January 9, 2019

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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

Adan Cantun charged for rape
Island resident 24-year-old Adan Cantun was arraigned and charged for the crime of rape on Tuesday, January 8th at the San Pedro Magistrate Court. Cantun is accused of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old waitress twice on Sunday, January 6th in San Pedro Town. During the court hearing, no plea was taken, and Cantun was remanded to Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance on April 10, 2019. The victim told police that on the day of the assault, she was walking in the morning on Sea Star Street and upon passing in front of the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II a male person pulled her inside a tunnel. The male person now identified as Cantun then proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her twice against her will. A medical examination was conducted on the waitress confirming that she was carnally known.

Appointment of New Commissioner of Police
The Ministry of National Security announces the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chester Williams, to the post of Commissioner of Police of the Belize Police Department with effect from January 9, 2019. Mr. Allen Whylie was appointed as Commissioner in 2013. The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar thanks Mr. Whylie for his almost six (6) years of leadership that he provided to the Department and offers him best wishes in his future endeavours.

San Pedro Pirates Football Club decides to remain in the PLB
The San Pedro Pirates Football Club (FC) have confirmed that they are back in the game and will be participating in the Premier League of Belize’s Closing Season set to begin on Sunday, January 13th. The club had initially taken to social media on December 13, 2018, to inform their fans that due to the lack of sponsorship and support in San Pedro Town they would no longer participate in the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) Football Tournament. That no longer seems to be an issue, as the club has confirmed its participation for 2019. Founder and owner of the San Pedro Pirates F.C, Emeliano Rivero told The San Pedro Sun that despite the controversy, he plans for the football club to continue in the PLB for many more years. “The football club will continue in the PLB as well as to promote professional football on the island among residents and young players,” he said.

Ambergris Today

Belizean Waitress Raped Twice In San Pedro
According to San Pedro Police, on January 7, 2019, a 26-year-old, Belizean Waitress of San Pedro Town reported to police that she was raped on Sunday morning. The report states that sometime in the morning on Sunday, January 6, 2019, whilst walking on Sea Star Street in San Pedro Town, upon reaching in front of the San Pedro Poly Clinic, a male person pulled her inside a tunnel and had sexual intercourse with her twice against her will. A medical examination was conducted on her and the doctor certified that she was carnally known. Police have detained one person in connection with this investigation.

No Criminal Charges For QRT Officers Involved In Cruel Beatdown
PC Tyrell Rowley and PC Samir Medina were both caught on video brutally beating up Jamir Leal on New Year’s Day in San Pedro Town. Although the video was widely circulated on social media and various groups and residents condemned their behavior the officers were only suspended for seven days and during a press briefing on Monday, January 7, 2019, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams stated that they are unable to criminally charge PC Rowley and PC Medina. During the briefing Deputy Commissioner Chester Williamns stated that Leal family has refused to cooperate in the investigation therefore they cannot proceed to charge PC Rowley and PC Medina with any criminal charges.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belmopan Farmer's Market
Friday morning Farmers Market at Blue Moon, at the status roundabout in Belmopan from 7am to 1pm.

PUP to Say ‘No’ to the ICJ
After several months of meeting and consulting with leaders and supporters of the People's United Party, it is obvious that a majority of the Party's supporters, for various reasons, are not in favour of submitting the unfounded claim of Belizean territory by Guatemala to the ICJ for final adjudication. While I am soon to complete my listening tour, I am sufficiently convinced that an overwhelming majority of our Party members and supporters are going to say NO and as the leader of a mass party that makes decisions in a democratic way, I have an obligation to accept the views of the majority. I am certain that in the final analysis, our Party will say NO to the ICJ. I am made to understand that some previous Foreign Ministers who served under different PUP administrations will be signing a document, along with the Government of Belize, that will be advocating - yes to the ICJ. I want to make it abundantly clear that these persons do not speak for the People's United Party on this issue.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint part 1 of a 3 part series called “The Mighty Jungle”.

Benefit Concert for Baby Nylah
Come out and support a worthy cause lots to eat and drink! This Saturday January 12th, from 7:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m. Dance follows with Redemption Sound until 2:00 a.m. Lots of Food& Drinks on Sale!

New Meldy"s on Caye Caulker
My new Meldy"s number 10 Calle aguada by the football field. or straight down from the rainbow hotel. Serving breakfast and lunch daily. Opening hours:8:00AM-5:00PM. Sunday-Friday. Serving our local Belizean foods. Telephone Number:601-0309.

Controlled Pump Prices – 9th January 2019

Appointment of New Commissioner of Police
The Ministry of National Security announces the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chester Williams, to the post of Commissioner of Police of the Belize Police Department with effect from January 9, 2019. Mr. Allen Whylie was appointed as Commissioner in 2013. The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar thanks Mr. Whylie for his almost six (6) years of leadership that he provided to the Department and offers him best wishes in his future endeavours.

Bald Hills Birding, January 28
8 spaces available only...

The Belize Tourism Board at the Family Travel Forum in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Dr. Wendy Ashmore passes away
We sympathize with the family in the passing of an archaeological institution, teacher, colleague, mentor and friend, Dr. Wendy Ashmore. She was a pioneering Mayanist and her legacy will live on in her numerous contributions to research, as well as in the hearts and minds of the many researchers who work in Belize that were blessed to be mentored by her. We ask that you kindly respect the family's wish for privacy in a time like this. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE PICTURES (1884-1960's)
1. Third Generation of Yucatec Maya from San Jose Yalbac. They are from the Yucatec Maya group the Icaiche Maya. 2. The Picture has Nojoch Mak Alfonso Poot,His Wife Guadalupe Poot and their oldest daughter Gregoria Poot. Some of the Yucatec Maya people from Patchakan descent from the Cruzo'ob Maya. Picture from 1960's. 3. Juan Chuc a Yucatec Maya rebel belonging to the Cruzo'ob Maya in Cayo district. Picture taken after 1900's. 4. 12 Yucatec Maya men from the group known as Icaiche Maya , Pastor of the Catholic Church and a Merchant in Corozal town around the 1890's.

Channel 7

Chester Williams Is the New Police Commissioner
Today, what had been rumored for months finally came true: Chester Williams has been named Commissioner of Police. The 27 year veteran of the department takes over effective tomorrow, according to an official release. But even at noon today, less than an hour before the announcement went out, Williams was still being coy about it. Here's what he told Courtney Weatherburne: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I can't say that, I am still the deputy commissioner of police if you see the rank on my shoulder so as it relates to being the commissioner of police I don't know, if or when I get that call then I can say yes. It is the dream of any police officer to rise to the top and become the commissioner of police so if it is offered to me I will surely accept and ensure that I do my best in that capacity."

Constables Rowley and Medina Will Face Criminal Charges
The San Pedro police brutality case has taken a completely different turn, a full 360. Now the two police officers will be charged criminally. They are PC Tyrell Rowley and PC Samir Medina. Disciplinary action has already been taken against the officers. As we have reported, on New Years night, Jamir Leal and his two brothers were at Playa Bar and Grill when something triggered Leal to assault his ex-girlfriend. He choked her. His brothers along with others got involved to try to get Leal to stop. But when PC Rowley and PC Medina arrived, things quickly escalated where Rowley clubbed Leal and gave him a massive blow to the head even though Leal was defenseless on the ground. Today Commissioner of Police Chester Williams held a press conference to discuss the change of course in this case and the charges that will be brought against the officers.

Whistleblower Claims He has Proof of Corruption and Drug Planes
Over the course of the last year, we've been reporting on the numerous aircrafts that have been illegally landed in remote parts of the country. Since November 2017, there have been 13 so far, and in majority of these cases, local law enforcement arrived after the planes have either been destroyed, or abandoned, and whatever cargo - most likely cocaine - was already removed. In many instances, the authorities couldn't say for certain what exactly was smuggled into the country, which only adds to the mystery. For the most part, the general public has had to speculate, but one civilian says that he can offer insight into the movement of these illegal landings. More than that, he says he has proof that police officers and politicians are involved, and are complicit in drug transshipments moving through Belizean territory.

ComPol Williams Will Review Martinez's Claims
One man who may have to take what Martinez has to say seriously is Commissioner Chester Williams. This morning, when we met up with Williams in Belmopan, he said he wasn't aware of the press conference but he will follow up on the information. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I can assure you if any information that is revealed that we believe to be credible and warrants police investigation then we will move to do our own investigation to see if we can confirm or deny those allegations."

A Bi-Partisan Kumbaya for The ICJ?
And while Commissioner Chester is tonight's headline, tomorrow's news will be dominated by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He's having a press conference, but not the usual kind. The PM has set up a kind of ICJ Kumbaya where present and past PUP and UDP Foreign Ministers will all declare their support for a Yes to the ICJ. But the PUP has this evening thrown a serious curve ball to derail that unity effort. The party sent out a release distancing itself and throwing shade at its own Foreign Ministers who join the effort.

Chief Elections Officer Discusses New Voter's List
March 10th is the date you should be marking on your calendar if you have not registered and you wish to participate in the upcoming ICJ Referendum. Since mid-2018, the Elections and Boundaries Department launched an intensive re-registration campaign to update the voters list in time for the national referendum scheduled for April 10th of this year. Up until December approximately 65% of the total number of voters on the list prior to the re-registration exercise, that is over 133 thousand people, made it to the final list of eligible persons to receive their voter ID Cards. But none, so far, have been issued, although voters were told their cards would be ready by December. We understand, cards have begun to print. So, what's the hold up on delivery? To answer that question, we spoke to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai:

Accused Corrupt Cops Will Be Dismissed
Earlier in the news, we showed you our interview with Police Commissioner Chester Williams, in which he discussed the about turn in the criminal prosecution of the 2 officers caught on camera brutalizing in a civilian. He also gave us an update on another case involving corrupt cops. That's the April 2017 case where three Special Patrol Unit officers stole 27 parcels of cocaine from a house they were searching in Cayo. The officers are Corporal Clinton Thomas and Police Constables Kishane Peck and Albert Augustine. Well, that case has concluded and these men have been dismissed. Here is more.

Gary Yearwood Gets Bail
The embattled 39 year old Garry Yearwood, a network designer for BTL and brother of police inspector Fitzroy Yearwood, is out on bail today after his attorney submitted to the courts that his bail approval was a matter of urgency. Yearwood's attorney, sited health complications- being that Yearwood is a diabetic- and family circumstances- being that he is the sole provider for his two children- as reasons for his bail to be approved. Barrow Chung also submitted that police evidence against Yearwood leaves much to be desired. Police, he said, acted solely on the statement given by Yearwood's ex and did not take statements from the ex's mother or sister who were present at the time.

Cantun Charged With Rape
A waitress was raped over the weekend near the San Pedro Poly Clinic. According to police, a 26 year old Belizean waitress of San Pedro Town, Belize reported to authorities that sometime on Sunday morning she was walking on Sea Star Street, San Pedro, and upon reaching in front of the Clinic, a male person pulled her inside a tunnel. He subsequently proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her twice against her will. A medical examination confirmed that she had indeed been raped. Police have since investigated her complaint, and today, they arrested and charged 24 year old Adan Cantun with rape.

They fished Illegally
Two fishermen were hauled to court today to answer to fisheries offences. 21 year old Randy Franklin and 27 year old Jaiver Castillo plead guilty to the offences brought against them. According to a Coast Guard Officer, on November 23rd2018, he caught Franklin fishing in Bluefield Range with 7 permit fish inside an icebox. The gillnets were set between the mouth of the Belize old River and Haulover Creek which obstructed the passage of boats and fish. He was fined $250 plus $5 court cost for the illegal catch and the same amount for the use of improper fishing equipment. In a similar scenario Castillo was caught with 7 gillnets on December 17th 2018.

CitCo Gets New Rides
The Belize City Council is in possession of a sizeable fleet of new vehicles. Through hire purchase, the City has acquired 24 motor vehicles which include 12 pickups and 12 motorcycles. And, the Bernard Wagner Administration is boasted that they're doing this with minimal support from Central government. They got the motor-vehicles from Caribbean motors which is to be paid over a period of 5 years on an interest rate of 12%. Here is how they celebrated the new acquisition this morning, which will be used mainly by the Traffic arm of the City Council. Allan Pollard, Belize City Councillor: "Managing over 20,000 commuters was an extremely difficult task with the limited vehicles at the council's disposal..."

Will CitCo Pave More Streets?
And while we spoke to the mayor on the acquisition of new vehicles, we took the opportunity to ask him about the street works on Holy Emmanuel Street, something this administration promised in their manifesto. He says although they are more than willing to commit themselves to the work but the problem that is holding them back is financing. Here's is what the mayor told us. Bernard Wagner, Mayor: "On the matter of Holy Emmanuel Street - that's a huge project. We are waiting confirmation in respect to the bond, because before you do these projects you have to get funding. We cannot undertake any project without adequate funding and that is why we are still awaiting approval on the bond."

The Krooman Lagoon Plan Still Live?
Krooman Lagoon is one of those communities in Lake I of major concern, due to deplorable housing setups. Well, in the last quarter of last year the mayor visited the community to discuss the potential of a rehabilitation project in the zone. But his plan is to relocate the entire community- a pretty big deal for residents who have spent all their life there. And the problem with this project again is financing. Mayor Wagner gave us an update on that project.

LOVE FM

City spends over 1/2 million on a new fleet
Belize City is the most populated municipality in the seven districts. The work of the City Council is diverse and the public focus in the past has been on debts to contracted garbage collectors and missing equipment. Today the council held a public viewing at the memorial park to showcase 12 Wingle Pickups and 12 …

Mother seeking public’s assistance to cover travel expense
Further north there is also another story of overcoming the odds. Raquel Cocom of Trial Farm Village in the Orange Walk District will be reunited with her daughter after winning a case under the Hague Child Abduction Convention. Cocom shares a daughter with a Russian National who had lived in Belize for 10 years. He …

Sugar prices plummeting, farmers struggling
In October 2017, the European Union discontinued the preferential rate that it offered Belize as well as the rest of the Caribbean in an effort to comply with the World Trade Organization’s rules. This loss compounded with the drop in prices of sugar on the world market has cane farmers suffering tremendously. Love news spoke …

Belize still as Hoop Dreams
The Belize Men’s National Basketball Team began play in the first round of the FIBA World Cup Americas tournament in July, 2018. In the Central American qualifier tournament hosted here in Belize, Belize achieved a silver medal against tough competition from our Central American rivals. Belize has an opportunity to secure one of four available …

Fishermen busted for gear, illegal product and Gillnet
Two fishermen have found themselves at the illegal end of their gear. 21-year-old Randy Franklin and 27-year-old Javier Castillo, were fined by Magistrate Khadeem Palmer after they pleaded guilty to fisheries offences. Franklin pleaded guilty to possession of 7 permit fish. He was fined $250 and he was given until February 20 to pay. If …

Alleged San Pedro Rapist Captured by the Cops
A woman had been raped on Ambergris Caye. Early Sunday morning, the 26-year-old waitress says she was walking on Sea Star Street in San Pedro. When she reached near the San Pedro Polyclinic, a man pulled her inside an area and raped her twice. A doctor who examined her certified she was carnally known. She …

PUP ‘bob and weave ‘ on ICJ, Maybe No but some might say Yes
From mid-2018, the Leader of the Peoples United Party, John Briceno indicated he would go on a listening tour across the country to formulate an official party response as to whether the PUP would agree to saying yes or no in the April, 2019 referendum. It was not a secret that the PUP southern Caucus …

Amandala

Shame!
On New Year’s night, someone videoed two police constables on San Pedro behaving with cruel, wanton disregard toward two civilians—savagely violating their constitutional and human rights in the presence of a crowd of spectators. The video immediately went viral in social media—creating a massive public outcry. After putting the two officers on a one-week suspension, the Belize Police Department promised that they would carry out a criminal as well as an internal investigation into the matter. With the powerful video evidence, the police could have laid criminal charges immediately against PC Samir Medina and PC Tyrell Rowley, the two abusive officers, who were seen repeatedly kicking one of the men, who were already in handcuffs and lying on the ground, and were posing no threat at all to the officers.

Mahogany Street electrician, charged with murder, to be tried in Supreme Court
Anthony Bennett, 37, an electrician of 31 Mahogany Street who is charged with the murder of Erbin Garrido, 30, a laborer of a CET Site address, was committed to stand trial in the April session of the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry was held today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford and she concluded that a prima facie case had been established. Bennett was asked if he had any alibi witness or witnesses he wished to call, and to name them if he had any, and he said no. Garrido was shot and killed around 8 p.m. on May 29, 2018, in the bathroom of his house, a green wooden bungalow. His assailant entered and fired a single shot that struck Garrido in the left side of the chest.

Cops nab Honduran human cargo of 14 in Santa Elena
Police, at about 11:30 Friday night in Santa Elena, intercepted a Ford Explorer van that was carrying two men, three women and nine children of Honduran nationality. The children were handed over to the Human Services Department, while the driver and the adults were kept in police custody as an investigation was commenced and the Immigration Department was called in to deal with the illegal entry side of the investigation. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvette said that the driver of the vehicle is Fernando Moh, 58, a driver of Benque Viejo Del Carmen. He said that Moh is not known to police.

Mother puts blame on hospital for death of child
An 11-month-old baby boy is in the morgue and his mother blames the Corozal Community Hospital for neglecting to treat her son promptly on New Year’s Day. In an interview with 7News, the baby’s mother, Leah Miller, 28, said that her son, Deon Woodye, Jr., had diarrhea and was vomiting around midnight on January 1, so she went to the emergency room at the hospital. She then spoke to a nurse, who told her that there was no doctor available to attend to her child, so she would have to go to a clinic instead.

Licenses required for raffles and lotteries
It is not an uncommon occurrence for Belizeans to conduct raffles as a form of fundraising when extra financing is needed. Many businesses also hold raffles where customers can submit a ticket they received from the business and one lucky person wins a grand prize. On Thursday, December 27, however, the Lotteries Committee issued a press release reminding Belizeans that in accordance with the Lotteries Control Act, Chapter 151 of the Laws of Belize, promoting or conducting any lottery or raffle without a license or letter of authorization from the committee is actually illegal.

Amandala Year in review: Part 2
July ushered in the new voter re-registration drive and on July 2, on the same day the re-registration exercise began, a multi-organization group kicked off “The NO ICJ Movement” at a press conference held at the Belize Institute of Management. The major announcement coming out of the NO ICJ Movement press conference was that the group planned to take out a constitutional claim against the government, particularly the Elections and Boundaries Department, to challenge the re-registration of naturalized Guatemalans who would be allowed to be re-registered and would be allowed to vote in the national ICJ referendum on April 10, 2019. The group also planned to petition government to lift the two-month residency requirement for Belizeans living in the diaspora.

Barrack Road bombs Ladyville in 1st leg of CYDP Peace Cup finals at MCC
It is almost a foregone conclusion, the 2018-19 CYDP Peace Cup championship, after yesterday’s 6-1 shelling unleashed by Barrack Road FC upon Ladyville Strikers FC in game 1 of the best-of-two games finals series at the MCC Grounds. It was billed as a clash between the young newcomers from Ladyville and the seasoned semipro veterans from Belize City; and the veterans certainly had the upper hand, netting 3 goals in each half, while Ladyville’s only goal came from the penalty spot just before half-time.

Editorial: UDP has been dominant party since 1984
The way UDP leaders talk sometimes, you’d think that this party which has controlled the reins of government since 2008 is ruling the roost in this country for the first time. Honorable Sedi Elrington still cannot make a presentation in the House of Representatives without regurgitating some story about Honorable George Price, the first prime minister of Belize. It is 34 years since the UDP first formed a government in Belize. In 1984, that party had a resounding victory at the polls. The simple math shows that 34 years have passed since 1984, and for more than 20 of those years the UDP has held sway. It is not only ridiculous for the UDP to persist in misrepresenting the facts, it is unfair to Belize. They are the main authors, architects of the Belize we live in. The Belize we live in has one of the worst crime and violence problems in the world.

Proper training and discipline is the answer
Dear Editor, A couple of years ago I was at a dance in Caye Caulker when two huge white guys got into a scuffle. A sturdy little cop half their size quickly moved in and handcuffed the aggressive one behind the back. Fight done. No need to brutalize anybody, and I had to congratulate him. Another time a cop in a similar incident hurriedly pulled out his baton and hit the guy with it, altering his victim’s facial features permanently. Same type of incident, different reaction.

Concerned Nicaraguan condemns Ortega-Murillo regime
Dear Editor, I am a concerned Nicaraguan with family and friends in the country and I write to you about a pressing matter. Since April of 2018, the antidemocratic but “seemingly” benevolent regime has revealed its true colors. Peaceful demonstrations were answered with brutal force, death and torture. Criticism of any type has resulted in arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances or exile for thousands of my compatriots. Not age, gender or even ideology has protected any Nicaraguan from the wrath of the Ortega-Murillo regime, their cronies, police or paramilitary, who are currently hunting down our journalists, students, and members of NGOs, including longtime human rights advocates.

How Camalote pathway led me to become unethical/political
There are things in this world that put no strain on the brain to figure out. If there are no people on the earth, then another animal will rule it. It is a natural follow that people are important. If people are important, then it is obvious we must put in extra effort to conserve human life. If we consider our own lives, and the fact that we are passing through this beautiful and awesome world just once, we naturally make an effort to conserve it. If we have any respect for the lives of others, if we believe that we should love others as we love ourselves, we also make an effort to conserve theirs.

The choice before us
The second and considerably larger elephant in the room that everyone pointedly ignores is the fact that the ICJ can indeed find a valid reason, and probably will, to change our boundaries pursuant to Article 38(1) of the court’s statute. And if so found, the judges will then proceed to determine our new boundaries under the power given them by Article 2 of new 2008 Special Agreement (compromise) treaty. Here is the argument: Guatemala maintains a breach of agreement claim against the British arising from their failure to compensate them for signing the 1859 treaty after their refusal to sign the first draft until an enticement (Article 7) was added. They further contend that the validity of their claim is authenticated by their (the Brits) 1863 offer to pay them (Guatemala) 50,000 pounds sterling to honor their obligation under the agreement.

Belizean mother fought to be with child taken to the US by father
Raquel Cocom, age unknown, is to be reunited with her 3-year-old daughter after the child was taken to the US by her biological father over a year ago. Cocom believed the child’s father was going on a 2-week trip with the child, but when he did not return, Cocom sought assistance from human rights activist Elisa Castellanos. The biological father, a Russian man who had been living in Belize for 10 years, took the child on November 5, 2017, when she was only 1-year old. Cocom, with the aid of Castellanos, accessed the US courts through the Department of Human Services and has been engaged in a custody battle since then.

Jaime Martinez, 23, murdered; body found floating in the Belize River
The body of well-known Buena Vista resident Jaime Martinez, 23, was found floating in the Belize River in the initial stage of decomposition at about 9:00 New Year’s Day morning in Black Man Eddy, Cayo, by two men practicing in a canoe for the upcoming La Ruta Maya boat race to be held in March. The two men said that they saw what they believed was a trash bag floating in the river, but when they went to pick it up, to clean the river, they saw that it was a man floating in the water. They immediately went ashore and called police.

Coconut vendor, 27, charged with burglary with intent to commit rape
A 27-year-old man who entered a dormitory in Caye Caulker as a trespasser and told a female tourist there that he was hungry for sex was charged with burglary with intent to commit rape when he appeared today before Magistrate Emerson Banner. Windell Humes, aka “Coconut Boy,” a coconut vendor, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of $6,000 and his case was adjourned until February 28. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on December 30, 2018. The complainant, Denise Shroeder, 33, a Swiss national who is an interior designer, reported to the police, that she was asleep on a bed in a dormitory at Tropical Oasis Hostel, located on Calle La Posa, when she was awakened by someone touching her knee.

