May 19, 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 Pirates are Champions of the Premier League of Belize
Congratulations San Pedro Pirates Football Club! With a 2-0 score in the 2nd and final game, and a 2-1 aggregate score, they are the 2019 Closing Season Champions of the Premier League of Belize!!

San Pedro Tour Operators Association hosts BTB at General Meeting
On Wednesday, May 15th, the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) held their General Meeting at the Sunbreeze Hotel in San Pedro Town to discuss projects and various issues affecting their business. The meeting was also attended by members of the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), who addressed issues brought up by members of the SPTOA. Most topics brought up focused on law enforcement, prosecution of violators, licensing and assistance on local destination projects.

BETEX 2019 takes tourism professionals on the road
Last week 29 professionals from 25 travel companies across the globe journeyed to Belize to participate in the Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX) 2019 Travel Trade Show. Sponsored by the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and Tropic Air Belize, the expo engaged the group of travel buyers in an adventure across Belize to enjoy cultural rhythms and food in key destinations, experience the country’s natural attractions and activities, network one-on-one with the people, engage in business conversations during three sessions of scheduled meetings, participate in site inspections, and much more.

Misc Belizean Sources

Tiger Sharks Win Game 1!
San Pedro Tiger Sharks have won the first game of the 2019 NEBL finals against defending champion Mirage/Smart Belize Hurricanes 87-70. The next champion will be determined after a Best-Out-of-5 game series.

When does Belize's rainy season start?
I usually quote the beginning of the wet season as being typically around the last week in May. But that can very by up to a week or two, earlier or later. But also, frequently there is a dry period after the official rainy season has started. The start of the Rainy season is defined as: "One criterion for the onset of the rainy season is two consecutive days of rainfall accumulation of 30 mm or more, and four of the following seven days are rain days of 1 mm rainfall or more." Or put simpler, over 31mm ( 1¼") Rain in a Week, and 6 of the 9 days are rain days, > 1mm.

Village Council Elections for our Corozal Southeast Constituency
This will begin on June 9th, 2019 - July 7th, 2019. Please find below the dates and venues for each village.

East Indian Heritage Fair
Happening Today Sunday, May 19th at Round House - Miami Beach.

Cuba-Belize Scholarship Program

Channel 5

Belize Police Department Issues Statement in Relation to the Killing of Ana Villanueva
The Belize Police Department takes this opportunity to address the public concern regarding the death of Ms Ana Villanueva and the subsequent charging of Ms. Zena Armstrong with the Crime of Manslaughter. While we appreciate the family and public’s outcry in respect to the charge levied against Ms Armstrong, the charge was proffered after consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution where the evidence obtained by the police up to that time, was presented..."

Belama Resident Shot
Belize City police are investigating a shooting incident that left 18-year-old William Lewis hospitalized. It happened after 10 o'clock last night in Belama Phase 2. According to reports, Lewis was with some friends at his residence when an unknown person, coming from the back of the house, approached the group and began firing shots. The men ran while the attacker kept on firing. Williams was shot twice. He was taken to the hospital where he is listed in a critical but stable condition. At the scene, investigators found five expended shells.

Murder in Teakettle Village
34-year-old Clifford Anthony Matute was murdered after midnight today. According to reports, Matute was fatally shot while in Teakettle Village, Cayo. He was shot to the head, shoulder, chest and lower body. Matute was at home on his verandah when two men on a motorcycle appeared. One of the men pulled out a sawed-off shotgun and shot at Matute. Matute jumped off from the verandah and ran to the back of his house. He was pursued and shot. He was pronounced dead on arrival at 2:23 a.m.

The Reporter

A Violent Friday Night – 4 People Shot, Including A Minor
Sometimes it seems like the devils and demons that cause these shootings take a brake from the maddening gun violence, and there are some weekends with little or no violence, and then there are those weekends that begins in a way that seems like the ‘violence demons’ came up from hell and seeped into Belize.

Breaking Belize News

San Pedro Pirates stuns Bandits; wins first Premier League football championship
With less than 45 minutes left in the closing season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB), homestanding San Pedro Pirates and the defending champion Belmopan Bandits were locked at zero goals a-piece at the Ambergris Stadium. With a 1-0 loss to the Bandits last week, the Pirates were in danger of falling short, losing the PLB Closing Season with an aggregate goal score of 1-0.

Belizean Organization for Solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution hosts session on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela
oday, the Belizean Organization for Solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution (BELVEN), held an information session in Belmopan with various non-governmental organizations and community activist groups, to share information about the ongoing crisis in Venezuela that has not been widely reported by international media.

Are you ready for the Belize Chocolate Festival 2019?
Chocolate lovers are eagerly awaiting the Commonwealth Holiday Weekend for the 2019 installment of Belize’s Chocolate Festival, held annually in southern Belize. The one-of-a-kind Belizean experience takes place from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, with a series of events all geared towards showcasing the best in Belizean chocolate products.

“Attorney was framed. Will not be charged,” says ComPol
A well-known attorney was detained by police yesterday, having been found with unlicensed ammunition; however, Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Chester Williams has concluded that the attorney was set up and therefore will not be charged.

2 Belize City men shot
Authorities are investigating a second shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize City. According to reports, William Nicodemus Lewis,18, and Raheem Stain,23, were socializing with a group of friends in Belama Phase 2 when a man approached and began to chase them while firing shots towards their direction.

Belize City Police: Shooting incident leaves 2 in critical condition
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night around 7 in Belize City. According to police, Raymond Fuller,21, was standing at the entrance door of One Plus One Supermarket on Central American Boulevard when a man riding a bicycle approached and fired several shots at Fuller.

