March 19, 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

Fire in San Pablo Area
The San Pedro Fire Department were quick to respond to a call this morning around 11AM in the San Pablo Area of town. Reports are an electrical fire from a faulty fan was extinguished by the residents at home. Fortunately, the damages were minimal.

Ambergris Today

Belikin Beer opening retail store in town
Did you know who is moving into town? Belikin Beer is opening shop soon. Can’t wait to check it out.

RefugiArte: The Refugee Crisis Illustrated By Latin American Artists
The San Pedro House of Culture along with The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosted the inauguration of the RefuiARTe Photo Exhibition. The exhibition illustrates the Refugee Crisis as portrayed by several Latin American artists including two from Belize. The RefuigARTe exhibition was first launched in December 2018 at Santa Elena to sensitize to the people of Belize about refugees. For people to become more compassionate to their peers that come from a refugee background.

Arts Exhibit And Sports Day Fun - Child Stimulation Month
Child Stimulation Month is in full swing and pre-schools on the island are busy with activties for their students. They have had many activites including hug days, Show and Tell, Story Times, Arts with Grandparents and much, much more. The San Pedro House of Culture held its first ever Pre-School Arts Exhibition on March 13 & 14. Beautiful arts made by pre-schoolers from different schools were on display. Schools also head a fun Sports Day which included awesome games where parents, students and teachers all participated. Here are a few pictures for your entertainment.

Misc Belizean Sources

2019 Spring Equinox Event at Marco Gonzalez
Many people are not aware that an archaeological site is on Ambergris Caye. While there are plenty on the "island", Marco Gonzales stands out. Settled as early as the Preclassic, the site was still occupied well into the Postclassic. This Sunday March 24th, Marco Gonzales hosts a spring equinox celebration. So if you are on Ambergris Caye, come on out. Even if you're not, come out for the day or weekend and visit a very important coastal trading site for the Ancient Maya.

ROGER MARTINEZ Funeral Service Wednesday
It deeply saddened us to announce the death of ROGER MARTINEZ also known as "Rog", who was born on January 18th, 1972 and passed away on March 14th, 2019. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 at 1:00 p.m in Caye Caulker. Paulino's Funeral Service takes this opportunity to send condolences to his family and friends of ROGER MARTINEZ. Rest In Peace ROG. You can view the funeral service live right here on Paulino's funeral Service page at 12:55 p.m.

LAUNCH OF A PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT PROJECT
The Government of Belize and the European Union have launched a project aimed at improving the Public Finance Management (PFM) system in Belize. The project commenced on March 6th, 2019 and will run for 36 months until February 2022. This technical assistance project is funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund for a total budget of Euro 1.1 million (BZD $ 2.5 million). The aim of this project is to assist the Government of Belize, in implementing PFM reforms in core areas where performance has not strengthened significantly as pointed out in the latest Public Expenditure and Financial Transparency Assessment (PEFA).

Presentation of Credentials
This morning at the Belize House, the Governor General of Belize, H.E. Sir Colville Young, received letters of credence from ambassadors and a high commissioner accredited to Belize. The group included H.E. Mr. Viktor Koronelli, Ambassador of the Russian Federation; H.E. Mr. Ezekiel Sabor, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina; H.E. Mr. Iván Medveczky, Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary; and H.E. Mr. Anton Ojala, High Commissioner of New Zealand. The ambassadors and high commissioner conveyed on behalf of their respective countries well wishes to the Government and people of Belize and their commitment to ensuring continued peaceful and prosperous diplomatic relations with Belize.

PHAST in Corozal
Today the Belize Red Cross, Corozal Branch went to Methodist School to teach them about what PHAST means. PHAST stands for “Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation”. The approach is a participatory learning methodology that seeks to empower communities to improve hygiene behaviors, reduce diarrhoeal disease and encourage effective community management of water and sanitation services.

CEMJC Pioneers participating in the cleanup of Corozal Bay
In conjunction with the Ministry of Health and The Belize Red Cross

Exciting day in Orange Walk for the US Embassy!
We handed over dictionaries and books to the Orange Walk district schools, and Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Debbie Lingwood read to the students of the Chan Pine Ridge Government School. Special thanks to the District Education Officer Carla Alvarez and Principal Victor Padron for your warm welcome! Thank you to ALL the students who sang, danced, and joined us for this #ChildStimulationMonth event!

8th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase
The 8th Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase is in Belize from Thursday March 14th to Thursday, March 28th, 2019. It opened on Thursday, March 14th in Belmopan at UB's Jaguar Auditorium with a tribute screening of Rigoberto Lopez's film FORBIDDEN FLIGHTS in honor of the well known Cuban filmmaker and founder of the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase who passed away on Jan. 23rd this year. The BELIZE EDITION is screening 15 films (4 feature length fiction films and 11 documentaries) from 9 countries (Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Netherlands, Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago). The films all speak to the social, historic and cultural realties of Caribbean island and mainland countries. Entrance is free. Schools wishing to request a screening can contact [email protected] for more information.

2nd Belize National Research Conference
Hosted by Institute for Social & Cultural Research. Apr 3 at 8 AM – Apr 4 at 6 PM, University of Belize. Annual conference highlighting scholarly papers under the 2019 theme "Belize’s Security: Strengths, Opportunities and Threats". The conference is designed to promote research in Belize in the areas of economics, scientific, social and technological development, and topics that may contribute to policy formulation and Belize's overall development.

Corozal House of Culture Hosts "Arte con Voz de Mujer" Exhibit with the Sculptures, Carvings and Paintings of Vilma Romero
The National Institute of Culture and History, through the Museum of Belize and the Corozal House of Culture, cordially invites you to the launch of ‘Arte con Voz de Mujer’ Exhibit. We are delighted to honour the life’s work of multi genre visual artist Mrs. Vilma Romero. The solo exhibit will showcase sculptures, wood carvings and paintings from her private collection. The display will incorporate works from the 1950’s through to current day. Vilma Romero has several sculptures on permanent public display throughout the country of Belize including Isiah Mortar, the bust of Santiago Ricalde, the bust of Antonio Soberanis and the book worm sculpture at the Leo Bradley Library. At age 80 Vilma continues to create. We look forward to your joining us on Friday, 15th March at 7pm in honour of our Belizean Icon.

Team NICH Wins 2019 La Ruta Maya River Challenge!
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) takes this opportunity to congratulate all 61 teams that took part and completed the demanding race. We further applaud the members of our 2019 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Team; Efrain, Felix and Hener Cruz for their dedication, skills and talents. The Cruz brothers have once again made us very proud. They serve as role models to us, reinforcing that with proper focus, dedication and teamwork, victory is attainable.

The Great Stars of Russian Ballet
Soloists of the Marinsky, Mikhailvosky and Bolshoi all performing on one stage, featuring Alexander Volchkov, First Dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet of Moscow. One day ONLY! Sunday March 31st. Two Shows: 6PM and 8:30PM. ONLY at The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Get your tickets at the Bliss NOW!

Channel 7

Mason Lawyer Points At Prison
It was a full day in the Belmopan Supreme Court today as the murder trial of Danny Mason and his 4 co-accused continued. The court session set-up was quite the same with Justice Antionette Moore presiding over today's session and DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal prosecuting. The only new information coming out of today's session is that Attorney Rachel Montejo will join Attorney Herbert Panton as the other defense attorney. Now, 4 witnesses testified. It started around 11:00 with one witness and continued into the afternoon session with 3 more. Courtney Weatherburne was in Belmopan and gives us an overview of today's proceedings. "Its 3:00 pm and we are here at the Belmopan Supreme court. It's day 4 in the murder trial of Danny Mason and his 4 alleged accomplices. Now over the past couple days, including today's session we have heard from about 10 prosecution witnesses who have shed light on a number of key details including the kidnapping of Pastors David Dodd and Pastor Wright, and the discovery of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas's head in the pan of Mason's truck".

PUP’s Marconi Got Mauled
Tonight, the PUP's standard bearer for Belize Rural North, Marconi Leal can hardly speak - after he was beaten down on Saturday evening in his home village of Sandhill.  It all started with a few choice insults from a UDP political rival.  That rival is Damion Garbutt - who had once challenged and lost to Leal in a contest for village council chairman.   Well, on Saturday, at Fa's Supermarket in the village, Garbutt reportedly threw a few words at Leal, who responded the way a public figure never should: with anger and with blows.  After that, Garbutt punched him to the ground, and other men jumped in. Leal had to be taken to the hospital, badly beaten and missing a few teeth.

Cops Found 50 Pounds of Cocaine Lying on the Beach
Turning to news out of San Pedro Town, police made a major cocaine bust.  They found 52 pounds of cocaine just lying on the beach on Northern Ambergris Caye - an area famous for its wet drops and cocaine-related killings.  Yesterday afternoon, San Pedro Police and officers of the Gang Suppression Unit went to an area 2 miles north of Boca Del Rio Park, where they found a white crocus sack on the beach with 24 packages inside. Those packages, seen here, were opened, and the officers found they suspect to be cocaine. Police Commissioner Chester Williams discussed the discovery with the media at press briefing today, and he told us that samples have been sent for testing to confirm it the substance is cocaine:

The Mystery of the Los Lagos Skull
And from that suspected cocaine discovery, we move on to last week's discovery of a human skull in the Los Lagos Community. As we told you, on Friday, some of the employees from Bacab were clearing an area close to the eco park that had just been burnt due to a bush fire. They came across the skull, and they called police to turn it over.  At today's press briefing, police said that it a post-mortem is pending, and they are hoping for some answers, which will inform them on what leads to pursue: No other body parts were found in this area.

Cops Don’t Charge Alleged Killer
Toledo resident, Luis Cabrera Jr's alleged killer is out on bail tonight. He is Alexander Ruiz. Ruiz was only charged in relation to the fatal accident that happened after the bar stabbing. Ruiz's passenger, William Garcia was killed in that collision. Police could not say why Ruiz hasn't been charged for Cabrera's murder. Here is more from today's press briefing:

The Rage Of The Ruiz Family
Now Cabrera's family is demanding an explanation from police as to why Ruiz wasn't charged with their loved one's murder. Cabrera's sister expressed the family's discontent today.

Senior Citizen Killed In Traffic Accident
A 63 year old father of 3 was run over and killed last night. The victim is Pablo Hernandez. Hernandez was riding to his Forest Drive home when the driver of this Honda CR-V hit him and drove off, leaving Hernandez for dead at the entrance of Caribbean Chicken. We spoke to an employee of the establishment as well as Hernandez's cousin about this hit and run. Voice of Caribbean Chicken Employee: "Well basically what my boss says that he heard a slam on the roadside and he never think it was something like an accident as someone getting hit but he says after a while he saw the police coming around by the entrance and they were surprised to know it was a fatal accident, that someone loss his life and that is basically it, so he said he heard the slam, saw the vehicle driving off hard and that was it."

Will Police Charge Driver?
Police told us what they have so far on this fatal accident. Here is more. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB
"Last night, sometime around 7 p.m., Belmopan Police was called to an area on the Hummingbird Highway inside Belmopan City limits, where upon arrival, they observed the apparent lifeless body of a Hispanic male, later identified as Pablo Hernandez, 63 years Guatemalan of a Las Flores address. Initial investigation reveal that Mr. Hernandez was riding his bicycle northbound, when he was apparently knocked down by a vehicle from behind. The vehicle did not stopped, and [it] was later intercepted by Hattieville police. So, that vehicle is now impounded, and 1 person is in custody pending this investigation."

Bartender Killed In Toledo Hit and Run
There has been another traffic fatality on the Southern Highway near Punta Gorda. This time the victim is a 20 year old.  Adriano Choco from Hicatee Village had just left a bar when he was run over by a hit and run drive.r The owner of the bar says he was there, but he wasn't drinking. Here's why she told PGTV:.. Reporter: "Was this young man visiting your bar?" Rosaria Pop - Bar Owner, 3 IN 1: "Well, he visited my bar earlier but he sat with my mother in law, talking with my little brother in law sitting in the kitchen. He didn't have any alcohol."

Police Look For Hit and Run Driver
So while he was not a regular patron at the bar - what do police have on this hit and run driver?  Here's what they told us today: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Saturday sometime around 11 PM, Punta Gorda police receive information of a fatal traffic accident in Hicatee Village in the Toledo district on the Southern Highway where upon arrival, police observed the lifeless body of a male person later identified as Adriano Choco, 21 years of Hicatee Village. The investigation has shown that Choco has just exited a bar in the area and was walking on the highway when he was knocked down...."

Eligio Family Being Hunted?
2 weeks ago, we told you about the frightening home invasion in Ladyville which left 35 year-old Jeffrey Eligio, injured with a gunshot to the stomach. Masked gunmen barged into his home, shot him, and they then threatened his common-law wife, and 3 of their children. It was an unexplained incident, and his common-law wife told us then that they don't know why he was targeted specifically. Well, on last Thursday night, the Eligio Family came under fire from gunmen, and this time, Eligio's 70 year-old mother, was the one got injured. 

Who Was “Vato”?
Orange Walk police have finally identified that man from that northern town who was found injured by chop wounds.  As we reported, at around 9 p.m., residents of Guyana Street saw a man they know only as "Vato" walking with a shirt over his head. He suddenly collapsed, and so, they called for police. Well, cops told us today, that the victim is actually a resident from Caledonia Village: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Last time we spoke about John Doe not being identified. He has since been identified as Samuel Sanches, 33 of Caledonia Village address and police has since arrested and charge Jose Franco Rivera, 55 years Salvadorian national with the crime of dangerous harm."

Pupa Curly Brings The Beat Back
Pupa Curly has been a trailblazer in Belizean reggae and dancehall music since the late 80's.  When his song, "Crack is a Killa" burst unto the scene in 1988, it was a sensation.  And more the 30 years later, Curly is still producing music that's conscious with a danceable, contemporary flavour. The Belizean American based in LA told us what - after almost a decade away from music, he had to come back with a new single, called "Money" which was released on Friday: The new single "Money" is available on youtube and all streaming platforms.

Vivisecting Visciannie: Bar Assoc. Will Have Public Forum
As we reported, the Bar Association of Belize has gotten the legal opinion on the Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute from regional international law expert, Professor Stephen Vasciannie. But that came out from March first. And three weeks later, the Bar Association will be hosting a public forum to present that Legal Opinion. In a release sent out today it states that forum is "to discuss the legal issues raised in the Opinion with a view to furthering the national education campaign on the territorial dispute. Professor Stephen Vasciannie will be participating via skype". The public forum will be held on this Friday, March 22nd , at the Bliss from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

House of Horrors?
It didn't make it into a very packed newscast on Friday night, but at the start of Friday's House Meeting, the Speaker of the House had a cautionary tale about security of the parliament.  We've always taken it for granted but she said the other day - they had a scare which has forced them to implement new procedures: The new press passes - only policy  will go into effect at the next house meeting, which is the Budget Debate on March 25th and 26th. 

Drinker Drowned
A 62 year-old man from Duck Run Village, located near Spanish Lookout in the Cayo District, drowned this weekend under unexplained circumstances.  Alvaro Molina went out with his brother on Friday night to look for his nephew who was fishing in the River that passes near their village. But, instead, they the brothers started drinking, and for a brief moment, Molina slipped away - never to be seen alive again. Sometime later, they found his lifeless body in the river.  Here's more from police: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Friday night, sometime after 11 p.m., San Ignacio Police was called to the Belize River in the Duck Run area, in an area known as "Mennonite Beach"...

Beggars Turned Macheteros
And in other news out of the Cayo District, police are looking for 2 men who chopped a man simply because they begged him for money, and he refused them. It happened on Saturday morning, when 28 year Levi Gonzalez was socializing in the Riviera area of Belmopan. He told police that they begged him, and as soon as he refused, one of them pulled out a machete and chopped him for no reason. Police discussed the case today:

From Putrid “Pisshouse” to Civil Cell Block
At the end of January, Police Corporal Darrell Tutsi Usher made national headlines when he posted pictures of the abominable conditions at the eastern division police station's cell block. It's the country's largest police station - and inside was nothing nice! Well, less than two months later, those repulsive conditions are just a fast fading memory. That's because the police senior command put in major work and money to refurbish the place known as pisshouse. As we found out today, you can't call it that anymore:

Trouble Man Chops on Caye Caulker
And finally tonight, there was one more chopping, but this one happened on the island of Caye Caulker on Thursday evening. The Brothers, Lee and Julian Rosado, was allegedly chopped by a man who has reportedly caused a lot of trouble for Caye Caulker residents. Police told us today that this man is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder for his latest dispute with the brothers:

Channel 5

Shooting in Belize City
An elderly man in his early sixties was shot while in Belize City tonight. We are told that the incident occurred on Partridge Street during a power outage. The man received a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was rushed to the KHMh where he remains in a critical condition.

23 Kilos of Suspected Cocaine Found In Ambergris Caye
A significant drug discovery was made on La Isla Bonita on Sunday morning. Twenty-three kilos of suspected cocaine were found two miles north of the Boca Del Rio Park, which [...]

Fellow Trounces Marconi Leal in Fist Fight in Rural North
An exchange of blows over the weekend in Sandhill Village has left an aspiring politician recovering from injuries he received to the face and other parts of the body.  People’s [...]

One person detained for stolen monies that belong to Institute of Archaeology
There’s a report of a robbery in the west where an undisclosed amount of money is missing from the Institute of Archaeology. From what we have gathered, an employee reportedly [...]

Alexander Ruiz charged for William Garcia’s death in motorcycle accident; no charges yet for murder of Luis Cabrera
Tonight police say that Alexander Ruiz is out on bail for the accident that claimed William Garcia’s life last Wednesday night – but Ruiz is also the alleged killer who [...]

John Doe in OW is identified; one man charged for his attack
Over a week ago a man was badly beaten and left for dead in Orange Walk Town. At the time police didn’t know who he was because he didn’t have [...]

Queen Street Police Detention Centre Renovated
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and the police department came under fire in January when pictures surfaced on social media of the horrible and filthy state of the detention centre. [...]

Nectali Ico Says Vital Stats Lost His Information
The Elections and Boundaries Department will be distributing voters I.D. cards in more than one hundred and sixty villages countrywide. The I.D.s distributed will be for persons whose applications were [...]

PUP Leader Slams Vital Stats
Also speaking on the issue was Opposition Leader, John Briceño, who on Friday, during the Sitting of the House of Representatives, criticized severely the Vital Statistics Unit. Briceño questioned the [...]

Tony Rath on ICJ ‘Propaganda’
With twenty-three days to go until the I.C.J. referendum on April tenth, it is expected that opposing campaigns will ramp up their efforts to sway people to vote a particular [...]

Valentino Shal Calls Out CDS for Its Funding
Like Tony Rath, Consultant Valentino Shal is also undecided. Shal, after reading the legal opinions, believes that Belize has a strong case but there are still risks. On Open Your [...]

ICJ Referendum Campaign: More Confusion than Education?
Joining Tony Rath and Valentino Shal on Open Your Eyes was former Marketing Manager Trudy Joseph Swaso who has been very vocal on the topic on social media. Also an [...]

Belize Peace Movements Wants Teachers to Monitor ICJ Referendum
The Belize Peace Movement is a strong proponent of the “No to the I.C.J.” taking its campaign as much as possible across the country. So when it was not invited [...]

Caracol Road Expenditure is Questioned by Opposition
For the umpteenth time, the government is seeking funding for the Caracol Road. During Friday’s budget presentation, Prime Minister Barrow sought money for the Caracol Road in western Belize. This [...]

What’s the Cost of the Soon-to-be-built Coastal Road
Like the Caracol Road, the opposition is also wary of the cost and funding of the Coastal Road.  At the end of October 2018, P.M. Barrow informed the nation via [...]

PM Defends Cost of Building Coastal Road
Notwithstanding objections from the other side of the house, Prime Minister Barrow explained the source of funding, as well as the process of arriving at the estimated cost of building [...]

62-year-old drowns in Belize River
A sixty-two-year-old market vendor out west drowned in the Belize River on Friday night sometime after eleven.  of Duck Run Village and his brother went in search of his nephew [...]

One man dies in accident on southern highway
On the heels of a fatal traffic accident on Wednesday night, another person has lost his life on the Southern Highway.  Police say Adrian Choco was knocked down and killed [...]

Fatal RTA on Hummingbird Highway claims one life
Another person lost his life over the weekend, this time it was on the Hummingbird Highway. Police say that a senior citizen was knocked down within Belmopan City limits on [...]

A chopping in Belmopan has left one man hospitalized
And keeping the news in Belmopan – one man received a large chop wound to the head after two persons attacked him over the weekend. Police were called out to [...]

Woman shot two weeks after attempt on son’s life
An elderly woman was shot inside her house on Thursday night just after ten. The incident happened on Marage Road in Ladyville near Compassion Lane. Margaret Elijio and her family [...]

Two persons chopped up in Caye Caulker; one man charged
One man remains hospitalized following a vicious chopping incident in Caye Caulker last Thursday. Police say two persons were attacked by a man who claims to be mentally ill – [...]

Belize’s 2019 Conch Season in Danger of Premature Closure
In Belize, like elsewhere in the Caribbean, the queen conch is under threat due to over fishing. If you are a seafood lover, you will know that the queen conch [...]

Belizean Artist Music Featured on Fox PPV
American Professional boxer, Mikey Garcia, was defeated over the weekend by Errol “The Truth” Spence Junior in an I.B.F. World Welterweight Championship fight in the US. The news tonight is [...]

International Day of Forests celebrated with tree planting ceremony at UB Belmopan Campus
The Ministry of Forestry celebrated the International Day of Forests with a tree planting ceremony today in Belmopan. Minister Omar Figueroa and staff from the Forestry Department gathered at U.B. [...]

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

The Reporter

Humane Conditions At The Old ‘Piss House’ Now – Newly Renovated
Today was a big day not only for the Police, but for the community as the newly renovated Queen Street detention area was officially opened. Viewers will recall the terrible scenes of filth and horrific photos which were leaked recently, causing somewhat of a public outcry. Well, the infamous ‘piss house’ is no more, as media personnel and invited guests found out this afternoon.

Volleyball 2019 In Belize Is Getting Real Competitive
This past weekend tournaments was a display of improvements in the sport of Volleyball in Belize, and a display of ‘Stepping Up To Another Level’. Here Are The Results Of Sundays Tournaments Kelsey Balderamos and Sherika Burton defeated Ayah Safa and Mya Musa to win Belize Volleyball Association’s 2019 Female Beach Volleyball Tour Stop #1 held at Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City, Belize on March 17, 2019.

