the planet". - Alice Walker "In kajale' San Pablo, Jatz'uts San Pablo, Mayaen tu San Pablo"

Benque Power outage on Thursday, July 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
To affect the portion of Benque Viejo Town along George Price Boulevard which includes Hills of Promise, Santa Cruz, Lomas del Rodeo, and all areas along Arenal Road and Arenal Village. BEL to install utility poles to facilitate LED lights project along George Price Boulevard, replace utility poles in Santa Cruz and remove hazardous vegetation in the area.

Belize Zoo Vet Clinic Launches
Congratulations are in order for the Belize Zoo. The Commissary and Veterinary Clinic have launched. "It's official! After several years of intensive fundraising and dedicated assistance from a dynamic network of supporters, our Commissary and Veterinary Clinic facility is operational! TBZ marked this incredible milestone with a small but special ceremony in the company of colleagues and friends. And what perfect timing! Colleagues from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine were also present for the memorable occasion. Since 2012, the Cornell team has made bi-annual journeys to Belize to collaborate with our staff in providing superb clinical care to our "wild residents." We were thrilled to be able to highlight this wonderful partnership by honouring the driving force behind it: Dr. George Kollias Jr.

Low water pressure today on Ambergris Caye
Belize Water Services informs customers in San Pedro that they will be experiencing low pressure in the water supply starting at midnight, today, Tuesday, July 3, 2018 until Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 5:00 pm. The entire San Pedro Water Distribution System will be affected. This low pressure is due to maintenance work at the Pumping Station. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored. Customers are advised, if they experience water supply problems after 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2018; they should immediately call BWS' hotline at 0-800-CALL-BWS (0-800-225-5297) to report it.

Belize's Wonder Women! Ms. Michele Irving
We are proud to announce that for the month of July, Ms. Michele Irving is our Belize Wonder Woman! One Of The Women Who Help Make Belize Great! Ms. Michele Irving is an activist from Stann Creek District. She has been involved in community development work for the past 25 years. Her passion is working in the area of Gender and Development for women and girls. Ms. Michele Irving is currently the Women’s Department Officer for the Stann Creek District. Her work focuses on the prevention and intervention of Domestic Violence Cases and empowerment of women and youth in both urban and rural communities. This work takes her into many communities and villages in Southern Belize, where she discusses with women the changes they want to see in their communities and in their own lives.

Channel 7

Robbery Ringleader Arrested?
For weeks now we've been reporting on the string of robberies and home invasions targeting businesses on the Northside of the city and Ladyville. The robbers have - on occasion - dressed as students, police or security guards. Well, tonight police have the man in custody who they believe is the ringleader - and they caught him today when he looked to be going on another robbery move. According to reports, the suspect - whose name we cannot yet release - had gone to Fultec Services earlier in the day asking if they do printing. And then this afternoon, Security at that business saw the men returned in a Jeep Cherokee. But what made it suspicious was that they just parked there for half an hour. That raised suspicions and the police were called. They responded and arrested the two men in the vehicle, who are detained tonight - pending investigation into a number of robberies and home invasions.

Brhea Fought The Law, And Won
Just over 2 years ago, in April of 2016, Belize City resident Allyson Major became the first private citizen to successfully sue the Government and the Police Department over the Firearms Amendment Act of 2010. Well today, 20 year-old Brhea Bowen became the second claimant to win a victory against the government, and this time, the Barrow Administration must pay $10,000 in compensation, and $5,000 in court costs. On July 6, 2012. The Gang Suppression Unit executed a search warrant at her family's home on Lacroix Boulevard in Belize City. When they searched under the flooring of the house, they found three cartridges for a 16-gauge shotgun, which were inside a black plastic bag.

PUP Lets Rejected Candidate Into Belmopan Convention
The PUP has been forced to push back its Belmopan standard bearer convention to the end of August. This is after the party announced on Friday that it would postpone it by only one week - to this Sunday, July 8th - right after the court hearing is held on Friday. But, the party now concedes that Friday's hearing may give rise to many issues - so it will now reset the date, supposedly to give those matters time to be settled. And while that's the official position, the real winner in this is Arthur Saldivar - who will now be free to apply to run again. And this time his application will be reviewed by the vetting committee. The last time they just set it aside - taking the position that he was under suspension. Well, now, that position has apparently changed.

PUP Has Re-Registration Reservations
The PUP Chairman also used today's press brief to complain about the re-registration process - which started yesterday. He said that the opposition is glad the process has finally started but feel that it has been going too slow:... Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, P.U.P.: "Well its proceeding as the news reported last night. It's not as fast as or as well attended as we had hope to start with, but this is just the beginning of the exercise. We understand that the major issue yesterday was in the delays. How long it was taking for persons to get re-registered especially in the villages. From our reports we were getting that sometimes 30-45 minutes per registered voter."

Opposition Concerns About No Commission
Usher and the PUP also complained that the re-registration exercise is proceeding without the members of the Commission being sworn in. They were nominated months ago - but the Senate has to meet on Thursday to approve those names. Usher said the PUP is not happy about it:... Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, P.U.P.: "We are not happy however that his process started without the Elections and Boundaries Commission being sworn in. We heard the news last night that there will be a special meeting of the Senate to approve the member so the commission. But we find it wholly unsatisfactorily that this commission has not been approved, has not been sworn in even though we have named our commissioners all the way back in April. As you all may know the Elections and Boundaries Commission term expired at the end of April and before that expiration we named our commissioner so there is no reason why this commission could not have been sworn in before."

Fire Victim Said She Got Threats
Tonight, a Belize City resident is asking for help after her home was destroyed by fire. It happened yesterday evening around 5:00 on T Street in Belize City. As we showed you last night, there wasn't much the Fire Department could do because when the fire truck got there, the small structure had been burnt to the ground. Today, Gilda Jones told us she had only been living there - in her mother's yard - for 11 days, and lost everything she owned:..

A Cycling Dispute In Supreme Court
Yesterday, we told you how the local cycling community had a major disruption when the Cycling Federation had to cancel Sunday's National Road Championship race with only 1 day's notice. That's because the elite cyclist, Brandon Cattouse, and his attorney got an injunction last week Thursday. Justice Sonya Young barred cycling authorities from rejecting Cattouse's application to ride in the race. He's currently on a provisional indefinite suspension from the National Anti-Doping Organization after he tested positive for a banned substance at the end of April.

Enmity With Espat?
PUP Cayo South Representative Julius Espat resigned as his party's Western Deputy two days before the start of re-registration - which is a very involved undertaking for any party. Reliable reports say he had long grown weary of his party's leadership - and was widely believed to have been a no show in the municipal elections out west - where the UDP swept all three municipalities. But, today the Party Chairman didn't concede to any friction and said that Espat probably just wanted to focus on Cayo South:... Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, P.U.P.: "I was recently informed of this resignation. I have written the Honorable Julius Espat, thanking him for his service as Deputy Party Leader for the West and requesting from him that we continue to work together to deliver another big victory in the Cayo South constituency. Julius is now a senior member of this party, having won back to back elections so we hope that we will continue to work together and we know that we need to put together a good team there in the west to make sure that we do better going forward in the western caucus."

Before The Maya, What?
The 16th annual Belize Archaeology Symposium was held last week in San Ignacio. Organized by the Institute of Archaeology it brings together leading researchers and students to discuss the latest findings about mayan pre-history in Belize. This year's event hoped to change that somewhat. Under the theme, "From the Early Formative to the Postclassic in Central Belize: Challenges to the Narratives of Ancient Maya Civilization" - it hoped to up-end some of the conventional wisdom on early civilizations in Belize. And, Dr. Jaime Awe - now a lecturer at Northeastern Arizona University - did just that by asserting that paleo-Indians from north and South America passed through Belize in what is called the archaic period, which is about 3,000 BC:..

70 Horses Lined Up to tun The UDP Race
70 political hopefuls want to offer themselves as candidates in 17 divisions for the UDP. That's the word coming out of the party after Friday's deadline for the submission of names. Here are some of the more interesting names. As we told you, Mike Peyrefitte, Dean Samuels and Phillip Willoughby plan to contest Port Loyola, along with one other name: Ac. Shane Castillo. And, in Mesopotamia - BQ Pitts has put in his name alongside Shyne Barrow. In Fort George, there are four hopefuls, including Mark King, and in Cayo South, there are also four names, including former area representative Ramon Witz, and the candidate in the last election Ralph Huang.

Serial Molester To Stand Trial, Again
40 year-old John Leslie, who has face multiple charges in connection with child molestation, has been ordered by the Magistrate's Court to stand trial in the Supreme Court for 2 counts of sexual assault, and 1 count of unlawful sexual intercourse. That was the decision that Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford made after holding a preliminary inquiry to consider whether or not there is enough evidence against him. Leslie, who is currently serving 5 years for sexual assault against a 5 year-old toddler, is accuse of sexually assaulting an 11 year-old child in Ladyville in July of 2016. He is also accused of forcing himself on the child in August 2016.