Woman robbed of over $1,000 in items
Authorities are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on May 16, 2019. According to reports, Susy Lin,25, told police that around 8:40 pm, she was walking on Newtown Barracks, Belize City en route to work when she was approached by one man.

Police: Teakettle resident murdered at his home
Authorities are investigating the murder of a Teakettle resident that occurred around 12:30 am today. According to reports, police were called to a home in Teakettle Village, Cayo where they saw the body of Clifford Anthony Matute,34, with gunshot wounds.

Police arrest and detain man who had been on the run for 3 years
Police have been seeking Lincoln Bejerano for 3 years after he escaped from police custody in Belmopan in October 2016.

11-year-old minor in stable condition after being shot in the face
An 11-year-old minor was shot in the face last night. According to reports, the minor and a 21-year old man were shot while they were walking on Central American Boulevard in Belize City.

Belizeans among those busted for illegal entry into the USA
According to the United States Border Patrol Agents, some Belizeans were part of a large group of people who were captured trying to enter the US illegally this week.

Bi-Partisan committee charts the way to the ICJ
On May 8, 2019, Belizeans voted in favor of taking Guatemala’s long-standing claim on Belize’s territory to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final settlement.

No closure for family of Anny Young
Months after the disappearance of Belize City resident, Anisha ‘Anny’ Young, the family still has not gotten closure. Young went missing on December 8, 2018, and her family has not heard anything from her since then.

Government CEO’s hold 4th annual cancer ride
Today, the Chief executive Officers (CEO) Caucus of the Government of Belize is hosting its fourth annual cancer ride along the George Price Highway.

Blogs

Follow Cupid to Belize, the Romance Capital of the Caribbean
There’s a place designed for lovers that has no equal and it’s just a couple of hours by plane from the U.S.A and Canada.: Belize. Everyone speaks romance. Your dollar stretches further than a bridal garter. And since Belize’s network of resorts is committed to your privacy, you two don’t have to see another soul once you check into your accommodations. Whether you decide to book an accommodation in a treehouse, within a forest or on the beach, Belize resorts cater to so many couples, lodgings are designed with love in mind.

International Sources

CrocFest 2019
The CRC is excited to be one of the recipients of this year’s CrocFest for our work with the American Crocodile, particularly as we move forward with leading the country wide American crocodile population survey in Belize! Saturday June 9 in Miami.

Videos

May 18, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Ambergris Caye and the region once again threatened by Sargassum bloom
On Ambergris Caye, one of the areas frequented by tourist is the Boca del Rio strip and has become inundated with Sargassum making it unattractive and affecting all business establishments located on this stretch of beach. The mounds of decaying seaweed are causing a dent in the economy for the restaurants and bars along the beach. The stench of the Sargassum has led many visitors away from the eastern beaches of the island, where the problem grows every day with fresh seaweed arriving every night.

Caye Caulker’s Ocean Academy students win 2019 MOE Youth Innovative Challenge
Caye Caulker’s Ocean Academy (OA) won the 2019 Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Youth Innovation Challenge competition on Thursday, May 9th in Belize City. OA’s students Preston Smith, Lupita Aldana, Daniela Novelo, Alejandro Arias-Perez, and Vincent Sotz, along with their mentor Janel Cayetano, competed against 14 other high schools from around the country at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, placing first at the end of the competition with their financial literacy mobile application.

SPHS students participate in educational workshop with Our World Project
Long-time island visitors Larry and Debbie Heimgartner hosted a workshop to discuss social issues affecting the island community on Wednesday, May 15th at the San Pedro High School (SPHS). The workshop is part of their Our World Project, and a group of students from first form participated in the activity that included two plays portraying real-time events that can be associated with life on Ambergris Caye. Assisting the Heimgartners were SPHS counselor Alexis Guerrero, English actress Sarah Mackenzie, and island resident Natasha Stuart.

Belize appoints Agents for ICJ and amends 1992 Maritime Areas Act
After a majority of Belizeans authorized the Government of Belize (GOB) to submit the Guatemalan territorial claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by voting ‘Yes’ at the May 8th territorial referendum, two Belizean Agents have been selected to represent the country at this world court. Former Ambassador and Minister of Foreign Affairs Assad Shoman has been assigned as the Agent, while current Ambassador to Guatemala His Excellency Alexis Rosado will be the Co-Agent.

Ambergris Today

Prices For Costa Maya Tickets Announced
The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival committee is working arduously to bring to its audience an exuberant three-day event as it is celebrating its 27th anniversary from July 26 to July 28. After its grand announcement for international night featuring international artists Becky G, people have gone wild wanting to know more about this year’s festival. Mr. Horacio Guerrero was on Reef TV on Friday, May 17, 2019 and had some updates on the festival and pricing of tickets.

Misc Belizean Sources

Happy Teachers' Day
Courtesy of Retired School Teacher "Maestro" David Acosta of Corozal - " Happy Teachers' Day to all my friends and by extension to all Teachers. The first Teachers' Day was celebrated in Corozal by the Corozal Rural Branch of the BNTU in Libertad on 15th May, 1982 at a General Meeting of the Branch for that purpose. BNTU Corozal Rural was born in 1980 - 1981, when it broke away from the Corozal Branch. Now we have Corozal Town Branch and Corozal Rural Branch. Not all Rural Schools in Corozal belong to the Corozal Rural Branch because at the time, they chose to remain with the Corozal Town Branch. Rural's first Branch President was Asterio Ortega who, in 1984, stepped down when he entered politics.