Police Move Apprx. 25 Kilos Of Cocaine To Safe Location
This morning March 18th., Police transported the suspected cocaine found in San Pedro yesterday to Belize City. As you can see in the background of this brief amateur video, a pickup pulled into the water-taxi parking lot, and under heavy security loaded up the 20 parcels, amounting to 23.85 Kilos.

Alexander Ruiz, charged of Manslaughter by Negligence
The Reporter has confirmed that Alexander Ruiz, 37, was arraigned this morning in the PG Magistrate’s Court on charges of Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct and Driving Without Due Care and Attention.

Breaking Belize News

Vegan resort in Corozal gets international recognition
Vegan News, an international publication published a travel writing piece this week featuring Serenity Retreats Belize, […]

Truck knocks down BEL posts in Santa Elena leaving live electrical wires on ground and scaring neighbors
Live electrical wires are currently on the ground on Peter August, Lily and Orchid Streets in […]

Senate Select Committee Chairman speaks about pending report
The Senate Special Select Committee is hoping to have a final draft of its report […]

Belize Peace Movement requests that BNTU be added as monitor for referendum
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) today sent a letter to Chief Elections officer, Josephine Tamai […]

ICJ Fair coming to Santa Elena Town
Belizeans are gearing up to participate in a historic national referendum to decide whether or […]

Belize and the ICJ: What When Why and How
By Assad Shoman, A column by Citizens for the Defence of Sovereignty (CDS)] The International Court of Justice, ICJ, was established as the legal organ of the United Nations after World War II in 1945, and the UN Charter states (Art. 94): “If any party to a case fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgement rendered by the Court […]

GOB and European Union launch project to improve public finance management in Belize
The Government of Belize and the European Union have launched a project aimed at improving […]

Belize to improve sustainable production of shrimp with Caribbean support
The Compete Caribbean Facility and the Belize Shrimp Growers Association are partnering to improve sustainable […]

Ambassadors and a High Commissioner present credentials to Governor General
This morning, the Governor General of Belize, Colville Young received letters of credence from ambassadors […]

Man killed in fatal traffic accident
A traffic accident claimed the life of a man last night. According to reports, Pablo […]

Over $10,000 cash stolen from NICH park manager
Reports to BBN is that the home of a park manager from Benque Viejo del […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair weather to continue. Sunny skies with some cloudy […]

Martin Galvez, Former Mayor of San Ignacio/Santa Elena Passes Away
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is today mourning the death of former mayor of San […]

LOVE FM

Asylum Seekers have little coverage in Belize
Belize was placed on the European Union List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes. The appearance on the blacklist was one of the instances that the Prime Minister went at great lengths to discuss and explain to parliament why, in his opinion, we did not deserve that international black eye. Prime Minister Barrow tabled amendments …

Cyber Security for a Modern Belize
Cyberspace is vulnerable to risks that are both physical and as well from cyber threats and hazards. Theft of information and money along with the disruption or destruction that threaten the delivery of essential services by sophisticated cyber actors and nation-states are very real. That’s why it’s important for the Government to develop strategies and …

Commissioner of Police Tours and listens to Precincts
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has committed to visit each district, precinct and police formation across the country. Today he visited the rural areas in the Belize District. Williams told us that hearing from the officers who work in the specific areas are important to devising and implementing proper strategy that will be tailored to …

Castro asks PUP to Please Keep Leal as his Opponent
Benevolent, nonjudgmental and kind are probably not the words you’d associate with any politician, especially if that candidate happened to be your opponent in the next General Elections. But after reviewing the incident involving Marconi Leal, the Area Representative for Belize Rural North Edmond Castro was sympathetic to the man who he alleged had once …

Leader of the Opposition says we each owe 10K
Perhaps the budget should have been the most discussed topic at the Sitting of the House. As part of the road rehabilitation project, a US $36,576,000 loan was tabled to rehabilitate from La Democracia Village to the Hummingbird Highway at Mile 9. There was also a US $5,941,000 and US $20 million secured from the …

Blogs

Marco Gonzalez Maya Site on the Southern End of Ambergris Caye
Marco Gonzalez Reserve is the only official Maya site on Ambergris Caye. The location is relatively remote – 5 miles south of San Pedro town and set back deep into the mangroved lagoon. It was “discovered” just 35 years ago – in 1984 – when a young local man, Marco Gonzalez, led two visiting archaeologists back to the hidden site. The area was made a national reserve in 2011 but is one of many Maya settlements on the island. One has been excavated in the middle of San Pedro town. There is another, a former trading post, in the Bacalar Chico Reserve on the north part of the island. It was the Maya who dug the channel between Mexico and Ambergris Caye hundreds of years ago.

Is Belize A Safe Place For An Expat To Live?
If you spend more time and dig deeper into the statistics related to crime in Belize you will find that Belize City screws the numbers for the entire country. Belize is very small, having 330,000 residents in the country, so in averaging numbers one location can have a major impact. The majority of murders occur in Belize City, where there are gangs. And the border with Guatemala tends to be risky, because in general Guatemala is a country of high violence and crime. But the areas IL recommends are safe. Petty theft has always been a problem in Belize, as it is in most poor countries. But violent crime against expats is highly unusual. We advise that any travelers be cautious and not where flashy jewelry, or leave their phones and computers in areas where they are easy to steal.

Coming to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye or Placencia - but you are Vegan - Vegetarian - Low Carb? Here's where to go for special dietary needs!
I think that 8+ years ago, this blog would have been pretty unthinkable in places like Placencia, maybe not so much in Ambergris Caye, but definitely elsewhere in the country. There really are not things like Vegan, Vegetarian, or Low Carb in the local Belize culture...the national dish is chicken, rice, and beans, and tortillas/carbs with meat protein are everywhere. You couldn't even order a soup with these restrictions as the soups are all usually bone-broth based, and then additionally are served with rice, so not a win there for either party. Many guests tell us when they have tried to order vegan at some local spots it has not translated well (veggies may be cooked in butter, etc). It is no secret that the restaurant and food options have exploded in Belize, and there have been many North Americans who have moved to Belize to start businesses that have brought more of the North American diet trends down.

You Better Belize It: Four Days in Caye Caulker, Belize
If you wish Tulum, Mexico was what it was 10-15 years ago, you may want to consider Caye Caulker in Belize for your next Caribbean vacation. While planning a recent girls trip with seven of my friends, we were considering Mexico simply for the ease of getting there. It’s a non-stop, 3.5 hour flight to Cancun from New York and with endless all-inclusive opportunities, it’s great for groups. But when vacation time in New York City jobs is limited, why go somewhere you’ve been before!? That’s when we discovered Belize. A friend who recently visited had stressed how cheap it is there and there’s nothing a bunch of struggling NYC 20-somethings like more than a cheap vacation!

Visiting Belize in May? Do not miss the Chocolate Festival
Long before chocolate was a sweet treat eaten across the world, the ancient Maya living in what is now Belize were experts in crafting chocolate drinks and dishes. Today, one of the most exciting festivals in the country is the big Chocolate Festival held every year in and around the town of Punta Gorda in Belize’s southern Toledo District. In 2019, the Chocolate Festival will be held from May 24-26. For the past decade, the Chocolate Festival has been a popular showcase of all things chocolate, including unusual products like chocolate soap and chocolate beer. Attendees can try more conventional recipes as well as sample the delicious organic chocolate varieties that grow throughout the Toledo District. Locals farms also open their doors to visitors, making the festival the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Why Americans Should Travel to Belize Right Now
For Americans who want to escape the rigors of the daily grind in favor of somewhere a little more laid-back and fun, Belize is an excellent option. Whether you are planning on visiting for a month, a week, or just a few days, there is no shortage of things to do there. If you love spending time on the water, you are sure to enjoy the Belize Barrier Reef. This natural wonder is the second longest of its kind in the world and is home to thousands of unique and interesting aquatic species. Its beauty makes it the perfect place to go snorkeling or scuba diving. To see even more of Belize’s native wildlife, a trip into the jungle or one of the country’s many nature preserves is always a good idea. There, you will be able to see howler monkeys, tapirs, scarlet macaws, toucans, and other exotic animals in their natural environment.

Birding Adventures Today: How to develop a bug for birding
Officially known as the sport of bird watching but commonly known as “birding” to enthusiasts, the art of finding, watching, and recording birds in the wild is one of the fastest-growing hobbies on the planet. And, as experienced birders will tell you, once you start spotting, it’s really easy to “catch the bug” and become highly enthusiastic about this unique pastime. There are lots of benefits to birding. Many people are drawn to the hobby because it involves getting out of the house and enjoying some quality time outdoors in nature. And because birds flourish in more pristine environments, the hobby of birding can take you to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the world. Secondly, bird spotting usually requires using binoculars.

Belize – The Best Adventure Jungle Holiday Destination
Don’t let anybody tell you that you will have to go to the Amazon to hang out in a primitive jungle. There’s a closer jungle and it is in Belize, just a short plane ride from major U.S. and Canada cities. It’s lush. And filled with all manner of things to see and do. Skeptical? Don’t be. Belize is home to so many species of exotic birds, wildlife (plus a jaguar preserve), flora and fauna that you’ll immediately realize how serious Belize is about protecting all aspects of nature.

The Best Family Vacation in Belize
According to the American Psychological Association’s journal, both adults and kids benefit from visiting other cultures. It’s not just that all family members step outside their comfort zones, eat different foods and are exposed to different languages, but traveling abroad is linked to creativity, too. Travel to another society and tests prove it’s easier to solve puzzles outside familiar surroundings because “everything looks different” so brains work in creative ways. The longer a family stays, the more creativity each member exhibits. Pair this prospect with a visit to Belize and you’ll set your children’s imaginations on fire.

Solo Travel inBelize
Belize is perfect for solo travel. After traveling through Mexico and Guatemala, the distinctive Caribbean culture of Belize mesmerized me from the very first moment. After visiting Caye Caulker, I ventured out to more authentic secluded places such as Hopkins and Tobacco Caye. Belize and its unique people and lifestyle taught me a lot about myself. I made friends, learned about the Garinagu culture, and found out how to truly enjoy solitude and quietness. Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience, especially if you’re not too comfortable being by yourself. However, be conscientious that traveling alone doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be lonely. During your travels there are always tons of opportunities to meet other people — locals and international travelers. And whether you are male or female, I personally don’t think the experience is too different. Just be safe, have an open heart and a positive mind.

Spring Is Here And The Time Is Right For…Whale Sharks
And here in Belize, where the stunning Caribbean Coast is never more than 70 miles from the equally stunning Western frontier, planning a whale shark watching excursion from an inland eco-resort is not only possible, it makes a lot of sense. Definitely some of the most magnificent creatures to ever inhabit the Earth, Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the sea, measuring 41.5 feet (12.65 m) and weighing in at more than 47,000 lbs (21.5 metric tons), making them larger than the average school bus. Relatively unchanged over the last 60 million years, Rhincodon typus, to use the scientific Latin, is a true shark that is often mistaken for a whale due to its size and docile nature.

International Sources

BELIZE- GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS EU’S NEW TAX HAVEN LIST
The Belize government has described as “outrageous” the decision of the European Union to place the country on a new list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions which the Europeans said was based on an “an intense process of analysis and dialogue steered by the Commission”. “So we are once again forced to eat injustice and perform the usual contortions to satisfy a new set of unconscionable dictates,” Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said. Earlier this week, the EU Finance Ministers said that based on the Commission’s screening, they had blacklisted a total of 15 countries including several Caribbean countries namely, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Dominica and Aruba.

The Belizean Beast is Back
With five goals and 15 starts over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Michael Salazar looked to be a rising star for Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact FC. But, instead, the 26-year-old finds himself in the USL Championship with the Houston Dynamo affiliate trying to work his way back to his former self after a serious knee injury. “Honestly, last year was one of the hardest times in my career, “ Salazar explains. “I had a knee injury that kept me out for 8 months. This February was my first full practice session and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to play again.” “Coming to RGVFC is definitely a good starting point with a young group that I can help lead and also work my way back up to the first team, obviously depending on my performances. I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge and it’s just an exciting feeling to be back on the field again.”

Waterproof drones solve mapping and inspection in marine areas
As of this writing, a couple of Amphibious Talon units have been successfully operating during a 4 week expedition by a worldwide renowned British conservation institution. The location is on an undisclosed remote atoll in Belize, as part of a series of very important efforts for conservation & ecology and enforcement and control of illegal fishing activities over protected areas. The type of terrain offers little or no land to operate from, therefore only truly amphibious drones are usable. The drones have been successfully launched from both beaches or small boats and then landed autonomously landed on the water after each flight is completed.

Old playground equipment removed from Brown Park, travels thousands of miles to children in need
A major renovation project is going on right now at a Louisville park. Brown Park is getting a new pavilion, restrooms, and playground. The park is located in St. Matthews off of Kresge Way. "Because this playground equipment is old, it can't be added on to," St. Matthews Mayor Richard Tonini said. "The reality is the equipment was going to be destroyed." Instead of being destroyed, Ed Davis, president of E-Z construction had an idea. Davis’ company procured a contract for the park improvements. Davis and his wife recently came back from an immersion trip to Belize through Hand in Hand Ministries. Davis realized the opportunity to relocate Brown Park’s play equipment to the Fowler Community Center in Belize, where he volunteered.

Videos

March 18, 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

Preparations are underway for a strategic plan for the sustainable development of Central American coffee cultivation
The General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SECAC), presented actions to be adopted by all countries of the region to enhance the sustainable, integrated, and inclusive development of coffee cultivation. One action that bears mentioning is a regional strategic plan that will include efforts to manage options for financial support to the coffee sector in SICA’s member countries – Belize, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

What’s new: Sidelines Island Pub, The place to party!
Just across from El Fogon Restaurant on Trigger Fish Street and located inside the recently built San Cas Plaza in downtown San Pedro, Sidelines Island Pub has rapidly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The pub offers a fully stocked bar, complete with several flat-screen TVs, an assorted snack menu and live entertainment via popular local DJs. As one of the favorite watering holes to watch popular sporting events or to celebrate that special occasion, Sidelines is ready to serve everyone from 11AM through midnight every day of the week.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Police Seize Over 23 Kilos Of Cocaine
The Belize Police Department has confirmed that the San Pedro Police Department has seized over 23 kilos of suspected cocaine. According to the official report, San Pedro Police, assisted by GSU officers, visited an area two miles north of Boca Del Rio Park where they discovered a white crocus sack on the beach with several packages inside.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal Cleanup
The Belize Red Cross, Corozal Red Corozal Branch organized a Zika Clean Up Campaign this morning at 9am at Rainbow Beach. CEMJC Pioneers participated in the cleanup of Corozal Bay in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and The Belize Red Cross, PACT, Adventist school and a group of youth Church all gathered at Maimi Beach where each group where separated in different cleanup areas along the beach. They clean up from Rainbow Beach down to Thunderbolt. And, from Thunderbolt to Maimi Beach. And, From Maimi Beach to in front of Maya Hotel. like to be part of the help please contact them at 653-0660.

TK-421 Monthly Update: March 17, 2019
Crocodile Research Coalition with Belize Forest Department. TK seems to have been exploring throughout the Payne's Creek area, but definitely regularly visiting a few sites throughout the area on a regular basis. In particular, there is one area that TK likes to visit during night. Good fishing? Good hunting? Or maybe TK has a date!!!!

CARAMELO'S is now open in Corozal
Located at the corner of 5th Avenue & 2nd Street North. Today was such a beautiful experience .. we are finally open and the amount of support and smiling faces we attended to today makes all of this worthwhile. Thank you so much we are grateful for every one who showed up and we look forward to growing and making Corozal proud.

Industry Monday: Hosted by Camo Cantina & Island Ops
Monday nights are now AWESOME! We invite our local friends to join us for our version of “industry night.” $4 Sliders, $4 rum and coke, and FREE laser tag! Our signature drink for the evening is the Purple rain! Vodka, cranberry, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao, and grenadine are shaken to perfection for a smooth and refreshing night cap. At only $10, it’s absolute bliss.

Awesome Documentary: "Free Solo"
Wednesday March 20 at The Truck Stop. This documentary is AMAZING. "FREE SOLO" follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 ft high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this is considered by many to be the greatest feat in rock climbing history. And the only thing cooler than completing such an incredible and dangerous feat would be watching someone else do it from the comfort of your outdoor movie theater seat with a pizza by your side and a margarita in your hand!

Channel 5

San Pedro Police Discover Large Amount of Cocaine
Acting upon information received, San Pedro Police assisted by GSU officers visited an area 2 miles north of Boca Del Rio Park where they discovered a white in color crocus sack on the beach with several packages inside. One of the packages was opened and discovered to contain a hard packed powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. The packages were counted and amounted to 20. Each was weighed individually where 19 weighed 1200grams and 1 weighed 1050grams all to a total of 23,850 grams. No one was in the immediate area so the suspected cocaine was labeled and deposited as found property.

The Reporter

Belmopan Businessman Shot
Businessman Elder Paredes, 36, owner of Chinos Sports Bar situated in Belmopan City, is hospitalized at the Western Regional Hospital in a stable condition recovering from a gunshot wound to his stomach. Paredes was shot by one of two robbers around 12:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 13, at his establishment located in the industrial site area of Belmopan. The robbers relieved him of his licensed 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash and the DVR drive which captured footage of the broad daylight attack.

Venezuela Is Under Attack by U.S.
Last week, the US Embassy in Belize released a video-recorded statement by US Charge d’Affaires to Belize, Keith Gilges, condemning the government of President Nicolas Maduro and acknowledging Juan Guaido, the Leader of the Opposition as that country’s rightful President. On behalf of the US Government, Gilges blamed the humanitarian crisis, food shortages, public health problems, and soaring inflation in that country on Maduro and his government.

No Impact on Belize from Max 8 Grounding, Say Officials
A plane crash in Ethiopia, which killed over 157 people this week, has had wide-reaching implications on international air travel, even fueling concerns about the use of the Boeing 737 Max 8 model plane in Belize, due to intense scrutiny and questions regarding the safety of the model. Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation of Authority of Belize, Gilberto Torres, and Chief Operations Officer, Nigel Carter, on Thursday confirmed to the Reporter that the Max 8 model, which had been used in Belize in the past occasionally, is no longer in use and that passengers can rest assured their safety and security is an utmost priority.

San Pedro Police Seize Apprx. 25 Kilos Of Coke
This afternoon a civilian who was walking on the beach two miles north of Boca Del Rio in San Pedro Town discovered a crocus sack containing 20 packages of suspected cocaine. When weighed, the bag contained 19 parcels with 1,200 grams and another package contained an additional 1,050 grams. The combined weight was 23,850 grams. No one was found in the immediate area and the drugs were labeled and deposited as found property.

Quick Police Action, Nabs Robbers In Dangriga
Quick response by Dangriga Police on Saturday resulted in the successful capture of four suspects who are believed to be responsible for robbing two individuals of an undisclosed amount or cash, personal items and a bicycle.

Hit And Run Driver Caught
One person is in Police custody pending an investigation into a hit and run accident in the Toledo district that left Adriano Choco, 21, dead. Police say that around 11:30 p.m. on March 16th, Choco, a resident of Hicatee Village had just exited from a bar along the highway when he was knocked down by a blue vehicle that was travelling towards Big Falls Village.

PUP Standard Bearer In Fist Fight With A Red Shirt Man
This morning PUP Belize Rural North Standard Bearer Marconi Leal confirmed to the Reporter that he was involved in a minor altercation on Saturday evening. March 16th.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Jaguars head to Guyana for potential historic Gold Cup qualifier
Football fans in Belize are getting ready to cheer on the Belize Jaguars as they play their first match of the calendar year against Guyana next Saturday, March 23rd, at 4:30 p.m. local time. The team leaves on Tuesday morning (March 19th) after a warm-up match on Monday, March 18th with the national U-17 side at the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Stadium in Belmopan.

Missing Toledo teen says she went to visit a friend
Earlier today BBN reported that 17 year old Anna Che had been missing since Friday. That was when the student of San Antonio, Toledo left home and was last seen. A missing person report was filed with Punta Gorda police and the public was asked to be on the lookout for her.

Police find large stash of cocaine in San Pedro
San Pedro police found a large stash of cocaine, weighing over 20 kilos, on the island earlier today. Police say that a detail of police officers from San Pedro, assisted by members of the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU), went to an area 2 miles north of Boca Del Rio Park where they found a white crocus sack on the beach with 20 packages of suspected cocaine inside.

Toledo man killed in hit and run accident
A fatal road traffic accident claimed the life of one man just before midnight last night. He has been identified as Adriano Choco, 21. Police reports indicate that he had momentarily exited a bar situated on the highway in Hicatte village, Toledo when an oncoming vehicle knocked him down.

Toledo teen reported missing
The public is asked to be on the lookout for Anna Che, 17. The student of San Antonio, Toledo left home on March 15, however, she has not been seen since.

Dangriga police quickly nab suspected robbers after robbery
Dangriga police quickly nab suspected thieves after robbery Police in southern Belize are investigating a case of armed robbery. It happened shortly after 2:00 a.m. yesterday in Dangriga, Stann Creek.

Marconi Leal involved in fight caught on camera
People’s United Party (PUP) Belize Rural North Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal, was reportedly involved in an altercation yesterday evening in Sandhill village. The altercation was caught on surveillance cameras at the establishment where the fight happened. In the video, Leal can be seen engaging in a verbal argument with another man before proceeding to throw the first punch.

Chinese store in San Ignacio robbed this morning
A Chinese store in San Ignacio town, Cayo District was targeted by robbers a short while ago. Reports are that City Corner, a Chinese store located on Joseph Andrews drive, was the establishment that was robbed.

Who is to blame for Venezuela’s problems? – Part 2: the case against Nicolás Maduro
As the fight for power in the South American country of Venezuela continues, Breaking Belize News is examining the arguments over who is to blame for Venezuela’s problems – its elected president Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded charismatic strongman Hugo Chavez following his death from cancer in 2013, or Venezuela’s primary enemy, the United States and its regional and international allies?

International Sources

All-Vegan Resort in Belize Offers a Place to Unwind and Connect with Nature
If you are planning a trip to Belize and want a full vegan experience, you might want to add this place to your list. Located in the coastal town of Corozal, about 85 miles north of Belize City, Serenity Retreats Belize is a vegan resort and yoga retreat center. Toronto native Nissrien Barakat, 43, opened Serenity Retreats Belize in early 2018 after selling her home and belongings, leaving the rat race and moving to Belize for a fresh start.

