May 9, 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

Confirmed: Belize Rural South votes YES to the ICJ
Islanders of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker in Belize Rural South (BRS) came out in a steady flow on Wednesday, May 8th to participate in the Territorial Dispute Referendum on whether to take the Guatemalan claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). After polls closed at 6PM, a total of 4,253 had cast their vote in BRS. Three hours later, the results were in and with a total of 2,373 against 1,857, the ‘YES’ vote won, with the majority of support recorded in San Pedro Town. At the polling stations countrywide, Belizeans were asked to either vote ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ on the question: "Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?"

Misc Belizean Sources

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: APRIL 28, 2019 THROUGH MAY 5, 2019
It was El Pescador's pleasure to host our third Orvis Bonefish Bonanza of 2019 this past week. Bonefish were biting well in 2 to 4 feet of water. Wade fishing provided good opportunities on the windy days.

Admiral Faller, Commander of U.S. Southern Command, Visits Belize
U.S. Navy Admiral Craig Faller, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is visiting Belize May 8-10 and meeting with civilian and military leaders in order to discuss bilateral security cooperation with Belizean counterparts in support of regional peace and Western Hemisphere stability. Belize and the United States enjoy a close security cooperation and enduring partnership in the areas of mutual interest that include research and development, information exchanges, training and education, joint military exercises, and commercial initiatives related to defense matters. During his visit, Admiral Faller will meet with Prime Minister, The Right Honorable Dean Barrow and other senior government officials.

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

Time off to Vote in ICJ Referendum
The Office of the Labour Commissioner has received complaints from several employees that certain businesses in the Belize and Toledo Districts are refusing to grant time off for voting. The Labour Department in collaboration with the Elections and Boundaries Department is following up on these complaints and takes this opportunity to remind all employers of their obligation to grant employees reasonable time off to vote in today’s referendum.

BETEX 2019
A special welcome to all our BETEX agents and all our tourism stakeholders who will be part of the 2019 BETEX Road show! The Belize Tourism Board is a proud sponsor for this year's BETEX trade show which is the key marketing initiative of the BTIA.

2019 Chocolate Festival
Indulge yourselves in all things chocolate at our 2019 Chocolate Festival of Belize in Punta Gorda on May 24 - 25, 2019! Wine and Chocolate Gala - May 24th 7pm- Midnight This year's Wine and Chocolate will be held at Garbutt's Marine and will be hosting the Chocolatiers of Belize! There will be appetizers from local restaurants, an array of wines and other beverages.

Verdes vs Hurricanes Semis Game 3
The Verdes host the Hurricanes for their last semifinals match-up this Friday, May 10th, at 9:00pm. Go Verdes! "Our team was down, hurt and battered but they never gave up and came up with the WIN. Now Fans it is our turn to help them get over the hump and secure our spot in the finals. Let's rock SHC on Friday night as we face the Hurricanes for game three. Win or go home. Who will make the big shot? - Mom's who go with their kids will get a chance to win a gift basket by Wine Smith Ltd."

BTB Looking for an Accountant
Calling all Accountants! If you are an accountant with time management skills & keen attention to detail, then we want to talk to you.

CHILAM BALAM:THE CREATION OF THE WORLD Part 1
"Then the sky would fall, it would fall down.Upon the earth, when the four Lords, the four Bacabs, were set up, who brought about the destruction of the world. Then, after the destruction of the world was completed, they placed (a tree) to set up in its order the yellow cock oriole. Then the white tree of abundance was set up. A pillar of the sky was set up, a sign of the destruction of the world; that was the white tree of abundance in the north. Then the black tree of abundance was set up (in the west) for the black-breasted pi¢oy 4 to sit upon. Then the yellow tree of abundance was set up (in the south), as a symbol of the destruction of the world, for the yellow-breasted pi¢oy to sit upon, for the yellow cock oriole to sit upon, the yellow timid mut. Then the green tree of abundance was set up in the center (of the world) as a record of the destruction of the world... "

The Reporter

Early Results Of ICJ Referendum Indicate A ‘YES’
The early results from most voting stations from around the country are indicating that the ‘YES’ vote to the ICJ Referendum is leading the NO votes by as much as 15%. These are not official results, but early counting results of this margin of voting results usually indicate what is more likely to happen.

Nationwide Voter Turnout Is Average – SO FAR !
The Voting-stations opened at 7am this morning for the ICJ Referendum and as of 1.30pm this afternoon the voter turnout on this historic Referendum Day throughout the country stood at 27.4% of the total number of registered voters.

Breaking Belize News

PM Barrow constituency registered the highest voter turnout while Southern Belize saw low turnout
Today, Belizeans went to the polls to cast their vote in Belize’s historic national referendum on whether or not to take Guatemala’s claim on Belize’s territory to the International Court of Justice for final settlement. Statistics from the Elections and Boundaries department demonstrate that the Queens Square division, currently being represented by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, had the highest voter turnout of 84.1%.

Over 65% of Belizean electors participated in historic national referendum
All 344 polls closed countrywide at 6 pm today marking the end of the voting process for Belize’s national referendum on whether or not to take Guatemala’s claim on Belize’s territory to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement. According to statistics from Elections and Boundaries department, 65.07% of Belizeans participated in today’s national referendum.

PM Barrow to host ‘Post ICJ Referendum’ press conference tomorrow
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is scheduled to host a press conference tomorrow following the results of Belize’s historic national referendum held today. 65% of registered electors participated in the national referendum where the majority voted a resounding ‘Yes’ to the ICJ.

Unofficial referendum results is that the ‘Yes to the ICJ’ won
Unofficial reports coming from polling stations countrywide indicate that the ‘Yes’ votes are leading by over 4000 votes. In the Belize district, the ‘No’ won only in Lake Independence while the ‘Yes’ won in all Belize City and the three rural Belize district constituencies.

Shooting in Belize City
has received news of a shooting in Belize City. It occured minutes ago near Lacroix Boulevard in the Lake Independence constituency.

Is it Yes or No?
Belizeans are highly anticipating the results of the national referendum held today. Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 6:00 p.m. today. Belizeans participated on deciding whether or not to take Guatemala’s claim on Belize’s land, insular and maritime territory to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement.

Labour to follow up complaints of voting bar
This evening, the Government of Belize says it has learned of multiple alleged violations of the Representation of the People Act, Section 29, concerning employers granting employees reasonable time off from work to vote in today’s referendum. Specifically, several employees have complained of not being granted time off by certain employers in the Belize and Toledo Districts respectively.

My Voting Experience – the ICJ Referendum, 2019
s you might guess from the title, this story will be a little more personal than most I’ve written for Breaking Belize News or any other media house I’ve worked for. Not dedicated especially to working today – the other media do what they do on days like this exceptionally well – I headed out to vote around 2 p.m. this afternoon.

Michel Chebat: I will forever be a No to the ICJ!
This morning as polls opened in San Ignacio, we caught up with PUP Standard bearer of Cayo North, Michel Chebat at polling station 73, Sacred Heart Primary School. Chebat said that a high voter turnout is expected in the Cayo North division.

Omar Figueroa: Voter turnout in Cayo North expected to be high
Polling stations opened countrywide at 7 am today as Belizeans participate in the historic national referendum on whether or not to take Guatemala’s claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final settlement. Area representative for Cayo North Omar Figueroa told us that voter turnout in Cayo North is expected to be high.

British national charged with damaging his wife’s Belizean passport
A British national living in Belize was charged in court with damage to property for […]

Davone Gillett arraigned for attempted murder of Malique Stuart
Davone Gillett, 22, is charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm (a machete) […]

Belize High School student wins Belize’s 2019 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship
Jai Chawla from Belize High School, took first place yesterday in the local qualifying round […]

Police find drugs and guns
While conducting routine operations on Monday, the Belize Police Department managed to seize two illegal firearms […]

Blogs

Mango Season is HERE!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… MANGO SEASON! And while the weather seems to be hazy and windy. And the sargassum influx is…HEAVY. The mangos are for sale in town and absolutely delicious. Yesterday I found these two types at a local fruit stand. The rounder ones – apple mangos or “Number 11” mangos – are sweet and tart but “hairy”. You’ll need to use dental floss after eating. The longer thinner ones are smoother in texture but not as sweet and twangy. A bit more of a pine after taste. It’s like tasting fine wine. But better.

Picture of the Week: Thunderbolt Water Taxi arriving Corozal
Water Taxi service to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, from Corozal Town, Belize.

International Sources

New opportunities for Caribbean tourism industry discussed at ECLAC meeting
Caribbean countries have taken important steps toward upgrading and diversifying their tourism sector. Efforts have also focused on diversification, with the development of new product niches in areas such as eco and nature tourism, health, sports and culinary tourism, while new opportunities have been sought by penetrating markets in Latin America and even China. These are some of the main findings that emerged during an expert group meeting organized and hosted by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean.

One Voice’s once in a lifetime – Belize trip opens eyes, hearts
The idea of taking 38 minors to a third world country to sing songs and do a service project sounds like it should be accompanied by the theme song to “Mission Impossible.” However, it wasn’t impossible as the youth of the One Voice Choir spent eight days touring in and helping out in the country of Belize. “We had wanted to do something like this for a long time,” said Janet Bird, choir director. She said that One Voice alumni Ryan Ogden had started his own humanitarian service tour company and had approached her with the idea of using One Voice in a service project overseas.

13 of the Most Colorful Animals of the Ocean
Some creatures that live beneath the waves are bright, beautiful, and strange.

Concacaf to draw groups for restyled U17 Women’s Championship
Concacaf have unveiled details of their restructured 2020 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship which will be played over three rounds by 32 nations. The first-round qualifiers will be played between August 17-25 between the lowest ranked 16 teams who have entered the championship – previously the competition was played with regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final Championship. Now qualifiers will progress to a final round group stage and then to a last-16 knockout format. The dates for the final rounds are still to be announced. The new format is designed to give teams more top level competition and follows the new formats for Concacaf’s Under-20 and Under-17 men’s competitions.

Belize votes on whether UN court should resolve Guatemala border dispute
Belizeans on Wednesday began voting in a referendum on whether a top U.N. court should rule on neighboring Guatemala's claim that it is the rightful owner of half of Belize's territory, a dispute dating back to Spanish and British colonial rule. Guatemalans in April 2018 overwhelmingly voted to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to make a decision on the dispute with Belize. The referendum in the small Central American country is highly politicized, but could help end a border conflict that originated during the colonial era.

Videos

May 8, 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

Belizean fishing teams win big at Billfish Open Fishing Tournament in Honduras
Ambergris Caye’s Team Reel Challenge and Belize City’s Team Bobby C returned to Belize after netting top prizes at the 2019 Club Pesca del Caribe’s Honduras International Billfish Open Fishing Tournament. Held on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th, in the coastal town of Omoa, Cortez Department Honduras, the prestigious competition saw over 50 boats, including nine from Belize, competing for over US$50,000 in cash and prizes in the Billfish and Rodeo categories. After two days of fishing, Team Bobby C from Belize City claimed first place in the Billfish category with a Sailfish release on day one and Blue Marlin release on day two. Team Reel Challenge took first and third place in the Rodeo division after reeling in a massive 70lb Wahoo on the first day.

Game 3 for everyone as NEBL top teams battle for a spot in the finals
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs have extended to a third game after the top four teams are tied in their best-of-three semi-final series. The semi-finals have the San Pedro Tiger Sharks facing Dangriga Dream Ballers while Verdes faces Mirage/Smart Belize Hurricanes. Having won the first game of the three-part series, Hurricanes and San Pedro Tiger Sharks had the advantage. On Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th (respectively), both teams failed to sweep the series, and thus the two teams advancing to the tournament’s finals will be decided this weekend.

Primary School students sit second part of 2019 PSE
Thousands of standard six students across the country sat the final part of the Primary School Examination (PSE) on Friday, May 3rd. On Ambergris Caye, students convened at the San Pedro High School to take the Mathematics and Social Studies portion of the annual exam. According to the Ministry of Education, the PSE serves two main purposes: to certify students upon the completion of their primary schooling in four content areas of the curriculum (Math, Science, English and Social Studies); and for educational decision-making to inform policy, planning, and practice at national, district, school and classroom levels. Part I of the exam was held on April 8th and consisted of English and Science. The second part focused on Math and Social Studies.

Ambergris Today

Island Students Receive Sacrament Of First Holy Communion
Congratulations to Parents and Students who received that Sacrament of First Holy Communion this past Sunday, May 5, 2019. A total of 40 children received the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ for the first time on Sunday.

San Pedro Team Stars In Honduras International Billfish Open
The Club Pesca Del Caribe’s Honduras International Billfish Open Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2019, out of Omoa, Honduras. This tournament is one of the largest in the Western Caribbean, and this year’s edition saw 50 boats compete for over US$50,000 in cash and prizes! Over the past 4 years, the Belize Game Fish Association has been developing a strong relationship with its counterparts from Honduras, and this year nine Belizean Teams headed to Omoa to compete in this prestigious competition.

NCFC Release On Ban Of Sale Of Alcohol To Children
The National Committee For Families and Children (NCFC) sent out a release entitled “Children and alcohol are not a good combination”. The release date May 3, 2019, stated that the Child Protection – Technical Working group (CP-TWG of the National Committee for Families and Children applauds the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams for his efforts to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol to our children.

Misc Belizean Sources

San Pedro Mother's Day 2019 Extravaganza!
Happening this Sunday! Tickets available at El Dorado, Marina’s Store and the office of the San Pedro Town Council.

CSAM Art Mural in Corozal
Yesterday, I came across this CSAM art painting. CSAM's lead artist Miss Vianay Bautista has been commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and the Corozal Local Tourism Committee to replicate a portion of the Santa Rita Murals. The replica work is located by the corner of 2nd St. North and 4th Ave. In honour of our descendants.

VIP protection tactics training
The Embassy’s Regional Security Office was pleased to partner with the Belize Police Special Branch Unit and train together on VIP protection tactics in support of our mutual goals of citizen security.

BREAKDOWN OF POLLING STATIONS FOR REFERENDUM DAY 2019

Employees to be Allowed the Prescribed Period for Voting
The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to remind employers that they are required to grant employees “reasonable time off for voting.” Section 29 Offences states: (1) Every employer shall, on polling day, allow every voter in his employ a reasonable time during the prescribed period for voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay or other remuneration of any such voter or impose upon or exact from him any penalty by reason of his absence during such period...

Identification when Voting in May 8th Referendum
The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds electors who wish to vote in the May 8th, 2019 Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum that they are allowed to vote WITH OR WITHOUT an identification card. The Department encourages electors to exercise their right to vote in this Referendum. Remember, your vote is SACRED and SECRET!

SBDC Workshop: Succession Planning
Presented by: Ms. Monique Usher, Manager, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Beltraide Conference Room, 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan Workshop Date: May 16th, 2019. Time: 9am to 3pm. Objective: Managing the Development of Talent in Your Workplace. Managing the succession of talent in your workplace is a vital strategic process that minimizes gaps in leadership, ensures the continuity of corporate knowledge, and enables your people to develop the skills necessary for possible future roles. This interactive workshop will show you how to design and implement an effective and flexible succession plan that will help your organization continue to grow and achieve its business goals. Cost: $60.00, Includes lunch and refreshments.

Intro to Hospitality Certificate program in San Pedro
San Pedro High School has teamed with several local resorts to provide an Intro to Hospitality Certificate program that will be offered to start in June 24th and run 8 consecutive weeks. The program will consist of 5 weeks of classroom training at SPHS followed by 3 one-week internships at several of the Islands finest resorts.

Toucan Talk Newsletter
The new issue of the Toucan Talk Newsletter is now available!

U.S. Embassy’s online auction
The U.S. Embassy’s online auction begins Friday May 10 at 10 a.m. and ends Sunday May 19 at midnight! This auction includes 35 lots – including one automobile, a forklift, a scissors lift, furniture and appliances. You can view the lots on https://online-auction.state.gov/en-US and can start bidding on Friday. (When you get to the main auction page, scroll down to Belmopan and click on our auction! Be careful not to bid on auctions outside of Belize)!

Ribbon cutting at Maud Williams Government High School
Last week Friday, the U.S. Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office held a ribbon cutting ceremony to hand over a fully furnished two-story building to Maud Williams Government High School in Belize City. The building has four bathrooms, office space for administrative staff, a science laboratory, mechanical drawing room, home economics area, and sewing laboratory. It will benefit more than 300 students at the school.

US Embassy Q&A
Join us for a FaceBook Q&A session on May 14 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm on the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) small grant opportunity to strengthen government through civil society engagement. The session will address: -The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) objectives and outcomes; -Criteria used to evaluate grant proposals; -Budget requirements; -DUNS number application & SAM.gov registration information; -Any other questions regarding the grants process.

U.S. Citizen Town Hall Meeting in Placencia
clock Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 11 AM – 12 PM, at Green Parrot Beach Houses and Resort in Maya Beach. Limited U.S. passport & notary services will be available.

The Nukux Tat
The Nukux Tat is a Yuumbáalamo'ob a guardian of the forest and animals between the Yucatec Maya people of Belize. It is also known as tata duende,El dueno del monte or as a Balam. A powerful spirit who also is known to protect villages,yards,milpas etc from people,k'aak'as Iik'(bad air) and also from bad spirits. Many Maya elders in Northern Belize secretly still offer Saka' a kind of Maya drink to the Nukux Tat.

Capricorn Re-Opening in San Pedro
It's Time !!! Join us for the Capricorn Grand Opening Saturday May 11th from 10am to 9pm. DJ FIDDY plays all day! Games, Prizes, Amazing Drink Specials, Good Music and Free Food! Backwater Belize will be giving away a Sunset Cruise Come by and say hello Get a Raffle ticket and win prizes

Documentary Movie Night at The Truck Stop
We don't show many documentaries at The Truck Stop, but this one was too good to pass up! Since we were rained out last time we tried to show it, this week we're showing WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR, an exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children's television host, Mr. Rogers. This movie is great and highly recommended! We'll also have live music on the front stage by Dennis Wolfe from 5:30-8:30!

Channel 7

Two Killers Escaped from Prison, Quickly Recaptured
Tonight, two convicted killers have been recaptured after a daring escape from the Hattieville Prison this afternoon. One man, a convicted pedophile is on the loose. At this hour, prison authorities are deep in the thick bush behind the prison trying to recapture this third prisoner. But they've gotten back the two considered dangerous: they are Wilser Echeverria, who was convicted of killing Panamanian Ambassador Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa, and Rafael Mencias who had already been convicted of manslaughter for killing one man, and was then re-arrested after release for beheading another. He is awaiting trail for that killing.

Conch Shell Shooting Scatters Pedestrians
There was a gun scare near the Bel China bridge this morning around 8:30 when shots rang out. According to eyewitnesses - a gunman came from Ebony Street and shot after a group of young men standing at the Chinese Grocery next to UDP headquarters. Fortunately no one was hit and the men scattered towards their homes in conch shell bay.

Lakeview Gunshot Victim Survives Shot To Neck
And that same area where the turf of rival gangs interlock was the scene of a shooting last night. Around 9:15 33 year old Osbert Gentle was outside his Lakeview Street house when he heard two loud bangs. He then realized he had been hit to the neck.

How To Make Sure Your Referendum Ballot Is Counted
Tomorrow, 148,500 voters will be eligible to vote at 344 polling stations across the country in Belize's first stand-stand-alone referendum. After all these years of hearing about it, and all these months of being pounded with messaging about the ICJ - it all comes down to a simple "yes" or "no". You;You've heard all sides of the story in these past few months - but tonight - we just want to make sure you vote and that you get it right. Here are the do's and don't's of voting from the Chief Elections Officer: Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer: "It's your duty and obligation to go out and make your statement. Staying at home on that day will not do any good for any individual, because those are the same individuals who I believe will sit and complain..."

Election Observers In Effect
Polls open at 7am and close at 6pm. And, the Elections and Boundaries office stressed today that if you don't have a voters identification card - don't worry, it is not essential. A public notice says, quote, "The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby reminds electors who wish to vote in the May 8th, 2019 Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum that they are allowed to vote WITH OR WITHOUT an identification card. The Department encourages electors to exercise their right to vote in this Referendum. Remember, your vote is SACRED and SECRET!" End quote.

Let The Counting Begin...
Now, when the voting is done - that's when the business of the counting begins. As we have been stressing, this is not an election - and the results will not be reported or decided based on the results at the constituency level. So, unlike a general election where one side just needs any 16 constituencies to win, in this election, it's all about what the majority decide when all the votes are tallied. The Chief Elections Officer explained that results will not be reported on a constituency basis.

Man Charged For Wife's Attempted Murder
Police have charged the man who allegedly stabbed his common law wife in the chest. He is Thomas Requena. He has been charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and threat of death. As we told you last night, Requena and his common law wife Catherine Anthony got into an argument at a Sarstoon Street residence in Belmopan in which Requena allegedly attacked her and stabbed her.

Gang Boss Convicted For Threatening His Mother
Bryan Brown, the 42 year-old notorious George Street Figure, was found guilty in Magistrate's Court today of threatening to burn his mother alive. She's 61 year-old Rose Jacobs, a retired teacher, and she testified before Magistrate Emerson Banner that on August 21st, 2018, she was at a funeral at the Lord Ridge Cemetery when Brown confronted her, and threatened to set her on fire. She said that Brown had a gallon bottle and a cigarette lighter in his hands when he threatened her.

Cops Raids Net Guns and Weed
Yesterday police made big weed and gun busts. A team of GSU, SPU, and MIT officers conducted an operation on the South Side of Belize City. They searched an abandoned house which resulted in the discovery of two 9 millimeter pistols in the roof of the house. No one was in the immediate area at the time, so the items were labeled and deposited as found property. Then, the same team of officers conducted searches at the residence of 27 year old Michael Requena's Reggae Street residence. As a result of the search, officers discovered (31) wrapped parcels of suspected cannabis in a bag. Officers also discovered an additional (15) parcels of suspected cannabis in a knapsack in the living room.

Can Parliament Be Better?
When you talk about parliament, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the House of Representatives and all the long, raw and heated debates that are held inside the house. Well, parliament is much more than a gathering of rowdy politicians and the 7th Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Akbar Khan came to Belize to emphasize that point. Sec Gen. Khan focused on educating the public, specifically students about the role of parliament and also to engage Belizean parliamentarians on how to improve in their functions. Here is more about his visit.

Alleged Coney Driver Shooter Set Free
Back in February, we first reported on that wild shoot-out between police and 2 men on motorcycle, which happened in broad daylight on Coney Drive, in Belize City. The incident placed innocent civilians and businesses at risk of being injured because one of the fleeing suspects fired gunshots at a police officer, grazing him, and the cops returned fire. The two cousins 23 year-old Clifton Allen and 21 year-old Ulide Allen were taken before the court to the charges of attempted murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault, wounding and use of deadly means of harm.

Ruthless Robbers Gut Garbutt's
Garbutt's Gas Station in Roaring Creek has served the public for four decades at the same location - but last night - what looks like a team of professional thieves broke into the place, and cleaned out out - taking the cash register, and the DVR which records the video form the security cameras. The owner - who's also the village chairman told us more today:...

Sign Of The Times In Cayo North
There's some serious political mischief afoot in Cayo North - according to the PUP. The mischief is over this street banner. It's painted PUP Royal Blue and says, "In Cayo North, Party Above Country. No To the ICJ." That's the direct opposite of the George Price billboard, where he is quoted as saying that you should put the country above party politics. So, is the PUP Candidate Michel Chebat responsible for the very negative, even counter-historical messaging? He told us that the UDP is responsible, not him.

Coffee Break Ends In Scalding
19 year old call center worker Hailey Canto is in hot water after allegedly scalding a fellow employee at Icon Call Center. According to what was presented in court, At around 7:45 on the morning of April 11th, 21 year old Briannie Rose says she was walking in the hallway when Canto bumped into her. She asked Canto to say sorry, but Canto refused.

People's Front Launches Out
Last week, we showed you what happened on the Sarstoon River when the organization known as the Belize People's Front, had an encounter with the Guatemalan Armed Forces after a trip to Sarstoon Island. Nancy Marin and other members of the People's Front went to plant a flag, Wil Maheia style, on the island, but the Guat Military took it down - and returned it to them. Well, since 2013, we've been hearing about this mysterious People's Front, and the early impressions were that they were a group of patriotic Belizeans who decided to take up activism. Well, it appears that the People's Front has grown from those grassroots origins into a registered political party.

Nancy Not So Bex with Goat Military
Nancy Marin also gave her account of last week's encounter with the Guatemalan Armed Forces on the Sarstoon River. Now, whenever civilians have gone to that location to make a patriotic stance, they have always returned with complaints that the Guat military personnel were aggressive or intimidating. Well, Marin says that although the Guatemalans watched them closely when they went to plant the Belize flag on Sarstoon Island, the confrontation was stern but respectful. Here's how she described it: Nancy Marin - Leader, Belize People's Front: "My trip to the Sarstoon was very simple. We wanted to claim back our island. We want to prove that either it is, or isn't for us. Sadly, it was taken down. I must say though that I give thanks to the commander of the GAF..."

Man on Border of Two Divisions Says He Can't Vote in Referendum
As we told you earlier, tomorrow, 148,500 registered voters will be able to vote in the ICJ referendum. It will be the the first time, in the long history of the Guatemala's claim over Belize, that citizens will decide if they want to take the claim to the International Court of Justice. But, one Belizean who won't be voting is Clarence Hall. He's a resident of the Fort George constituency, who says that Elections and Boundaries, failed to get his name on the list, even though he went in to re-register over a month and a half ago. He showed up today at elections and boundaries hoping to collect his voter's ID card, and he was told that he cannot participate in the referendum.

Judge Schwebel, One For The Road
So, tomorrow is the big day Referendum Wednesday - the end of a years of hearing about the referendum, and months of intense campaigning by both sides, "yes" and "no". As Belizeans, most of us are on pins and needles about what will come out of the vote - and - we should know in about 28 hours from now. What should you do? Well, vote you conscience - and only that. The bottom line is there's no sure thing, but the experts agree, going to the ICJ is the only way Belize can dispose of Guatemala's claim. Whether you believe that, or believe it is worth the risk - is where you get to exercise your choice as a voter.

Channel 5

A Message from the PM on Referendum Eve
On the eve of the I.C.J. Referendum, Belizeans across the country, as well as families and friends who have been sidelined in the Diaspora, are on the edge of their [...]