International Museum Day Celebration
Am amazing International Museum Day celebration engaging with students and the community. We all learned Yucatec Maya thanks to the incredible people of To'one Masehualoon. Miss Adela Pederson, Adan Palomo, Faustino Yam and Roy Rodriguez comprise this NGO who work tirelessly to promote and preserve the Yucatec Maya culture. Today we had 8 primary school classes in attendance as well as interested community members. Thank you to each and everyone who attended the language sessions. Ma'alob K'in!!

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting (Part 1 of Accounting Series)
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. Presented by: Mr. Jorge Gentle, Business Adviser, SBDCBelize, Beltraide. Location: Punta Gorda Town Council. Workshop Date: May 23rd, 2019. Time: 9am to 3pm. Cost: $60.00, Includes lunch and refreshments.

New Toolkit to Access the Green Climate Fund in Belize to be Launched in June
A “Toolkit for the Green Climate Fund’s National Designated Authority in Belize” will be launched by the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP) in late June 2019. The toolkit was designed to help organisations in Belize understand and access “climate finance”. The toolkit will also provide guidance to the Ministry in the undertaking of its roles and responsibilities as the country’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The NDA will be supported by the Belize National Climate Change Committee (BNCCC). Additionally, the toolkit will be used as a general awareness-raising tool that covers the GCF operational modalities amongst key national stakeholders.

Sarteneja Fisher Fair 2019
SACD is once more very happy to invite the general public to the "Sarteneja Fisher Fair 2019" which will also mark the inauguration of the 2019 Fisher Month that is nationally celebrated every year in June. This year we are partnering with the Sarteneja Regatta Working Crew to host the arrival of the "BTB Love Sea Challenge" in Sarteneja. SACD takes pride in recognizing the traditional fishers of CBWS and their efforts to adopt sustainable mechanisms for their fishery resources. when? Sunday, May 26, 2019! where? Sarteneja Village Almendro Park! Time? Starting at 10am.... DON'T MISS OUT!

CRC Crocodile Rick patch
The CRC Croc Ambassador Rick got his name from the popular TV show Rick and Morty. Recently some friends helped us immortalize him by the creation of this awesome patch! This CRC Crocodile Rick patch, as well as some other apparel, will soon be available to purchase to raise funds to support crocodile conservation projects in Belize. So stay tuned for updates on their release for purchase! *Anybody see the resemblance?"

FCD gets BATSUB Donations
Today, BATSUB and the British High Commission in Belize presented FCD with ranger gears and equipment, essential to operate in Chiquibul. We highly appreciate the support.

Channel 7

Attorney Found with Unlicensed Ammo, COMPOL Says He Was Set Up
Yesterday we showed you the dramatic scene on the Faber's Road when 6 police vehicles sprang into action to block the road - and stop a well known attorney's vehicle in its tracks.  They held it there for an hour as they painstakingly searched the vehicle.  We have since learned that they found 5 rounds of 9MM ammunition - but the attorney has not and will not be charged. The commissioner told us why: Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "Basically the police had received information and we acted on information and it goes to show that for us, it does not matter against who the information is, once we have information that we believe is credible, we are going to act..."

PUP Will Vote For Maritime Areas Act Repeal
Yesterday, we showed you our interview with PUP's Julius Espat, who said that in next Monday's House Meeting, he was prepared to support the Government Maritime Areas Amendment Bill. It's on the checklist of priority objectives to complete before Belize's goes to the ICJ to challenge Guatemala's territorial claim. Espat explained that the electorate has spoken in last week Wednesday's referendum, and that as a servant of the people, he must respect their wishes. So, we wondered what his fellow PUP parliamentarians intended to do when this bill was tabled. The Opposition had a parliamentary caucus meeting to discuss just that today, and after a 2-hour session, Leader John Briceno took a few questions from the waiting press on the consensus they've reached. He said that his party will support the amendment, especially they were already pushing for it:

PUP Agrees to Bi-Partisan Committee on ICJ
And according to Briceno, the UDP government and the Opposition have already agreed to start work together in preparation for the ICJ.  He said that the Prime Minister is proposing to put together a bipartisan committee of 4, which will work closely with Assad Shoman, who was named as Belize's Agent at the International Court of Justice. He explained what this committee's purpose will be, and who he is nominating to represent the PUP on the Committee: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of Opposition: "Well, the Prime Minister has proposed a bipartisan committee of 4, where the government is appoint 2 members, as you all know the foreign minister is the chairman of the committee, along with the attorney general.."

"Agent"� Shoman Calls For Full Opposition Involvement
And on the government side of that expression of bipartisanship, yesterday, the Assad Shoman told us very clearly that the process must fully involve the opposition: H.E. Assan Shoman - Belize's Agent at ICJ: "The video that the leader of the opposition put out the following day, that was a wonderful gesture. Like he said, the people have spoken, so I think that gives the Em Privado if you like of the major opposition party at this time, a major party in the history of Belize..."

Family Distraught, DNA Samples Don't Match Anisha
No match: that's what the results of Anisha Young's DNA test showed â€" and it is shocking to say the least.  Everything had been on a standstill since December after the samples from her grandmother, along with skin tissue and hair that were found on a feeder road in Maskall village were all sent for testing.  Well - according to the family - it turns out they weren't.  Tonight, the family is confused and in disbelief.  If this is, in fact, accurate, the investigation has now been turned upside down and there are way more questions than at the start of the apparent murder mystery.