Videos

March 17, 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

Belize Electricity Limited to connect Caye Caulker to the National Grid
On Thursday, March 14th Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) took the Belizean Media Corps on a tour of the submarine cable route that is expected to connect Caye Caulker to the national electricity grid. The media tour served to inform the different media entities of the proposed connection route as well as the process of the project to share with their readers and viewers. The group of media corps and BEL members departed from The Office Bar & Restaurant located in San Pedro Town at 9AM. Their first stop was at ‘Point 1’, the ‘Existing Cable Landing’ located at the back of Ambergris Caye, where the island’s electricity grid is directly connected to the national grid.

Court case for San Pedro Police officer Tyrell Rowley adjourned to April
San Pedro police officer 21-year-old Tyrell Rowley was before the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Wednesday, March 13th as he continues to answer to the offense of Wounding, after being involved in a case of police brutality on New Year’s Day at Boca del Rio. Rowley did not stay long inside the court, and his case was then further adjourned until April 3, 2019. Rowley, who resides in Belize City, continues on interdiction (receiving half pay) until the case is concluded. It is yet unknown if any charges will be brought against Medina, who has not appeared in court.

Kenyon College installs more solar panels at New Horizon School
The Kenyon College professors and students from Ohio, USA were on Ambergris Caye installing more solar panels from Monday, March 11th to Thursday, March 14th. This year’s trip saw New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School (NHSDAS) receiving 12 solar panels. The team included: students Emma Coffman, Ansley Grider, Hannah Petrich, Sierra Smith, Kira Lancz, Sam Turner, and Professors, Doctor Robert Alexander and Doctor James Skon, along with retired entrepreneur Doug Karl. Before schools qualify to get solar panels, the team conducts an evaluation, looking several factors, such as appropriate wiring, the height of the building, the current electricity bill and most importantly, if the school is interested in using alternative sources of power.

Ambergris Caye’s First Half Marathon and 10k run to be held on April 6th
All running enthusiast are invited to participate in Ambergris Caye’s First Half Marathon (21 kilometers), or 10k Run to be held on Saturday, April 6th. The event is being organized by the Alaia Charity Foundation, who seek to provide financial, educational, medical and environmental support with the net-proceeds from the event to disenfranchised island families. Runners will have the chance to participate in either the Half Marathon or 10-kilometer distances. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join, as there are several age-range categories, including under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50 up.

Martin Dawson hosts first MMA seminar of the year; hints of a May 2019 tournament on the island
A Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) seminar was held in San Pedro Town on Saturday, March 9th under the guidance of retired Mexican fighter Gerardo Morales (El Guerrero Maya) of Kung Do Lama School in Cancun, Mexico. The event was organized by island MMA fighter and instructor, Martin Dawson, who along with Morales coached participants on combat Jiu-Jitsu, and self-defence techniques. From 4PM to 7PM, participants eagerly followed instructions while learning new and useful fighting techniques. According to Dawson the idea to work with Morales is to continue with his mission to fully introduce the sport on the island. Dawson is looking forward to creating the first MMA League on Ambergris Caye and host a tournament with Belizean and foreign fighters in May of this year.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal Mayor meets with British High Commissioner
Mayor Rigo Vellos and the Corozal Town Council were honored to have hosted a meeting with the British High Commissioner Mrs. Claire Evans and her team. We are pleased to have had a productive meeting while strengthening ties for the benefit of our people.

Arte Con Voz Mujer Exhibit in Corozal
The National Institute of Culture and History through the Corozal House of Culture presented: Arte Con Voz Mujer Exhibit Honouring the Life's Work of Multigenre Visual Artist Vilma Romero on Friday March 15, 2019. it commenced at 7pm inside the Corozal HHouse of Culture. The chairs where not empty as many came to attend this to witness the Arte Display's Vilma Romero had.

The Live Well Cayo Festival showcases living healthy in Belize!
It's all about wellness, healthy living and Belize going green!! Congratulations to the BTIA Cayo Chapter for putting together a great event!

First blood parasite documented in Morelet's crocodile documented in publication
In addition to looking at anthropogenic impact on crocodilian immunology and parasitology. Joe will be publishing his thesis in a scientific journal soon. CRC would like to congratulate our Research Associate Joe Kristoffer Partyka for completing his Master's. Joe worked with the CRC during his 2 year program investigating human impact on crocodilian parasitology and immunology. He also documented the first blood parasite in the Morelet's crocodile! Congrats again Joe!

Why is Guatemala going to the ICJ if they know they will lose?
By Tony Rath. I still haven’t made up my mind about how to vote in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referendum. After all the debates, talk shows, articles, and comments; all the research and reading; all the obscene billboards and meetings, you might think that the choice would be easy; but not for me. There hasn’t been a smoking gun that instantly makes everything clear and leads me down the right path. Also, there is a final burning question that has yet to be answered in this debate. First, for me, the No vote is the default—the “innocent before proven guilty” vote. I will accept the status quo unless there is a safer, better option. By default, the YES vote has to convince me that accepting litigation risk—no matter how small or large—and voting YES is not only a better choice, but the best of all possible options.

The Return of the PIG ROAST (w/ Live Music!)
Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 3 PM – 10 PM at The Truck Stop. We've planned one of our best Sunday Fundays of the year with LIVE MUSIC starting at 3pm and going late into the night! We're bringing back our famous CUBAN-STYLE PIG ROAST! Plus we'll have the pool bar open all day, so come check out some of our new cocktails while cooling off in the pool, then jam out to the live music all night long! 3PM-6PM - Live music from Tyler Allan, 6PM-9PM - Live reggae band The Beach Monks!

7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day BASH Hosted by Crazy Canucks Beach Bar
THE place to party in San Pedro for St. Patrick’s Day! We will have our delicious homemade corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots. DJ, Shot giveaways, Free party favors, Green Beer, Irish Car Bombs. Don’t miss out on our party of the year!

The Reporter

Rum and The River Don’t Mix, In Spanish Look-Out
A rum drinking expedition near the river has turned fatal in Spanish Lookout. According to preliminary investigation, ‘Duck Run 1’ resident Audino Molina, 51, along with his brother, ‘Duck Run 2’ resident Alvaro Molina, 62 went to the riverside in Spanish Lookout at around 4:00pm to look for their nephew who was reportedly fishing there.

Minor Charged for ‘Roping’ Minor
A minor, 14, student of Belmopan Methodist School was arraigned in Belmopan on Wednesday on a single charge of wounding for injuries he allegedly caused upon a 15-year-old student from Belmopan Comprehensive High School. Eyewitnesses say that the incident occurred around 2:40 p.m., on Tuesday near a field located beside the Social Security office when the 14-year-old who was riding a horse lassoed the victim and dragged him along the walkway in the presence of other students.

NICH Wins 2019 Belikin Ruta Maya River Challenge
The NICH team of Efrain Cruz, Hener Cruz and Felix Cruz won the 22nd annual Belikin Ruta Maya River Challenge from San Ignacio to Belize City on Friday to Monday, March 8-11. The NICH men dominated the race from the outset, winning the first stage in 5:02:01, opening up a three minute gap over their nearest rivals, the Crunch Time team. The NICH team also won the third stage from Double Head Cabbage to Burrell Boom in 4:50:43 on Sunday to gain a six minute lead in their cumulative time over Crunch Time. NICH also won the fourth leg on Monday in 2:36:56, almost two minutes ahead of Crunch Time.

ASSAD: AS HE WAS IN 1981 SO IS HE IN 2019!
Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d). Last October the Barrow Administration recruited, from Havana, the one Assad Shoman to rescue its ICJ mis-education campaign. Mr. Barrow felt compelled to do so because Sedi Elrington had landed the said campaign on the rocks due to his unguided tongue and his growing impatience with the Belizean people.

Breaking Belize News

Who is to blame for Venezuela’s problems? – Part 2: the case against Nicolas Maduro
As the fight for power in the South American country of Venezuela continues, Breaking Belize News is examining the arguments over who is to blame for Venezuela’s problems – its elected president Nicolás Maduro, who succeeded charismatic strongman Hugo Chavez following his death from cancer in 2009, or Venezuela’s primary enemy, the United States and its regional and international allies?

Murder charges dropped against Verris Ventura
Accused almost a year ago of the May 3rd, 2018 shooting murder of 29-year-old Jason Travis Sutherland of Central American Boulevard in Belize City, Verris Ventura, 24, of Caesar Ridge Road was set free on Friday morning. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that it would withdraw the charge without prejudice, causing Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson to release him immediately.

Hospital attendant obtained electronics by deception
Arnaldo Feliciano Cruz, 31, an attendant for the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, is accused of dishonestly and deceptively obtaining several electronic items from a woman. Cruz appeared before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer on Friday when he was read the charge.

The Jalacte Road
The road or highway to Jalacte in the Toledo District bordering with Guatemala’s Santa Cruz Village in Belize’s southwestern border has been trafficable since a few years now and some level of trade is going on in that area. I took a mule ride to Santa Cruz Village, Guatemala, just to differentiate from Belize’s Santa Cruz Village which is casually on that same road to Jalacte, a couple of years ago.

No foul play suspected in death of hispanic man in the river near Spanish Lookout
Late last night BBN reported that the body of a hispanic man was found in the river near ‘Mennonite beach’ in Spanish Lookout. According to Police, what was a rum drinking expedition ended up causing the fatality. Preliminary investigations reveal that 51 year old Audino Molina and his brother Alvaro Molina went to the riverside in Spanish Lookout at around 4:00pm to look for their nephew who was reportedly fishing there.

Blogs

Where to eat in Placencia, Belize
Check out these 10 street stands, fancy hotel bistros and bakeries to get your grub on across this tropical Belizean peninsula. For a small village with essentially one main road and a boardwalk, the food scene in Placencia, Belize is nothing to sniff at. From cheap roadside bites to lauded eateries, there is plenty to peruse, starting with these ten highlights:

International Sources

WANT Les Essentiels founders revamp Matachica resort as "redefined Belizean beach experience"
Canadian twins Byron and Dexter Peart, who founded leather brand WANT Les Essentiels, have turned away from fashion to redesign a resort and spa in Belize. The Matachica resort is the first venture from the brothers' "purpose-led" design studio Byron and Dexter Design – established to follow on from WANT Les Essentiels, which they left in 2017. For the project, the duo was enlisted by owner and fellow Montrealer Daniel Lighter to reimagine the overall design and guest experience of Matachica Resort & Spa on Ambergris Caye in Belize – a country on the eastern coast of Central America.

Videos

March 16, 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

Island’s incinerator still awaits installation
In July 2018, two months after the incinerator arrived on the island, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) told The San Pedro Sun that it was going to build a facility near a five-acre property south of the island. This building would house the incinerator and a freezer for the morgue. However, no plans have been forthcoming for the building of this facility, and in the meantime, the polyclinic continues to dispose of their biomedical waste by either burying it or burning it in the open.

San Pedro Invaders crushed by Verdes Rebels 8-0
Week five of the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) Closing Season 2019 saw yet another devastating loss for the San Pedro Invaders. The island team was defeated in a home game at the Ambergris Stadium against Verdes Rebels on Saturday, March 9th. This latest match, which ended in an 8-0 score, leaves the Invaders at the bottom of the tournament standing, with only two points overall. For their next match, San Pedro Invaders will be traveling to Corozal Town to face Corozal Scorpions on Sunday, March 17th. The game is scheduled to begin at 4PM at the Ricalde Stadium.

Island Preschoolers host Art Exhibition in San Pedro Town
As part of Child Stimulation Month activities, island preschoolers organized an art exhibit under this year’s theme: “Hug me, Listen to me, Read with me, Help me Grow!” at the San Pedro House of Culture (SPHC) from Wednesday, March 13th to Thursday, March 14th. Participants included the San Pedro Preschool, ABC Preschool, Isla Bonita Preschool, San Pedro Shining Stars Preschool, Brighter Tomorrow Preschool, Holy Cross Preschool and Little Angel’s Preschool.

Health authorities on high alert after reported cases of Measles in the region
Recent reports of Measles cases in the region have prompted Belizean health authorities to heighten surveillance on any signs of the highly contagious disease. The Ministry of Health (MOH) raised the alarm after informed of a positive case of Measles in nearby Guatemala, apparently imported to that country from Europe. On Ambergris Caye, the situation is being monitored as well, and islanders are advised that if they are not fully immunized or are not sure of their immunity status, to visit the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II to get the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine for safe and life-long protection against the disease.

Belize rejects being placed on EU list of non-cooperative jurisdiction for tax purposes
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 12th, in Brussels, Belgium, identifying Belize as failing to meet agreed tax good governance standards. The Government of Belize (GOB) was quick to respond via an official statement, rejecting the designation of Belize on the said list. GOB raised concerns about the questionable and inaccurate conclusions drawn in respect of its obligation to work with its global partners in establishing a modern and fair international tax framework.

Ambergris Today

Stabbing And Chopping Incident At Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker Police are investigating a stabbing and chopping incident where two males received injuries during an altercation with another male individual. According to reports on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at about 6:00 p.m., police visited the Caye Caulker Polyclinic where they found Julian ‘Tito’ Rosado suffering from several chop wounds and a severed middle finger and Lahji Rosado with stab wounds.

Plans Ongoing To Connect Caye Caulker To Mainland Electrical Grid
Belize Electricity Limited has completed the Caye Caulker Feasibility Study to confirm the economic and social benefits, and the environmental impact of installing a submarine cable to connect Caye Caulker to the national electricity grid. This means that the company is interested in improving its services to the growing island.

Misc Belizean Sources

La Isla Carinosa Academy BBQ Fundraiser
LICA fundraiser! Kindly support our school and children. March 16th, Central Park Caye Caulker

Happy Agriculture Day!
In commemoration of Agriculture Day, we feature our Fulbright Scholar Bruce Hicks, who is partnering with University of Belize, Central Farm UBCF to enhance agricultural production across Belize!

Boeing 737 Max 8's
Many of the airlines flying to Belize use Boeing 737 Max 8's. Flights in and out of Belize are being disrupted as all these aircraft are now grounded. If you are flying in the next couple of days, then I would advise you to check with your airline.

Full transcript of the Prime Minister's Budget Speech for the Fiscal Year 2019/2020
Madam Speaker, I rise to present to this Honourable House and to the nation my Administration’s Budget for the Fiscal Year 2019/20. This is our twelfth National Budget, each one conscientiously crafted, sometimes in difficult circumstances, to increase investment and propel development. This while always ensuring that necessary fiscal risk-taking does not balloon into irresponsible fiscal excess. We have sought to maintain essential stability even as we pushed boundaries in our crusade for national betterment. In the end, then, we have never deteriorated into adventurism, And balance and equilibrium have ultimately been our watchwords.

Mr. Roger Martinez passes away
RIP Roger. It was always nice to eat your delicious food in Caye Caulker!!!

ICJ Forum at the Lions Den March 21
Are you prepared to make an informed decision on April 10th? Learn more about the ICJ Referendum at this free public forum on March 21st. We are proud to sponsor a public forum on the ICJ Referendum with a host of expert opinions on both sides of this historic decision. Please join us for a very informative evening!

Delivery of Voter’s Identification Cards to Villages
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby notifies electors that Elections and Boundaries personnel will be distributing Identification Cards in the below-listed villages for those persons whose applications were accepted in the months of JULY and AUGUST, 2018 and subsequently approved at revision court. Furthermore, Elections and Boundaries Registration Offices will also be opened countrywide to facilitate the issuance of Identification Cards on the 16th, 23rd, and 30th, March and on April 6, 2019, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Mrs Vilma Romero Exhibit
She is an amazing woman that has contributed so much and inspires all future female artists. Mrs Vilma Romero. Arte con Voz de Mujer exhibit.

Belize Band Fest 2019 Most Popular Band Voting

Pool Day at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico School grounds
Saturday and Sunday

FUNDRAISER FOR COROZAL ANIMAL PROGRAM (CAP)
Please join us for a fun afternoon of Bingo called by our very own Teamous Newberne! DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27. TIME: 2:00 TO 4:00 PM. PLACE: JAM ROCK. There will be cash prizes, as well as other great prizes. 100% of the funds we raise goes to CAP! Hope to see you there!

Inspiring Belizean women blazing trails!
Chargé d'Affaires, a. i. Keith Gilges and the Embassy's Michelle Carrasco were honored to share the stage for a picture. Congrats to Amb Carlos Quesnel and his team for putting on this great event! Special thanks to key speakers Amb. Joy Grant, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, CEO Sharon Young, Min. Labour, Local Government & Rural Development, and Cynthia Yacab Williams, Executive Director of the The National Women's Commission for her role as moderator.

Channel 7

PUP Asks Chief Justice For Injunction Against ICJ Referendum
The ICJ Referendum is only 26 days away - but today the PUP asked the Supreme Court to stop the government from going ahead with the referendum. Eamon Courtenay's law firm filed the claim last week Wednesday, and Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard their application today.   It is built on the legal opinion of attorneys: Anthony Sylvestre, Richard "Dickie" Bradley, and Kareem Musa. They argue that the 2008 Special Agreement is not in conformity with Belize's constitution.  They say that the Government signed this agreement transferring authority to the ICJ to change Belize's borders, if they should decide that Guatemala is entitled to any of Belize's territory. The argument is that Government should have taken this to the House of Representatives and the Senate, since changing Belize's borders means amending the Belize constitution. PUP area reps Michael Espat, Oscar Requeña, Rodwell Ferguson, Julius Espat and Cordel Hyde, are named as the claimants in the legal challenge.

Bahamian's Escape From Extradition
Last night, we told you about the appeal that the Bahamians, Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach, filed in the Court of Appeal. They were trying to block the Government from carrying out extradition proceedings against them, on behalf of the US Government. Well, the news coming out of the Appeal Court tonight is major: they were successful. They will not be extradited to the US to face trial for allegation of securities fraud. The Court of Appeal has ruled that whatever evidence the US has against them was obtained unlawfully. As we told you, their attorneys, Eamon Courtenay and Leslie Mendez argued yesterday that the US Government violated Belize's Interception of Communications Act, because they did not have authority from the Supreme Court to conduct telephone surveillance against Knowles and Leach.

Police Puzzle Over Skull
Tonight, police are puzzling over the discovery of a human skull in a field between Los Lagos and Bacab - off he Northern Highway.   It was found this afternoon when some Bacab workers were clearing an area after a bushfire.  The skull was on the ground and was not buried.   Not much about it is known tonight - but the police scenes of crime team have taken it for a post mortem to be conducted on Monday.  That  may reveal some clues on whether it is a male or female skull and how long ago it was deposited there.  No other body parts were found.

PM Barrow's 12th Budget is Big On Infrastructure
Today was budget day in Belmopan - which is always the most important day on he parliamentary calendar because it's when government introduces the revenue and appropriations bill - which is what gives the government its power to tax and spend.   But, it also gives the ruling party an opportunity showcase its development projects and boast and beam about what it has done and what it promises to do.  Jules Vasquez reports on this morning's presentation: In his 12th budget presentation - Prime Minister didn't quite reach for the stars. 

Briceno Blasts Budget
But, opposition leader John Briceno isn't waiting those 10 days to tear into it.  He said the budget is flat and uninspired:... Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "We know what's going on with all of these projects, that is why more and more people are referring to this government as the kick back government. In effect this is a kick back budget, there's nothing for the productive sector, there is nothing for our ordinary citizens of this country. When you think about it, this government has spent approximately 11 billion dollars and ask yourself, are we better off today? Has poverty gone down? Has crime gone down? Has unemployment gone down? Has productivity gone up? By all the metrics that you take, this is a government that has failed the Belizean people. This budget is an empty budget that was presented today to the Belizean people."

PUP Does Not Support Loans For Highway Mega Projects
And, two of those major infrastructural projects went to the house today.  That's the 36 million US dollar CDB loan for the Coastal Highway project and the 20 million US dollar loan for phase 2 of the Caracol Road project.  The Opposition Leader said it's too much money to spend on roads when there are so many other needs: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "They are saying that this amount right now is just covering 64% of this portion of the road. So they have to borrow another 36%, that 36% Madam Speaker is another 11,250,000 US dollars that has to be borrowed yet. There are so many other pressing needs in this country Madam Speaker. Look at our small farmers, we need to be able to assist them Madam Speaker..."

Maya's Actually Pleased About Progress in Customary Land Rights Case
The Government of Belize and the Indigenous Maya of Southern Belize are finally starting o see eye to eye on how to implement Maya Customary land tenure in Toledo.
You'll remember that up until about 4 or 5 months ago, the Mayan claimants were complaining bitterly to the public and to the judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice that years after the 2015 consent order was finalized, the Government and its Maya Land Rights Commission have done very little to implement the judgement. Well, the tone was very different today in a teleconference hearing with the CCJ, which is overseeing the process of making Maya land rights a real thing that is respected at the Lands Department. The Maya went to court today to tell the judges that finally, measurable progress has been made, since they last reported to the court.

Verris Vindicated
A man got off a murder charge today. Verris Ventura was facing a murder charge in relation to the May 2018 killing of Jason Sutherland. Well, Ventura got off that murder charge when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. She told him that the charge against him has been withdrawn on a directive from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution due to insufficient evidence. Sutherland was shot and killed inside his yard. Reports are that the gunman went to Sutherland pretending to buy weed from him. When Sutherland got the marijuana, the gunman took out his firearm and shot him several times in his abdomen and back. Ventura was not represented in court today. 

The Plastic Phase Out Countdown Begins
Last week we told you about the Draft Environmental Protection Regulation. Well today, the Department of the Environment heard comments and answered questions from the main stakeholders who will be affected by the phase out action plan. The consultation was held at the Radisson this morning and we dropped by to find out more about the regulation and what it means for manufacturers and consumers. Maxine Monsanto - Environmental Officer, Environmental Law and Policy Unit: "Today is a national consultation with stakeholder on the draft Environmental Protection Pollution from plastics regulation 2019. The objective today is honestly a two-way flow consultation..."

Adjusting IBC Regs To Keep Up with the EU
As we've been reporting this week, Belize has been blacklisted by the European Union for its offshore banking regulations.  These same regulations had been approved by the EU in January - but now, local industry insiders are saying - the Europeans have shifted the goalposts.  So today, two pieces of legislation amending the International Business Companies At and he International Financial Services Commission Act had to be rushed through he house.  The Prime Minister explained why in his budget presentation: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "The European Union's Code of Conduct Group found that Belize's IBC regimes still contained harmful tax features. They demanded, under pain of being "black-listed", more action on the part of Belize..."