Opposition Leader Takes Final Jab at Barrow Administration Ahead of ICJ Referendum
The message from the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño, had a different ring. Briceño took aim at the ruling party for failing to properly educate the masses of voters [...]

Yes or No: the people will have their say
One hundred and forty seven thousand plus voters are eligible to vote this Wednesday when the polls open at centres across the country. On this station our coverage starts at [...]

No Voter’s Identification Card needed for Referendum Day
The Elections and Boundaries Department sent out two advisories this evening in respect of the voting on Wednesday. It clarifies that electors wishing to cast their ballots in respect of [...]

BCCI and BNN collaborate to provide Polling and Counting Monitors
At this time observers from the Commonwealth and from CARICOM are already in Belize in respect of Wednesdays Referendum. Their role is to keep an eye on the voting process. [...]

UDP and PUP Quarrel Over ICJ Banners
An argument between the P.U.P. and U.D.P. over I.C.J. banners was sparked on social media this morning. The U.D.P., on its Facebook page, posted a picture of a banner hung [...]

Belize People’s Front Leader Calls Out Ministry of National Security
The leader of the relatively small, Belize People’s Front, appeared before the media today. Nancy Marin Juan caused a stir last week following an incident at the controversial Sarstoon. On [...]

Port Authority Conducting Investigation into Water Jet Explosion
Moving on to a tragic incident, the family of Kimberly and Jamiri Guy are preparing to lay them to rest. The sisters were killed in a horrible boat explosion on [...]

One of three escaped prisoners remain on the lam
Three prisoners managed to break out of the Central Prison early this afternoon. The trio is Christian Neal, Rafael Mencias and Wilser Echevarria. But freedom was short-lived for Mencias and [...]

PM Barrow Comments on Gian Gandhi’s Letter on the ICJ
During an impromptu press conference on Monday, Prime Minister Dean Barrow spoke of a number of issues relating to the I.C.J. A question post to the PM involved an opinion [...]

PM Barrow Satisfied with Re-registration Exercise
About one hundred and forty-eight thousand persons re-registered and are eligible to vote on Wednesday. Voters will flock to three hundred and forty-four polling stations across the thirty-one constituencies. The [...]

Will it be a No or a Yes on Referendum Day?
And finally from the Prime Minister, the press asked Barrow whether the U.D.P. will be focusing their resources on constituencies with a larger number of voters. According to Barrow, each [...]

Belize People’s Front- An Alternative Party
Back to the Belize People’s Front, Nancy Marin says her party will contest the upcoming 2020 General Elections. According to Marin, the B.P.F. is a movement of independent leaders for [...]

Shooting Victim Escapes Grave Injury During Lakeview Street Attack
Thirty-three-year-old Osbert Gentle narrowly escaped with his life on Monday night after being shot in the neck during a brazen attack in front of his home on Lakeview Street.  Gentle, [...]

Brian Brown found guilty of threatening to set his mama on fire
Forty-two year old Brian Brown, who was once a leading member of the George Street gang, has been convicted of threatening to set on fire his mother, sixty-one year old [...]

Wife and Husband Withdraw Charges Against Each Other
Last week a cop was charged for harming his wife after he punched her in the face. Today, the tables turned as his pregnant wife was before the court charged [...]

Parliamentarians Meet with CPA’s Secretary General
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Akbar Khan is in Belize. Khan arrived a few days ago and he has paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and [...]

Former Magistrate Norman Rodriguez releases “To Go or Not To Go; the I.C.J.”
“To Go or Not To Go; the I.C.J.” – is a book authored by former magistrate Norman Rodriguez. The sixty-four page book contains a history of the unfounded claim and [...]

Honouring Nurses for Saving Lives
Nurses Week is celebrated around the world at this time of the year to highlight the significant contributions that nurses make in the discharge of their noble profession. In Belize [...]

Amandala

148,500 to decide on ICJ
On December 8, 2008, nearly eleven years ago, in Washington, USA, at the headquarters of the Organization of American States, the governments of Belize and Guatemala signed an agreement, called a Special Agreement, or compromis, to submit Guatemala’s territorial, insular and maritime claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), subject to the approval of the peoples of both countries. The countries agreed to hold referendums simultaneously, on the same day, at which referendums the question would be put to their peoples. Attempts to hold the referendums on the same day failed and Belize, acting on the request of Guatemala, allowed that country to go ahead and hold its referendum, which it did, on April 15, 2018. Guatemalans voted overwhelmingly to submit their claim to the ICJ.

Tragedy at Ocean Ferry Water Taxi, Belize City
Jamiri Guy, 10, and her sister, Kimberly Guy, 8, were with their mother, Rosalie Catch, 27, a housekeeper of Xaibe Village, and their stepfather, Jaime Interiano, 35, a baker of Caye Caulker who is originally from Progresso, Corozal District, and 30 other passengers onboard a water taxi waiting to ride home to Caye Caulker at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, when the boat captain stepped onboard and started the engines, and there was a terrible explosion, the force of which killed the little girls and injured many passengers and crew. The little girls suffered massive head and body injuries and they both died on the boat.

No news from BEL and PUC
It is a priority for the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to keep the cost of electricity down, since that type of energy is so vital to businesses, and homeowners too, and the PUC chairman, John Avery, brought welcome news to the country from that quarter last week, which was that there really was no news on that front, not any that would significantly affect the rates for consumers. 7News reported on Thursday, May 2, that although “BEL proposed no adjustments to the currently approved Mean Electricity Rate”, the “PUC puts it at 41.51 cents per kilowatt — an increase of some 0.4%, which has no impact on currently approved tariffs.”

Danny Mason, accused of beheading pastor, hires Guyanese attorney
When the head of Dangriga pastor, Llewellyn Lucas, was discovered in a bucket in the pan of a pickup truck owned by William “Danny” Mason, it was sensational news that was widely reported nationally and regionally, so when the trial started in the Belmopan Supreme Court the country’s attention was focused on the trial. Mason and his co-defendants were previously being defended by attorney Hebert Panton, who was later joined by attorney Rachael Montejo. Then something happened: the two attorneys were off the case and the trial before Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore came to an abrupt halt. Rumors circulating at the time were that Mason had fired his attorney, Panton. Panton, however, denied that Mason fired him.

Court to look at Compol Chester Williams’ actions against Police Association president
Early in his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams locked horns with the president of the Police Association, Corporal Eldon Arzu, by attempting to limit the term of office of the association’s president and then transferring Arzu. Arzu filed a lawsuit seeking the intervention of the court to restrain the Commissioner from proceeding with actions that could be seen as unfairly targeting him as the president of the Police Association. The matter went to the Supreme Court and was adjourned to today, when the parties again squared off before Justice Shona Griffith.

Referendum, postponed on April 10, set for tomorrow, May 8
In less than 24 hours, Belizeans from all walks of life from all corners of the country will converge on the 344 polling stations that are scattered across the country to vote in a historic referendum on whether or not the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will decide on a judicial end to the Guatemalan claim that has been bedeviling the country and was largely responsible for delaying its political independence, which was finally achieved on September 21, 1981. In December 2008, a strange creature crept into Belize’s political vocabulary, when Belize Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington signed an agreement with the Republic of Guatemala known as the Special Agreement (compromis).

Both NEBL semi-final series are tied, 1–1; decisive game 3’s in Cayo and Griga this weekend
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) bounced into week two of its playoffs this past weekend with the second games in best-of-three semi-final series. In the semi-finals, the home teams have a combined record of 0–4, where the road squads have won all 4 games. The 2 winners this weekend will advance to a best-of-five series for the championship. Déjà vu, as Louriano hits game winner to send Verdes back home for game 3 On Friday night, the #1 seed going into the playoffs, Verdes was faced with a must-win game, as they travelled to Belize City to take on the defending champions, Mirage/Smart Belize Hurricanes at the Belize Civic Center…

Bandits vs Pirates to clash in PLB Closing Season finals
Both semifinal series in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season were decided in regulation time on Saturday night; and it will be San Pedro Pirates FC with the home field advantage in the championship series against Bandits Sport, the Opening Season champions, who are already assured a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League. The outcome at Isidoro Beaton Stadium on Saturday night between Bandits Sport and Verdes FC was a 0-0 stalemate, after Bandits had prevailed 4-3 in game 1 the previous week. So the Bandits are on to the PLB finals, a familiar spot, after an up and down season that saw them clinch a playoff spot in the penultimate week of a hotly contested regular season.

National Beach Soccer Team on a roll; wins Hopkins friendly against El Salvador visitors
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) reported last Friday that our Belize National Male Beach Soccer Team would be playing an international friendly against La Universidad de El Salvador (UES) on Sunday, May 5, in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District. The National Beach Soccer Team had just returned from an invitational tournament from April 26-28 in Mexico, where they had won the 6th Yucatan Beach Soccer Cup in Progresso, Merida. Today, the FFB extended its “congratulations to the Belize Beach Soccer Selection for claiming victory in their match against UES, El Salvador.”

National Over-40 Tournament 2019 under way
The Belize National Over-40 Football Tournament 2019 kicked off over the weekend with 4 games played, 1 on Saturday night and 3 on Sunday afternoon. At the MCC Grounds on Saturday night, May 4, defending champion, Kulture Yabra Veterans bombed Belize City Plaza, 6-nil, with goals from Kevin Rowland (44’, 52’ & 87’), Albert Arnold (71’), Albert Thurton (81’) and Jermaine Zuniga (89’).

Editorial: The price of UDP failure to take the Special Agreement to the House
From the get go it was a near impossible proposition for the government to get the third parties behind the Special Agreement (SA), but did the government try hard enough to get the main opposition, the PUP, on board? The evidence is that they didn’t, and because they failed to do so they were forced to resort to some very disappointing tactics to keep hope alive for a YES vote in the referendum set for tomorrow, May 8th. History, which will be written tomorrow, will tell. In 2008 the UDP had a supermajority, 25 to 6, which gave them the opportunity to change most anything in our Constitution; they almost certainly had enough support to get a 2/3 majority on the SA. It really doesn’t happen that government representatives in the House vote against anything that comes from Cabinet, and that body was responsible for the agreement with Guatemala.

All is not well
Dear Editor, On this the eve of referendum day all is not as it should be before we vote. Even though less than half, if you include the in-country disenfranchised voters along with those residing abroad, of Belizeans will be allowed to vote, the polls are still indicating that a “No” vote will result. However, given the desperation of the Government and desire of overwhelming external forces to win at any cost, along with the fact that they run things, I would not be overly surprised if at the end of the day a “Yes to the ICJ” outcome is pronounced by the Chief Elections Officer. So how could that happen?

Muffles’ decision has implications
Over the Easter holidays I had a discussion with my parents’ youngest son, who lives in the United States, about the Muffles College decision to resist the reinstatement of the female teacher whose nude pictures (we don’t know the details) had been exposed to public viewing by a man she was once friendly with. I think all Belize is on page that she was terribly violated, and that the man who did it is guilty of a vicious crime. We don’t know that most Belizeans are in agreement with her reinstatement. I won’t say my discussion with my brother was complete, but he didn’t say that he disagreed with the decision that she be reinstated and asked if we have hangups about nudity in Belize.

RAMADAN BEGINS MONDAY
Muslims will begin the one month fast of Ramadan this year on Monday, May 6, 2019. The twenty nine or thirty days of fasting is one of the central tenets of the religion of Islam which is adhered to by over two billion people worldwide. The end of this years’ fast is expected to be on June 7 or 8, 2019. Ramadan is the ninth of 12 lunar months observed in Islam. It is a time of fasting and worship prescribed by Almighty God in the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him), known as the Holy Qur’an. In it God says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness.”

PSE Day Two 2019
Thirty examination centers countrywide welcomed thousands of elementary school students yet again on Friday for day two of the Primary School Examinations (PSE). On day two of the exam, students completed the Social Studies and Mathematics papers, which have proven yearly to be the subjects which students find more challenging. As was the case on the first day of the exam, the school principals served as exam supervisors while the teachers served as invigilators.

Sanitation worker charged with attempted murder
Devone Gillett, 22, a sanitation worker who the police alleged was one of three persons who were involved in a stabbing incident, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. Gillett was also charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Senior Magistrate Anderson explained to him that she would not take a plea from him because the offences are indictable. She also explained to him that the court could not offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. She remanded him until July 7.

Wadani Shed destroyed by fire in Dangriga
The popular Wadani Shed located at the corner of St. Vincent Street and Mangrove Road in Dangriga was completely destroyed by fire at about 2:00 this morning. The shed, which was a timber structure with a thatch roof, burnt quickly, so little could be done to save its contents, which were also destroyed. People in the area who saw the shed on fire called the local fire service, and the Dangriga Fire Service went quickly to the scene and the firefighters were successful in confining the fire and putting it out. Only one other building in the area, which was about 20 feet away, was partially damaged. Five other nearby structures were not affected.

RTA claims the life of Charles Usher
Charles Usher, 37, the manager of a security company in Teakettle, was driving his pickup to Burrell Boom from Teakettle,on Saturdaywhen he lost control of the vehicle at Mile 19 on the George Price Highway, near Hattieville, and the pickup ran off the road and overturned. Usher was flung from the vehicle and he suffered massive head and body injuries and died on the scene. Reliable information to us is that he was traveling to Burrell Boom, Belize District, to visit his girlfriend, when the unfortunate accident that claimed his life occurred.

The Reporter

Observer Of Politicized ICJ Referendum Explains ‘Why You Should Vote ‘YES’
Imagine for a moment that the place where you have lived all your life, and your grandparents, and great grandparents, and great-great grandparents had also lived at that same place, and then a neighbor started to claim a piece of your yard.

Belize Peoples Front Leader Marin Explains Their ‘No Vote’
One of the alternative movements which has come on stream and which hopes to contest in the next general elections today came public to formally make a few clarifications of a trek its leader made last week to the Sarstoon and to share with the public its reason why it holds a “No” position to tomorrow’s ICJ Referendum.

3 Prisoners Escape Kolby – Bz. Central Prison
Three prisoners are reported to have escaped the Kolby Foundation this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. According to prison authorities, Rafael Mencias has been recaptured and are on the lookout for Wilser Echevarria and Christian Neal.

Blunt Views About ICJ Referendum, Heats Up In Cayo
In the final hours before the polls open on Referendum Day, tensions between proponents of both the YES and NO vote remain high. In Cayo North, PUP Area Representative Michel Chebat has categorically denied the involvement of the PUP and of his committee in the placement of a banner which features the PUP colours and logo which states ‘Party Above Country.’

Breaking Belize News

Ladyville teen, 15, missing
Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a high school student that has […]

Missing person
Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a missing person, 18-year-old […]

Former CEO for National Development says YES to the ICJ; former Mayor Zenaida Moya says NO
In an illustration of how divergent the views even of friends and (former) co-workers can […]

Employees are to be allowed time for voting
The Elections and Boundaries Department reminds all employers that they are required to grant employees […]

You can vote with and without ID
The Elections and Boundaries Department is reminding electors who wish to vote in the May […]

PUP condemns printing of banners purporting to be a message from PUP
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement today strongly condemning the ‘mischievous act’ by […]

Liverpool trounces Barcelona, advances to Champions League final
Some said they didn’t deserve a 3-0 score to come back from in the first […]

Man survives gunshot to the neck
A Belize city man is recovering at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) after being […]

Warm weather to continue
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is reporting that mostly sunny skies and warm weather […]

Belize People’s Front contesting 2020 elections
Today, the Belize People’s Front, an organization known over the past few years for its […]

LOVE FM

BPF holds final No to ICJ Conference
The Belize Peoples Front (BPF) held a press conference this morning at the Radisson Fort George. The panel discussion included BPF candidates, Lorenzo Aldana, Jose Espat, Louis Diaz, John Carr and Nancy Marin. Marin who is the BPF Party leader reaffirmed their reasons for saying no to forwarding Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court …

Parliamentarians get training from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) connects parliamentarians from over one hundred and eighty territories across the commonwealth. Furthermore, it assists in guiding parliamentarians to identify the standard of good governance and to promote democracy. It is one of the oldest commonwealth organization having been around since 1911. At that time, it was known as the Empire …

Students learn to be financially literate
Financial literacy relates to the understanding of various financial areas. Many people in Belize struggle with being financially literate, which is why it is important to teach students from a young age about how to properly manage their finances. This is the reason for the annual Youth Innovation Challenge, which was held today at …

KHMH holds fair in celebration of nurses week
Becoming a nurse is one of the most selfless career paths a person can choose. Dedicating your life to people who are, most of the time, complete strangers is not an easy task, but nurses do that every day, and this week we celebrate them with nurses week. As a part of this initiative, KHMH …

PUP supporter claims he’s disenfranchised and can’t vote
The media was called to the Peoples United Party (PUP) headquarters on Queens Street in Belize City. A city resident was complaining that he was told he would not be able to vote in the May 8 referendum. Clarence Hall who is allegedly unable to vote still hopes to have his voice heard on Wednesday. …

Prison Break
Three inmates from the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville have escaped after 1 p.m. this afternoon. They have been identified as (ESCAPED PRISONERS VO) Rafael Mencias, Wilser Escheverria and Christian Neal. Shortly after the escape, Rafael Mencias was recaptured. Kolbe Foundation CEO Virgilio Murillo did not sit in his office and wait for …

Celebrate RAMADAN with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Belize is celebrating Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. Imam Naveed Mangla, President, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community explained how the …

Blogs

Visiting the New Art Gallery in Corozal Called "The Art Studio''
H I have a brand New place you can visit in Corozal. Do you love Art Painting? Well, here is a scoop from one of an Art Gallery in Corozal. Edgar Gomez Artist owner of The Art Studio opened their doors on May 6, 2019. Today, Tuesday, May 7, 2019, I went inside to check it out the place, everyone has been waiting for to open. As I step inside Surprisingly, I saw a beautiful Art Paintings Painted By Mr. Edgar Gomez Himself. He was just starting to set up some paintings as I went and took pictures of his new Art Studio. Meanwhile, he had another guy painting an art painting outside of his place.

Videos

May 7, 2019

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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

Suspect in Brandon Humes murder hands himself over to police
A male person handed himself into San Pedro Police in connection to the murder of 18-year-old Brandon Humes, who was shot to death on Thursday, May 2nd. The suspect, who was of interest to police, walked into the San Pedro Police Station shortly after 2PM on Monday, May 6th along with his attorney, and after an interrogation session, was placed under custody.After confined to a holding cell for a short while, the detainee was handcuffed and escorted out of the police station. Officer in Charge of the Coastal Executive Unit (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) Superintendent Reymundo Reyes briefly stated that the suspect was under arrest, but did not say where he was being taken.

With a 6-1 victory over BDF, the San Pedro Pirates FC are in the PLB Finals!
On Saturday, May 4th the San Pedro Pirates F.C made history, advancing to the Premiere League of Belize’s (PLB) finals for the first time. During the second round of the PLB 2019 Closing Season semifinal playoffs at the Ambergris stadium in San Pedro Town, the island team soundly defeated The Belize Defense Force (BDF) 6-1. San Pedro Pirates manager Tony Maldonado told The San Pedro Sun that they are excited to be heading into the PLB finals and have high hopes of winning the championship.

Construction Officially Underway At Tropic Air’s New $1Million Caye Caulker Terminal
Tropic Air announces that construction has officially begun on its new Caye Caulker Terminal. To be built over ten months and at a cost of BZ$1 Million, the new 1600 square foot air conditioned terminal will feature state of the art amenities for passengers and cargo.

Digi Belize and MOE launch Digital Education Project at SPHS
The Ministry of Education (MOE) along with Digi Belize and Microsoft have launched a new pilot Digital Education Project, geared towards creating a digital learning platform for secondary schools in Belize. As part of the program, 32 (first form) students and 11 teachers from San Pedro High School (SPHS) received free laptops on Thursday, May 2nd. The Microsoft Education Project will allow the country’s education system to thrive, keeping up with global advancement. Teachers from participating schools have all been trained in using the laptops and will conduct in-house training for their students. With the advancement of global technology, digital learning has evolved and is now being adapted in the classrooms, allowing teachers and students to unlock limitless learning opportunities.

Ambergris Today

Construction Underway At Tropic Air's New $1Million Caye Caulker Terminal
On Monday, May 6, 2019, Tropic Air announced that construction has officially begun on its new Caye Caulker Terminal. To be built over ten months and at a cost of BZ$1 Million, the new 1600 square foot air conditioned terminal will feature state of the art amenities for passengers and cargo.

Ambergris Caye One Of 7 Best Luxury Fishing Destinations For 2019 By FishingBooker
FishingBooker, the world's largest website for booking fishing charters, just announced the 7 best luxury fishing destinations for 2019, and Ambergris Caye is one of them. The list was created based on a number of factors such as user reviews, access to quality fishing, overall aesthetic of a place, and vicinity to luxury resorts, exclusive restaurants, and other lavish activities.

Costa Maya Festival Reignited With Newly Appointed Committee
As the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival celebrates its 27th anniversary in 2019, its newly appointed committee states that this year it brings an exuberant four-day event, from July 26 to July 28, that will cater to all ages, under the theme: Costa Maya Festival: Reignited! “We can proudly state that we are accomplishing this milestone because of our people and the business sector,” commented the new committee in a press release. “We plan to have this four-night event and feature international and national entertainment from artistic folklore to heart pounding music celebrations. We will reinstate the “Noche San Pedrana” as a street affair and commemorate it through a huge block party to introduce the delegates and have the preliminaries for the pageant. This will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2019.”

Misc Belizean Sources

Open Mike Night on Caye Caulker
May 18th, Central Park, 7pm. Mark your calendars peeps!

BWS Notice for Customers in Caye Caulker: Planned Interruption for May 7, 8, & 9 2019
Duration: 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM. Area to be affected: entire Caye Caulker

Belize Pelagic Central 2019
Pelagic Central coming up in about 10 days. Reserve your spot today. May 17th.

Kyeana Francisco is our Young Belizean Entrepreneur!
Kyeana has been styling hair from the age of 15 years old. She started off being great friends with a hairstylist, whom she used to help at the shop by just cleaning after. Gradually, Kyeana also referred to as Dollish learned the technique of installing weave and her passion from hair styling bloomed. She considers herself as the lace connoisseur, creates her own lace front wigs from money earned from hair styling and allowances that she saved. Wig and weave installation, hair styling and recently added make-up styling are the services she offer. Presently, Kyeana does not have a store front but conducts business from her home, or at her clients’ residents upon request. She also travels country wide also upon request to showcase her talent. Kyeana hopes to open her own hair and make-up salon early next year.

RESTRICTIONS OF THE SALE OF LIQUOR ON REFERENDUM DAY
The San Pedro Liquor Licensing Board hereby informs all Liquor License Holders and the general public to take notice of Section 28 of the Representation of the People’s Act, which provides that every person who is the holder of any liquor license authorizing the sale of liquor in any premises maintained solely for that purpose shall take all necessary steps to cause such premises to be closed to the public on Referendum Day, Wednesday, May 8th, 2019, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A breach of this section by any person is an offence and a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000).

Replicating part of the Santa Rita Murals
CSAM's lead artist Miss Vianay Bautista has been commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and the Corozal Local Tourism Committee to replicate a portion of the Santa Rita Murals. The replica work is located by the corner of 2nd St. North and 4th Ave. In honour of our descendants.

Basketball Marathon May 12
@Angel Nunez Auditorium in San Pedro

Sharon Matola Named Woman of the Year 2019
The U.S. Embassy selected Ms. Matola as our 'Woman of the Year 2019' for her tireless dedication and steadfast commitment to conserve and preserve Belize’s natural heritage through zealous advocacy and education. As Chargé Gilges highlighted, “Not only is Sharon a truly outstanding woman and an exemplary role model to Belizean youth, but also Sharon’s herculean efforts and a lifelong dedication to conserving and preserving nature make her an ideal person to celebrate now, on the eve of Earth Day.” Minister Figueroa emphasized Sharon’s immense, positive impact across Belize and stated that Sharon is, in fact, a “Woman of the Year” every year.

BWS Notice for Customers in Placencia: Emergency ongoing Low Water Pressure for today, May 6, 2019 due to failure of well pump
Duration: Monday, May 6, 2019 at 11:00pm to Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 12:00 noon Areas being affected: entire Placencia and Seine Bight

Belize Water Services (BWS) Internship Program
Belize Water Services (BWS) has an Internship Program for university graduates which provides interns with relevant job experiences and create well-rounded leaders. We are currently looking for four (4) interns to train at the Lab, Water Treatment Plants and Pumping Stations to ensure that safe and clean water is delivered to the community as follows:

Romance Travel Forum
Belize is being represented at the romance travel forum in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where attendees are meeting with top-sellers dedicated to destination wedding groups, honeymoons and other romantic milestones celebrated with travel.

BTB & Belize Police Dept. Safety and Security Meeting
The Belize Tourism Board of Directors today met with Belize’s Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams and members of his department, to discuss collaborative measures for safety and security in the travel and tourism sector of our Jewel.

ATM and Barton Creek Archaeological Reserves Reopen
All other reserves are open as well.

The new look of the Monument in the Maya village of Cristo Rey Coroza
Very Good work and a good way to honor the village Maya Roots. You can still find many Yucatec Maya speakers in the village.

Reef Fest 2019 Lionfish Tournament
gather your teams...lets see who will be the top Lionfish slayer!!!!!

Channel 7

Two Girls Die In Water Taxi Explosion
If you're going to the Cayes, hopping on a water taxi is second nature - most of us don't even think for a second about the safety risks on the large, fast vessels. But, tonight, that sense of safety has been profoundly shaken - and a family is in the depths of grief and loss, after two little girls were killed when the water taxi they were on had an explosion. It happened yesterday afternoon at the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi right at the Swing Bridge in Belize City. 7News has been following this tory since then and Daniel Ortiz has been putting it all together. Here's his story:...

PM Optimistic About ICJ
Wednesday is the ICJ Referendum Day - and voters, activists and political operators are getting ready to cast what may be the most important vote of their lives. And while the public campaigning veers between fear-mongering and hope-hungering - the Prime Minister today told us that, overall, he's optimistic: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "I am certainly cautiously optimistic. I think that Belizeans get what time it is that there is no alternative, that the fearmongering can be effective, but that in the end even if you conceived that you're taking a bit of a chance - it's not much of a chance when you look at it and see what it is that the court is obliged to do and I think that in the end will win out and the vote will be yes. That's my optimistic point of view."