Espinosa Attorney Speaks
Last night, we told you about Juan Espinosa, the Chilean national who pleaded guilty to preparation for a crime. Police say that he was attempting to steal the banking information of customers of Scotia Bank in at their Belize City and Dangriga ATM branches, which he would have then used to scam money from the bank and those customers. As we told you, police say that they caught him and 2 other South Americans with pieces of equipment that could be used capture the personal information of customers using the bank's ATMs, and its purpose was to steal money. Those 2 others got off that charge, but Espinosa decided after months of fighting it in the Magistrate's Court, that he would accept guilt.

Bejerano Recaptured After Years On the Run
Lincoln Bejerano's 3 years of life on the run ended this morning. The 28 year old escaped from Belmopan police custody in November 2016.  Based on intelligence, police finally caught him this morning at the Benque border. Police believe he had been hiding out in Guatemala all this time. Bejerano will be charged with escape. Now Bejerano is considered a dangerous criminal. He was charged for the 2016 murder of Belmopan taxi man Isidro Suar among other charges. In April 2017, he was also listed as one of 6 Belizeans on Interpol's most wanted list.

COMPOL Speaks on Zayna Charge
Ever since Corozal resident Zayna Armstrong was charged for manslaughter and not murder, there's has been an outcry on social media from her family and friends.  The 20 year old killed 19 year old Ana Villanueva last Sunday night - by stabbing her with a three inch knife right into the heart.   Commissioner Chester Williams is very attuned to that kind of Facebook chatter - and his office issued a statement yesterday.  Today, he explained why the manslaughter charge was laid, and how it could change:

Cop Re-Enlisted
And while that is a public matter that is causing controversy right now - there's another which has gotten far less attention.  That is the re-enlistment of a cop who was accused of killing a youth back in 2005.  It was a huge controversy at the time when 21 year old student Leslie Rogers Jr was gunned down on Euphrates Avenue by Constable Aldo Ayuso. Ayuso was charged for manslaughter a year later, but never went on trial because the charge was withdrawn.  He was re-instated to the police department and then dismissed in 2011. Well, Ayuso is now back in the department and has been for some months now.  And it's raised some grumblings within the rank and file - because he is a cop who killed a civilian - and also because he worked with now Compol Williams in the CIU.  That was a short-lived, but hard charging unit where Williams was the OC.  Today we asked Williams about Ayuso's re-enlistment.  

Asian Family Terrorized By Home Invaders
Imagine coming home to 3 masked armed men on your verandah. That's exactly what happened to a Chinese family early this morning after midnight. Jian Hong Wu, her husband You Qiu Chen and their 13 year old son Jayden Chen had just arrived at their home in the King's Park Area. They were coming from the family restaurant Wong Gock Restaurant. When they got home, the men ordered them inside, tied them up and assaulted all three of them.  Today, the Commissioner told us more: Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "Two Asian descent persons were assaulted and one 9mm pistol was stolen and an undisclosed amount of money. Police have been investigating that matter and we have identified a suspect who we are currently looking for..."

Brother of Murder Victim Busted With Gun
Last night we told you about the arrest of a man whose brother had been killed earlier in the week.   Well tonight, 28 year-old Lindsford Baldwin, a welder of Ebony Street in Belize City known as "MOLE", is at the Belize Central Prison after being taken to court for possession of an unlicensed firearm. At around 6:00 yesterday evening, police saw Baldwin standing on the corner of Ebony Street and Magazine Road, and when Baldwin spotted them, he ran. The cops followed him, and they allegedly saw when he took the gun threw it into an empty lot.

More Than A Game
The eastern Division Youth Basketball Cup tipped off this evening at the Yabra basketball court.  It's a major peace building initiative from the police department featuring 16 neighborhood teams playing for a cash prize over a 6 month season.  Basketball is the game, but it's really about breaking down turf  barriers between rival neighborhoods.  Today, the police commissioner told us more:

Police Will Re-Commit To Youth Cadets
But while police are putting their all into this major effort - we wondered about a less known but equally important community policing initiative:

Brits, Friends of Friends
The British High Commission today donated $25,000 worth of clothing and equipment to Friends for Conservation (FCD). The British High Commissioner Claire Evans invited FCD and the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) to their office in Belmopan for the hand over. This donation will further assist FCD rangers to conduct their patrols and related work in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. In a statement on the British High Commission facebook page it states, QUOTE " The donationcomplementsongoing projectswhich include Protecting the Bio-cultural Landscape and Mitigating Illegal Wildlife Tracking in the Chiquibul."

Assad, The Agent's Mission
As we've been reporting this week, and earlier in this newscast - Assad Shoman has been named the Agent, basically the team captain leading Belize's legal and diplomatic team going to the ICJ.  He's the leading authority on all matters having to do with the claim, and, in an interview yesterday, he outlined his responsibilities as agent:  H.E. Assan Shoman - Belize's Agent at ICJ: "What we have to do is to really manage the case, lead the delegation, deal with the lawyers, brief the lawyers, be briefed by the laws, organize the research..."

Working on An ICJ Timeline
And the first quick move is to notify the ICJ that Belize is submitting to the court, as per the special agreement.  The Registrar of the ICJ has already told Belize - basically - we're just waiting on you. H.E. Assan Shoman - Belize's Agent at ICJ: "This is a note that was sent to us to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from ICJ registrar saying that Guatemala, I believe it was sometime in August if last year. Notified the court that their referendum process has gone and that in effect that their submission of the case. So we have to do that within a month."

Who's On Belize's Legal Team?
And, simultaneously, within that month, Shoman also has to start steering Belize's legal team.  There's been a lot of public speculation about the quality of this team.  Well, it is being led by a firm called Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world.  Shoman told us the names of all who will be on the team: H. E. Assad Shoman-Named Belize's Agent at ICJ: "We took on Freshfields. At the moment the person who is representing Freshfields is Ben Juratowitch QC. He is an Australian, he is the head of the public international law practice at Freshfields..."