Another Serial Child Rapist
At the start of the news, A jury of 7 women and 2 men retired to their private quarters to deliberate on a verdict in the trial of 43 year-old Rudolph Smith Jr., aka "Tubba". He stood trial for rape and aggravated burglary. The victim, who was 16 years-old at the time, testified in the trial that in the early morning hours of November 23, 2011, she was awakened from sleep when she felt someone on her back. She opened her eyes and saw that it was the accused, and that he had a knife in her hand. She said that the man told her to shut up, or else, he would hurt her sister who was in the same room. She then told the court that the accused then raped her at knife point. She said that about 10 minutes into this horrific ordeal, he then got up and left through the backdoor. Her sister and her mother also testified in the trial and corroborated her testimony.

Problems In Patchakan
The north of Belize has been going through some crime scares after the landing of so many drug planes earlier this year - and the current kidnapping of a San Narciso businessman. That's why there was concern in Patchakan when more than one man pounced on Ines Medina when he got home on Friday night. He told CTV-3 his story: Ines Medina, Victim: "Around 10:30-11:00 on Friday night, I reached home and came out of my vehicle when someone came and attacked me from behind and started punching me in my face. So i tried to cover my face with my hand, but the person continued punching me on my chin and both eyes. I managed to get out of the vehicle and came around here and then I felt weak."

Small Sunday Fire In San Pedro
There were also two fires in San Pedro. The first happened on Sunday night at a small structure. The Station Officer told us more:...

A Deep Fryer Fire in Downtown San Pedro
And there was also a fire in downtown San Pedro today. According to the San Pedro Sun, a newly opened Deli run by Anthony Bedford caught fire. The Fire Department says the cook left on the deep fryer:… The Sun reports that the swift work of neighbors in the area quickly brought the fire under control.

New President For Belize’s Highest Court
The highest court in Belize has a new President. Effective tomorrow, Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders will take over leader of the CCJ from Sir Dennis Byron. Saunders becomes the CCJ's 3rd President of the court, and Belize's Prime Minister, Dean Barrow will be there for the transition, which will take place as a part of the activities before the 39th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Saunders has been a Judge at the CCJ since 2005.

Channel 5

Bhrea Bowen Gets 10K from GSU Lawsuit
A constitutional case has finally brought relief to a minor whose liberty was breached by the Gang Suppression Unit.  Six years ago, on July six, 2012, then fourteen-year-old Brhea Bowen [...]

Bowen Happy to Leave GSU Incident in the past
An emotional Brhea Bowen exited the court room of Supreme Court Justice Shona Griffith along with her mother, Romie Anthony, saying she hopes that she can put the nightmare behind [...]

Brandon Cattouse 0 – NADO & BCF 1 – in Court
It did not go well today in court for Brandon Cattouse. Since April twenty-sixth, 2018, the elite cyclist has been on a provisional suspension from riding after he tested positive [...]

NADO Followed Protocol in Cattouse’s Testing and Suspension
According to Attorney Darrell Bradley, an arbitrator from Spain has been selected by the Regional Anti-Doping Organization to oversee the proceedings; that person has since been in contact with the [...]

Rudolph Smith Jr. Charged with Rape & Aggravated Burglary
A jury was still deliberating this evening in the court of Justice Colin Williams for a verdict in the case of Rudolph Smith Junior, charged with rape and aggravated burglary. [...]

Did Cop Shoot Teen in Dangriga?
A minor in Dangriga says that he was unjustly shot by a police officer. According to the family of seventeen-year-old Cameron Smith, on Sunday morning sometime before seven o’clock, an [...]

Arthur Saldivar Allowed to Reapply for PUP Belmopan Convention
The People’s United Party has further postponed its Belmopan convention to the end of August amidst a legal challenge mounted by one of its very own, attorney Arthur Saldivar. Saldivar, [...]

PUP Says Saldivar’s Claim has No Merit
At this afternoon’s brief, the party chairman said that the postponement of the Belmopan convention should not be interpreted as any acceptance or recognition that Saldivar’s claim has any sort [...]

Community Policing Training Wraps up in Belmopan
A training programme by the Israeli government that started with controversy, ended quietly today in Belmopan. For a week, the police department and civilians received training from the Israeli instructors [...]

Israelis Weigh in on Controversy
The controversial training in community policing has come and gone successfully.  Fifteen men and women, some of them police officers and the others civilians employed in various areas of the [...]

DCP Says Israelis’ Training is Useful
Deputy Commissioner Chester Williams, an advocate of strong community relations, credits the Israelis for their success in that area of outreach, despite what has been said by detractors of the [...]

Leader of the Opposition’s Letter on OAS Observers Unanswered
A request for O.A.S. observers during the re-registration process has been ignored.  That request was made by Opposition Leader John Briceño to Prime Minister Dean Barrow in a letter dated [...]

PUP Speaks on Elections and Boundaries Commission
A resolution to appoint four members to the Election and Boundaries Commission will be tabled before the Senate on Thursday, almost a week after the re-registration exercise commenced. The four [...]

Julius Espat to deliver victory for the P.U.P.
On Monday, P.U.P. Leader John Briceño accepted the resignation of Julius Espat as deputy party leader for the west. Espat who has criticized Briceño’s leadership told News Five that the [...]

59-Year-Old Woman Loses Home to Fire; Was it Arson?
A fire completely destroyed a plywood home in Belize City on Monday evening. The occupant was not at home at the time of the incident and by the time she [...]

Two Fires in San Pedro
There were also two house fires in San Pedro. The first one happened in the early hours of Sunday in the San Pablo area. The wooden home was wiped out [...]

KTV The Remix is Back!
It’s finally here, this summer’s hottest show begins at eight-thirty tonight live from the Bliss so head out and get your seat. Season two of KTV, the Remix, promises to [...]

LOVE FM

PUP is pleased with re-registration commencing but not with an absent electoral commission
The People’s United Party says they are content that the re-registration process has finally begun, but, there are concerns. The PUP is particularly concerned that the Elections and Boundaries Commission has not yet been sworn in. The Government has said that it will happen, right after a special sitting of the Senate which has been …

PUP resists court action brought by Arthur Saldivar; re-opens application process for Belmopan Division
The People’s United Party addressed the matter of the Arthur Saldivar who has resorted to legal action against the party for not accepting his application to contest the general elections for the Belmopan constituency. The matter was first taken to court on June 28. Saldivar sought to have an injunction to postpone the convention that …

Belize City teen is missing for over seven days
Mangor Canek, a seventeen-year-old has been reported missing for at least seven days now. Police report that the teenager’s father, Carlos Canek told police that on the afternoon of June 25th he took his son to Curassow Street in Belize City to meet some friends. He made the report on July 1 and up until …

Say no to the ICJ!!!
A multi-organization group hosted a press conference this morning at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM) to discuss the re-registration exercise which began today across the country, and to launch their “NO ICJ MOVEMENT.” The group is planning to take out a constitutional claim against the Elections and Boundaries Commission and Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, who had pledged that Guatemalans holding Belize nationality papers would be allowed to be re-registered. The group is also planning to petition government to lift the two-month residency requirement for Belizeans living in the diaspora in order for them to re-registered.

UDP names its candidates for constituency conventions
The governing United Democratic Party released a list of names of candidates who are aspiring to run in the next general elections. Before some of them can run in the general elections, however, they must first face the challenge of contested conventions in several of the 31 constituencies. So apart from some of the incumbents who have lost ground in the municipal elections in Belize City, a whole slew of new faces are aspiring to become UDP area representatives.

One charged for shooting 4 persons at Trial Farm
In last Friday’s Amandala, we reported on a shooting incident at Trial Farm that resulted in injuries to four persons, one of whom was a pregnant woman. Today, at a police press brief, ACP Joseph Myvette said that one person, Bruce Harvey, 35, has been arrested for the crime. He was charged with 4 counts of attempted murder, and will be arraigned today at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. Myvette mentioned that Harvey has two addresses, including one in Trial Farm, and that he has had issues with one of the victims, although police did not specify which victim and what the issues were.

Florasol’s owners robbed in their home
On Saturday morning between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00, Solangel Arguelles, 72, was sleeping when she was awakened by the blinking of the kitchen light, which was being turned on, then turned off, a number of times. Thinking that it was her husband, Mario, 76, who was fumbling with the light switch, she got up and sat on the edge of the bed. However, two armed, masked men entered the bedroom and demanded money from her. The men proceeded to ask her about a safe and she pointed them in the direction of the safe, which contained about $150 worth of jewelry.

Three Guatemalan prisoners escape from prison
Police are investigating the breakout of three Guatemalan prisoners from the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville that occurred sometime between 1:00 and 3:00 yesterday morning. The three escapees — Roni Lopez, 31; Abraham Depaz, 23; and Encarnacion Depaz, 41 — were all charged with illegal entry and firearm possession offences by Cayo police. Police said that at about 1:00 this morning, all prisoners were accounted for during the routine check at the prison.