Putting Women's Contributions In Perspective
Everyday should be women's day: that's the idea that inspired the Mexican Cultural Institute to host a talk on the empowerment of women in their professional development. Here is more from the event. Women's month continues with more activities next week.

CITCO Rebrands
If you've passed by the Downtown Commercial Center recently, you would have noticed that the renovation works on it are moving apace, and it is expected that the Belize City Council will be able to move in and utilize the new building in a few weeks. And to match the new color scheme of the Commercial Center, the Council is engaging in a rebranding effort. They want to remove the PUDP party colors out of the image of the council. The City Administrator granted an interview to the press and she discussed the Commercial Center, and this rebranding at City Hall:

Legendary Historian and Educator J. Alexander Won't Vote in Referendum
Noted educator and historian, the 89 year old J. Alexander Bennet will not be able to vote in the April 10th referendum. The cutoff date for registration passed earlier this week - and after months of being unable to find his records at the Vital Stats unit - the news his family did get was not good - and they chose not to re-register him.  Here's why:

Channel 5

Interim Injunction of the April Referendum; Chief Justice Sets Hearing for April First
The courtroom of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was overflowing this morning with attorneys and claimants. Five parliamentarians and a deputy party leader of the P.U.P. are asking the court to [...]

Cordel Hyde: FM Elrington Signed Compromis without Permission
Deputy Party Leader Anthony Mahler and parliamentarians Michael Espat, Oscar Requeña, Rodwell Ferguson, Julius Espat and Cordel Hyde are bringing the claim against the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign [...]

Depending on International Funding, while Spending on Unnecessary Projects
The P.U.P.’s Cordel Hyde was also critical of the financing of the education campaign. He says the government has gone hat in hand to the international community, while it spent [...]

Flip Flopping over Position on I.C.J. Referendum
Attorney Lisa Shoman appeared on behalf of the government today in the case brought by the P.U.P.  Shoman has been a party supporter having served as Ambassador, Senator and Minister [...]

Ron Knowles and Kelvin Leach Beat Extradition Request
Before parliamentarians appeared in the Supreme Court, over at the Court of Appeal, a major decision was handed down. The court ruled in favour of Bahamian nationals Ron Knowles and [...]

The 2019/2020 National Budget is Unveiled in Parliament
The budget for the new financial year that begins on April first, was read today by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in the House of representatives where a number of seats [...]

Increased Cost of Living Continues to Affect Recurrent Expenditure
Government’s wage bill continues to be the single largest budget item as far as its recurrent expenditure, surpassing the cost of goods and services by as much as one hundred [...]

PM and John Briceño Mutual on Recent EU Blacklisting
The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition don’t often see eye-to-eye on national issues, but the recent blacklisting of Belize by the European Union has both political leaders [...]

John Briceño on P.U.P. Legal Challenge
While five P.U.P. area representatives were in Supreme Court this morning as claimants in the legal challenge brought about by the opposition, Party Leader John Briceño was in Belmopan for [...]

Looking at the Mess at Vital Stats
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte cried foul a few weeks ago when footage of a well-known U.D.P. operative behind a desk at the Vital Statistics Department surfaced on Vibes Media.  The [...]

Progress in Maya Land Tenure Policy
It’s been three years since the Caribbean Court of Justice handed down a decision against the government in favour of communal land rights of the Maya people in thirty-eight indigenous [...]

How Will the Indigenous Maya Communities in the South Vote on April 10th?
The Maya people in the south have been engaged for twenty years in the process of litigation as it relates to their communal land rights. So when it comes to [...]

Accused Murderer Freed
A charge of murder was withdrawn today against twenty-four-year-old Verris Ventura of Belize City at the instructions of the Office of the D.P.P.  He was accused of the May third, [...]

D.O.E. Hosts Plastic Ban Legislation Consultation
Last year the government announced that it wants to reduce plastic and Styrofoam pollution through the phasing out of single-use plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam as well as plastic food [...]

CARICOM Issues a Strong Statement against Canada; Does Not Recognize Juan Guaido
CARICOM today issued a very strong and rare statement against the Government of Canada. It says that Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau attempted to create a direct link between self-proclaimed [...]

CitCo Ready to Move to New Headquarters but Furnishings are Still Outstanding
A few weeks ago, we showed you the newly renovated downtown commercial centre which will house City Hall. At the time, Mayor Bernard said the council was facing challenges in [...]

CitCo Unveils a New Look
The City Council today also had a soft launch of the new brand for the council. Those changes to the brand are reflected in the colour schemes use throughout the [...]

New Security Protocols Implemented at Assembly Building
An alleged bomb threat on Independence Hill recently has prompted strict security measures to be implemented for persons entering the National Assembly Building.  The new protocols extend to members of [...]

Mexican Embassy Hosts Women’s Empowerment Session
All month long there have been several events across the country to celebrate women’s contributions to society and history. Today, the Mexican Embassy held an empowerment session at the Mexican [...]

Amandala

Deadly bar argument leaves 2 dead
Around 6 o’clock last night, a young man’s life was tragically ended when an argument in a bar ended with him being stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. In a turn of events, however, his alleged killer fled on a motorcycle with a friend who had been in the bar, but then crashed his motorcycle, critically injuring himself and killing his friend. The tragic chain of events began in Punta Gorda Town when the murder victim, Luis Cabrera, 18, who resides in the town, got into an altercation in the bar with Alexander Ruiz, 37, of Trio Village in the Toledo District, who was also drinking in the bar.

After 1 year and 2 months, no Senate Report on the Immigration Department hearing
On September 30, 2016, the Senate approved a motion for a Senate Select Committee to conduct an impartial, independent investigation into the findings of the Auditor General’s Report on the Immigration and Nationality Department for the period 2011 to 2013. The period of the Auditor General’s Report also covers the Won Kim passport scandal and Elvin Penner, who was the Minister of State in the Immigration Department at the time of that scandal, was one of the persons called to testify at the Senate hearings.

19-year-old stabbed to death in San Pedro
The body of a 19-year-old man was found last night in San Pedro at around 11 o’clock, making this the second murder for the island for 2019. Police say that they were alerted to a murder on Blake Street, and when they arrived, they found the body of Horace Cadle, Jr., with stab wounds in the right side of the chest and the left side of the neck. Cadle was dressed in a grey T-shirt and red and grey knee-length pants.

Andrew Willoughby gets 18 years for murder of boy, 11
Andrew Willoughby, 38, who was convicted of the murder of Daniel Matura, 11, was sentenced to life imprisonment today by Madam Justice Marilyn Williams. She told him that he would be eligible for parole in 25 years, and after she took into consideration the time he has spent on remand, which commenced on May 23, 2012, she made a deduction from his sentence, which was reduced to 18 years. Before she decided on the sentence, Justice Williams heard pleas for mitigation from four character witnesses, and also Willoughby and his attorney, Leeroy Banner.

https://amandala.com.bz/news/creating-home-women/
The United States Department of State has released its 2018 Human Rights Report, and some 22 pages of the report cover human rights issues in Belize. The report highlights unlawful killings by security officers; allegations of corruption on the part of government officials and crimes involving violence directed against LGBTI persons; as well as trafficking in persons and child labor. In Section 1 of the report, which deals with Freedom from Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings, an extra-judicial killing in Punta Gorda involving a police officer was mentioned

Creating a home for women in need
Thistle Farms, in Tennessee, is a home for women who are survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. It has helped many women, and its sister communities around the world have helped even more. Now, a similar home for women coming out of prison is coming to Belize and will be called Aunty’s Place. The establishment of Aunty’s Place is still in the works, and the founder of Thistle Farms, Becca Stevens, is currently in Belize, working with Virginia Echols, host of “Moments of Inspiration” on KREM Radio. They have already visited the prison and today they held a workshop to move forward with the idea. In its inception, Aunty’s Place will be located in Hattieville and will cater to four women.

91st Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta
On Sunday, March 10, Belize City Harbour was the venue of the 91st Baron Bliss Regatta under the patronage of Governor General His Excellency Sir Colville Young. Principal Race Officer was Captain (N) Elton Bennett, and Signal Officer Lt (jg) Hernandez of the Belize Coast Guard. Safety and Course Management was also by Belize Coast Guard. The weather provided a steady 22kt wind from the south east. The usual traditional course is set at the shallower northern edge of the harbor, and the waves spawned in the deeper part of the harbor were arriving white-capped and rolling.

Cricket Corner
Hello, my so humble readers of my cricket column! No games were played last weekend. The games continue this Saturday and Sunday. It’s going to be a fun filled weekend. Best of luck to all. For this weekend, the scheduled games are as follows:

Week 5 results; National Women’s League 1st round ends
Week 5 games this past weekend completed the 1st round of competition in the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2018-2019 Closing Season. There are 12 teams in the NAWL, 6 in each group, North (N) and South (S); and after the 2nd round is completed, the top 4 teams from each group will go on to knockout quarterfinal series. Four of the six Week 5 games were played on Saturday, and two on Sunday.

Verdes bombs Police, re-takes standings lead at Week 9 of PLB 2018-2019 Closing Season
It was the anticipated “game of the week” when 2nd place Verdes FC hosted 4th ranked Police United FC at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday, but it turned out to be a one-sided affair, as the short-staffed (due to suspensions and injuries) Police United squad was trashed, 5-nil, by Verdes, who are now back on top in the standings. (See standings below.) In a most competitive PLB Closing Season, Verdes last led the standings back in Week 5, after which the lead changed to Bandits in Week 6, and then to San Pedro Pirates for consecutive Weeks 7 and 8.

Editorial: Looking at environmental aspects of Stake Bank Project during REEF WEEK
The Oceana website says the objective of Reef Week, an annual celebration of all things marine started by the organization in 2013, is “to raise awareness of the pivotal role the Barrier Reef plays in Belizean lives and livelihood.” The Stake Bank Project is of substantial concern in relation to the reef. Our observation is that this project will need special monitoring by the authorities, for the protection of the environment and the good of all involved. Most Belizeans have welcomed the Stake Bank project because it will inject a sizable amount of capital into our economy, the estimates ranging from US$50 million to US$82 million when all the phases of the project are complete.

Citizens Defense of Sovereignty – who are they and who pays them?
Are they operating legally? And within the law? So it is rather interesting that there is a non-governmental organization that has as its sole focus the yes-ICJ vote. This NGO is named Citizens Defense of Sovereignty and is headed by Assad Shoman, who has literally been on an all-out campaign to convince voters to vote yes come Referendum Day on 10th April, 2019. Now it is absolutely fascinating to me that an NGO would be formed to do this because it does not fall within any of the definitions and purposes of an NGO.

About the Father of Guatemala
Historians who are not nice – there are a few of those bigoted bums – introduce Rafael Carrera, the Father of Guatemala, as an illiterate pig farmer. When I was a boy there were no “credentials” for a fisherman, but my mother didn’t buy into that. My maternal grandfather died when I was a baby in my mother’s arms, so most everything I know about him is what my mother told me. She said he was a fisherman, a farmer, and a scholar. My mother had an uncle who was a fisherman too. I can’t give myself any props for having the utmost respect for fisherfolk. The thanks go to the way I was brought up. I’ve been a full-time fisherman a few years in my life too.

Shining some light on the number of Belizeans in the United States
We are living in an era in which immigrants in the United States are being cast as violent criminals, refugees as terrorists, and the border as being in desperate need of a wall. The administration in Washington has painted a grim picture of immigrants and the mantra of American immigration is no longer “Give me, your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” President Trump and his Republican allies are proposing immigration changes that are in direct contradiction to bedrock principles of the American immigration system.

Supreme Court responds to public criticism of judge by PM Barrow
Two weeks ago, as he addressed the Business Forum in Belize City, Prime Minister Dean Barrow unleashed a series of comments that were critical of Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel, which prompted the Opposition, the People’s United Party, to describe him in a Belize Times headline as being “in contempt of court.” Today, from the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice issued a press release on the matter.

EU lists Belize as “non-cooperative jurisdiction for tax purposes”
At a meeting of the European Union economy and finance ministers held on Tuesday, Belize was among 9 other countries that were placed on the list of countries listed as “non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.” Belize had failed to meet the agreed good governance standards. The other countries on the EU list are Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Vanuatu. The countries on the list had up to the end of December last year to comply with the EU taxation stipulations and their domestic laws were monitored to ensure compliance, an EU press release said on Tuesday.

John Bennett, 38, dies in accident on George Price Highway
John Bennett, 38, died in a traffic accident that occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, between Miles 6 and 7 on the George Price Highway. When police arrived on the scene, they saw Bennett’s body with multiple injuries on it and a red motorcycle not too far away. A Ford Explorer and the person who had been driving it, Anthony Grant, age unknown, were in the middle of the road.

Daniel Myvett, 27, beats murder charge
Daniel Myvett, 27, charged with the murder of Nigerian security guard Kimaru Olungandudu, walked out of the court of Justice Colin Williams a free man today when Justice Williams granted a permanent stay of execution for his case. Based on submissions that were made by Myvett’s attorney, Leeroy Banner, Justice Williams had ordered that the Crown provide submissions as to why there was a delay in the retrial of Myvett. Justice Williams, in his ruling, said that there was non-compliance by the Crown with the order of the court, and that the criminal procedure rules give a timeline for retrials and the timeline for Myvett’s retrial had long since elapsed.

The Reporter

Supreme Court Grants PUP Leave to Challenge ICJ Referendum
=The Supreme Court of Belize today granted the PUP leave to challenge the holding of the ICJ Referendum on April 10th […]

Missing Boat Found Near Mapp Caye
Friday, March 15, 2019 Two months ago the family of Evan Neal, 43, along with Police and Coast Guard personnel launched an extensive search at sea for him and another […]

Explosive Testimony Links Mason et al To Lucas Beheading
The trial of the decade – the Mason murder trial – got underway on Tuesday, and by the close of today, had seen eight persons take the witness stand for […]

EDITORIAL – March 15th. 2019
By Mr. Henry Lawrence – Guatemala’s revised Constitution of 1951 claimed the whole of Belize as her 23rd Province, and even though she professed that she wanted to settle the […]

THE WORDING OF THE SPECIAL AGREEMENT
By Jordan Craig – A column by Citizens for the Defense of Sovereignty (CDS) Victory is awaiting Belize at the ICJ. For decades, we endured futile negotiations and resisted the […]

Belize Not Paying Petro-Caribe Loan
Belize is unable to service its debt to Venezuela, believed to be close to half a billion dollars, by way of the now defunct PetroCaribe program due to international sanctions […]

Accused Drug Traffickers Secure Bail
This week two men who were busted by Police with a knapsack loaded with cocaine at the Ranchito Municipal Airstrip in Corozal have been able to secure Supreme Court bail […]

For Love…Not Just a Living
Sliced bread is for many the quickest, easiest means to breakfast or supper because they are readily available at most shops and supermarkets; but people who prefer the more traditional […]

Stabbing In Belize City – Chadwick Tingling In Hospital
There are reports that a man identified as Chadwick Tingling was stabbed a short while ago on Frederick Street in Belize City. Multiple sources say he was stabbed in the […]

Elderly Woman Shot In Ladyville
Police are investigating a shooting in Ladyville which has left an elderly woman, 70, with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. According to reports Margaret Elijio was at home on […]

Breaking Belize News

Body of man found in the river near ‘Mennonite beach’ in Spanish Lookout
The body of a man was found a short while ago in the river near ‘Mennonite […]

Police: A woman was shot in Ladyville last night
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Ladyville, Belize. Around 10:20 last […]

Elections and Boundaries inform of ID delivery to Villages
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby is notifying electors that Elections and Boundaries personnel will be […]

2019-2020 budget avoids new taxes, P.M. hails economic rebound
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his Government colleagues were incautiously celebratory mood this morning in Belmopan, as […]

Traffic accident claims life of 1 man; several others injured
A man lost his life as a result of a traffic accident that occurred last night on […]

2 men stabbed in Caye Caulker
Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred last night. According to reports, police were called […]

Leader of the Opposition calls Budget “empty”
The General Revenue and Appropriation Bill 2019 will be more fully debated on Monday, March 25th and […]

San Pedro House of Culture to display ‘ RefugiARTe ’ Exhibition
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Museum of Belize and the San Pedro […]

National Assembly to adopt a security policy
At the start of this morning’s meeting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, Speaker of the […]

Parliament to approve loan motions for Caracol Road, Coastal Highway and Road Safety Project
In addition to the first and second reading of the General Revenue and Appropriation Bill due later […]

“No independent investigation into Mason is not a good look for GOB,” says BNTU
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) said this week that the Government of Belize’s failure to […]

ComPol commits to daycare center to support female officers
Following up on a list of recommendations given to the department by their female police officers, […]

“Police doing good job of tracking drug planes,” says ComPol
Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams said this week that police have scaled up their efforts […]

Man stabbed in Belize City
A man remains hospitalized after he was stabbed on Belize City’s northside. He has since been […]

Woman, 70, shot in Ladyville
Last night a woman was shot in Ladyville, Belize. She has been identified as Margaret Elijio, […]

PUC and Speednet appeal over license fees
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in an appeal this week from the Public […]

Six men acquitted of gun charges
Two years ago on January ninth, six occupants of a taxi – five adult males […]

LOVE FM

Belize among regional sugar producers disenfranchised on the CARICOM market
The movement of sugar in the CARICOM market continues to disenfranchise regional sugar producers. That is what a press release issued today by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean, SAC, is saying. SAC says that the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, CSME, is quote, “simply not working for the regional sugar industry when the need …

Belize City Council is re-branding its look as it prepares to move into new home
The Belize City Council is rebranding their look, ranging from their offices to their uniforms. Today the council unveiled its new brand at the recently renovated Commercial Centre in Belize City. City Administrator, Stephany Lindo Garbutt, says the new city hall is not quite ready to house the Council staff but as the work continues, …

The PM’s Budget
Prime Minister Dean Barrow presented his budget during today’s presentation in parliament. This budget, according to Barrow, is at one point three billion dollars larger than it was when he first came to power eleven years ago. Jose Sanchez: “The Prime Minister wrote his budget for 2019, 2020 and he feels the economy is doing …

Institute of Mexico celebrates Women’s Month
The Institute of Mexico continues to celebrate women’s month. Today it held an open dialogue titled “women’s empowerment for their professional development. Invited guest speakers were Joy Grant, Governor of the Central Bank of Belize and Sharon Young, CEO in the Ministry of Labor, Local Government and Rural Development. We spoke with Ambassador of Mexico …

Amendments Made to Have Belize Removed from EU Blacklist
Belize was recently placed on the European Union List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes. The move came as a blow to the Barrow administration as the PM noted today at the Sitting of the House, his Government had made all the right steps towards meeting agreed upon good governance standards. Prime Minister Barrow brought …

Leader of the Opposition doesn’t like Lame Duck Budget
Leader of the Opposition John Briceno was quiet during the budget presentation. However, he stepped outside and spoke to the media about the PM who he referred to as delivering a lame duck presentation. Briceno chided the PM for the millions being spent close to 100 million in principal on roads, money he believes could …

Over 70 Million dollars to transform the Coastal Road
Going south usually means taking the George Price Highway to the Capital, Belmopan and then onto the scenic Hummingbird Highway. In addition to a pleasant drive, the view and clean air are added extras to soak in on the way south. This is in stark contrast with the Coastal Road which sits about mile thirty …

Millions to pave the Road to Caracol
The interest rate on the Coastal Road would be at 4.8 percent per anmum to be paid quarterly for the rehabilitation of 59 kilometers of road. But that was only one of two major roadworks announced. There was also a US $5,941,000 and US $20 million secured from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. …

Blogs

Sweet Oranges are a Belizean Pride!
Along the Hummingbird Highway and through the Southern Highway, lies an area called the Stann Creek Valley. Nestled between breathtaking mountainous terrains, this patch of land is known to be the most fertile in the country. It is here that you find the heart of one of Belize’s main contributors to the agriculture industry, the citrus farms. Rows and rows of orange trees as far as the eye can see, dot the roadsides. The sweet scents emanating for the plantations attract a number of birds and even butterflies, making for a beautiful natural sight. During harvest season, you can see growers hard at work, picking ripe oranges by hand.

Driving To The South Tip of The Island – 25 Miles on Ambergris Caye
Don’t be fooled – Ambergris Caye is a big island. The largest in Belize. Over 25 miles long – and in spots – 3 or 4 miles wide. Yesterday, I went all the way to the south end of the island. A drive that I haven’t taken in YEARS! We left early – early for me. And headed out to drive 25 miles in the golf cart. From our home 7 miles north of San Pedro town (the Mexico Rocks area below) to 5 miles south – the southern tip of the island. The goal was to visit Ambergris Caye’s official Maya site – Marco Gonzalez.

Videos

March 15, 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

Horace Cadle Jr stabbed to death in San Pedro Town
On Wednesday, March 13th, just before midnight, San Pedro Police were alerted of a body on Blake Street in the San Pablo Area of San Pedro Town. When police arrived, they observed the motionless body of 19-year-old Horace Cadle Jr on the side of the street. A closer inspection revealed that he had been stabbed several times to the right side of the chest and left side of the neck. No motive has been established, and up to press time, no one had been arrested.

Team NICH Wins 2019 La Ruta Maya River Challenge!
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) takes this opportunity to congratulate all 61 teams that took part and completed the demanding race. We further applaud the members of our 2019 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge Team; Efrain, Felix and Hener Cruz for their dedication, skills and talents. The Cruz brothers have once again made us very proud. They serve as role models to us, reinforcing that with proper focus, dedication and teamwork, victory is attainable.

National Heroes and Benefactors Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
On the bright and breezy morning of Monday, 11th March 2019, a dedicated gathering was on hand to be a part of the viewing audience of the ceremonial laying of wreaths in recognition of Belize’s National Heroes and most revered financial benefactor. Detachments from the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Boys’ Brigade, Red Cross, Police Guard, Belize Defence Force and Police Youth Corps were present to embellish the official aura of this event celebrating these incredible lives and contributions to the country of Belize. This annual celebration is held to honour the lives of Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the Right Honourable George Cadle Price and Honourable Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson.

American National detained for immigration offenses
A 56-year-old American National, Robert Brent Haynes was detained and brought to the San Pedro Police Station on Friday, March 8th for having violated his immigration permit in Belize. Haynes, who is a ‘Registered Sex Offender’ in the United States of America (USA), was taken to the San Pedro Magistrate Court the same day, and later released from police custody after meeting bail. It is unknown if he is still in the country and the Immigration Department on the island has refrained from commenting on Haynes’ situation.