The Difference Between Independence and the ICJ
But back in the 70's when Belize was trying to gain independence - there was no top international law firm advising Belize.  It was a homegrown effort led by the PUP government - and Shoman was pivotal figure in what become known as the internationalization of the Belize question.  Belize won her independence without ceding any territory to Guatemala - as the British would have wanted us to do. We asked him to compare the difficult international campaign for Belize's independence and the bitter domestic campaign for a yes to the ICJ:..

How Belize Got From No To Go
And so while he says the ICJ campaign was far easier, for a while there it seemed very unlikely that Belize would get that "yes" to the ICJ.  Shoman gave us his assessment of what he fells tipped the scales of public opinion and voter sentiment in favor of a "Yes": H.E. Assan Shoman - Belize's Agent at ICJ: "When I first came into the picture a few months ago, I saw that on the grounds the No was overpowered and many shared that opinion as well but I also felt that once people know the reality, they will make up their minds the way wisdom takes them. Remember, that that that time there was nobody saying yes. The government was conducting a very sterile campaign not saying yes or no, present the facts, be informed and so on..."

The ICJ, Assad's Final Mission?
So, now that he's gotten a yes - and feels strongly that the case will be successful - will this be Shoman's last mission?  Well, it's complicated: Shoman says that as Agent for the ICJ case, he will not take up a permanent office at the seat of the court in the Hague.  He said he doesn't feel it is necessary.  We note that Guatemala has a full Embassy at the Hague - which is the administrative capital of the Netherlanbds.

Making Sure There's No Oil Spilled
If you follow international news, you have seen how oil spills have devastated countries like neighboring Mexico. The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is considered the largest accidental spill in history. This is just one of countless examples around the world. Belize is fortunate to have not experienced an oil spill and has taken measures through bans and moratoriums to avoid one. But still, the Department of the Environment wants to be prepared just in case. So Belize is hosting a regional workshop on oil spill exercise programs and designs. We stopped by to find out more.

Minister's Message To Teachers
Students all over the country enjoyed a break from school today because it's teachers day, but we would certainly want to think that the teachers had way more fun.  And it would seem that they did based on some of the teacher's facebook posts â€" some teachers went to San Pedro, others went to Hopkins and Placencia to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach away from the stress and demands of the classroom. We spoke to Minister of Education Patrick Faber yesterday and here is what he had to say to all the teachers. vents and activities this month to celebrate education. 

Two Shot, Including 11 Year Old
And we end tonight with bad news.   There was a shooting a few minutes on Central American Boulevard in front of #1 store, which is next to the corner of North Creek.   Reliable reports say that a 21 year old male was short multiple times, in the mid section and legs.  He was rushed to the KHMH, and is reportedly in a critical condition.  And reports also say that an 11 year old boy was also shot tonight - late reports say he was hit in the face.   We'll have more on this on Monday.

Channel 5

Shooting in Belize City
A shooting incident tonight left two persons injured. It happened at around 7 o’clock on Central American Boulevard in Belize City. Reports are that a man and a minor were injured. They were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

DNA Results Are In
DNA samples sent for testing are in. News Five has been informed that the family of 23-year-old Anisha Young has been notified that the results did not match that of Young. The young woman has not been seen or heard from since the morning of December eighth when she vanished after socializing with her boyfriend at a night club. Suspects have been questioned and released. Pieces of hair extensions and skin were found in a shallow grave off the Old Northern Highway in a search conducted by Young’s family.

ComPol Williams Explains Instructions to Release Attorney Without Ammunition Charge
A well-known attorney was pulled over by the Gang Suppression Unit on Faber’s Road on Thursday morning and a search of his vehicle yielded several rounds of unlicensed ammunition.  Ordinarily, [...]

Will Zena Armstrong Face a Murder Charge for the Stabbing Death of Ana Villanueva?
Charges may be upgraded for Zena Armstrong, who was charged earlier this week for the manslaughter of a Corozal teen. In the wake of Sunday’s stabbing death of nineteen-year-old Ana [...]

Home Invasion in King’s Park, Belize City
There was an aggravated burglary in Kings Park in the early hours of this morning. Police were called out to Leslie Street in Belize City where businesswoman Jian Hong Wu [...]

P.U.P. to Support G.O.B.’s Amendments to Maritime Areas Act
On Monday, government will introduce the Maritime Areas Act (Amendment) Bill during a special Sitting of the House of Representatives. In the amendment, the government will claim all of Belize’s [...]

A Bi-Partisan Approach to the I.C.J., Finally
P.U.P. Leader John Briceño confirmed today that the Prime Minister has proposed to appoint a four-member committee as the country moves forward with taking the dispute to the International Court [...]

John Briceño Says P.U.P. Ready for Early Elections
Last Wednesday, the people of Belize voted in favor of taking Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice. For political observers, it’s a nod of approval for the [...]

Julius Espat Says Two More Suits Against GOB are Languishing Before the Courts
Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat has filed separate claims before the Supreme Court against the Government of Belize.  Those lawsuits are in addition to pending litigation in the high [...]

Ministry of Education has Zero Tolerance for Corporal Punishment
Last week, forty-five-year-old teacher Judith Cacho was arraigned for allegedly harming an eight-year-old student. The student, Anthony Adolphus, is accusing Cacho of hitting him in the eye with a ruler [...]

Machakilha Road Being Cleared
Earlier in the month, News Five took you to Machakilha Village, a remote community in Toledo District. The story focused on the hardships of students who have to trek for [...]