18-year-old shot in Belize City
18-year-old Malik Green was shot early Sunday morning, December 6. According to police, however, what they have uncovered in their investigation is not indicating that Green was the target, but they refused to say more so as not to jeopardize the case, they said. Green was sitting on a fence on Hunter’s Lane when he heard a gunshot and immediately realized that he had been injured. The slug hit him in the back of his right calf. He was treated and discharged the same day.

The Reporter

CHESTER WILLIAMS IS NAMED NEW COPOL BY MIN. OF NATIONAL SECURITY
The Ministry of National Security has announced the appointment of Chester Williams as Commissioner of Police. Williams replaces Allen Whylie who served as ComPol since 2013. There is no word on Whylie’s next placement or future endeavors.

CLAIMS OF COLLUSION – BETWEEN Sr. OFFICIALS WITH DRUG TRAFFICKERS
Edward Vincent Martinez, the brother of a sitting Minister, called a press briefing this morning. In that almost two hour long briefing he called the names of senior Police Officers and senior politicians as involved in the landing of drug planes and association with cartels.

Breaking Belize News

Councilor Allan Pollard and Belize City Council roll out new fleet of vehicles
Today the Belize City Council unveiled a new fleet of service vehicles. Our newsroom spoke to […]

Cost of kerosene falls by 52 cents
The cost of kerosene will see a decrease at midnight. The Belize Bureau of Standards has […]

Whistleblower Edward Martinez receive threats within an hour of hosting a press conference on drug plane landings
Within an hour of hosting a ‘damning’ press conference, Edward Vincent Martinez received disturbing threats via […]

Majority of PUP supporters say ‘NO’ to the ICJ
The People’s United Party(PUP) today issued a statement informing the public that after several months of […]

Edward Martinez accuses top ranking Police Officers and Politicians of involvement in drug plane landings and the cartels
Edward Vincent Martinez, half-brother to Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez, today called a press briefing to comment […]

Belize to host 2nd round tournament in FIBA World Cup Americas
The Belize Men’s National Basketball team began play in the first round of the FIBA World Cup […]

Waitress raped in San Pedro
Police are investigating a report of rape in San Pedro town. A 26-year-old waitress reported that […]

Father and son charged for cocaine possession
Police have arrested and charged a father and son from Corozal town who were busted with […]

Chester Williams appointed Commissioner of Police
Today, the Ministry of National Security announced via a press release the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of […]

Blogs

Jyoto’s all you can eat sushi buffet is a delight!
Jyoto Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar opened about a year ago, and quickly became one of my favorite dinner spots. Serving authentic Japanese dishes and sushi, Chef Toshiya Tsujimoto is a firm believer in fresh local seafood and produce to provide truly excellent dishes. I’ve eaten there countless times, and as a huge sushi lover, I’m never disappointed. Chef Toshiya is a creative soul, and while searching for ways to introduce his new creations, he decided to introduce a once-a-month sushi buffet special. Talk about a dinner deal: all you can eat sushi and Japanese dishes for only $80BZ for adults, $40BZ for children ages 8 to 14, and free for children under 7. We’re talking gyoza (dumplings) to fresh sashimi – the variety is endless and totally delicious!

International Sources

Young Belizean volleyball athlete recruited to a Canadian college
Rattler Nation!! Your @MHC_rattlers men's volleyball team is elated to announce the signing of outside hitter Francis Hauze for the 2019-20 season. Francis is a 6'1" 18 year old outside hitter from Belize where he has represented his country in both indoor and beach competitions. In a recent Senior Men's World Championships qualification tournament, Francis was selected as the "best outside hitter" and was recognized as the "best server" in another tournament. Francis has represented Belize at all levels and was selected as captain of Belize U-23 National team despite his young age. Francis will be studying Visual Communications at MHC. MHC would like to welcome him and his family to Rattler Nation!

Guatemala to shut down U.N. anti-corruption body early
Guatemala notified the United Nations it was terminating a U.N.-backed anti-graft commission on Tuesday, months ahead of schedule, accusing the body of abuses of power, and prompting a swift rebuke from the U.N. secretary-general. The International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, or CICIG, was set up over a decade ago with the authority to conduct independent investigations and work with the country’s prosecutors, bringing down the last president in 2015. The CICIG also went after President Jimmy Morales, who said in August he would not renew the organization’s mandate, which was due to expire in September 2019. Days later, he banned CICIG head Ivan Velasquez, a hard-charging Colombian prosecutor, from re-entering the country.

Calypso Rose to perform at Coachella
This is Rose’s first time performing at the event which is scheduled to take place in Southern California from April 12 to April 14 and from April 19 to April 21. The veteran singer will be a part of a star-studded line-up of artistes which include Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae, Diplo among others. On Thursday, Rose went on her Instagram and commented on her selection for the celebrity-packed event.

IBM Introducing the World’s Highest-Resolution Global Weather Forecasting Model
IBM announced today that they will be introducing the world’s highest-resolution global weather forecasting model later in 2019--the IBM Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting System (GRAF). The model will be the first hourly-updating weather model that is able to predict something as small as a thunderstorm virtually anywhere on the planet. The current top global forecasting models, the European (ECMWF) model and the U.S. GFS model, subdivide the global atmosphere into grid boxes that average 9 kilometers and 13 kilometers on a side, respectively, then solve the mathematical equations of atmospheric flow to generate a forecast for each of those grid cells. The new GRAF model employs a variable-resolution grid, resembling a honeycomb, that can be configured with higher resolution over areas of particular interest (Figure 1). Over land areas, the GRAF grid elements will have average resolutions of 3 km, which is about 3 - 4 times greater than the European and GFS models.

Videos

January 8, 2019

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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

No criminal charges filed against San Pedro QRT officers following New Year’s Day altercation
During a press briefing on Monday, December 7th, Deputy Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated that police have been unable to lay criminal charges against San Pedro Quick Response Team (QRT) officers Tyrell Rowley and Samir Medina for using excessive force on Justin, Mario, and Jamir Leal. Police allege that the Leal family have refused to cooperate and do not wish to proceed with criminal charges against the two QRT officers. As a result, the officers only received disciplinary charges, after being on suspension for a week and following an investigation by the Professional Standards Branch (PSB). On Monday, December 7th, Rowley was arraigned with two counts of prejudice to good order and discipline, while Medina was arraigned for one count of prejudice to good order and discipline. They both pled not guilty, and the case was adjourned until January 21, 2019.

Misc Belizean Sources

JOB OPPORTUNITY at Ya'axché Conservation Trust:
We are securing the services of a Belizean Protected Areas Program Director – with a strong interest in protected areas management and conservation – to contribute to the leadership and oversight of the Protected Areas Program (PAM) at Ya'axché. Join our team, apply today! Deadline to submit applications is Thursday, 28th of February 2019. Visit our website for more details.

6th annual ‘simposio ecologia sociedad y medio ambiente’ in Cuba
Ya’axché staff and 2 farmers from the Maya Golden Landscape participated in the 6th annual ‘simposio ecologia sociedad y medio ambiente’ in Viñales, Cuba. Farmers working with scientists have achieved great successes in making land productive – areas considered to have had poor physical structure and chemical problems. The symposium promoted participatory dialogue, scientific exchange, and scientific and technical services from an array of agroecology specialist across 18 different countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Participants had the opportunity to visit farms in the province, acquiring knowledge on farming practices from Cuba’s leading farmers.

FCD Youth Environmental Group meets with Todos Por Un Mundo Verde
Members from FCD Youth Environmental Group and Todos Por Un Mundo Verde met to present their 2019 plans. Youth movement moving forward!!

Contingency Planning Workshop for Accommodations in the Cayo area

Bonitos Shop on North Ambergris Caye
Bonitos Shop is the closest to my house. 9 miles north and getting more and more stuff. Soap, toothbrush, coffee...cold beers, soda, snacks, wine...he is stocking up. Bonus...Bonito is super nice and the shop’s super cute. Within walking distance of La Beliza Island Resort and Sapphire Beach Resort - Belize...

Big Burn up North
I thought burning was illegal? Another potentially controversial post on my part from yesterday afternoon’s road trip north. This burn was on the beach side of the road north of Pacos Bar and south of Captain Morgans. It sure didn’t smell like “just brush”. When, if ever, will our island get a DOE officer or any officer to enforce health, safety and environmental issues that unsustainable development is bringing? Is this what our community is calling child friendly?

San Pedro's Queen of the Garbage, Megan Shaw
Another crown to borrow ... and this time a throne as well ... thanks to San Pedro's Queen of the Garbage, Megan Shaw. After her crowning and throning, in the tradition of borrow all my beauty queen's crowns for a selfie, I just had to try out this crown too.

ACES collects fill
First load of clean fill has been collected! We’re just waiting on a shredder/wood chipper with the king of recycling Mayan Man, and we’ll begin breaking down branches, leaves and other vegetation to use as fill in low lying areas prone to flooding. If you’re in need of clean fill so you don’t have to use trash, keep an eye on this space. Once everything is in place we’ll be distributing mulch and wood chipping free of charge once a week.

Channel 7

No Criminal Charges For Brutal Cops
There will be no criminal charges for the two police officers caught on camera giving a vicious beatdown to an unconscious man. Today Acting Commissioner Chester Williams came to the forefront to say that they should bne charged, but there's nothing more the police can do because the victims don't want to press charges. Now this is very different from what Jamir Leal told us on Friday. He told us that he and his family have all intentions of pursuing charges and filing suit. So what is the deal? Well, as it turns out, Deputy Compol Chester Williams also saw that interview and was just as perplexed as to why they are not cooperating with police. Here is what he told us at the police press briefing this morning. DCP Chester Williams, Ag. COMPOL: "Based on that interview I redirected the members of the Professional Standard Branch to go back to San Pedro with a view to re-interview the individuals, hoping that they would have change their mind, based on what I saw with 7news interview and again that was done and they still refused to cooperate with investigators..."

Inspector Fitzroy Says Brother Garry Targetted as Part of Senior Cop Vendetta
On Friday we told you about Garry Yearwood. He's the 39 year old BTL Network Designer who is in jail tonight - remanded after allegedly pulling his licensed weapon on his ex. The allegation is that he pulled the gun on her after she followed him from Belize City to Los Lagos. He was with a new female friend, and it seems the sight of them together infuriated her. So she followed him to his home where she slapped him, and claims he then pulled his weapon and threatened her. He was remanded for aggravated assault and it will be a week before this 20 year veteran of BTL will have a chance to get bail. Today, his brother Police Inspector Fitzroy Yearwood came out and made an extraordinary statement: he said it's actually all a vendetta against him:..

DCP Williams Says Police Must Be Cautious in Domestic Cases
Again, that was 17 years ago today. Today, Chester Williams is the acting Commissioner, and he said that he only inquired into this case after he picked up some social media chatter. He said that in the present social climate police were right to err on the side of caution in a domestic dispute and that's just what they did: DCP Chester Williams, Ag. COMPOL: "I do not see that the conduct of the police in dealing with that matter was done with any degree of malafide. I really and truly don't see. I know that yes people will say things. I know Garry Yearwood well and based on what I am told it was a matter between him and the girl and I don't think there was any other witness or witnesses who could have refuted either story..."

Fire Leaves Family of 7 Homeless
A Maskall family has to start from scratch after their home was burnt down yesterday morning after 10:00. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The family can't say for sure what caused the fire but they believe it was an electrical problem. Courtney Weatherburne has more There was nothing much that could be done to save this two story Maskall home from the Sunday morning blaze. The fire started in the upper flat while the family was having breakfast downstairs. Marilyn Dominguez, Home owner: "I sat downstairs by the window and I had my next daughter boiling an egg for me because I told her I want to eat a boiled egg mashed with butter and mayonnaise and so she is getting that ready."

Cops Bust Human Traffic Move in Cayo
Tonight, local law enforcement continues to detain 14 Hondurans, 5 adults and 9 children, after they were busted by San Ignacio Police in what appears to be a human trafficking operation. On Friday night, police came upon them by pure chance after the cops noticed a black and grey van traveling through San Ignacio with heavily tinted windows. That raised suspicion, and so the cops stopped it and searched the vehicle for illegal activity. That's when they found all 14 Hondurans in Belize without the required travel documents. At today's police press conference, the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch discussed the case with the media:

Motorcycle Driver Critical After Being Rear-Ended
A man is critical at the KHMH after he was rear ended on his motorbike at high speed. It happened last night around 7:00 near mile 28 on the Western Highway. The victim is Solomon Ramirez. Police told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "Hattieville police visited an area between miles 27 and 28 on the George Price Highway where upon arrival they observed a male person who was identified as Solomon Ramirez with various degrees of injuries to his entire body. He was rushed to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital where he is still admitted in a critical condition..."

Rolled Through The Curve
There was a minor accident at the 13 and a half curve on the Phillip Goldson Highway. On Saturday night between 11:00 and midnight, the residents who live at the curve were awakened by flashing lights and when they looked outside they saw a grey car crashed into their fence. Here is more. Anna Gardiner. Resident: "When I came out the first thing I saw - there was a flash there, but I didn't know if it was the police or it could have been some other flashing. I thought it was the police, but I saw the car already towing..."

A Woman With Over 7 Pounds of Weed
Police busted a woman with more than 7 pounds of weed this morning near Crooked Tree. 23 year old Elvira Crawford - a resident of Crooked Tree got out before a police checkpoint at 12:30 in the morning - and the cops knew something was up. Here's what happened next:... ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Sometime around 12:30 a.m. this morning, Orange Walk police were on checkpoint between miles 37 and 38 on the Philip Goldson Highway, when a vehicle was approaching the checkpoint, but stopped some 200 feet from the checkpoint. A female, later identified as Elvira Crawford, 23 years, exited the vehicle and was seen of the bag..."

Loathe Thy Neighbor?
This morning, a Belize City family from the Fabers Road area visited our office begging us to put their story on the news. This family claims that their neighbors have been harassing and threatening them with violence, and that they don't feel that police are adequately addressing it. So, rather than wait for this dispute to fester and get worse, they wanted to voice their concerns in the hopes that the authorities are listening. Christopher McCoy tells us that he, his common-law wife, and his 4 children moved to their new home in the Fabers Road area several months ago. Recently, his children have been getting into unwanted confrontations with their neighbors, who they say have wrongfully accused them of stealing.

Teenaged Robber Caught on Camera
A teenager accused of theft is on remand for the Plum Tree Restaurant armed robbery. He is 19 year old Edward Saldano. Police were able to identify Saldano in the restaurant's surveillance footage. It happened on Friday night around 10:00. He and another man held up the owner and stole money and his licensed gun. Police told us more.

Teenager Hunted On Hunter's Lane
An 18 year old was shot on Kelly Street yesterday morning. 18 year old Malick Green was sitting on a fence beside a basketball court when he was hit to the shin. Police told us he's not cooperating: This is an area that has seen multiple gang related shootings.

Free Legal Advice From The Bar Association
For those who aren't lawyers, judges, or police officers, the court is something you try to stay away from. But when there is no other recourse, the biggest hurdle for your average Joe or Jane is finding a lawyer; and the biggest setback, most of the time, is finding the money to pay those hefty legal fees. And, that's why, in a rare act of public spirited-ness, the Bar Association is conducting a series of free consultations all over the country that they call Free Legal Clinics. Today they were at the Battle Field Park in down town Belize City and we found out more:

Pathlight Shines A Way Into The Future
After 12 years in Belize and 6 years of close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Pathlight International's work in the education sector has finally been made official. Today representatives from the Ministry of Education and Pathlight International signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Belize City that effectively formalized their long standing partnership. We heard from both sides how the formalization of this partnership will improve their coordinated efforts to tackle education.

Where's That Voter ID Card?
If you re-registered in 2018, and are now wondering where your voter ID card is - you're not alone, apparently. Last we heard from the department in October of 2018 is that over 63% of the total number of registered electors, prior to the re-registration exercise, applied to re-register. That's over 130 thousand ID cards that need to be distributed. Well, to that end, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued a press release today where they announced that an 'announcement' shall be made for when the voter's ID cards will be ready for pickup or delivery. We take that to mean - pretty much, don't call us, we'll call you.

Retrieving Revolvers
The cops took a pair of .22 revolvers off the street yesterday evening. At 4:20, police searched an area at the corner of corner Mahogany and Mopan Street. They found a blue handbag with two revolvers both loaded. They also found six 12 Guage cartridges. The weapon and ammunition were labelled as found property.

After Resignations, RescissionsReconciliation in PG Town Council
And we end tonight's news as we began our last newscast on Friday. Just as we predicted, the recently divided UDP town council in PG has worked out their differences and reconciled. This is after a meeting on Saturday when two councillors, Franklin "Kranka" Polonio and councillor Kevin Choc rescinded their letters of resignation.

Channel 5

No Criminal Charges for San Pedro Cops Involved in Brutality
Two police officers on the island of San Pedro were captured on video beating up one of three brothers. The disturbing images show the brutal use of force on Jamir [...]

A Low-Flying Suspect Plane in Dangriga
Even as police remain vigilant on the illegal landing of drug planes across the country, on Saturday night, there were several reports from residents that a suspicious plane was seen [...]

Garry Yearwood is Remanded for Aggravated Assault, Fitzroy’s Says It’s Internal Beef within the Police Department
One of the Yearwood siblings is behind bars tonight even though he claims he was the victim of an assault. Garry Yearwood, who is a union leader, is also the [...]

14 Honduran Nationals in the West; is it Human Trafficking?
Sometime around eight on Friday night, San Ignacio Police was on mobile patrol when they came across a vehicle carrying fourteen Honduran women. The patrol unit was in the Santa [...]

Poll on the I.C.J.: ‘NO’ Vote Increasing
From crime to the International Court of Justice….The I.C.J. referendum to be conducted on April tenth is now knocking at the front door. It is only three months away. Belizeans [...]

U.S. Issued Level 2 Travel Advisory for Belize
The start of 2019 was a bloody one, with a shocking five homicides. Uncle Sam has taken note and on Friday, the U.S. Department of State issued a level two [...]

Fire Destroys House in Maskall Village, Leaving 7 Homeless
The New Year didn’t start right for a family from rural Belize District. A raging fire on Sunday morning destroyed the home of seven members on the Old Northern Highway. [...]

Lemonal Family Homeless after Fire Guts House
There was a second fire on Sunday. It happened in village of Lemonal, also in the Belize District. The fire broke out at around three-thirty p.m. when a family of [...]

Deputy Mayor and Town Councilor Rescind Resignation from PG Town Council
Deputy Mayor Franklin Polonio and Councilor Kevin Choc are back in the fold after being reinstated to the Punta Gorda Town Council.  This follows their short-lived resignation on Friday when [...]

M.O.E. to Visit Maya Mopan Village to Address Concerns at School
On Friday, Maya Mopan Village Alcalde Constancio Teul visited News Five’s studios on Coney Drive to send a message to the Ministry of Education—parents were not going to send their [...]

Drug Trafficking in the North; over 8 Pounds of Weed is Confiscated
The weekend was relatively quiet following the five murders on New Year’s Day. In Orange Walk, however, police have arrested a woman suspected of drug trafficking. Authorities say that this [...]

Robbers Target South Side Grocery Store; Cash and Firearm Stolen
A grocer was robbed on Friday night after nine-thirty. Police say they have two persons detained and are looking for another in connection with the robbery of Plum Tree store [...]

RTA Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized
A road traffic accident on Sunday night has left one man seriously injured.  Police say Solomon Ramirez was driving his motorcycle sometime after seven between miles twenty-seven and twenty-eight on [...]

Malik Green is Shot Near Kelly Street, Police Investigate a Motive
Eighteen-year-old Malik Green was shot on Sunday morning in Belize City near Kelly Street.  The resident of Hunters Lane, who has refused to cooperate with investigators, simply told police that [...]

M.O.E. & Pathlight International Sign M.O.U.
Today, the Ministry of Education and Pathlight International signed a memorandum of understanding solidifying their collaboration. Over the years, the ministry and Pathlight have embarked on a number of projects [...]

Pathlight International to Establish Teacher Educator Centres in all Districts
As a part of the work that the Pathlight International is doing in Belize, they have also established teacher educator centers.  There are already two centers – one in Belmopan [...]

Ombudsman to Fisheries Administrator: Provide Gillnet Info to OCEANA
The Ombudsman, Lionel Arzu has written to Fisheries Administrator Beverly Wade exercising its power of review telling the Fisheries Department to provide OCEANA in Belize with information on gillnets, which [...]

Transitioning to Non-Destructive Fishing Methods
But how did it get to this point? In the past, we have reported on OCEANA, the Fisheries Department and other conservation groups advocating for alternative fishing methods for fishers. [...]

Guatemala Withdraws From CICIG
Guatemala is pulling out of the U.N. International Commission Against Impunity, known as CICIG. The announcement was made today by Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel Polanco after meeting with UN’s [...]

Playa Del Carmen, a Hotbed for Narco-Traffickers
Playa Del Carmen is a choice tourist destination for Belizeans and many other visitors who travel there for sun, beach, and cuisine. But the once idyllic location has also become [...]

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

LOVE FM

Attorneys offer free legal advice
The average cost to consult a lawyer and get advice is unaffordable for many; and that’s only for advice. Proceeding with court action or any other option, could run you in the thousands. Today, however, some attorneys took the time out to give out free advice. This was possible as the Bar association of Belize …

Another drug plane in Belize ?
The police department continues to receive reports of suspicious aircrafts in Belize’s airspace. The recent one was reported this weekend in the Stann Creek District. According to the Acting Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, nothing substantial was found when officers responded. Reporter: “We heard about a plane with drugs over the weekend, did you guys …

Belize agree to reduce gas emission by fifty percent by 2030
The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 24, was held late last year in Katowice, Poland. In that meeting, assessments of measures taken by the countries under the Paris Agreement, were conducted. Carlos Fuller, the International & Regional Liaison Officer at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, …

Concrete negatively effects the environment
One product that impacts the environment negatively is the concrete block. The item generates carbon dioxide and as such, some countries are looking to come up with ways on how to offset the carbon dioxide emission. that is generated from the production of cement. Carlos Fuller, the Regional Liaison Officer at the Caribbean Community Climate …

PC Tyrell Rowley and Samir Medina interdicted
The suspension of Police Constables Tyrell Rowley and Samir Medina has been lifted and they have now been officially placed on interdiction. They are the police officers who beat down Jamir Leal and his brothers in front of Playa Bar and Grill in San Pedro on New Years night. But the decision was not taken …

House wife wins new truck
Rebeca Mena, a house wife and mother of four, is the winner of a brand new four by four Ford Ranger Truck raffled by the Rotary Club of Belize. Mena stopped by the Belize Estate Company this afternoon to claim her prize where we caught up with her. Mena told Love News that it was …

Was Green shooting part of ongoing turf war?
18-year-old, Malik Green is fortunate to be alive after he was shot yesterday on a basketball court located through Hunters Lane in Belize City. Love News spoke with Green who said he did not receive any threats and do not know why anyone would want to target him. Malik Green Shooting victim: “I was the …

Police accused of bias
Police are again being criticized for their response to a case of a domestic nature. That case involves Gary Yearwood, the brother of Inspector of Police Fitzroy Yearwood. It is not so much his relation to the inspector that has many on social media abuzz. Gary Yearwood is being accused of aggressing his ex-common-law with …

Another human trafficking case; Police intercept vehicle with 14 undocumented Honduran nationals
There is another case of human trafficking under investigation tonight after police intercepted a vehicle with fourteen undocumented Honduran nationals in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District. ASP Joseph Myvett says that on Friday last, officers on mobile patrol spotted a black and grey ford expedition that was heavily tinted within Santa Elena Town. They moved …

23 year old woman accused of trafficking 8 pounds of weed
A woman is awaiting charges for allegedly trafficking up to eight pounds of marijuana. Elvira Crawford was busted during a checkpoint between miles 37 and 38 on the Philip Goldson Highway shortly after midnight this morning. Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch Joseph Myvett gave more details. ACP Joseph Myvette: “A vehicle was approaching …

Man clings to life after being involved in accident
Tonight, Solomon Ramirez is clinging to life after he was involved in a road traffic incident which occurred on the George Price Highway last night. Andrew Mitchell and Veronica Vasquez, were traveling with their child in a Toyota Four Runner when the vehicle reportedly rear-ended Ramirez who was travelling in the same direction on his motorcycle …

Fire leaves family homeless
A family of six lost their home yesterday in a fire. Love News understands that the fire occurred just after ten thirty in the morning in Maskall Village, Belize District. Orin Smith, the Station Manager at the National Fire Service, briefed the media on this fire …

Belizeans encourage to apply for Taiwan’s scholarships
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) is accepting applications for its 2019 Taiwan ICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) Scholarship Program. There will be 20 programs applicants can choose from for the Taiwan ICDF Scholarship …

Amandala

History will not go easy on these two leaders
Former Prime Minister, Hon. Said Musa, and present Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, have presided over a period when our country cannot be considered a tranquil haven. Belizeans, especially those who grew up in a time when murder wasn’t commonplace, hold out hope every time there is a lull in the extreme violence, but it never holds. It just keeps getting worse. Five murders to open 2019. What a disaster! Forces from outside and weaknesses within have caused difficulties, problems in our world. If we understand correctly how the world works, people elect leaders to solve problems. People don’t want excuses, they want solutions. Our nation has a serious problem with discipline and we have descended into a state of carnage. The buck stops with the leaders. When leaders can’t provide solutions, they have to move (or be moved) from their position of ineptitude to one that more fits their capacity. They applied for and got the job to skin the cat, but really their qualifications are sufficient only for holding the tail.