Ambergris Today

NICH To Host RefugiArte Exposition
The RefugiArte Exposition is coming to the San Pedro House of Culture. Following last year’s successful exposition of the artwork in Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk and Corozal, now the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is bringing the exposition to La Isla Bonita. The #RefugiArte exposition originated in late 2017. It contains 20 pieces of art from artists in the Americas, inspired by the suffering of refugees and asylum-seekers around the world and in our region. The collection also includes two pieces of art created by a Belizean artists.

Fatal Stabbing In The San Pablo Area
San Pedro Police are investigating the murder of a male person that was found lying motionless on Blake Street in the San Pablo Area on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Acting on information received at about 11:00pm police visited the San Pablo Area where they observed the lifeless body of a male creole descent person lying on the side of the street face down motionless dressed in a grey t shirt and a red and grey 3/4 pants with multiple stab wound to the right side of chest and left side of his neck.

Increased Pump Prices For Regular And Premium Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on March 13, 2019, the pump price for regular gasoline increased by 60 cents from $9.61 to $10.21 per gallon, while the pump price for premium gasoline also increased by 59 cents from $10.31 to $10.90 per gallon. These price increases are due to a reduction in supply from the OPEC countries combined with an increase in demand in North America and in the Far East. The Government of Belize is working closely with the fuel industry to ensure that prices remain as low as possible.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal Women's Forum
The regular Corozal Women's FORUM meets every 3rd Thursday at the Red Cross Building. They meet at 10:00 AM

Corozal Spring Bazaar
Friday, March 15th, 8am-5pm, Central Park

24 villagers from Arenal received certification from FCD on agroecological methods after a 5 month engagement with that community
Thanks to GEF SGP and the British High Commission Office in Belize.

Jyoto all you can eat sushi !!
Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 5 PM – 9 PM, pin JYOTO Japanese restaurant / Sushi bar, Seagrape Drive, San Pedro. Inside Mahogany Bay Village

Why John Briceno and PUP voted no to the ICJ after saying yes for all these years
By Wellington C. Ramos. Prior to our independence on September 21, 1981, it was Great Britain’s responsibility to solve the territorial dispute with Guatemala. Since that date there are some Belizeans like our Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington, who believes that after we attained our independence it is now our responsibility, to make an attempt to solve this problem with them. In fact, he told me this in one of his meetings in New York City, when I suggested to him to leave the resolution of this dispute to Great Britain. This school of thought is what the Guatemalans have been pushing Belizeans to accept. I am in total disagreement with this school of thought and like many other Belizeans, believe that Great Britain and Guatemala should resolve their dispute despite the fact that we are now and independent country. Why? Because prior to 1981, Great Britain had treaties with Spain and Guatemala that relates to the occupation of Belize as a Spanish colony.

EU blacklist: Cooperation or coercion?
By Sir Ronald Sanders. On 12 March, the Council of the 28-nations European Union (EU) placed 15 small territories on a list of what it calls ‘non-cooperative jurisdictions”. What the EC considers these territories to be “non-cooperative” about reveals the raw exercise of power by the strong over the weak. In this case, the firm intention of the EU is to impose its tax policies upon other nations through strong-arming. The language that the EU uses speaks of cooperation, but it sounds more like coercion. The targeted countries must either surrender to the EU’s demands to raise their taxes or face consequences. The EU Council has specifically directed that the EU member states “take the revised EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions into account” in aid, trade, and financing.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Production
Broccoli and cauliflower are among commodities that can only be produced economically within Belize for a limited period every year. The average weekly market demand for cauliflower is 8,000 lbs. and 6,000 lbs. for broccoli. To meet local market demand, a total of 10 acres were planted of each commodity following a calendared planting schedule. The Ministry of Agriculture provides technical guidance to ensure farmers follow appropriate agronomic practices with the objective for farmers to consistently produce the quantities and quality of these vegetables to meet consumer preference. The production and supply of broccoli and cauliflower have decreased by at least 50% as the season comes to a close.

Corozal Cleanup Sunday
The Belize Red Cross in collaboration with Corozal Town Council and Ministry of health will be hosting a cleanup campaign in Corozal (Miami Beach area) on Sunday, March 17th starting at 9AM. Meeting place is at roundhouse at 845am. refreshments will be available for participants! Students can also use this opportunity for community service.

Orange Walk Carnaval
Carnaval is a pre-lenten Mestizo festivity once widely celebrated in Northern Belize. The celebration features songs, dances, and theatrical performances in the community streets. Carnaval marks the transition from the norms of everyday community life to the more somber, penitential practices of the Lenten season. Carnaval continues to be celebrated in communities of the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts and in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The Orange Walk Banquitas House of Culture prepared for Carnaval this year by cooking and putting together the traditional Cabeza de Cochino, baking the traditional Biscochos, made a life-size effigy of Don Juan Carnaval, gathered and created props used during the Carnaval such as El Torito, La Cinta and even hand made maracas. We gave an award to Mr. Octaviano Pott for his years of contribution to safeguarding the musical traditions of Juan Carnaval. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the Comparsa groups (Caledonia, BHSA, Yo Creek and Sugah City Juniors) that participated, the cultural groups who performe

Live Well Cayo Promo Video
The Cayo BTIA's Live Well Cayo event is this Saturday, March 16th, at the Sacred Heart College auditorium. It'll be a healthy event. "It's almost time for Live Well Cayo! Join us this Saturday at the Sacred Heart Auditorium for a fun day of learning about healthy and sustainable practices and great deals from businesses offering eco-friendly products and wellness services in Belize.

Ascenthium @ Soul on 8-Mar-19
Pictures from the Ascenthium concert at the Soul Project. They rocked the house as they raised funds for their journey to Panama.

BCS Mix & Mingle Fundraiser
The Cayo branch of the Belize Cancer Society is having their 3rd annual Mix & Mingle fundraiser on Saturday, March 30th, at CET. They'll have some nice raffle prizes. "Tickets are now available for our 3rd Annual Mix + Mingle Fundraiser! Get tickets from your favorite branch member or inbox us to find out how you can get yours!"

Child Stimulation Month 2019
Hug me, Listen to me, Read to me, Help Me Grow

The first Pre-school art exhibition at the San Pedro House of Culture

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Triple Frontier, Aquaman, Holmies, LEGO Movie the 2nd Part

Channel 7

Two Dead After PG Bar Brawl
A teen's murder in Punta Gorda adds to the list of recent violent crimes in that southern town. 18 year old Luis Cabrera Jr. was stabbed at a bar near his home yesterday evening around 6:00. Courtney Weatherburne traveled to PG to find out how a simple bar squabble led to murder and also, how an inexplicable turn of events led to the alleged killer being hospitalized. Here is that story. This new sail boat hasn't even touched Punta Gorda waters and it probably won't anytime soon. It was for Luis Cabrera Jr, his father recently bought it for him as a gift. But this young fisherman will never get to test it out on the sea. Cabrera was stabbed to death at this bar a couple blocks from his Indianville home. Yesterday evening Cabrera had gone to secure the paperwork for his new boat and on his way home he stopped in at the bar to celebrate.

Police Work On Complicated Case
Today at the bi-weekly press briefing police gave their report on this case. The cops are still figuring out how to proceed with charges against the alleged killer, Alexander Ruiz. Here is more. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "Yesterday, sometime around 6 p.m., Punta Gorda Police responded to an information at the Punta Gorda Hospital, where they observed a Hispanic male, who was motionless at the time. He was learnt to be one Luis Cabrera, 18 years of a Punta Gorda Town address. Initial investigation so far has revealed that Cabrera was socializing at a bar in Punta Gorda, when he seemingly had a misunderstanding with one Alexander Ruiz, who, during the altercation, broke a bottle and inflicted 1 stab wound to Cabrera. He was then transported to the Punta Gorda Town Hospital..."

PG Town Resident Is Concerned About Ever Escalating Violence
We also spoke to a concerned PG resident who told us she and the rest of the community just want the peace restored. Flether Sipp, PG Resident: "I'm very concern. That's why I moved from America to PG, because it was really quite, layback, relax and no crime and no murders and all of a sudden things are just happening and I am veer concern because there is a lot of children here, lots of schools, lots of elderly and most of all people are really kind and nice here. That's why I came to PG. I love PG." Reporter: "I'm sure all residents are also concerned?"

19 Year Old Murdered On Abandoned San Pedro Street
And, from Punta Gorda to San Pedro - a young man was killed last night on a deserted street - stabbed up and left for dead. 7News was on the island today and here's more from police and his family: This is Blake Street in San Pedro town - a fairly deserted area - where last night at 11:00, a passerby in a vehicle saw a man dead on the road. It turned out to be this teenager, 19 year old Horace Cadle:

Mason Murder Trial Was Uneventful On Day 3
Today was Day 3 in the murder trial against William Danny Mason and his 4 co-accused for the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. The case continued this morning before Justice Antoinette Moore, and DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal called mechanic Eliasar Pineda to testify against Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo. Yesterday Police Corporal Ryan Martinez recounted for the court the series of events which led to the discovery of the decapitated head of Pastor Lucas in the back of William Mason's pick-up truck on July 15, 2016. Well, Pineda was the civilian mechanic who police called on the night to help them to get Mason's vehicle opened, when none of his keys worked.

Submarine Salvation For Dirty Diesel On Caye Caulker
No matter where you are watching this tonight, your electricity is probably coming form BEL's national power grid. That is, of course, unless you are in Caye Caulker - where, if you listen hard enough, you can probably hear the thrum and whistle of diesel generators laboring into the night. The growing island is still not connected to the national grid - but an ambitious new BEL project hopes to change that. Jules Vasquez found out more today: The brilliant sapphire waters on the leeward, or western side of Caye Caulker seem completely unspoilt and, to the east, the windward side, is bordered by the spectacular barrier reef.

Is Submarine Solution the Least Cost Alternative?
But, coming back to the point raised by the PUC, will it make BEL more efficient in utilizing the most efficient power source? Meaning, will this submarine cable lower the cost of power? That's what we asked today: Reporter: "Is this a lower cost of power than the present diesel generation solution?" Kevin Petzold: "Well the cost of power is a tricky topic, because we have multiple sources..."

Belize International Financial Services Association Stands By GOB Against EU
The Belize International Financial Services Association today issued a release saying it supports Government's rejection of the inclusion of Belize by the EU on its List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes. A release explains that being labelled "non-cooperative" has consequences for Belize's economic development and trade. They point to "unilateral attempts by various global institutions to extend their oversight to other country's sovereign jurisdiction (resulting) in an inconsistent and unbalanced approach to regulatory oversight."

Bahamians Appeal Heard
Bahamians, Rohn Knowles and Kelvin Leach, haven't made the news in several months. That's after they took their civil case for damages against the Government of Belize all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice. But, they're still facing the prospect of being extradited to the US to face trial for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, tax fraud, and money laundering. To refresh your memory, back in September 2014, the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment which accused Knowles; Leach; their securities trading company, Titan International Securities; and others of being part of a securities fraud operation which scammed the US government out of 500 million US dollars in taxes.

Five Hours of Dental Surgery For Jaguar Justice
Imagine being in the dentist's chair for 5 solid hours - sounds excruciating, right? Well, that's just what happened to a jaguar at the Belize Zoo. He's called Jaguar Justice, and the big cat is a rescue case. He was acquired from a private owner's home in he Stann Creek District. Apparently the cat had advanced dental disease - and his dentist came all the way from Cornell University in New York. We spoke to Dr. Robin Gleed today at the Belize Zoo - after the procedure. We warn you, if you're squeamish, you might want to take a little water break, the next story has many pictures from the procedure:

The Lasso Rivalry
Last night, we told you about the bizarre case out of Belmopan where a 14 year-old boy on horseback was accused of lassoing another high school student by the foot like cattle, and dragging him down a walkway at high speed near the Social Security office. As we told you, the accused young man is experienced in rounding up cattle, but, he allegedly used those skills against another teenaged boy. We asked police about the case this morning, and here's what they had to say about it:

Pretend Patrons With A Gun
And in other news out of Belmopan, a bar owner from the Industrial Site area was shot by 2 men who pretended to be patrons. It happened at Chino's Bar yesterday just after 12:00. The owner, 36 year-old Elder Paredez was about to pay for a beer delivery when the 2 pretend patrons approached him, and one of them shot him in the stomach. They they stole his money, and attempted to target the Bowen and Bowen delivery truck. Police told us more today: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On yesterday's date, sometime around 12 midday, police responded to information of a robbery in progress at Chino's Bar in the Industrial Site area of Belmopan..."

Family of Missing Man Find A Boat, But No Body
2 months ago, we told you about Evan Neal. He's the father of 3 who owns a fishing camp on Mapp Caye. He mysteriously went missing, and shortly after his disappearance, police found his watchman, 29 year-old Edinio Enso Humes, dead in a latrine on the island with a gunshot wound to the head. Well, since then, police and Coast Guard have continued to look for him without success. But, this weekend, they found one of his boats, as well as another which was reported missing 2 years ago. It's an unusual discovery, and police shared more details with us today:

Cops Still Don't Know Who "Vato"� Is
Last night, we told you about the unidentified man who was found in Orange Walk Town on Tuesday night with a huge chop wound to the head. Well, he remains in a critical condition at the KHMH, and police are trying to find out who he is, and who attacked him and left him severely injured. As we reported, at around 9 p.m., residents of Guyana Street saw a man they know only as "Vato" walking with a shirt over his head. He suddenly collapsed, and so, they called for police intervention. At today's press briefing, police shared what they know about this case:

Popular Restaurant Casually Robbed
And while Orange Walk cops are trying to solve that one, investigators from Belize City are trying to find the men who robbed Atlantic Restaurant on the Philip Goldson Highway at gunpoint last night. It happened at around 7:30 when the restaurant had customers waiting for their food orders. Police told us today that 2 men barged in held up the owner, and robbed him of approximately $300 dollars in cash:

The Puzzle of The Prosser Robbery
Police also had an update on the attempted robbery at Prosser Fertilizer where a security guard was shot: ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City: "On Wednesday, at about 2 in the morning, Hattieville police responded to an incident at the Prosser Fertilizer company, located at mile 8 [on] the George Price Highway. Upon arrival, they observed the security guard, Mr. Ruperto Aquino, 64 years-old, with an apparent gunshot wound to the left foot. He was transported to the hospital, where he's still admitted in a stable condition. What Mr. Aquino had mentioned is that just before 2 a.m., he was inside the booth, inside of the compound of the Prosser Fertilizer company, when he observed a male person coming toward his direction, firing shots at him. He managed to run out of he building, where the person pursued him, and fired shots at him, causing the injuries to him."

Channel 5

Man is Killed in P.G.; Friend of Accused Murderer Perishes in Accident
Two persons lost their lives in Punta Gorda on Wednesday. One was murdered; eighteen-year old Luis Cabrera Junior was stabbed to death while at a bar. It is believed the [...]

A San Pedrano is Butchered Overnight Near DFC Area
There was also an overnight murder in San Pedro. A nineteen-year-old resident was out with friends and sometime after three o’clock this morning after leaving his friends in the DFC [...]

16-Year-Old Student Ran Over by Bus
Back to Punta Gorda where a sixteen-year-old student of Forest Home was injured in a traffic accident. Evalenda Pau is in a critical condition at the K.H.M.H. after she was [...]

Robbers Target Atlantic Restaurant
Just before eight on Wednesday night, two armed robbers held up the popular Atlantic Restaurant located on miles three and half on the Philip Goldson Highway. While the thieves managed [...]

Evan Neal’s Boat Found; Neal and Employee are Still Missing
It’s been two months since Evan Neal and his employee, Anthony Reneau, went missing off an island. Today police confirmed they have recovered one of the boats that belonged to [...]

2 More Witnesses Testify in Mason Murder Trial
The trial of William ‘Danny’ Mason and four other men who have been indicted along with him for the murder Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, continued today before Justice Antoinette Moore.  Taking [...]

New Details about Drug Plane that Made Stops in Belize and Crash Landed near Chetumal
There are new details in connection with a Colombian drug plane, allegedly bound for the U.S., but which crash landed about fifty-five miles south of Chetumal in San Pedro Peralta, [...]

OW Stabbing Victim Remains Critical; Still No Identity
Police say they still haven’t identified a man who was stabbed and left for dead in Orange Walk. Cops were called out to Guyana Street sometime around eight-thirty on Tuesday [...]

Robbers Hit Chino’s Bar
On Wednesday afternoon, a brazen robbery at a bar in Belmopan left one man hospitalized. Police say that two robbers posed as patrons of the establishment and then pulled out [...]

No Arrests for Shooting of Elderly Security Guard
On Wednesday night you heard the story of a sixty-four-year-old security guard who was attacked as he stood watch at Prosser Fertilizers at mile eight on the George Price Highway. [...]

Minor Charged with Wounding after He Lassoed another Student
Police say a fourteen-year-old boy was charged with wounding after he lassoed another student and dragged him along a walkway and onto a field.  The victim received extensive abrasions to [...]

Baby Rhynaye Died of Multiple Organ Failure
An autopsy on the body of one-month-old baby girl, Rhynaye Alexandra Rowland, was conducted this afternoon. According to the mother, Simbiat Garnett, baby Rhynaye’s cause of death was established to [...]

Accused Murderer Gets Bail
Twenty-nine-year-old Kashawn Gentle also known as Cassian Gentle-Bennett    is presently on Supreme Court bail for murder. But the murder suspect managed to slip through the cracks and was granted another [...]

B.E.L.’s Plan to Connect Caye Caulker to National Electricity Grid
Caye Caulker is a top tourism destination for visitors who enjoy the charm and sleepiness of the village. But the island is not powered through the national grid and instead [...]

The Human Rights Commission of Belize Reacts to Allegations of Human Rights Abuses
A recent report is critical of the human rights situation in Belize especially as it relates to the Ministry of National Security. Today, the Vice President of the Human Rights [...]

BIFSA Comes Out in Support of G.O.B.
The Belize International Financial Services Association, BIFSA, has issued a release supporting government’s position in rejecting the country’s inclusion on the EU’s list of Non-cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes.  BIFSA [...]

Guats Sound Off on Belize’s I.C.J. Referendum
In less than a month, Belizeans will go to the polls to vote in the I.C.J. Referendum. For some, the vote is a straight yes or no, but many are [...]

Broccoli & Cauliflower to be Imported
The Ministry of Agriculture says the importation of a quantity of broccoli and cauliflower will be allowed later this month through the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation. According to a [...]

Healthy Living: Natural Sleep Aid
We all know it is important to get enough sleep every night. Consistent quality sleep has been proven to improve brain function and productivity, help with regulating your weight, reduce [...]

The Reporter

Strange Increase In Stabbing Incidents Claims Another Life
A bizarre and sudden increase in stabbing incidents have been occurring all over Belize. In the majority of incidents the victims and perpetrators are local young men, who’s arguments or other disagreements escalate to deadly violence against each other. Or some other strange phenomenon is affecting or targeting our young people.

Ironic Twist Of Fate, Perpetrators Die Shortly After Stabbing
Quiet and Lay’d-Back Punta Gorda has seen its crime rate spike in the past few weeks, and investigators are scratching their heads as to why, all of a sudden the people in P.G has become so violent. In a recent incident, Luis Cabrera Jr. was stabbed several times by 2 other men in a violent altercation that happened yesterday evening, Wednesday March 13th., the injuries were so serious that he was rushed to the PG Hospital but died shortly after. In an ironic twist of fate, the men who allegedly inflicted the fatal wound during a bar fight crashed on their motorcycle shortly after. We are told one of them died instantly and the other is in critical condition.

Breaking Belize News

Police have no leads in murder of San Pedro man
San Pedro Police have no leads in the murder of Horace Cadle, 19. During a press […]

Security Guard, 64, targeted by gunman
Security guard, Rupert Acquino, 64, remains clueless as to why he was targeted by a gunman. […]

14-year-old boy charged for wounding teen
Police have charged a fourteen-year-old male with the offense of wounding. His charge comes […]

Belmopan Bar robbed by patrons
Sometime around midday yesterday there was an armed robbery in Belmopan, Cayo. Two men were […]

Police still unable to identify Orange Walk victim that was badly beaten
Orange Walk police are struggling to establish the identity of a man who was attacked […]

Police comment on two deaths in PG last night
Last night two men lost their lives in Punta Gorda, Toledo. Today, the Police Press […]

Belize to import broccoli and cauliflower to meet local market demand
Broccoli and cauliflower are among commodities that can only be produced economically within Belize for […]

Tourism pioneer passes away
Bob Jones, a resident of Santa Elena Town passed away today. Jones was known […]

U.S. faults Belize for police, corruption violations
On Wednesday, the annual report of the U.S. State Department on Human Rights worldwide was released, […]

Andrew Willoughby jailed; 25 year minimum for murder of boy, 11
37 year old Andrew Willoughby, convicted of the Commonwealth Day holiday murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Daniel Matura […]

InSight Crime highlights criminal activities at Belize/Guatemala Border
InSight Crime, an organization dedicated to the analysis of organized crime in the Latin American Region, […]

National Heroes and Benefactors honored with wreath laying ceremony
On Monday, March 11, a dedicated gathering was present to be a part of the viewing audience […]

Belize to celebrate World Forest Day on March 21st, 2019
Annually, Belize joins the international community to commemorate International Day of Forests which is celebrated on […]

Arenal villagers in Cayo District certified in Agroecology
Twenty-four community members of Arenal Village, Cayo were given certificates for their participation on agro-ecological capacity building […]

Galen University issues statement on incident at Isidoro Beaton stadium
By Galen University: Galen University advises its public and stakeholders that it has reviewed all the evidence surrounding the altercation […]

LOVE FM

Police find missing boat as they follow the case of Mapp Caye’s missing men
Police have made a new find, though not much of a breakthrough, in their investigation into the case of the missing men, Evan Neal and Anthony Reneau. The men were discovered missing on January 14 after a check on Mapp Caye, where they were last known to be. Neal, the owner of the caye and …

Teenager is charged for injuries to another teen
Police are also investigating an incident in which two teenage boys were involved. One of the boys who was on a horse is accused of dragging the other with a rope. ACP Myvett explained what happened. ACP Joseph Myvett: “Warren Singh a fifteen year old student at the Belmopan Comprehensive High School reported to Police that …

Connecting Caye Caulker to the Grid
Caye Caulker’s growth has resulted in an increase in demand for power. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) intends to leave behind diesel generated power and bring the island onto the national grid. BEL conducted a feasibility study to confirm the economic and social benefits of the project which will cost the utility company fifteen million dollars …

Island Teen Stabbed and Killed
Ambergris Caye is the singular location that continues to construct the most hotels since 2011 and holds a lion’s share of the tourism market. But crime persists on the island. Last night a nineteen year old resident of the island was killed. Love News travelled to San Pedro Town were friends say the teen was …

Armed robbers target restaurant in Belize City
Robbers were back on the prowl last night as two armed men targeted Atlantic Restaurant in Belize City. ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch in Belize City says it happened shortly before eight o’clock. ASP Alejandro Cowo Head of CIB: “Police visited Atlantic Restaurant which is located at the corner of Henderson …

Nicholasa Cus looks for new land and home in Belmopan
On March 4, Belmopan residents were up in arms at the eviction of a single mother and her children from a property belonging to RECONDEV. The woman, Nicholasa Cus was reportedly squatting on the land for years and had constructed a home for her and her children. Recondev issued directives to have the structure removed …

Teenager stabbed and killed; suspected killer crashes after escaping scene, killing his companion
A teenager of Punta Gorda Town met his demise inside a bar establishment yesterday evening. 18-year-old, Luis Cabrera Jr. was stabbed in the neck by 37-year-old, Alexander Ruiz, who is presently hospitalized. It is an incident that took on a twist as Ruiz sustained injuries after he and another man, William Garcia, were involved in …

Women in Security Police soon to be rolled out
Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, says that a Women in Security Policy will be completed this year. He shared the news on Wednesday at the Belize Police Department’s Women’s Conference, which was attended by female police officers from across the country. In that force alone, which is a little over two thousand strong, 20 …

Robbers shoot bar owner then turn on truck driver
A man was shot during a robbery at a bar in Belmopan. Police say it happened yesterday around midday. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch says that the crime was committed by two men who were inside the establishment. ACP Josephy Myvett: “Police responded to information of a robbery in progress …

Six week old baby dies of multiple organ failure
In another update, the postmortem examination on the body of six week old baby Ryhnaye Rowland showed that she died of multiple organ failure. Her mother, Simbiat Garnett had told Love News that her little Ryhnaye was a full term baby and had presented no complications at birth. She says that on Monday morning, the …

International Sources

Belize 2019 Crime & Safety Report
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Belize at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Overall Crime and Safety Situation: The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Belize-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, consular messages, and contact information.