BSAG Storms the Old Petrojam Building in Libertad
The Belize Defence Force is in the process of culminating its Belize Special Assignment Group special operator course and today, one of several exercises was carried out by a cohort [...]

EU to Invest 27 Million Euros in Health and Energy in Belize
On Thursday, we reported on the closing of the European Union’s two million Euros funded project in the banana belt. It is one of the many projects that the EU [...]

Diesel Goes Up by Three Cents
If you went to the gas stations today you may have noticed a slight increase in the cost of diesel oil. That increase is because the price for diesel went [...]

Happy Teachers’ Day
Educators across the country are today celebrating Teachers’ Day. In Belize, the day is set aside every year in May to honor and celebrate the contributions of educators at all [...]

Looking at ALL Angles of Cyber Bullying
The Attorney General’s Ministry is working on a piece of legislation that would address cyber-bullying. The government has long since been working on the legislation but it was recently this [...]

C.E.O.s Ride to Fight Cancer
The C.E.O. Caucus Ride is in its fourth year and over one hundred persons have registered for the charity event on Saturday. Since 2016, C.E.O.s in various government ministries have [...]

Eastern Division Youth Basketball Cup 2019 is Launched
Today the Police Department officially launched its Eastern Division Youth Basketball Cup 2019 at the Yarborough Green Basketball Court on south side Belize City. The sports tournament is a community [...]

Amandala

Outrage over Zena’s manslaughter charge
The mother of a 4-year-old child, Zena Armstrong, 19, of Corozal Town, has been charged with manslaughter for the stabbing death of 19-year-old Ana Villanueva, also of Corozal Town. Armstrong was taken to the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where she was arraigned before Magistrate Patricia Arana. Reliable information to us is that when the court asked her why she should be granted bail, she replied that she was the mother of a young child and that this was her first offense.

Andrew Caliz, 47, charged with murder
Andrew Caliz, 47, a businessman of Big Falls, Toledo District, has been arrested and charged with murder for the shooting death of his common-law wife, Francisca Noehemy Duarte Caceres, 31, a domestic of Big Falls. Caliz was also charged for keeping four .380 live rounds for which he did not have a license. He is presently detained and awaits arraignment at the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court as soon as a magistrate is available.

Trigger-happy cop shoots man “for nothing”
A Belize City man who is employed by the Government of Belize visited our newsroom and told us that a police officer shot him in the area of his groin for no reason. The shooting occurred inside his Far West Street home on Sunday, May 12. Vince Martinez was carrying the bloody pair of pants he was wearing when the incident occurred, as well as a police/medico legal form that was filled out by a doctor who classified his injury as harm.

Bus overturns on the Boom Hattieville Road
At about 6:20 this morning, a passenger bus of the Tillett Bus Company of Orange Walk District, which was carrying students, teachers and parents on a tour from Corozal to the Xunantunich Maya Ruin in Cayo District, overturned at the Dumpsite on the Boom Hattieville Road, and as a result several of the passengers suffered varying degrees of injury, which were not considered serious or life-threatening. ASP Alejandro Cowo told us that the bus was traveling from Santa Clara, Corozal District, to Cayo, and while driving through the Boom to Hattieville Road, the driver of the bus began to feel ill, and pulled to the roadside to stop the bus, but he lost control, causing the bus to overturn.

The courtroom-to-prison video live link
Today, the Kolbe Foundation announced a breakthrough they’ve made in handling court adjournments for prisoners on remand. For years, individuals awaiting sentencing for criminal acts have had to be transported to the Magistrate and Supreme courts, only for the cases to be adjourned and the inmates returned to prison by the magistrates and judges because the state is not prepared to proceed with trial. In the case of many, these adjournments occur frequently over the course of several years, much to the inconvenience of the prison, the police and especially the government, who have to provide transportation and security every time an inmate is due in court.

Cabinet approves Maritime Areas Act amendment and appoints Assad Shoman to be Belize’s ICJ agent
On Wednesday, May 8, the majority of Belizeans voted yes in a referendum regarding whether Guatemala’s claim to Belize’s territory should be taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final, binding settlement as part of a process that was triggered by a Special Agreement signed by the leaders of Belize and Guatemala. Last Thursday, following the referendum result, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the government will begin to take the necessary steps for lodging Belize’s case at the ICJ. Amending the Maritime Areas Act, which was employed as a negotiating strategy between Belize and Guatemala in 1992, was among the steps government had planned to implement before Belize files its papers at the ICJ. Yesterday, the Belize cabinet gave its stamp of approval for amending the Maritime Areas Act, which should take place at a special sitting of the House of Representatives on Monday, May 20.

Corozal F.A. crown U15 and U17 champions; U10, U13 and U19 Finals this Sunday at Ricalde Stadium
It is an honor to inform all Corozalenos and fans countrywide of the successful youth tournament held by the Corozal Football Association (CFA) under the auspices of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). Through these past twelve weeks, we have seen the development in each of the players, starting from as early as for the U10 to the U19 category. Many thanks to all the persons that “Believed in the Process;” it is because of you and your contribution, these past weeks have been the best.

Cricket Corner – Easy Does It vs Summer Fever, a Match of the Season
Once again, pleasant time of the day to all! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Harrison Parks 2019 National Cricket Competition continued over the weekend. Thanks to this season’s sponsor, Bowen and Bowen. Saturday morning I got up, wondering which would be the most exciting games to go watch. I perused the schedule and immediately made up my mind to go and enjoy the game featuring Summer Fever vs Easy Does It at Landing.