Political Muscle And the Referendum
The PM held an impromptu press briefing after an appearance on the LOVE FM morning show. He spoke extensively about Wednesday's vote - including the role that political parties like his one will play in getting the vote out. He concedes that though the politicization of this important national vote is lamentable, it is also necessary to get the vote out:... Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "It's a pity that it has had to come down to this. This whole business started as a national effort, a national decision to negotiate the special agreement and agree on a referendum to determine whether to go to the ICJ..."

PM Implores Voters Not To Make It a Referendum On UDP
And while the financing is not as fat as it might be in an election where political control is at stake - if you go by two opinion polls - one online and one by phone - it would suggest that the government side has effectively built the case for a yes. The online poll sponsored by IDEALABS is named the "ICJ Referendum Real Time Poll" and it went live about a week ago. So far, of the 1443 votes, 64% have voted yes, and 36% have voted no. And while online polling is not considered to be highly reliable because of variances in internet access, it does tell a story. Statistician Martin Aldana also conducted a randomized telephone poll in March where he spoke to 1,300 respondents across the country.

GOB Plans To Real Maritime Areas If Vote Is Yes
And if it does get "sorted out" to the Government's satisfaction with a "yes" vote, then what happens next? The PM says they would move very quickly to a House Meeting:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "If we get a yes vote, the country gets a yes vote, we go to the national assembly within a week, week and a half to amend the maritime areas act and then we lodge our notification, if I can call it that, with the ICJ. Then time starts to run as I understand it long stretches of time in terms of the Guatemalans memorializing their case..."

Sarstoon Situation Worrying
And while the House would - in the event of a yes vote - repeal the Maritime Areas Act - what about the Sarstoon. It remains a flashpoint for conflict between the Guatemalan military and Belizean civilians trying to access the river which forms Belize's sovereign boundary. The Guatemalans have constantly blocked civilians, and have menaced the Belizean military as well. The Prime Minster says he has spoken to the Guatemalan President, the US Southern Command and the OAS about this:

PM: Morales’ Map Making A “Mindgame"
And "messing with our minds" is also the term the Prime Minister used to describe President Jimmy's little Geography Lesson one month ago. That's the episode when he went into a classroom in Guatemalan school children and told them that the correct way to draw the map of their country is by including Belize. The PM said - in his opinion - there's only one way to stop that:.. Reporter: "Teaching the children that it is wrong how you draw the map - that you should include Belize. As a government how do you all see this. This upsets a lot of us as Belizeans and what is your message to us?"

Driver Blinded By Smoke Killed In Crash
A father of 3 was killed in an accident on Saturday evening. 37 year old Charles Usher the III was driving to Boom to pick up his fiancé when apparently there was some mechanical failure and Usher's vehicle flipped and ended up on the side of the road. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Charles Usher the III was the head of security at Dream Valley Resort in Teakettle. He lived here at the entrance of the resort. On his days off, he and his father would work together on his farm - it was their bonding time.

Murder Suspect Turns Himself Into Police
18 year old Yabra resident Brandon Humes was executed on San Pedro last week - shot as many as 9 times in a stranger's apartment. And, today, a high profile Chinese businessman with a number of enterprises on the island, turned himself into San Pedro police in the presence of his attorney, Nazira Myles. But, he has not been charged for murder. He was taken away from the station in handcuffs in a police patrol pickup. We'll keep following the case to see if he is charged tomorrow.

Referendum Day Raffle By Politician?
UDP Freetown Candidate OJ Elrington has created a firestorm of controversy with a Referendum Day Raffle that he sent out this weekend. The raffle offers cash as the first prize, along with other items such as appliances and trips, and would be held hourly. Well, even in a very cynical political system - that's taking it too far - and both the PUP and the NGO called Citizens for Defense of Sovereignty have come raining down on Elrington. The PUP calls it, quote, "a blatant attempt to bribe Belizeans to vote YES to the ICJan outrageous, (and) shameless actThe attempt by the UDP to reduce the sacred voting rights of our people to a raffle, cannot be countenanced." End quote.

COMPOL In Court Against Police Assoc. President
10 days ago, we told you how the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations criticized Commissioner Chester Williams for a dictatorial style of conflict engagement, demonstrated in his handling of Corporal Eldon Arzu, the embattled president of the Belize Police Association. From the Commissioner's perspective, he's looking after the rank and file police officers who pay dues to the Belize Police Association. There has been a pending request from the Office of the Commissioner, before Williams was appointed, for Arzu to present an audit of the finances of the Association.

“Federicos” Want AIBL Compensation for Sanctuary Scam Victims
Last week we told you how UDP Senator Aldo Salazar - was held back for questioning by the Federal Trade Commission - while traveling through the US on official business - as part of a high level delegation returning from Taiwan. It's part of the FTC's probe into Atlantic International Bank where Salazar did work as an attorney - and it has far reaching effects on Belize's Offshore banking Sector. It's already forced AIBL to wind up its operations - and the Prime Minister said today that he's been talking to the Americans to try and work out a settlement:...

Criminals On Cristo Rey Road
A man was shot and robbed on Friday morning on the Cristo Rey road out west. Fortunately, he survived the attack. Police told us more. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "San Ignacio police responded to information of a robbery on the Cristo Rey road where upon arrival they met one Takeem Maskal, 23 years with apparent gunshot wound to his left lower abdomen. He reported to them that while he visited a farm on the Cristo Rey road in order to make a purchase he had stopped at the security gate and while ther..."

Pretend Cop Terrorizes Sarteneja Family
A Sarteneja family's home was burglarized by a pretend cop. But police have already charged a man in this case. The report is that Leomir Santoja and his family were at home when a man arrived at their doorstep at 2 am on Thursday May 2nd. He said he was a cop and the family let him inside and that's when he and others raided their home. Police told us more about this case. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "One Leomir Santoja reported to police that on the 2nd of May sometime around 2 am while he and his family were at home in Sarteneja village he heard a knock on his door and upon making checks one person dressed in black clothing..."

Another Domestic Stabbing In Belmopan
Police are looking for a man after he stabbed his common law wife to the chest. It happened on Saturday on Sarstoon Street in Belmopan. Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch Joseph Myvett told us more at today's press briefing.

Yo Creek’s Ek’ Balam World Champs At Mayan Ball Game
They may be from a small village in the Orange Walk District, but the Ek' Balam team are some world-beaters. For the second time in a row, they've won the Pok-Ta-Pok World Cup Championship. The team returned to Orange Walk on Sunday with a triumphant victory parade. This year, they had a young team, but still beat 11 other teams. Here's how they did it:

An Audit of Energy Efficiency
Just talk about an audit and most Micro, Small and Medium businesses would run away, but today, they learned about another kind of audit - the kind that could save them money. It's called an energy audit and we found out more today at a two-day Energy Auditing Management Training Course: The workshop ends tomorrow.

Big Bucks For Big Divisions?
So, as Belize gets ready for Referendum Wednesday - we all have to bear in mind that this is not an election - and the voting will not be tallied on a constituency basis. What do we mean by that? Well in a regular political election - whichever party wins 16 of the 31 constituencies has a majority of the seats in parliament and forms the government. Well, this is nothing like that. It's similar in that you will vote in one of 31 constituencies countrywide - but it doesn't really matter whether the "yes" or the "no" vote got the majority in your division. Those "yes" and "no" votes have to be tabulated by the Elections and Boundaries office as part of the total number of votes cast nationally.

Channel 5

Explosion Claims Lives of 2 Girls, Injures 14 Persons
There was a deadly explosion at the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi terminal on Sunday afternoon in Belize City. The vessel was loaded with thirty-four passengers about to take-off to Caye [...]

Fuel Leak is Suspected Cause of Deadly Boat Explosion
An investigation led by the National Fire Service is ongoing and efforts are being made to determine the cause of the massive explosion that killed Kimberly and Jamiri Guy.  The [...]

Should Boats Have Been Inspected Prior to Departure?
Their seats at the rear of the vessel, a location where most passengers find the boat ride to be smoother, placed Interiano and his family in grave danger.  While investigators [...]

Protocols by Hospitals & EMTs When Dealing with “Mass Casualty”
The emergency situation in the immediate aftermath of the explosion was dealt with precision. First responders were on the scene soon after, the siblings as well as the injured persons [...]

PM Barrow Confirms U.D.P. Senator’s Questioning by U.S. Authorities
U.D.P. Senator Aldo Salazar was questioned by U.S. authorities last week. Senator Salazar was part of a delegation which included Senate President Lee Mark Chang when he was pulled aside [...]

PM Barrow says U.D.P. Ready for Referendum Day
Turning to an issue that has been in the headline for months…In just two days, the nation will make a very important and historic decision on whether or not submit [...]

Machakilha – No Road and No Access to Bare Essentials
On Friday, we showed you the grueling journey of five primary school students from Machakilha Village, who left their homes in the dead of night and walked six miles to [...]

PM Raising Funds for U.D.P.’s Mobilization Efforts on May 8th
Back to the I.C.J…..The U.D.P. and the P.U.P. have begun ramping out their individual campaigns to mobilize voters for Wednesday’s referendum.  But the mobilization of tens of thousands of re-registered [...]

What Will the Voter Turnout Be on Referendum Day?
The Prime Minister also spoke of the expected voter turnout on May eight. When Guatemala held its I.C.J. referendum in April 2018, a little over two million voters participated out [...]

Barrow says International Law Trumps Domestic Law
The Prime Minister also spoke of the P.U.P.’s challenge of the 2008 Special Agreement. While the Chief Justice has ruled that the Special Agreement is not a serious issue to [...]

PM Comments on Latest Sarstoon Island Incident
In the south, Sarstoon Island and River have been an irritant since Guatemala has been exercising authority in the area.  The latest incident in which a Belizean flag was removed [...]

Referendum Raffle is Unlawful, Immoral and Unethical
Still on the matter of the I.C.J., over the weekend, raffles were announced in several constituencies by U.D.P. standard bearers to get a YES vote.  The raffles were announced for [...]

Judicial Review Granted But Cpl. Eldon Arzu Must Report to Work in Belmopan
The courtroom of Justice Shona Griffith was packed to capacity this morning.  Officers of all ranks were present for the commencement of a legal claim involving Commissioner of Police Chester [...]

Corporals Leonard Nunez & Hallet King to Stand Trial for Manslaughter of Hilberto Sotz
Also in the Supreme Court, a pair of cops, Corporals Leonard Nunez and Hallet King, will be facing trial for the manslaughter death of Hilberto Sotz. The young man was [...]

3 Homes Destroyed in Apparent Case of Arson
A house fire on Antelope Street this afternoon has left twelve persons homeless.  The blaze is said to have been an act of arson, following a dispute in the early [...]

Another Woman is Stabbed by Common-law Husband in Belmopan
Another Belmopan woman has been stabbed by her common-law husband in the capital. Katherine Anthony remains in a stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital after she was stabbed to [...]

Home Invasion in Sarteneja; 1 Man Charged
Up north in Corozal, one person has been charged in connection with a home invasion in Sarteneja. Noel Samuels has been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary and handling stolen [...]

Robbery/Shooting in Cristo Rey
Takeem Maskall is recovering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which he sustained on Thursday morning during an armed robbery in Cristo Rey Village in the Cayo District. He [...]

ComPol Williams: Peaceful Weekend
Over nine hundred plus officers sat the Police Department’s promotional exams this Saturday; a little less than half were from Belize City alone. And while the results of that test [...]

The Youth Innovation Challenge 2019
The 2019 Education Showcase for the Ministry of Education is focusing primarily on financial literacy of students. It is believed that the concept, taught at a very young age, can [...]

Financial Literacy to Make Social Changes
The Youth Innovation Challenge is being done in partnership with various stakeholders including Central Bank of Belize, the Credit Union League and community mentors who work along with the schools. [...]

Ek Balam is the Regional Champion of Pok-Ta-Pok
And to another story of positive news…We have been following the progress of the Ek Balam team from northern Belize. The team, in a relatively short time, has been bringing [...]

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

The Reporter

Fire Service Say The Cause Of Sunday’s Explosion Could Be Fuel Leak
Officials from the Fire Service have blamed Sunday’s boat explosion at the foot of the Swing Bridge on fuel leakage that built up prior to the ignition being turned on. The 45-foot ferry belonged to a Mexican company, San Pedro Water Jet International, and was chartered by Ocean Ferry to take the trip to San Pedro with a quick stop in Caye Caulker.

Accused Child Killer Walks
The mother of a seven year-old boy who was shot dead in Belize City is stunned by the outcome of the Court case she counted on to seek justice for her son’s unwarranted killing; but she is redirecting that hope through another channel to save more mothers from having to endure the same anguish she now bears.

Boat Explosion Kills 2 Children – Official List Of Injured, Part 2
The Reporter has received the names of the two little girls who were killed in this evening’s boat explosion. They are Jamiri Guy, 10, and Kimberly Guy, 8. Their mother, Rosalie Catch, 27, of Xaibe Village, suffered burns to her left elbow and right calf. She is receiving treatment at the KHMH along with the girls’ father, Jaime Interiano of Progresso Village, Corozal,.

Weekend News Alerts & News Report – May 5th. 2019
The Ek’ Balam Pok Ra Pok team from Yo Creek, Orange Walk are now two-time back-to-back World Champions of the ancestral Mayan ball game Pok Ta Pok. The Reporter has confirmed that a man was shot and robbed moments ago on the Cristo Rey road in the Cayo District. Police are investigating a sudden death in San Ignacio...

Breaking Belize News

PUP condemns Government’s referendum corruption
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement today condemning the referendum corruption by the […]

Cops to be tried in June for manslaughter of Hilberto Sotz
Police Corporal Leonard Nunez and Police Constable Hallet King are to be tried for manslaughter […]

“Joint efforts needed to prevent future explosions,” says Fire Department
Following a tragic explosion that claimed the life of two little girls and injured several […]

PM Barrow: The time to resolve the unfounded Guatemala territorial dispute is now!
Prime Minister Dean Barrow issued a recorded statement to Belizeans today encouraging everyone to participate […]

Citizens for Defense of Sovereignty denounces Referendum raffle
Citizens for the Defense of Sovereignty (CDS) issued a statement today denouncing the issuing of […]

PUP Leader: On Wednesday, Take a stand for Belize!
On Wednesday, May 8, 2019, Belizeans will go to the polls to vote whether or […]

“Gas leak caused the fatal explosion,” says Fire Department
According to the Belize Fire Service, a gas leak was responsible for the explosion at […]

Belize Peace Movement warns against “chemically tainted” ballots
Warning that Belizeans cannot take any chance with an administration he describes as “hell-bent” on […]

Special Envoy extends condolences to family of children that died in boat explosion
Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow issued a statement today extending condolences […]

Will PM Barrow step down before the 2020 General elections?
This morning on the Love FM Morning Show, PM Barrow’s discussion was predominantly on the […]

PM Barrow: Belize’s case at ICJ is unassailable
This morning on the Love FM Morning Show, PM Barrow asserted that Belize should vote […]

PM Barrow: ICJ campaign ought not to have been political
This morning on the Love FM Morning Show, Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow said […]

PM Barrow extends condolences to family of children who died in boat explosion
This morning on the Love TV Morning Show, PM Barrow extended condolences to the family […]

Tropic Air’s new Caye Caulker terminal in the making
Tropic Air announced today that construction has commenced for its new Caye Caulker terminal. To […]

Trade Ministers mark passing of Sir Alister McIntyre
Last week, trade ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) honored the late Sir Alister McIntyre, former […]

Experts call for Caribbean to make its voice heard on global Internet governance
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is joining up with the non-profit American Registry for Internet […]

Decisive Game 3s for Verdes, Dangriga in NEBL playoffs
Fans of basketball in Belize got some at times gritty but always thrilling action in […]

LOVE FM

Domestic Dispute, another common law wife stabbed
Domestic abuse continues to be an issue for our country. A woman in Belmopan, survived an attempt on her life. The man who stabbed her was her common law husband. This is the second incident in less than two weeks in the Capital during which a man has stabbed and attempted to kill his common …

Fire Service says a fuel leak is at the center of the Boat Explosion Investigation
As the incident occurred, the Fire Department deployed two trucks on the scene. Though there was no fire, the fire service assisted the paramedic from BERT with a triage to attend to the victims. When the injured were taken to the hospitals, the Fire Department then deployed its resources into investigative mode. Berisford Matura, the …

Ocean Ferry had rented Water Jet boat for the day of the Accident
We also had a chance to speak to Charles Young, the Director of Ocean Ferry. He was on Caye Caulker when the incident happened but immediately returned to the City on Sunday. Young says that his group of investors had just assumed control of Ocean Ferry in March, 2019 and had just rented the water …

Fire leaves twelve persons homeless
A dozen persons have been displaced after a fire broke out at their homes on Antelope Street Extension in Belize City. The fire department responded to the call, but by the time firefighters arrived, the structure was completely engulfed in flames. Now, here is the twist to the story: Chavanie Vega who lived at one …

Man shot along the Cristo Rey Road
Last week a man was shot during a robbery in Cayo. It happened along the Cristo Rey Road. ACP Joseph Myvette, the Head of National Crimes Investigation Branch says Takeem Maskall was shot to the abdomen and he survived the incident. ACP Joseph Myvett – Head National Crimes Investigation Branch: “There was a robbery …

Two Girls Killed During Boat Explosion in Belize City Harbor
Two girls, 8-year-old, Kimberly Guy and 10-year-old, Jamiri Guy, died on Sunday afternoon due to an explosion on a boat they had boarded to take them home to Caye Caulker. The girls were in the company of their parents and another sibling when the incident occurred at the foot of the Swing Bridge in Belize …

Police say over a dozen injured and 2 killed in Boat Accident
Today the scene took on formality from the joint response team. The Belize Port Authority assumed control of the vessel and took it for further investigation. At today’s press briefing the police tallied the numbers and confirmed that there were fourteen individuals injured and two who passed away as a result of the explosion …

Blogs

CONSTRUCTION OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY AT TROPIC AIR’S NEW $1MILLION CAYE CAULKER TERMINAL
Tropic Air announces that construction has officially begun on its new Caye Caulker Terminal. To be built over ten months and at a cost of BZ$1 Million, the new 1600 square foot air conditioned terminal will feature state of the art amenities for passengers and cargo. “Caye Caulker is one of the pillars of tourism in Belize and a key driver of economic growth,” John Greif III, President said. “We see enormous growth in tourism to the island, and this new terminal represents a step forward, and a big investment, in the level of comfort for our passengers and visitors to La Isla Cariñosa”

Ambergris Caye named as one of the Best Luxury Fishing Destinations for 2019
There is some good fishing to be done on Ambergris Caye. We know that and so does FishingBooker, the world’s largest website for booking fishing charters, as they recently named Ambergris Caye among the 7 Best Luxury Fishing Destinations for 2019. What an honor! “Ambergris Caye boasts picture-perfect vistas and amazing weather year round. Private snorkeling tours will take visitors around the reef to see manatees, turtles, and Nurse Sharks. The accommodations on the island is a big part of what makes this place so indulgent..."

The Absolute Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
If you’re looking for that idyllic island vacation where shoes are optional, locals are friendly and relaxation is the ultimate way of life, look no further than Caye Caulker. This tiny slice of paradise off the coast of mainland Belize is only 4 miles long and has been gaining popularity over the years for its laidback vibes, vibrant turquoise water and awesome nightlife — and after just a few days soaking in the island culture I honestly never wanted to leave. For such a small island, there are plenty of things to do in Caye Caulker that will keep you busy during your stay, so read on for all the best places to eat, drink, shop and play. Caye Caulker is truly one of those places that is big enough to keep you entertained, yet small enough that you’re sure to run into the same locals and visitors throughout your stay, making for an intimate feel that few destinations offer these days. I can see why people choose to return here over and over again.

Tips for Solo Travellers Visiting Belize
Whether you’re a seasoned pro at solo traveling or are heading out into the world for the first time by yourself, one of the best places to visit is Belize. Many solo visitors like to visit Belize outside of the major holidays like Christmas and Easter. If you come during the “off season,” you can save on lodgings, and airfare is often cheaper as well. Some of the best months to visit when it’s less crowded are January, February, and after Easter. And don’t worry about meeting people or making friends! Belize is world-famous for its friendly locals. Belize is still far enough off the beaten path that it feels like a small town. And with everyone speaking English, you’ll never have any problems striking up a conversation.

The Rainforests of Belize
More than half of Belize’s mainland consists of dense tropical rainforests, much of it explored. A sizeable percentage of the rainforests of Belize are under government protection in the form of a national park, wilderness sanctuary, or animal refuge. The rainforests of Belize are highly diverse ecosystems home to a wide range of plant, bird, and animal species. Indigenous wildlife in Belize includes five species of big cats (including jaguars, the sacred animal of the ancient Maya), armadillos, tapirs, monkeys, and crocodiles. In addition, more than 4000 species of tropical flowers are found in the rainforests of Belize, including more than 250 types of orchids.

10 things to pack when traveling to Belize
Belize is a fascinating country and is Mother Nature’s best kept secret snuggled between Guatemala and Mexico and bordered by the Caribbean Sea, this is as tropical as it gets! Let us walk through this list of Must-Packs for your upcoming vacation in tropical paradise! Travel Documents – These are the most important things you need to pack before leaving for your Adventure in Belize. Passport, driver’s license, plane tickets and travel itinerary (if you have one) should all be tucked away in a secure and easily accessible area, such as your carryon or purse pocket.

All the Lobster You Care to Eat This Summer in Belize
Is it wrong to plan a vacation to Belize just to binge on all the fresh-caught lobster you can eat? Let’s hope not! Many people head to Belize starting in June to celebrate the opening of the lobster fishing season. Coastal towns and islands kick off the season with multi-day festivals featuring live music, games, and culinary competitions featuring local chefs battling to create the tastiest lobster-themed dishes. If a cold beer on the beach and delicious lobster has whetted your appetite, here’s everything you need to know. What is Lobsterfest? Originally, the first Lobsterfest was held on the freewheeling island of Caye Caulker. For several days, the island is transformed into one big outdoor party where lobster is the theme.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins – What You Need to Know Before You Visit
Located just across from the modern-day town of San Ignacio in western Belize, Cahal Pech is one of Belize’s most unusual ancient Maya sites. The name “Cahal Pech” means “Place of the Ticks” in the local Maya dialect, but the original name for the site is unknown. Local Maya herders nicknamed the site Cahal Pech in the 1950s because much of the surrounding area was used for pasture. Cahal Pech sits high above a bluff that overlooks San Ignacio Town and the Macal River, and the panoramic view from the site is one of the finest in the country. It is believed that Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Maya sites in the region, first built more than 3,200 years ago.

Why You Should Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary
Belizeans put their own unique Caribbean spin on things, and so the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) might be better described as a vast nature preserve that is home to black howler monkeys, known locally as “baboons”. Belize is home to many national parks and nature preserves, but what makes CBS such a special place is how it is operated. A genuinely community-run, grassroots commitment to keeping Belize wild and beautiful, CBS is the perfect place for visitors to get introduced to native fauna. Measuring approximately 20 square miles of the Belize River Valley, CBS is much more than just a wildlife conservation area. Several indigenous Creole villages are located within the sanctuary and the entire community works to protect the forests and rivers. Years of grassroots conservation efforts have succeeded in attracting one of the largest Yucatan black howler monkey populations in the world.

International Sources

INSIDE GANG TERRITORY IN HONDURAS: ‘Either They Kill Us or We Kill Them’
In one of the deadliest cities in the world, an embattled group of young men had little but their tiny patch of turf — and they would die to protect it. Journalists from The New York Times spent weeks recording their struggle.

Belizeans assert their rights over the Sarstoon on 1859 Treaty anniversary
By Wellington C Ramos - On Tuesday, April 30, the leader of the Belize People’s Front (BPF) Nancy Marin, party candidates and members, travelled to the Sarstoon River to assert their rights over Belize’s territory, which is currently being occupied by members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF). It was on that day in 1859 that the government of Guatemala signed a treaty with Great Britain, ceding this portion of Belize that was under their captaincy general jurisdiction of the Spanish governor from Peten when they were a colony of Spain. From the Sibun River to the Sarstoon River, this area of land includes parts of the Belize and the Orange Walk Districts and the whole of the Districts of Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. The other portion of Belize’s territory that is north of the Sibun River, which is parts of Orange Walk and the whole of Corozal District, was under the jurisdiction of the Spanish governor from the province of Quintana Roo in Mexico as part of the captaincy general of New Spain.

Yoga retreat proves to be just what I needed
While I am loving life in Kingston, I decided it was time for me to take a leap and go on a trip in April … the destination was a yoga retreat that Halifax yoga friends were running in Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. My Haligonian friend “Chad” had signed up as well. I reckoned this holiday was going to be like hanging in Halifax but with a much less fog. What could go wrong? AKBOL is rustic and gorgeous, with the Caribbean Sea at your feet and coconut trees seemingly holding up the sky. There was a well-loved bar with an upstairs open-air dining room, across the street from a building with about 30 rooms and a unisex bathroom with salvaged conch shells for faucets. Instead of glass windows, the ceiling fans moved air through screens to offer respite from the heat. On the backside of the

Caribbean countries warned to conserve water as drought worsens
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) on Monday urged Caribbean countries to “closely monitor water resources and try to conserve as much as possible, at least until June/July” as the drought situation in the region worsens. In its Caribbean Drought and Precipitation Monitoring Network Bulletin released here, CIMH said that there is concern for most of the Caribbean that the short term drought situation can impact agriculture, as well as the flow in small rivers and streams except in the vicinity of Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Cayman islands. “For longer term drought that can impact groundwater, and large reservoirs and rivers, concerns also extend to Jamaica and Cayman Islands. Most of the Caribbean should therefore closely monitor water resources and try to conserve as much as possible, at least until June/July,” it said.

Quintana Roo divided into 9 zones in effort to remove sargassum
A plan to combat this year’s expected million tonnes of sargassum on the beaches of Quintana Roo is beginning to take shape. The state government has announced emergency sargassum protocol that will divide the state into nine zones where efforts will be concentrated on preventing the seaweed from accumulating on beaches. Environment Secretary Alfredo Arellano will head the initiative intended to keep the beaches clean and find a sustainable use for the collected plant matter. The state has identified beachfront hotel owners and businesses that might be affected by the algae’s arrival, all of whom received a summary of the state’s plan, which outlines cooperation with business owners and residents to erect retention barriers and organize clean-up crews.