Breaking Belize News

US issues travel advisory for Americans visiting Belize
The United States Department of State, on January 4, 2019 issued a travel advisory for Americans […]

Chester Williams unable to say if low flying aircraft flying south landed or was carrying drugs
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, on Saturday night he received information of a […]

Abusive policemen caught on cam, gets away with only internal charges
Last week video footage of police officers viciously assaulting unarmed and detained civilians in San Pedro […]

Fourteen Honduran nationals found in suspected human trafficking ring
Out west, police stumbled on an apparent case of human smuggling. Sometime around 8 p.m. on […]

Ugly road traffic accident reported on George Price Highway last night
Last night there was an ugly road traffic accident near mile 27 of the George Price […]

Woman busted at a checkpoint transporting a bag of weed
Elvira Crawford, 23, will spend tonight in police custody. That is because she was busted with […]

Guatemalan newspaper says BDF soldiers enter their territory to harass and arrest their citizens
A report published yesterday by El Periodico, a Guatemalan newspaper cites that Belizean Law Enforcement Officials stationed […]

Issuance of Voters Identification cards to be announced
Today, the Elections and Boundaries Department issued a press release informing the public that they will […]

Cool weather to continue
Cool and moist weather will continue across Belize. However, cloudy spells and a period of rain […]

Environmental NGO buys sea space in Belize to preserve wildlife
This is My Earth (TiMe), an international environmental non-government organization, is investing a 20 acre area […]

Blogs

Why YOU Should Visit Belize in January
If you are looking to get away from cold weather, Belize in January is perfect. In fact, for sun, a light breeze and slightly cooler nights (think high 70s F), the first few months in Belize are IDEAL. January through April generally promises the best weather – and it also means the most visitors. Here are few things you can expect if you visit Belize and more specifically Ambergris Caye in January. THE WEATHER: The “rainy” season is coming to a quick end (generally Sept, October and Nov) and it took most of its bugs with it. The weather is fantastic. Warm and sunny during the day, warm at night, you are going to be glad you visited in January.

Top places to eat in Placencia, Belize, for whatever you are in the mood for!
Try Friends Near the Pier and The Shak, closer to the pier, have a great ambience - you can watch the pier at The Shak. Cozy Corner is about halfway down the sidewalk, it IS very cozy and has great views of the beach. Detatch also has heavenly beach views and is close to Barefoot. Aphrodite’s on the sidewalk and Buba Wuba’s on the harbor across the main road are also good options. We also recommend the breakfast burritos at the “Belize Mexican” stand near the police station. Merl’s Cafe is located farther south at the “point.” Wendy’s on the main road is also a good option. You can sometimes find light eats at Brewed Awakenings or Above Grounds.

ADO Bus from Cancun to Belize City
Belize is located just south of Mexico’s famed Yucatan Peninsula, so many travelers are interested in information on how to get from Cancún to Belize City or vice versa. The cheapest option by far is to take the bus. The ADO Bus company operates the sole Cancún-Belize City route with an express service that operates each way twice per day. From the main bus terminal in Cancún, the bus leaves at either 7:30 AM or 10:15 PM. The busstops at Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and then Bacalar before crossing the border into Belize. The bus also makes brief stops in Corozal Town and Orange Walk Town before arriving at the central bus terminal in Belize City. Transit time is approximately eight hours. Going back, the bus departs Belize City at 11:00 AM and 7:30 PM with the same stops along the way, arriving at the Cancún airport approximately eight and a half hours later. To board the bus in Belize City, the fare is BZ$19, but you will need to pay the rest of the fare (roughly $40 USD) upon arrival in Cancún.

How to Travel to Belize on a Budget
Belize is an amazing and exotic getaway destination, but the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to travel to Belize. If you’ve been interested in visiting Belize but were worried about affordability, we’ve provided this handy guide for exploring this astonishingly beautiful country on a limited budget. In the United States, all four of the nation’s biggest airlines now fly to Belize, making it easy to find affordable tickets. Southwest, United, Delta, and American Airlines now fly non-stop to Belize from more than a dozen major cities. Canadians, too, can now find affordable airfare to Belize. Both WestJet and Air Canada now fly non-stop to Belize from Toronto and Calgary.

What Is the Climate Like in Belize?
If you had to describe the climate of Belize in one sentence, you could say that it’s very similar to South Florida. Officially, Belize is a sub-tropical country that enjoys warm weather year-round, gentle trade wind breezes, and a mean humidity of around 83%. Unlike North America, Belize only has two seasons, often referred to as the “dry” season and the “green” season. The “dry” season is also the “high” season for tourists, roughly corresponding to winter in North America but featuring long stretches of sunny days and delightfully warm temperatures. The “green” season is the “low” season, roughly corresponding to summer in North America but without any significant elevation in temperatures.

Fascinating Facts About the Lost City of Xunantunich
Thousands of years ago, the Maya empire stretched from Mexico in the north down to El Salvador in the south. They built enormous stone cities in the middle of the jungle, only to abandon them around the year 900 AD for reasons still unknown to modern archeologists. One of the largest Maya cities ever built, now called Xunantunich, was lost for centuries until it was discovered by accident when a villager in Belize came across a ghost of an ancient Maya maiden in the 1890s. At the time, Belize was still a British colony, and so an expedition set out from the capital to explore the villager’s stories. They then discovered the site of Xunantunich, a Maya term meaning “stone woman”. Xunantunich is unique in that it is the oldest continuously excavated Maya site in the country. One of the biggest and most impressive Maya buildings ever found was discovered in Xunantunich. Known as “El Castillo” (The Castle), it is covered in elaborately carved friezes, and remains the second-tallest tallest man-made structures in Belize.

The Hummingbird Highway in Belize
Belize is a spectacularly beautiful country, and there are few better ways to explore it than by enjoying a scenic drive along the Hummingbird Highway. The Hummingbird Highway is a modern, paved, two-lane roadway that was inaugurated in 1994. The Hummingbird Highway measures approximately 53 miles (86 km) long and connects Belmopan, the national capital, to Dangriga on the southeastern coast. The Hummingbird Highway offers a panoramic view of all of the different landscapes in Belize. Starting in the west, the Hummingbird Highway passes through the northern part of the Maya Mountain range, crosses several scenic rivers, and passes through fragrant citrus orchards before ending just a short distance from the beach outside of Dangriga.

5 Easy Workouts to do in Belize
Last year, Kaitlyn from Yoga Twins traveled to Belize and I was inspired by her dedication to working out while traveling. It’s tough enough to work out while at home on a regular schedule, now imagine if you’re traveling. So with the start of the New Year, and many of you having made self-improvement plans, I thought it would be great to share her top travel workouts while in Belize. These five workouts are quick, easy to do, and no equipment is necessary.

International Sources

Great Idea for a Large Beach Trashcan: shaped like a fish
Brilliant idea. Lets get one on every beach. ""Goby loves plastic. Please feed him"

Taiwan ICDF Scholarship Program
TaiwanICDF’s International Higher Education Scholarship Program provides full scholarships for talented young citizens from our partner countries to pursue their higher education in Taiwan. The application period runs from January 1 to March 15, 2019.

Kendis Gibson Joins MSNBC as Weekend Anchor
Kendis Gibson will start as a weekend anchor on MSNBC after a stint at ABC News, the latest hire by the NBCUniversal cable-news network as it continues to emphasize live news programming on Saturdays and Sundays. He starts his new job on Saturday, January 19. Gibson, who joined ABC News in 2014, had been an anchor of “World News Now” and “America This Morning,” an early-morning program. He is expected to anchor the 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. hours on MSNBC on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Scientists Work to Build Climate Change Resilience in Caribbean Coral Reef
For centuries, the Mesoamerican reef in the Caribbean Sea has welcomed over 500 species of corals, fish, and other sea creatures. Linked to commercial and recreational activities from fishing to snorkeling, the marine wildlife boosts the national economies of the countries whose coastlines the reef touches. Marine and climate scientists from Columbia’s Earth Institute and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are exploring ways to protect this valuable Caribbean ecosystem, the second largest barrier reef in the world, from the potentially disastrous effects of climate change. Warm-water coral reefs—composed of stony corals, algae, and other organisms—are classified as a “unique and threatened” ecosystem that is especially vulnerable to temperature change, according to a recent special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Videos

January 7, 2019

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

Guest Editorial: Happy New Year?
by Lisa Shoman. My first post of 2019 was to have been one of hope for you, your family and our Jewel, that we live happy, safe, prosperous lives. I am trying to cling to that hope and still wish that it be so. Happy New Year. But 2019 was barely 24 hours old when in a blaze of violence 5 Belizeans are murdered, and one more is brutally injured, and in a critical condition. And ironically, the murders are almost a perfect, representative snapshot of the violence that has soaked our nation in blood in the last two decades. The first murder of 2019 was apparently a resident of Lucky Strike Village found in his home with multiple stab and chop wounds all over his body. Another resident is being questioned.

Doctor Love: Chill Out
Dear Doctor Love, I share an apartment with a friend and we have had many arguments about me leaving the air conditioner on at night. I forget to turn it down so it will not come on as much and she gets really upset at me. She has so many rules, like not leaving my dishes in the sink or my clothes in the living room and not bringing the guys from work over without telling her first. If I had wanted to have my mother around, I would have stayed home. I woke up this morning and she had left a note asking me to find another place by the end of January. She said our electricity bill was really high and she couldn’t afford to pay for me to stay in a refrigerated room any more.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch
Please join us this Wednesday, January 9, 2019 for our next General Meeting. Happy New Year to All! Bring a neighbor or a friend!

CHILI COOK OFF!
You can't miss this Foodie Event!! New Millennium Restaurant in Consejo Village - 8th Annual Chili Cook Off - Sunday, January 13th from 1:00 PM. Cost is $10.00 Belize which allows you to sample all the chili you want. Chili providers have free admission. Fundraising will be held by having the 50/50 draw and Silent Raffle. Sr. Jorge will be on hand to sell beer and other beverages. Chili providers should bring their Chili to the Millennium at 12:30. Each participant will receive a number for voting. Voting will end at 2:30. Winners will be announced at 3:00. Please make sure to bring a spoon or ladle with your chili.

Construction of a three-story building on Albert street
The Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project's construction of a three-story building on Albert street is now on its second of three floors. When completed, the building will be occupied by the Ministry of Human Development on the second floor, training rooms on the third, and will continue the work of the Women's Department on the first. It is expected to be completed by mid to late 2019.

BELIZE LEGEND : Nojoch Kaan
In some Northern Maya communities of Belize there is the legend of the Nojoch Kaan (Giant Snake). According to some stories people have seen a enormous Snake in swamps especially Cave swamps,at rivers especially the Noh Ucum(Rìo Hondo) or other kind of water bodies. Some think it is a kind of spirit but it's body is as big as the trunk of a tree. Addition to this some Tatitos say that when this snakes gets too big they grow wings and fly far away to hide. It may also be known as Tzukan.

Channel 5

Female Star Cyclist Injured
The cyclist is okay. She is receiving medical attention for a broken finger. Kaya Cattouse, known Belizean cyclist, was injured this morning while participating in a training session along with other cyclists. Cattouse was injured while trying to avoid a pile-up. She was quickly taken to the KHMH for treatment.

The Reporter

KARA CATTOUSE INJURED
The Reporter has confirmed that renowned Belizean cyclist Kaya Cattouse is receiving medical treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following an accident this morning. Kattouse was reportedly participating in a practice ride where there was a pile up in front of her. She got injured while trying to avoid the pileup. Cattouse is currently at the accident and emergency section of the hospital.

THREE ARRESTED FOR UNLICENSED AMMUNITION
Police have arrested and charged three people in the Orange Walk district after they discovered unlicensed ammunition during an early morning search. Police say they searched a home on Savannah Mangal Street, Orange Walk Town around 5 a.m. and found seven live .22 rounds in a glass container in one of the rooms.Present at the time of the search were, Ide Elizabeth Ramirez, 31, Esequiel Nataniel Ku, 19, and Luis Angel Cu, 20.

VANISHED
As I sat on my couch watching TV on a blessed Christmas morning surrounded by family; the smell of a fabulous McKesey ham in the air as Christmas dinner is being prepared, I couldn’t help but think of those Belizean families who had to spend their Christmas without their loved ones. Especially those families whose loved ones have “vanished.”

COPS CAUGHT ON CAMERA SUSPENDED
Two rogue cops, PC No. 1919 Samir Medina and PC No. 2287 Tyrell Rowley, attached to the Quick Response Team (QRT) of the San Pedro Police Department, have been placed on seven days suspension pending the outcome of both criminal and internal Police investigations that have been launched into the allegedly excessive use of force they displayed against three civilians.

Breaking Belize News

Zack Reich and Daron Solis alive and well after road traffic accident
Last night we reported on a road traffic accident in the Belize district.Information to BBN is that Zach Reich and Daron Solis were traveling in a vehicle , which lost control between Burrel Boom and Los Lagos.

Man shot while playing basketball
A man was reportedly shot in Belize City this morning. He has been identified as Malik Green, 18. Information to BBN is that the Georgeville villager was near Hunter’s Lane when he was shot in the leg.

Chinese businessman robbed at gunpoint in Belize City
Police are investigating an armed robbery in Belize City. Around 9:40 on Friday night, Chingwu Tan,52, a businessman of East Canal, Belize City was at his business place when two men entered. One of the men put a knife to Tan’s neck and the other culprit pointed a .38 gun at Tan’s wife and daughter.

3 Orange Walk residents arrested and charged for ammo without license
Police have arrested and charged three Orange Walk residents for ‘kept ammunition without a gun license’. On Friday, police searched a home on Savannah Mangal Street in Orange Walk and found (7) .22mm live rounds of ammunition in a glass container.

Chan Pine Ridge residents concerned about pollution near BSI
Some concerned residents of Chan Pine Ridge in Orange Walk contacted us today to share their frustrations with the pollution reportedly being caused by the Belize Sugar Industries(BSI)/ASR Group in Orange Walk District. According to the residents, the black ashes emanating from the factory is a health hazard and some villagers have gotten ill as a result.

Blogs

Saturday Afternoon Photos on North Ambergris Caye
Frannie and I went for a long walk. About 7 miles north to about 8 miles north. The walking in that stretch pretty easy with the tide out and the sargasso relatively minimal (thought that changed today!) Frannie is ALWAYS up for a walk. She also looks SUPER CUTE on the new stickers we had printed recently for the camp. Art by Slackertide. And I forgot! There is something monumental going on…the road north on Ambergris Caye is being graded. And smoothed. After the serious bumps and holes that have only worsened in the last few months, it will come as a SWEET relief.

International Sources

ENVIRONMENTAL NGO CONTINUES TO PURCHASE LAND WITH ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
TiME (This is My Earth) managed, for a third year in a row, to raise enough money in order to purchase land containing endangered wildlife and declare it as a nature reserve, and this time - a marine area containing corals with several endangered species. The area bought is off the coasts of Belize, and home to some endangered species such as the Hawksbill sea turtle, the Leatherback sea turtle, the Atlantic goliath grouper, and many more sea animals and plants all marked as endangered. This year the organization will buy 20 acres of corals at the Turneffe Atoll, off the coasts of Belize. The area does not remain under the control of TiME, but is transferred to Turneffe Atoll Trust. The area purchased is in a strategic position, denying the ability to develop the area for tourism, creating a greater area that will be preserved.

Videos

January 6, 2019

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

Living Word Church holds 8th Annual Toy Drive
Living Word Church’s (LWC) held its 8th Annual Toy Drive for the children of San Pedro, and it was brighter than ever! On December 21, 2018, a total of 1,100 toys were distributed to as many children during a ceremony at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex in San Pedro Town. Children also received a cupcake and soda during the Christmas Season. LWC, under the guidance of Pastor Ian Zaldivar, began coordinating the toy drive eight years ago with the simple notion to be able to “bring joy to all children” during the Christmas Season. Christmas is a time of giving, celebrating life, and joy, and that is what LWC aims to spread through this event. It brings families together and puts smiles on kids’ faces. Food baskets were also distributed to the less fortunate families of the island.

Ministry of National Security addresses New Year’s Day violence
Belize began 2019 with a wave of violence after a record number of killings were registered in a span of 24 hours on Tuesday, January 1st. The top brass in the Ministry of National Security, headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Retired Colonel George Lovell and Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chester Williams held a press conference on Wednesday, January 2nd to address the issue. They informed the general public that there is nothing to be concerned about and that the chaotic situation is under control.

Channel 5

Man Reported Missing
The family of Saul Mencias is asking for your help in locating him. The family says that Mencias has not been seen since December 26th, 2018. If You have any information that can assist in locating Mencias you are asked to contact 6002011, 2262282, or 6045398.

US State Department issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Americans Visiting Belize
The advisory is due to crime.

Three Persons Charged for Ammunition Offences
31-year-old Ide Ramirez, 19-year-old Esequiel Ku, and 20-year-old Angel Cu were arrested and charged for Kept Ammunition without a Gun License. On Friday morning Police conducted a search at a residence on Savannah Mangal Street, Orange Walk Town, where they discovered seven .22mm live rounds of ammunition. The aforementioned persons were present at the residence at the time of the search and as a result, are being held accountable.

Robber Points Gun At Mother and Daughter During Robbery in Belize City
Fifty-two-year-old businessman Chingwu Tan and his family were robbed at gunpoint last night. Tan told police that he was at his business establishment on East Canal in Belize City when two men barged in and held him and his family up. One of the men placed a knife on Tan's neck while the other took out a .38 revolver and pointed it at Tan's wife and daughter. The thieves made away with Tan's license 9mm pistol which contained 10 live rounds and an undisclosed amount of money. Police are investigating.

Misc Belizean Sources

Dr D's Clinic offers Annual Health Care Package
In collaboration with Caye Caulker's Health Fair, Dr D's Clinic is once again happy and excited to join in hand with the village council to help enhance and promote good health in our community. This is why we will be offering an Annual Health Care Package on January 8th at Dr. D's Clinic for ONLY $200! This offer is a great deal, a great way to start the year right. Many took advantage of this last year but many also said that they wished they knew of the offer, so please share the word!

Hermit Crabs living in trash
A plastic castle is not a home. With removal of shells from beaches and the increase of marine litter, even in places like the Turneffe atoll, terrestrial hermit crabs can’t find suitable shells and resort to human trash. This single use plastic that says “twist open” does not provide shade from the heat or protection from predators. This hermit crab moves from its protected, curled position and assesses how to climb over a rubber slipper, another man made product. It then disappears into a minefield of litter where it will find another piece of trash to convert into its next mobile home. Trash is only one of the dangers facing the ecosystem.

Blues Meets Girl Coming to Bluffs
Steev Inglish and Kasimira Vogel will be performing their Blues Meets Girl at The Bluffs next Saturday, January 12th, at the Bluffs. If you haven't seen them perform as a duo, here's the perfect chance. They've played at the Bluffs before, and at the Soul Project. "Well folks after a busy holiday season and some time off,here we go again. 'Blues Meets Girl' will be performing songs from the new self titled release at The Bluffs on Saturday 12th January from 6 till 9pm. Steev Inglish and Kasimira Vogel. This will be the only show in Sweet Home Cayo, so come and tear it up with us.

Benque Rotaract Distributes Christmas Care Packages
The Benque Rotaractors made and distributed Christmas care packages to the 20 elderly individuals. Thanks, Rotaract! "Christmas represents the season of selfless giving; and to us at Rotaract Club of Benque Viejo it represented an opportunity to share with our community members! This year we focused on our elderly by delivering "Christmas care packages" to 20 elders between San Jose Succotz Village and Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Each basket contained hygeneic, personal and self care items along with a handmade and customized Christmas ornament. Tis' the season of love, joy and inspiration! "

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: DECEMBER 23, 2018 THROUGH DECEMBER 30, 2018
Windy weather reduced the amount of available open water. Fishing in the lee of the mangroves produced many tarpon and snook. Fishing the west side of Ambergris Caye and smaller cayes produced bones and permit and offered wade fishing opportunities. Happy New Year to one and all!! Come to fish Belize with us in 2019!

The Reporter

CHINESE FAMILY ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
Two men robbed a Chinese family in Belize City last night. Police say that shortly before 10 p.m. the duo entered into a business located at #34 East Canal and one of them put a knife to the throat of the proprietor, 52-year-old Chingwu Tan.

CODE RED AT BELMOPAN BLOOD BANK
The Blood Bank in Belmopan is in need of blood donors so that it can continue its work of saving lives. Western Health Regional Manager for the Ministry of Health, Javier Zuniga, explained today that the blood bank has about a week’s worth of supply left; however, that supply could easily diminish if there is a spike in emergency cases.