BBSF Classic & U19 8-Ball Tournament in Belmopan, May 25-26
The Belize Billiards Sport Federation (BBSF) is pleased to announce that it’s having two exciting tournaments simultaneously on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, at Mike’s Cue Club in Belmopan, starting at 9:00 a.m. Tournament #1: BBSF Classic (single player) – in memory of Angel “Chips Man” Vargas. Open to players who are eligible to play in the Belikin Tournament – countrywide. Registration fee: $50.00. Prizes: 1st – $1,200.00 + trophy; 2nd – $600.00 + trophy; 3rd – $300.00; 4th – $100.00.

Smart Mundialito games continue at the MCC
The Smart 13 & Under, Mundialito 2019 tournament continued on Saturday, May 11, with 6 games played at the MCC Grounds. Below are the results: Game 1 – City Boys bombed Ladyville Warriors, 6-0, with 4 goals from Tom Moguel and 1 each from Raymond Gentle and Calvin Thurton. Game 2 – Jason Orozco and Tyler Dominguez scored to give Warriors FC the 2-0 win over Atletico Minero.

Editorial: Parliamentary dictatorship must end
When he saw the Special Agreement (the Compromis) that Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington had signed with Guatemala, former Prime Minister, Honorable Said Musa, wrote in his book, “With malice toward none”, that Prime Minister Barrow’s 2008-2012 government had “got off to an inauspicious start…” As we all know, Musa would later appear on stage in support of the Special Agreement. Senator Eamon Courtenay, who was reportedly present when the agreement was being formulated, said the party he represented, the PUP, insisted that the agreement be brought to the table in Belize before the Foreign Minister signed it in Washington. He has produced documentation from the OAS website that shows that on December 3, 2008, five days before the Special Agreement was signed in Washington, on December 8, 2008, his party “expressed the view that even before the document is signed at the OAS it must go to the National Assembly…”

From The Publisher
While travelling with Rufus X in late February of 1979 in New Orleans, I came up with the idea of a small radio station which could cover Belize’s population center – Belize City. I was not ambitious enough, presumptuous enough, to believe that Belize’s power structure, featuring the Barry Bowen family, would tolerate the idea of a national radio station controlled by yours truly. Amandala, though not yet the leading newspaper in Belize, was already giving enough trouble to the Bowen family, because of our call, beginning around 1975, for our roots athletes to be paid some kind of remuneration for their services. Remember, in 1979 amateur sports like football and basketball generated gigantic gate and refreshment revenues in Belize City. And, Belizean boxers were being paid, had been paid for decades. In other words, the professional precedent was there.

Belize, this is not the time to lie down and play dead while we await the verdict of the ICJ
Dear Editor, Now that Belizeans have said we will put the unfounded claim in the hands of the ICJ, it signals the beginning of a new era of struggle. All Belizeans are now on the same side and in the same boat. Those who voted YES and those who voted NO and those who didn’t vote must now unite and take this struggle to the world. We must now revive the spirit of nationalism and patriotism that we expressed in the 1950’s and 60’s on our road to independence. Let us start treating our western and southern borders with the respect that they deserve.

How did we get here, Belize?
I’ve written many things about Belize based on my own knowledge/information, and of course I carry my own perspective based on my lived experiences and my inner sense of self, my belief of right and wrong, and my instilled values and principles. It will soon be half a century since I have been on this earth and of these, thirty years I have spent at the frontline and in the trenches, always as an independent-minded person who learnt the very hard way what it is to stand alone once my conscience says my positon is right.

If anyone says – aught
The exchange between Reverend Serene Jones, who said that she doesn’t believe in all dem miracles, that the virgin birth is a bizarre claim, and Reverend Morgan Guyton, who responded that “the thought that God is not allowed to violate the laws of science (and offend the sensibilities of liberal intellectuals) infuriates me”, made me read my passages just a little more slowly, for increased understanding and appreciation. It is good to read the thoughts of others because, if you are receptive, it makes your truth more whole.

Notes on Election Stealing
Election stealing or rigging involves the act of dishonestly organising an election in order to achieve a specific and desired result. It represents electoral fraud at the most optimum level because it involves procedures and practices that are improper, as well as pernicious, and aimed solely to influence the final election results. A poorly informed and essentially naive electorate, in addition to weak democratic institutions such as an executive-dominated legislature, political parties that are constituted in the main with jobbers, and a non-independent election umpire, not free from government influence and interference, are unable to prevent rigged elections by a predatory government.

Spectacular George Price Highway flamboyant falls
Thousands of Belizeans and visitors to Belize who pass by Mile 50 in Camalote in the month of May have been captivated by the beauty of two stunning flamboyant trees growing side by side on the side of the highway, on the Pommels’ property. Hundreds of tourists have stopped to take photographs of the two spectacular flamboyant trees, which have been there well over thirty years. The flamboyant tree is a soft wood, which makes it not too wind tolerant. The tree came down without any warning. There was a cracking sound, a thud, and people looked out and the tree wasn’t there. The trunk fractured near the base, and the tree split apart. A close observation of the trunk revealed that a palm tree had rooted in one side of it, and this led to cracks which let in water that caused the trunk to rot. One tree still stands, so the roadside at Mile 50 hasn’t lost all of its beauty. What a wonderful thing it would be if all along our highways there were beautiful trees showing off their splendor in March, and April, and May. The flamboyant tree is a quick grower, so they can become delightful additions to the landscape very quickly.

Taiwan further supports Belizean endeavors
The newly appointed Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize made his public speaking debut at the Presidential Series Lecture hosted by the University of Belize on Friday, May 3. Under the theme “Friendship of 30 Years and Beyond,” H.E. Ambassador Remus Chen presented an extensive recollection of the bi-lateral relationship existing between Belize and Taiwan, as well as Taiwan’s commitment to continue to support the future development of Belize.