Radio drama encourages Belizean fishers to follow the rules
The smooth voice of DJ Armin Arana emanates from the radio on “Talking Fuego,” the call-in segment of “Punta Fuego,” as he greets a caller from the coastal village of Hopkins, Belize. This episode of the radio drama features the main character, Richie, arguing with his girlfriend, Shawna, who pressures him to bring in money to support her exorbitant spending habits. To get cash fast, Richie decides to fish illegally for out-of-season lobster — even tho­ugh his father always told him to make an honest living. Callers dial in to the show to weigh in on what Richie should do. Punta Fuego was developed by the NGO Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Belize, in conjunction with the New York-based communications nonprofit PCI Media, to encourage fishers to respect fishing regulations. Belize is a small Central American country known for its rich coastal waters and reefs designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The show, named for a fictional fishing village, has been running since 2015 and is currently in its third season. It follows a strategy similar to another radio show by WCS and PCI that encourages people in Nigeria to protect critically endangered Cross River gorillas.

“Help Angelika”, A Fund Raising Campaign to Support a Philanthropist’s Medical Trip to Germany Launched
The fund raising campaign, “Help Angelika” to support Angelika’s medical trip to Germany has been kicked off. Angelika is a German lady living in Belize, and needs financial support towards health concerns. Every individual is invited and enjoined to take part in this program to help restore her health that has been deteriorating due to lack of funds to cater for her medical bills. “Help Angelika” fund raising became so important to raise money for a flight and ensures she can afford to stay for the period of treatment depending on the diagnosis and the required treatments.

Humans Are Speeding Extinction and Altering the Natural World at an ‘Unprecedented’ Pace
Humans are transforming Earth’s natural landscapes so dramatically that as many as one million plant and animal species are now at risk of extinction, posing a dire threat to ecosystems that people all over the world depend on for their survival, a sweeping new United Nations assessment has concluded. The 1,500-page report, compiled by hundreds of international experts and based on thousands of scientific studies, is the most exhaustive look yet at the decline in biodiversity across the globe and the dangers that creates for human civilization. A summary of its findings, which was approved by representatives from the United States and 131 other countries, was released Monday in Paris. The full report is set to be published this year.

Know your Boobies!
We have three of the six. How many have you seen in Belize? Boobies are seabirds in the genus Sula and they are close relatives of gannets. Boobies are excellent divers and plunge into the ocean for great heights at high speeds to feed on fish and squid. As well as excelling at diving they are excellent swimmers as well. Truly they are more at home on or in the water. However, they do spend time on land, gathering in groups to socialize, rest, mate or raise chicks. It is hear on land that they earned their name. The name Booby derives from the Spanish word "Bobo" which means "fool."

Videos

May 6, 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

Wolfe’s Woofers: Compliments
“Bob and Audrey are coming over tonight,” Sherry said. “Audrey wants to see the painting I did for Nancy before I deliver it.” I was very nice to our company. They would have never guessed I was dying to be watching the Friday night boxing match on TV. “It’s a beautiful painting,” Audrey told Sherry over a glass of wine. “You must have some wonderful paints and brushes.” “Thank you very much,” Sherry said. She sounded so sincere that I’m the only one who knew she was boiling mad.

ACES relocates another Anteater on Ambergris Caye
On Friday, April 26th, American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) helped relocate another anteater (Tamandua) north of Ambergris Caye. This is the second anteater found wandering around town this year and the fourth call ACES has received about anteaters after five years of no calls. The anteater was caught at SunBreeze Hotel after it was found wandering around the resort. Employees captured the animal and called the Belize Forest Department (BFD) for assistance. The BFD then contacted ACES for assistance. The Saga Humane Society collected the anteater to minimize stress and get him away from the hotel, and the ACES team then drove him to northern Ambergris Caye to an area with lots of trees and bushes. “We monitored the anteater for a while after releasing it to make sure he was good, not injured, and moving freely,” said Chris Summers from ACES.

Rickilee Response & Rescue is busy with community rescue services and an upcoming fundraiser!
Established in June 2017, Rickilee Response & Rescue (Triple R Response), a 501-3(c) charitable organization based in Houston, Texas U.S.A. and operational on Ambergris Caye has had quite the positive impact on the island. Triple R response was formed by Traci and Jim Curtin in memory of Rickilee Mercer. Mercer was an American National who was found dead on the leeward coast of Ambergris Caye on March 1, 2017, after she had been reported missing on February 28, 2017. The young woman had gone jet skiing around the area of Secret Beach. In June 2017, the Curtins initiated the Triple R Response program in hopes of organizing a program that coordinates community resources to respond to water emergencies.

Misc Belizean Sources

Ladyville Police Sub attends St. Mary's Church
On Sunday 5th, 2019,the Ladyville Police Sub - Formation Community Policing Unit, and members of the Police Youth Cadet Corp, attended St. Mary's Church in Belize City. The church service was in celebration of St. Mary's Anniversary; immediately fallowing the service they were a dinner for the congregation where they were served by the Cadet members.

Corozal Rotary Club 5th Annual Cheap Sale
Did you know that when you help The Rotary Club of Corozal you are giving back to your community. The Corozal Rotary Club of Corozal is seeking your support for the 5th Annual Cheap sale! We need lots of good useable items that you no longer need!!!

FACTS FOR REFERENDUM: May 8, 2019
Polls open at 7am and close at 6pm. There are 344 polling stations countrywide. Polling stations will also serve as counting stations. Each of the 31 division will have a Returning Officer who will oversee all stations in that specific division. The 100-yard line will be in effect at each polling station; this distance may be extended as some schools will be in the middle of examinations that could not be rescheduled. Persons monitoring the referendum are representatives from the Government, the main Opposition, the unions, the churches and the NGOs.

FCD EYG Mopan Cleanup 4-May-19
FCD Environmental Youth Group conducted a River and Roadside Clean Up along with members of the Mormon Helping Hands Youth Group in Succotz. We want to thank FCD for providing us with the canoes and the Village Council for their Support in another successful clean up. We collected 87 bags of garbage in total, garbage that was collected from within the river and river banks as well as the roadside. Join the movement and helps us have a clean and health Mopan River. We will be conducting a river clean up tomorrow May 5, 2019 at Calla Creek Village.

Summer Breeze Art Exhibit Launch
Guava Limb is hosting the Summer Breeze art exhibit and concert, and the opening is Saturday, May 11th, starting at 5:00pm. Valerie Penner, German Figueroa, and Yaoling Lee will all have their art on display. Peter Illavsky will be perfoming on the cello for the event. The exhibit will run until June 16th. "The Guava Limb Restaurant & Café extends to you a cordial invitation to join us for a Music Concert on May 11th from 5pm - 6pm and an Art Exhibit from May 11th - June 16th, 2019.

Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour
— in Washington, District of Columbia.

ATM and Barton Creek Archaeological Reserves closed due to high water
The Institute of Archaeology, National Institute of Culture and History would like to advise all Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Tour Guides and members of the General Public that as of 6:00 AM Monday May 6, 2019: The Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek Archaeological Reserves are both closed due to rise in water levels. An advisory shall be posted if there are any changes.

Free Yucatec Maya language lessons
In celebration of International Museum Day, the House of Culture in collaboration with To'one Masehualoon, will offer free Yucatec Maya language lessons. We invite the community to participate in our introductory language sessions running 9am - 3pm! Yucatec Maya is one of the indigenous languages spoken in the Corozal,Orange walk and Cayo district.

The Reporter

Boat Explosion Leaves Children Dead; Several Injured
Jaime “Jimmy” Iteriano, 32, is in a critical condition at the KHMH following an explosion on a water taxi at the Ocean Ferry marine terminal at the Swing Bridge in Belize City. Mr Iteriano and his wife and children were reportedly sitting at the back of a boat that was about to depart for Caye Caulker, then San Pedro at 3:00pm.

RTA Fatality On The George Price Hwy.
The Reporter has confirmed that Charles Usher, a villager of Teakettle, was the victim in last evening’s fatal traffic accident along Mile 19 on the George Price Highway. He was reporteldly driving towards Belize City when the pickup truck ran off the road and overturned.

Breaking Belize News

Commonwealth redeploys observer group to Belize
With the new date set for the national referendum on taking the territorial dispute with Guatemala to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Commonwealth Secretariat has redeployed its special Observer Group, which is tasked with ensuring transparency on referendum day.

Explosion on a boat causes fatalities
Information reaching our newsroom is that there was an explosion onboard an Ocean Ferry boat destined for San Pedro. It is said that there were two lives lost as a result.

Belizean team wins world Pok-a-Tok Cup
Putting Belize’s Maya heritage on display for the world, Team Ek’ Balam of Yo Creek has won the 3rd Mundo Maya Pok-a-Tok Championship, which was held in San Salvador from April 29 to May 5. The 10-member team took on nine teams from within the region with El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras each sending two teams, and Panama sending one.

Francis Fonseca calls out UDP for referendum bribery
On Wednesday, May 8th 2019, the referendum to have Guatemala’s claim addressed in the International Court of Justice will be held. Operatives of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) have organized a free raffle in each constituency on that day. The raffle will include cash giveaways, electronic appliances, and other gifts.

New Neighborhood Watch Group formed in Cayo
On Friday, May 3, 2019, the Community Policing Office of the San Ignacio Police Formation joined hands with members of the Bradley’s Bank Community to form a new neighborhood watch organization. During the meeting, participants elected an executive committee to serve on the board of the neighborhood watch.

Feliz ‘Cinco de Mayo’
Mexicans across the globe are today celebrating ‘Cinco de Mayo’. Cinco de Mayo is a huge cultural celebration in commemoration of the battle in Puebla de Los Angeles, Mexico. According to historians, the Mexican and French were in battle and on that fateful day, May 5, 1862, an outnumbered Mexican army defeated a powerful invading French force.

Blogs

One Day Caye Caulker Itinerary
Our sister island is one of the popular Belize Cayes. Super cool, clean colorful with a laid-back tropical vibe – totally worth putting on your to-do list. The beauty of this short fun itinerary is you can easily customize and fit most of it in on a day trip, I do recommend staying overnight though for the gold level experience. No matter how long you are there, consider it a fun travel game to check off as many fun options as you can in the most laid back and relaxed way. If you are staying on the island congratulations and smart decision. You can spread the itinerary out a bit with more time exploring additional places and be doing repeats on the activities you liked the best. After the following few pics, you will be ready to trade in your itinerary and book your Belize flights.

International Sources

What’s Really At The Bottom Of The Mysterious Great Blue Hole In Belize?
This strange phenomenon is found off the coast of Belize and is about 1,000 feet wide. This makes it the second largest marine sink on the planet. All we could do was speculate on what was at the bottom of this huge 400-foot-deep hole. Branson undertook to find the answers himself with two explorers. The group went down to the bottom of the hole. Discovery Channel was on site to film the story. As the descent continued, things began to change. About 10 minutes from their trip, they saw a stalactite that they reported was incredibly beautiful. Apparently, the hole is formed by a complex cave system. But these caves were formed on the mainland, but the ocean levels rose and buried them under water. Unfortunately, there was no life in the ocean in this hole and the creatures they saw were dead, perhaps after falling into the hole and dying of lack of oxygen in the water. But the most surprising discovery of all was that the bottom of the hole was covered with plastic. This site has discouraged the multimillionaire explorer and discussed it in his blog.

Videos

May 5, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Doctor Love: Proud Male Nurse
Dear Doctor Love, I am a male who has worked hard to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Nursing. As long as I can remember I’ve wanted to care for people and try in some way to make their lives better. My educations allows me to care for their health but I also listen to their stories, hold their hand when they are afraid and comfort them when they are alone and missing their children. It has never been my goal to stand above them and diagnose or cure them, but to be by their side and give emotional as well as physical comfort and support. The woman I intend to marry is embarrassed to call me a nurse. She pushes for me to become a physician, saying I am wasted as an RN. It is a touchy subject in our relationship, but we manage to smooth it over.

Gabriel Nuñez Jr. and Bryton Codd represent Belize at NORCECA beach volleyball tournament in Cuba
Through community fundraising efforts, Gabriel ‘Gaby’ Nuñez Jr., was provided with much-needed financial assistance for his travels to Cuba. Along with Bryton Codd, Nuñez will be representing Belize in the 2019 North, Central America and Caribbean (NORCECA) Beach Volleyball Tournament in Cuba. The tournament will be held from May 9th to the 13th. The fundraiser took place on Labour Day, Wednesday, May 1st, at the newly opened beach park at the Boca del Rio Area. The fun-filled day included beach football, lots to eat and drink and great music by some of the island’s best Deejays. Supporters of the fundraiser enjoyed a sunny day on the island’s newest beach as they showed their support for Nuñez.

Rickilee Response and Rescue Team donates to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve has been working vigorously to step up its management effectiveness at the reserve through implementing better ease of access for visitors, proper mooring buoys systems and a 24-hour surveillance. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is pleased to announce that on April 30th 2019, it received a generous donation in the form of two surveillance & water rescue kits from the Rickilee Response and Rescue Team.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belize Ek' Balam wins World Pok Ta Pok Championships
Belize Ek' Balam is the champion of the 3rd Pok Ta Pok Worldcup! Here we come Belize our beloved country with gold! Yes we did it!

Referendum: Corozal District Electoral Division and Polling Stations
FACTS FOR REFERENDUM - May 8, 2019 o Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. o There are 344 polling stations countrywide o Polling stations will also serve as counting stations o Each of the 31 divisions will have a Returning Officer who will oversee all stations in that specific division o The 100-yard line will be in effect at each polling station; this distance may be extended as some schools will be in the middle of examinations that could not be rescheduled o Persons monitoring the referendum are representatives from the Government, the main Opposition, the unions, the churches and the NGOs

Belize Closed Hunting Seasons

Orthopedic Clinic 2019
The BCP's Orthopedic Clinics in Cayo are just a month away. Monday, June 3rd at La Loma Luz and Western Regional.

Environment Day Photo Competition 2019
The Department of the Environment is having their annual World Environment Day Photo Competition. This year's theme is 'Air Pollution.'

BWS Notice for Customers in San Pedro: Planned Low Water Pressure
for May 6, 7, & 8, 2019. Duration: 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM Area to be affected: entire San Pedro

The Reporter

Mother Makes Passionate Appeal, A Child Needs Your Help
A mother is appealing for your help for her 10 year-old daughter who needs an urgent CT Scan on her brain. Virgenia Sutherland told the Reporter today that the little girl, Raheema Hafiya has been ill since she was two years old and has been to many doctors through the years for excruciating headaches.

IN-DEPTH REPORT- Triple Fatality At The San Antonio Bridge
Around 8:00 p.m. on April 27th, Kelvin Augustine, 28, Oscar Portillo, 27 and Efrain Martinez, 21 were driving toward Santa Cruz Village in Portillo’s blue Toyota car when upon nearing the entrance of the bridge Portillo lost control of the vehicle and ran off the left side of the bridge and into the water.

Breaking Belize News

“Baby Nelson” passes away
Nelson Javier Tavora, affectionately known as Baby Nelson, passed away today. Earlier this year we had reported that Baby Nelson was battling for his life against a condition called hydrocephalus. This condition caused an abnormal head enlargement and other challenges.

George Price Highway claims another life
Tonight BBN is saddened to report that the George Price Highway has claimed another life. A Ford pickup, bearing CY license plate, was heading towards Belize City when the driver lost control and overturned. The incident occurred just around mile 19, a few miles outside of Hattieville.

Ian Gaynair apologizes
Belizean football star Ian Gaynair has issued an apology for his conduct at a basketball game last night. Gaynair posted on his Facebook page earlier today, owning up to his misconduct and apologizing to his fans and supporters for the incident.

Will football star Ian Gaynair face disciplinary charges for behaviour on basketball court?
A tight and physical matchup in game 2 of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoff semifinals threatened several times to get out of control at the Belize Civic Center on Friday night. After Brian White of Smart Belize Hurricanes was injured on court in the first quarter of play, his brother and national football team player, Ian Gaynair, along with another fan apparently came onto the Civic court, accosting chief of the referee crew, Melvin Pinelo, and assaulting him.

Blogs

Top Family Resorts in Belize
If you’re planning a trip to Belize with kids, finding the perfect place to stay is crucial to having a good family vacation. This is because staying at resorts, hotels, and jungle lodges that cater to families guarantees a good time. For example, the best family hotels in Belize typically have a mix of 60 percent families and 40 percent couples. And as you can imagine, if you’re traveling with your family and if you stay at a place that mostly caters to couples, the experience won’t be as great for you, the children, or the couples. So here is a curated list of the best family resorts in Belize. Whether these places are all-inclusive or not, they tend to roll out the red carpet for families, with special amenities for adults and kids.

International Sources

Caricom's divide must be bridged
It's no secret that the countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) are divided over the response to the situation in Venezuela. Detractors of the Caricom project and Caribbean integration have seized upon the obvious cleavage in the grouping to advance their view that not only is Caribbean integration not possible, it isn't even desirable. It might surprise these detractors to know that Caricom is not the only group of nations in the Organization of American States (OAS) in which division over the response to the situation in Venezuela exists.

Videos

May 4, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Becky G is confirmed for the International Costa Maya Festival; new dates announced!

Kids in Action 2019 Youth Summer Diving Program receives donations
Preparations for this year’s Kids in Action summer scuba diving program are underway with the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA). The annual summer program is possible thanks to the contributions of different institutions on the island, and so far it has received its first set of donations. A $3,300 cheque from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) will go rowards purchasing material for the activity, while the Diver Alert Network-DAN has confirmed their contribution by providing insurance to the participants of this year’s event.

Child Development Foundation hosts domestic violence workshop in San Pedro Town
Child Development Foundation (CDF) held a domestic violence workshop for police officers, government agencies and community leaders of Caye Caulker and San Pedro at the Hope Haven Center in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, April 30th. The workshop aimed to provide sensitization on the legal framework, understanding the dynamics of intimate partner violence amongst law enforcement and other state agencies to establish adequate support systems and response protocols.

Ambergris Today

The Future Of Work: Opportunity Or Threat For Belize?
Article by Carmen Pages-Serra - There is no longer any doubt that we are facing what some scholars have called the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by new technologies that are transforming the world of work. It is a full-fledged technological tsunami, due to technological advances that are rapidly penetrating society and expanding across the globe at an unprecedented rate in the history of humanity. The aging of the population has also accelerated, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America. As an example, witness this statistic: it took the United Kingdom 75 years to double the percentage of people over 65 years old in its population, from 10% to 20%; this process took over 60 years in France and the United States; meanwhile, in Latin America and the Caribbean, it will only take an average of 30years.

Misc Belizean Sources

Becky G will perform at the 2019 International Costa Maya Festival
Becky G has been confirmed by the International Costa Maya Festival to be the Highlight Performer on International Night in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Festival runs July 26, 27, and 28, 2019! The announcement was made this morning at the Reef Radio Morning Show.

2019 Corozal Queen of the Bay Nominations
We are looking for the next Corozal Queen of the Bay. it's time to Nominate your sister, cousin or your best friend. If you are 17-24 years old this is your opportunity to embark yourself in one of the most prestigious pageant of the year!.

CFA FOOTBALL INCOROZAL ON SUMDAY
CFA FOOTBALL ACTION SEMI-FINALS for all Under 10, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 categories will be played this weekend ONLY on Sunday May, 5th at the Ricalde Stadium. Don't Miss Out. See the Schedule we shared earlier on this page. Bring out the entire family and enjoy this sizzling football action. Let's support our Corozal Youth. IT'S AN ALL DAY EVENT. Gate $3.00

Cashewfest 2019 & Agricultural Show
The Belize Tourism Board is a proud sponsor of this year's Cashew Fest & Agriculture Show. Come out and enjoy everything cashew at this fun family occasion on May 11 & 12!

SBDC Workshop: Customer Service for Managers & Business Owners
Presented by: Mrs. Lorraine Herrera-Montejo, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: BTEC Building, ITVET Campus, Belize City. Workshop Date: May 09th, 2019. Time: 9am to 3pm. This training seminar will assist in providing good customer service and gives you the skills you need to communicate professionalism, gain respect, enhance customer relationships and secure an overall competitive advantage through customer service excellence.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Cold Pursuit, Fighting with My Family, What Men Want, Prodigy. Game of Thrones episode 4 of 6 Sunday @ 7pm and 9pm

MINISTER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR POSTAL SERVICES AND POST MASTER GENERAL MEET WITH TAIWANESE AMBASSADOR TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST
In Belize City, yesterday, May 2, 2019, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen hosted Belize’s Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management (with responsibility for Postal Services) Hon. Edmond Castro and a delegation headed by Post Master General James Gabriel at a luncheon, where they discussed matters of mutual interest relating mainly to Postal Services. The main item discussed was preparation for the release of a series of stamps in commemoration of 30 years of diplomatic relations and strong friendship between the governments and people of Taiwan and Belize.

Lionel Arzu Sworn-in as Ombudsman for New Term
Mr. Lionel Arzu was sworn-in as the Ombudsman for a new term during a brief ceremony held at the Belize House this morning. The Office of the Ombudsman is tasked with receiving and investigating complaints by any person or body persons who claim injustice, injury or abuse or other wrongdoing by any authority. Upon completion of an investigation, the Ombudsman forwards in writing his findings and recommendations to the Principal Officer at the ministry, department, government agency, local authorities or public corporation as applicable. The Office also has the legal authority under the Freedom of Information Act, 1994, to review the decision of a public authority denying or deferring access to public documents.

MOTORCADE HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE BELIZE NATIONAL CRICKET TEAM
The Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA) announces that, in conjunction with Belize Rural North Area Representative Honorable Edmond Castro, Minister of Sports Honorable Patrick Faber, and the National Sports Council, is organizing a motorcade for today, Friday, May 3 honoring the Belize National Cricket Team and celebrating their recent accomplishment in Mexico where they won Gold in the 2019 Central American Championship Tournament. The motorcade starts in Bermudian Landing at 12:30 P.M. and the route is as follows...

Made in Belize June 1st
Agricultural Show Grounds, Belmopan City, 10am-5pm

Mother's Day 2019 Extravaganza!
Sunday May 12, Gates open at 5pmm, Show Starts at 7pm at the Hon. Louis Sylvester Sports Complex. Yeka Rosales from La Parodia all the way from Mexico! Will & Dale and Other Surprises!

World Pok Ta Pok Championships
Our Belize Ek Balam pok ta pok team has just defeated the mexican champion 46 to 8. Very proud of our team!

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Yard Sale! Tag Sale!
Mark your calendars! Saturday, May 11th, 2019, Behind gas station next to Island Pool Supply. The first annual giant yard sale to raise money for SACNW. Donated from people all over town - furniture, tools, clothes, jewelry, art, books - you name it - we're selling it! All items priced to GO! ALL proceeds go to support the 100% donor funding South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch. We have had donations of all sorts of items come in from our neighbors. Signs have been hung all over town. All items priced for quick sale - GREAT prices.

The Alan Baker British\Belize Stamp Collection
Inside Corozal House of Culture.

Corozal training session conducted by BELTRAIDE
It was a successful day for local business persons and entrepeneurs at the training session conducted by BELTRAIDE. DFC in collaboration with the Corozal Town Council. Our local business persons were pleased to learn of the facilities offered by the DFC to materialize or expand their businesses. The Corozal Town Council fulfilling one more of its pledges to the Corozalenos!!!

Ambergris Hope Clinic issues cautionary letter to the Belize Diving Community and potential scuba divers visiting Belize
TO THE BELIZE DIVING COMMUNITY We feel that it is important to advise you of our concerns regarding Mr. Abner Bacab, specifically his actions since leaving the Belize Chamber Project_ During his time with BCP, his behavior became increasingly demanding, erratic and unacceptable, leading to his own resignation. Since then, Mr. Bacab has on numerous occasions, resorted to social media to defame and malign BCPL's management.

San Ignacio Festival
The SISE Town Council is having the San Ignacio Festival Saturday at Galvez Stadium. They'll have fun for the entire family. "THE SAN IGNACIO/SANTA ELENA TOWN COUNCIL PROUDLY COLLABORATES WITH THE COLORADO COMMUNITY OUTREACH GROUP FOR A FUN-FILLED FAMILY DAY ON MAY 4TH, 2019. LOTS OF PRIZES AND SURPRISES! FOR MORE INFORMATION KINDLY CONTACT COUNCILLOR SHARY MEDINA AND COUNCILLOR O'BRIEN!"

There are 3 job opportunities available at Ya’axché for Belizeans
This is your opportunity to join our team as Administrative Assistant, GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist or Development Director. Learn more about job specifics, application deadline and how to apply on Ya’axché's website!

Channel 7

The April 10th Referendum - In The Ashbin of History
The Elections and Boundaries  Department and hundreds of public officers are getting ready for Wednesday, May 8th when all systems go live for the ICJ Referendum.   But getting ready for that date means destroying all the tens of thousands of  ballots that had been printed for the failed April 10th referendum.  So, the Elections and Boundaries office had to set aside today to make an orderly destruction of all these papers - and they invited the media. Here's what the cameras saw: It might have been mistaken for a drug cargo, or some illicit product, seized and then burned here at Pine Lumber, mile 61 on the George Price Highway. But, these are actually voters ballots, numbered, bound, and assigned to constituencies, and then Condemned to history for a referendum that never happened. Today, the Chief Elections Officer oversaw the destruction along with the Chief Magistrate and a fleet of public officers. As they copiously annotated by series. The dismemberment and destruction of over 150 thousand ballots.

PUP and GOB Back To Court of Appeal
And the court case which forced the postponement of the April 10th referendum, turning all of these ballot papers into ash, was the PUP's lawsuit against the Government for the 2008 Special Agreement.  We reported on that case on Monday, when it went back before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin for case management. Lisa Shoman, the attorney for the Government, made an application to have the injunction he granted to the PUP lifted.  It is currently not restraining the Government from following through with next week Wednesday's referendum, and so the Government considers it a formality that they wanted discharged. The PUP went to court last week to make an objection that the issue is no longer in his jurisdiction to resolve since the two sides have filed an appeal.

UDP Deputy Party Leader Lays Out Referendum Day Plan
But, all that litigation is on the event horizon.there are no court matters to be heard before May 8th; so, it should be smooth sailing to referendum day.   And that means the political parties are warming up their engines. Earlier Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai  acknowledged that the major political party machinery increases the voter turnout. Today, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber made no apologies when he said the UDP will be on the ground on referendum day getting voters to the polls. Here is how he put it. Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "Well firstly it is not a red or blue issue, it is not a political, a party politics issue as is normally the case for the elections and so to begin with inside the counting room while we will have representation from the two major political parties...