Breaking Belize News

Belize a Human Trafficking Nightmare!
as continuously been ranked as Tier 3 for the past 3 terms under the current political scenery with limited to no avail of being alleviated to a Tier 1 position by US counterparts responsible for the global response to Human Trafficking. With limited information on the situation in Belize […]

Politicians and gangs in Belize – a questionable alliance
By Imani Fairweather: Political parties are organizations and any such entity have codes of conduct and ways of operating which becomes norms, sometimes unacceptable practices which they can’t or don’t want to readily see. One questionable practice in several Caribbean countries has been the incorporation of known criminal and gang elements in the campaigning machinery of political parties. . […]

Garry Yearwood jailed after confrontation with ex
Belize City resident Garry Yearwood was jailed yesterday after a confrontation with his ex. According to a report from 7 News, Yearwood’s ex, Royann Riverol was driving around 8 pm on January 1, 2019, when she saw Yearwood on the opposite side of the road with a woman inside his vehicle. […]

Missing teen from Santa Familia Village returns home
Fourteen-year-old Sheranie Cabb of Santa Familia Village in the Cayo District was reported missing since January 1, 2019. Since then, her family and authorities were seeking assistance from the public in locating her. Today, police informed that Cabb has returned home. […]

Windell Humes charged for burglarizing tourist’s room in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker resident Windell Humes was yesterday charged for burglary. Humes reportedly broke into the room of a tourist and began touching her. The woman was awakened and demanded that Humes leave the room. […]

Taprick the Sheriff accused of domestic violence
Punta artist, Troy Busano also known as “Taprick the Sheriff”, has been accused of some very troubling activity. The mother of his child posted to Facebook yesterday screenshots of an alleged conversation between the two of them. […]

Blogs

Paint or Be Painted: Visit Ambergris Caye in March for Totally Unique Carnival!
Mardi Gras or Carnival, the holiday is celebrated around the world. The festivus of eating, drinking and naughtiness before the beginning of Lent. Different places do different things…we all know about the celebration in New Orleans or in Rio (Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists during this week alone!) but in San Pedro, it’s been going on for decades and it is totally unique. I mean CRAZY different. I’ve said before that Belize is not just any beach destination. BELIZE IS SO SPECIAL for these 9 Reasons to Start With… Carnaval is at the top of this list. This is a festival that’s been held for decades – before San Pedro had tourists. Get covered in paint with local kids, dance in the park, drink Belikin beers on a dock and then take a dip in ocean. Everyone is involved. Even our traffic guys.

2019 Bloomed in Style
This year, I did not want to do town and decided quiet luxury was how I would ring in 2019. That meant I was heading to The3SIXTY LoungeBar at Playa De Sala. I knew it the instant I saw the bookface party invite that was where I was going to take myself and whoever felt like joining me. I opted to rent a cart from Carts Belize and easily got my reservation with tacogirl discount done via facebook messenger. Thankfully so as I almost had no wheels due to busy season. Also pitched the idea to a few friends to see if anyone wanted to catch a ride south, I had 3 spots open. In the end, my head count was only one, my friend and temp roommate Dennis. The other two friends that said they would join us, Jon and Eddie, had their own wheels and met us there for the cake.

Island Vibes and Good Times: The Best Things to do in San Pedro, Belize
There are so many great things to do in San Pedro, Belize that you could spend a whole week here without taking a day trip anywhere. Most hotels will try to sell you on excursions and trips, but don’t be fooled — Ambergris Caye’s capital city always has something going on. Here are my recommendations for top experiences in San Pedro you absolutely cannot miss.

International Sources

The Caribbean Court of Justice revisited
I suspect that the primary reason the people of Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda voted on 6th November 2018 not to accept the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as their highest national Court of Appeal is because, fundamentally, most of our people do not really know much about the Caribbean Court of Justice! And the truth is that we Caribbean people do not really know very much about the CCJ simply because the institutions and officials that should have been consistently informing and educating us about it and our other significant regional institutions over the years have not done enough. It is important that we fully grasp the fact that the CCJ is our organization! The Caribbean Court of Justice was established by the 15 member nations of our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – inclusive of the said Grenada and Antigua & Barbuda – and is therefore an “institution” of CARICOM.

8 holiday swaps: beautiful alternatives that rival the mainstream destinations
Harper's Bazaar put Belize in their 2019 "swap" list. 8 holiday swaps: beautiful alternatives that rival the mainstream destinations. Where to go once you've done the popular tourist spots. Swap Costa Rica for Belize: Costa Rica is known for its outdoor adventure, beautiful beaches and colourful wildlife, but without the crowds then Belize is a good alternative. This pint-sized country with a population of only 380,000 boasts great swathes of rainforest, exotic wildlife and the world’s second largest barrier reef. Belize is also known as the epicentre of the ancient Maya world, and Mayan Cities including Xunantunich are located in the jungle areas which can be reached by a horseback ride through private farms and along the Mopan River. Whether you're a culture vulture or desperate to spot animals in the wild, Belize offers an idyllic utopia from to truly disconnect. Those seeking luxury accommodation should turn to Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn, which fuses rustic Belizean decor with understated glamour.

Videos

January 5, 2019

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

Ruby’s Hotel sold to San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Company
One of Ambergris Caye’s oldest beachfront accommodations, Ruby’s Hotel, has been purchased by the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi company. The company, headquartered in Belize City, officially took over the property in late December. According to management, the hotel is being leased by an Indian businessman for an undetermined amount of time. The acquisition of the beach property also includes a dock, and the water taxi company is expected to relocate there from its current location at the municipal dock. The Indian businessman currently operating the hotel did not wish to comment and apparently has nothing to do with the dock turned into a water taxi terminal. The idea of having an active water taxi terminal at this location is raising concern among residents and local institutions, due to its proximity to the San Pedro Roman Catholic School.

San Pedro Christmas Day fire still under investigation
The San Pedro Fire Department’s investigation into a fire that destroyed a family home on the Marina Drive Area, south of San Pedro Town on December 25th, is still inconclusive. Arson has been ruled out, as the fire reportedly started from the kitchen. The official report states that the fire began on the eastern side of the building where the stove was located. Chi apparently ran out of the house seeking assistance, and then went back inside the home. He received minor injuries and was taken to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was treated and released the same day. Chi is employed at The San Pedro Town Council and initially received assistance from Hope Haven Children’s Home. He and his family are currently staying with family members and looking forward to a bright New Year as they work towards rebuilding their home.

GOB objects to BEL’s rate increase approved by PUC
On December 28, 2018, the Government of Belize (GOB) expressed strong objections to the recent decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to approve a request from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for an increase in electricity rates. GOB objects to the approval of half a cent more than originally requested. On December 10, 2018, BEL wrote to the PUC to notify them that due to significant increases in the cost of power as of May 2018, the company is proposing an increase to the Mean Electricity Rate to 41.5 cents per Kilowatt hour (KWH) for the remainder of the Annual Tariff Period from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. The PUC not only approved the increase but also granted BEL an extra half a cent, taking the mean electricity rate to .42 cents per KWH.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Showers New Year's Baby With Gifts
It’s a Boy - Saw hello to Wilfredo Jeovanny Cardenez Jr., 2019’s New Year Baby for San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. He was the first baby born in the new year, January 2, 2019. This makes the lucky boy the recipient of the New Year’s Baby awards and gifts from Ambergris Today and local businesses. Wilfredo is born to Reina Carolina Garcia Turcios and Wilfredo Jeovanny Cardenez who reside in the Boca del Rio Area. He was born at 6:55a.m. at 5lbs and 2oz at Hopes Clinic under the monitoring of Dr. Daniel Gonzalez and staff.

New Liquor Licensing Board Meets With “Open” Bar Owners
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the newly appointed Liquor Licensing Board had an open discussion with the "Open" bars of San Pedro Town on Thursday, January 3, 2019, where they discussed issues concerning noise pollution and how they can work together with the Town Council and authorities to minimize this problem. The new Liquor Licensing Board consists of: Mr. Eiden Salazar whom is the Chairman, Ms. Vanessa Parham, Mr. Joe Elijio, Mayor Daniel Guerrero. Also joining in the board, as part of the Town Council's commitment with UNICEF's Child Friendly Initiative, is the president of the Children's Advisory Body (CAB), Miss Caroline Sersland.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal Street Repairs
The Corozal Town Council seeks the support of the general public in supporting the positive initiatives undertaken by the council and the community. We humbly request that you be aware of street repairs being done on 1st Avenue, Santa Rita Road and other areas of town. Kindly be aware of caution signs being placed for protection and safety until it is removed for safe use by traffic. Furthermore, we kindly request every ones participation in taking care of public amenities being placed to beautify and those placed to help keep our town clean.

Belize District Agriculture Department office relocated in Sandhill Village
The Ministry of Agriculture takes this opportunity to inform the public, especially residents residing in the Belize District, that the Belize District Agriculture Department office is now located in Sandhill Village at Mile 14, Philip Goldson Highway (adjacent to the NEMO office). The new telephone and fax numbers for the office are 205-5087 and 205-5088, respectively.

El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro
Mark your calendars! El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro is around the corner!

Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union Kiddies School Program

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Ralph Breaks the Internet, Hellfest, Favourite, Green Book. Playing Saturday and Sunday ONLY.. Happy New Year! We back!! *Highly Recommend The Favourite .. That and Greenbook and Wreck it Ralph 2 are all nominated multiple times for multiple Golden Globes this year*

Channel 7

Two UDP Councillors in PG Resign, Then Un-Resign
The UDP has been in damage control mode since late yesterday when two of its Punta Gorda Town Councillors resigned. They are Deputy Mayor, Franklin "Kranka" Polonio and councillor Kevin Choc. They resigned less than a year after being elected citing frustrations with the mayor Ashton McKenzie and the operations of the council. Now, a resignation would normally trigger a by-election, and that's why the UDP muscle has stepped in to convince the first term councillors that resignation is not such a good idea. And, the news tonight is that they have reportedly rescinded those resignations. The UDP Secretariat tells us that these rescissions will be presented tomorrow morning at a meeting of the council to air things out.

From Holiday Parties to Dead In a River, What Happened To Jaime?
Police have identified the New Year's Day Blackman Eddy body. He was 23 year old Jaime Martinez. He is originally from Guatemala but he lived in Buena Vista for a couple years where he was well known as "Diesocho". He later moved to Orange Walk where his mother and sisters live. But Martinez went back to Buena Vista for the Christmas holidays and something went terribly wrong, something which led to a very vicious murder: he was strangled, bound and then dumped in the river. I went out west to try to piece together what happened to Martinez and when. Here is that story. Courtney Weatherburne reporting: Jaime Martinez spent Christmas Day and Boxing Day morning at his friend Samuel Melendez's Buena Vista house. It was a big celebration because it was also Melendez's daughters' birthday.

Sinaloa Secrets About Belize
There was a major tremor in the drug underworld yesterday when when Vicente Zambada testified in a New York Courtroom against Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, the former boss of the Sinaloa cartel. Niebla is the son of the current boss of that cartel and was the heir to take over the cartel. But, instead - in what the New York Times calls "an astonishing betrayal", quote, "the cartel prince betrayed his father - and his birthright - testifying for more than five hours about nearly every aspect of the drug-trafficking empire: smuggling routes, money-laundering schemes, bloody wars, personal vendettas and multimillion dollars in bribes. When it came to the enterprise he seemed poised to lead one day, Mr. Zambada proved he knew almost everyone and everything."

11 Months Old Dies, Ministry Says Miscommunication
The Ministry of Health says the case with the death of baby Dion Woodye Jr. was caused by miscommunication. It resulted in the loss of a life, and the Ministry is investigating to see where the breakdown at the Corozal hospital happened and if any disciplinary action will be brought against staff. Here is more from the Director of Health Care Service Dr. Manzanero. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Care Services: "Well we got the first alert, I believe almost form the time it happened, at least I got it through mobile communication. Once that came to us, we asked for the management team at Corozal Community Hospital for an initial investigation. What that usually would do is there is an initial peer review conducted by the chief of staff and management from Corozal..."

Brothers Arrested For Murder
3 brothers, ages 18, 24 and 26 have all been formally charged with the murder of 41 year old Guatemalan Farmer Marcos Chen. The incident happened in Bladen Creek Village in Toledo three weeks ago on the 14th of December 2018. Reports say Chen was heading to a late afternoon fishing trip around 4:00 when he was assailed by Dario Sho, who allegedly threw rocks at him as he passed Sho's home. The situation escalated to a machete fight that saw Sho's relatives jump in. When police arrived it was too late for Chen. He sustained several chop wounds to the head, arms and feet which ultimately resulted in his death. 18 year old Edres Sho, 24 year old Heraldo Sho and 26 year old Elijah sho have since been charged. As for Dario Sho, the last information we got from police was that he was being treated at the Southern Regional Hospital under police guard for wounds he sustained during the altercation.

Victim of Police Brutality Jamir Leal Speaks Up
The two police officers implicated in the violent beat down of a San Pedro Resident on New Year's night remain suspended while police investigate. Meanwhile. Jamir Leal's family is going through the due process to have the matter formally brought before the courts. To that end, today the family came to the city for a proper medical checkup. We caught up to them at the Belize Medical Associates where they told us how his recovery is going and recounted to us the events that transpired that night. Emanuel Pech has some new insight into the case: The entire nation was aghast when footage of the brutal beatdown of San Pedro resident Jamir Leal began circulating on social media.

Bar Association Braces Police
The Leal family say they are still looking for a lawyer to try their case against the two police officers. As it turns out, this might not prove too challenging for them because the entire Bar Association has their back. In a press release today, the Bar - coming a little late to the party - joined the public outcry against this latest public example of police brutality. A release from the Bar states, quote, "The incident…depicts a heinous, unjustifiable and possibly life-threatening use of violence against a subdued individual who was in no way resisting arrest."

Bennett Will Stand Trial For Murder 11 Months After
37 year-old Anthony Bennett, the man who has been charged for the May 2018 murder of Erbin Garrido, has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court. He was taken before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford today for a preliminary inquiry, and the prosecutor presented all the evidence against him. Senior Magistrate Ford received the file from the prosecutor and asked Bennett if he had any alibi witnesses that he intended to call in his defense. He said that he has none. After reviewing the file, Magistrate Ford told Bennett sent the case up to the Supreme Court for the April Session.

Caye Caulker's Coconut Boy gets Bail on Burglary Charge
27 year-old Windell Humes, who is known on Caye Caulker as "Coconut Boy", was released on bail today after being taken to court for allegedly breaking into a female tourist's room with the intention to rape her. It reportedly happened at around 2:00 on December 30th. The complainant, a 33 year-old Swiss National, reported to police that she was asleep in her room at the Oasis Tropical Hostel, when she was suddenly awaked by someone touching her knee. When she looked up, she saw a man flashing a phone light in her face, and he allegedly told her that he was hungry for sex.

Cops Catch Carmelita Cannabis Couriers
Two men from Carmelita were busted with over 10 pounds of weed on Wednesday. Today in court, only one plead guilty but both are still behind bars. 36 year old Edwardo Chuck and 25 year old Juan Carlos Reimundo, were on a motorbike when they attempted to elude police on the Phillip Goldson Highway. The cops set chase and caught them in Carmelita. They found 11 and a half pounds of weed inside an orange handbag.

Jailed for Jealously?
He's a BTL employee with a licensed weapon, but 39 year-old Garry Yearwood, brother of the well-known police officer, Fitzroy Yearwood, is locked down at the Belize Central Prison tonight - all because of a jealous dispute with his ex. 31 year-old Royann Riverol, reported to police that at around 8:00 on New Year's night she was driving toward Belize City with her mother and sister when she spotted Yearwood, who is her ex, heading in the opposite direction with a woman in his vehicle. She said she followed him to his Los Lagos home, and when he got out of the vehicle, she got out of hers, and that's when she and Yearwood got into an argument. ans to sue the police for wrongful detention.

Belize's Murder Rate, Up There
As we've been reporting, Belize recorded 143 murders in 2018 - one of the highest totals ever. For that, our murder rate stands at 35.9 per hundred thousand residents, certainly among the top ten highest in the world. But, the truth is Belize exists at the crossroads of the most violent regions in the world. Roughly one third of the world's homicides happen in Latin America and the Caribbean, which home to just 8% of the global population. And, "when measured by homicide rate, 14 of the 20 most dangerous countries in the world are…in Latin America and the Caribbean."

Belize Received Less Than 100 Deportees From US in 2018
And while Belize's murder rate is right up there with the very high ones in Central America, you can't say the same for our number of deportees from the USA. The 2018 report from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office shows that Belize only had 91 deportations in 2018, up 10% from the 82 in the previous year.

Burgled Baptist Church, Again
The Lake Independence Baptist Church, located on Mahogany Street in Belize City, is run by the Church Senator, Pastor Ashley Rocke. And sometime between last night and this morning, thieves broke in, and raided the place,. We understand that they tried to get into the church itself, but it was tightly secured. So, instead, they targeted the adjoining building that makes up part of the church's compound. Once inside, they reportedly cleaned out this facility of $17,000 worth of valuables belonging to the Church.

Security Guard Charged For Robbery Prank
A teenager attempted to bamboozle police and a gas company in Santa Elena town so that he mad off with over $2 thousand in cash but his plans backfired. 19 year old Israel Baldera, a watchman and gas attendant at Western Gas Company Ltd, reported to police on New Year's Eve that he was robbed. Baldera said that around 11:30 pm while walking to the gate of the compound a black car with tinted windows drove in and parked under the dispatching area. He claims two men with masks got out of the vehicle and demanded that he hand over the money.

CANNABIS CULTIVATION BURNED
Police discovered two marijuana plantations while conducting an anti-drug operation 3 Miles North West of Neuland Mennonite Community in the Orange Walk District. These plantations measured about 15 by 15 square meters and contained 500 3 to 6 feet tall mature marijuana plants. There was no one in the area at the time, so the plants were uprooted and burned.

FOUND GUN
While Orange Walk police found a weed plantation, Belize City police found a pistol that same day. While conducting a search around Feeder Road between Old Well Road and Holly Wood Area, they discovered a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 6 live rounds. Police found no one in the area, so the gun was labeled as found property.

FOUND WEED AND AMMO
Police made another discovery on Thursday evening while patrolling on Jasmine Street. Upon searching a bushy area, they came across two bags; one bag contained 110.7 grams of cannabis, while the other bag contained 9 live 9mm rounds of ammunition. Again, no one was in the area, so the items were marked as found property.

To Recover A Child
Last night, we introduced you to Raquel Cocom, the mother from Orange Walk who ended up in a year-long custody battle with the father of her baby daughter. This man, a Russian National who had been living in Belize for 10 years, left back in 2017 with their daughter. Cocom thought that she was giving permission for her child to be taken on a 2-week-long vacation. Little did Cocom know that her baby's dad had other plans, and he basically kidnapped his own child and held her for an entire year, away from Cocom. Yesterday, she told our colleagues from CTV 3 that there were points during the custody battle that she nearly gave up due to frustration:

CABLE
Do you watch the series "Homeland" on Showtime? Or maybe "Power" on Starz? Well, say goodbye because those channels are about to be pulled from your cable channel lineup. It's the requirement in a copyright agreement that the Belize Cable Television Operators have been forced to sign with HBO as a part of copyright compliance. You've probably already seen Showtime pulled from your channel line-up - and we are told Starz has to be pulled by next month. That's when the HBO streaming service called HBO GO - priced to compete with Netflix is expected to go live in Belize. It will be available to cable consumers at an additional costs comparable to the 9 US dollars monthly subscription that Netflix charges.

Channel 5

Son of Wanted Mexican Drug Lord Names Belize in Sinaloa Cartel Empire
Belize is named as part of the network of the Sinaloa Drug cartel. It came during the trial of Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, head of the infamous drug cartel, which [...]

The Brothers Sho are Charged for Hacking Guatemalan Farmer to Death in Bladen
A trio of siblings, all farmers from Bladen Village in southern Belize, has been charged with the murder of Guatemalan national Marcos Chen.  The forty-one-year-old was chopped to death on [...]

San Pedro Mayor: Police Brutality Will Not Be Tolerated
Late this evening, the Bar Association of Belize issued a release on the beaten on a San Pedro citizen by the police. In the release, the Bar describes the incident [...]

What Will Be Done to Bar Owner Following San Pedro Brutality?
In the aftermath of the New Year’s Day incident, San Pedranos took to social media pledging to boycott Playa Bar and Grill, where the incident unfolded.  The video captured the [...]

M.O.H. Investigates the Death of Corozal Baby Boy
The Ministry of Health has begun investigating the untimely death of eleven-week-old baby boy, Dion Woodeye Junior.  The baby died at the Corozal Community Hospital on December thirty-first, 2018. His [...]

M.O.H. Says If There was Negligence, Family Can Seek Redress
According to Doctor Manzanero, if the investigation reveals some level of negligence on behalf of the hospital’s staff, the culpable person or persons will be held accountable.   On the [...]

Baby Tevin’s Remarkable Road to Recovery
A toddler who was hit by a vehicle driven by a Gang Suppression Unit officer has beaten the odds. While two-year-old Tevin Cacho remains hospitalized, his prognosis is good and [...]

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Resign from PG Town Council
There is a report tonight from Punta Gorda that two persons resigned from their post at the City Council. It involves the Deputy Mayor, Franklin Polonio and councillor Kevin Choc. [...]

The Terrible Conditions of the Sugar Roads in OW South
Every year there is some level of public outcry by cane farmers in respect to the deplorable state of sugar roads in the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts. And in [...]

Some Elective Surgeries on Hold – Blood Shortage in Blood Banks
There is a shortage of blood supply and some elective surgeries will be put on hold because of low blood banks. Today, when we spoke with Director of Health Services [...]

Medication Shortage? M.O.H. Says That There Are Options Available
A couple months ago, we reported on the growing concerns about certain brands of medication not available in country due to measures implemented by the Ministry of Health in 2018. [...]

Maya Mopan Villagers to Protest School
The villagers of Maya Mopan in Stann Creek District are tonight sending a message to the management of the government primary school in community. The parents have been up in [...]

Caye Caulker Man is Arraigned on Burglary with Intent to Rape Charge
Today, twenty-seven-year-old Windell Humes was arraigned on a single charge of burglary with intent to rape when he appeared in court before Magistrate Emmerson Banner.  Humes, who was unrepresented, pleaded [...]

Bar Offers Free Legal Aid for Residents of the Old Capital
The Bar Association is offering free legal advice as part of an outreach effort to persons who may not otherwise be able to afford the services of the country’s top [...]

Complimentary Legal Advice Courtesy of the Bar Association
According to Secretary Iliana Swift, the Bar Association has held clinics in three of the six districts and plans to do the Belize, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts in the [...]

Historian Joseph Sampson Passes Away
Well-known Belizean historian Joseph Sampson, distinguished in academia, as well as in political life, has passed away.  The former Mayor of Dangriga who served under the People’s United Party between [...]

No Local Arrivals to the Multimillion-Dollar San Pedro Water Terminal
There is an ongoing dispute in San Pedro as it relates to the use of the terminal on the lagoon side. The Sunset Boardwalk Project, valued at over six million [...]

Dredging to Take Place in Lagoon to Access Terminal
News Five has been reliably informed that the dredging of the lagoon will cost almost two million Belize dollars to be completed and if local water taxis do not use [...]

San Pedranos Managing Sargassum
With the tourism peak season already underway, Mayor Daniel Guerrero also gave an update on how the island has been managing the issue of sargassum. He says that the private [...]

Hardship Allowances Still Not Ironed Out; B.N.T.U. Presses On
Belize National Teachers Union President Elena Smith says that the union is not backing down from its rejection of the school managements docking of teachers salaries for November seventh. The [...]

B.N.T.U. Says M.O.E. is Silent on School Managements’ Neglect
Earlier this week, the B.N.T.U. president called out the Ministry of Education for supporting the school management’s decision to dock salaries. Smith says that the ministry quoted from the rule [...]

Little League Baseball Making a Comeback After 25 Years
A non-profit called Belize Visionary Foundation of Baseball and Softball wants to bring back little league baseball in Belize. According to the foundation, it has been more than twenty-five years [...]