Electricity rates have gone up
Back in May, Amandala reported that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) had reviewed Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) request for a 7.1% increase in mean electricity rates, but had only approved an increase of 4.4%. BEL had wanted the current rate to be raised from 36.99 cents per kilowatt hour to 39.54 cents, but the PUC only allowed a mean electricity rate of 38.62 cents per kilowatt hour. However, BEL objected to the 4.4% increase, and, according to PUC chairman John Avery, an independent expert had to be brought in on May 23. Avery told 7News that the expert met with BEL and reviewed their objections, as well as looked over other matters that would have an impact on the initial decision.

FC Elite defeats Progresso FC in overtime for FFB Inter-District Club Championship 2018
Carrying a 3-1 game 1 win on their journey to Louisiana Football Field in Orange Walk for game 2 of the FFB Inter-District Club Championship, Belize City’s FC Elite had to battle back from a 3-0 deficit in game 2 against home standing Progresso FC, to eventually tie the aggregate score with a late second half goal that resulted in a 3-1 victory for Progresso. With both teams then deadlocked at 4 goals and 1 away goal each at the end of game 2, overtime was necessary; and FC Elite got the series winner from the penalty spot, after their star striker, Tyriq “Hamma” Ciego was taken down on a drive into the eighteen yard box, and veteran defender Leon “Lem” Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot in the second half of the overtime period.

“Chu Chu” Allen improving, but still needs help
Former semipro footballer Andrew “Chu Chu” Allen is battling a kidney condition which seemed life threatening a few months ago after a doctor visit in Orange Walk. An operation was said to be urgent, but finance was a problem, and so Andrew had turned to herbal treatments in desperation. He said he had initially tried to get an appointment to see a specialist at KHMH, but, for whatever reasons, he was unsuccessful. Today we spoke to Andrew by phone, and he sounded strong. “I am making good progress,” he said, “but I need to take another series of treatments, from a herbalist in Little Belize who said it is huge kidney stones that I have, which will take a long time to get rid of.”

Rural Female Softball reg. season ends; 4-team playoffs for championship this Sunday in Lords Bank
The Belize Rural Female Softball Tournament 2018 completed its regular season yesterday, Sunday, with games played in Burrell Boom; and the 4 top teams in the standings (See standings below.) will take the field this coming Sunday in Lords Bank to play for the championship. In the scheduled game 1 in Burrell Boom yesterday, Arrows Reloaded of Bermudian Landing won by default over Sandhill Shooting Stars. Game 2 saw Unity of Double Head Cabbage edging Lords Bank Sunrise, 7-6.

World Cup 2018 Russia Round of 16 Knockout ends; Quarterfinals begin Friday
After the last two Round of 16 Knockout games tomorrow, Tuesday, the tournament takes a couple days’ break, before the Quarterfinals kick off on Friday. Below is the remaining schedule in Belize time: Last day of Round of 16 Knockout: Tues. July 3 – 08:00 (Match #55) Sweden vs Switzerland; 12:00 (Match #56) Colombia vs England.

Editorial: Careless, immature, disorganized …
It is almost weird that re-registration of voters begins on Monday morning, July 2, all over the nation-state of Belize, and, as it stands, those Guatemalans with documents of naturalization, Guatemalans whom the Constitution of Belize explicitly banned from becoming Belizean citizens because they come from a republic which says half of Belize belongs to them, will be re-registered as Belizean voters. They will therefore be eligible to vote in the April 2019 referendum to decide whether Belize should go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a binding judgment on the Guatemalan claim. That is only half of the issue. The other half of the issue has to do with the stipulation that Belizeans living abroad would have to come home and live home for two months before being allowed to register as voters, and become eligible to vote in the referendum.

From the Publisher
THE BATTLE OF ST. GEORGE’S CAY, 1969 IN 1898 (NOTE: I want to use my column today to reproduce a letter written by Rolando Cocom to this newspaper and first published in the Wednesday, September 26, 2012 issue of AMANDALA. As we prepare for our ICJ referendum battle, Belizeans need to begin considering why it was that British Honduras did not celebrate Emancipation Day (August 1, 1838), but instead focused on the Battle of St. George’s Caye, beginning with the Centenary celebrations of 1898. Mr. Cocom’s letter will assist us in such a process. I do not consider myself an enemy of the Baymen’s Clan: I consider myself a severe critic. And the reason for my critical posture, going all the way back to 1969, is that today’s is a different fight and a different enemy from Yucatan’s Arturo O’Neil in September of 1798.

Guatemalan lebensraum …
Dear Editor, Any Belizean who would wager his country in a crap shoot is a fool. To risk the rent is bad, to risk one’s patrimony is unforgivable. There is no need to go to the ICJ. Belize has a demarcated border with Guatemala. Belize’s benighted Foreign Minister mistakenly referred to the border as “artificial,” but it is real. If Belize “wins” at the ICJ, Guatemala will simply refute the ruling, and return to “business as usual.”

Savaging Sapna …
Dear Editor, Sapna Budhrani would appear to be another in the long line of incompetent employees who surely must owe their job to nepotistic connections and not any personal ability or fitness for the task. Her responses to the questions asked by the Amandala over the condition of the Baron Bliss Center would make a grown man’s head spin: “The funding required for the fixing that needs to happen is different from the funding that can happen.”

Heritage Bank’s correction
Dear Editor, There was an article in your last week Friday’s edition of the Amandala which reports that the Bank’s email address is [email protected] but the correct address is [email protected]. Could you kindly correct in this week’s issue of the Amandala.

PUP leader says we need to walk more
All Belizeans who aren’t averse to a little sweat were in step with the Leader of the Opposition last week, when he wrote in his party’s newspaper: “I believe we need to walk more and if we’re going to walk then we need proper sidewalks.” I can’t go to Belmopan without noticing all the beautiful sidewalks in that city. Belmopan is the land of my second childhood. I was there when it opened for business in 1970, and I’m a proud “Compre boy” forever. Bully for Belmopan and those beautiful sidewalks. It is good for the government to invest the love in Belmopan, make her look good and be safe. When foreign dignitaries come to Belize, there’s where they hang out. We don’t want them going home with stories that they had no safe place to walk or jog; no safe place to apply a little stress to their bodies, to keep healthy when they are in our country.

41 years later …
When you read this on Tuesday morning, February 9, 2010, it will be exactly 41 years since UBAD, the parent movement for the Kremandala experience, was founded in Belize, at a farm 26 miles on the Northern Highway actually. UBAD lasted for four full years, then a year and a half more in a divided form, until it was dissolved in November of 1974. The Ex-Servicemen’s Riot of July 1919, for its part, lasted for only two days, but it was a massive benchmark in the socio-political history of British Honduras. It is difficult for us to analyze the impact and repercussions of the 1919 Riot, because we know so little about it. 41 years after the 1919 Riot, by comparison and contrast to UBAD after 41 years, nobody in British Honduras knew anything about it. It was never discussed. By 1960, the 1919 Riot had been completely swept under the historical rug by the colonial authorities, in collusion with the educational system and the elite native class.

Who is afraid of Belize’s Diaspora?
Two commentaries in recent issues of AMANDALA triggered my memory of Plato’s maxim of when men fear the light. These are namely: “Turning Your Back On Your Own People” by Bilal Morris (23rd June, 2018) and the prescient editorial of 28th June, 2018 entitled: “The swamp that became The Jewel.” Indeed, it is obvious that the Belizean Diaspora, which is numerically more than half of Belize’s population, which is approximately one third of a million people, has been consistently trivialised and ignored by every Belizean government since Independence in 1981. In fact, one of the few Belizean politicians who possessed a truly sincere, unselfish, pragmatic and non-racist vision for Belize was Philip S. W. Goldson. He had no illusions about the Guatemalan issue, and understood the need to position the Belizean Diaspora in the general scheme of things, and the role it must play as an integral part of the Belizean nation. Today, Goldson’s contributions have been at times minimised and even repudiated by envious and racist revisionists with hidden agendas.

Titan case argued at the CCJ
The owners of Titan International Securities, Bahamians Kelvin Leach and Rohn Knowles, have been in a protracted legal battle with the Government of Belize that finally made its way to the highest court, when the Caribbean Court of Justice heard their appeal today at the seat of its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Titan International Securities, which was located in the Matalon Building on Coney Drive in Belize City, was shut down by Belizean law enforcement agencies, acting in coordination with US law enforcement agencies, almost four years ago.

Teakettle chairman in critical condition after road accident
Howell Hutchinson, 45, chairman of Teakettle Village, is presently in a critical condition at the Western Regional Hospital. Hutchinson suffered head and bodily injuries in a road collision that occurred in Teakettle yesterday, between Miles 49 and 50 on the George Price Highway, while he was driving from Roaring Creek to Teakettle.

Two men stabbed in separate incidents, in San Pedro and Roaring Creek
Two men are recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after they were stabbed in two separate incidents. Marlon Escobar, 36, a laborer of San Pedro, was stabbed at Marlin’s Restaurant in San Pedro at about 12:30 Friday morning, and Nelson Twist, 25, a laborer of Roaring Creek, was stabbed in his house on Saturday night. Police have arrested Ahmad Musa for stabbing Escobar, but they are looking for two men who are known to them in connection with Twist’s stabbing. During the weekly police press brief held this morning at the Raccoon Street Police Station, ACP Joseph Myvette told us that Escobar and his employer, Ahmad Musa, became involved in an argument which led to Musa stabbing him in his back and chest.