Iconic Wadani Shed Burns
Tonight, Dangriga Town has lost a landmark after the legendary Wadani shed burnt down at 1:00 this morning.  It's just a thatch roof structure on St, Vincent Street, but it's one of the leading night spots in town where many a game of dominoes, cards and dice is played.  And on the 19th it rises to even greater prominence when it becomes the venue where all the drumming takes place.   But, early this morning, the fire started mysteriously and spread quickly, devouring the very vulnerable building in less than 20 minutes.  The Fire Department hasn't yet gotten a report on what caused the fire.  Many in the town feel it might be a case of arson - but at this time there is no confirmation of that.  

Police Charged Requena's Killer
The family of murdered Steadfast Villager Alberto Requena is still grieving his loss tonight, but they can be somewhat comforted to know that police have charged the man who allegedly knifed the 24 year old to death. He is also a 24 year old, named Emort Pineda and police have charged him for Murder. He is also form the village. Requena was riding his bike on the night of May first when a group of men attacked stabbed him multiple times. No motive is known for the murder.

Protesting For A Living Wage
Today a small group of about 50 protestors marched thought the city streets demanding a higher minimum wage and lower fuel prices.  The group was led by Moses Sulph of The Belize Leaders For Social Justice.  It's not the first time the group has organized a march - and not the first time either that the crowd has been less than overwhelming - but Sulph says the issues cut to the bone of social desperation so prevalent in society: Moses Sulph - Bze. Leaders for Social Justice: "What I'm concerned about is that we live in a country where we have 151,000 of our people living in poverty. That means every day; these 151,000 Belizean humans will be struggling to provide for themselves and their family..."

The PSE, Easy?
Social Studies and Math - those were the subjects that over 7 thousand primary school students tackled today in Day 2 of the PSE at 30 Examinations Centres across the country. Most of those centers are high schools and we passed by a few of them this afternoon when it was all over to ask them how it went.   Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "We are hoping that all will go well, we are hoping for some indication of improvement this year we have been working diligently especially as it relates to our Math and Language Arts curriculum and we are hoping this year we can see some of those changes coming into effect."

Only So Much Ministry Can Do For Teacher Victimized By Nude Pic
The case of the Muffles College High School teacher whose nudes were leaked has been in the news since the beginning of this year. She had been placed on administrative leave but the Teaching Services Commission got involved and ruled that the teacher be re-instated. Well, she did not get a pleasant welcome back from the school, instead, reports are that the principal made an announcement over the school's intercom, further shaming the teacher. We asked Minister of Education Patrick Faber about this case and he said while he condemns re-victimizing the teacher, the Ministry can't get involved in school affairs and that the decision of the Teaching Services Commission must be respected.

Hon. Faber Congratulates Union President
President of the Teacher's Union, Elena Smith also mentioned this case in the Senate - causing a sensation when she accused one of her own colleagues in the upper house of sharing pictures of the teacher.  For what it's worth, all the senators gave a firm denial of any involvement in that business.   But, Smith is no stranger to provocative statements at the highest level and she has made many of them against Education Minister Faber.  She also got him in trouble with Cabinet late last year over a proposed change in Teacher allowances.  In that case, the Prime Minister had to go over Faber to assure President Smith that the allowances would be normalized. So, she's caused Faber quite a bit of stress and embarrassment, but - as we told you a week ago - Smith isn't going anywhere.   She's been elected unopposed to serve another term as Teacher's Union President.  And the Minister was gracious in welcoming her back to that role today:

PUC Plays It Safe With Electricity Rates
The Public Utilities Commission has decided that for the next few months, consumers will not have to worry about any consequential increase in light bills. It's their initial decision for the 2019 Annual Review Proceeding, where the regulator tries to balance the scales by allowing BEL to continue making a reasonable profit, while protecting consumers.  The PUC's findings are consistent with BEL's request. Even though the cost of power is currently very high and increasing, the power company asked the regulator to keep your bill at the same rates for the time being. It is estimated that by June 30th, 2019, the high cost of power is likely to exceed 40 million dollars over the amount that the PUC had approved for BEL.

New Building For Maud Williams
After a year of construction, the new building at Maud Williams School was officially opened to students today. It was fully funded by the US Embassy Security Cooperation Office. The building has 6 labs for food and nutrition, sewing and other practical courses. The school was in desperate need of a new facility and we were there for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Here's more. The cost of the building is 1 million US dollars.

Raider Wasani Castro Will Challenge Disqualification
Earlier this week, we told you how Wasani Castro was disqualified from the cross country and stripped of his 12th place finish.  The Belize Cycling Federation cited him for holding on to his team's vehicle between Mile 48 and 47 leaving Belmopan City". Well, Castro isn't taking the punishment lying down; he's lawyered up because he says he was unjustly disqualified.  Attorney Hector Guerra has written the Federation saying that his client was denied due process.  He says the Disciplinary Committee was required to hold an inquiry into the complaint before any sanction was imposed on Castro. 

Lionel Again
Since December 2012, Lionel Arzu has been serving as Belize's Ombudsman, and this morning at the Belize House, Arzu was sworn back into office. Arzu is the third Ombudsman to be appointed to the office since the office was first created in 1999. His predecessors were Paul Rodriguez and Cynthia Pitts. The office of the Ombudsman is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints by members of the public who claim injustice, injury, abuse or any other wrong doing by any public authority. 

Hon. Aldo, Rolling In the Deep With the FTC
UDP Senator Aldo Salazar is in trouble with the US Federal Trade Commission.  The attorney was returning form an official rip to Taiwan last week Saturday when he was stopped in Houston and questioned by US Authorities for at least an hour, we are told.   He is on the radar of the Federal Trade Commission for his involvement as an attorney for Atlantic International Bank - which was forced to wind up operations after it was named in a suit by the Federal Trade Commission - known as the FTC.  The FTC alleged that Atlantic International had been complicit in the Sanctuary Belize land scam.

Radio Ras
Veteran reggae and dancehall artist Ras Indio has a powerful new song.  It's a call to unity for Belizean artists - demanding more air time on the radio, locally and internationally.  It's a catchy tune with a conscious message and he told us more about it today: The song is available on all streaming services and you can see the video on youtube. 

Classical Music Meets Contemporary Art
The Mexican Embassy is taking art and performance to a whole new level: they're combining musical performance and art.  And not just music, it's classical played by accomplished European musicians.   The event is called: 3 Classical Concerts on 3 Fridays, headlined by an Austrian vocalist & Cellist, along with a Czech violist.  While they play, Belizean/Taiwanese painter Yaoling Lee will display 13 paint installations. We found out more about the interesting interdisciplinary event when we visited during rehearsals today:

Alleged Knife-Knife-Man To Court
Last night, we told you about the Monday evening stabbing of 23 year-old Malique Stuart, a laborer of Maskall Village. He was walking through Majestic Alley in Belize City, when he was reportedly attacked by 3 men who stabbed him multiple times. Well, one of the men who police believe were his assailants is at the Belize Central Prison Tonight. He's 22 year-old Devone Gillett, a sanitation worker for the Belize City Council, and he was arraigned in Magistrate's Court today on the offenses of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, dangerous harm. When he appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson, he was informed that these offenses are indictable, and so no plea was taken from him, and neither could he be granted bail. The Senior Magistrate remanded him into custody until July 7th.

The Boys of Summer
If you are a kid baseball fan you can head over to the Rogers Stadium tomorrow morning for an open event hosted by the Belize Baseball League. The league wants to take baseball to another level and are looking for kids ages 8 to 16 who are passionate and skilled in the game. We spoke to the league president today . If you would like to find out more about the event you can call Crawford at 607-9432.

The Norman Plan
By now, all Belizean voters should have a basic understanding of the Belize/Guatemala territorial claim, its history, and why it is that you are being asked to vote in next week Wednesday's referendum.  Each voter has to make up their mind on whether or not they support taking Guatemala's claim over Belize to the International Court of Justice. But in case you haven't or you're still confused, Norman Rodriguez, the magistrate who's returned back to private practice as an attorney, has written a book to provide a sort of cliff notes version of the claim. It's called "To Go or Not To Go. Is it the Solution to the Belize-Guatemala Territorial Dispute?"

Channel 5

April Tenth Referendum Ballots Destroyed by Fire
Boxes containing one hundred and seventy-three thousand ballots went up in flames today during an organized exercise carried out by the Elections and Boundaries Department. The ballots were to have [...]

The Long Road to P.S.E. in Southern Belize
Even before dawn this morning, students started their trek to sit part-two of the P.S.E. in southern Belize. There was not even a horse to ride, much less a vehicle [...]

…Only So Much the Ministry of Education Can Do for Machakilha Students
The hardships and challenges faced by the children of Machakilha have triggered more questions for the Ministry of Education. Today, Minister of Education Patrick Faber says that while he acknowledges [...]

Case Management for G.O.B.’s I.C.J. Injunction Appeal
In the Court of Appeal today, government’s attorney, Senior Counsel Lisa Shoman and the Opposition’s lead lawyer, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay were back before the justices. They appeared for a [...]

Suspect in San Pedro Murder to Hand Himself into Police
News Five has been informed that on the advice of his attorney, an Asian businessman turned himself over to police for the San Pedro murder of Brandon Humes which occurred [...]

Emort Pineda Charged for Stabbing Murder in Steadfast Village
There were three murders between Wednesday night and Thursday morning of this week. The first occurred in the south, in the village of Steadfast, at mile sixteen on the Hummingbird [...]

Belize City Students Confident in P.S.E.
Earlier in the newscast, we showed students in southern Belize as they walked for miles to get to P.S.E. exam centres. In the city, the picture was very different – [...]

Political Machinery of the U.D.P. in Full Force to Push YES Vote
Belizeans go to the polls on May eighth to vote on whether or not the Belize Guatemala territorial dispute should be taken to the International Court of Justice for final [...]

Danny Mason to be Represented by Guyanese Attorney in Murder Trial
William “Danny” Mason returns to court on May fourteenth before Justice Antoinette Moore in the Belmopan Supreme Court.  When he goes back, he will be represented by Guyanese attorney Dexter [...]

Wasani Castro Fighting Disqualification from HSCCC
Cyclist Wasani Castro is challenging his disqualification from the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic.  He has retained the services of Attorney Hector Guerra, who has written to the President [...]

No Increase to Cost of Electricity
There will be no increase in the cost consumers pay for electricity for 2019-2020; that’s at least for now following a decision from the Public Utilities Commission. Back on April [...]

Additional Relief in the Pipeline for B.E.L. Customers
According to P.U.C. Chairman, John Avery, the projection is that B.E.L. may require two hundred and sixty-five million dollars to cover all its expenses for this tariff period, ending June [...]

Minister Faber Congratulates B.N.T.U. National President, Elena Smith
The Belize National Teacher’s Union held its forty-ninth national convention in late April. President Elena Smith was uncontested and remains at the head of the union for a second term. [...]

Education Minister Comments on Muffles College High School Controversy
Principal of Muffles College High School in Orange Walk Town, Maria Johnston has come under fire for allegedly bullying and humiliating one of her female teachers. As we have been [...]

Minister Faber: Bishop Martin High School Teachers, a Ticklish Situation
There have been issues facing teachers at the Bishop Martin High School for some time now. Today, Minister Patrick Faber provided his view. In April, the Board of Trustees at [...]

A $2.1 Million School Building at Maud Williams High School
A new school building was inaugurated today in Belize City.  The new classrooms at Maud Williams High School can now accommodate one hundred and eighty students and will make their [...]

CARAIFA Holds its Annual General Meeting in Belize
The Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is an umbrella organization whose members are engaged in the sale of life insurance and financial services. CARAIFA rotates its annual general [...]

CARAIFA: Providing Support through Information Sharing on Best Practices
Following the AGM, there will be a series of workshops taking place as part of its five-year development plan to ensure continuity in the organization. Foundation and community service also [...]

Fire Destroys Wadani Shed in Dangriga
Firefighters battled an inferno in the wee hours of this morning. The well known Wadani Shed in Dangriga Town caught on fire and was destroyed. Police say that it happened [...]

Applications Available for Miss Scuba Belize 2019
Back in November of 2018, Belizean beauty Monique Lamb represented the Jewel for the first time in the Miss Scuba International Pageant held in Malaysia. The unique pageant seeks to [...]

Amandala

Brazen GAF removed Belize flag from Sarstoon Island
Three years ago, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) wanted to celebrate the signing of the April 30, 1859 Treaty between Great Britain and the Republic of Guatemala, but they were restrained from doing so by a Statutory Instrument that the Dean Barrow-led government passed into law. On Tuesday, April 30, another group of patriotic Belizeans, Belize People’s Front (BPF), led by Nancy Marin Juan, visited the Sarstoon River and were escorted around Sarstoon Island by Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldiers at the Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Judge finds Tevin Andrewin guilty of murder
Tevin Andrewin, 26, charged with the murder of Myrick Gladden, 28, who was gunned down about 12:20 a.m. on June 24, 2012, was found guilty of the charge today by Madam Justice Marilyn Williams in a trial that was without a jury. The chief witness for the Crown, Gladden’s common-law wife, Shainna Allen, testified that she and Gladden were walking on Administration Drive, aka “Complex” Street, when she heard three loud bangs that sounded like gunshots coming from behind her and she felt a burning sensation in her left calf which made her realize that she had been shot.

Belize City man murdered in room in San Pedro
A 19-year-old resident of Belize City, Brandon Humes, was found dead in a chair in an apartment located on the second flat of a building on Coconut Drive in San Pedro at about 9:00 this morning. Humes, an employee of CISCO Construction Company of Belize City, was found sitting on the chair with 9 gunshot wounds on his body. He was taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police say that Humes had one gunshot wound in the left side of his head, one in his lower back, one in the left side of the ribcage, three in his upper left arm, one in his lower left arm, and two in the left side of the chest.

Volunteer soldier shot and killed in Lake I
Hamed Guzman, 23, a volunteer soldier of the Belize Defence Force, Belize City branch, was walking on Lopez Street in Lake Independence in Belize City with a friend at about 8:30 last night, when he was shot several times by an unknown person. Guzman was struck in his head and body and he died almost immediately in a nearby drain. He was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. ACP Joseph Myvett told us that Guzman had just left home with his friend and was going to borrow a bicycle when the unknown person approached and fired. He is not sure if Guzman was the intended target of the gunman because he was not alone and he was not known to police.

US officials detain and question UDP Senator Aldo Salazar
Senator Aldo Salazar, who represents the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) administration, traveled to Taiwan as part of an official delegation that was led by President of the Senate, Hon. Lee Mark Chan. In Taiwan, the three-member delegation, which also included Mike Singh, Chief Technology Officer for the Belize government, met with Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen. On the way back to Belize, traveling through Houston, Texas, over the weekend, however, the delegation experienced a substantial delay when agents of the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took Senator Salazar into a room and questioned him at length.

Government failed to consult the people of Belize before signing the Special Agreement
On Sunday, April 15, 2018, Guatemala held its referendum on whether to take its claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ),in conformity with the protocol of the Special Agreement signed between Belize and Guatemala at the Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington, DC, on December 8, 2008. Next Wednesday, May 8, Belize will hold its ICJ referendum. There are vast differences between the Guatemalan ICJ referendum and the one in which Belizeans will vote next week. Prior to the Guatemalans holding their referendum, the Special Agreement went through all the necessary checks in their domestic system.

Belize National Cricket Team wins Central American Championship (CAC) 2019 in Mexico City
The Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA) wishes to inform the general public that the Belize National Team won the Central American Championships (CAC) 2019 tournament in Mexico City, April 25-28. Team Belize defeated Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica, and lost to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) during the regular games. In the heated and exciting championship game, Team Belize defeated MCC. MCC batted 137 runs, and Team Belize scored 138 in the nineteenth over. The games against the Central American countries and the championship game were official T20Is matches. That means that the games are recognized by the International Council for Cricket (ICC), and the stats on them are available online.

Corozal Bay Sailing Club Regatta 2019
The Belize Sailing Association held its third Ranking Regatta of the year for the Optimist and Laser classes in Corozal over the weekend of April 27/28, hosted by the Corozal Bay Sailing Club (CBSC). The regatta was attended by competitors from Corozal, Ladyville, Caye Caulker and Gales Point. The event was a great success, with many accolades for good organization, great sportsmanship and wonderful sailing. Racing commenced on Saturday at 12:00 noon with a wind of 5-8 knots out of the east. During the course of the afternoon it rose and fell around this strength whilst varying in direction from northeast to southeast, providing opportunities for those keen-eyed sailors that could spot the shifts.

Buck-it delivers, and Caesar Ridge FC are Belize District 1st Division Champions
Though originally scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Labor Day, the Belize District 2018-2019 1st Division Closing Season championship final between defending champion Barrack Road FC and Caesar Ridge FC did not get under way until around 3:30 p.m., the once traditional time for some epic football battles at the MCC in years past; and Belize City football fans were treated to an exciting contest that ended dramatically in overtime. Though the quality of play was not impressive, and the playing surface atrocious, with clouds of dust a regular occurrence, there were some individual displays of football skills from a few players that makes the prospect of a new Belize City semipro franchise seem feasible.

Rural North Football Labor Day scores from Lucky Strike
The Belize Rural North Football Tournament for the Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro Cup 2019 returned to action yesterday, Labor Day, May 1, in Lucky Strike Village with Week 2 games. In game 1, (Senior) Burrell Boomers lashed Sports Education FC, 11-0, with 3 goals each from David Solorzano, Marlon Gutierrez and Carlos Salazar, while Hubert Baptist and Hector Sandoval added 1 each. In game 2, (U-17) Survival Youths beat Kings College Strikers, 2-1, on goals by Keefer Perteau and Shamar Gillett, while for Kings College it was Jaheem Gillett.

Editorial: Prayers for Guidance
On the last weekend before May 8th, it is good for all of us to once again consider this important question before us, and pray for Guidance from the Most High that we make the right decision for our people and country. Yes, there are many things that have not been done right in the process, but as it appears as we write today, Thursday, May 3rd, there will be a referendum on Wednesday, May 8th. Those of us who have the franchise should exercise it. If you ask people to sit down and ruminate on what profession demands the most energy and is the most stressful, and is as important as any, it is a given that the medical profession would be named, hands down.

A matter of clarity
Dear Editor: I have heard the opinion expressed that Article 59 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties does not apply to the 1859 and 2008 Special Agreement treaties since the parties concluding these two treaties were different. Also some have questioned whether or not international treaties trump domestic laws. Kindly allow me to express my point of view on these matters. To begin please refer to Article 59 below written: Article 59 Termination or suspension of the operation of a treaty implied by conclusion of a later treaty:

SAILING TO THE ICJ
Dear Editor: Belize has some of the best cruising grounds in the world and my wife, Christina, and I have been enjoying them for nearly half a century. We often anchor in the “lee” (protected side) of a cay for the night and continue our travels the next morning. On occasion, a storm has come up and dawn finds the schooner rolling from side to side with any loose item banging around. Though we are safe enough, it is very uncomfortable and those prone to sea sickness are ready to jump ship. Under these conditions, there is a strong temptation to brave the stormy winds and waves to get to a safe harbor, even if it means risking the boat and our lives.

Between a rock and a hard place, says Romel Cuello
Dear Editor, The Belizean people find ourselves between the proverbial “rock and a hard place”. “Damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” The PM is now forcing a referendum that he thinks is the best for Belize, but lots of us out here are not sure about this decision. The PUP is against going to the ICJ in a rush. “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”? We are seeing two different kinds of leadership in our major political parties. PM Barrow has his party firmly behind him. How many willingly and how many unwillingly is the question. LOO Johnny Briceno is obeying his party, even though he had said yes to the ICJ before, because the majority of them are against going to the ICJ.

Bobby Lopez to Tamai
Our letter of April 2, 2019 sought assurance from your office that the right of voters to mark their ballot with their own pencils or pens would be upheld in the upcoming referendum. In our context and for clarity, the intended mark to be placed on ballots would be of the color black, placed within the designated space, with an accepted shape and clearly indicating the voter’s choice. Our intent in this pursuit is to counter possible election fraud in this upcoming referendum (without prejudice).

RAMADAN BEGINS MONDAY
Muslims will begin the one month fast of Ramadan this year on Monday, May 6, 2019. The twenty nine or thirty days of fasting is one of the central tenets of the religion of Islam which is adhered to by over two billion people worldwide. The end of this years’ fast is expected to be on June 7 or 8, 2019. Ramadan is the ninth of 12 lunar months observed in Islam. It is a time of fasting and worship prescribed by Almighty God in the final revelation to Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him), known as the Holy Qur’an. In it God says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness.”

There are always other rivers to cross
I don’t think anyone is so naïve they believe that our troubles with Guatemala will be over once the ICJ rules against them. There are always other rivers to cross. It’s the way of life. Challenges are built into this thing, and they won’t go away until we go away, which we don’t want to do, so we, and challenges, both stay. Bah, sometimes you wish for the old challenge. Fish jump owt a frying pan, straight into belly. Okay, that’s six a one an half a dozen a di adda, so mek A try again. You wanted to get out of childhood so you could do the things adults do. Hmm, not a good one either, but we’ll agree my nose is on the right track.

Points to ponder before you vote
At this point in time, everything indicates that the referendum to decide Belize’s destiny will be held on the 8th of May as the Government has announced. With only a few days remaining, it is fair to say that the Government, with assistance from our disingenuous “friends” and their hired guns, has done everything in their power to blindly herd us to the ICJ’s chopping block. Even Guatemala has turned up the pressure by preventing the territorial volunteers from entering the Sarstoon. Yet despite all this, the most recent polls still indicate that an overwhelming majority of voters have decided to vote “No to the ICJ”. We also know that the ruling political party has committed all their considerable resources and well- financed election machinery to ensure a “Yes” vote.

ACP Magdaleno says six WPCs need to cut their locks
Six women police officers who after several warnings chose to violate the police dress code by wearing dreadlocks while in their uniform, have been placed on disciplinary charges and will be tried internally by a police court. If found guilty they will be fined and if they insist on wearing the dreadlocks hair style they will be encouraged to resign from the Police Department. The announcement was made today by ACP Dezerie Philips Magdaleno during the weekly police press brief held at the Raccoon Street Police Station. ACP Magdaleno said that the police department is a disciplined body that is governed by rules and regulations, and there are regulations governing the dress and appearance of police officers, one of which is that the wearing of dreadlocks is not allowed because the police cap cannot be set on the head properly.

Social Security’s miserly contribution to hernia sufferer
A Belize City mechanic who has been diagnosed with a hernia has been getting the run-around for over one year now. First it was the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, now it is the Belize Social Security Board. After making a number of trips to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Ronnie Castillo finally got to see a specialist, who told him he needed an operation for a hernia, but he said the folks at the KHMH told him that his situation is not serious enough and only if he is dying would the hospital perform the hernia operation on him.

BELIZEANS URGED TO VERIFY THEIR VOTING STATUS
Belizeans are being urged to verify their eligibility to vote in the upcoming referendum, after a mishap at the Elections and Boundaries Department almost cost someone his right to participate. Mr. Lennox Lamb, a constituent of Caribbean Shores, encountered an unexpected setback on Tuesday, April 30, when he went to pick up his voter’s ID card from the Elections and Boundaries office. Upon submitting his receipt and personal information he was informed that there was no ID for him, nor was he on the voters list. He was then further informed that under those circumstances, he would not be able to participate in the upcoming ICJ Referendum on May 8th.

Escaping prisoner shot; dies
Kevin Moore, a 19-year-old inmate of the Belize Central Prison, had scaled the perimeter fence at the prison in his bid for freedom when the prison guards in the lookout tower shot his two legs and thwarted his escape. Moore was immediately recaptured and taken to the medical facility of the prison for initial treatment, after which he was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for further treatment because he was bleeding profusely from his wounds, but he died from excessive blood loss before doctors at the KHMH could save him.

The Reporter

Machakilha Students Did Not Have to Trek By Night This Time
Last month the Reporter shared the story of the five standard six students from Machakil Ha who had to get up in the dark of night and leave home by foot so that they could get a ride from the nearest village with transportation to their exams centre. Their return journey was no better because they have to walk back the over five miles to their village in rain that made the trail to their village mucky and dangerously slippery.

Disability? Who Says So?

American National Dies While Snorkeling
A retired American national from Wisconsin, USA who was on a family vacation on Ambergris Caye died on Sunday morning while snorkeling near the Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve north of the island. According to reports, a preliminary medical assessment by doctors indicate that Lora Brooks Peterson, 67, had a heart attack in the water.

Weekend News Alerts & News Bites
The Reporter has confirmed that a man was shot and robbed moments ago on the Cristo Rey road in the Cayo District. Police are investigating a sudden death in San Ignacio. Sources say that Police were called to a house in the Shawville area around 10:00am where they found the decomposed body of a man lying on the floor beside a bed.

Minister Says Referendum Should Not Be About Red or Blue
The ICJ Referendum is a mere five days away and the political parties are out trying to persuade voters to vote along the lines that their individual political parties have taken, touting the “what’s best for Belize” expression. But while that is the case, Minister of Education, Patrick Faber told the media today that the Referendum should not be about red or blue.

Punta Gorda Resident Killed in Mexico
The family of Punta Gorda native Hakeem Arzu, 27, are trying to find answers in an attempt to establish what led to his execution over the weekend of April 27 in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. But those details are scarce and the family, and even Belizean authorities, do not have any information on who killed Arzu, or even what motivated someone to shoot him execution-style in his head and leave him to die on a dirt road between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.

ICJ Referendum To Be held Despite Controversy
The once delayed referendum on taking the Guatemalan territorial claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), will be held on Wednesday May 8, after the government flexed its majority to rush through a bill enabling them to do so. The Opposition, meanwhile, has moved to mobilize its supporters in anticipation of an election-type atmosphere on referendum day. The party also believes that its legal challenge could potentially overturn any vote in the nearing referendum.

Muffles Teacher Reinstated; Humiliated
The teacher who was sent home from Muffles College because someone leaked her nude pictures in December, was reinstated on Monday at the behest of the Ministry of Education after the Teaching Services Commission found her to have no fault for the leaked pictures. But the school, which had to be threatened with sanctions, has apparently not given up its quest to make the teacher’s life miserable.