Videos

March 14, 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

With 1-1 draw against Freedom Fighters, San Pedro Pirates slip #2 in PLB
For the ninth week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) the San Pedro Pirates traveled to Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District to go up against Freedom Fighters on Sunday, March 10th. The island team fought hard to take the victory and retain the PLB’s first place position, but at the end of the game time, it was a 1-1 draw.

Ambergris Today

Alaia Charity Foundation To Host First Marathon On Island
The Alaia Charity Foundation today announced that plans are underway for Ambergris Caye’s first ever fun run/walk, which will take place on April 6th, 2019. The foundation seeks to provide financial, educational, medical and environmental support with the events net-proceeds, to disenfranchised island families. Runners can take part in twenty-one or ten kilometer distances, with several age range categories including; under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and over 60. The Half/Half Marathon (10K) will begin at Seagrape Drive at 5am while the Half Marathon (21K) will take off at 6am. Participants of the 10K run will turn back near Crocs Sunset Bar, with several chances of snatching station prizes along the route.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Tattoo Expo
March 30, 2019 – March 31, 2019 at the Angel Nunez Auditorium in San Pedro. COST: $25. The International Belize Tattoo Expo comes back to La Isla Bonita, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize is scheduled for (10AM-10PM) May 30th and 31st, 2019. The two day event will feature international tattoo artists from Belize, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Italy, USA and more local artists. The artists will display their portfolios and be available for walk-in customers throughout the event.

Commentary: The reasons why Belizean citizens living in the US and abroad are being disenfranchised
By Wellington C. Ramos. For decades now and even up to today Belizean citizens who live in the United States and abroad like Nuri Mohammed, Muriel Laing-Arthurs, Bilal Morris, Joseph Guerrero, Professor Albert Williams, Hubert Pipersburgh, Andrew Enriquez, Therese Belisle-Nweke, Jerome Straughn and myself, have been fighting for Belizeans to be granted all their constitutional rights as citizens of our country but we were denied by the PUP and UDP governments. The reasons why we were denied are: • The fear of both UDP and PUP to lose their control of political power • The ambiguities that are not clear in our constitution and laws on the rights of Belizean citizens who possess dual citizenships with the United States

BBIA Book Week 2019
The 2019 Belize Book Week is next month. Cayo's event will be at the Cayo Welcome Center on Friday, April 5th. They'll have loads of books, and entertainment, and it's all free.

TRAVELLING YOGI: You Better Belize It - Snorkeling The Barrier Reef
The coast of Belize cradles the second largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world - home to sharks, rays, endangered green sea turtles, and boundless beings.

RefugiARTe Exhibition in San Pedro
You are invited to opening ceremony of the RefugiARTe exhibition. Friday, March 15th, 2019 @ 6:30 pm at the House of Culture.

2019 Spring Equinox Event at Marco Gonzalez
The 2019 SPRING EQUINOX EVENT will be held on Sunday, March 24th at 10am. We hope you can join the celebration of Spring at the Main Plaza on site. We're looking for different activities this year for you to enjoy after the Maya Priest has given a blessing for you, the site and the island! Food & beverages, free site tours, interactive activities, dancing.........all in the beauty of nature where the Maya held celebrations for 1600 years. Park entrance fee applies. Sponsors welcomed - money, product, volunteers for the day. Contact Jan Brown, [email protected]. SEE YOU THERE!!

San Pedro Clean And Green
ARE YOU FIRED UP? Our next group cleanup is FRI, MAR 29TH, from 8-10am. We will meet and Stella's a discuss a plan of attack. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE and go to our event link and mark yourself as "going":

Banyan Bay Resort Events
Checkout Banyan Bay Suites’ fantastic line-up of upcoming daily events... All activities are open to the public. Sign-up at our Front Desk or schedule your participation at 226-3739

Closure of the Attorney General’s Ministry
The Attorney General’s Ministry informs the public that the following offices will be closed on Thursday, March 14, 2019: Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry – 2:00 p.m. Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO) – 1:00 p.m. Legal Aid Department, Belize City - 12:00 p.m. Vital Statistics Unit – 12:00 p.m. Attorney General’s Office, Belmopan – 12:00 p.m. All offices will resume normal working hours on Friday, March 15, 2019.

Increased Pump Prices for Regular and Premium Gasoline
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight on March 13, 2019, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 60 cents from $9.61 to $10.21 per gallon, while the pump price for premium gasoline will also increase by 59 cents from $10.31 to $10.90 per gallon. These price increases are due to a reduction in supply from the OPEC countries combined with an increase in demand in North America and in the Far East. The Government of Belize is working closely with the fuel industry to ensure that prices remain as low as possible.

Corozal Coconut Festival
The BTIA Corozal Coconut Festival brings to you two days of fun activities and entertainment for families and friends. Cultural performances, business booth displays, fun games and activities, food and drinks. The event closes off with a line up of lively DJs and a surprise entertainer to be announced later.

Baymen will be switching its signal to fully digital on March 15th 2019
There will be intermittent interruptions in service during this time. Please Factory Reset Your Set Top Box and Rescan your Channels. For Help follow the instructions or send us a Whatsapp.

Family Movie: "Freaky Friday" · Hosted by The Truck Stop
Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM. Real talk: I saw this movie in theaters TWICE, and I was a man in my twenties. In my defense, this movie is really funny, the acting is great, the score is fantastic, and I was smoking a lot of weed at that point in my life. ANYWAY, this week we're showing "Freaky Friday" starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis! Your whole family will love it, even if one of your family members is a twenty-year-old stoner. We'll also have live music by Brent Butcher on the front stage!

Channel 7

Mason Trial Day 2: They Day They Found Pastor Lew's Head In A Bucket
Last night, we told you about the beginning of the murder trial against William Danny Mason, and his co-defendants: Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo. They are all accused of the July 2016 beheading murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas. Yesterday's big reveal in court came from the prosecution's witness, David Dodd, who testified via Skype from Texas, that he and another man accompanied Pastor Lucas to William Mason's Belmopan residence to collect money. He said they were then kidnapped and duck-taped, and taken to an area up the road. They were eventually released unharmed under the condition that they would pretend that their abduction never happened.

Man Gets 18 Years For Pre-Teen's Murder
Andrew Willoughby was convicted of the murder of 12 year old Daniel Matura in June of last year. Today, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. But, under new sentencing guidelines, Justice Marilyn Williams told him that he will be eligible for parole in 25 years, and after she took into consideration that he has been on remand from 2012, the 38 year old's sentence was reduced to 18 years. Justice Williams heard mitigation pleas from four character witnesses, and also Willoughby and his attorney, Leeroy Banner.

"Vato"� Got Chopped Up
A man was knifed up last night in Orange Walk Town -and is in critical condition tonight. It happened at around 9:00 on Guyana Street where an unidentified man was attacked under circumstances that aren't too clear. Area residents say that they saw a man known to them only as "Vato" walking with a shirt over his head, and then he collapsed. He was seen socializing in an area known as price barracks along with two other men when a fight broke out.

Student Lassoed and Lacerated In Bizarre Belmopan Attack
A 14 year old boy was charged for wounding today in Belmopan after the bizarre assault of another teenager yesterday. It happened at around 2:00 near Social Security in Belmopan. The teenager who is from Camalote and is the child of a police officer - is also experienced with rounding up cattle. So, to settle a difference with a peer, he got on his horse, came up from behind and lassoed the young man. He then dragged him along the walkway between Belmopan comprehensive and comprehensive high at high speed - leaving the boy with extensive scrapes and abrasions to his leg and buttocks.

Saldivar Back In South
National Security Minister John Saldivar was along the southern border in the Toledo District today. Today's tour took him to the frontline of border frictions, at three conservation posts in Machakilha, Rio Blanco and Tree Tops. Saldivar then hosted a luncheon with Maya leaders and the Alcalde Association at Jalacte Village - where there have been complaints of increasing incursions. tomorrow, Saldivar visits Hunting Caye and the police formation at Independence Village.

Security Guard Shot in Foiled Burglary
A security guard at Prosser Fertilizer's headquarters was shot last night. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured - but it was part of an orchestrated robbery attempt by a number of men. They cut through the fence at Prosser's mile 8 facility. Veteran employee Wilmot Simmons told us more:... Wilmot Simmons, Marketing and Sales - Prosser: "We believe it was sometime between 2:30 - 3:00, when the security booth with the security officer inside the booth who was on guard at the time, fully awake, he was sneaked up by about 4,5,6 - we don't even know exactly, but a bunch of robbers - hoodlums that came, we are not sue if just to assault the security officer. They tried to kill him. They sneaked up on him and shot him twice through the windows of the security booth, trying to kill him. He was shot in the buttocks and the leg..."

The Logic Of "The Lake I Development Area"�
Since the Chetumal bridge was completed in early 2015, the surrounding land in the Lake Independence area, over 55 acres of it, has just been sitting there. Well, the Government has a plan for it. The government has been in discussions with Belize Infrastructure Limited and their partners for the past couple years until today, when they finally launched the master plan for what they call the Lake Independence Special Development Area. This area near the Chetumal bridge will be transformed into a business-commercial zone. But the Government wants to bring the private sector on board to come up with ideas for what facilities to build in this area and of course invest in the construction of these state of the art structures. We dropped by the launch to find out more about this mega project.

No House in Lake I Development Area
While this all sounds like a grand plan, regular city folks who have been trying to get their hands on a parcel of land may not be too excited that the government chose to use the land for government buildings rather than a residential area or housing scheme project. Well, BIL General Manager Mastry says based on the location, it is not fit for a residential area. Christy Mastry- General Manger, BIL: "There are two different types of housing. There is where a government decides to parcel out land and just gives pieces of land, that does not mean you are going to end up with a residential area that is sustainable. And you cannot be putting housing if you are not building quality housing in some of the most vulnerable places in the city..."

Legislation To Make Sure No Land Grab
And to drive that point home, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber says he will take a bill to the house that outlines the specific use of the land in that area so there is no doubt, confusion, or concerns with 'land grabbing' moving forward. But one sure use for the land is for the construction of a government complex. Faber told us more about the contract for this project.

Punishment At The Pump
Prepare for more punishment at the fuel pump. The price for regular gasoline will go up at midnight tonight. It will increase by 60 cents from $9.61 to $10.21 per gallon, while the pump price for premium will also increase by 59 cents from $10.31 to $10.90 per gallon. In a release, the Ministry of Finance says blame OPEC, and adds, quote "The Government of Belize is working closely with the fuel industry to ensure that prices remain as low as possible," end quote. Of course, it's scarce consolation for a consumer base that has seen successive increases since the start of the year.

Audrey On Voters ID's
One veteran politician is taking issue with what he says is misinformation put out by popular attorney and activist Audrey Matura. Michael Finnegan says he has a major bone to pick with Matura for what he calls a very misleading statement she gave at the teachers national ICJ forum on Friday at the UB gymnasium. Here's what Matura said about voting and ID cards:... Audrey Matura: "How much of you all already got back your registration ID? No, I don't believe you all. You see re-registration is not just about you go fill out the form, it's that you get the document so that when you go to the poll you can vote..."

Finnegan's Fight with Audrey
And that pundit is Micahel Finnegan - and, no, he's not attacking Matura for her looks, he's attacking her for her facts - and getting them wrong. Today, Finnegan insisted that the public know that you can vote without an ID card once you are registered:... Hon. Michael Finnegan: "And if she knows better then it was done for mischief and political purpose. If as long as you are a voter in Belize or in any democracy in the world and you are registered and you get on the voters list, you will be able or can vote whether you have your identification card or not. Because the check and balances of the system will be in the polling station where you vote..."

UDP Will Allow A Vote of Conscience
We also asked Finnegan about what kind of work his party will be putting into the referendum. He said that they will have polling agents at every polling station, and counting agents in the room - but he conceded that supporters will be allowed to vote their conscience:.. Hon. Michael Finnegan: "There will be 2 counters for every polling area and we will have that. We will be out there, not like general election, but there will be visibility of the United Democratic Party and I will repeat, not like general election, but we will make sure that people come out to vote and we are asking the people to support the party's position which is to say YES to the ICJ. But if you want to say NO and you strongly believe that your vote should be a NO, we in the UDP and in the Mesopotamia division will not be vex with you for that and will get upset with you for that. This referendum is a serious matter and people will go the way they want to go and we must respect that."

US Rips Belize on Human Rights
Today, the U.S. State Department released its Country Reports on Human Rights. It covers 200 countries, including Belize - which gets 22 pages. The report says that "human rights issues included allegations of unlawful killings by security officers; allegations of corruption by government officials; crimes involving violence targeting LGBTI persons; trafficking in persons; and child labor." The report notes a few were allegations that government agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings - and adds allegations of torture implicating police.

New Rules For The House
But it seems the Speaker of the House wants to put a fetter on the press and its activities in the House of Representatives. For the first time in the 25 years Channel 7 has been covering house meetings, the press workers who will attend house meetings are now being required to have state issued ID's to get into the House. This is in a setting where party supporters - who disrupt the house require no ID at all - while the media workers who do not disrupt and only work during meetings - must now have ID's? Something's wrong there!

Of Heroes and Passion
The 9th. Of March has been observed as a public and bank holiday since the late 1920's. That's after Baron Henry Edward Bliss died in the Belize harbor and left his fortune to Belize. In the post independence era that has become Heroes and Benefactors day - and on Monday at the Baron Bliss grave, a ceremony was held to honor Baron Bliss, George Price and Philip Goldson. Here are few clips: According to Usher, the capital of the Baron Bliss trust is currently about 2.4 million dollars.

CLOSE WITH KIDS
And we close tonight with highlights of the Belize District Festival of Arts, Preschool performances. The children who presented won either silver or gold for their performances. We leave you with that, enjoy and join me back here tomorrow..

Channel 5

Police Officers Testify to Finding Severed Head of Pastor Lue
New details were revealed today in day two of the Danny Mason trial. Mason and four others are facing murder charges for the beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas and the [...]

Andrew Willoughby Gets Life Imprisonment for the Murder of Eleven-Year-Old Student
In Belize City, Andrew Willoughby was sentenced to life in prison by Justice Marilyn Williams for the May 2012 murder of Muslim Primary School student, eleven-year-old Daniel Matura, who was [...]

P.U.C. and Speednet Continue Legal Spar over Spectrum Fees
The Public Utilities Commission and Speednet Communications, the parent company of SMART, were back in court today. The case revolves spectrum fees which the P.U.C. is charging Speednet. In 2016, [...]

P.U.C. Says Speednet Must Pay
P.U.C.’s Attorney Senior Counsel Fred Lumor says that since Speednet was reportedly issued a license in 2013, it has been benefiting and should pay what it owes. Lumor says that [...]

ComPol on Crash Landed Drug Plane in Mexico
Mexican authorities continue to investigate the crash landing of a drug plane in fields near San Pedro Peralta, located south of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The pilot remains in a critical [...]

Security Guard Shot by Would-Be Robbers at Prosser Fertilizers
A sixty-four-year-old security guard remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital recovering from gunshot wounds to the buttocks and leg. He was shot by four robbers who gained access [...]

Health Officials Shut Down Holy Angels School Building
Holy Angels Roman Catholic School, along the Stann Creek Valley in Pomona Village, is asking for the public’s help tonight. For some years now, the school has been tackling a [...]

Fuel Prices Go Up for a Sixth Time
At midnight tonight, motorists will be hit it the pocket again. That is because on the heels of an increase in fuel price on February twenty-seventh, the sixth hike for [...]

Alleged Criminal and Former Mexican Politician Hiding in Belize
The former municipal president of Othón P. Blanco in Yucatan, Eduardo Elías Espinosa, is a fugitive and Mexican authorities believe he is in Belize. Online Mexican newspapers report that Espinosa [...]

Did ComPol Chester Williams Renege on Promises Made to Officers
In the aftermath of his accession as Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams held meetings with the department about his plans to revert to eight-hour shifts after more than six years [...]

12 Hour Shifts, a Disaster Waiting to Happen
Another promise was that officers would work a reduced forty-five-hour week if the new schedule was accepted. News Five has been informed that a survey on the shift is being [...]

OW Man Critical at K.H.M.H.
A man from Orange Walk Town is in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. His identity has not been officially established by police, but he was reportedly [...]

Police Association & ComPol Go to Court over Tenure of Assc. Prez
Next week Thursday, a claim brought by the Belize Police Association against Commissioner of Police Chester Williams goes before Justice Shona Griffith. The claim is in relation to a move [...]

The Accountability of the Belize Police Association
As it relates to the accountability of the Belize Police Association, we’ve reported that the top brass of the department has intervened and made requests to the association for an [...]

U.S. Human Rights Report Alleges Corruption by Government
On Tuesday, the government had to defend the blacklisting of Belize by the European Union as a Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes. Today, the Human Rights Report by the U.S. [...]

Jilted Investors Ask to Intervene in FTC’s Belize Real Estate Suit
In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission revealed what it calls “the largest overseas real estate investment scam” and unfortunately for Belize, the scammers used its name and landscape to attract [...]

Arenal Villagers Complete Agro-Ecological Capacity Building Exercise
Twenty-four residents of Arenal Village along the Western Border today gladly accepted certificates for their participation on agro-ecological capacity building exercises. The training was conducted by Friends for Conservation and [...]

Police Women Rising Above Circumstances; Inspiring and Innovating Change
The number of women in the police department is still on the low side, but that may improve now that the department is planning to recruit women to join its [...]

Major Development Coming to Lake Independence Boulevard
There is an open call for businesses to submit ideas and plans for the development of a large tract of barren land in the vicinity of Lake Independence Boulevard.  To [...]

Strong Showing at the Belize District’s Preschool Festival of Arts
The Preschool Festival of Arts for the Belize District kicked off this week and culminated in a star studded show of talent and skill. The preschoolers have been showcasing their [...]

The Reporter

Security Guard Shot At Prosser Facility On The George Price Hwy
In the wee hours of the morning, 64 year old Security Guard Rupert Aquino was doing his job at the Prosser Fertilizer Facility, and now he is at the KHMH, after being shot during an attempted burglary of that facility.

Breaking Belize News

Prime Minister to present 2019-2020 national budget tomorrow in Belmopan
The first and second reading of the 2019-2020 General Revenue and Appropriation Bill, otherwise known […]

National Heroes and Benefactors Day Wreath Laying Ceremony Held in Belize City
On Monday, March 11, 2019, a dedicated gathering was present to be a part of […]

Police host seminar for women officers
Hundreds of female police officers gathered at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza for a one-day […]

Mason’s associate taking the rap, will he walk a freeman?
Attorney Dickie Bradley is questioning why the prosecution is still pursuing its murder trial against William […]

Two dead in Punta Gorda, one from murder and one from fatal traffic accident
Punta Gorda police are at this time investigating two deaths in that municipality. BBN understands […]

Has BIL served its purpose?
Belize Infrastructure Limited was formed in 2012 by the Government as its agent to “undertake the […]

Man convicted of killing wife in 2015
Supreme Court Justice, Antoinette Moore, last week sentenced Benque Viejo resident, Orvin Wade, 33, to life […]

Work: A Constitutional Rights
By: Dr. Gerald Zuniga. Our Constitution, that is the Constitution of the state and country of Belize and the supreme law of the nation, in Art.15, Paragraph (1) sta […]

Gas prices go up (again)
The Ministry of Finance announced that at midnight tonight, the pump price for regular gasoline […]

Danny Mason trial, Day 2
The much-anticipated trial of accused murderer William “Danny” Mason and four others started off in […]

Man chopped up in OW hospitalized in critical condition
A man is hospitalized after he was chopped up last night in Orange Walk. He […]

Ka’ana and CAWS to host Family Fun and Adoption day
San Ignacio’s Ka’ana Boutique Resort, in collaboration with Cayo Animal Welfare Society (CAWS), is hosting […]

Mexican Embassy in Belize and National Women’s Commission present multi-awarded Mexican film: ROMA
The Embassy of Mexico in Belize in collaboration with the National Women’s Commission of Belize, […]

1st ever Live Well Cayo Fest happening this weekend
The Cayo chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is hosting a first of […]

LOVE FM

ComPol commissions the opening of day-care center in Belize City
Today the Commissioner of Police made a few commitments to the women in the police department. These, he said, come after he received a list of recommendations made by a group of female officers as it relates to the conditions of service for WPCs. Now while the Commissioner said he can assist in some of …

Police Department celebrates its women officers
As Belize observes Women’s Month, the Belize Police Department is saluting the women among them. Female Officers of all ranks converged in Belize City today for a conference catered specifically to the women of the department. It was held under the theme “Women rising above circumstances, inspiring and innovating change”. Dalila Ical: “Some three hundred …

No transportation for police officers despite January promise
Another matter of concern, which by extension we have learned also involves the police association, is the matter of transport for officers. The eight hour shifts are in effect but officers have expressed concerns that the shift is now posing problems with getting home. It is of note that many officers commute to and from …

ComPol is firm in decision and goes to court to face Police Association
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that he stands firm in his decision as it pertains to the change in limiting the term served as chairman on the Police Association to two terms and the request for the accounting records of the Association. In response, the Association Chairman, Eldon Arzu, who has been in that …

Blogs

Secret Beach and My Biggest Conflict About Blogging
My biggest conflict about blogging is absolutely a double-edged sword. I fell in love with the old world charm of Ambergris Caye, Belize and the very thing I ended up doing for a living has been contributing factor in changing the face of the island by increasing tourism and expats. Increase = growth and change. While I love my job, and I do try to do a lot of good for my chosen country. The above does affect me and sometimes my desire to write about certain stuff. The not so new changes at Hungry Grouper Restaurant are a good example. One day my friend messaged me and asked “how come I did not write about the additions” He had seen a recent write up detailing the HGTV upgrades. Because he knew I was a big fan of Chef Argyle’s cooking/restaurant for a very long time, he thought I would have jumped all over it. Another big one I have a hard time with and am still mourning the transformation of is Secret Beach which is northwest on the island. I mean no disrespect to any of the businesses there. I hope they succeed and I always have favorable answers to people asking me about the place.