Southside youth, 17, executed on the Northside
On Thursday night, a 17-year-old minor, Warren Rudon, was walking on Lovely Lane, heading towards the “Jungle,” when a gunman approached him and shot him execution-style. Rudon was picked up by police (there are at least 3 checkpoints in the general area) and rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, where a doctor pronounced him dead on arrival.

Breaking Belize News

Arthur Saldivar is back in Belmopan convention
BBN has just learned that the People’s United Party (PUP) has backpedaled on a position it […]

Ministry of National Security invites public to Citizen Security Summit
The Ministry of National Security (MNS) will be hosting a Citizen Security Summit on July […]

Belize Zoo’s new Commissary and Vet Clinic inaugurated
The Belize Zoo recently inaugurated its new Commissary and Vet Clinic on Friday, June 29. […]

John Saldivar announces intention to seek UDP leadership, expresses support for Carla Barnett
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, at the inauguration of the Cebada Conservation Post in […]

Teenager reported missing in Belize city
A teen boy was reported missing in Belize city by his father, Carlos Canek on […]

Melvin Locke killed in Dangriga
Dangriga police are investigating the murder of a construction worker. Around 12:44 am yesterday, police went to […]

Heritage Bank makes history in Santa Elena town
Heritage Bank is making history in Santa Elena town by being the first bank to […]

Blogs

Exciting Conservation Tidbits around Belize!
The cool people at Fragments of Hope (FoH) were part of a reciprocal exchange with Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary in Jamaica in early May, 2018. The exchange was made possible with a GEF SGP grant, inspired by a request for assistance with a faster coral out-planting technique. Annually, people across the world join in holding hands to observe “Hands across the Sand”. The event is also hosted in other countries, rallying citizens to take part in raising awareness about the fragile environment and the need to protect it for future generations to come. On May 19th, thousands of Belizeans joined hands to rally. These cuties were just a few of the island residents who joined in the flotilla rally to send a message to developers who have proposed a tourism project that will include 40 over-the-water structures at the southern tip of Cayo Rosario, just west of Ambergris Caye.

Tourism in Northern Belize (Orange Walk and Corozal)
Many tourists come to Belize to explore as many towns and hotspots tourists destination in Belize. Did you know Northern Belize has many places to visit and several Mayan temples to visit? Orange Walk and Corozal has many things to do in Belize for tourists to come visit.

International Sources

2018 Atlantic hurricane season: Developing El Niño predicted to limit hurricane formation
After a devastating Atlantic hurricane season in 2017, there is good news ahead for the 2018 season. AccuWeather meteorologists predict an El Niño to form during August and September, reducing the likelihood of tropical development. El Niño is a weather pattern which occurs when warmer-than-normal sea surface waters develop in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. “As we enter an El Niño pattern, we are expecting an increase in the frequency of higher vertical wind shear across much of the basin,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Dan Kottlowski said.

Insider tip: The three "C"s of Belize
The Caribbean, caves and Creole (well, technically it's Kriol) pretty much sum up my trip to Belize. This tiny country, a former English colony that's part of mainland Central America but seems much more like the Caribbean, may not be rich in dollars, but it's a billionaire when it comes to natural beauty. I chartered a flight from San Pedro Airport and flew over the world-famous sinkhole known as the "Blue Hole". After 45 minutes, we reached Lighthouse Reef where the Blue Hole is. Although I didn't, it's possible to snorkel and dive in the hole that drops to a depth of 125 metres and a width of just over 300 metres. Kriol is usually described as broken English. Sitting at the Barrier Reef Bar on the island of Caye Caulker with sand between my toes, local Belikin Beer in hand, I had my first Kriol lesson. My teacher Austin explained that in Kriol you don't pronounce the suffixes "er", "ar", "or", so water becomes "wata".

UNG leaders aid Belize counterparts with quality assurance
Four University of North Georgia (UNG) leaders recently helped a junior college in Belize with its quality assurance process. Two of the four also helped the University of Belize (UB) begin its process of working toward Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation. Making the trip to Belize to aid Sacred Heart Junior College were UNG Vice Provost Dr. Chaudron Gille; Dr. Carly Womack-Wynne, professor of education; Dr. Andy Novobilski, associate provost for research and engagement and chief research officer; and Dr. Teresa Conner-Kerr, dean and professor in the College of Health Sciences & Professions.

Belize's BTL secures broadband rollout loan
Belize's state-owned telecoms company BTL has secured a US$17.5mn loan from Taiwan's International Cooperation and Development Fund for the accelerated deployment ...

Caribbean Peering Forum Brings Dream Of Better Internet Closer
The dream of a faster, safer, more affordable Internet in the Caribbean sometimes seems elusive. One group of Internet pioneers is taking steps to make it a reality. The Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum, or simply CarPIF, is an annual event that brings together the folk responsible for delivering Internet services to the region, including internet service providers, internet exchange point operators, content delivery networks, data centre managers and other computer network professionals.

Caricom heads to discuss marijuana decriminalisation
When the Caricom Heads of Government meet in Jamaica from Wednesday, marijuana decriminalisation will be one of the hot topics up for discussion. Speaking to the media on Monday from the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said the heads will consider the recommendations made by the Regional Commission on Marijuana. He revealed that the report recommended the decriminalisation of marijuana. “They are recommending that it be deemed to be a substance that is controlled and managed as alcohol, they are recommending that we make available the legislation be put in place to allow for research for medical marijuana. There is some concern about controlling it for youth and adolescent youth, driving under the influence, all the concerns that obtain for other controlled substances like alcohol. These are the major ones,” he said.

Videos

July 3, 2018

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

A fire south of San Pedro Town destroys wooden home.
A wooden structure in the San Pablo Area, south of San Pedro Town, was gutted by a fire on Sunday, July 1st. The fire reportedly started close to midnight threatening to spread to other houses in the vicinity but was quickly put under control by the prompt response of the San Pedro Fire Department, (SPFD), who battled the blaze. No one was in the house at the time of the fire, thus, no casualties were reported. The SPFD has launched an investigation to find out the cause of the fire that has left a family homeless. According to neighbors, the fire started minutes to midnight. They quickly sounded the alarm to others in the neighborhood. When firefighters arrived, the flames had already engulfed the structure threatening to spread to nearby bushes and other homes. Thanks to the rapid work of the firefighters and volunteers, the inferno was extinguished, however, nothing inside the house could be salvaged.

Tropic Air adds flights between Belize City Int’l & Placencia
On June 28th, Tropic Air announced a substantial increase in flights for visitors to, and residents of, Placencia. The increase is effective November 15th, 2018 and represents the company’s confidence in the growth of tourism to Placencia, Maya Beach, Seine Bight and the surrounding communities.

Court case adjourned for Caribeña Fuels Gas Station robbers
The case against Zimmer Perez, Jair Brown, and Arrie Gentle, accused of the Saturday, May 19th armed robbery at Caribeña Fuels Gas Station, south of San Pedro Town has been adjourned until July 25, 2018, after the disclosure of their charges. On Monday, June 25th, the trio attended their court season for a disclosure of their charges. They all face charges of robbery, while Perez has an additional charge for the crime of Wounding.

Belizean Chefs shine at Taste of the Caribbean 2018
A Belizean delegation comprised of senior members of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), five professional chefs and one bartender participated in Taste of the Caribbean 2018 held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Miami, Florida USA from Monday, June 22nd to Tuesday, June 26th .The Belizean Team did exceptionally well, winning Silver in the Caribbean National Team of the Year. They also took Bronze in Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef, Caribbean Bartender and Honorary Mention for the Caribbean Junior Chef.

Doctor Love: That very important part of marriage
Dear Doctor Love, My husband and I have been married for nine years and somewhere between the jobs and the kids we lost the intimacy in our marriage. It has been slowly dwindling for years until it became non-existent. When I ask him why we’re not having sex he gets defensive, I feel rejected and we end up fighting. Now we avoid it all together. Is sex so important that not having it can make me feel miserable? Is it normal for a couple to live without sex? /s/Rejected

2018 Conch Fishing Season officially closed till September 30th
The public is hereby informed that Conch Fishing Season is officially closed as of today Sunday, July1st through to September 30, 2018. Everyone is reminded that during this period, no person or establishment shall have in possession any conch during the closed season in accordance with Regulation 6 of Principal Regulations (Chapter 210’s of the Laws of Belize – Revised Edition 2000-2003).