Measles Threatens the Region
There has been an outbreak of Measles again in some Central American countries and because that could mean one infected person on a flight, bus or boat heading our way, the Ministry of Health is advising Belizeans to make use of the free vaccinations that are available at public health clinics and hospitals.

Breaking Belize News

Girl, 15, missing in Orange Walk
The public is asked to be on the lookout for, Ashanti Cajun, 15. The student […]

“Muffles Administration needs to respect authorities decision,” says Patrick Faber
Minister of Education Patrick Faber, says that the administration at Muffles College needs to respect […]

Armed burglars impersonate police officers in Corozal
Authorities are investigating an armed burglary that occurred yesterday around 7:40 am in Sarteneja, Corozal. […]

Wadani shed in Dangriga completely destroyed by fire
Authorities are investigating an early morning fire that destroyed the Wadani shed in Dangriga. According […]

Patrick Faber respects PUP’s decision to hold anti-ICJ rallies
Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber said today that the People’s United Party (PUP) is within […]

Belize’s health system ranks 69th globally
Belize’s health system has ranked 69th out of a total 190 according to the World […]

Maud Williams inaugurates new building
Today, the faculty, staff, and students of Maud Williams High School welcomed special guests from […]

Energy Auditing Management training to be held in Belize
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) in collaboration with the Belize Trade and Investment Development […]

Belize and Taiwan prepare for launching of post stamps to mark 30 years of friendship
On May 2, 2019, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Remus Li-Kuo Chen hosted Belize’s Minister of […]

Man, 24, charged with murder of Jose Alberto Requena
Today police formally arrested and charged, Emort Pineda, 24, with murder. His charge is in […]

Birders across Belize get ready to participate in Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s–Global Bid Day on May 4th, 2019
GBD is an extreme all day bird watching event! Since its launch in 2015 it has attracted thousands […]

Only 15,000 jaguars left: conservation experts call for greater collaboration
Conservation groups are calling on transnational cooperation to protect jaguars, as new population estimates say […]

Police taking “dreadlocks” issue to the Solicitor General
The Belize Police Department has decided to take the issue of the seven female officers […]

Danny Mason hires Guyanese attorney for murder trial
Guyanese attorney Dexter Todd, widely experienced in civil and criminal justice, has agreed to represent […]

LOVE FM

Customers will not see an increase in electricity bill
After reviewing the 2018 Annual Review Proceeding for Belize Electricity Limited, the Public Utilities Commission, PUC, agreed to increase the mean electricity rate by four percent; however, customers can breathe a sigh of relief since they will not see an increase in their electricity bill. At a press conference, John Avery, the Chairman of PUC, …

BEL experiencing a shortfall in revenue
Belize Electricity Limited, BEL, says that it is experiencing a shortfall in revenue; however, it is not requesting an increase, instead the company intends to recover the shortfall over a three-year period in order to avoid passing on any increase to customers. John Avery, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, said that BEL …

His Excellency Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen at UB
The University of Belize (UB) held another session of its Presidential Lecture Series this morning at the main campus in Belmopan. Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, UB’s President invited the Ambassador of the Republic of China-Taiwan to be the keynote speaker. His Excellency Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen spoke at length about the friendship between the two …

The burning of the Postponed April Tenth Referendum Ballots
Over one hundred and fifty thousand ballots that were earmarked to be used for the referendum that never was on Wednesday, April 10, were destroyed this afternoon at a location on the George Price Highway, Cayo District. The destruction was due to the reference to the Referendum Act that was printed on each ballot. Chief …

Blogs

Awestruck by Caracol Maya site’s Majesty
Belize’s largest Maya site – Caracol, was home to 200,000 Mayas, housed in around 35,000 buildings. What was once a bustling city is eerily quiet when we arrived. The only sounds are those of leaves rusting in the breeze, interspersed by an occasional roar from howler monkeys calling to each other high above the treetops. When we make our way past the entrance, darkened by the thick trees, it’s to emerge near a few tall structures. The sight of trees and their roots intertwined with the stone edifices is a testament to the amount of time Caracol lay undiscovered and untouched. In fact, despite having been discovered in 1938 by Rosa Mai, a logger seeking mahogany in the Chiquibul Forest, actual mapping didn’t take place until between 1951 and 1953.

Running Around on a HOT Afternoon
Yesterday was HOT and breezy and I stopped at two different spots to take some photos for this bigger project I’m working on. TBA. Here are some snapshots of D&G Art and Jewelry located a few blocks from the High School and Mata Chica Resort, 5 miles north of town and ridiculously beautiful. If you want to hear about the first SCUBA divers on the island – or the first person to carve corals – or darts tournaments – or about the fishing industry on Ambergris Caye or…TONS of San Pedro lore, Mr. Dimas has the SCOOP. Did you know that Dimas is a biblical name? I did not. One of the bandits that was crucified with Christ – a Robin Hood type bandit.

My Two Strange and Two Healthy San Ignacio Belize Souvenirs
When I was traveling in San Ignacio recently, (twice) with my (then) temporary Canadian roommate Heather, I decided on some unique souvenirs. Aside from outside the box I also like practical. My first San Ignacio souvenir I found randomly while I was on my way to the computer store GS-com near our vacation rental apartment. When I rounded the corner, I got stopped in my tracks by The Finishing Touch tile store. As soon as I saw their outside display, I just knew that this was my lucky day to find sheets of individual square multi-tiles I had been looking for. I was right. After pouring over all the color samples trying to decide, the shop made it easy. They brought out two big paper backed squares, one green tile, and one blue. Those were my choices if I was not buying a case. I took both. They were about $16.00 a sheet. Much better priced than the $100 (132 squares per sheet) pool grade ones I found on Ambergris Caye.

International Sources

AMIGOS' Spring Trip To Belize Provided Unique Clinic Experiences
This past spring break, a group of 13 AMIGOS traveled back to Belize to visit the communities of Corozal and San Narciso to provide eye care for those under-served areas. During our four clinic days, we saw 470 patients, spanning from 3- to 80-year-olds, non-verbal children, diabetics, motor-vehicle accident patients and many more. We handed out 600 sunglasses to patients, and almost everyone left with a pair of glasses for full-time wear or just near work. There was one patient who even brought her needle and thread along because she wanted to make sure she'd be able to thread her needle with the new glasses she was given. A non-verbal boy actually lifted up his head and was looking around after receiving a pair of -6D glasses and was able to see for the first time!

Videos

May 3, 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

Electric Scooters operating without the approval of San Pedro’s Traffic Department
Motorized scooters have become a popular mode of transportation attracting the youth in San Pedro Town. These powered stand-up scooters use a small electric motor, and its design and speed allows users to quickly slide through traffic. This new means of transportation is beginning to cause problems with the already congested traffic situation on the island and islanders are concerned about the dangers these vehicles pose. Not only is the general public against it, but the San Pedro Traffic Department (SPTD) as well. The SPTD stated that they do not agree with the powered stand-up scooters and that they never issued any permits for their usage on the island.

Brandon Humes gunned down in San Pedro Town
The incident happened on one of the busiest streets of town, causing a major traffic jam while police processed the scene. The shooting took place on the second floor of an apartment building, and according to the police report, the chain of events leading to Humes’ murder started as early as 8AM. The report states that when police arrived at the scene around 9AM, a Jose Flores told them that earlier in the morning, he had been visited by a male and female familiar to him. Shortly after, Flores and the female person left his apartment leaving Humes in the apartment. Sometime after, Flores was notified that there had been a shooting at his place. When they went back to the apartment, they found Humes in a seated position with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

San Pedro Shooting
San Pedro Police have confirmed the death of a male person following a shooting incident at an apartment complex on Coconut Drive, across from the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School. While details are yet to be made available, initial information is revealing that the incident occurred sometime after 9AM on Thursday, May 2nd. Officials are currently processing the scene and believed to be searching for two suspects. The San Pedro Sun will continue following this developing story.

UNICEF Belize hosts workshop on Child-Friendly Media
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Belize, along with the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) and Local Government (the Ministry responsible for the Sustainable and Child Friendly Municipalities Initiative) held a children’s right and child friendly media workshop with Belizean media corps at Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Saturday, April 27th. The aim of the workshop was for UNICEF Belize and NCFC to deepen the relationship with Belizean media corps, as well as to discuss and plan how they can report on stories that involve children without harming them negatively.

San Pedro Pirates win first PLB semifinals game
For the first round of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2019 Closing Season semifinals playoffs, the San Pedro Pirates traveled to Belize City to face their opponent, Belize Defense Force (BDF) F.C on Sunday, April 28th. A victory would bring one team closer to the PLB finals, and both teams badly wanted the win. At the end of the game time, the San Pedro Pirates team managed to emerge victorious with a 1-0 score. To still be in the run for the PLB championship, BDF will have to win 2-0 in this week’s upcoming match against San Pedro Pirates. The other semifinals match saw Belmopan Bandits coming out victorious with a 3-4 score point over Verdes F.C. To win Verdes F.C must put up a 2-point lead as well.

Ambergris Today

I'll See You At Fido’s
His name is Wilfrido Nuñez but everyone got to call him Fido. He is perhaps the most mentioned name in San Pedro and even after his death, his name is mentioned daily by hundreds of locals and tourists when they say, "I'll meet you at Fido's". Wilfrido Nuñez was born to Francisco Nuñez and Isabel Castillo Nuñez. His siblings include Victoria Villanueva (+), Guadalupe Nuñez (+), Erdulfo Nuñez and Frank Nuñez. Fido Nuñez’s mom and dad as well as his brothers lived partly in San Pedro and later on in Belize City. However, Fido was born in San Pedro and lived his entire life here. He is one of the few San Pedranos from the 1930's through 50's that did not grow up as a fisherman.

Morning Fatal Shooting Across RC School
A resident of an apartment building, located across from the San Pedro Roman Catholic School, came across a handgun on the front steps of her resident as she came out to investigate the sounds of gunfire. At the same time, a second resident of the apartment building discovered a male lying in a pool of blood in front of his apartment located on the second floor. This shooting incident took place this morning, Thursday, May 2, 2019, at about 9a.m. Police are currently on the look out for one or two individuals who are believed to be involved in this daylight crime. More information to be posted as it becomes available to us.

Misc Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 for family medical reasons. The Prime Minister returns to Belize on Sunday, May 5th, 2019. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber, will act as Prime Minister.

Western Union Caye Caulker closed this week
A plesant Good Morning. I am sorry but the Western Union Caye Caulker Agent will not be open the rest of this week. I will keep you posted on when it will be open. Health wise I am not able to be at work. I would encourage you to seek out another Western Union Agent to get your transaction done. Sorry once again. Nay

Belize's Wonder Women! Nefretery Nancy Marin
For the month of May, we are proud to announce that Nefretery Nancy Marin is our Belize Wonder Woman! Nancy is a community activist creating opportunities for growth and change for youth and women in San Ignacio. Through the Nancy Marin Youth Foundation, she has continuously advocated for human rights, working closely to support the Police Department with domestic abuse victims. Nancy supports Neighborhood Watches in her community to enhance citizen. She has served as a Citizen on Patrol, in the San Ignacio Town Precinct.

Beltraide Invitation to Small Business and Local Entrepreneurs In Corozal
May 3, 9am-noon. Great opportunity for local business owners and entrepreneurs.

West Jet Expo Canada 2019
The Belize Tourism Board is in attendance at this year's WestJet Vacations where some of their preferred hotel and destination partners invited. These highly anticipated and attended expos provide valuable interaction time with Canada’s travel professionals.

World Pok Ta Pok Championships
Hello Belize. Our team Ek' Balam Belize has defeated Ulua from Honduras 83 to 3! We are in the semifinals already. Tomorrow we will play our final round 1 game against Jaguares B of San Salvador.

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting (Part 1 of Accounting Series)
Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Punta Gorda Town Council. Workshop Date: May 09th, 2019. Time: 9am to 3pm. The aim of the workshop is to provide tools that enhance participants' knowledge on basic accounting. Through this workshop participants better understand how to use their numeracy skills in and prior book keeping information, how to improve their businesses by using simple business management techniques and how to develop financial statements.

Made in Belize
June 1, Agricultural Showgrounds, Belmopan City.

15 new Special Constables Sworn in
COMPOL Chester Williams, in collaboration with the Mayor of Belize City, Mr. Bernard Wagner & the Belize City Council, just sworn in 15 new Special Constables, to assist the Belize Police Department in street patrol, traffic regulations & liquor licenses regulations etc. Congratulations!! Working in Partnership in making Belize City Safer.

8th Annual East Indian Heritage Fair
Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage. Anticipating your attendance at our annual East Indian Heritage Fair. Please support the preservation of our East Indian Culture in Corozal. May 19, Roundhouse area, Corozal, 9:30am-5pm.

Flower Moon Party
Mind and Me's Flower Moon Party is only a few weeks away. Another beach rave, with Night Quest, Uwe K, and Mic Most. This time, the Tribe is heading out to the Split on Caye Caulker. The theme this time is 'Flower Power,' and there will be a full flower moon. "The full moon in May is known as the Flower Moon. We have a special lineup with a mix of DJs from Germany, USA and our beautiful Belize. We’ll be celebrating with beats on the beach. Join us for the sunset to start off your evening. Enjoy strong cocktails, specials and delicious eats. Wear your best flower patterned or flower power themed outfit or bikini. It is guaranteed to be a night of good vibes all around."

Channel 7

Labour Day Violence Leaves Two Dead
After a period of relative calm, violence spiked over the labour day holiday, and tonight there are three murders to report. We start on the Hummingbird Highway where a 24 year old Steadfast villager was murdered yesterday evening around 5:30. Alberto Requena was heading to his home in the village when a group of men attacked him and stabbed him multiple times. Requena tried to ride off on his bicycle to get away but he collapsed on the side of the Hummingbird Highway. A boy who passed by later in the evening saw Requena's body and alerted his family. Courtney Weatherburne has more.

Police Detain One For Steadfast Murder
And police may be able to deliver the justice the Requena family is asking for sooner rather than later. Today at the press briefing, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch Joseph Myvette told us they have a person in custody. Here's more. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head NCIB: "Also, on yesterday's date, sometime around 6:40 p.m., Dangriga police was called to an area between miles 15 and 16 on the Stann Creek Valley Road, where they observed a male Hispanic person, lying in a drain apparently motionless..."

First City Murder In Almost Three Weeks Is BDF Volunteer & Family Man
And from Stann Creek to Belize City - Labour Day witnessed the first killing in the city in almost three weeks. The victim this time was BDF volunteer, 30 year-old Hamed Guzman - in what friends say is almost surely a case of mistaken identity. Sometime after 8:00, residents of Lopez Street, which is a short distance away from the CB Hyde Complex on Mahogany Street, heard the report of 6 or 7 gunshots outside their doors. When they went out to investigate, they found Guzman on the ground bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds.

Broad Daylight Execution In San Pedro
And the third murder which we're reporting on tonight happened this morning on San Pedro. Around 9:00, as many as a dozen shots were heard at the Arceo apartment on Coconut Drive, which is not far from the RC School. 18 year old Brandon Humes, who is from the Yabra area of Belize City and doesn't live there - was found dead in a second floor apartment, his body riddled with 9 gunshots. The man who does live in the apartment, Jose Flores told police that an hour before the murder, a man he knew, and the man's mother came to visit him. The man reportedly begged Flores to allow him to stay at his house.

Mother of Slain Teen Tries to Piece Together His Murder
We spoke to Humes' mother off camera late this evening. Maria Hamilton got the terrible news around midday today from a friend over a phone call. She was at work and had no idea that her son had been executed. Hamilton says she had to call police to find out more information. She told us this evening that she has no idea why her son was killed. Here is what she had to say. Humes' body will be sent to Belize City tomorrow for the post mortem.

Man Escapes Death In Point Blank Shooting
So far tonight - we've already told you about three murder - but there could have been another - and only luck has a 35 year-old mechanic alive tonight. Surveillance video seen here, shows the Neal's Pen Road resident standing in front of a residence at #18 Seagull Street. That was at around 8:10 p.m., and as you can see, he was leaning up on the back of this vehicle reviewing something on his cell phone. He didn't even see A young gunman, wearing a cap, and a black shirt pulling up on bicycle, until the shooter was right in front of him. That assailant pulled out a gun from his pants waist, and fired a shot at close range. You can see thew target dashing away, as the shooter fires 2 more bullets at him, before hastily riding off and escaping.

Lady Cops with Dreadlocks - Compol Brings Them Up On Charges
6 Women police officers were brought up on disciplinary charges for their hairstyles. They all wear their hair natural, some of them in cornrows and braids - but the police senior command said the style contravenes Section 7 of the Police Standing Orders. So they were charged for willfully disobeying a lawful command - but 6 of them bonded together and vowed to fight the charges. They are ASP Irma Anderson, Sgt. Chrsitine Avila, Corporal Marva Grinage, WPC's Vanessa Kerr, Shantel Berry and Alleya Wade.

Lady Cops' Lawyer Says Police Command Is Showing Prejudice
And while that is the police department's case - all 6 police officers have lawyered up to challenge the department. Three of them have retained attorney Leslie Mendez. She responded to ACP Magdaleno's claims today: Leslie Mendez, Attorney, 3 police officers: "It's not as clear-cut as it was posed before where you could have seen that you could have easily found a rule that says that locks were prohibited. Now secondly, our position is that that interpretation is wrong and that locks are not included in the rules as framed now. But even if they are included and even if we have a court that says well elaborate head decoration does include locks. What we say is that this has significant constitutional rights implications and we say that such a policy and such a rule would be breaching the constitutional rights of these officers, specifically in respect to their freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and protection against anti-discrimination."

COMPOL Backtracks on Dreadlocks Directive
And, so while the attorneys, Leslie Mendez and Anthony Sylvester are ready to make a constitutional challenge - it seems Commissioner Chester had made the rarest of decisions: he has decided that this is a fight he doesn't need. In a surprising about-turn - Williams issued a statement this evening, syaing, quote, "...having discussed the matter with my senior management team, we have decided to submit the matter to the Solicitor General for a legal opinion. This means that the disciplinary hearing against them will be put on hold pending that opinion. This is being done in the interest of fairness to the officers as well as to ensure the department does not incur unnecessary expense or waste time in court fighting something that (it) may be able to resolve otherwise." End quote.

Women Left Stranded After Kidnapping and Carjacking
Tonight, 2 women are recovering from from what they say was a terrifying ordeal after 3 men reportedly kidnapped them on Tuesday night at Mile 8 on the George Price Highway. The men then reportedly stole their vehicle, and drove them up to Armenia Village in the Cayo District, tied them up, and left them in the bushes at on the side of the Hummingbird highway, in the darkness. 28 year-old Cynthia Ulloa, a resident of Sun Set Park, located at mile 8 on the George Price Highway, reported to police that she was inside her Toyota Land Cruiser SUV.

Man Guilty of Murder
Tonight, 26 year-old Tevin Andrewin is at the Belize Central Prison awaiting sentencing, after he was convicted of murder in a trial without without jury by Justice Marilyn Williams. The judge found him guilty of the 2012 murder of 19 year-old Myrick Gladden Crown Counsel Sherigne Rodriguez prosecuted, and she called Gladden's common-law wife to testify at the main witness. She told the court that at around on June 24, 2012, she and Gladden were walking on "Complex" Street, when she heard 3 gunshots. She was shot in the calf and turned around to see the gunman, and Gladden on the ground.

Lennox Lamb Left Off List
Lennox Lamb is a student of politics, and an activist - and so when re-registration started in July, he was there to re-register on day one. With that early re-registration in Caribbean Shores, he was sure all was in order for the May eighth referendum. But, when he went to make a check on Tuesday - he got a most unexpected surprise: he wasn't on the list. Lamb told us what happened next. Lennox Lamb, Re-registration Application Lost: "June 2nd I went to register, like I normally do. I want to be the first one to register..."

Can't Vote With Pens
We asked the Elections and Boundaries office for comment on Lamb's case today - and we are still waiting on a response. But, on Tuesday, the E & B office did comment on a matter of public interest. Leaders of The Belize Peace Movement say they want to vote with pens - or possibly even punch the ballot with a hole to make their vote indelible and unequivocal. The Chief Elections Officer says that's a no-go:...

NAVCO Says Yes To ICJ
In one more bit of referendum news, the National Association of Village Councils which represents over 200 villages countrywide comprising 55 percent of the population has declared a position on the ICJ vote. A statement says, quote, "our national, district and village council leaders have had an integral and active role in helping to organize the national education process for more than two solid yearsWe can therefore attest to the fact that this education process has been as thorough and objective as is humanly possible, and we are satisfied that our people are empowered and armed with the necessary information and facts to make an educated decision on the matter.

Costa Rican Softball Champs Visit
The 9 time defending champion of Costa Rican male softball is visiting Belize for a series of friendly games starting tonight through to the weekend. They were brought to Belize by Charles Solis Jr, sone of the softball legend who lives in Costa Rica now. The games will be played in slow-pitch, modified and fast-pitch - starting tonight and continuing tomorrow and Saturday at the Rogers Stadium.

Pinks Alley Stabbing
In more crime news, the cops are investigating a stabbing happened in the Majestic Alley area of Belize City on Monday evening. Police told us today that 23 year-old Malique Stuart was simply walking though that area when he was attacked by 3 men who stabbed him several times: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head NCIB: "On Monday sometime around 4pm police responded to an information of a stabbing incident in Majestic Alley where upon arrival a male person was seen with several stab wounds. He was later identified as Malique Stuart, 23 years. He reported to police that while walking through Majestic Alley, he was approached by three male persons who inflicted several stab wounds to him. So far police had detained one person pending this investigation."

Domestic Stabbing in Belmopan
Tonight, police continue to search for a Belmopan man after his common-law wife reported that he attacked and stabbed her at her job site on Sunday. The victim, Alba Chavez, reported to police that she was on her work shift in the San Martin Area of Belmopan, when her common-law husband came at her with a knife and stabbed her several times. Here's what police had to say about the case: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head NCIB: "On Sunday, shortly before midnight, Belmopan police responded to an information of a stabbing victim at the Western Regional Hospital. Upon arrival, they observed a Hispanic female, later identified as Alba Chavez, with several stab wounds..."

Protest For Lower Cost Of Living
Tomorrow, Moses Sulph and the Belize Leaders For Social Justice are taking to the city streets to demonstrate against the high cost of living and the low minimum wage for working people. He told us why you should support the protest tomorrow:..

PUC Gives BEL Modest Increase
And speaking of the high cost of living, BEL asked the PUC to keeps rates, fixed, but the PUC says it should go up just a little. On April 30, 2019, The Public Utilities Commission made its Initial Decision on the 2018 Annual Review Proceeding for Belize Electricity Limited. BEL proposed no adjustments to the currently approved Mean Electricity Rate but the "PUC puts it at 41.51¢ per kilowatt-an increase of some 0.4%, which has no impact on currently approved tariffs."

Channel 5

Belize City Youth Murdered in San Pedro Town
There were three murders in less than twenty-four hours in Belize City, Stann Creek and San Pedro. The latest murder was on the island, but the victim is from south-side [...]

Was Brandon Humes Murder Due to Drug Deal Gone Wrong?
Late this evening, the mother of Brandon Humes, Maria Hamilton, spoke to the media at their Belize City home. Hamilton shared what she knows so far about her son’s murder.  [...]

B.D.F. Volunteer Gunned Down in the City
In Belize City, a B.D.F. volunteer came under attack on Wednesday night and investigators are looking for a motive. Twenty-seven-year-old Hamed Guzman left his house on Lopez Street in the [...]

Alberto Requeña is Murdered in Steadfast
Another murder during the Labour Day holiday occurred in the south. In this case, police say that they have the murder weapon as well as the suspect in custody at [...]

2 Women are Kidnapped, Bound and Robbed
There is a frightening ordeal to report on tonight involving the kidnapping of a pair of women from Belize City. Cinthia ‘Catherine’ Ulloa and Kristie Mejia were hanging out near [...]

Women Police Officers Fighting Ban on Dreadlocks
Six women police officers, one who is a senior member of the Belize Police Department, have been accused of willfully disobeying a lawful command from Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. [...]

Are Commissioner’s Orders Unlawful?
In the letter, Mendez tells Williams that it is widely known that dreadlocks are “deeply symbolic in our region and are often worn as expressions of black identity and solidarity [...]

Police Memo Says Elaborate Hairstyles Pose Work Hazard for Women Police Officers
A memo relating to the enforcement of Section Seven of the Department’s Standing Order has been circulated throughout the department. According to the memo, one of the reasons for the [...]

Tevin Andrewin, Guilty of the Murder of Myrick Gladden
Seven years after the shooting murder of Myrick Gladden, Tevin Andrewin was found guilty of the crime.  Andrewin’s trial started on February twenty-fifth, 2019 and concluded on March twentieth, 2019; [...]

PM Departs the Country
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is currently overseas. Barrow left today and will return to Belize on Sunday, days before the May eighth referendum. An official release from his office states [...]

NAVCO Issues Release in Support of Referendum
NAVCO, which is the National Association of Village Councils, today issued a statement circulated by the government.  First, it says it represents fifty-five percent of the population.  Second, according to [...]

Police Search Continues for Jose Bejerano Sanchez
Police continue to search for Jose Bejerano Sanchez, who is wanted for the vicious stabbing of his ex common-law wife. On Sunday, the Guatemalan national visited Alba Chavez at her [...]

Still No Arrests in Majestic Alley Stabbing
ACP Joseph Myvett also gave details on the Monday evening stabbing of Maskall resident Malique Stuart. Stuart was walking on Pinks Alley, in Belize City, heading towards Queen Street when [...]

Machetes for Peace
Over this past weekend volunteers with machetes in hand gathered at San Jose Village in the Orange Walk District to harvest two acres of sugarcane as part of Harvest for [...]

Facebook Bans Leader of Islam
The leader of the Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan has been banned by Facebook. The social media giant made the announced this afternoon that it had kicked off controversial [...]

Developing Critical Reading Skills of Primary School Students
May is recognized annually as the Education Showcase month by the Ministry of Education. For some time now, the ministry in partnership with the Peace Corps and other organizations has [...]

The Reporter

Brandon Humes Murdered In San Pedro This Morning
The Reporter has confirmed the identity of the murder victim who was shot in San Pedro this morning. Police sources say he is Brandon Humes of Belize City. His body was discovered inside a room on the second floor of an apartment complex, shortly after the sound of gunshots. The unidentified male was found dead, in a pool of blood, and sources say that what is believed to be the murder weapon, a 9mm gun, has also been discovered in the vicinity.