A March Tuesday on Ambergris Caye
It’s breezy, warm, humid March on Ambergris Caye. The “March Blow” is blowing (just one of the seasons that we have on the island) – and the sargasso is coming in. Instead of dwelling on that, I’ll show you some pictures I took in town yesterday. As I waited for the water taxi to take me home.

International Sources

EU adds more Caribbean countries to money laundering blacklist
Less than a month after the European Union (EU) blacklisted several jurisdictions worldwide including several Caribbean countries, the EU Commission has added more jurisdictions to its tax-haven and money laundering blacklist. Along with removing Puerto Rico and The Bahamas from the blacklist published in February 2019, the EU Commission also added Bermuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize and Dominica from the Caribbean, in addition to Fiji, Marshall Islands, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu, as none of these countries were said to have met commitments made to the EU Commission by the agreed deadline.

Videos

March 13, 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

ACES celebrate another successful gala fundraiser at Palapa Bar and Grill
Under the theme ‘A Taste of Belize,’ Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) hosted its annual gala fundraiser at Palapa Bar and Grill on Saturday, March 9th raising over $40,000 in donations. The charity event is organized to assist the non-government school with its costs of operation and their Special Needs Program. The dinner gala included generous donations by local restaurants, several items up for auction and raffle along with live music. Guests arrived as early as 5PM to the event and while they mingled, some placed bids on their choice of many items up for silent auction. They also purchased raffle tickets for an opportunity to win fabulous prizes.

Ambergris Today

Repurposing Of The Corozal Free Zone Consultancy And Workshop
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce Hosts Validation Workshop under Consultancy “Support for Export-led Development in the Corozal District and Repurposing of the Free Zone” To support growth in the Corozal District, the Government of Belize along with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched a Technical Cooperation Project titled “Support for Export Led Development in the Corozal District and Repurposing of the Free Zone” on 15th March 2018.

Is The Growing Traffic On Ambergris Caye A Problem Or Blessing?
Do you believe the island authorities know how many four-wheel vehicles there are in San Pedro? Then there are 6-wheelers, 10-wheelers, 18-wheelers too; as well as trailers, tractors, bulldozers and trailer homes. Whatever the figures, nobody can dispute the fact there there is a huge saturation of vehicles on the streets of San Pedro. Depending on whom you talk too, there are those who are proud of this, and there are those who lament on the fact that there are too many vehicles in San Pedro. Just for curiosity, before you continue reading, what are you personas perspectives about the growing traffic on Ambergris Caye? See if your views will change after you finish reading "Perspectives". Let us look first at the Pros of the traffic situation.

Hardships And Glory Of The Coconut Industry
And that first industry was the coconut industry. The year was approximately 1890 and the then big land owners of Ambergris Caye hired the men of the village to clear the entire beachfront of the island, some 25 miles. This they did using two main tools only, the machete and the axe. As the land was being cleared, the men proceeded to plant the young seedlings of two types of coconuts, the Jamaica Tall and the Malaya Dwarf. In due time, between four to six years, the coconut plantations known as "cocales" began to produce coconuts.

Pic Of The Week - Sanpedrano Flag Bearer At London’s Commonwealth Celebrations
Belize along with 52 other Commonwealth Countries celebrated Commonwealth Day on Monday, March 11, 2019, replacing the former Empire Day, often held on the second Monday in March. Proudly carrying the Belize flag was Sanpedrano, Einer Gomez Jr., son of Einer and Marivel Gomez. Gomez was one of the many that joined Queen Elizabeth II in a Westminster Abbey service to mark Commonwealth Day.

Misc Belizean Sources

Corozal Bay Sailing Club St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Hello friends and members. Looking for something to do on St. Patrick's day? Join us as we celebrate with food, music and drinks while supporting the Corozal Bay Sailing Club. Last year we had a great time and the sailors demonstrated their skills for everyone. Please visit us at the lovely Consejo Shores community and do invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there.

Rugby Belize
There's a Rugby movement in Belize. The current season is underway. The male teams in Cayo are the Cayo Baymen and the Belmopan Spartans. Locally, they are recruiting for the San Ignacio Women's Rugby Team. Let them know if you're interested.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: MARCH 3, 2019 THROUGH MARCH 10, 2019
El Pescador had the opportunity to host our second Orvis Bonefish Bonanza of 2019. A lot of bonefish were landed and the highlight of the week was a double on big permit by Logan and Bryan. Bonefish were found in both large schools in 2 feet of water and larger individuals in shallower waters.

Notice to customers in Belize City:planned waterinterruption
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 Duration: 1:00pm to 4:00pm. areas to be affected: entire Downtown Belize City which are all areas bounded to the west by West Collet Canal; to the north by the Belize River and to the east and south by the Caribbean Sea.

Governance Summit
U.S. Embassy CARSI grantee Research Triangle International, in collaboration with the Belize Association of Planners, hosted a Governance Summit with local civil society organizations, government officials, community leaders, and private sector representatives. The Summit focused on strategies to promote, support, and enforce government accountability and highlighted governance challenges, such as reliance on anecdotal data and not on data-driven evidence for decision-making.

Crazy Canucks St. Patricks Day BASH
It’s “GREEN” week! Here’s our schedule: Monday 12pm: Guitar Jam Circle, 8pm: Live reggae. Tuesday 6:30: Hermit Crab Races for Daryl's Kids of Belize and ACES Elementary. Wednesday 4pm: Live music with Daryl Kennedy. Thursday 2pm: Paint N Splash. Friday 7pm: TRIVIOKE- Trivia at 7 followed with karaoke. Sunday: 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day BASH. 1pm: homemade corned beef & cabbage. 2-5pm: Coconut Trio. 5-10pm: DjSmallz. ***free beads, free shots, giveaways from OLD Master Fine Rum. ***green beer and Irish Car Bombs.

Eat,Drink and be Irish!
Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 11 AM – 11 PM, Camo Cantina & Island Ops on Seagrape Drive, Across the road from Caribbean Villas. Pull out all your green and dust off your best leprechaun outfits for an all day celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day! Awesome discounts and free stuff! Plus who doesn’t love a shamrock green beer! We will be pouring up green draft Landshark for only $6 Bz!

Continuation of the Issuance of Voter’s ID Cards
The Elections and Boundaries Department is pleased to notify electors that the second phase for the issuance of ID Cards will commence effective Wednesday, 13th March, 2019. The issuance of voter ID cards will be for those electors whose application was accepted in the month of August, 2018 and subsequently approved at revision court. Electors are also reminded that the issuance of ID Cards for electors for the month of July, 2018 continues.

More 2019 Carnaval Moments
Photos by Karen Brodie Photography

Carnaval 2019 - Kids
Photos by Karen Brodie Photography

Belize Rejects Being Placed on EU List of “Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes”
The European Union (EU) today issued a list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes” adopted by the European Union’s Council at its meeting on 12 March 2019. The list, which includes Belize, identifies jurisdictions for purportedly “failing to meet agreed tax good governance standards”. The Government of Belize has significant concerns about the erroneous conclusions drawn about Belize’s commitment to work with its global partners in establishing a modern fair international tax framework under which profits are taxed where economic activity and value creation occur, as well as the process by which the EU concluded that Belize should be placed on this list.

Corozal Family Kite Day
Come Fly your Kite 2019 Pre Easter Children Activity To all lovers of Kite Flying, the Corozal Sports Council will be organizing a Family Kite Day to be hosted Saturday 13th April 2019 at the Ricalde Stadium commencing at 9:00 am .Register your Child with the Corozal Sports Council on normal working hours Mon-Friday -8:00 am-5:00pm .Lets keep a tradition alive and have fun in a family atmosfair. Come and join us having fun with our Children!. Feel free to call at 637-4545-402-2848- Lets just Fly High with Joy.

Costa Maya Vote
Hello Costa Maya Fans! We need your help! Who would you like to see for International night, Saturday, August 3rd, 2019? Choose from the options below: Option 1: Becky G. Option 2: Manuel Turizo.

More football action at the Ricalde Stadium this Saturday, March 16th
Please come out and cheer for these football warriors. Cover $3.00

Corozal Basketball Association - PLAYOFFS SEMIFINALS
"The heat is on - Semi Finals Best of 3 this weekend. Game 1 will be this Friday, March 15th and Game 2 on Saturday, March 16th at the Civic Center. Will there be a 3rd game? Come find out this weekend - See you there!!" It will be packed super basketball action. Why stay home. Bring your children out and support this great sport.

Belize Bird-a-thon Fundraising Event And Competition
April is the time of our biggest fundraising event, the Belize Bird Conservancy Bird-a-thon. This year we celebrate the 7th bird-a-thon, a fun time of the year when we get to spend the day counting birds throughout Belize with friends. Our goal is to have fun, but our ultimate result is to raise money for our research, conservation and education work, while competing for the H. Lee Jones Cup. This competition also has a much-coveted goal among lodges. To win the H. Lee Jones Cup! Lodges in Belize attract visitors interested in the bountiful nature Belize has to offer. Expert guides help them see and enjoy everything which surrounds them. We invite you to enter the bird-a-thon competition and challenge fellow lodge managers and guides to a friendly competition for “the birdiest lodge”. The rules are the standard ones for a bird-a-thon, but you must count birds observed only within a 5-mile circle encompassing your lodge, within 24-hours during a single day. This must be done between April 1 and April 30. The team can count at any time within their chosen day.

BTB Job Vacancy for the position of Digital Marketing Manager

Phasing-out of Single Use Plastics in Belize
In 2018, the GOB approved the phase-out of single-use plastics and styrofoam products set to take effect on April 22nd, 2019. The law relating to the planned phase-out is now ready for review.The Draft Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019 can be reviewed here.

Mrs. Josefa Canto of the San Antonio Women's group proudly showcasing the Maya traditional way of grinding corn
Archaeologist point out that perhaps during the late archaic period or the Maya Pre-classic period the Maya began to experiment with the nixtamalization process of corn. That is, the cooking of corn with limestone to break the corn shells. It is this process that has kept feeding much of the Maya of Belize. Corn is the base food for the Maya people and up to date it continues to be a base staple in our diet. Recent archaeological findings indicate that one of the only factories of manos and metates, used for the grinding of the corn, is found on the outskirts of San Antonio. The site of Pacbitun hosts an array of sand hills and cut granite,which are evidences that indicate that the objects were created here. In addition, at the site and surrounding farms persons can encounter pieces of manos and metates which either had defects or were broken.

Channel 7

Trial of The Decade: Who Murdered Pastor Lew?
William Danny Mason along with Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo today went on trial for the murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas in the Belmopan Supreme Court. But the trial almost didn't start when Herbert Panton, the attorney for Mason and his four co-accused asked for an adjournment. He said his legal team couldn't get proper instructions from the five accused because the Prison is not allowing them to see all at the same time. But, DPP Cheryl Lynn Vidal wanted to press on; she argued that she has a list of witnesses who are prepared to testify today.

Murder in A Sandhill Home
A Sandhill resident was killed inside his own home on Sunday morning. The victim is 41year old Denmark Casimiro. He had been living alone at that New site area house four about 3 months until a man came over to his house and shot him dead. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Voice of: Neighbor: "I was sleeping, me and my family, Sunday morning around 6:45 and I heard a gunshot and then somebody in the house started to cry or holler. And then I heard another gunshot and I didn't hear nothing afterwards." Courtney Weatherburne reporting: That cry for help came from Denmark Casimiro.

Police Say Murder is Drug Related
Although residents say that Casimiro was killed over a tattoo machine, the police believe it was a drug related execution. Here is more from the police press briefing. ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "There was no sign of forced entry at his residence. We suspect that he was in the company of another male person, who police is looking for at this moment." Reporter: "Anything as to a motive?" ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB: "We suspect it is drug related."

Father of 3 Dies In Motorbike Accident
A father of 3 was killed in an accident on Sunday evening. 38 year old John Bennett was heading to his Belize City home on a motorbike when he collided into an oncoming vehicle. Bennett was flung from his bike and died on the spot. John Bennett would have been among these men, hanging out at his Lakeview Street home this morning. But, instead, his body was lying at the morgue. Bennett was killed in an accident between miles 7 and 8 on the George Price Highway. On Sunday evening around 5:00, Bennett left his cousin's mile 8 home on his motorcycle and was heading back to his house in the city when he collided into a gold Ford Explorer that was coming in the opposite direction.

Man on Bicycle Run Over On Highway
There was another fatal accident over the long weekend - this one happened between Miles 50 and 51 on the Northern Highway - and the victim was on a bicycle. On Saturday night at 7:20, 62-year-old, Excequiel Lopez Leon, from Tower Hill Village was knocked down by 34 year old Shaun Dortch - who was heading in the same direction - both were southbound. Dortch - who was driving a Mazda SUV - told police that Lopez Leon veered into the road:...

Grandmother Stops House from Burning
A family from Sunset Park, a residential community located at Mile 8 and a half on the George Price Highway, is trying to figure out how they will rebuild their home after a fire nearly destroyed it. They believe that someone tried to burn the house down, and all the evidence points in that direction. Juanita Avilez invited us into her home to see the damage today. She told Daniel Ortiz how she saved her home from being totally destroyed:

Mother Shattered By Sudden Death
Tonight, a mother and father from Kelly Street in Belize City are in the throes of grief after their 6-week-old newborn died in her sleep. The mother of Baby Ryhnaye Rowland put her to sleep on Sunday night just like she has always done. She expected that the baby would have stirred awake multiple times, as new-borns are known to do. In the early morning hours of Monday, the baby did just that on an hourly basis, until she just stopped.

The Last Referendum Registration
If you are a voter, and you didn't re-register last year, today was the final day you could do so in time to vote in the upcoming ICJ referendum. Since March 1st, The Elections and Boundaries Offices countrywide have been staying open up until 7 p.m. in the evenings to allow for persons to come in. They are trying to accommodate as many of those tardy voters as possible, and this evening, at 6 o'clock, when we passed by the office on Cemetery Road, we found quite a crowd cuing up to re-registered.

Blackout Bus' Shot: 11 Year Old Grazed
If you were watching the news on Friday night - you probably know that there was a power outage on the Southside just after 7:00. Well, criminals used the cover of darkness to shoot two males in separate incidents. The first was an 11 year old boy who came within millimeters of losing his life. Tonight, a mother from Glynn Street is grateful that her 11 year-old son survived a shooting at the start of the holiday weekend. He was grazed behind the ear, but had the bullet been fired a few more centimeters more to the right, the child would have been critically wounded or worse.

Shots Fired In The Dark
Five minutes after that youth was shot in the Mesopotamia area, another man was short in Port Loyola. It happened off Faber's Road Extension where 19 year old Melroy Pelayo, and others whilst were hanging out on Rio Grande street they two men rode up and one of them opened fire - hitting him in the leg. Polcie told us more: ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "It was just after 7:15 that Police visited the hospital where they observed him with a gunshot wound to the body. Mr. Pelayo was walking with other persons on Rio Bravo Crescent just after the light was cut out. While he was walking with other friends, he was approached by two male persons riding on separate bicycles.

Cops Say Courier Cocaine Charge Will Stand
On Friday we told you about the 6 and a half pounds of cocaine that police intercepted at the Ranchito Municipal Airstrip. It had arrived there in a knapsack by air cargo and police arrested 59 year-old Henry Menzies, and 38 year-old Melvin Cal, a cargo agent for the local airline. On Friday, Menzies's employer and his family put out a statement saying he was just working as a courier and had nothing to do with the illicit cargo in the package. They accused the police of an incompetent investigation. Today, police said they know what they were doing.

Robbers Pretending To Be Cops
Over the long weekend, thieves once again preyed on the PUMA Gas station at mile 1.5 on the Northern Highway. On Sunday evening, thieves dressed as cops robbed the place. Police told us more:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "On Sunday 10th March, 2019, just minutes before 5pm, the PUMA Gas Station which is located at mile 1.5 Phillip Goldson Highway was held up at gunpoint by 2 male persons who apparently were dressed in police uniform. The uniform pants resemble a police pants, but it does not all the specifications of a police pants and they entered and they demanded to speak to the manager of the gas station which they forge themselves inside of the office and thereafter they opened the safe and they took an undisclosed amount of cash and also the DVR equipment."

EU Shits Goalposts, Blacklists Bze IBC's
Belize's offshore sector fought mightily to get off the EU blacklist in December, but today we were put back on that list. At a meeting of EU economy and finance ministers on Tuesday 10 countries were added to the list which is designed to name and shame "non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposesfailing to meet agreed tax good governance standards". The note on Belize says that this country has not yet, quote, "amended or abolished one harmful preferential tax regime. Belize's commitment to amend or abolish its newly identified harmful preferential tax regime by the end of 2019 will be monitored." End quote.

BWS Says Succotz Situation Being Regularised
BWS has released a statement in relation to the irregularly high water bills that Succotz residents have been getting. It states " BWS's internal investigation has established that the former meter reader, who is no longer employed with the company, appears to have falsified readings for several months by entering numbers slightly higher than the previous actual reading into the specialized hand-held meter reading device. It continue by saying "At the last reading cycle, the newly assigned meter reader, as per the established procedures, brought in the actual readings. This resulted in these customers receiving higher than normal bills. "

Big Plantation In Little Belize
The BDF destroyed a major marijuana plantation in the Orange Walk district over the weekend. Police told us more today:... ACP Joseph Myvett, NCIB: "Members of the BDF reported that on Saturday the 9th March sometime in the early morning, they conducted a marijuana eradication operation in the little Belize area of the Corozal district where they discovered a marijuana plantation containing 4,500 plants ranging from three or four feet in height, as well as 30 pounds of marijuana. No one was found in the area as a result the trees were uprooted and destroyed."

Flipped On Boom Road
There was a non fatal accident on the Burrell Boom Road on Sunday. Police told us more:

Fantasy Five Winner Reticent
Turning now to more cheerful news - the winner of the January fifth Fantasy Five jackpot of over two hundred and twenty thousand dollars has come forward. But, he's a little shy - which is why he didn't step forward and the Fantasy Give rep explained why:.. Since that January fifth draw, there has been another winner who also has not come forward. The jackpot is now at 224 thousand dollars.

The Ruta Winner
61 teams participated in the Ruta but at the end NICH won. The team of Efrain, Felix and Hener Cruz took first place. We leave you with footage of their victory tonight.

Channel 5

Denmark Casimiro is Killed in Sandhill; was it Drug Related?
A father of two was executed on Sunday morning in Sandhill Village. Residents in the village told News Five that they heard Denmark Casimiro and another man arguing inside his [...]

‘Danny’ Mason and Company are on Trial for Beheading Pastor Lue
The trial against William “Danny” Mason and four other men began today in the Belmopan Supreme Court. Mason, who is known to have ministerial friends, is considered the mastermind in [...]

Drug Plane Crashes South of Quintana Roo; 1 Person Killed
A small plane carrying one ton of cocaine crash landed into fields in the community of San Pedro Peralta, south of Quintana Roo, Mexico. One person was reportedly killed. Mexican [...]

Fake Cops Rob PUMA Gas Station
A pair of fake cops robbed PUMA Gas Station on the Philip Goldson Highway Sunday evening and they made it look so effortless. Two armed men, dressed in what can [...]

Belize City Man Perishes in RTA
A Belize City man was one of two persons who lost his life on Sunday evening in traffic fatalities.  Thirty-eight-year-old John Bennett was on his motorcycle en route to Belize [...]

Guatemalan Knocked Down and Killed in OW
Sixty-two-year-old Guatemalan National Excequiel Lopez Leon was knocked down and killed on Saturday night at around seven-twenty. Police say that thirty-four-year-old Shaun Dortch of San Pedro Village, Corozal District was [...]

6 Persons Injured in Boom Road Traffic Accident
A traffic accident on the Burrell Boom Road on Sunday evening left six persons injured, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. Sidney Humphreys was behind the wheel of an Isuzu [...]

Corozal Family Disputes a Police Account of a Cocaine Bust
A well-known courier service provider from Corozal and a cargo agent for a local airline company are on Supreme Court bail tonight after they were intercepted by police last Wednesday [...]

Why Didn’t the Investigation include the Sender from San Pedro?
It is not the first time that local airlines are being used to transport illicit cargo across the country; in fact, the police department has intercepted packages carrying suspected drugs, [...]

Marijuana Field Destroyed in Corozal
The Belize Defence Force carried out a destruction of marijuana fields in northern Belize over the weekend.  The B.D.F. carried out an operation in the early hours of Saturday near [...]

Last Call for Re-Registration
Today was the final day to register for the April tenth referendum. In Belize City, long lines were formed at various registration centres as electors waited to apply to be [...]

EU Designates Belize as a Non-cooperative Jurisdiction
Belize is among ten new jurisdictions blacklisted as tax havens by the European Union. These include: Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and [...]

Trio Arraigned for Belize City Burglary
Tonight, a trio of men caught in connection with a house burglary at the home of a supervisor is on remand at the Belize Central Prison. Kevin Alvarez, James Fitzgibbon, [...]