Ambergris Today

Belize Assumes The Presidency Pro Tempore Of The Central American Integration System (SICA)
Belmopan. July 2nd, 2018. On Saturday, June 30th, 2018 the Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received, on behalf of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, the Presidency Pro Tempore (PPT) of the Central American Integrated System (SICA) for the next six months. Belize assumed the presidency from the outgoing PPT, the President of the Dominican Republic, at the LI Meeting of Heads of State and Government of SICA, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Comedian Macta Entertains At Dia De San Pedro Festivities
This past weekend La Isla Bonita was in the festive mood as the entire community celebrated Patron Saint’s Day, St. Peter, (Dia de San Pedro) with religious celebrations as well as fun entertainment at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Field. The celebration commenced on Thursday, June 28, with La Alborada taking place at the San Pedro RC Church followed by the Opening Ceremonies at the Hon. Louis Sylvestre Sports Field where the audience was entertained by Wil & Dale, Rompe Raja, Mariachi Tierra Maya and the Ballet Folkorico De Quintana Roo. Without fail the spectacular Fireworks Display had everyone in awe.

Misc Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Pour Me Another Sunset”.

San Pedro water outage today
Belize Water Services informs its customers in parts of San Pedro that there will be an interruption in the water supply tomorrow, Tuesday, July 3, 2018, starting at 2:00pm. The areas to be affected are San Pedrito, San Mateo, DFC, San Pablo, Downtown, and Boca del Rio. This interruption is necessary for the installation of a new water main. Due to the upgrades, customers may experience low water pressure and/or discoloration when water is restored. Residents of these areas in San Pedro are advised that water supply should return to normal by 4:00pm.

Re-Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the list of Registration Centers below will be opened to facilitate the registration of electors from Monday 2nd July to 31st August 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that over the weekend, the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country to attend the 39th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting which will be held in Jamaica from July 4th-6th, 2018. During his time away, the Prime Minister will also continue medical consultations on his back ailment. During his absence, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister. Prime Minister Barrow returns to Belize on Saturday, July 7th, 2018.

BELIZE CONFERRED THE PRO-TEMPORE PRESIDENCY OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNCIL OF TOURISM MINISTERS (CCT) AT ITS CVIII ORDINARY MEETING
Hon. Jose Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, led an official delegation on June 27th and June 28th, 2018 to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to participate in the CVIII Ordinary Meeting of the Central American Council of Tourism Ministers (C.C.T., for its Spanish equivalent), as well as the XII Ordinary Meeting of the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (C.A.T.A., for its Spanish equivalent). At the CVIII Meeting of the CCT, Honourable Francisco Javier Garcia, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, and current President Pro-Tempore of the CCT provided a summary of achievements during their Pro-Tempore Presidency period of January to June 2018. Of note, has been the successful integration of the Dominican Republic as an official member of the CATA, and its work in promoting multi-destination travel within the Central American Region.

Belize Assumes the Presidency Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System (SICA)
On Saturday, June 30th, 2018 the Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received, on behalf of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, the Presidency Pro Tempore (PPT) of the Central American Integrated System (SICA) for the next six months. Belize assumed the presidency from the outgoing PPT, the President of the Dominican Republic, at the LI Meeting of Heads of State and Government of SICA, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In his remarks, Minister Elrington congratulated the Dominican Republic for its stellar leadership of the SICA during the term of its Presidency, and in particular for its focus on the mandates of social integration, and on the enhancement of inter-regional trade and investment. Minister Elrington pledged Belize’s full support in advancing the efforts of the Dominican Republic on the implementation of SICA’s regional agenda.

Summer Art Wave's Carnaval Around the World program
Summer Art Wave's Carnaval Around the World program began this afternoon with instruction in dance, music, song and mask design. There are still a few spots available if your child would like to join! The program goes through to July 13th 1 pm - 4:30 pm.

Power outage scheduled for portion of the Corozal District on Tuesday, July 3 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To affect Yo Chen, Cristo Rey, San Pedro, Louisville, San Narciso, San Victor, San Roman, Santa Clara, Concepcion, Libertad and Estrella. BEL to conduct maintenance and testing of equipment at the Corozal Substation.

A Trip to Melville 2 Pool Party
Mind & Me is coming back to Cayo! They'll be having a Pool Party at the new Poolhouse in Bullet Tree Falls. The theme will be Woodstock '69, and NIght Quest, Primal Luxe, and Jeff Gold will be performing.

Made in Belize Expo
The BCCI had a successful Made in Belize Expo. "If you didn't make it out to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Made in Belize Expo this past Saturday in Belmopan here are a few photos from the event."

Shotokan Karate Summer Camp
The CSKC is having a series of Summer Karate camps. The first one starts on July 9th, and registration is open. "If you would like to sign your child up for camp the next registration times are Monday 2nd July 7:30-8:30am & 5:30-6:30pm. You can also reserve your space by call/text/whatsapp 625 9329 or email [email protected]."

“Picking Party” musical jam session in San Pedro with Dawn Drake & ZapOte and amazing musicians from across Belize!
Thank you to the San Pedro Town Council for partnership

Channel 7

“Pack Bread” Gunned Down In Griga
This morning, Dangriga Town woke up to news of an execution style murder which happened just after midnight. 50 year-old Melvin Locke, who townspeople fondly know as "Pack Bread", was socializing at his favorite hang out spot when a shooter came out of the darkness and gunned him down. There were a large group of witnesses, but that didn't stop the determined assailant who shot 4 times and ran away. Today, our news team travelled to Griga looking for some answers, and Daniel Ortiz has that story: 50 year-old Melvin Locke, a construction worker living in Dangriga Town, was shot and killed here in a part of the town everyone knows as the "Mangrove area".

Murder Suspects Were Throwing Dice With Victim
Police discussed this latest murder today at their weekly press briefing - they said that there are three suspects, who just happen to be the men he was socializing with! Here's the head of national crimes investigation, Joseph Myvette: ACP Joseph Myvette, Head, National CIB: "Police investigation revealed that the person who is later identified as Melvin Locke, 50 years Belizean of Dangriga, was socializing with others inside a yard when they were approached by a gunman dressed camouflage clothing who fired four shots, two of which caught the deceased, one to the head and one to the chest area. Police investigation into this matter continues. We have so far detained three persons for interview and are continuing with our investigation."

Home Invasion In King’s Park
There was a home invasion and vehicle theft in the King's Park area of the city this weekend - and it has shaken up that affluent neighborhood. On Saturday morning at 1:00 am, well known florist Soli Arguelles was awakened by a light in her kitchen that kept coming on and off. She went to see what it was and the 72 year old got the shock of her life when she encountered two armed men prowling in her house. Police told us more:.. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino, C.I.B., Eastern Division: "Mrs. Solangel Arguelles, a 72 year old of 61 Baymen Avenue reported to police that sometime around or between the hours of one and two a.m., she was in her room asleep and when she noticed the light in the kitchen went on and after a couple seconds it went off. She believed it was her husband and she got up and was seated on her bed when two masked individuals entered her bedroom. She indicated that both person were armed at the time they entered the room. They held her down and demanded money..."

Hope Creek Teenager Targeted As He Got Off the Bus
At the top of the news, we told you about this morning's murder in Dangriga. Well, also this morning, a 16 year-old was jumped by a group of young men few miles away, in Hope Creek Village. He's Jose Salinas, and he is currently recovering at the Southern Regional Hospital. Salinas had only just gotten off a James bus, to pick up some clothes from his family home in Hope Creek. He recently graduated from the National 4-H Youth Development Center, and he works in the Cayo District. According to his family members, he has had long-standing quarrels with other young men in the village, and so, he stayed away, trying avoiding trouble.

City Fire Flattens Home
A home in Belize City burnt down this evening. Just before 5:00, this small structure on T Street caught fire and quickly went up in smoke. By the time the fire truck arrived it was too left and there was nothing left - just rubble and charred sheets of zinc. We left the fire team doing cleanup about an hour ago. No surrounding structures were damaged. We'll have more on this tomorrow.

Solid Waste Office In A Legal Mess
The Solid Waste Management Authority in Belmopan is a statutory body which comes under the Ministry of Natural Resources. And - as the name implies - it has a big job: to ensure that solid waste generated all across the country is properly managed. But since Friday they haven't been able to do their job - because everything in their office from desks, to chairs to computers got crowfooted, along with their three vehicles which were taken on Thursday. If you're not familiar with the term, to Crowfoot an asset means to take possession of it to settle a judgement award which has not been paid.

Guatemalan Prisoners Escape
Three Guatemalans who were caught in the Chiquibul National Park carrying a weapon - have escaped from prison. They were in the remand section and escaped between 1:00 and 3:00 on Sunday morning by prying open some louvers. Police told us more:.. Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino, C.I.B., Eastern Division: "Between the hours of 1am and 3am on Sunday July 1st, 2018, three prisoners that were in the remand, rehab center, at the Kolbe Foundation escaped by prying loose the louvre windows from the dorm they were in and making their escape - making their way to the fence and eventually escaping. They are Ronnie Lopez, a thirty-one-year-old. His address is Dolores, Peten, Guatemala. He was there for ammunition and firearm offences. Abraham Depaz, a twenty-three-year-old, again, his address is from Flores, Peten, Guatemala. The third one is Encarnacion Depaz, a forty-one-year-old, his address is Dolores Peten Guatemala. All of them were there for firearm related offences and they were before the magistrate court in San Ignacio. They were on remand."