National Association Of Village Councils ‘NAVCO’ support the ICJ-Referendum
The Belize National Association Of Village Councils ‘NAVCO’ which is headquartered in Belmopan has come out in support of the ICJ Referendum that is scheduled for May 8th. In a press release issued earlier today May 2nd. The Association, NAVCO, stated that they represent mere than 200 villages in the country, and approximately 55 percent of the nations population.

Breaking Belize News

Village Council Associations: Say ‘Yes’ to the ICJ on May 8th
The National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) today issued a statement expressing its support for […]

Brandon Humes, 18, murdered in San Pedro
The Belize Police Department has just revealed the identity of today’s murder victim. He is […]

PUP plans series of ‘People’s Rallies’ ahead of referendum
With only 6 more days to Belize’s historic national referendum, the Opposition People’s United Party […]

3 killed in less than 24 hours in Belize
The Belize Police Department is investigating three separate murders which occurred within the last 24 […]

Sargassum is back in the region
According to Mexican media, Sargassum has returned to the region, with several prominent Mexican tourism […]

PM Barrow Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that PM Barrow departed the country today, Thursday, […]

Man murdered in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye this morning
Authorities are investigating a murder that occurred this morning in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. According […]

Cricket Association congratulates national team on Central American Championship
The Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), has conveyed its congratulations to the Belize national team […]

Machetes for Peace initiative teaches children the value of hard work
Belize Camping Experience (BCE), the faith-based organization that hosts the Harvest for Kids initiative, hosted […]

Inland temperatures remain over 90 degrees
Mainly fair and warm weather is expected to continue today. Skies are expected to be […]

Man shot and killed on Jones Avenue in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a murder that occurred last night in Belize City. According to reports, […]

LOVE FM

The countdown to May 8
May 8 is just one week away, and the Election & Boundaries are fine tuning the process for the ICJ Referendum, putting in place several measures to ensure that there is transparency. One of those measures has to do with monitors who will be placed at each polling station to ensure that the proper procedures …

High Level delegation visit to Taiwan
Earlier in the newscast we told you that Belize sent a delegation on an official visit to Taiwan. In addition to meeting President Tsai Ing-Wen, there were several meetings attended by the Belize delegation. Love News spoke to President of the Senate and lead of the expedition who explained the possibilities discussed during their …

BDF Volunteer Killed Near Home in Belize City
There were three murders in the country over the last 24 hours. The incidents occurred on Ambergris Caye, Stann Creek and Belize City. A BDF volunteer, a family man, 30 year old Hamed Guzman was killed near his home on the southside of Belize City. Love News spoke to his grieving mother who has lost …

Protesters will take to the streets over gas prices
Fuel prices have become a tremendous burden that the Belizean people have had to bear, and it is a fact that when fuel prices go up, other commodities go up as well. The opposition party, the People’s United Party and the Belize Chamber of Commerce have previously called on the government to lower the prices, …

National softball players up against Costa Rican team
Belize is home to many athletes who have shined in their respective sport of choice. It is no surprise to citizens to see sporting teams that excel when they compete abroad. Over the next few days, however, Belizeans will have a chance to watch the national All Star softball team compete in games against Costa …

Belize City man found killed in San Pedro Apartment
The victim of the murder, Belize City resident Brandon Humes lived on Caesar Ridge Road at the home of Jermaine “Horse” Garnett who received bail for murder in 2018. While it is unclear why anyone would want to kill Brandon Humes, it appears that the man who resides in the apartment on San Pedro where …

Senator Aldo Salazar Questioned by US Authorities
U.D.P. Senator Aldo Salazar was part of a senate team that travelled to Taiwan on Saturday, April 20 and returned one week later to Belize on Saturday, April 27. The four man delegation which included Salazar, Doug Singh, the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, and Hugo Patt, the Minister of Natural Resources was …

Two women kidnapped and abandoned in Cayo
Twenty-eight year old Cinthia Ulloa and her friend, Kristie Mejia, were socializing in Sunset Park on Tuesday when their night took an almost deadly turn. The women were sitting inside Mejia’s vehicle, in front of Mejia’s house, when they were approached by 3 men who demanded to enter the car. The men then drove the …

International Sources

World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems
Belize is ranked 69th out of 190 countries in terms of World Health Systems.

Ice age bear and wolf-like creature found in Quintana Roo’s underwater cave
Belizean bears! ... Okay, a fossil bear next door to Belize, but these great creatures must have roamed Belize too in prehistoric times. Divers excavating an underwater cave in Mexico have discovered the bones of giant meat eaters that lived there during the last ice age, a new study reported. The finding is remarkable, because few ancient animal remains survive in Mexico’s hot, tropical climate. But these ancient beasts, the short-faced bear (Arctotherium wingei) and the wolf-like Protocyon troglodytes, fell to their deaths in a deep cave, which was flooded soon after. As a result, their bones were preserved in pristine condition, the researchers said. Both of these species were far from what scientists had considered the animals’ homes. Previously, the creatures were known only from South America. This finding shows that they also lived much farther north, or more than 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) away from their known habitat, about the distance from Boston to Miami.

Videos

May 2, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Tiger Sharks one game away from NEBL finals
San Pedro Tiger Sharks are just one game away from the 2019 National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) Tournament’s finals, after defeating Dangriga Dream Ballers on Friday, April 26th. As the playoffs began over the weekend, the island team was able to strike first in the best-of-three semi-final games. On Saturday, May 4th, they will have the opportunity to seal their ticket to the 2019 NEBL’s championship as they face Dangriga Dream Ballers for the second time in a home game that will take place inside the Civic Centre in Belize City.

Ambergris Today

Burning Of Garbage Is Prohibited
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been receiving increased reports of the burning of household garbage in both urban and rural areas. This prevalent but harmful practice greatly reduces the air quality for residents and threatens life and property from fires, especially around this time of the year due to the dry season.

Misc Belizean Sources

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

New River Quest Registration is now Open
Take advantage of the Early Bird Registration! Early Registration starts at $35, Rate increases on June 1st.

Clean up mission this morning along the Consejo Road
While most of us took a day off and headed to our emerald green bay to celebrate our Labour Day Holiday, a couple of residents who have made Corozal their adopted home were on a clean up mission this morning along the Consejo Road, in an area, that is just a few hundred feet from the Corozal dumpsite. A total of two pick up truck loads were removed and taken to the dump site. Sue Paoletti was the organizer and plans to have a few more of these clean ups before the month's end. Thanks to everyone who came out to help under this scorching hot sun. This media blog is asking the general public to please use the dumpsite allocated for this purpose and not to create clandestine dumpsites.

CTO vacancy | Secretary General & Chief Executive Officer
Kindly visit www.OneCaribbean.org for detailed job description.

1962 NORTHERN MAYA HISTORY OF BELIZE
After the Maya Social war (Caste war) many Yucatec Maya rebels became Cane farmers in Belize . The Maya milperos and Cane cutters own no land. All the land was own by the company and the Mayero peasants where simply cane cutters . Before the events of 1963 when 80 arm men stop the tractors from working and they telegram George Price asking for land . This happen in 1962 .

Channel 5

House destroyed by fire in Burrell Boom
A house was destroyed by fire this afternoon. It happened in Burrell Boom Village in rural Belize. There are no reports of any injuries.

Women Abducted by Three Men
Two women were victims of an abduction which occurred last night. According to police, the women were inside a silver Toyota land cruiser, parked in front of a residence when they approached by three men. One of the men was armed. The men ordered the women to the back of the vehicle, got into the car and drove off. The women were tied up and abandoned in some bushes near Armenia Village along the Hummingbird Highway. The criminals got away with the vehicle valued $70, 000, a gold necklace valued $1,200, a Guess watch valued $500, one Ralph Lauren purse valued $800, along with other personal items. The women managed to break free and were later found by police.

Shooting in Belize City
Police in Belize City are investigating a shooting incident which occurred last night. Ryan Smith was with some friends socializing in a yard on Dolphin Street when he reportedly heard the sound of gunshots. No one was injured.

The Reporter

Bizarre Abduction At Gun Point, At New Residential Area
The Reporter has confirmed a bizarre incident last night. Sources tell us that two women were abducted last night from a residence in Sunset Park area along with a vehicle, by two men with guns.

Breaking Belize News

Lionel Messi scores twice as Barcelona thrashes Liverpool in European Champions League semifinals
Argentine playmaker, Lionel Messi, took his total number of goals for Barcelona F.C. to 600 in fine style, scoring twice to leave last year’s beaten finalists Liverpool F.C. in a deep hole to climb out of after the first leg of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League at the Nou Camp, Barcelona, Spain.

Police find pistol at a cemetery
Yesterday Belize City police conducted a search of the Lord Ridge Cemetery. There they discovered a .38 caliber pistol along with five live rounds of .38 ammunition.

Dolphin Street shooting leaves no victims
Just before midnight shots rang out on Belize City’s southside. Dolphin Street resident, Ryan Ian Smith, told police that he was socializing inside his yard at the time of the shooting.

Women abducted and robbed
Belmopan police are investigating a case of abduction. It occured sometime around 8:00 p.m. last night. Cinthia Ulloa, 28, reported that she was inside a Toyota Land Cruiser with her friend, Kristie Mejia, near mile 8 of the George Price Highway.

Lords Bank resident attempted to rob gas station with pellet gun
Authorities have detained a resident of Lords Bank, Belize District for attempting to conduct a robbery last night. Police report revealed that Mark Patnett attempted to rob Tomza Gas Station.

Degron Joseph “jacked” CitCo money at Michael Finnegan Market
20-year-old Degron Joseph has been charged for the theft of $930. The money is proceeds of the Belize City Council (CitCo) that was collected from vendors at the Michael Finnegan Market on West Collet Canal.

Cop is arraigned for harm upon his 20-year-old girlfriend
Another law enforcement officer is before the court for a domestic dispute. 25-year-old Leon Bradley of Gardenia Village, Belize District, was charged with harm and arraigned before Magistrate Emmerson Banner. He pleaded not guilty and was set bail of $500.

Peace Movement to collaborate with PUP to deliver a ‘NO Vote’ for May 8 referendum
“Today, me and P.U.P. da friend!” exclaimed member of the Belize PEACE Movement and political leader of the Belize Progressive Party Patrick Rogers, speaking to Breaking Belize News at the conclusion of a meeting with Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party John Briceño Tuesday evening at his headquarters on the Philip Goldson Highway.

Blogs

Future events Happening In May in Corozal
Maryhill's Grand Annual Maypole Fair 2019. Sunday, May 12, 2019. Alan British Honduras/Belize Stamp Collection. One Day Exhibit inside The Corozal House of Culture. On, Friday, May 3, 2019. From 9am to 3pm. Basic FIRST AID/CPR COURSE Friday, May 10, 2019. Location: Catherine Kelly Center, Santa Rita. Please Join us for our First Corozal District Sustainability Conference. Saturday, May 11, 2019. Corozal House of Culture. 10am-1pm. Mother's Day Celebration is being organized by Corozal Town Council. Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Mothers Park at 3:00PM.

International Sources

Mysterious 1,500 year old skeleton of a Mayan queen is discovered in an underground Guatemalan pyramid alongside a sacrificed HUMAN CHILD
- The complete skeleton of a Mayan queen from 1,500-years-ago has been discovered in a pyramid hidden in the Guatemalan jungle. Excavation of the three pyramids in the complex also unearthed a child's decapitated skull buried in a deep well. Archaeologists suggest a deeper tomb in the pyramid where the queen was found may also contain the body of her husband. The discoveries will be shown in the first episode of a new National Geographic documentary that starts this Sunday May 5.

TOO MUCH SUN
The Caribbean region promotes itself to the world as the paradise of sun, sand and turquoise blue seas but extreme drought conditions in the past eight months or so have pushed people in the region to ironically complain about too much sun. Even before 2018 hurricane season had petered out around October, regional weather experts had pointed to the presence of an El Nino dry season that has led to drought conditions in countries from Suriname and Guyana on South America’s northern coast to as far as Belize in Central America. Belize is a member of the CARICOM bloc of nations. The drought has caused severe water shortages in many countries, forcing authorities to provide potable water by trucks and tankers to bring relief. Bush and grass fires have broken out daily with fire services officials in Suriname and Guyana especially complaining of attending to up to 30 incidents daily.

Quintana Roo’s sargassum nightmare is back but without funds for it
A huge tide of sargassum has once again invaded shores of the Caribbean, including some of Mexico’s most popular beaches. But despite the magnitude of the problem, the federal government has not allocated the funding that has been requested to deal with it. According to the Cancún sargassum monitoring network, 30 countries, territories and protectorates are forecast to receive massive amounts of sargassum, including Mexico, the United States, Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, Colombia, Panama, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas among others. So far in Mexico, the beaches of the Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo have been the hardest hit, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Othón P. Blanco and Bacalar.

15,000 Wild Jaguars Left, Humans Must Work Together Across Borders to Protect
In early April the mutilated body of a jaguar was discovered in Mexico's Yaxchilán Natural Monument. Researchers investigating the death quickly concluded that the animal, which had been tracked in neighboring Guatemala since 2015, had crossed the border and fallen prey to wildlife traffickers, who may have taken its head for sale on the black market. Deaths like this, when a jaguar crosses the border from a protected area into a different country, may have something to do with the big cats' plummeting populations, experts worry. Today the wide-ranging jaguar (Panthera onca), which once lived throughout South America and north into the U.S., is considered a threatened species. Conservation groups estimate there are only 15,000 wild jaguars left, mostly due to poaching and deforestation.

FTC shuts down largest real estate scam ever
The word “sanctuary” brings to mind comforting places – an oasis, a nature preserve, a port in a storm. That’s probably why it was chosen as part of the name of a luxury real estate development that turned out to be anything but any of those places. In November, a federal district court granted the FTC’s request to shut down a massive real estate investment scam called Sanctuary Belize that took in over $100 million. Located in the Central American country of Belize, it was also marketed under other names, including Sanctuary Bay and The Reserve. The umbrella organization was Sanctuary Belize Enterprise or SBE and it was the largest real estate scam the FTC has ever busted. Promoters advertised through commercials and infomercials on Fox News and Bloomberg news, as well as through seminars.

Southwest Offering Flights Starting at $49 Around the U.S. and $71 to the Caribbean
Southwest Airlines is back with another flash sale, - $141 flights from Houston to Belize City.

Detecting Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
A coral disease that was first documented in Florida is now being reported in some parts of the Caribbean. A new guide from MPAConnect seeks to help Caribbean marine natural resource managers who are responsible for priority coral reef marine protected areas to be on the alert for this disease and to detect whether it is occurring on their coral reefs. Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease spreads rapidly and affects some of the slowest-growing and longest-lived reef-building corals, including the iconic brain corals, star corals and pillar corals. Scientists are uncertain about the cause of the disease, but it appears to be water-borne and can be spread by contact.

Videos

May 1, 2019

Enjoy your Labour Day!!!!

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

Jankunu Productionz delights San Pedro with ‘Belize Rewind’ theatrical play
After a countrywide tour, Jankunu Productionz arrived in San Pedro Town on Friday, April 26th with the final performance of its dynamic play ‘Belize Rewind’ captivating a large audience at the Paradise Theatre. The theatrical show features a full historical and cultural immersion that depicts Belize from settlement to its birth as a nation in 1981. The entertaining show included original songs, dances, creative poetry and a drama that submerged the audience back in history revealing what Belize is all about and what it has to offer.

Islander Bryce Peterson excels at PRO FC- Belize Mix MMA League fighting tournament
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Bryce Peterson represented Ambergris Caye at the PRO FC- Belize Mix MMA League fighting tournament in Orange Walk Town on Saturday, April 27th. At the co-main event of the evening against Guatemalan Andy Rivas, Peterson excelled with a split-decision. The event dubbed ‘Shuga City’ Fight Night saw fighters from Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The night ended with a championship match between Belize’s Kristian Usher and Guatemalan Jonathan Chutan, who in the second round defeated Usher via armbar.

Closure Of Conch Season
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers, and the Public, that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honorable Omar Figueroa, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed on April 30th, 2019. This is necessary due to the realization of the Queen Conch quota.

Misc Belizean Sources

Labour Day Beach Party in San Pedro
AT THE BOCA DEL RIO BEACH BEACH & PARK, WED FROM 10AM MAY TO 7pm. All proceeds will go to support Gabriel Nunez Jr, and Bryton Codd as they proudly present Belize in NORCECA BEACH VOLLEYBALL CONTINENTAL TOUR from the 8th-13th of May in Cuba. Let’s support or 2x2 National Beach Volleyball Team as they will proudly represent Belize in Cuba! It’s time to show our support!

BCVI EYE CLINIC this Wednesday in San Pedro
FREE MONTHLY BCVI EYE CLINIC this Wednesday, May first - 8:30am - 2pm at the San Pedro Lions Den

OAS Academic Scholarship Programme is now accepting applications!
The scholarship is available for Belizeans who wish to undertake undergraduate or graduate studies and/or graduate research that lead to a degree at an accredited or recognized university or higher learning institution in an OAS member state, with the exception of the candidate’s sponsoring country. Candidates must apply directly for admission to their desired programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to institutions participating in the OAS Consortium of Universities because of lower tuition rates negotiated with them.

Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce Announces 2nd Annual Competitiveness Month
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce (MITC) through its departments, the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS), and the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), and in collaboration with Belize Investment Promotion Agency, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), along with several of its key public and private sector partners, teams up to bring a series of events for Competitiveness Month 2019 that aims at strengthening competitiveness in the private sector through the enabling environment created by the Government of Belize.

BTB Scholarship Opportunities for 2019
Click to download the forms to start the application process

Cashew Festival and Agriculture Show
Date:5/11/2019 - 5/12/2019. Get your appetites ready! The annual Belize Cashew Festival and Agriculture Show is just around the corner. Hosted in Crooked Tree Village, Belize District, artisans, chefs, and local cashew farmers come together for this two-day event to display a wide range of cashew products. Filled with entertainment, contests, fresh produce, wines and cashew-inspired dishes, many travels to the little village of Crooked Tree to experience this highly anticipated event of the year. Throughout the day will be filled with excitement, tasty treats and activities. Highlights: Cashew Wines and Pastries, Greasy Pole Competition, Horseback riding exhibitions, Live music, Cashew Wine Drinking Competition, Cashew Products, Entertainment.

Burning of Garbage is Prohibited
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has been receiving increased reports of the burning of household garbage in both urban and rural areas. This prevalent but harmful practice greatly reduces the air quality for residents and threatens life and property from fires, especially around this time of the year due to the dry season. The burning of garbage emits invisible but harmful substances into the air that is breathed in by people, including vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, babies and those suffering from respiratory diseases. The DOE is calling on all persons to cease from burning garbage, whether in towns, cities or villages, in order to maintain air quality for all residents.

Ministry of National Security Issues Statement on Sarstoon Incident
The Ministry of National Security has received preliminary reports of a visit to the Sarstoon River by the Belize People Front (BPF) headed by Mrs. Nancy Marin Juan. The patrol at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base (FOB) reported that the BPF informed that their intention was to go around the Sarstoon Island and to plant a flag on the Island. They were advised by the Patrol Commander that due to the sensitivity of the area and for safety reasons, that they would be escorted around the Island but they were discouraged from planting a flag on the Sarstoon Island.

Belize Wins at 3rd Pok Ta Pok World Championships
In their first game, Belize handsomely beat Guatemala 86-0 in the 3rd Pok Ta Pok World Championships being held this week in El Salvador. The team from Yo Creek in Orange Walk are the current World Champions and are defending their title against teams from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and El Salvador.

Sizzling Football Action in Corozal
Under 15 - 19 CFA YOUTH TOURNAMENT FOOTBALL SEMI-FINALS. Sunday, May 5th 2019 at the Ricalde Stadium from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come out and support these super great football warriors. So much football talent.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT, APRIL 21, 2019 THROUGH APRIL 28, 2019
A week of mixed conditions, from windy to calm, from sunny to cloudy. Mike K. landed two Permit on the fly on the same day fishing with Captain Kechu. Bonefish were biting well in 2 to 4 feet of water. Permit fishing was mixed with the wind being the most significant factor.

Triple R Response (RRR) is continuing with its commitment to empower and equip our volunteers responders
Triple R has begun the issuing of necessary equipment to our team members who have volunteered to be grid leaders. Our success depends on volunteers and we could not be more thankful for the following leaders; Billy Leslie (Tuffenuff) Gil Nunez ( Canary Cove) Jaime Vasques (Sea Star) Samuel Lin (Scuba Daze Belize) Steve Bowen (Scuba Steve) Michael Cain (Blue Heaven) Sylvin Sealey ( Belize Masters ) Javier Paredes (Holchan Station 1 ) Eddie Ancona (Coastal Express) and Javier Paredes ( Hol Chan station 2 ) Triple R is extremely grateful for donations that allow us to properly equip our responders. Each Grid Leader will receive waterproof duffle bags containing two way handheld marine radios with GPS , Spotlights , marine flashlights , binoculars , throw ropes , whistle, neck brace , CPR pocket mask, and first aid equipment. We have divided the island into 7 grids which includes the West ( secret beach area) . Triple R (RRR) is committed to make Ambergris Caye a safer place to live and visit !! TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY!!!

Channel 7

Mentally Ill 19 Year Old Fatally Shot While Escaping Prison
A mentally ill 19 year old was shot as he tried to escape from the Kolbe Central Prison this morning. A short while after Kevin Moore died of his injuries. The Punta Gorda teenager was on remand for aggravated assault - admitted to the prison just four weeks ago - and scheduled to re-appear in PG court int he middle of next month. He was assigned to the low security Tango 6 building - and was on recreation time he made a run for the fence this morning. We went to the prison to find out what happened next - and if it was justified:..

Flag Flashpoint On The Sarstoon
The ICJ referendum will be held in 8 days - and as a flashpoint for border relations, the Sarstoon remains as tense as ever. Today, the Guatemalan Armed Forces removed a flag that had been put there by territorial activists. This time it was the Belize Territorial Volunteers, and its sister organization, the Belize People's Front, led by Nancy Marin Juan. They took a trip down the Sarstoon to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty, which was signed on April 30, 1859. That's the boundary treaty that's at the very heart of the centuries-old territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala. It set the Sarstoon as Belize's southern boundary and the activists went to the river to make a symbolic declaration of patriotism by flying the Belize flag on Sarstoon Island.

Justice Denied Is Pain for Grieving Mother
In last night's news, we told you how 22 year-old Jayear Flores got off the double murders of 7 year-old Tyler Savery, and his 22 year-old cousin, Porshan Pipersburgh. In November 2016, Pipersburgh was taking little Tyler for a milkshake on Daly Street in Belize City. They were on a bicycle, when a car drove up, and one of the occupants rolled down a window, and fired several gunshots at Tyler and Porshan, fatally injuring both. It's the kind of tragedy that no parent ever wants to have to cope with. An innocent child was killed due to gun violence and a street feud that he knew nothing about.

Attorney Fights Extradition
Belizean attorney Andrew Bennett was back in Magistrate's Court today to fight extradition proceedings against him. The US Government made an extradition request against him back in December 2017. They want him to be sent to the District of Puerto Rico to stand trial for 7 counts of money laundering. As we told you, the American authorities say that they have evidence that he took a backpack containing 250,000 dollars from one of their agents, who was posing as representative of a fictitious drug cartel with Colombian and Puerto Rican ties. They allegedly also have evidence of the conversations between Bennett and this agent about this money, in which it was made clear to Bennett that this organization was looking for a money laundering operation, and that Bennett allegedly offered to provide the service.

Fire Scare In Santa Elena
In this dry season, bush fires "cyaah done" but it doesn't mean these fires should be underestimated or treated as mere annoyances; they can cause significant damage. Fortunately yesterday evening's bush fire on the Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena didn't affect the residents but valuable lessons can always be learned when a fire breaks out. Courtney Weatherburne has more. The embers spewing above resembled those from an erupted volcano. This blaze wasn't anywhere near as ominous. The owner of La Pasadita bar, which is adjacent the empty lot says he is grateful the fire didn't spread to his business. Winston Dawson Jr., Owner: "I have lived here over 20 years and it is routine every year that place catches fire. Yesterday about 5:00 I saw smoke coming from the corner of the land so I made it my business to call the fire department which they responded very quickly..."

Survived a Shot To Head
In January, 15 year old Roaring Creek resident Jahmeel Reyes survived one of the most ruthless acts. He was shot in the head, badly beaten and buried alive. He crawled out of his grave and went for help. Well since then his family had been organizing fun raising events to pay for the surgery to remove the bullet from his head. Well, they raised the money and doctors operated on him a couple weeks ago. Reyes is at home recovering now. We spoke to his aunt yesterday and she says it can only be a miracle or divine intervention that Reyes is still with them. Deshawn Card, Aunt: "Everyone knew about Jahmeel Reyes' case. The family managed to do the fundraising with a lot of help and about 15 days ago Jahmeel did his surgery. All went well, the bullet was removed..."

How Will Referendum Results Be Knowm?
We're 8 days away from the ICJ referendum, and the Elections and Boundaries office is ready to get on with what is expected to be the biggest non-political vote in Belize's history. But, of course, it is political - and the ads on this very newscast can tell you all about that. But at the end of the day - the politicians can do or say what they want: it's going to be up to the 148,500 registered voters who are eligible to cast ballots at 344 polling stations countrywide. Today, the Chief Elections Office, Josephine Tamai gave the public an idea of what to expect from a different kind of election count. The results will not be reported on a constituency basis: they will be aggregated at a central counting station in Belize city - where the"yes" or "no" votes will need a simple majority to get a victory. She explained the counting, the have a projected timeframe for when you can expect to see results:...

Who Will Monitor Election?
But, since the political stakes are not as high as they would be for a general election, who will monitor the counting and the voting? And will there be that level of diligence and vigilance? Tamai discussed the multi-sectoral election monitors. Josephine Tamai: "I know some of the concerns have been who will be observing these things? Is it only the public officers in the polling stations and counting stations? You all will recall that back in February we had sent out an invitation to the organizations in order for them to appoint referendum monitors..."