LOVE FM

Parents furious with school principal
Monday signals the return of students to the classroom countrywide. For those students at the Maya Mopan Primary School in the Stann Creek District, they may be getting an extra week break. The village alcalde, Constancio Teul, says it has to do with a stand off between parents and the school principal. Love News understands …

San Pedro Town Mayor condemns police beat down on January 1
San Pedro Mayor, Daniel Guerrero has weighed in on the incident where Jamir Leal was beat down by police on the island. Mayor Guerrero says he, like many who viewed the video, was shocked and expressed zero tolerance for such behavior. Daniel Guerrero Mayor San Pedro: “ Definitely shocked just by seeing the video on …

New water taxi terminal on San Pedro underused; Town Council will not sanction proposed project by San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
The San Pedro Sunset Boardwalk and Water Taxi Terminal has been completed for over four years now. To date, however, the local water taxis are still not using the facility. The project was completed in March 2014 under the Sustainable Tourism Program (STP) and carries a price tag of over six million dollars. It saw …

Ministry experiences blood shortage countrywide
In yesterday’s newscast we told you of the shortage at the blood bank at the Western Regional Hospital. Today, however, Love News learnt that the shortage extends countrywide. There is now a call to the public for donors to step up and give blood. Officials grew concerned close to the end of last year; Director …

DNA testing results on suspected remains of Anisha Young to take up to six months
On the weekend on December 29 2018, the family of 23-year-old Anisha Young came across some remains as they searched for her in Maskall Village. They came across some hair attached to a weave and skin, which police say is from the bottom of a human foot. Whether or not these are from Young is …

Ministry to destroy pharmaceuticals and products seized from James Bordies and Company Ltd.
The Ministry of Health will be destroying pharmaceutical products that belongs to James Brodies and Company Ltd next week. Back in July 2017, a Statutory Instrument was enacted that made provisions for the importation of pharmaceuticals to Belize and required that all labelling and relevant documentation of all pharmaceutical products being imported to Belize must …

Roads in Orange Walk South neglected
When the Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the roads that cane farmers have to traverse would be receiving an upgrade, this was welcoming news. However, Jose Mai, the PUP Area Representative for Orange Walk South, told Love News that his area is being neglected instead the monies are going towards repairing the roads in …

Ministry of Health investigating death of baby
Earlier this week, we told you about an eleven week baby boy, Deon Cecil Woodye Jr., who died at the Corozal Hospital. The parents are blaming the hospital stating that the lapse of time from the child’s arrival to when he was seen by the doctor may have contributed to the child’s death. The mother …

Dianne Finnegan says Gang Members are People too
Joseph Babb, a reputed gang leader was murdered on New Year’s Day. UDP Standard Bearer for the Lake Independence Division and well-known advocate for at-risk youths, Dianne Finnegan, spoke positively of the slain man and his support her in the Lake I convention. This interview sparked criticisms on social media and from vocal attorney Lisa …

The police find drugs and ammunition and a marijuana plantation
2018 was a successful year for the Belize Police Department in its efforts to recover drugs and ammunition from overgrown and abandoned lots in Belize City. 2019 seems to be promising in the recovery efforts as well. On the third of January at 4:30 p.m., officers in the Jasmine Street area decided to search a …

Sho brothers charged with murder of Marcos Chen
An arrest has been made in reference to the murder of Marcos Chen which occurred on the 14th of December. The 41 year-old Guatemalan Farmer from Bladden Village in the Toledo District was going fishing when he passed the home of Dario Sho …

Murder suspect does not offer court an alibi
Thirty-seven year old Anthony Bennett, who was charged with the murder of 30 year old Erbin Garrido, was committed to stand trial in the April session of the Supreme Court after a preliminary inquiry was held today by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford …

Coconut Boy touches tourist but charged for burglary
A Caye Caulker resident who allegedly touched a woman was arrested for burglary. Twenty-seven-year-old Windell Humes, (COURT 2 VO) who is also known as Coconut Boy, allegedly trespassed in a dormitory in Caye Caulker at 2 a.m. on December 30, 2018 …

Amandala

Gruesome beginning to 2019 — 5 murders
At the end of 2018, Belize recorded 143 murders, which is close to the alarming records set in 2012 and 2017 when the country recorded an incredible 145 murders, the highest on record. As the New Year drifted in on Tuesday, instead of relief from the frightening frequency with which Belizeans have been slaughtering each other, there was more grim news. On the first day of the New Year the murder tally ratcheted up to 5! At a police press briefing yesterday, Wednesday, Acting Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, appeared to express relief that only one out of the five murders was gang-related.

PUC approves BEL’s request for increased electricity rates
Two weeks ago, in the December 14 edition of the Amandala, we reported that Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) had requested from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) an increase in electricity rates from $0.3862 per kilowatt hour to $0.4150 per kilowatt hour. On December 27, the PUC held a press conference at which they said that they had approved BEL’s request, but not for the initial $0.4150. Rather, the PUC has approved a 6.87% increase, which would take electricity rates to about $0.42 per kilowatt hour.

Angel Ruben Cassasola arraigned for murder
Angel Ruben Cassasola, 35, an excavator operator of Shawville, San Ignacio, and the father of 3 children — ages 5, 7, and 9 years — was taken this morning to the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court, where he was arraigned for the offense of murder.

Police response to brutality in San Pedro inadequate
Belize is a violent country. There is official violence all around: sometimes it is manifested in the form of political corruption—the continuing plundering of the country’s resources; and sometimes it is manifested in the physical violence that is meted out to ordinary citizens from elements in law enforcement. The first day of the New Year was particularly bloody, with five murders being recorded in Belize before the first day of the year was over. Then, to add more gloom to the violent New Year’s reality, two police officers on San Pedro went rogue New Year’s night. The officers might have forgotten that we are living in a social-media-dominated society and most people carry phones with video cameras.

Belize Peace Movement calls out PUP on ICJ; will sue GOB over compromise
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) held a press briefing this morning at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM) headquarters to update the media on its “No to the ICJ” campaign. The briefing got underway after the singing of the Belize National Anthem and a prayer. The BPM national coordinator, Robert “Bobby” Lopez, after thanking a number of individuals who spoke at the organization’s various education campaigns, said that Belize is now 98 days away from the ICJ referendum date on April 10.

Amandala year in review: Part 1
The first edition of our newspaper published on Friday, January 5, 2018, headlined the murder of a vacationing Belizean man, Jermaine Vellos, who was targeted on the second day of the New Year. Vellos was shot and killed on Maurice Bishop Street, in the Belama area of Belize City. Two masked men accosted Vellos and one of them shot him dead. On that same day, January 2, a crowd gathered outside the Belize City Magistrate’s Court as the court opened for the first day of business for the New Year. The crowd had gathered to get a glimpse of WPC Michelle Brown, 24, who was charged with the murder of Fareed Ahmad, 39.

Sugahh and Cream, baby!
American John Delong attacked the front-runner duo of his teammate Clayton Travis and Nissan Arana at the Burrell Boom junction and came in solo to claim the 2019 Krem New Year’s Day Classic. There won’t be a great grinding and gnashing of teeth by Belizean fans since Delong has been a fixture in races here, I think for over a decade, and the chances are most of us consider him an “honorary Belizean” anyway. His Skyline teammate Clayton Travis out dueled Nissan Arana at the finish and in the media interview afterward declared he will be back. It will be interesting, to say the least, if he is back to team up with Delong in the Run for the Roses.

Pedal by Pedal of the KREM New Year’s Cycling Classic from within the Eye of the Storm…
At exactly 9 a.m. on January 1, 2019, 82 riders, me included, took off from the border in front of the Belize Customs on our rigorous journey to Santos Diaz on Central American Boulevard for a total of 91 miles. This was the 29th running of the Krem New Year’s Cycling Classic, which has become one of the biggest Cycling Races in Belize, 2nd only to the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic. My goal was simply to finish. For some reason, from the border to Corozal Town, the Heads of State seemed content to sit in and relax, and so we got to Corozal with the Peloton pretty much intact, save for a few riders who were dropped. However, from Corozal to Orange Walk was much more intense as we were hit by the strong crosswinds. This caused much more casualties and a few crashes along the way as we ran out of road with nowhere left to hide from the strong breeze.

Belize Athletics Association – 5K and 10K Annual New Years Road Race
Princess Margaret Drive, Jan. 1, 2019. 5K FEMALE: Rosa Cruz 21.22.50 1st, Ashontie Carr 24.00.65 2nd, Magali Andrade 24.31.97 3rd, Ashantie Carr 26.42.93 4th, Teresita Grajalez 31.15.40 5th.

The Do’s and Don’ts of New Year’s Resolutions, from Dionne Chamberlain
Good morning, and happy Monday! As I was working on the Leadercast webpage, I came across an article that is very close to the way I think, so I thought I would share bits and pieces of it. As the New Year approaches, people everywhere take time to reflect on the 12 months that have passed them by. They think about their achievements and failures and consider what they’d like to do differently over the next 365 days. New Year’s is a time of self-reflection, meditation and planning as we make resolutions for the year to come and define clear expectations that will guide us to be the best versions of ourselves

That road is a disaster for villagers
Being able to do math is considered a sign of intelligence. Hmm, some of us prize physicality, but after David slew Goliath we have grudgingly accepted that brain power will very often get over brawn. There are a number of fields where math is essential. Engineers, architects, chemists, have to be good at math. Unfortunately, intelligence does not always serve people. It should, but it doesn’t. Math can serve people, and it also can serve robots. If you are intelligent but robotic/mechanical, you belong in a laboratory or a drawing room. You shouldn’t be anywhere near where decisions are made for the benefit of people.

JUSTICE ADOLPH LUCAS: A PERSON I KNOW AS A SELF-MADE MAN WITH PASSION, DETERMINATION AND INTEGRITY
When I joined the Belize Police Force on April the 23rd 1973, I was sent to the Police Training School that was located in Ladyville at the time for six months of training. The Commandant of the school was Superintendent Winston Carcamo. Among his staff were the following individuals: Inspector Gardner, Sgt. Adolph Lucas — Criminal Law and Immigration Instructor, Sgt. Sherman Zuniga — Rules of Evidence Instructor, Sgt. Aaron Popper — Drill and Weapons Training Instructor, Cpl. Rivero — Criminal Law and Traffic Instructor, Cpl. Belisle — Police Duties and Physical Fitness Instructor, Cpl. Frazier — Physical Fitness and Weapons Training Instructor, and Cpl. Mejia — Mess Hall NCO i/c.

The choice before us
The year 2019 may well be remembered as the most significant in the history for Belize. This is because on the 10th April of this year we will be asked to decide by referendum whether or not to have the ICJ decide, using the 2008 Special Agreement as their terms of reference, on a resolution of the Territorial Differendum with Guatemala. It may justifiably be said that this is the most crucial decision Belize has ever faced, since this is a choice that may even determine if we will continue to exist as a sovereign nation. Having stated the significance of this upcoming referendum, let us now consider the details. There are three possible ways we may respond to this upcoming plebiscite. In order to make the best choice voters will be obliged to adequately understand the reasons for choosing one option over the others and the consequences that may arise from that selection.

Baby Jayelle is the first baby born for the New Year
First-time mother, Clarissa Williams, 26, did not expect to give birth to her baby girl on New Year’s Day, especially since her due date was not until around January 10. Instead, baby Jayelle was born at 12:51 a.m. on January 1. According to the mother, she was on her way to a store when she felt as though she had urinated and then she realized that her “water had broken” (the rupturing of an amniotic sac which sustains an unborn child). She reached Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital around 8 p.m., and endured hours of labor pain before her baby, weighing 6 pounds 4 ounces, was finally born.

Aneshia Young’s family finds their first clue
Aneshia Young, 23, has been missing for 25 days after she attended a staff Christmas party on December 8, and then left to go to, Sit ‘N Sip, leaving that club in the early hours of December 9. Her family and volunteers have been searching for her relentlessly, following every lead, and while still hopeful that they will find her alive, they have accepted the possibility that she is dead and their efforts are to find her body so that they can get some closure. On December 29, they might have found a clue which does not point to a happy ending. Around 5 p.m. that day, the family, with the help of Jose Espat, who has been working with them for some time now, found a shallow grave in Maskall Village.

Pipersburgh and Robateau, serving life, to get fixed sentences on January 18
wo convicted murderers, Leslie Pipersburgh, 41, and Patrick Robateau, 39, who are serving life sentences for the murders of security guards Kevin Alvarez and Fidel Mai, are to get fixed sentences on January 18, 2019, when they appear before Justice Colin Williams. The sentences will be in accordance with a recent ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice, which stipulates that persons convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment are to get fixed sentences. Pipersburgh and Robateau, former employees of Bowen and Bowen, committed the murders in July 2002 when they robbed Bowen and Bowen’s sales proceeds from the company’s compound on Slaughterhouse Road.

Two fatal weekend traffic accidents
Two persons lost their lives in separate car accidents that took place over this past weekend. The first is 47-year-old Clifford Usher, whose grey Jeep Cherokee was found seriously damaged on the side of the road. The accident occurred on Sunday, December 30. Around 2 a.m., police were called to an area known as Kanantik Junction, which is located between Miles 18 and 19 on the Southern Highway. When they arrived on the scene they saw Usher’s grey Jeep Cherokee with extensive damages and Usher’s body not too far away from it.

The Reporter

SOS FOR A CANCER WARRIOR
They are called Cancer Warriors because every breath they draw is one in combat against an illness that is going after their very life.

… JUST TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR ME
By: Ambassador Lisa Shoman The symbiotic relationship between enforcers or street muscle and politicians in Belize is one going back to universal adult suffrage. But in the last three decades,

POLICE FIND WEED CULTIVATION & FIREARM IN SPECIAL OPS
Through regular and special operations, the Belize Police Department has managed to take a pistol and live ammunition off the street, as well as

MAN CHARGED FOR MURDER AND RAPE
Investigators, after working to piece together a bizarre chain of events, have charged Lucky Strike resident Giovanni Jones for the first murder of the

POLITICAL HANKY-PANKY WITH SUGAR ROADS MONEY
The Reporter has been informed by sources up north that following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement at the last House Sitting that $300,000 would be

POLICE IDENTIFY ‘JOHN DOE’ FOUND IN RIVER
The Belize Police Department has positively identified the John Doe whose body was found in the river near Black Man Eddy Village on New Year’s

FIRST BABY OF 2019 BORN IN BELIZE CITY
Moments after the New Year started, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital welcomed the first baby to be born in 2019. Clarissa Williams, 28, gave birth to her daughter Jayelle at

WAS ANNY’S BODY EXHUMED BY KILLERS
The family of Anisha Young, desperately trying to locate her since December 9 of last year, are slowing coming to terms with the realization

Breaking Belize News

Orange Walk men busted with over 10 lbs of weed
Two men from Orange Walk were busted on Wednesday, January 2, with over 10 pounds of […]

Three men charged for murder of Marcos Chen
Police have formally arrested and charged Edres Sho, 18; Heraldo Sho, 24; and Elijah Sho, 26, […]

Bar Association condemns excessive use of police force
The Bar Association of Belize today issued a statement condemning the excessive use of force by […]

Belize among places El Chapo did “business”
Following the arrest of Sinaloa drug cartel leader, Joaquin “El Chapo” Loera, and his subsequent extradition […]

Police find gun and drugs on Jasmine street
Just before 5:00 p.m. yesterday, police were on mobile patrol on Jasmine street in Belize city. During […]

Police find loaded pistol in Ladyville
Yesterday just before midday police visited an area on a feeder road between Old Well Road […]

Police burn marijuana cultivation in Mennonite community
Sometime before 7:00 a.m. yesterday police were conducting an anti-drug operation approximately 3 miles north-west of the […]

Orange Walk family desperate to find runaway teenager
A second form student from Orange Walk town reportedly ran away from home last night […]

Lake-I Baptist Church burglarized
Members of the Lake Independence Baptist Church are shocked at a burglary which occurred at […]

Body found in Black Man Eddy identified as Jaime Martinez
The body of the person that was found floating on New Year’s day in the […]

Four men associated with slain gang leader Joseph Babb detained for gun and live rounds
Four Belize City men believed to be associated with the gang that Joseph Babb belonged […]

Five men from long list of missing persons still not found yet
It is the start of a new year and many families across the country are […]

Historian and former Dangriga Mayor, Joseph Sampson dies
Historian, UB lecturer, politician and political analyst, Joseph Sampson, has passed away. Information to BBN […]

Blogs

Bird lovers are flocking to Belize
What makes Belize such a great place for birding? Let me count the ways! According to my handy-dandy eBird app, 584 species of birds have been recorded in Belize. We share Yucatan endemics (only found regionally) with Mexico and Guatemala and over 250 species are estimated as winter migrants from North America. Lucky birders may see as many as 200 birds in one day! Every month of the year is a good time to come armed with your binoculars and camera. Our beautifully diverse habitats offer scenic coastal areas were pelagic birds are enjoyed and the vast savannahs, lush tropical jungles, pine tree forests, and vibrant wetlands are teeming with hundreds of resident birds along with many who migrate through.

Let’s Wrap it Up: 2018 Around Ambergris Caye & Belize
2018 was a good year. I am very lucky to live in a place that I love. And I get to take a million pictures and write about it for a living? So let me put 2018 to bed with some of my highlights. I recapped January to May here – the months with the most visitors and the mildest weather. But June was a month of festivals! I started the month doing something that I LOVE to do – and something that I plan to do LOTS more of in 2019 – TRAVEL. I went down to Hopkins, Belize. An easy hop by Tropic Air to get to Dangriga (just next door) and you are in a village so different from Ambergris Caye.

10 Terrific Reasons to Visit Belize in 2019
Are you looking for excuses to make your first (or 10th) trip to Belize? We understand how you feel. No fewer than 4 prestigious publications have recommended a visit of late ("The Los Angeles Times," "Lonely Planet," "Conde Nast Traveler" and "National Geographic"). If you read all four, you noticed that each one offers different reasons to visit Belize in 2019. Our list covers 10 reasons to visit Belize. Hop a plane and get here to discover more!

International Sources

Level 2 Travel Advisory Issued for Belize
The US State Department issued a Level 2, Travel Advisory, Exercise Increased Caution, for the Central American country of Belize on January 4, 2018. This Travel Advisory for Americans visiting Belize is related to local crime. This Advisory says violent crimes, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Moreover, the State Department says the local Belize police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted in this country of approximately 57,000 citizens.

Diver's lucky escape as shark attacks his GoPro camera
The animal lashed out at John Hornback as he filmed off the coast of Half Moon Caye, Belize. A diver had a lucky escape when a shark suddenly attacked his GoPro camera. The beast nearly nearly made off with the gadget as John Hornback filmed during a dive off the coast of Belize. The underwater camera captured the moment the predator lashed out, revealing its powerful jaws millimetres from the lens. The footage initially shows another diver with a dead fish on the end of a spear, which apparently interests the shark.

Videos

January 4, 2019

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

San Pedro JP Meeting
JPs please make every effort to attend the first Monthly Meeting of 2019, January 9 in Room 1G at SPHS at 7:00 PM. Lots of plans & planning, see you there!

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week: Follow The Sound Of The Fish Empanadas Bicycle Bell
We are all familiar with the Paletas Cart, the Annies Pastries Cart, the Raspado (Shaved Ice/Snow Cone) Cart and the Fresh Fruit Cart; but are you familiar with the Empanadas Cart? Well actually its just don Corneta on his bike selling freshly fried fish empanades. Mr. Leonel Lara, locally known as 'Corneta" is known by locals to ride his bicycle down the streets of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize selling delicious empanadas (or panades "in Creole"). Those craving the Belizean treat in the afternoon just keep a watchful eye or wait to hear his bell to rush outside and enjoy an afternoon snack. So now you know - watch out for Mr. Corneta on his bike, carrying a red cooler and a bagful of onion curtido and hot sauce. YUM!!

Police On Suspension Pending Criminal And Internal Investigation
After video footage of excessive force by police Quick Response Team on civilians hit social media and news outlets, island residents and Belizeans have expressed their outrage on the situation. The Belize Police Department has launched an internal investigation and both PC No. 1919 Samir Medina and PC No.2287 Tyrell Rowley have been placed on seven days suspension pending the findings of a criminal and internal police investigation.

How busy was Ambergris Caye over the holiday weekend you ask?
Mass exodus at Tropic Air Belize

Misc Belizean Sources

25% discount on property tax if...
The Caye Caulker Village Council invites all property owners who have an outstanding property tax balance to come in to make full payment at the CCVC office and receive a 25% discount before January 31st 2019. FOR ALL THOSE PROPERTY OWNERS WHOSE TAXES ARE UP TO DATE AND WHO WISH TO COME IN TO PAY FOR THE NEW TAX YEAR, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 5% DISCOUNT ON YOUR TAXES WHEN PAYMENT IS MADE BEFORE APRIL 30TH 2019.

Caye Caulker Health Fair
Mark your calendars...

OAS- China Scholarship Opportunity for Bachelors and Masters Degree in several programmes
For online application and more information on scholarship process and benefits.

Discussion with the "Open" bars of San Pedro Town
Mayor Daniel Guerrero and the newly appointed Liquor Licensing Board had an open discussion with the "Open" bars of San Pedro Town, where they discussed issues concerning noise pollution and how they can work together with the Town Council and authorities to minimize this problem. The new Liquor Licensing Board consists of: Mr. Eiden Salazar whom is the Chairman, Ms. Vanessa Parham, Mr. Joe Elijio, Mayor Daniel Guerrero.

Attention all Liquor License Holders
Please be reminded that next week Monday, January 7th, 2019. The Liquor Licensing Board meeting will be held at the Lion’s Den at 9:00 a.m. All Liquor License holders are urged to attend this meeting. Monday, January 7, 2019 Night Club License, Publican’s General, Publican’s Special Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Hotel License, Restaurant License, Shop License, Malt LicenseConvenience Store License, Beer License and New Applications...

Belize City's first Creole Museum
Come visit Belize City's first Creole Museum at #8 Park Street next to the Memorial Park. The Museum will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until January 15th. We are inviting all schools to bring their students. Entrance Free! Museum sponsored by BTB, National Creole Council and Downtown Rejuvenation Project. Special thanks to Ms. Sharon Pitts for her guidance, support and perseverance to preserve the Creole Culture.

Channel 7

Cops Say Cassasola Killed His Common Law
Ruben Cassasola has been charged for killing his ex-common law wife, Anita Pineda on New Year's night. He was arraigned at the San Ignacio Magistrate's court today and remanded to prison until March 5th 2019.  As we told you, on New Years night, Pineda got a call from her friend who is also Cassasola's sister in law. Pineda went to her friend's Kontiki area house and that is when Cassasola came up from behind the house and stabbed her. She died on the spot right in front of her mother. Yesterday, when we went out west we also spoke to Pineda's friend of 15 years, Usias Vitzil. Unlike her family who knew and witnessed the abuse, Vitzil says he had no idea what she was going through.

Carver Charged With Murder/Rape
26 year old Giovanni Jones, a woodcarver of Lucky Strike Village, has been charged for the murder of another wood carver, 58 year old Howard Coleman. Yesterday we told you about the Coleman's bloody murder in Lucky Strike on the Old Northern Highway.  Today Jones was taken to court for Coleman's murder and the rape of a 26 year old woman who was staying at the residence.  The killing occurred early on New Year's morning.  The rape victim told police that - at around 4:00 am - Jones dropped her off at the house, and then forced his way inside. He then punched Coleman, and followed him outside where he chopped him up with his own machete.

Cops Stop Gunmen on a Move
Sharp police work last night may have stopped a murder before it happened.  Around 8:00, the GSU intercepted this car, a silver PT Cruiser on Cran Street with four men inside.  But police searched it and found nothing.  Still, they sent it to Queen Street for a second search, and that's when police found a hidden compartment near the gearstick with a 9 millimeter pistol stowed inside.  The pistol had 13 live rounds. The four men inside are believed to be connected to the same gang, which lost one of its principal figures on New Year's night, Joseph Babb who was murdered.

Cane Country Controversy Over Road Rehabilitation
A cane country controversey is making the news tonight.  
The genesis of it goes back to the last House meeting in mid December, when the Prime Minister said that $300 thousand in government funds was being allocated for the refurbishment of sugar roads in the Orange Walk District.  But, with the zafra well under way, the works seem to be a little behind schedule. And even before works can officially begin there is a political squabble over the appropriation of these sugar road funds.  That's because according to Jose Mai, the PUP Area Rep for Orange Walk South, his division is being undermined by the UDP power bloc of Orange Walk East and Orange Walk North, whose area reps, he says, are cutting the cake in half for their constituencies.  