Re-Registration Drive Commences, Slowly
This morning at 9:00, re-registration started today at over 60 centers countrywide. When we toured a few in the city we found people already lined up at some centers, like Wesley Lower school in Albert, and Grace Primary in Mesop, while a center like Trinity Methodist in Caribbean Shores had hardly anyone, and St. Mary's in Fort George had only seen two re-registrants since morning. It's a slow start but they the time the exercise finishes in September - the elections and boundaries office hopes to re-register about two hundred thousand electors. On Friday, the Chief Elections Officer told us that they are focussed on making the process as service oriented as possible:..

Cycling Federation Postpones One Of Its Biggest Races
There was a major disruption in the cycling community this weekend when Sunday's National Road Championship was postponed with one day's notice. Technically, it's one of the most important races of the year, but the Cycling Federation felt it was forced to take the decision after after the Supreme Court issued an injunction forcing the Federation to allow Brandon Cattouse to ride. Cattouse is currently serving a provisional suspension for a banned substance. The Federation felt it might itself be suspended by its governing body - the UCI - it if allowed him to ride. The matter will be argued tomorrow. The National Road Championship has been indefinitely postponed.

17 Year Old’s Murder Still Unsolved
Going back now to police news, police say that last Thursday night's 17 year old murder victim had a misunderstanding with someone before he was killed. Tevin Rudon was shot in the chin in the Lovely Lane area - and died shortly after. Police told us what they know so far:... Insp. Wilfredo Ferrufino, C.I.B., Eastern Division: "Warren Rudon, a 17 year old of Oleander Street was socializing in the jungle apartment area and had left the area to the nearby shop to purchase cigarettes. On his way back he was fired upon and received the injury and died as a consequence. Police have detained several persons - several persons have been interviewed but no one has been charged and the investigation is ongoing."

Shooter Charged For Trying To Kill 4
And while there has been no arrest in that murder - Orange Walk police have arrested a man for last week's mass shooting in Trial Farm Village. Four people were shot on Thursday night in what is believed to be some kind of dispute between neighbors. Diana Ack, Monico Gomez, Victor Ku and Nazario Herrera were all shot - and today, police charged the alleged shooter:.. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "In relation to the shooting that had occurred last week in Orange Walk, police have since arrested and charged Bruce Harvey for four counts of attempted murder and several other charges."

Two Weeks And Abductee Omero Still Not Home
In other crime news from the north, 43 year old abductee Omero Campos has still not been returned to his family. The San Narciso businessman went missing from his farm more than two weeks ago and there has been no word of his whereabouts or condition in some time. Police told us more:... ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "The investigation is still ongoing and there is no new information. The family has still not heard any other information in relation to him and there has been no new communication with him since the last press brief."

Man Shot In Head In PG
Earlier on we told you about gang violence in the small southern village of Hope Creek - we'll there's also been an unusual spate of gun violence in quiet Punta Gorda - which, all of a sudden, is not so quiet. On Friday night 21 year old Briton Jacobs survived a shot to the head - which fortunately - just grazed his head. Police say he doesn't want to cooperate with investigators:... ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "On Friday 29th June shortly after 10:30pm, police responded to Jose Maria Nunez street in Punta Gorda Town where they saw on Brighton Jacobs, twenty-one-year-old, with an apparent gunshot injury to the back of the head. Initial investigations reveal that Jacobs was riding on Jose Maria Nunez Street when he was approached by two other male persons on bicycles riding in opposite direction, one of whom fired the shot that caught Jacobs to the back of the head. Police have since commenced an investigation into this matter."

Family Dispute At Party Leads To Stabbing
And, finishing up with crime news - there was a vicious stabbing at a family function in Roaring Creek last night when a pair of siblings got into an argument. Police explained what happened:... ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Police responded to the western regional hospital on Saturday 30th June around 12:15am where one Nelson Twist, 45 year old Belizean of Roaring Creek Village was observed with multiple stab wounds to the body. Initial investigation revealed that Mr. Twist was at his residence when he got into an altercation with his sister and as a result two male persons known to him intervened where he was beaten up and he received some 7 stab wounds during the process. He is in a stable condition. Police are seeking these two suspects in regards to this investigation."

Prime Minister Off to CARICOM Heads
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country this weekend. First, he's making a stop in the US to continue consultations on his ailing back - and then he's headed to the 39th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, which will be held in Jamaica from July 4th to the 6th. At this meeting, the PM is expected to try and make a pitch for Belize's consumption grade sugar to penetrate the CARICOM market. It would still be a matter for COTED to decide, but he plans to raise it with the heads of government first. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber will take over as Acting Prime Minister until PM Barrow returns on Saturday, July 7.

City Hall Brings In New Administrator
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner and his Administration at the Belize City Council did not exactly part ways amicably with the former City Administration, Candice Miller. In fact, she's filed suit against them for an unjustified termination. But tonight, the council is reporting that it has found her replacement. The new City Administrator is Stephanie Lindo Garbutt, and a press release from City Hall says, quote, "Mrs. Lindo-Garbutt comes to City Hall with a proven track record as a top performer in complex business environments in both the private and public-sector management..." End quote.

Belize Takes Over SICA
Belize took over the Pro-Tem Presidency of the regional body known as the Central American Integrated System, or SICA, and the state will hold leadership of this organization for the next 6 months. On Saturday, Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington received the Pro-Tem Presidency on behalf of PM Dean Barrow who - as you just heard - is headed to CARICOM. Elrington received the office in Santo Domingo from the President of the Dominican Republic, who is the outgoing President. A Government press release notes that Minister Elrington pledged that Belize is in full support in advancing the efforts of the Republic on the implementation of SICA's regional Mandate.

Belize Best Puerto Rico in B-Ball
On Wednesday, we told you about the team leaving for the Hoops on the Beach tournament in Cancun - which comprises the best of the best in the Ahmidaya League. Well, Belize excelled, with the under 19 beating selection beating Puerto Rico in the finals while the under 17 lost in the finals to Florida. We spoke to two of the top players:

Channel 5

‘Packbread’ is Killed in Dangriga
Fifty-year-old Melvin Locke left his family and home on Sunday night for a routine game of dice in the Backatown area of Dangriga which he is known to frequent.  The [...]

Police Looking for a Suspect in Warren Rudon’s Murder
There have been developments in the murder investigation of seventeen-year-old Warren Rudon who was shot and killed in Belize City on Thursday night.  The teenager was fatally injured in an [...]

3 Guats Escape from Prison
Three Guatemalans escaped from the Belize Central Prison in the early hours of Sunday morning. The men, all charged with illegal entry into the Chiquibul National Park and firearm offences, [...]

Soli Arguelles, Victim of Home Invasion
We’ve been reporting on the growing number of robberies at businesses and residences on the north side of Belize City. Over the weekend, a well-known couple was targeted on Saturday [...]

Re-Registration – the First Day!
The last re-registration of electors took place in 1997. Another should have followed ten years later, but the law was amended for it to occur fifteen years later, which should [...]

Special Sitting of Senate on Thursday
A Special Sitting of the Senate is schedule to take place on Thursday. Four resolutions will be tabled including the appointment of members to the Election and Boundaries Commission. Those [...]

Georgeville Man Stabbed Multiple Times
There were two unrelated stabbing incidents in the west over the weekend that occurred within minutes of each other and in separate villages along with George Price Highway. Both victims [...]

Nelson Twist Stabbed after Altercation with Sister
Even before the incident in Georgeville, further east in the village of Roaring Creek, a family dispute ended with the multiple stabbing of a forty-five-year-old resident.  Just after midnight on [...]

Bullet Grazed PG Man
Police say a man was grazed to the head by a bullet whilst he was riding his bicycle in Punta Gorda. On Friday night around ten-thirty, Police were called out [...]

RTA Claims Second Victim in Succotz
Thirty-two-year-old Sandra Garcia succumbed to injuries sustained in fatal traffic accident that happened on June seventeenth. The driver of the vehicle Neidy Cifuentes died shortly after the accident, while her [...]

Fire at Dorothy Menzies!
There was a fire at the Dorothy Menzies Childcare Center on Sunday evening.  The blaze gutted the kitchen when forty-one-year-old Leonie Williams, a cook’s assistant working at the facility, reportedly [...]

No News on Omero Campos
Police say there is not much to report on the investigation into missing San Narciso businessman Omero Campos. Campos was kidnapped on June sixteenth in San Victor Village where the [...]

4 Counts of Attempted Murder for Bruce Henry
Police have arrested and charged Bruce Henry in connection with a wild shooting that injured four persons, including a pregnant woman, in Trial Farm, Orange Walk last week Tuesday. Diana [...]

List of U.D.P Hopefuls is Out!
The United Democratic Party has released the names of sixty-six candidates who are seeking to become their party’s standard bearers for the thirty-one constituencies in the next general elections. We [...]