Gunman Targets Teen during Blackout
On Friday night, criminals seized the opportunity to commit crimes when there was a brief interruption in power in Belize City. Sometime around seven-fifteen that night, during the “black out”, [...]

Another City Shooting; No Suspects
Belize City resident Linsford Baldwin also fell victim to a gunman in the city over the weekend. Police say that sometime after nine on Saturday, twenty-eight-year-old Baldwin was shot to [...]

1 Month-Old Baby Girl Mysteriously Dies
Belize City police are investigating the sudden death of a one-month-old baby girl. Her name is Rhynaye Alexandra Rowland and she was found dead in her bed at her home [...]

NICH Wins Again; the Results of the Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
The team from NICH established itself as a force at the start of the four-day Ruta Maya River Challenge race. Covering as much as one hundred and eighty miles, sixty-one [...]

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

The Reporter

Mexican Authorities Confiscate Suspected Drug Plane
Mexican authorities have confiscated a suspected drug plane on Sunday afternoon in a forest area near Bacalar.

Breaking Belize News

Belize rejects being placed on EU List of “Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes”
The European Union (EU) today issued a list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes” adopted by […]

Fake police rob Puma gas station
Just before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, two men dressed as cops entered the Puma Gas Station […]

Cyclist dies in fatal traffic accident on George Price Highway
Belize City resident, John Bennett, is dead after a road traffic accident over the weekend. Police […]

Leroy Bardalez, 20, charged for shooting Melroy Pelayo, 19
Belize City cops have charged Leroy Thomas Bardalez, 20, with ‘attempted murder’, ‘use of deadly means […]

Police: Murder of Denmark Casimiro drug related
Police have detained one man in connection with the shooting death of Denmark Casimiro, 41. […]

Orange Walk man rescued from vehicle after accident this morning
A man is receiving treatment at the Orange Walk hospital after he was involved in a […]

Driver: cyclist rode in the middle of the highway and caused his own death
Orange Walk police have served Shawn Dorch with a notice of intended prosecution. This comes […]

BDF destroy marijuana plantation in Little Belize, Corozal
In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Belize Defence Force (BDF) carried out a […]

Leadercast 2019 to be held on May 10th
Belize is one in only five Caribbean countries that will be a part of the […]

Two charged for cocaine bust in Corozal; family refutes allegations
Authorities have charged two men who were busted with three parcels of cocaine last week. […]

Another murder charge thrown out in Supreme Court
The last of three men accused of killing Nigerian national Kabiru Oloungundudu, a security guard stabbed to […]

Three teens sent to jail for attempted murder of Clinton Pou
A trio of teenagers appeared in Belize’s Magistrate Court on Friday, charged with the attempted murder […]

Self-defense instructor talks gender-based violence for women’s month
As countries around the world highlight pertinent women’s issues during the celebration of International Women’s […]

Belize added to EU tax-haven blacklist
Belize, along with nine other jurisdictions, has been added to the European Union’s (EU) revised […]

Henderson tallies a triple double
By Peter Lacey: Sports broadcaster for The National Channel TNC 10. On Saturday night March 9, 2019, Delvon Marquis Henderson notched only the 3rd Triple Double in NEBL History against the Digicel Defenders with 21 Points 18 Rebounds 11 Block Shots. […]

“Student Eagles” leave for Costa Rica to represent Galen at the 34th MOAS
By Galen University: Galen University’s (GU) students held a ‘mock presentation’ on Friday in front of the CEO, […]

Medical facilities countrywide to receive climate readiness upgrades
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is spearheading a project in Belize to upgrade 11 […]

FFB suspends players following altercation during University game
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) issued a statement on March 7, expressing its discontent […]

LOVE FM

Celebrating Women’s Month
March is celebrated annually as women’s month and there have been several events being hosted across the country to foster women’s development. The Ministry of Human Development is hosting its “Vagina Conference” which focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Women’s Sexuality, Anatomy and Mechanics of the Vagina, and Impact of STIs on the …

Denmark Casimiro Murdered. Why?
Denmark Casimiro is the latest addition to 2019’s murder statistic. Casimiro had recently moved into a quiet area of Sandhill Village when he was gunned down over the weekend. Love News spoke to family and friends in Biscayne Village and Sandhill about Casimiro’s passing. Jose Sanchez: ”About 5:30 Sunday morning in Sandhill the peace was …

Department of Environment moves ahead with phasing out plastics and Styrofoam
In 2017, an assessment was done that showed that in a course of three years, Belize imported over two hundred million pieces of single use plastic bags and fifty two million pieces of Styrofoam and plastic food containers while producting about five million pieces of Styrofoam and thirty five million single use plastic bags. It …

SJC continues to put students in touch with history
St. John’s College, SJC, is committed to giving their students a very sound foundation of their ancestry by teaching them history. First form students are taught African and Mayan History which allows them to understand history from the perspective of the oppressors. Love news spoke with Yasser Musa, a teacher at SJC, who said that …

Ixchel Poot wins fellowship
We have interviewed Ix-che Poot several times in her capacity as the Executive Director of the National Council on Ageing where she gets the opportunity to champion the cause of the elderly. However, when she is not doing that, Poot spends her time writing. Poot will get the opportunity to further pursue her passion of …

Healthy six weeks baby dies in sleep
A couple in Belize City have lost their six week old daughter. The mother, Simbiat Garnett said that the baby, Ryhnaye (pronounced Renee) Rowland, had not displayed any health complications. Garnett and her husband were sleeping with the child and on Monday morning, between three o’clock and three thirty, Garnett found she was not breathing. …

Gerald Mendoza wins Fantasy 5
Gerald Mendoza has been faithfully buying Fantasy 5 since it began. Mendoza finally got lucky in January when he bought the winning numbers 12, 27, 03, 29, 01 and letter A. Fast forward almost two months later and Mendoza has gone to pick up his winnings. A very shy Mendoza spoke to the media about …

Police say teenager shot due to neighborhood dispute
A nineteen year old is recovering from a gunshot injury he sustained on Friday night, just as the nationwide power outage happened. Police identified him as Melroy Pelayo. Police say they found Pelayo at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital shortly after 7:15 in the night. By today, ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head of the Crimes Investigation …

Blogs

What to do in Placencia, Belize
Tucked at the end of a peninsula on the Central coast of Belize, Placencia draws vacationers and retirees alike thanks to its tropical climate, prime beaches, laid-back vibe and English speakers. The village won’t overload you with activities or bustle — part of its charm is that the Belizean adage “Go Slow” takes on a literal meaning here — but the longer you hang around, the more likely you’ll find there is more to this town than first strikes the eye, from the warmth of the intertwined local and expat communities to back streets that wind into the canals, revealing pockets of life not seen from the main stretch.

International Sources

Las mujeres, el impulso que el medio ambiente necesita
Read article featuring women in conservation, including our Executive Director Christina Garcia, in Spanish. Desde tiempos ancestrales, las mujeres han tenido una relación especial con la naturaleza. Ellas contribuyen enormemente al bienestar y el desarrollo sostenible de sus comunidades, así como al mantenimiento de los ecosistemas, la diversidad biológica y los recursos naturales del planeta.

There’s a New Private-Island Destination in Turks and Caicos named Ambergris Cay
There’s a new private-island destination in the heart of the Turks and Caicos Islands. A new boutique all-inclusive hotel has quietly opened its doors on the three-mile-long island of Ambergris Cay (not to be confused with the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize). It’s called Ambergris Cay, and it’s home to 10 private beachfront suites, a restaurant and a pool and bar.

How to Spend 5 Days in Belize for $500
303 Magazine has an article out about budget travelling in Belize, and Cayo is highlighted. Cenaida's gets a great mention, as does the Green Iguana Conservation Project, Mountain Pine Ridge, and Xunantunich. "Tucked away in the jungle is the small city of San Ignacio. While there are tourists in San Ignacio due to its rich history and culture, it isn’t what you would call a “tourist town.” The center of town is a few streets of restaurants and businesses, all centered around a local food and goods marketplace. A winding river snakes around the city, and just beyond is some of nature’s finest — jungle-thick hikes that lead to towering waterfalls, hot springs and pools. But the real gem of San Ignacio is its Mayan footprint. Ruins of ancient Mayan structures, caves filled with artifacts and other historic sites are scattered around the city. San Ignacio is where a traveler finds their sense of adventure."

Videos

March 12, 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

Draft Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019 Available for Comments
The public and interested parties are hereby advised that the Draft Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019, is available for review on the Department of the Environment (DOE) website at www.doe.gov.bz. The DOE requests that ALL comments on the Draft Regulation be submitted in writing using the Plastics Regulations Comment Sheet, also available on the DOE website. All written comments are to be submitted to the DOE via email at [email protected] no later than Thursday, 21st March 2019.

Belize being showcased at Women’s Conference in Mexico
The Football Federation of Belize is being represented at the “Conferencia de Futbol Femenino” by Assistant General Secretary Mr. Luis Pena and Director of Women’s Football Ms. Iris Centeno. The conference is taking place from March 5-8 in Mexico City. In preparation for the conference, Belize was asked to prepare a presentation on the structure and best practices of women football in Belize. Furthermore, they were also asked to speak about the achievements and challenges encountered in Women’s Football. The request for the presentation came from FIFA in efforts to show case the federation and the work being done for the development in Women’s football.

Commonwealth Day celebrated around the globe
Celebrations and events will be held across the world on Monday (March 11) to mark Commonwealth Day. The day will feature everything from street parties to church services, from democracy debates to fashion shows as 2.4 billion people in 53 Commonwealth countries celebrate the history and values that bind them together. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. In the 1949 London Declaration, leaders agreed that Commonwealth countries are “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress”.

Misc Belizean Sources

Happy Garifuna Heritage Month!
Today we observe the 222nd Anniversary of the Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Central America in 1797 . On March 11, 1797 the Black Caribs/ Garifunas were loaded onto eight ships and they set off across the Caribbean Sea toward Roatan. Not only did we survived, we have Thrived! Hail Garífuna Happy Garifuna Heritage Month!

Medical facilities in Belize to become safer, green and more resilient to natural disasters
Eleven hospitals and health centers and a laboratory in Belize will be retrofitted to make them safer, “green” and able to continue operating during emergencies and disasters as part of the Smart Health Facilities Project, a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) initiative, financed by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UKaid) and the European Union (EU). The Matron Roberts, Cleopatra White, Independece II and Isabel Palma I polyclinics, as well as the San Ignacio community hospital and the Palm Center, were selected to form part of the initiative following an assessment of country priorities and the facilities’ vulnerability to disaster risks. The Western Regional Hospital, the Northern Regional Hospital and the Southern Regional Hospital, as well as the Punta Gorda and Corozal Community hospitals and the Central Medical Laboratory will also form part of this initiative.

Cayo ICJ Fair
The Cayo ICJ Fair is this Friday, March 15th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. No matter how you vote, get informed on the subject. "DON'T MISS OUT! ICJ FAIR Friday, March 15 at the Cayo Welcome Center! Come LISTEN, LEARN and ASK so you could be ready and informed for April 10th!"

Historical Youth Declaration of Yaxha
Friends for Conservation and Development Environmental Youth Group Acting President Ricky Cunil and President of Todos Por Un Mundo Verde Sindy Sagastume sign historical youth declaration for Belize and Guatemala the Declaraion of Yaxha along with their delegations. DECLARATION OF YAXHA We, the youth members of the environmental groups Todos Por Un Mundo Verde established in Melchor de Mencos Peten, Guatemala and FCD Environmental Youth Group established in San Jose Succotz, Belize, meeting at El Sombrero Eco Lodge, Yaxha, Flores Peten, Guatemala on March 2nd and 3rd, 2019, express our commitments to join efforts to work together to work together for the conservation and protection of natural resources that we have in our countries ad for the Chiquibul and Mopan River which we share...

Puma Selfie
Today’s selfie of a puma was captured on a farm in the Central Belize Corridor. The Panthers team has been using camera traps to monitor jaguars, pumas and their prey species in the corridor, as well as working with farmers experiencing human-jaguar conflict.

Women in Arts Fair 2019
"Pictures of past Women in Art Fest at Cayo Welcome Center March 9th 2019.Special thank you to all the wonderful women artisans and artist who participated.Support your local Artist and Artisans."

The Reporter

Family Horrified By Sudden Death Of Baby
Police are investigating the sudden death of a one month old baby in Belize City sometime during the night. At 4:00am today Police were called out to #53 Kelly Street where they found the lifeless body of Rhynaya Alexandra Rowland. Investigators were told by the child’s father, Richard Rowland, that the child had been experiencing breathing problems.

Breaking Belize News

Belizeans commemorate National Heroes and Benefactors Day
A national holiday in Belize, National Heroes and Benefactors day, previously commemorated as Baron Bliss Day is being observed in the country today.

United Garifuna Association calls out Garifuna Council for failing to say ‘No’ to ICJ
On March 3, the United Garifuna Association (UGA) that represents the Garifuna community in Saint Vincent, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and the United States issued a […]

Fair weather to continue
The 24-hour forecast is for mostly fair weather to continue. Sunny skies with some cloudy spells and a few isolated showers are expected today.

Police investigate mysterious death of 1 month old baby
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a 1-month-old baby.

Blogs

Is There Good WiFi In Belize?
This is a little bit subjective and you’re going to find differing opinions on it. I can tell you we’ve been there five years and I have an online business and I have very few complaints about the Wi-Fi, especially considering where I live in Placencia and San Pedro is considered kind of a remote island and then a bit of a remote peninsula in southern Belize. And I would say the worst thing that happens is maybe once a month it goes off for a couple of hours because they’re fixing some kind of line. And throughout the day there’s times where it slows down, but not enough to really stop you from being productive unless you were somebody in the upper echelons of internet use, the top few percent. It is more than adequate for any sort of online activities you’re going to be doing. There’s also WiFi available everywhere you go throughout the country. Every bar, every restaurant, you can always get the WiFi password.

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.

Easter in Belize: What To Do & Where To Go!
There are many good reasons to visit Belize at Easter. This is an important holiday in Belize, not only because it’s a four-day weekend but also because it’s a time of deep spiritual reflection for many Belizeans. That reflection ends in a weekend of parties that you don’t want to miss. Why should you visit Belize in Easter? First off, the weather is perfect. This is when you’ll see Belize at its springtime best. The tropical flowers are blooming and the jungle is alive with color. You’ll see tropical birds and hummingbirds everywhere.

Lip smacking, finger licking fruit treats of Belize!
Kinnep, Coco Plum, Craboo, and Molly Apple may sound like local nooks and crannies in little Belize, but in actuality they are names of native fruits that thrive in Belize’s rich tropical soil. While Belize boasts a wealth of delicious tropical fruits, most of our produce have a fresh, unique taste just as their quality. The most common are bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples and melons. Below is a list of the unique fruits that are native to Belize which form a fundamental part of our heritage and identity.

International Sources

How to Speak Howler: A Trip to the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Belize
When I reached Burrell Boom in the Cayo District of Belize, I thought I’d heard every possible language spoken in Central America. Belizeans flip between English, Creole, Spanish, and dialects of Mayan with minimal effort—an impressive fact for an unenlightened monolingual American like myself. I expected this; I read about it in guide books. What I didn’t expect was to learn a new language I’d never heard of before. The language, you ask? Howler monkey.

Adventure to Ambergris Caye, Belize
Lil’ Alfonse, of Lil’ Alphonse Tours, has been passionate about sharing the beautiful reefs of Belize with the world since he was young. If you’re feeling courageous, you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley. The Truck Stop is made up of several ‘food trucks’ with a centralized picnic area. There is something for everyone in the family here, even New Haven-style pizza.

Study uncovers 135 species of land snails in Belize, including 17 new ones
The tiny nation of Belize on the eastern coast of Central America is famed for its sparkling blue waters and rich marine life. But it has much more to offer: a rich diversity of land snails, some of which are extremely rare. Where previously only 24 species of land snails were known from Belize, a 10-year study that started in 2006 has uncovered 135 more. Some 17 of these are new to science, snail experts report in the book “Land Snails of Belize: A Chronicle of Diversity and Function,” published last year. Among the newly described species is the Belize drum (Eucalodium belizensis), a land snail that researchers say could be “one of the rarest animals on planet due to its range restriction.”

Videos

March 11, 2019

Enjoy National Heroes and Benefactors Day!

On International Women's Day and the day before our National Heroes and Benefactors Day, we draw attention to trailblazers who have been featured in our Heroes, Patriots and Benefactors Exhibit. May they continue to inspire us!

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

4th Annual Caye Caulker Lionfish Derby Tournament to be held on March 23rd
For the fourth consecutive year, Caye Caulker’s Lionfish Derby Tournament will take place at Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill. This year’s tournament is on Saturday, March 23rd and various teams will be competing in four different categories, including ‘Most Lionfish’ via scuba diving or free diving, plus ‘Largest Lionfish’ and ‘Smallest Lionfish.’ The tournament begins at 7AM from Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill in Caye Caulker, with boats heading out to sea fully equipped to catch as many lionfish as they can, hoping to claim one of the fabulous tournament prizes. The teams spend approximately eight hours at sea and are all expected to be back to the weighing and count station by 3PM. This is the highlight of the tournament, and a large crowd of spectators gather at the scale to view the amount of fish caught.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Overheard
“Amanda, do you think it’s wrong to have sex before marriage?” “It certainly was for me,” Amanda said. “Oh, that’s right,” her friend said. “I keep forgetting that you used to be married. Why do you think it was wrong for you to have sex before marriage?” “Because it made us late for the ceremony.” As I sat having my morning coffee on the deck of the Holiday Hotel, I couldn’t help overhearing this conversation. The two young tourist ladies were soon joined by another friend.

What’s New: NAI Belize hosts Open House
NAI Belize held an Open House at their office in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, March 5th. From 3PM to 5PM, island residents and visitors visited the NAI Belize office to meet and greet the team and to learn more about the business. NAI Belize is a full-service commercial real estate office offering brokerage, property management, investments and development projects. As an NAI Global member, they provide local-market leading insights combined with access to the single largest, most powerful network of owner-operated commercial real estate firms with 5,000 brokers in 400 local offices across 55 countries – all actively managed to perform for the client.

Doctor Love: Guilty Conscience
Dear Doctor Love All the time my younger brother was growing up I was the greatest big sister. I gave him spending money, cleaned up his scrapes and generally let him be a happy-go-lucky little kid. As he grew into his mid-teens, I started to teach him about being an adult and getting ready to live on his own. He never got the message. By his early twenties he was always in a financial crisis with drinking normally at the root of the problem and I helped his as much as I could until I got married. My husband likes him but refuses to let my brother be what he calls a “leech”. My brother is now in his mid twenties, single and completely irresponsible.

Misc Belizean Sources

Power outage in San Pedro March 24
Power outage 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 14 to affect portion of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: entire Coconut Drive, Sea Grape Drive, Boca Ciega Area and Mosquito Coast Area. BEL to relocate power lines in the area.

Burns Avenue Karaoke Night
The SISE Town Council and NICH are bringing Grupo Jade in for a special Karaoke Night on Burns avenue. It'll be Friday, March 22nd, and will start at 7:00pm. "Back By popular demand Latinos Night! Location Burns Avenue Proudly Sponsored by Eva's, Serendib, and Tandor, Restaurants.On March 22nd from 7:00 pm to 12:00pm. Dont miss it!!!!!"

BELIZEAN CULTURAL MUSIC: Maya Pax the sound of rebellion
Belize is a country rich in culture and music . As different cultural ethnic groups interact they borrow instruments and make a unique sound which is adapted to their culture . While most of us know about the Creole Brukdown , the Garifuna punta music and its more modern form known as Punta Rock . There are other cultural music being played in Belize . In the Yucatec Maya communities of Northern Belize who may also be known as Maya Masewal or Maya Mestizo their traditional music is known as Maya Pax and Jarana . This music for the Northern Maya of Belize have a more religious ritualistic used especially when dancing the Óok'ostaj Pool(Hoghead dance) .

The Reporter

Brazen Robbers Dressed Liked Policemen Hit PUMA Gas Station
A pair of robbers have jacked the PUMA Gas Station on the northern Highway this evening, Sunday March 10th. The men are seen on the security video exiting a door inside the gas station carrying what looks like a computer or the cash-draw portion of a cash-register and a box.

Breaking Belize News

Robbers dressed as police rob gas station
About an hour ago there was an armed robbery at the Puma gas station on the Philip Goldson highway. The two robbers entered the establishment dressed as police officers and demanded cash.[…]

Motorists advised to exercise extreme caution on George Price Highway
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution on the George Price Highway near Saint Matthew’s Village as a result of a fire causing thick smoke nearby. […]

Police investigating shooting in Belize City; One person injured
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night. Around 9:15 p.m., police went to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and met Lunsford Baldwin suffering from apparent gunshot injuries. […]

Police: 62-year-old killed in Tower Hill traffic accident
Authorities are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of an elderly man. Last night around 7:35, police responded to the accident between Miles 50 and 51 on the Northern Highway. […]

Police confirm identity of Sandhill shooting victim
Sources in the Belize Police Department have confirmed today’s murder in Sandhill, Belize. Police say that the deceased, Denmark Casimiro, was involved in an argument with a man near his home. […]

The 1859 Treaty does not give title to Belize 8867
By Hallett Moody: I write in reference to an article in the Amandala Newspaper of 24 th January 2019 entitled “The 1859 Treaty does not give title to Belize 8867” by Mr Lindsay Belisle. Whereas it is with great reluctance that I pen this article for various reasons; I realize that Belizeans are at a historic crossroad, and deserve the facts and honest opinions, not half-truths and ill-conceived arguments! So, here goes! […]

Man shot on Magazine Road in Belize City
Sometime last night there was a shooting reported in Belize City. It occurred near a mechanic shop on Magazine Road. The victim was reportedly playing dominoes when a gunman emerged. […]

Fatal road traffic accident near Tower Hill, Orange Walk
Sometime before 7 p.m. last night there was a road traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway. An unidentified man was riding his bicycle near Tower Hill in the Orange Walk (OW) District when he was knocked down. […]

Murder in Sandhill
Early this morning, there was a murder recorded in the New Site Area of Sandhill, Belize. The victim has not yet been formally identified; however, we understand that he was killed near his residence. […]

Trial of the year: Mason headed to court
Two days from now, Belizeans at home and abroad will be paying attention closely to what could be the most explosive murder trial in recent memory, the trial of William “Danny” Mason and others. […]

Videos