Aragon Says Monies Disbursed Based On Priority, Not Preference
And while Mai fusses about inequity and claims of political cronyism, Elodio Aragon, Area Rep for Orange Walk East, told us via phone today that there is just simply not enough money to go around and that it was the Ministry of Work's which ultimately decided, based on necessity, who gets what.   Hon. Elodio Aragon- UDP Area Rep, Orange Walk East: "I know that of course we would like to see every single feeder road in Orange Walk District fixed. The reality is that this is something the Government does to support the cane farmers. This is only one part of supporting the cane farmers. You have the fuel that is duty free that goes toward assisting the cane farmers likewise..."

Mai Says Aragon Deluded
And as to the idea that it was the Ministry of Public Works that decided to allocate the funds in such a fashion, Mai says Aragon is seriously misinformed if he really believes that. Jose Mai - PUP Area Rep, Orange Walk South: "What he's aluding here, the people at public works and the zone engineer are good for nothing, that's what he's saying. He is saying that all the sugar roads in Orange Walk South are in great condition and the 4 sugar roads in his constituency are in bad condition. He is either a fool or a fool. How does he think that public works will make such an eroneous decision to say that all the roads in his area are bad and all the roads in Orange Walk South are good. He's far out of touch with reality."

Peace Movement Makes Its Case
The Referendum on whether or not to take Guatemala's territorial claim over Belize to the ICJ is now only 14 weeks away. And today, the non government organization which calls itself the Belize Peace Movement, called a press conference to put their "NO" campaign into overdrive. : This morning in a lengthy and digressive press conference, they came out swinging against the Government's ICJ education campaign.  They say that the position that Belize can't lose, and that there is minimal litigation risk of losing part of country's territory is simply naive.  So far, the Peace Movement has been active and vocal in public forums, and they say that the Government is luring the general public into a false sense of security for this ICJ solution.

Belize's Murder Rate Remains High, On Global Scale
As we close 2018, there were 143 murders - one more than last year.  That leaves we look back at the murder rate of 35.9 per hundred thousand, which will probably - again - be amongst the top 10 highest in the world.  Now, this is the same outturn in the murder rate despite the millions in additional funds being spent on security.  Yesterday, we asked the National security CEO about whether all those millions are being wisely spent:… Jules Vasquez: "You all ran operation act for 2017… 2017 November right through 2018. I can't imagine the costs. I know the budget for it has to be significant, 6-7 figures. My question is, you did all that and you still came out with a murder total that was greater than your count of the year before. All that for naught. How do you respond to that criticism sir?"

What Will Police Changes "At The Very Top"� Mean?
And while police are busy spinning that dismal murder rate into a domestic yarn, there's no hiding that Belize is in a citizen security crisis - and something has to give.  The Prime Minister almost conceded as much in his new year's message when he said there will be change in the security apparatus form the top down.  Here's his remarks - and the CEO's oblique response on what he may have been referring to: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "2019 will therefore see a concentrated effort on reform for a more effective Belize Police Department. This reform will start at the very top and permeate throughout all ranks."

Internal Reforms For Police Dept.
And one of the changes coming from the bottom to the top is a change in the recruitment of police officers.  Lovell told us about this and other reforms planned for 2019:.. (Ret.) Col. George Lovell - CEO, National Security: "One of the first things that we need to look at is our recruitment policy, that we have. And there are a number of things that we'll be doing in terms of aptitude tests and some other tests that we intend to do to ensure that we get the right people to be able to serve us. We're looking at our investigation capacity to enhance that and to do so, we will have to ensure that we get in professional trainers..."

Mother Blames Public Hospital For Death of 11 Month Old
While most people brought in the New Year with drinks, fireworks and a big celebration a Corozal mother, Leah Miller was at the hospital with her sick 11 week old baby boy. He fell ill early New Year's Day and his mom rushed him to the Corozal hospital. But, she says, they gave her the run around and the baby died. Miller says if the hospital staff had attended to her properly her baby would still be alive. Here is more from the baby's parents. Leah Miller - Mother: "My baby started with diarrhea 12 o'clock midnight and I went to the emergency, I called a taxi and went to the emergency to Corozal Hospital..."

Getting Into Your New Year Workout
If we did a poll to see how many people want to lose weight, the vast majority would say yes.  Heck! It's the #1 news year's resolution, but the reality is, so many of us fall through on our weight loss journey. So Shihan Kelly from the House of Shotokon has some useful advice on how to stick to a healthy lifestyle in 2019. Courtney Weatherburne has more.

A Custody Dispute From Russia to Orange Walk
Tonight, Raquel Cocom, a resident of Orange Walk is breathing a huge sigh of relief after engaging in a year-long battle to get her young daughter returned to her. That's after the child's biological father, a Russian national who lived in Belize for 10 years, took her to the US back in November 2017. He told Cocom, her mother, that this was only going to be a 2-week vacation trip, but instead of returning back to Belize with her, he kept her there all this time.  Cocom struggled to try and get help, and shortly after the abduction, human rights activist Elisa Castellanos learned about her case, and decided come to her aid.

Channel 5

San Pedro Family Speaks Out on the Police Beat Down of Jamir Leal
Three siblings were subdued by two police officers on New Year’s night on San Pedro. They were roughed up and one was badly beaten. The chilling images captured on phone [...]

Body Fished Out of Belize River is that of Jaime Martinez
The body of a man was fished out of the Belize River near Blackman Eddy Village on New Year’s Day. A post-mortem examination revealed that the man had been strangled. [...]

Giovanni Jones Charged with the Murder of Howard Coleman
There are updates on three other murders on New Year’s Day. Twenty-six-year-old Giovanni Jones was also charged with the murder of fifty-eight-year-old Howard Coleman.  Jones, a resident of the Lucky [...]

Rueben Cassasola Charged for Fatally Stabbing Anita Pineda
Thirty-five-year-old Angel Rueben Cassasola has been arraigned for the murder of Anita Pineda, his ex-common-law wife. He was taken to court this morning in San Ignacio and was remanded to [...]

No Arrests in the New Year’s Day Murder of Joseph Babb
Twenty-year-old Joseph Babb was murdered in cold blood on New Year’s Day, pursued by his attacker on Blue Marlin Boulevard and shot multiple times.  The slaying of the gang leader [...]

Dianne Pulls Back the Curtain on Politicians and Gang Leaders
Lake Independence Standard Bearer Dianne Finnegan is representing the United Democratic Party in the 2020 general elections and is widely known for her involvement with at-risk youths through her apprenticeship [...]

A Different Perspective on Politics and Gangs
Not only does Finnegan acknowledge meeting with the bosses of both groups prior to her campaign rollout, she says she spoke in the context of helping them to realize their [...]

Lisa Shoman Breaks Down Politician and “Bad Man” Interaction
In Shoman’s Facebook editorial, she writes, “Both feed off each other.  The “don” gets finances, protection, recognition, turf security and favors by the association.  The politician gets information, personal security, [...]

Window of Opportunity for P.U.C. Objections Quickly Closing
The period for objections to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission, in respect of an increase in electricity rates which came into effect on January first, expires on Saturday. [...]

Another Increase in Electricity Rates in June?
While consumers are beginning to feel the pinch post the Christmas shopping spree, another rate increase is expected in June when B.E.L. will attempt to recover an additional eleven million [...]

4 Arraigned for Gun and Ammunition
Four men were busted on Cran Street, Belize City by the police on Wednesday. The foursome, who were found with a loaded firearm and thirteen live rounds of ammunitions; however, [...]

Corozal Couple Blames Hospital for Son’s Death
Corozal couple Leah Miller and Dion Woodeye Senior brought in the New Year mourning the loss of their eleven-week old son, Dion Junior. They say they took their son to [...]

OW Mother & Daughter to be Reunited after Russian Father Retained the Child in the U.S.
While that family is grieving, another is celebrating. On Wednesday, a woman in Trial Farm Village received the news she had been waiting for since November 2017. Raquel Margarita Cocom’s [...]

2 Escape Serious Injuries in Police Street Shooting
In the aftermath of a bloody New Year’s Day, two men came under gunfire in Belize City. On Wednesday afternoon, the duo was at the house of Brandon Young on [...]

BPM Says 1992 Signed Statement is Bad News for Belize’s I.C.J. Case
The Belize Peace Movement says its fundamental goal is to maintain Belize’s eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven square miles in tact. The members describe the movement as fluid and [...]

BPM Sounds Off on the I.C.J. Campaign’s Billboards
And another matter that the Belize Peace Movement weighed in on today was the use of monies for a campaign that they say is for a “YES” vote.  The BPM’s [...]

BPM Has Choice Words for PM’s New Year’s Message
In its lengthy press conference, the BPM did not spare the Government either. Paco Smith says that PM Barrow’s New Year’s message missed the mark when he spoke about the [...]

Belize Peace Movement Calls Out P.U.P.
The Peace Movement also took shots at that the People’s United Party. They called on the Opposition to put forth its party’s position. With three months to go before the [...]

LOVE FM

Anisha Young Family’s Lead investigator says DNA is the next step
Anisha Young went missing in the darkness of the night on December 8th after she was socializing with her boyfriend and coworkers on the entertainment strip in Belize City. The case had appeared to be getting cold but the family launched search parties along the George Price and Phillip Goldson Highway for clues. It’s changed …

Rogers calls out Briceno to state his party’s position on ICJ
To date, the main opposition party, PUP is yet to take an official stand on the ICJ issue and up to the end of 2018, the caucuses of the party remained divided. Patrick Rogers of the Belize Progressive Party called out to the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno’s to state his party’s stance once …

Belize Peace Movement continues their agitation for a ‘no’ vote
In just over three months, voters will be going to the polls to weigh in on whether Belize should take Guatemala’s claim to the International Court of Justice. The campaign by the Referendum Unit had amped up just before the Christmas season and is expected to proceed in the coming days. This is what you …

Family of Murder Victim Preston Reynolds sets the record straight
Preston Reynolds, a resident of Neals Pen Road extension was killed on Jane Usher Boulevard on New Year’s. However, earlier in the day his father Preston Reynolds Senior was involved in an incident with two women. This led many to speculate that it was junior who was involved in the altercation and died as a …

Can countries reduce greenhouse gas emission in time
The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 24, was held late last year in Katowice, Poland, where assessments were made on the measures taken by the countries under the Paris Agreement. Love news spoke with Carlos Fuller, the International & Regional Liaison Officer at the Caribbean Community …

He Ran Into a Wall to Prove he was a Robbery Victim
A gas station attendant for the Western Gas Company Limited in Santa Elena Town may have watched one too many episodes of Law and Order and concocted a story about being robbed. On December 31, 19 year old Isaid Baldera told the police that at 11:30 p.m., while he was at the rear of the …

BACKA LAND Crips busted for a rusty gun
On Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. two police officers were patrolling the north side area of Belize City when they received a request to aid other police officers on Cran Street. The officers said that when they arrived at the scene they saw a Chevrolet that was allegedly involved in a shooting incident and they saw …

The Reporter

Angel Rueben Cassasola charged for murder
On New Year’s Day, Angel Rueben Cassasola, 35, brutally stabbed his estranged common-law-wife to death in front of her family, leaving her three daughters without a mother. Today, Cassasola was formally charged for the crime of murder.

Breaking Belize News

Security guard fakes robbery at Western Gas Company
Police are investigating a fake robbery that occurred on December 31, 2018, at Western Gas in […]

John Briceno: Government is unable to develop plan to reduce crime
Belizeans ended the year 2018 with a record of 144 murders countrywide. In his New […]

Opposition leader lashes at Government for high cost of living
Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno in his New Year’s message to Belizeans, lashed out […]

Community clean up in Conch Shell Bay
Today, Officer Commanding Region One, Sr. Supt. Howell Gillett and his team conducted a community […]

Ford pickup stolen in Hopkins Village
A Ford F-150 pickup was stolen in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek on December 31, 2018. […]

Man arrested for chopping death of Howard Coleman in Lucky Strike Village
Authorities have arrested and charged Lucky Strike villager, Giovanni Jones for the crime of murder. […]

Angel Cassasolo charged with stabbing common-law wife to death
Police have formally arrested and charged Angel Rueben Cassasolo,35, for the crime of murder. Cassasolo […]

Corozal businesswoman robbed of over $7,000
A Corozal businesswoman was robbed of over $7,000 on January 1, 2019. The woman told […]

Runaway teen returns home
A runaway teen of Saint Matthew’s Village in the Cayo District is reunited with her […]

Opposition Leader’s New Year’s Message
Opposition Leader’s New Year’s Message We greet you this New Year’s Day wishing for you and your family […]

2 men shot in Belize City
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in Belize City. According to […]

Santa Familia teen reported missing
The family of 14-year-old Santa Familia teen, Sheranie Cabb is concerned about her after she […]

Belize City men remanded for keeping ammo without license
Aaron Paquil and Jamie Pollard of Belize City were both charged for unlicensed ammo. […]

Body found in Blackman Eddy remains unidentified
On January 1, 2019, authorities were called to the Belize River in an area of […]

Anny Young missing for 26 days
The family of Anisha “Anny” Young is still seeking answers to the disappearance of their […]

Belize~ Our Year of Exodus
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize News. […]

Fair weather to continue
Fair weather conditions will continue over the next couple of days. Sunny skies with some […]

“…just take care of this for me.”
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Blogs

Ginger's Garden Jazz Night
Tracy Ginger is one awesome Canadian! She is an entrepreneur who has built a great collection of businesses here in Belize! Gingers Garden is located north of the bridge on the beach just steps north of Grand Caribe! Not only can you step into her sweet little salon to get a full makeover! If you are looking for a hair color, a hair cut, massage, or pedicure/manicure, Gingers is the place to go! And while you are there, you can hang out in her quaint restaurant for a glass of wine and her son will make their famous pirogies or some other delightful snack or meal! This family affair business will not disappoint. Tracy’s love for Jazz is now offering every Tuesday a night of Jazz. These guys are great and one of the only places on the Caye to see hear really cool jazz music! Ginger’s offers a drink special and food specials as well.

International Sources

How to Make Soursop Juice
The soursop is a tree fruit native to the Caribbean, Central America, northern South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. It tastes like a combination of strawberry and pineapple, with a hint of creaminess and sour citrus. Soursop juice is not particularly difficult to make and offers a range of health benefits. High levels of vitamin C keep the urinary tract clean, and vast amounts of fiber improve digestive health. The fruit juice also contains a number of other nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, thiamin, copper, niacin, folate, iron, and riboflavin.

50 Of The Most Incredible Photos Of The National Geographic Photo Contest Of 2018
National Geographic award photos. 50 from round the world. Worth viewing if you have the time. National Geographic has become synonymous with photography, with the magazine always showcasing the outstanding beauty and wonder of our planet. So naturally, their annual photo contest is a prestigious and hotly-contested event, with judges having thousands of breathtaking images to narrow down, to find the eventual winners.

Production company seeks submissions from Caribbean women writers
A Caribbean-American production company is looking for creative submissions from female playwrights of Caribbean descent, for its inaugural festival featuring the work of women writers. The Queens-based company, Conch Shell Productions, is hosting their debut “Hear Her Call” festival — a celebratory event slated for March 2019, where 10-minute plays by Caribbean women are going to be performed. The festival hopes to provide Caribbean women with a platform to see their work acted out, and allow them the opportunity — which does not always come for writers of color, said the company’s artistic director.

Building a better greenhouse: CMU student practices sustainability abroad
Most people don't realize the impact of the environment on everyday life for developing countries, but one Central Michigan University student is keenly aware of it. Taylor Crowley, an environmental studies major from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, spent a month and a half in the Central American nation of Belize helping orphaned Belizean girls build a better life by constructing a greenhouse to grow food. It wasn't glamorous work: physical labor, no internet, no air conditioning or hot water — and even days with no water at all — but Crowley was inspired by the experience.

Things You Didn’t Know About The Original Temptation Island
When Temptation Island first aired in January 2001, it was a huge hit with more than 16 million people tuning in for the series premiere. The show was incredibly controversial as it sent unmarried couples to a Caribbean island to be tempted by attractive singles who were picked specifically to tempt them. For the show’s first season, there were four couples – Andy Lukei and Shannon Roghair, Kaya Wittenberg and Valerie Penso, Taheed Watson and Ytossie Patterson, and Billy Cleary and Mandy Lauderdale – all of whom stayed together in the end. Since the show has been revamped and will be airing shortly, reminisce on the original series with the 12 things you didn’t know about Temptation Island:

Videos

January 3, 2019

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

Police brutality on Ambergris Caye leaves one injured; two police officers suspended
The Professional Standards Branch (PSB) has launched an investigation into the excessive use of force against civilians by two police officers attached to the Quick Response Team (QRT) at the San Pedro Police Formation. The incident has caused outrage among island residents and thousands of Belizeans across the country. The QRT officers, P.C. No 1919 Samir Medina and P.C. No 2287 Tyrell Rowley are seen in a video shared on social media detaining three young men (brothers Justin, Mario, and Jamir Leal) outside of Playa Bar and Grill in the Boca del Rio area on Tuesday, January 1st, attempting to control a brawl that started inside the establishment.

Ambergris Caye ushers in 2019 with a huge beach party and fireworks
New Year Eve’s celebrations went off with a bang on Ambergris Caye as revelers rang in 2019 with a colorful party accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display on the beaches of downtown San Pedro. The lively festivities held at the Central Park on Monday, December 31st, saw island residents along with thousands of tourists enjoying live performances by Belizean artists, party favors and lots of food and drinks throughout the night until the first sunrise of 2019. The anticipated event organized by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) began at 10PM, and despite a little rain, the festivities were a success. As the clock ticked to midnight, Pastor Clive Welsh delivered the invocation followed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero addressing the crowd. Guerrero thanked islanders and visitors alike for coming out to celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Ambergris Today

Living Word Church’s Annual Toy Drive A Success!
Mr. Joel M Nagel of Nagel & Associates, LLC. Helps to promote the annual Toy Drive of Living Word Church in San Pedro, Belize. Living Word Church’s Annual Toy Drive for the children of San Pedro was brighter than ever! Thanks to the continual support of Joel Nagel and the local community, every year, the event continues to grow. Communities near and far have come together once again to purchase and distribute toys to the underprivileged children of San Pedro, Belize to insure they have a toy this Christmas. On December 21, 2018, 1,100 toys were distributed at the Hon. Louise Sylvestre Sporting Field in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. That’s 1,100 children who received a special toy, cupcake, and Coke in the spirit of Christmas!

Excessive Force By Police Quick Response Team On Civilians
Bringing in the New Year is supposed to be a festive and joyous time for all to celebrate, sadly we get to report on a case of excessive force by police. A disturbing video footage was circulating on social media of what appears to be members of the Quick Response Team (QRT) beating down on a couple underage males outside a local bar establishment in the Boca Del Río Area, San Pedro Town. The video shows an officer kicking a young man on the face and another individual kicking him. The young man appears to be in an unconscious state and other individuals were also arrest for trying to render assistance. Up to now all we know is that one of the males was seriously injured and will be charged for assault.

Misc Belizean Sources

Statement from the Acting Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams regarding police brutality incident
"The Belize Department is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting two police officers and a civilian beating on two individuals. Please note that we condemn this kind of behavior in its strongest form. While we understand the difficulties under which our officers find themselves at times, this is not the behavior we expect of them. The Acting Commissioner of Police has ordered Professional Standards Branch to investigate this matter and the chips will fall where they may. The officers concerned will be suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation."

2018 Belize Rainfall
December was dry, less than half the typical rainfall, but then again October was very wet. 2018 saw very erratic rain conditions, far from typical. Belize Weather is or can be very variable over time. Look at the running daytime and night time temperatures for Belmopan below. If you look at 2011 to 2014 then there is no change, if you look at 2015 then there is a rapid rise, similar for 2004 - 2005, ( 2004 was a very cold year, 2005 was a very hot year. ) But 2015 - 2016 show a rapid decline, even lower when looking at 2009 - 2017.

BELIZE FORBIDDEN HISTORY
"I have now destroy your town which you will never again be allowed to occupy " British Colonel Robert William Harley message to the Maya of Yalbac . In early 1867 the British troops entered the Maya village of San Pedro Siris (Northwestern Belize) without oppositions. The British burn down the houses,corn houses and corn fields . The British launch a campaign against the Yucatec Maya people in Northwestern Belize burning down San Pedro Siris,Chunbal Che ,Santa Teresa,San Jose Yalbac,Naranjal,Cerro,Santa Cruz and other villages. Many Maya families moved to San felipe,Guinea Grass,Santa Cruz,San Estevan,San Roman Rio Hondo,San Lazaro ,Yo Creek and other villages in Orange Walk District . Also other Maya families move to Santa Familia ,Benque Viejo,San Antonio Cayo and other villages in Cayo District.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday .

Leonard Martinez is now back safe
News Five has just received confirmation from relatives that Leonard Martinez is now back safe at home!!

Red Recardo for sale
Finally we can offer our red Recardo made right from home. Promoting greatness. Kindly send us a message or visit us at our location. Delivery also available. View our Facebook page Blue Dove Hill to learn more about us. Thanks. Produced in San Pedro Town. Delivery available countrywide.

Graphiti Fest 2019
The General Public are invited to attend Graphiti Fest on Saturday January 12 at 9am. The event will be at thw Corozal House of Culture.

Oceana Looks back at 2018
2018 was another busy year for us at Oceana Belize, here’s a recap on what’s been happening over the past few months. We hope you enjoy and it inspires you to join us on our upcoming initiatives!

Channel 7

San Pedro Police Caught on Camera Brutalizing Man Like Ragdoll
2019 started off badly for law and order; first there were five murders reported on New Year's Day, and then, on New Year's night, San Pedro police were caught on camera clubbing and kicking a defenseless man around like a rag doll - while they manhandled two others. The victim, who appears to have been knocked unconscious is Jamir Leal and the other men are his two brothers. They were the center of a scene of chaos that played out in plain view of the public near the Playa Bar and Grill in the Boca Del Rio area of San Pedro Town.

Cops Suspended For 5 Days
This afternoon, police released the name of both officers after they were served with disciplinary papers. They are PC No. 1919 Samir Medina and PC No.2287 Tyrell Rowley. They have been placed on seven days suspension pending the findings of a criminal and internal Police Investigation.

Top Cop Snaps At Suggestion of Police Complicity
And while everything looks to be on the up and up - with the cops laying down the hardline and all - you might be saying to yourself, but haven't we seen this movie before? We kinda have - back in April of 2017 - when two police officers were seen abusing a woman and menacing residents with loaded weapons and live rounds. At the time, police suspended them, brought criminal charges…the whole nine, but the case fell through and those cops are back on active duty like nothing ever happened. Today, Acting Commissioner Williams bristled and snapped when the press brought up this and other failed prosecutions against lawmen:..

National Security Bosses Says No Mass Terror Even With 5 Murders In A Day
And while that's the public relations headache for police to start the new year, the real headache is the five murders reported on New Year's Day. What a terrible way to start the year! Especially coming off last year when there was a near-record 143 murders! And that's why the police senior command the the top official at the security ministry held a press conference this morning to tell everyone to be calm, they've got it under control:... (Ret.) Col. George Lovell, C.E.O., Ministry of National Security: "We started the new year on a sorrow note, with the murders that we have had over the last 24 hours. We saw where there have been 5, somewhat not linked, murders across the country of which while they do not speak to any sign of public terror, is of dire concern to the ministry and in deed to the entire nation."