Julius Espat No Longer P.U.P.’s Deputy Party Leader
In the blue corner, Cayo South Area Representative, Julius Espat is no longer a Deputy Party Leader for the People’s United Party. Even though his resignation had been leaked before [...]

Solid Waste in Trouble?
The Solid Waste Management Authority Office in Belmopan is in trouble tonight or more precisely it is closed today. It all started on Thursday when court marshals crow-footed the authority’s [...]

76 Prisoners Rehabilitated
The Kolbe Foundation started a rehabilitation programme at the Belize Central Prison back in 2006 at the Ashcroft Rehabilitation Centre. To date, some two-thousand plus inmates have completed the course [...]

2007 Special Agreement to Be Challenged in Court
At a press conference today, Robert ‘Bobby’ Lopez announced that he intends to file a claim in the courts of Belize to challenge the constitutionality of the Special Agreement signed [...]

BUFERHD Says No to Re-Registration of Nationalized Guatemalans
Much has been said about the re-registering of Guatemalans who have acquired Belizean nationality.  The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the first to address the issue in a [...]

K.H.M.H.’s Has a New C.E.O., Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt New City Administrator
The Belize City Council has named a new city administrator, following the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Candice Miller on May eighth.  Earlier this evening, City Hall confirmed Stephanie Lindo-Garbutt [...]

PM Goes to CARICOM Head of Government Meeting
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country for Jamaica over the weekend where he is scheduled to attend the Thirty-ninth CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Montego Bay.  The conference [...]

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

LOVE FM

http://lovefm.com/belizean-activists-including-belizean-diaspora-challenge-re-registration-process/Belizean activists, including the Belizean Diaspora, to challenge the re-registration process
Today was the commencement of the long overdue re-registration exercise. Centers across the country opened to accommodate persons who want to participate in the process. Love News visited several of the re-registration centers and found them to be very scanty. The centers will be opened from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and …

Belizean Diaspora join Belizean activists in “No to ICJ” campaign
At the press conference this morning, the groups led by BUFERHD, The Peace Movement and the Belize Territorial Volunteers officially announced their decision to lead the campaign against taking the Belize Guatemala dispute to the International Court of Justice. President of BUFERHD, Derek Aikman made the announcement. President of BUFERHD, Derek Aikman: We have agreed …

Belizeans to challenge 2008 Special Agreement to take the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute to the ICJ
In late 2008, Belize and Guatemala signed a compromis, a special agreement to take the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice for a final resolution. It was signed by Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, the then Guatemalan Foreign Minister, Haroldo Rodas, and OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza. Today, …

U13 Basketball team brings the championship home from Cancun
Belize’s Under 13 team was also at the event in Cancun and returned home as champions. Their Coach Raheem Staine says they received an invite to the tournament and decided to take on the challenge. Players Jameer Young and Luis Sosa also spoke of their experience. Coach Raheem Staine: The guys we put in a …

The Reporter

Man murdered in Dangriga
A man was shot dead shortly after midnight in Dangriga. The victim, Melvin Locke, was one of several persons socializing and playing a dice fame in a yard in the Back-a-Town area when a gunman approached and fired several shots, hitting Locke in the head.

Breaking Belize News

A family dispute between siblings leaves a man with seven stab wounds
Around 12:15 a.m., on Saturday, June 30, 2018, police arrived at the Western Regional Hospital where they […]

Elderly Couple Robbed at Gunpoint in Home
On Saturday, June 30, 2018, between the hours of 1 and 2 a.m., police responded to a […]

17-year-old minor killed while socializing in Belize City
On Thursday, June 28, 2018, around 7:45 p.m., police responded to shots being fired on Lovely Lane, […]

Police: 3 Guatemalans escape from Kolbe Foundation
Between 1 and 3 a.m. on Sunday, July 1, 2018, three Guatemalan prisoners that were in the Remand […]

Dangriga man killed while socializing with friends
Around 12:45 this morning, police responded to the ‘Bacaktown’ area in Dangriga Town, where cops found Melvin Locke, […]

Altercation between two men in Georgeville bar leaves one wounded
Around 12:45 a.m., on Saturday June 30, San Ignacio police responded to a stabbing incident involving Marvin […]

Punta Gorda resident who was shot in head refuses court action
On June 29, police responded to Jose Maria Nunez street in Punta Gorda and saw Brighton […]

Toledo Re-Registration Centers
The public is hereby notified that the list of registration centers below will be opened […]

Re-registration centers in Stann Creek
Electors in Stann Creek district are notified of the centers for re-registration. The centers will […]

Cayo district re-registration centers
Re-registration centers for the Cayo District will be open from Monday July 2 to August 31, […]

Blogs

Belize Teachers Wanted by United States Schools
Once in a while opportunity knocks and for those lucky people whose door it knocks on, it can be life-changing. Especially when it means expanding your knowledge and horizons within your chosen career in another country. Even better when it comes without having to make a huge decision to save up in order to be able to make it happen. I was recently contacted by Doris Estrada of Proxima, a comprehensive communications advisory firm to help promote an organization out of Chapel Hill, N.C. They made it a whole lot easier for many educators to develop their skills and share with students. Belizean teachers are now being welcomed into the educational cultural exchange program. If you or someone you know would like to benefit from this life-changing experience, please pass the following application information along.

Summer in Corozal
It is summer time in Belize and Children are happy that their are out of classes. Summer is when kids don't have to worry about homework or going to bed early. Summer is when kids want to things that they want to do. But, Many parents are finding ways to keep there children out of trouble. There are many things that are happening this summer in Corozal. Like the Summer Art Wave that will commence on Monday July 2, 2018 @ the Corozal House of Culture. And, Ancient World Week 2018 July 16-19 2018. To find out about the dates look at the photos below. Or, If you want to find out more about this event kindly contact the Corozal House of Culture for details. There are many things to find or do in Corozal. Well, Since summer has began I went to scoop some information about Corozal and how to enjoy your summer in Corozal.

International Sources

Belize Sugar output ends flat despite less cane
The 2017/18 cane crush came to an end on June 28 after 28 weeks, and BSI/ASR reported that just over 1.274 mln tonnes of sugarcane was milled during this crop, according to local press reports. That was approximately 16,000 tonnes less than last year ...

Unusual places where Canadians are buying second homes
We Canadians are a venturesome lot when it comes to travelling abroad. We’re also pretty bold when it comes to investing in foreign real estate. So says Michael Cobb, chairman and chief executive officer of ECI Development Ltd., which focuses on investment and vacation property development in Central America. In fact, Canadians are more adventurous than people from the United States, he says. “U.S. buyers tend to focus more on the return on investment more than lifestyle.” Belize is already one of the more popular destinations for Canadian buyers, particularly in this town on the Caribbean, long popular with divers and sport fishers, says Mr. Cobb. “Ambergris Caye is a long-time expat destination.”

Caribbean Peering Forum Brings Dream of Better Internet Closer
The dream of a faster, safer, more affordable Internet in the Caribbean sometimes seems elusive. One group of Internet pioneers is taking steps to make it a reality. The Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum, or simply CarPIF, is an annual event that brings together the people responsible for delivering Internet services to the region, including internet service providers, internet exchange point operators, content delivery networks, data centre managers and other computer network professionals. At peering forums around the world, network operators broker deals with each other and with content providers such as Google, Facebook, Netflix and Akamai, which service up some of the most popular content on the Internet. It was no different at the CarPIF event. The main meeting hall of Belize City's Radisson hotel was abuzz with sound of over fifty CarPIF delegates engaged in conversation, meeting contacts, drumming up leads and striking new deals.

BELIZEEAN ARTIST MESHA STEELE DEBUTS “EVERYTHING BUT ME” ON CAPSICUM LABEL
“From her very first notes, as well as keen songwriting skills. you immediately get the sense you are listening to a singer who is very confident, experienced — and most definitely talented,” says Capsicum CEO and A&R Director Roger Meltzer who penned Everything But Me and co-produced and arranged it with Joseph Everton “Reality” Weekes. “Her influences range from acoustic, r&b, hip-hop & jazz, perfect for Capsicum fusions with reggae, dancehall and soca. I am delighted to welcome her into our growing roster of international artists. Born in Belize into a family of singers, musicians and fashion designers, growing up MESHA STEELE was never short of role models. Due to the tragic loss of her mother when she was two years old, Mesha was raised by her grandparents, owners of a band consisting of her uncles and other relatives. Mesha remembers rehearsals in her back yard on Sunday afternoons as the place where her voice was first discovered. She was only four years old and already harmonizing to the melodies sung by her uncle. About a year later the band migrated to the United States, but they left a lasting impression on Mesha. She knew right away that music was her destiny.

Mexican election 2018: ‘Mexico’s Bernie Sanders’ set to win
Progressive anti-Trump candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been elected president of Mexico on Sunday in an apparent landslide victory. Exit polls gave AMLO, as his supporters call him, ­a huge lead over his two closest competitors, and both of them conceded the race shortly after polls closed on Sunday night. Official results were due to be announced later on Sunday night with AMLO supporters expected to flood Mexico City’s main plaza, the Zócalo, to celebrate his anticipated victory.