New Ballots Printed, Cost Taxpayers 20k
And, Tamai's office is the one monitoring about 165 thousand new ballots that have to be printed for next week's referendum. New ballots had to be issued because the heading now refers to the "Belize Territorial Referendum Dispute Act", while the old one referred to the Referendum Act Chapter 10. But, that's the only thing changing; the question remains the same and the big boxes are also the same: YES OR NO. Tamai explained: Josephine Tamai: "Previously the ballots were done in accordance with chapter 10 which is the referendum act. In this case now we know that we have the Belize Territorial Dispute referendum act, so that is what we have to put on those ballots. That is the only reason why the ballots have to be reprinted and I will tell you when it comes to the cost itself, it's under $20,000 in regards to the printing of the ballots."

CEO Concedes Some Problems With ID Cards
And while ballots had to be re-printed, so did some Voter's ID cards. The elections and boundaries office printed off tens of thousands of them, and a few had some galling errors - like the wrong picture or signature attached to a name. Tamai acknowledged errors, but stressed that they can be easily fixed:.. Josephine Tamai: "When you go in to pick up your ID cards, please check the information on them. We realized that we had thousands and thousands of cards that are being printed. Yes, there may be errors and some that people might believe was an error on the Elections and Boundaries' part..."

Tamai Says Mass Party Muscle Means Good Voter Turnout
And, finally from the chief elections officer, we asked her how she feels about the robust involvement of the major political mass parties in the referendum. To many, it's lamentable because a non political vote has now been highly politicized. But, Tamai says the mass parties also bring out numbers: Josephine Tamai: "We know that a part of our culture in Belize people look to politicians to take them out to vote itself. So without the involvement of the political parties I believe that the turnout would not be as good as we would want it to be. Yes, it's unfortunate that the whole matter has become a political matter more than a national matter, but for me as Belizeans it's all up to us as individuals..."

Castro Talks About Those Guatemalan Buses
Weeks ago we told you how the Belize Bus Association was none too happy with Transport Minister, Edmond Castro, after a Guatemalan bus started making daily runs out of the Novelo's bus terminal in Bel;Belize City. Well, Castro met with the association today. A press release says they offered proposals on how to resolve the issues in their favour. The ministry press release adds that Castro accepted their proposals in principle, and that there are pending further discussions on the topic between the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Transport.

Woe Be Unto Wasani
Cyclist and Ministerial son Wasani Castro was caught on camera during the Cross Country, being pulled by a pickup - and yesterday the Belize Cycling Federation announced that the 25 year old cyclist has been disqualified for that violation. It's a major setback for him - because the Clear the Land rider had finished 12th overall - and was the fifth Belize to cross the line - definitely enough for bragging rights. But he now goes to the very bottom of the list as one of only two persons disqualified from the race.

Belize Dominates Guatemala In Ancient Maya Game
And while Guatemala eviscerated Belize by taking first second and third place in the cross country, Belize is getting some revenge in Salvador at the World Pok Ta Pok Championships. In their first game, Belize handsomely beat Guatemala 86-0. The team from Yo Creek in Orange Walk are the current World Champions and they are defending their title against teams from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and El Salvador.

Belizean Cricketers Shine In Mexico
And there's some more really good sporting news for Belize. Belize's National Cricket Selection - which we told you about on Friday - emerged victorious from the Central American Championships tournament in Mexico. A press release from the Cricket Association says Team Belize defeated Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica and lost to MCC from England during the regular games. In a thrilling and tight championship game, Team Belize defeated MCC. MCC batted 137 runs and Team Belize scored 138 in the nineteenth over. 17 year old Gareth Banner Jr. was the youngest player in the tournament and played outstandingly.

The Media and Minors
On Saturday, UNICEF along with its partners held a training for news reporters from all over country. It was held under the theme "Towards a Child Friendly Media". The main focus is how we as media personnel can highlight more positive stories involving children and how we can respect the rights of a child when we report on sensitive cases such as child abuse. Here is more from the training.

Drinking Driving Youth Delinquency
To many youths, a party or an outing without liquor is just no fun. Well, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams can care less about being a party pooper. At yesterday's press briefing in Belmopan he told us that minors will be banned from alcohol consumption zones at public events. Williams enforced that new policy at the show grounds on Sunday. Here is how he explained it.

Much Demand on Vital Stats
Yesterday we played you a few clips from Attorney General's Mike Peyrefitte's press conference in defense of the Vital Statistics Unit. Peyrefitte made it very clear that the staff of 27 was undersized, and overwhelmed - but he stressed, they were also highly productive:

How Vital Stats Has Minimized Mass Fraud
And while they have to produce copious documents - the system - according to Peyreffite has to remain very tightly managed to avoid the type of mass fraud that gave rise to players like Rafic Labboun - who got the birth paper for Wilhelm Dyck from Shipyard, and Rajesh Ouelette who got the birth paper of William Mason from Crooked Tree to become the notorious Danny Mason. They used those bogus birth papers to get all manner of documents, form social security, to drivers' license, to passports.

Computerizing Records, Cost and Risk
And Peyrefitte says the ultimate solution to security and efficiency is a fully computerized system, But security vulnerabilities can arise with any computerized database:

Channel 5

Teenage Inmate is Killed as He Attempts to Escape from Prison
This morning an inmate at the Belize Central Prison was shot after scaling the perimeter fence of the prison in an attempt to escape. Nineteen-year-old Kevin Moore was on remand [...]

Mother of Survives Vicious Attack by Ex-Common-Law Husband
There was an attempted murder by stabbing of a woman on Sunday night. The victim is twenty-nine-year-old Alba Chavez and the culprit is said to be her ex-common-law husband, Jose [...]

Shakira Young Speaks Out on the Heartbreaking Outcome of Her Son’s Murder Case
The killing of Tyler Savery and his cousin Porshan Pipersburgh numbed the nation. The young primary school child was being taken for a smoothie when he was executed on Daly [...]

U.D.P. Senator is Detained in the U.S. for Questioning by the F.T.C.
There is word tonight that U.D.P. Senator Aldo Salazar is in trouble with U.S. authorities. Last week, Salazar was part of a delegation to Taiwan which included the President of [...]

Belizean Flag is Removed by Guats from Sarstoon Island
The Sarstoon remains a hotspot in southern Belize because the Guatemalan Armed Forces has consistently behaved as if the entire island is under their control.  Now, today is the anniversary [...]

Chief Elections Officer Meets the Press Ahead of I.C.J. Referendum
The controversial, but historic I.C.J. referendum is one week away and across the country the gears of the Elections and Boundaries machinery are already in motion with final preparations for [...]

72% of Voters Registered When Compared to Previous Voters Roll
While voting will be take place at voting centres in the thirty-one constituencies, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai reiterates that the results will not reflect votes by electoral district.  Instead, [...]

Elections & Boundaries Clears Up Misprinted Voters IDs
The issue of errors being made during the printing of voters IDs was also raised during today’s press brief.  Those mistakes were being attributed to the rush to meet the [...]

Chief Elections Officer Ensures Transparency in Referendum
Are there any discrepancies between the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Act and the Representation of the People’s Act where monitors are concerned?  According to Tamai, the referendum should be carried [...]

Attorney Andrew Bennett Continues His Fight to Remain in Belize
Embattled attorney Andrew Bennett, who is fighting tooth and nail to remain in Belize, following an extradition request by the United States government, was back in court today.  He is [...]

Will Extradition Case Against Andy Bennett Fall Apart in Court?
Allegations made against Bennett include his purported role in establishing a money laundering operation with the aid of high-level bankers and politicians in Belize, on behalf of drug trafficking organizations.  [...]

G.O.B. Moves Full Steam Ahead with May 8th I.C.J. Referendum
The government is moving full steam ahead with the May eighth I.C.J. referendum despite related legal challenges before the courts. The People’s United Party is essentially challenging the constitutionality of [...]

Danny Mason Back in Court; Seeking Attorney
The last time we reported on accused murderer, Danny Mason, was on the adjournment of his case back on March twenty-second. The case was deferred to give him time to [...]

Police Officer Charged for Harm
In court this morning, twenty-five-year-old Leon Bradley, a police officer of Gardenia Village, Phillip Goldson Highway, was arraigned before Magistrate Emmerson Banner.  At his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to [...]

Malique Stuart is Attacked and Stabbed in Majestic Alley
Twenty-three-year-old Malique Stuart remains hospitalized at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following an incident on Monday evening during which he was stabbed several times to the body.  Sometime around four [...]

No More Fishing License for Permanent Residents
Two weeks ago, Cabinet approved an amendment to the Fisheries Regulations which removes the category of “permanent residents” from those persons eligible in obtaining a fishing license in Belize’s territorial [...]

Principal Maria Johnston Accused of ‘Degrading’ and ‘Bullying’ Female Teacher
The Principal of Muffles College High School Maria Johnston is in the hot seat once again tonight. Johnston has been in the middle of a controversy at the high school. [...]

UNICEF Trains the Media on Children’s Rights
Media houses were treated over the weekend to a workshop on best practices to report on children’s right which includes their rights to privacy, education, and healthcare. Getting their stories [...]

40% of Belize’s Children Suffer From Poverty
Approximately forty percent of children in Belize suffer from poverty, preventing them from accessing education, justice, security, and health. This figure was revealed during the UNICEF mid-term report on Monday. [...]

Agric 2019: the Sights and Sounds
The number of visitors to this year’s agric was down this year. Still yet, there were the usual activities such as the rodeo and the promotion by businesses. The agricultural [...]

Belize National Team Cricket Team Victorious!
The Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA) wishes to inform the general public that the Belize National Team won the Central American Championships (CAC) tournament in Mexico City April 25-28. Team Belize defeated Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica and loss to MCC during the regular games. In the heated and exciting championship game, Team Belize defeated MCC. MCC batted 137 runs and Team Belize scored 138 in the nineteenth over. The games against the Central American countries and the championship game were official T20Is matches. That means that the games are recognized by the International Council for Cricket (ICC) and the stats on them are available online.

Amandala

PM Barrow’s big ICJ referendum gamble
On Wednesday, May 8, the International Court of Justice Referendum that the protocol to the Special Agreement triggers, will take place under the new law, the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum Act, which Prime Minister Dean Barrow rushed through in a single sitting of the House of Representatives and which was subsequently passed by the Senate and became law when the Governor General signed it. Next Wednesday’s ICJ referendum, however, will be held against the backdrop of a major constitutional challenge by five parliamentarians of the Opposition, People’s United Party (PUP) and a PUP standard bearer.

Attorney General Addresses the Media about the Vital Statistics Unit
After months of public criticism and demonstrations condemning the unsatisfactory work of the Vital Statistics Unit, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Hon. Michael Peyrefitte has addressed the media on what he considers to be the real sources of the problems. While accompanied by the Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics as well as the Deed Poll and Corrections Clerk, Hon. Peyrefitte highlighted an extensive list of reasons why some Belizeans find coming to the Vital Statistics Unit to be unpleasant and ineffective.

3 more lives claimed by the dangerous San Antonio Bridge in Orange Walk
Six months after Belize Defence Force staff sergeant, Francisco Paquil, drowned after his pickup fell off the dangerous San Antonio Bridge into the Rio Hondo River, the river has claimed three more lives. Paquil was driving over the bridge, going from Orange Walk Town to San Francisco Botes, Mexico, on the night of Saturday October 13, 2018, when his vehicle went over the bridge.

Punta Gorda man murdered in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Hakeem Arzu, 24, a Punta Gorda laborer, was found dead on a side road in the town of Playa Del Carmen, in Mexico, on Saturday morning, April 27. There were gunshot wounds in his head and body. According to Mexican news sources, Arzu’s body was found along with those of two men and a woman, who had also been killed.

Constitutional challenge of government’s “appropriation bills” begins in court
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño, Orange Walk Central area representative; and the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Julius Espat, Cayo South area representative, filed a claim against Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Financial Secretary, Joseph Waight, for spending some 1.3 billion dollars without parliamentary approval. The monies were spent using appropriation bills and were only brought to Parliament for approval after the monies were spent.

Commissioner of Police’s action was personal attack on Corporal Eldon Arzu, CFPWA says
Since assuming the office of Commissioner of Police earlier this year, Commissioner Chester Williams and the Belize Police Association have been at loggerheads, after Williams came up with a Statutory Instrument, which placed a two-year limit on the term an officer can serve as the president of the Belize Police Association. Today, the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Association (CFPWA) came out swinging in a press release which characterized the actions of Commissioner Williams as a personal attack on Corporal Eldon Arzu, who was recently elected as president of the Belize Police Association.

Road teams strike first in best-of-3 NEBL semi-finals; must-win games for Griga & Verdes this weekend
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) tipped off its playoffs this past weekend with Games 1 in best-of-three games semi-finals series. This weekend will witness two must-win games to push the series to a third and deciding game. The 2 winners will then advance to a best-of-five series for the finals. Hurricanes stuns Verdes with Rene’s game-winning 3-point shot.

National Women’s League Quarterfinals 1st leg results
The National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) home-and-away Quarterfinals kicked off with 1st leg encounters over the weekend, where the top 4 teams from the North were matched against the top 4 teams from the South group. North seed #1 (N#1) was matched against South seed #4 (S#4); N#2 vs S#3; N#3 vs S#2; and N#4 vs S#1. Two 1st leg games were played on Saturday, April 27, and 2 on Sunday, April 28.

RIP Freddie G., a beloved friend and sportsman
RIP Freddie G., my friend and classmate from the (SJC) Class of ‘73 and my first assistant coach with Happy Home Builders in 1979. Four decades ago, when I came home from college, I approached my classmate, Fred Gabourel, and told him my plans to bring out a team of mostly junior players from “da Hood” and asked him what he thought about It? In typical Freddie G. fashion, he replied,” F —-, le’s-go aata dehn r___s”, And the rest is history! Fred went to ROGERS STADIUM, and then went on to become the BEST MENTOR for almost all our young developing basketball players of the 80’s, 90’s and early 21st century!

Road teams, Bandits and Pirates gain 1st leg victories in PLB semifinals
Both 1st leg games in the home-and-away semifinals of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season kicked off at the same time (4:00 p.m.) yesterday afternoon, and in both games it was the “road” team coming away with a victory by a 1-goal margin. With road victories a frequent occurrence in this highly competitive Closing Season, 1 goal is not much of a cushion, so both 2nd leg games should see a massive turnout of home fans, as each series winner advances to the finals, and the losers “go home.”

Labor Day is a celebration of Unionism
On Wednesday, May 1, most of the world will be celebrating, honoring the working class, persons who work for wages. This day is set aside by governments, annually, to show appreciation for the indispensable contribution of persons who hire out their time and talents to others. Work makes the world go around. In the Christian Bible, in the Old Testament, we learned that God worked six days to create the world. In 2 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul said that a man who doesn’t work shouldn’t eat. The Bahai’s say that work is giving praise to God, that it is worship. The Muslims describe work as a glorious deed.

Some of us NEED government, Minister
In just a few words at the opening ceremonies of the National Agriculture and Trade Show on Friday, April 26, Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse, explained a whole lot about his view of the world. This is a very talented man who appears to not have much patience with the underachieving people of the tribes he genetically came from. Godwin Hulse definitely has European ancestry, but if he were living in a racist country they would call him African (Kriol, Garinagu), and Mayan.

Lawrence Vernon discusses UBAD history
After being born as the United Black Culture Association at a lecture on Black History given by Evan Hyde at the Bliss Institute in September 1968, the United Black Association for Development (U.B.A.D.) on February 9, 1969 adopted a constitution and elected officers. Its aims were described as “cultural” and “educational”; and several public meetings were held in Belize City and the towns in an effort to gain support. Along with UBAD there sprang up a similar organization called the People’s Action Committee (PAC), whose main aim and objective was “the changing of a corrupt and oppressive system to a system which ensured freedom, justice and equality for all.” While UBAD emphasized the cultural aspect of the struggle, PAC emphasized the political.

Ministry of National Security’s “Mickey Mouse” press release on GAF aggression
The Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) has been aggressing Belizeans and violating the country’s territorial integrity in the Sarstoon River for a number of years now. In fact, it has been documented since 2002, that the GAF has been continuously violating the rights of Belizeans, both military and civilians, during terms of both People’s United Party (PUP) and United Democratic Party (UDP) governments. Between the period at the end of the Said Musa-led People’s United Party administration and the period approaching the second year of the Dean Barrow-led UDP administration, the GAF has been incrementally stepping up their aggression in the Sarstoon area, and there has been practically no resistance from two of the key government ministries, National Security and Foreign Affairs.

Jayear Flores acquitted of double murder
Jayear Flores, 20, stood at the entrance to the cell block at the Magistrate’s Court this afternoon with a worried look on his face. He had just been acquitted of double murder and he and members of his family feared reprisals from members of the family of the deceased. Flores was put into a taxi that drove him away, presumably to safety. Flores was freed of charges for the murders of 22-year-old Porshan Pipersburgh and his 7-year-old cousin, Tyler Savery, who were gunned down on November 11, 2016, on Daly Street. Pipersburgh was riding a bicycle with Tyler on the handle.

Laborer charged with theft of Belize City Council money
Degron Joseph, 20, a laborer of 4551 Youth for The Future Drive, who allegedly stole $920, the property of the Belize City Council, was charged with theft when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. Joseph pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was released on a bail of $1,000 and his case was adjourned until June 18. The incident occurred about 9:20 p.m. on April 13. Michael Craig, a special constable attached to the Belize City Council, reported that he was on West Collet Canal Street with a purse for the Belize City Council which contained $920 and two receipt book.

American tourist dies in San Pedro
Lora Brook Peterson, 68, an American tourist from Wisconsin, United States, who was vacationing in San Pedro along with her family, reportedly died of natural causes in San Pedro while snorkeling along with her family at about 10:00 yesterday morning. Peterson was along with family members while snorkeling in the Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve located in Northern San Pedro, when she began to suffer difficulties and went into cardiac arrest.

The Reporter

A Mother’s Outrage & Pain As Accused Murderer Walks Free
Shakera Young, mother of Tyler Savery, told the Reporter that the acquittal of the man accused of murdering her son was like having him killed all over again. She spoke to us about what happens next in her life, now that justice has been denied to her son because of a system she says failed her.

Aggressive Guats On The Sarstoon & On Sarstoon Island
The Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) today reportedly removed a Belizean Flag that a group of Belizeans had placed on Sarstoon Island this morning. Nancy Marin, who leads the Belize People’s Front, reportedly led an expedition to Sarstoon Island in commemoration of the signing of the April 30th, 1859 Belize Guatemala Border Treaty.

Cyclist Disqualified & Fined, Holy Saturday Race Cheating
The Reporter has been able to confirm that an amended list of Cross Country Cycling Classic finishers has been disseminated, and Wasani Castro, originally in 12th place, has been taken off that list.

Attempted Escape At Colby Prison, Inmate Shot
An inmate at the prison was shot and has died, sources have confirmed that Kevin Moore was on remand at the Belize Central Prison for Aggravated Assault, was shot by prison guards while attempting to escape.

Breaking Belize News

Inmate Kevin Moore dies after being shot while attempting to escape
Nineteen-year-old Kevin Moore, a recent inmate of the Belize Central Prison died today after he […]

Transport Minister meets with bus association to discuss urgent concerns
Minister of Transport Edmond Castro today met with members of the Belizean Bus Association to discuss […]

Maskall villager stabbed in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred yesterday around 3:45 p.m. in Belize City. […]

Department of the Environment reminds that burning garbage is prohibited
The Department of the Environment (DOE) issued a statement reminding the public that the burning of […]

“Canceling fishing licenses only the beginning,” says NGO Senator
Senator Representing the Trade Unions, Osmany Salas, said that the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organizations […]

Ministry of National Security issues statement on Belizean flag removed from Sarstoon Island
The Ministry of National Security issued a statement minutes ago confirming that it is aware […]

The fight over supplementary appropriations continues
The fate of over a billion dollars rests with the Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, who […]

Belize Peace Movement marks anniversary of 1859 treaty
The Belize Peace Movement (BPM) today, commemorated the 160th anniversary of the signing of the […]

Mason bringing out bigs guns, will bring in an international lawyer
Accused murderer William “Danny” Mason, has declared that he will be importing a lawyer to […]

US oil sanctions imposed on Venezuela as crisis escalate
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, US oil sanctions imposed on Venezuela to block the country’s […]

Team Tech Monkeys takes Agric Canoe Race
Team Tech Monkeys took first place in the annual Happy Cow – National Agriculture & […]

GOB announces the end of fisheries licenses for Guatemalans
Keeping with an announcement made last week, the government of Belize announced yesterday that Guatemalans […]

Cost of living protest coming to Belize City
The activist group Belize Leaders for Social Justice, is calling on concerned Belizeans to stand […]

Belize plans Competitiveness Month 2019
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce (MITC) through its departments, the Directorate General for […]

Kolbe inmate shot while attempting to escape
Reports to our news desk indicate that an inmate of the Belize Central Prison is […]

Southern Environmental Organization (SEA) expresses support for the Fisheries resources bill
Over the past three years, Southern Environmental Organization (SEA) rangers have arrested and charged 12 […]

Five vessels escape capture for illegal fishing in marine reserve
A joint night patrol conducted last night by officers of the Southern Environmental Association (SEA), […]

Minor reported missing in Santa Elena
Odilia Baldera, 45, of the Trapiche area in Santa Elena town reported to police that […]

Police seize 22 parcels of marijuana in San Pedro Airstrip
On Saturday afternoon, San Pedro police seized 22 parcels of cannabis at the Tropic Air […]

Wasani Castro fined for holding onto service vehicle during Holy Saturday Cycling Race
A video went viral on social media on Holy Saturday showing a cyclist holding onto […]

LOVE FM

Will Andrew Bennett be extradited?
Today, Andrew Bennett, (VO ANDREW BENNETT) who is fighting an extradition, appeared once again before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser, along with his attorney, Anthony Sylvestre. Bennett, who is an attorney at law, is wanted by the US authorities on money laundering charges but has maintained his innocence. After this morning’s court hearing, Sylvestre spoke with …

Mother devastated because the system failed her
7-year-old Tyler Savery was gunned down in November 2016 and any hopes of seeing his perpetrator brought to justice was shattered yesterday when 21-year-old, Jayear Flores walked free from a double murder charge for the murder of Tyler and Porshan Pipersburgh. Tyler was Shakera Young’s only child and today she told the media that she …

Guatemalan’s Remove BPF’s Belize Flag from Sarstoon Island
The Benque border with Melchor is usually heavily trafficked by Guatemalan students who cross the border to attend classes in Belize. Commerce also keeps the steady flow of traffic between the two countries in an organized and friendly manner as most border towns tend to be. However, in Toledo, the opposite is true. The Sarstoon …

Election & Boundaries prepares for referendum
The country of Belize has been divided as to whether or not to take the Belize-Guatemala dispute to the International Court of Justice, ICJ, for final resolution. The governing party and the opposition have both publicly and passionately stated their position. The opposition went even further by convincing the court to grant an injunction postponing …

19 year old dies trying to break out of prison
Shots rang out at the prison this morning, followed by a lockdown following an incident involving 19 year old Kevin Moore. Moore was admitted into the prison on a charge of aggravated assault. He was remanded at the Belize Central Prison. His next court appearance was scheduled for May 15 but it will not occur …

Belize’s Cricket Champs in Mexico
When you think of Belize and sports, basketball and football are the first two athletic events that come to mind as our national pastimes. There are those who follow softball and track and field. But one particular sport we only hear about at the village level is cricket. But in Belize Rural North crickets are …

Degron Joseph charge with theft
20-year-old, Degron Joseph appeared before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where he was charged with theft. Joseph pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $1,000 plus one surety. It is alleged that on April 13, 2019, he stole from Special Constable, Michael Craig a bag containing nine hundred and twenty dollars, and …

Leo Bradley charge with harm
25-year-old, Leon Bradley, a Police officer of Gardenia Village, Belize District, appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner where he was charged with harm in relation to his 20-year-old girlfriend. Bradley pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of five hundred dollars. It was reported that Bradley punched his girlfriend in the face when …

Villager stabbed in Belize City
People from villages and other districts tend to have a fear of Belize City because of the murder rate per capita that’s often highlighted on the local news. While the fears are generally unfounded, a man from Maskall Village has ample reasons to believe it’s true. On Monday At 3:45 p.m., 23 year old Malique …

Blogs

We Listed the Best Things to Do in Harvest Caye, Belize
Harvest Caye (pronounced “key”), is a private island located in southern Belize, just five miles off the shore of Placencia. It is a 75-acre island with something for everyone and easy access to the mainland. With everything from eco-tourism, relaxation, water sports, and adventure, you are sure to enjoy this new cruise ship destination. In 2017, Harvest Caye was voted best new cruise port in the Caribbean by Porthole Cruise Magazine. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Harvest Caye is not designed as a typical, cruise ship-owned, private island. Norwegian partnered with the country of Belize to develop Harvest Caye as a hub to explore Belize. Walk, or take a golf cart, along the canopied pier into Harvest Caye for many activities.

Labor Day in Belize
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Belize as well as in many other countries, the Labour Day holiday will be held to honor workers. From time to time, we hear about employee-employer issues, but there are countless other cases that are not broadcast. Some issues may be minor infractions and others may be huge offenses that end up in litigation. Well, the Labour Department says they are reaching out to the public to inform them about labour regulations as it relates to their rights and the rights of the employers. And they are also targeting employers with services offered through their employment unit.

International Sources

Protecting Jaguars Across Borders
When big cats cross from one country into another, they can fall victim to wildlife traffickers, drug cartels, highways and more emerging threats. In early April the mutilated body of a jaguar was discovered in Mexico’s Yaxchilán Natural Monument. Researchers investigating the death quickly concluded that the animal, which had been tracked in neighboring Guatemala since 2015, had crossed the border and fallen prey to wildlife traffickers, who may have taken its head for sale on the black market. Deaths like this, when a jaguar crossed the border from a protected area into a different country, may have something to do with the big cats’ plummeting populations, experts worry. “The males have to move across long distances and sometimes go outside of reserves or protected areas to buffer zones and areas populated by people,” says Rony García-Anleu, director of the biological research department for the Wildlife Conservation Society in Guatemala.

Jamaica institutes water rationing
The National Water Commission (NWC) says it will be implementing water restrictions for sections of the Corporate Area as of Monday as it indicated that several of its water supply systems across the island are being affected by worsening drought conditions. The NWC said that as of last Thursday, the Mona Reservoir was at 34.7 per cent of capacity and the Hermitage Dam was at 31.4 per cent. It said that the six hour water restrictions daily would affect several communities served by the two reservoirs and that it is also customers to store water as necessary for use.

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