Woman Killed By Ex In Front of Mother
But the first murder story we have tonight is the most shocking: a mother of 3 killed by her jealous ex common law, right in front of her own mother. It happened in Cayo and the victim is 34 year old Anita Pineda. She was lured to her friend's house in the Kontiki area of San Ignacio. That is where her ex common law Ruben Cassasola ambushed her. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this senseless murder. A New Year's visit turned deadly when Anita Pineda was ambushed on this verandah. She was stabbed to death. Yesterday evening around 6:00, Pineda was at her Shawville home in San Ignacio when her friend who rents this house, called her to come over.

Craftsman Killed In His Home Trying to Defend Woman
And while that was the 5th and final murder for New Year's day, the first was equally deranged where a 58 year old craftsman was viciously hacked to death in the quiet village of Lucky Strike, on the old Northern Highway. It happened shortly after 4:00 on New Year's morning and it has left residents of Lucky Strike in utter disbelief. That's because the violence did not end with the bloody homicide. Emanuel Pech followed the story to Lucky Strike and has the following report. Emanuel Pech reporting: The blood stains on this heap of wood and on the floor, are the telltale signs of the violence that was unleashed

Gang Boss Killed Off His Turf
Just before the break, we told you about the disturbing New Years Day murders in San Ignacio Town, and Lucky Strike Village. But that's only two of five, and so, we continue our newscast with reports on the other 3. We turn now to the Belize City murder of 21 year-old Joseph Babb. He's a resident of Jones Street in the Lake Independence Division, and he was a major player in a gang that is based in the Gungulung area. But sometime after 6:00 yesterday evening, he was out of his safe zone, in a residential area on the Northside, on Blue Marlin Drive. That's where a gunman ambushed him while he was standing in front of a food stall at the corner of Blue Marlin. That shooter jumped out of a vehicle and opened fire on Babb, who tried to escape by running through a yard. But, he couldn't get away from the determined shooter who gunned him down in front of Keffy's Shop, hitting him 4 times, including shots to the head and chest.

Three Shot in City
And while police said they have taken measures to curb further violence, there was a shooting in the city this afternoon. This evening at 4:30 - two men were shot on Police Street in the Martin's area. They are 23 year old Kevan Slusher who was hit to the hand and 22 year old Brandon Young who was shot to the arm. Brandon Young was at home when man approached them and fired several shots towards. Police recovered nine 9mm expended shells from the area. And there was also a shooting last night - two hours after the Joseph Babb murder, and it happened on the turf of a rival gang.

Murder on Jane Usher
10 minutes after that shooting near Wax House on the East Canal, City cops had to respond to another murder in the Jane Usher Boulevard area. This time the victim was 22 year-old Preston Reynolds Jr., a resident of Jane Usher Boulevard, and police say that he was riding his bike in that area when he was ambushed by gunmen who shot him to the back of the head, the lower back, and the buttocks area. Reports are that Reynolds jumped off his bike, and he tried to flee into a nearby area off Jane Usher Boulevard, but his attackers pursued him, shot him several times more, and then fled the scene.

Prelude to Man's Murder Was Women In Knife Fight
As you heard, police suspect that Preston Reynold's Jr. was murdered as a consequence of a dispute he had hours before. Well, that case went to the Magistrate's Court today. It involves 36 year-old Therese Elijio Young, a housewife of Neal Penn Road, who was accused by Reynolds' common-law wife, Tanisha Knox, of pulling a knife and then slashing her on the hand. Knox says that at around 10:30 a.m. yesterday, she went to visit Reynolds on Neal Penn Road. That's when Young allegedly confronted her and insulted her.

Blackman Eddy Body May Be Guatemalan
And we go back out west to Blackman Eddy Village where police found the body of a Hispanic man. No one has been able to identify him. He was dressed in long black pants, red and black checkered button shirt and a black tennis. He has several tattoos including a star on his lower right stomach, this tattoo on his forearm of a dollar sign and the letters PL, he also has the names Martinez and Irma and the date 1995 tattooed on him. We spoke to a resident who was with the group who found the body. Phillip Robateau, Area Resident: "Actually what happened yesterday I was helping my wife a little tamales dinner for the new year's. When I look I see the police vehicle pulled up by the side of the road. I see the police brought a stretcher in the vehicle. Some people went across the road. It's the guys from La Ruta Maya who found the body. They were practicing and they called the police."

Cops Say Man Was Killed Days Before
But, police may be able to avoid any culpability on this one. While it will go down in the statistics as a murder in Belize on January first, a post mortem shows that it happened days before, and, based on the individual's dress and other factors, police suspect it may have happened in Guatemala some days ago. Acting Compol Williams told us more:.. DCP Chester Williams, Ag. COMPOL: "Police were called to the Belize River in the area of Blackman Eddy Village, where they retrieved from the river the lifeless body of a male Hispanic person who has several tattoos all over the body. The person's hands were bound to the back. He was taken to the medical school as the body was in a preliminary state of decomposition and a postmortem examination conducted yesterday revealed that he died from manual strangulation. And so that is a case of murder that we are now investigating; this individual is still listed as John Doe."

Jamir Leal Says He Went Unconscious When Cops Started Beatdown
Going back now to Jamir Leal - he's the man who police kicked around like a rag doll last night in San Pedro. If kicks could kill…he'd be a dead man. But, very luckily, he isn't. And whether you chalk it up to good luck or the durability of the human body, Jamir Leal is at home tonight recovering. Speaking off camera to a reporter he said that he went into Playa Bar, saw his ex talking to a friend and flew into a rage which led to an argument:

Teenager Missing For Two Days
The family of a teenage girl is desperately searching for her since she went missing two days ago. Fourteen year old Kenisha Young left her home at six pm on Monday evening to go see her father in Sand Hill Village, but she never arrived. Today we spoke with her family: Reporter: "Has she ever been missing before?" Ava Young, Mother of Kenisha Young: "No. She's not a trouble child, but she just likes to go visit friends and sometimes she would go for hours. But she would let you know that well, I'm okay, I'm over at this friend's or I'm over that friend's house and eventually she would come home."

Paquil and Pollard To Remanded for One Round
Two men will spend the first two months of the New Year behind bars after they were caught with one bullet. 30 year old Aaron Paquil and 26 year old Jamie Pollard were hauled into court today to answer to the charges of kept unlicensed ammunition. Police say that on New Year's Day they searched a house on Police Street where they found one 9 millimeter round. Paquiul and Pollard both pleaded not guilty to the charge. They were denied bail and remanded into custody until the 6th of March.

New Year, New Babies, New Hope
Tonight's newscast has been dominated by news of killing and violence on the first day of 2019, but from all that death, we turn to now to the start of new life for the new year. This morning, the KHMH invited the press to meet the babies who were born on New Years Day. We stopped and spoke with Clarissa Williams, who gave birth to her her daughter, Baby Jayelle. Her daughter, who is her very first child, was born at 12:51 a.m. on New Years Day:

Old Veteran Win's New Year's Race
It's a New Year's tradition in its 29th year: the Krem Radio New Year's Day Cycling Classic. It's the Strat of the racing season leading up to the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic. And, maybe because of this - and the fact that a large part of the field isn't in top form, the 96 mile race from Corozal to Belize City has seen lots of blowout wins. This year was no different, but there was a wrinkle in the script when a veteran rider snuck up and stole victory from two contenders. Codie Norales was out on the road and Jules Vasquez has the story:

Was A Hard Road On New Year's Day
And after the race DeLong spoke about his sneaky strategy to overtake Travis Clayton and Nissan Arana near Maxboro and never look back:.. The first place winner took home a Chas price of $2,500 dollars and a round trip ticket to the US.

Channel 5

Senior Citizen in Lucky Strike is the First Murder Victim of 2019
It was a bloody New Year’s Day in Belize. Five persons were brutally killed within twenty-four hours. The first murder for 2019 was recorded in a small village in rural [...]

Lucky Strike Asks for More Law-Enforcement Support
In the aftermath of the homicide, Vice-Chairman and Justice of the Peace in Lucky Strike is making an appeal to the authorities for law-enforcement support in the village. According to [...]

A Reputed Gang Boss is Terminated on New Year’s Day
The Belize District had the distinction at the close of 2018 as the most murderous area in the Jewel.  The New Year is not shaking off that black eye and [...]

Glenford Mossiah Shot in Drive-by Near Wax House
There was another shooting elsewhere in the city. In the south side, the life of Glenford Mossiah came under threat. While a gunman fired as many as sixteen shots, Mossiah [...]

Crime Prevention Following Joseph Babb Execution
In order to thwart another wave of gun violence in the wake of Babb’s murder, the police department has rounded up a group of young men who are considered affiliates [...]

Preston Reynolds is Executed on Jane Usher Boulevard
The first twenty-four hours of 2019 was nightmarish in Belize City as the violence would not let up even as police put more boots on the ground. Twenty-two-year-old Preston Reynolds [...]

Young Mother of 3 Fatally Stabbed by Ex-Common-Law Husband
One of the persons to be killed during the bloodbath on the first day of the New Year was a young mother of three. Anita Pineda was reportedly stabbed by [...]

John Doe Fished Out of Belize River
Also in western Belize, the Belize Police Department is investigating the murder of an unidentified Hispanic man. The body was fished out of the Belize River near Blackman Eddy Village, [...]

Caught on Video: San Pedro Cops Beat Down Civilians
Two rogue cops have been placed on suspension. They are Samir Medina and Tyrell Rowley, who were caught on camera beating up two men in the Boca del Rio area [...]

P.U.P. Expresses Outrage over Police Brutality in San Pedro
The beating of the two men by the police is facing outrage in various quarters. The People’s United Party is condemning what it calls the outrageous, criminal actions of two [...]

B.N.T.U. President Says M.O.E. Has Disrespected Teacher
The Belize National Teachers Union says the Ministry of Education has disrespected its membership when it came out batting for the school managements that have docked teachers’ salaries for the [...]

B.N.T.U. to M.O.E. – “We are not backing down!”
So the line has been drawn. The B.N.T.U. says it will stand by its decision to protest the managements’ docking of salaries for November seventh.  Senator Smith says the union [...]

Reorganization of Police Department is Coming in 2019
In the wake of the record number of killings in a span of twenty-four hours, Chief Executive Officer George Lovell, of the Ministry of National Security, has outlined a strategy [...]

National Security C.E.O. Rebuts Criticism of Police Crime Fighting Strategy
Over the past few years, the Ministry of National Security and the Belize Police Department have attempted a number of strategies to arrest crime and violence in Belize City.  2018 [...]

Meet Jayelle – First Born Baby of 2019 in Belize
Here is an uplifting story. A twenty-eight-year-old first-time mother welcomed her bundle of joy as the first baby to be born in Belize at the start of 2019. Clarissa Williams [...]

LOVE FM

Glenford Mossiah shooting is not connected with the Joseph Babb murder
Aside from the murders in Belize City, police are also investigating a shooting that left 45-year-old, Glenford Mossiah, injured on January 1. Mossiah was socializing with others in front of a house on East Canal in Belize City when a silver PT Cruiser approached and shots were fired from within the vehicle, hitting Mossiah multiple …

San Pedro Police officers use excessive force on civilian and its caught on video
Two police officers are on suspension for seven days and are being investigated for their role in the beat down of at least one man on San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. This follows the publication of a video that went viral on social media on the night of January one. The incident is reported to have …

Man is brutally chopped to death in his home in Lucky Strike Village
The new year began with a bang at Memorial Park in Belize City at the stroke of midnight. Hours later, however, things got bloody and by the end of the holiday, police investigators were looking into five murders. The first is the case involving Howard Coleman of Lucky Strike Village, Belize District. Dalila Ical has …

Gang leader Joseph Babb executed on New Year’s Day
Reports of the third murder came in just after seven o’clock last night. Joseph Babb was executed on Blue Marlin Drive in Belize City. Babb is said to be the head of a gang in Belize City. Police are still looking for shooter and motive. DCP Chester Williams: “We have our theory where this murder …

Police suspect that a dispute lead to death of Preston Reynolds in Southside Belize City
The fourth murder was also registered in Belize City on the same night. It happened in region one or Southside Belize City about an hour after Joseph Babb was killed. Police were called to the Jane Usher Boulevard where they found Preston Reynolds on the ground. He had been shot to the neck and back …

Shooting leaves neighborhood paralyzed
There was a shooting incident just after four o’clock this evening on Police Street in Belize city. A team from our news centre rushed to the crime scene and found that two persons were injured. Police had the area cordoned off but we did manage to talk to a neighbor who told us what she …

Human Rights Commission of Belize condemns Police actions on San Pedro Island
As a result of the video, the Human Rights Commission of Belize fired off a release, describing the incident as disturbing and a case of excessive force. The release reads, in part, quote, “It is especially lamentable that it falls within a time when the narrative is protected by the fear brought on by a …

Mother blames Corozal Hospital for the death of her baby
Leah Miller is in mourning tonight as she recently lost her baby boy and the family is blaming the Corozal Hospital. The 11-week-old baby was with diarrhea and had been vomiting excessively and was taken to the hospital on New Year’s Eve to seek medical attention. She was not attended to; instead, she was referred …

Jayelle Williams: first born baby of 2019
The traditional welcoming of the first-born baby took place at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. A brief introduction of the little girl and her mother was done this morning as they both received gifts and tokens. The baby was born at six pounds, four ounces via a normal delivery and was born …

The Reporter

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEADS TO FATAL STABBING IN SAN IGNACIO
The Reporter has been able to confirm that there was a fatal stabbing in San Ignacio an hour ago. According to sources, there was an altercation between Anita Pineda, 37, and her common law husband Rueben Cassasola...

GANG FIGURE JOSEPH BABB KILLED IN BELIZE CITY
The 3rd murder victim of the New Year has been identified as Joseph Babb, 20. Babb was allegedly shot multiple times on Blue Marlin Drive...

Breaking Belize News

PUP condemns ‘criminal actions’ of police
The People’s United Party (PUP) joins the rest of the nation in condemning the behavior of two […]

First baby of 2019 celebrated
Clarissa Williams, 28, welcomed the first baby in Belize for the New Year 2019. The Karl Heusner […]

NGO’s condemn rogue action by police
The Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) today issued a release expressing supports for the statement issued by […]

Officers accused of brutality placed on suspension
The two police officers accused of using excessive force in San Pedro, and which was caught […]

Orange Walk’s Mayor condemns police abuse
Mayor of Orange Walk town, Kevin Bernard joins the Human Rights Commission and the Belize […]

Fourteen-year-old student reported missing
The family of 14-year-old Kenisha Young is seeking the public’s assistance in locating her. On December […]

Police Department condemns excessive use of force on San Pedro residents
A video depicting two police officers and a civilian beating two persons in San Pedro, Ambergris […]

Happy New Year?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Police issue official report on shooting incident near George Street in Belize City
Belize City police have issued an official report on a shooting incident in George Street Gang […]

Police: Preston Reynolds Jr. shot and killed while riding his bicycle in Belize City
The Belize Police Department has issued an official statement on last night’s murder of Preston Reynolds […]

Police: Joseph Babb dies after being shot multiple times in Belize City
The Belize Police Department has issued an official report on reputed gang boss, Joseph Babb, 21. […]

Human Rights Commission condemn police abuse in San Pedro
Last night footage of apparent police abuse in San Pedro Town went viral on social media. […]

Blogs

New Executive Chef Brings A New Taste & Name to Restaurants at Grand Caribe Resort
Just before Christmas, I received an invite to eat at Rain Restaurant at Grand Caribe Resort. We were in the midst of the pre-holiday flurry…and getting me out of the house at night is like pulling a crab from his shell… NEWS: Chris Aycock is the new Executive Chef at Rain Restaurant and the dinner-only restaurant formerly known as EVOO. Rain and EVOO – The 3rd and 4th floor restaurants (with the gorgeous outside eating space and bar) at the ever growing Grand Caribe Resort – about 1.5 miles north of the bridge. One of the largest resorts on the island. The new chef is no Johnny-come-lately. I’ve known Chris for quite a while and you probably all know him too. If not his name then most certainly by his food. Chef Aycock was a co-founder of Blue Water Grill in 2001. And executive chef there until just last year. He also first came to San Pedro in 1979…but more on that later.

New Years Eve - Iguana Juan's
There are so many great places to go on New Year’s Eve in San Pedro. Even if you are not one to stay up until midnight to hit the fireworks like us, there are so many things to do and parties to be invited to! Our friends here on the Caye are the owners of Iguana Juans in downtown San Pedro. This great restaurant is nestled on the second floor between Middle Street and Back Street. The owners, Brad and Shannon Reeder, could not be more pleasant! They are some of the best hosts we have encountered on the Caye. The New Years Eve special was perfectly priced, the live music was some of the best we have heard here on the Caye in a very long time, and the food was just nummy. The four course meal started with a glass of champagne, which was a perfect way to toast in the new year with our group of 8 friends. Next we were greeted with delicious bruschetta. Second course, was a choice of soup de jour or a wedge salad.

International Sources

Diario dal Belize: scambi di persona a Caye Caulker e italiani da esportazione
Arrivo in mattinata per il check in e una ragazza mi dice che la camera non è pronta e devo tornare dopo le 11. No problem. Torno e un tizio mi accoglie: “Ciao Roberto. Scusa il ritardo ma ho dormito fino a tardi oggi e visto che la stanza era libera ho dormito qui” Quindi era occupata da uno dell’ostello. Ok. Amen. Bellissima camera con vista. Esco e faccio un tuffo in mare. Torno e trovo due persone in camera in mezzo alla mia roba: “Scusa devi spostarti, il ragazzo si è sbagliato”. Ok, peccato. Arriva il receptionist dell’ostello che ribadisce il concetto e con aria di rimprovero mi dice: “Devo spostarti nell’altra stanza in basso (molto più brutta), però quando ti ho detto ciao Roberto potevi dirmi che non sei Roberto”. “Ma io sono Roberto” “No tu non sei Roberto. Roberto è l’altro”.

Videos

January 2, 2019

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

Misc Belizean Sources

Police use excess force in San Pedro
Human Rights Commission of Belize responds to police abuse on Ambergris Caye. The Human Rights Commission of Belize has seen video clips of a violent incident between the MIT of the police force and a subdued civilian in San Pedro. The footage is deeply disturbing and appears to be a disciplinable cause for action by the professional standards branch. This is from all appearances and angles a case of excessive force. It is especially lamentable that it falls within a time when the narrative is protected by the fear brought on by a deadly spike in murders for the new year.

BELIZE MA'ALOB K'IIN
ÒOK'OSTAJ POOL being danced by Maya dancers from the group U Il' Ixi'im (San Narciso) for el Festival del Pueblo(San Lazaro). The Óok'ostaj Pool "La cabeza del Cochino" has its origins in Prehispanic Maya times and was a ceremony done to thank nature which was consider as fundament of life and the provider of all our needs.Before it was done with birds and wild animals got by hunting but today it is done with domestic animals especially with the pig head . Today the Óok'ostaj Pool is still done by the Maya communities of Northern and western Belize in a more spiritual sense .

Channel 5

Body Found
A body was fished out of the river in the area of Blackman Eddy, Cayo, this morning. Reports indicated that the person’s hands were tied behind his back. He was also found with a gunshot wound to the head. Police are investigating.

Murder in Lucky Strike
Howard Coleman was found fatally stabbed this morning. He was found inside his home in Lucky Strike Village, motionless on his living room floor. Reports indicate that he was stabbed sometime between last night and early this morning. A resident from Lucky Strike Village has been detained for questioning.

The Reporter

APPARENT MURDER IN LUCKY-STRIKE VILLAGE
The Reporter has confirmed that a resident of Lucky Strike was murdered sometime between last night and this morning. The man, identified as Howard Coleman was found in his home with multiple stab and chop wounds all over his body.

Breaking Belize News

Ruben Cassasola sought by police for Anita Pineda’s murder
A woman from San Ignacio lost her life tonight as a result of a domestic dispute. Around 8 tonight, Anita Pineda, 33, a resident of Shawville, San Ignacio was at the home of a relative on Constellation boulevard in San Ignacio when her common law husband, Ruben Cassasola arrived. […]

Man shot near George Street, Belize
A shooting in Belize City has left one man injured. He is yet to be identified. However, we can confirm he was shot somewhere near the popular wax house in territory belonging to the George Street Gang. He has since been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in a stable condition. […]

Man murdered in Port Loyola is Belize’s fifth murder for 2019
BBN has confirmed that a second person was murdered tonight in Belize City, bringing the country’s murder count to an astonishing 5 on the first day of 2019. Preston Reynolds was found dead in the bushes alongside JR Street in the Jane Usher area of Port Loyola in Belize city. […]

San Ignacio woman stabbed to death in domestic dispute is Belize’s 4th murder victim
Reports to BBN indicate that a woman was stabbed to death tonight in San Ignacio, Cayo. Sources say that the woman was involved in a domestic altercation and she was stabbed multiple times at the home of a relative in the Kontiki area of San Ignacio, Cayo. […]

Reputed Crips gang boss is third murder victim for 2019
The reputed gang boss of the Backa-Lands Crips in Belize City was gunned down tonight. He is Joseph Babb, 20. Babb was shot to death a while ago on Blue Marlin Drive near Coney Drive in Belize City. […]

Body found in Blackman Eddy, Cayo
Authorities this morning retrieved the partially decomposed body of a hispanic man from the river in Blackman Eddy village, Cayo. The body was found tangled in the bamboo of a small island in the middle of the river. Eyewitnesses confirm to BBN that the body was found shirtless and that the victim’s hands were tied behind his back. […]

Home burglarized out west
Sometime between Sunday and Monday night, a home was burglarized in Western Belize. Shimon Cain reported to police that he secured his aunt’s home at 17 ½ miles on the George Price Highway on Sunday night. […]

Child runs away from home, police tries to locate her
ayo police are trying to locate a child who ran away from her home. She is Miriam Guzman, 15. Guzman ran away from her home in St. Matthews Village at around 9 p.m. on Saturday night. […]

Man chopped to death?
There are reports of a chopping death in the Belize District. The victim was reportedly chopped to death near his home in Lucky Strike. However, police are yet to issue an official report with further details on this matter. […]

Blogs

Day at the Spa...
If you want to unwind, relax, and enjoy being pampered, the Victoria House might be the best spa on the Caye. Now it is not the least expensive, but it is the best they have to offer here in San Pedro. If you are staying on property or just visiting for the spa, it is a beautiful experience. At the spa you are greeted by a warm Belizean concierge, she guides you to the waiting room, where you can enjoy a cup of hot tea or some refreshing cucumber water. My masseuse arrives and brings me to the massage room, the room is quaint, clean, and perfectly manicured. The choice of essential oils are in abundance as I sprawl out on the massage table.

Solo Travel in Belize: It’s Your Ticket to Adventure and Empowerment
If you’re thinking of stepping onto the scary solo travel ledge, you couldn’t choose a better place to spread your wings and fly than Belize. Solo travel within this welcoming country is empowering and rewarding because you go where you want to go—and when you want to go. How safe is Belize for a solo traveler? What’s been stopping you from taking this life-altering step? If you’re like most people, you worry about safety and not being able to communicate with others because you only speak English. You can forget about both roadblocks. Belize is not only safe, but everyone speaks English. And, violent crimes against travelers are nearly unheard of.

International Sources

Dutch add Guernsey, Belize and Isle of Man to tax evasion blacklist
The Dutch finance ministry is expanding its official list of places it considers to be involved in tax evasion by a further 16 low tax jurisdictions, including the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Belize. All either have zero corporate tax or a rate lower than 9%. The additions bring the total number of jurisdiction on the Dutch blacklist to 21. "By drawing up our own, tough blacklist, we are showing again that we are serious in our battle against tax evasion," junior tax minister Menno Snel said in a statement. "And this is just one of the measures we are taking," he added.

JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT GOES AHEAD WITH PLASTIC BAN
The Jamaica government Monday dismissed calls for a postponement of the ban on plastic bags that goes into effect on January 1. The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called for the postponement and urging the government to move expeditiously to an island-wide public education and awareness campaign to sensitize the public ahead of any move to replace the popular plastic bags.

Videos

January 1, 2019

Happy New Year!!!

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

Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project distributes gifts to island children on Boxing Day
Hundreds of children received a Christmas present courtesy of Nayobie’s Hope for Children Project on Boxing Day, Wednesday, December 26th. The annual project spearheaded by 15-year-old Nayobie Rivero aims to provide children of modest means with a gift and the joyful spirit of the Christmas Season. The funds to purchase the gifts were raised at a fashion show held on Saturday, December 22nd at the Sandy Toes Bar and Grill. Rivero along with her family and friends delivered the presents just in time for Boxing Day, a time when children get to open their presents. They visited many areas of San Pedro Town bringing happiness to the many children with bright smiles when they received their goodies. Arrangements were also made to distribute presents to an orphanage on the mainland later in the month.

Ambergris Today

Pic Of The Week - No To Oil Exploration
On December 30th 2017, the Petroleum Operations Maritime Zone Moratorium Act was passed into law. In celebration of its one-year anniversary, sensational Belizeans and wavemakers from all over the country came together to commemorate this milestone and to reiterate the message that we stand proud and strong in our decision to stop oil exploration in our waters. Together, we celebrate ‘The People’s Law’ and we thank everyone in attendance and everyone that has been along for the journey, your continued support does not go unnoticed. Together, we will continue to stand up for Belize!

Misc Belizean Sources

Ruby’s Hotel in San Pedro has closed
Ruby’s Hotel - one of the older hotels in San Pedro has been sold. Hearing it was sold to the San Pedro Belize Express and that they are going to be building a dock there for their terminal. But Ruby's Cafe will open right across from RC school. Next to Vilma Linda Plaza. The water taxi is moving there after the dock is completed..

Belize Birding Calendar 2019
January: 1st – Gallon Jug Christmas Bird Count, 4th – Punta Gorda Christmas Bird Count, 28th – Bald Hills MPR. February: 24-25 – La Milpa and Chan Chich. March: 18-19 – Las Cuevas, Chiquibul.

PM Rt. Hon Dean Barrow's 2019 New Year Message
This annual December close out address to you is one of high confidence. I believe we have every reason to send off the old year with satisfaction, and welcome the New with optimism. The basis for this buoyancy is manifold; and begins with the fact that it is almost a given in human affairs that good sets the stage for great. Thus, the positive things of 2018 presage not only continuation but improvement in 2019. And the logic that what was well in 2018 will be even better in 2019 is, to me, inescapable. The fact is that Government got a number of welcome boosts in the last part of 2018, powered by good financial news, good tourism news, and good diplomatic news. That has supercharged our determination to seize 2019 with both hands and wring from it every last bit of the promise with which it is coming upon us. Let me expand on this a little. As always, first in order of importance in any assessment of how we are doing, is the economy.

8th Annual Chili Cook Off
Sunday, January 13th, 1pm. The New Millennium Restaurant, Consejo

LP Gas & Supply customer appreciation raffle
Casually Amber Edwards walked in to buy a new Gas tank at LP GAS & SUPPLIESthis morning only to get a call a few hours later that she was the winner of a brand new Motorcycle in their end-of-year customer appreciation raffle. One motorcycle was given away at each of their 3 branches in Belize.

"Losers" Not open yet but soon
. Boca Del Rio San Pedro.

Burning "El Viejo"
In many Yucatec Maya (Maya Mestizo) communities in Northern Belize every year they burning "El Viejo" . The figure is usually an old man made with old clothes, stuffed with cotton and firecrackers the size of a human figure. He is seated in the doors of the houses several days before, expecting it to be burn at midnight of December 31 symbolizing that the past is left behind and everything that happened in the year that is ending. Families and neighbors often gather to see him "burn" on the old night. Of course, always with great care and with adult surveillance . This tradition is not from Maya origin but have been adopted by our people .

Crazy Hair Day @ RC School - International Children's Day 2018
As we celebrate Old Year's Night and the dawn of a new year, I wish you you lots of smiles, joy, crazy hair days and playful moments in 2019. A few moments with some of my favourite little people...

Channel 7

Clues to A Killing
Tonight, Anisha Young's family is one step closer to knowing what happened to their loved one, but many painful steps away from unravelling the mystery of her disappearance and apparent murder. The search team had a breakthrough on Saturday evening. They found a shallow grave off a feeder road in Maskall Village on the old Northern Highway. In it they found a hair weave and skin tissue believed to be Young's. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this major update. The search for Anisha Young led the family to this shallow grave in Maskall Village. A relative is seen scooping out the mud and murky water - hoping to find Young's body. Well, they didn't find her remains but they found other crucial pieces of evidence.

Cops Say Discoveries Inconclusive
Today at the press briefing, police confirmed that the skin samples were human remains but without DNA testing they can't say if they belong to Young. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Saturday, I know that the family was conducting their searches in the Burrell Boom area, and thereafter, they had received some information about a smell coming out of some yard by the Maskall area. As a result, the family proceeded there. It is about a mile off the Philip Goldson Highway, a mile into Maskall, and it's about 150 yards inside of a swampy area, where they found a small shallow grave..."

Highway Collision Sends Two Guardsmen To Hospital
Two coast guard officers, including cyclist Joslyn Chavarria were injured in an accident this morning around 11:00 near mile 9 and a half on the Western Highway. Coast Guard driver Ingrid Alcoser was at the wheel while Chavarria was in the pan of the pickup. They were heading to the coast guard headquarters when a cargo truck rear-ended them. No one was seriously hurt, but it caused a major bottleneck on the highway. After about an hour or so, police cleared the scene. The driver of the cargo truck told us off camera that another vehicle was in front of the coast guard truck and it stopped abruptly, trying to avoid hitting a cyclist.

Elderly Woman Killed While Wandering On Road
A 66 year old woman was knocked down and killed by a taxi van sometime after 7:00 pm last night. It happened near Los Lagos junction on the Phillip Goldson Highway where police say the elderly woman was practically walking in the middle of the road when she was hit. She is 66 year old Rosita Armstrong a resident Ladyville village, who, may have suffered from mental illness. Police told us more. ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC CIB Belize City: "Last night, just after 7:25 p.m., Ladyville police visited an area between miles 12 and 13 of the Philip Goldson Highway, an area close to Los Lagos, where upon arrival, they observed a blue vehicle in the middle of the road. Also beside it, about 6 feet away from the vehicle, was a motionless body of a female who was identified as Rosita Armstrong..."

City Man Killed In Deep South Accident
The weekend's other fatal accident happened about 17 hours earlier on the Southern Highway near mile 19. Police say that at around 2 a.m. on Sunday they found the lifeless body of 47 year-old Cliff Usher, a Belize City resident on the highway's shoulder. His wrecked grey Jeep Cherokee was in a heap on the side of the road. ASP Alejandro Cowo told us today that police believe he lost control of the vehicle and overturned several times and was flung to his death:

UDP Sics Soldiers At PUC
On Friday's news, we told you about the Barrow ADMINISTRATION's dispute with the Public Utilities Commission over its decision to approve a 6.9% increase in your light bill, starting next month. Government is pushing for the PUC to hold off on the increase, and consider it in 6 months. All this is after the PUC approved increased electricity rates from 39.2 cents per kilowatt hour to 42 cents per kilowatt hour - effective tomorrow. But, there is a ten day window to file an objection to the decision in writing - and it seems Government will do so through no less than the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities.

Cop Crashes in Camalote
We've already told you about two weekend fatalities. The weekend's third major accident happened on Saturday evening on the George Price Highway. It involved a police officer on a motorcycle. ASP Cowo told us that the cop survived a head-on collision with a pick-up truck: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Saturday, 29th of December, 2018, at about 6:40 p.m., Roaring Creek Police visited Camalote Village, where they observed a black Wingle pickup, and also a black motorcycle. And also beside the motorcycle, they found a police officer wearing his #1 uniform, suffering from many abrasions, and a left broken leg..."

Police Suggest Injured Gunman May Be Charged
On Friday, we told you about a shooting on Fabers Road in Belize City which landed the alleged would-be gunman in hospital in a critical condition. Police are refusing to disclose his identity at this time, but best information to 7News is that he is 34 year-old Frank Smith, who has had past run-ins with the law. Reports are that he went to the Hislop family home on Fabers Road, where he confronted 24 year-old Dennis Hislop Jr about a horse. That led to a confrontation, where Smith allegedly pulled a weapon on Hislop. He ran away to the back of his house, and that's when a struggle endued. Police told us what happened next - and why it is not a cut and dry case:

PM Patt To End 2018
Hugo Patt is starting his New Year right as acting Prime Minister. The Corozal North representative is holding over for PM Dean Barrow until this Saturday, January fifth. An official press release says the Prime Minister left on Saturday for one week's personal leave.

Aloma All Ovah
A woman says she was held at the Queen Street Police station after the door nearly fell on her. She is Aloma Ashon and according to her, she visited the police station to make a formal complaint against someone she has been having personal problems with. She claims they didn't take her seriously and redirected her to the Racoon Street Police Station. It was upon making her way out that things went south for her and police accused her of damage to property. Aloma Ashon: "When I opened the door, the door drop. The door didn't drop down nor it didn't break up. The door was loose on the top. The door didn't drop, it keeled. I said sorry mister, it didn't broke and it didn't fell down. He called for the WPC to charge "baba" - come and charge her..."

Looking Back At The News Of 2018
For better or worse, 2018 is about to be retired to the history books - but not before Jules Vasquez takes one final look back: Jules Vasquez reporting January began the news year with what would be a recurring story: a drug plane crashed and burned in the north. We saw a woman Police Constable go to court, charged For Fareed Ahmad's Murder And later in the month, we saw another unusual face accused at court, as extradition Proceedings Begin For attorney Andrew Bennet, In February, hearts swelled when two missing NICH rangers were found after 48 hours lost in the bush behind Caracol.

Remembering Our Favourite Stories: Courtney, Cannabis, Columbia Forest
And continuing to say goodbye to 2018, we look back at another of our favorite stories, this one from Courtney Weatherburne. She went into the wilds of Toledo with the BDF on a hunt for marijuana - and here's what she found:... It might seem like a relaxed day at the BDF Fairweather camp in Toledo, perfect for an evening jog around the block. But it is anything but relaxed inside this dome shaped zinc hut as the team discuss Operation Caracol.

Streets Are Full Of Hope For The New Year
And from the bush of Toledo to the streets of Belize City, New Year's eve is here and that means it's time for another street sampling in down town Belize City. The burning question this time was "what da your new year's resolution?" and "what da your hope for 2019?" As always we got a pretty wide array of responses but most seemed to gravitate towards peace, love and prosperity. Here's what we heard:

New Years Day Is All About Pedal Pushing
And while regular folks are hoping for peace and love, elite cyclists want victory in 2019! Tonight, 80 of them, including 68 Belizeans, are preparing for tomorrow morning, when they will take on 95 miles of open road for 29th running of the Krem New Years Day Cycling classic. They'll racing from the Santa Elena Border in Corozal, all the way to Central American Boulevard in Belize City. Race promoter Kwame Scott told us why it will be full of exciting sprints:

PM Suggests "Reform"� Coming to "Very Top"� of Police
Turning now to policing - crime continues to be a dominant force in our society, and in the news. 2018 will end with 143 murders, which is one more than last year's official count, but two less than our unofficial count. Whatever the case, it's reason for grim reflection: to lose more than 140 Belizeans every year to violent homicide is unspeakable.

Gun "Eena Plait"�
This weekend, police managed took an oddly packaged illegal weapon off the streets of Belize City. On Saturday night, at around 8:00 intelligence led the cops to search a drain on Fern Lane in the St. Martin's area. That led the officers to white styrofoam plate. And while it may have looked like garbage, what the officers found inside was not spoilt food. Someone used it, instead, to hide a rusty .38 Smith and Wesson special revolver. Also inside the plate - like a side dish - were 24 bullets, 2 live rounds of .38 ammunition and 22 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Police Urge Caution in Your New Year's
And while the police keep doing their work - many of us will celebrate the New Year tonight, under the blanket of safety they create. And while the cops will do their part, they made a plea to the general public to be safe and cautious, while out socializing:

Thanks for 2018
And, that's it for 7news on this New Year's Eve - thanks for watching I'm Indira CRaig… From all of us here at 7News, here's our wish that you have a great New Year's celebration. Thanks for watching 7NEws this year, and we hope to continue to be your news station in 2019…. We leave you tonight - on this last night of the Christmas season with Cocono Bwai and Joss Stone singing "Brukdown Christmas". Please find the link at Joss Stone's Facebook page.

Channel 5

First Clue in Missing Anisha Young
As we close 2018 with this newscast, investigating officers might have a first clue in the murder of Anisha Young. The young woman has not been seen or heard from [...]

Conservation Tips from P.U.C., Despite Pending Increase in Electricity Rate
Electricity rates are set to go up at midnight, along with the bringing in of a new year.  The increase, however, is the second adjustment to the light bill that [...]

P.U.P.: Barrow’s Smoke & Mirrors Circus Act
So on the eve of the New Year, the P.U.C. has not responded to government’s objection to the increase of forty-three cents in electricity rates. The P.U.C. chair, we are [...]

Rosita Armstrong is Knocked Down and Killed
The family of Rosita Armstrong is tonight mourning her death. The sixty-six-year-old Ladyville resident was knocked down and killed at around seven-thirty on Sunday night. The incident happened between miles [...]

RTA Claims Life of Belize City Man
There was another fatality on the highway, this time in the south. A road traffic accident two days before the New Year claimed the life of forty-seven-year-old Cliff Russell Usher. [...]

Cop Hospitalized after Motorcycle Accident
In a third accident, though not fatal, a police officer crashed on his motorcycle in Camalote Village over the weekend. The officer was driving his cycle around six-thirty that evening [...]

A Final Tally: Murder Count at 143 for 2018
One hundred and forty-three, that is the murder count tonight for 2018 which trails the 2012 record-breaking figure by two.  The first part of the year was the most violent [...]

Will the Police Department see a Reform in the New Year?
The scourge of crime and violence continues into 2019 and government, as well as the Belize Police Department is still very much hamstrung in stemming the bloodshed.  It is a [...]

Investigation Ongoing into Faber’s Road Shooting; Charges are Expected Shortly
In our previous newscast, we aired the story about a man who was shot after he attacked a family on Faber’s Road. The alleged gunman, Frank Smith, and another man [...]

Resolutions for 2019; City Folks Tell Us Their Wish
Worldwide, the New Year’s celebration started across continents in New Zealand.  In a few, fireworks will kick off to welcome the New Year here in the country.  Across the city [...]

Belize’s Fiscal Performance is Lauded by PM Barrow in New Year’s Message
Prime Minister Barrow’s annual New Year’s message, set against a jazz rendition of Auld Lang Syne, covers several issues, including the economy, as well as crime and violence.  In the [...]

An Appeal for Voters to Come Out on Referendum Day
With the dawn of a new year upon us, the perennial issue of the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute and its possible resolution via the International Court of Justice also takes center [...]

Police Department Shares Safety Tips for New Year’s Celebration
If you’re planning to have a party or enjoy some festivities with family and friends to bring in 2019, it is important that you follow general safety tips to keep [...]

2018 Year in Review
Our reporters and cameramen were hard at work throughout the year, documenting the major stories that were in the headlines. Tonight, as we conclude our final newscast for 2018, we [...]

LOVE FM

PM Looks to 2019 Referendum
Belize obtained its independence on September 21, 1981; however, it still has not been able to enjoy full sovereignty with Guatemala’s unfounded claim still pending. However, it is hoped that in April of 2019, we will be one step closer to solving the dispute, when Belize will vote in a referendum to take the matter …

Police say alleged horse theft led to Shooting
After a group of minors tried to steal a horse, the uncle of one of the thieves, Frank Smith went to the home of the horse owners to confront them. Frank Smith had a weapon and fired several shots at Dennis Hislop. Hislop senior, according to the police, used his licensed firearm to defend his …

Police find partial human remains
It’s been three weeks since Anisha Young went missing after an office party and socializing along the entertainment strip in Belize City. Coworkers and her boyfriend were questioned by the police about her whereabouts. The trail appeared to be getting cold but the police say that they have uncovered evidence in Maskall Village – strands …

Police Say Accident Victim walked into Highway
The victim of the second road traffic incident is a Ladyville resident identified as 66-year-old, Rosita Armstrong. Police say Armstrong was walking in the middle of the highway when she was hit. ASP Alejandro Cowo: “Rachel Armstrong the information that the Police gathered so far is that the driver of the vehicle Mr. Winston Bode …

GOB says 10 million in Micro Credit Facility for businesses
As you’ve heard earlier in the newscast, the Government of Belize has released the Prime Minister’s Annual New Year’s and tooted his own horn when he opened up when he said the last part of 2018 was QUOTE “powered by good financial news, good tourism news, and good diplomatic news” UNQUOTE. The positive New Year’s …

A Toledo Christmas for Kids
Children and adults were treated to gifts for the Christmas in the Toledo District. Correspondent Paul Mahung has the story. Paul Mahung: “Christmas gifts including wheelchairs were presented to a number of families and the individuals in Punta Gorda and nearby rural communities in Toledo. The timely Christmas gifts surely brought joy to the recipients …

Belize City Resident Perishes in Fatal RTA
The police department is encouraging motorists to be careful as accidents are still occurring before the close of the year. A Belize City resident passed away during a tragic accident that occurred early Sunday morning. Cliff Russel Usher, an employee of Citrus Products of Belize Limited crashed along the highway in Dangriga. ASP Alejandro Cowo …

Hattieville Resident Missing
The family of Jason Williams is concerned as he may have wondered off. The 22 year old resident of Hattieville was last seen by his family on the 28th of December. However, he was not reported missing until today. Williams was last seen wearing a black shirt, a green short pants and a pair of …

Officer Knocked down in Incident
There was a third road traffic accident over the weekend however, the victim was not killed. A police officer was hospitalized over the weekend after he was involved in a traffic incident in Belmopan. Correspondent Fem Cruz reports. Fem Cruz Cayo Correspondent: “A late Saturday evening traffic incident on the George Price Highway left a …

The Reporter

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT KILLS LADYVILLE WOMAN SUNDAY NIGHT
Just before 7:30pm Sunday night (December 30th.) a resident of Ladyville was knocked down and killed as she walked on the Phillip Goldson Highway near Los Lagos. While Police are still investigating, ASP Alejandro Cowo says it appears Rosita Armstrong, who reportedly suffers from mental illness, was walking in the middle of the road when she was struck by the vehicle.

ANISHA YOUNG – UPDATE- Dec. 31st. 2018
Today, while speaking to the media, ASP Alejandro Cowo confirmed that the shallow grave located off the Maskall Road over the weekend, and which family members suspect may have been the temporary burial place of Anny Young, is only a quarter mile away from the home of one of the original suspects detained after she went missing.

Breaking Belize News

Mental health patient loses her life in fatal road accident
Last night there was a fatal road traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway. Somewhere […]

Police investigating human remains found in shallow grave
Today Assistant Superintendent of Police, Alejandro Cowo, provided an update on some human remains found […]

PUP slams Barrow regarding increased electricity rates
The People’s United Party (PUP) has released a statement entitled, “Barrow’s Smoke and Mirror Act.” The statement […]

PM Barrow: GOB is allocating $10 million in micro-credit to assist entrepreneurs and farmers
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has announced a $10 million micro-credit program to benefit entrepreneurs and farmers […]

PM Barrow’s New Year Message to All Belizeans
Prime Minister of Belize Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow My Fellow Belizeans, This annual December close out address […]

Ministry of Education supports school managers for ‘docking’ teachers salaries
Last week, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) via a press release blasted school managers for docking teachers’ salaries who attended a BNTU protest last month. Since then, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has come out in full support of school managers by saying that the managers have the authority to disallow the claim for payment for any period of unauthorized absence by teachers.

GOB secures funding for Caracol Road
Prime Minister Dean Barrow in his New Year’s message to Belizeans announced that the Government of Belize (GOB) has secured the full funding for the Caracol Road Upgrading Project. Barrow said that the signing ceremony for the funding of the project will take place on January 14, 2019.

Blogs

Belizean Teachers & Writers Wanted
As we slide into 2019, I am pleased to bring opportunity forward. Not only am I posting a second round for Belize Teachers Wanted by United States Schools, but I also have a great grant writer opportunity as well from a different company. Belizean teachers could expand their capacities in United States, See video. For the first time in Belize, the largest designated US Department of State Exchange Visitor Program for teachers, Participate, is recruiting teachers from Belize to work in schools in the United States for 3 to 5 years and expand their professional capacities in the next school year, beginning in August 2019.

How about some fun Belizean traditions for New Year’s?!
For the Mestizo of Northern Belize, wearing red underwear is a must if you desire a year filled with love. I guess if you are ending 2017 without a significant other, you might need to consider this tradition to increase your chances of romance in the New Year. If you feel especially unlucky in love, you can also (literally) sweep out the bad vibes at midnight. This New Year’s tradition involves sweeping your home just minutes before midnight on December 31st, the action ensuring that all negative vibes from the previous year do not bleed into the new one. Opening the back door of a home at the stroke of midnight to let the old year “out” is a tradition practiced by the Creole culture of Central Belize. Many believe this New Year ritual was passed down by the Baymen settlers of old British Honduras, as this tradition is also practiced in England.

2018 Belize Vacation Traveler Review
Out of the blue this week, I am finishing the year with a great reader review email thanks to an email from Russell Long. First, let me express my appreciation for all the information you gave me for my visit to San Pedro. The eateries were great except I did not get to all of them. I did take home five extra pounds making a diet necessary. I was very impressed with how friendly the local citizens were and always helpful. Claudia with Holiday Hotel was very nice and explained what each item on the menu was. The Belizean Breeze Soap Co. was a real treat with a very knowledgeable staff. William at VIP golf Carts was very helpful and really great at meeting my needs. The visit to the gas station (or fueling) was a unique experience. It has probably fifty years since someone pumped gas for me and it was the least amount of gas I have purchased in years. The staff at Coco Beach were very friendly and always helpful. Wish it would have been closer to town but it was an okay drive with a golf cart with bumps and all. I never expected a toll bridge in San Pedro and it seems a reasonable method to pay for the structure.

A look at the Taste Belize Tour - Spice Farm, Mayan Hearth Cooking, and Ixcacao Chocolate experience!
Taste Belize Tours is an award-winning tour you can take from Placencia, Belize. We highly recommend it for those guests looking to experience an authentic way to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell all things Belize, from a tropical Spice Farm where you will taste and touch plants right off the stems, to interacting and eating a meal with a Mayan family, to visiting an authentic Mayan-family run chocolate kitchen. Lyra is a highly knowledgeable guide who has great passion for all things Belize, and is a wonderful resource throughout your tour - ask her your history questions and you are in for a great learning experience! You can also choose from a vast array of experiences that you can read about on her website HERE - we chose the Spice Farm, following by Mayan Hearth cooking, then the Ixcacao Chocolate experience.

ATTENTION ADVENTURE JUNKIES: BELIZE AWAITS YOU!
Plenty of people vacation in Belize to do nothing but snooze because they’re overworked, overly committed and overwhelmed. For adventurers, there’s no way to work off stress and vanquish demands than by getting outside themselves and jumping into thrilling activities. If this describes you, there’s no place on earth like Belize to feed your need for adventure. At Adventures in Belize, we know how you feel because we’ve been satisfying the appetites of adventurers for years. Join us. As Belize’s premier adventure travel company, we don’t make promises we can’t keep!

Videos