Why Atlantic Hurricane Season Is Quiet While the Eastern Pacific Is Roaring
A tale of two basins - comparing the Atlantic Hurricane Season with the Pacific so far this year. It is a tale of two hurricane seasons in the Atlantic and the eastern Pacific. The former got off to a raging start with a late May storm that basically made it to the Great Lakes, while the latter was DOA. Now their roles have reversed, though, with the Atlantic taking a nap while the eastern Pacific goes gangbusters, including what’s now its third hurricane of the season. What gives? There are a couple factors at play, including one that ties the basins together. And these factors could mean the divergent trends in activity continue for the foreseeable future. The first is dust that’s been whisked up from the Sahara and spun across the Atlantic and all the way to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The tropical waters below aren’t so tropical of late. Sea surface temperatures in parts of the main development region are as much as 3.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 degrees Celsius) below normal. That’s a huge swing from last year when the region was much warmer than normal.

Videos

July 1, 2018

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofers: The Last Word
Vernon, we missed you at the darts tournament practice this week,” I said. “Yeah. I was on the mainland trying to keep peace in my family.” “How did it go?” “It was pretty bad. My old uncle is probably gonna be arrested. See, Uncle Selwynn and Auntie Zee are real poor. They don’t even have electricity where they live over by Roaring Creek so all they have to do for fun is to argue with each other.” “What do they argue about?” “Anything. But it’s usually about who gets the last word in an argument. My old Auntie just can’t help getting in that last word.”

Letter to the Editor: San Pedro Lobster Festival says thank you!
To our lovely community: The San Pedro Business Association and the San Pedro Lobster Festival Committee would like to give a heartfelt thanks to each and every person and business that helped make the 12th annual San Pedro Lobster Fest a huge success!! This event would not be possible without the many volunteered hours and generous donations from the community.

Despite opposition, GOB accepts Israeli Police Training
Even though there was strong opposition against training provided by the Israeli police to members of the Belize Police Department, the Government of Belize (GOB) has proceeded with the program. Training began on Tuesday, June 26th and will culminate on July 4th. A group of Belizean protesters wrote to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and spoke to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrignton in an attempt to stop the training from taking place. They denounced the State of Israel for its atrocities against the Palestinians and their strong alliance to Guatemala and even led a protest outside of the Police Academy in Belmopan City on the same day the training was launched.

Graduation season continues on Ambergris Caye
Several schools have been celebrating their graduation ceremonies in the primary and pre-school levels. Standard Six students bade goodbye to their elementary studies gearing up for high school, while pre-schoolers joined the celebration as they prepare to enter primary school.

Misc Belizean Sources

Crocodile Nest beds on Caye Caulker
Thank you Tim B. Smith & belizean mangrove conservation network our breeding saltys , at the northshore crocodile sanctuary, we have maintained secret locations, and have successfully hatched at least two more croc nest beds this year!!

San Pablo Day/Cultural Day 2018 was a total success!!!
San Pablo Village Council would like to thank all those who made this day a memorable and enjoyable day!!! Especially thanks to Flor de Yucatan from Tekax, Yucatan, for the impressive presentations. Our very own Lool'ha Cultural Group from San Pablo Village Council for doing wonderful presentations!!! Members of the Belize Northern Yucatec Maya and To' One Masewalon, Ms. Felicita Cantun, Ms. Adela Paterson, Mr. Faustino Yam, Mr. Hugo Carrillo, and Mr. Andy Chuc for all those useful information about our Maya Mestizo culture!!! Thanks to our Mistress of Ceremony Mrs. Cira Novelo and Master of Ceremonies Mr. Jose Arcurio. Thanks to Mr. Ramon " Monchie" Cervantes and Mr. Amir Carrillo for always supporting and contributing.

Sarteneja Village Fishermen Fair
Here are more photo's of the event.

SAN PABLO CULTURAL DAY
Orange Walk) celebrates their Yucatec Maya culture. In the event there were dances,stories and history of the village. Flor Yucatan(Dance group Tecax Yucatan), Lool'ha(San Pablo Dance group), Felicita Cantun(Yucatec Maya from Yo Creek,OW), Andy Chuc(Yucatec Maya from San Pablo,OW), Hugo Carrillo Cocom(Yucatec Maya from San Lazaro,OW), To'one Masehualo'on(Faustino Yam & Adela Pederson Yucatec Maya from Corozal). Especial thanks for the hard work in organizing this event the San Pablo Village council and Chairman Javier Sabido.

Photos of Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2018

The Reporter

Falling tree crushes man to death
A man was reportedly crushed to death by a falling tree this afternoon. The incident happened in the Cayo district. The Reporter is following up for more details on the incident.

Man shot in PG
A man was shot in Punta Gorda last night. The incident happened in the Hollywood area sometime before midnight. The victim is Bryan Jacobs. The Reporter will have more about the incident as well as Jacobs’ condition when the police releases the details.

Breaking Belize News

Gun belonging to murdered man found
Orange Walk police are investigating the discovery of a gun belonging to a man who was killed in April. According to police reports, yesterday around 7:28 am, police conducted a search on an abandoned house in San Jose village, Orange Walk. […]

Fireman detained for stabbing in Georgeville, Cayo
Marvin Givarra, 29, a Georgville resident, was stabbed multiple times to his back during an altercation at HideAway Bar in the village. According to police, Leryl Smith, 23, a fireman from the village, is responsible for the stabbing. Following the incident, Givarra was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital for treatment. […]

American girl reports rape in Belmopan
Belmopan police are investigating the rape of an American student. On Thursday, June 28, a 15-year-old American student of Hummingbird highway reported to police that she was raped by a man she knew. […]

Attorney General donates full Laws of Belize set to PUP
Belize’s Attorney General, Micheal Peyrefitte, donated a set of the Substantive Laws of Belize to the leader of the Opposition, John Briceno yesterday. In an interview with News 5, Peyrefitte explained that the books are the latest version and that the Government of Belize is currently working on making it more accessible to the public with an online version. […]

Man reportedly stabbed in Georgeville last night
Reports to BBN indicate that a man was stabbed multiple times last night at a local bar in Georgeville village, Cayo. The condition of the man is unknown at this time. […]

Julius Espat resigns from PUP Executive
The Opposition, People’s United Party has been in the spotlight recently due to the many endorsed and contested Standard Bearer conventions being held for the party. Now, the latest news regarding the PUP is that the party’s Deputy Leader for the West, firebrand politician Julius Espat, has resigned from the Executive of the Party. […]

After 5 days, teenage female from Belmopan remains missing
It’s been 5 days now since 17 year old Alyka Coye left her home and has not been seen or heard from since. Coye left her home on Monday, June 25th about 4 p.m. Despite searching for her and posting on social media, no concrete information has been received about her whereabouts. […]

Yarborough Basketball court inaugurated
Yesterday at 10 AM, the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, a project funded by Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Belize inaugurated the Yarborough Basketball Court Facility on Yarborough Road. […]

Faith Nazarene School celebrates Silver Jubilee
On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, founders of San Ignacio’s Faith Nazarene School John and Anita Tzib were recognized at the school’s silver jubilee (a celebration held to mark the 25th anniversary) for their contribution to the institution. San Ignacio’s Faith Nazarene School was established on September 6, 1993, and the school opened its doors to just over one hundred and sixty students and five trained teachers: […]

Belize to host Central American Championship for FIBA Americup
Today, the Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) announced that Belize has been selected to host the Central American Championship qualifiers for the FIBA Americup tournament. The FIBA AmeriCup (previously known as the FIBA Americas Championship) is the American Basketball Championship that takes place every two years between national teams of the Western Hemisphere continents. […]

Blogs

July Rainy Weather? Events and Mariachied on My Way Home
The forecast for the first week in July is calling for partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching 87. 8°F (3 1°C) with lows overnight down to a nice 75.2°F (2 4°C). According to NOAA’s cool satellite image I used above for the feature, there doesn’t look like there is much on its way from the east (which is usually the direction hurricanes come from). I have heard from a few people in planning stages of their vacation being concerned about what the weather is like in July as the forecast shows a lot of rain. If you are one of these people and want some reassurance – click through to see some wise vacation weather thoughts from Destination Expert Jean H.

International Sources

What It Costs to Be Smuggled Across the U.S. Border
Bribes and shakedowns. Days in hideaways without food. For many fleeing violence in Central America, this is what thousands of dollars gets them on the journey to the United States. Shortly before dawn one Sunday last August, a driver in an S.U.V. picked up Christopher Cruz at a stash house in this border city near the Gulf of Mexico. The 22-year-old from El Salvador was glad to leave the one-story building, where smugglers kept bundles of cocaine and marijuana alongside their human cargo, but he was anxious about what lay ahead. The nearly 2,000-mile trip had already cost Mr. Cruz’s family more than $6,000 and brought him within sight of Brownsville, Tex. The remaining 500 miles to Houston — terrain prowled by the United States Border Patrol as well as the state and local police — would set them back another $6,500.

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