Lindon Baldwin, 23, executed on Ebony Street
Lindon Baldwin, 23, a laborer of Ebony Street, Belize City, was found lying face-up in a drain near a fence in some bushes at the corner of Ebony Street and Youth for the Future Drive. He had been shot in the neck and he was already dead. Baldwin was found by a friend of his who had followed a trail of blood that led to him, at about 6:00 yesterday morning. Police were called and Baldwin’s body was taken to the morgue after the scene where he was found had been processed.

Guatemala will spend Q100 million to settle claim at ICJ, Prensa Libre reports
Taking a case to the International Court of Justice is a very expensive proposition. A report in the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre says that Guatemala will spend more than Q100 million (over $26 million BZ) for settling the territorial dispute with Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) during the first 5 years, according to diplomatic sources, the paper said. The ICJ process could take between 5 to 10 years, Prensa Libre quoted the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources as saying.

Attorney Norman Rodriguez’s rape case set for mention in June Session of Southern District
Former Magistrate Norman Rodriguez, who was arraigned on a charge of rape in early May 2017, has not had his day in court since a preliminary inquiry committed him to a trial in the Southern Session of the Supreme Court. Today, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that Rodriguez’s case will come up for mention on June 6 when the Southern Session of the court convenes. At that time, a date will be set for the court to proceed with the trial, Amandala was told.

The Reporter

Shooting In North Creek Area – 1 Man & A Minor Critical
A shooting in the North Creek area of the boulevard has left 1 man and a minor in critical condition at the KHMH. According to police, one of the victims was shot twice in the abdomen and left thigh and the minor was shot in the cheek.

Anisha ‘Anny’ Young’s Family Gets DNA Results
The family of Anisha Young, who has been missing since December 9th 2018, has confirmed with The Reporter that the results of the DNA samples extracted from human remains found in a shallow grave near Maskall Village are in. The results indicate that the samples do no match with those of Anisha.

Cancer Ride Aims To Raise $$ To Help Many Belizeans
On Saturday May 18th. there will be a huge non-race cycle ride from mile 24 to Belmopan. The annual event aims to raise money and awareness about cancer in Belize.

Breaking Belize News

Man shot dead at his home in Teakettle Village
A 34-year-old man was shot dead just after midnight in Teakettle Village in the Cayo […]

Tribute to my Teachers!
The life of an educator is inspiring but also very exhausting. My love for learning […]

Happy Teacher’s Day!
Educators across Belize are today celebrating National Teacher’s Day. Saint Ignatius High School in Santa […]

Businesswoman held up at gunpoint in Belize City
Authorities are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred early this morning in Belize City. Businesswoman […]

Commissioner of Police visits Security Forces training program at Delille Academy
On Thursday, May 16, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams visited the Security Forces Program at […]

Beauty ambassador, Selena Urias to represent Belize at Miss International
Beauty ambassador, Selena Urias, is scheduled to represent Belize at the 2019 Miss International pageant. […]

CARICOM and Colombia relations get a boost
On Thursday, May 16, 2019, the revival of the relationship between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) […]

Belize votes YES to the ICJ but the results say much about partisan politics in Belize
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

British High Commission donates equipment to FCD
Today, the British High Commission in Belize and the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) hosted […]

Nine students from John Paul JC awarded for National Latin Exam honors
John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) awarded prizes for the National Latin Exam (NLE) at […]

Special Agreement planning meeting postponed
Due to scheduling issues, a planning meeting between the governments of Guatemala and Belize, which […]

Five students from John Paul JC awarded for National Latin Exam honors
John Paul II Junior College (JPIIJC) awarded prizes for the National Latin Exam (NLE) at […]

Special Agreement planning meeting postponed
Due to scheduling issues, a planning meeting between the governments of Guatemala and Belize, which […]

LOVE FM

“Bridging the Standardization Gap”
Today is World Telecommunications Day. Reporter Johnelle McKenzie has the story. Johnelle Mckenzie – Reporter: “The way we communicate has evolved over time and in today’s world technology has made the way we communicate easier and more convenient. As we observe World Telecommunications Day we want to look at how technology has changed the way …

Attorney General discusses cyber bullying bill
In the wake of persons private images being publicized on social media earlier this year, there was a public outcry for legislation to be put in place to deter this from occurring again. As a result, the Attorney General’s Ministry agreed to draft a bill to address the matter. Today, Love news asked the Attorney …

DNA sample is not from Missing Woman
Family Member: “Yes, we got the result for that today.” Jose Sanchez – Reporter: “Can you share with us what they were? Family Member: “The results came back that it was not a match for Anisha Young.” Jose Sanchez – Reporter: “I know that must be hard, so what does the family do now that …

PUP ready for election in spite of Referendum Outcome
While we had the Party leader at our disposal following the caucus meeting, the media asked him about his reflections on the May 8 referendum since his only remarks were given via a pre-recorded video statement. Briceno indicated that he did not believe that the Party lost any momentum with the results of the referendum …

2019 Youth Basketball Cup kicks off
The fourth annual Eastern Division Youth Basketball Cup, which is the brainchild of the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, kicked off today with an opening ceremony held at the Yarborough Green Basketball Court. The tournament, which lasts for 6 months, will involve 14 teams this year. Love News spoke to the ComPol as he told …

PUP agrees to Unified fight to the ICJ
Last week Tuesday, the Cabinet also approved the appointment of two agents to represent Belize at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Ambassador Assad Shoman will take the role of agent and Ambassador Alexis Rosado as his Co-Agent. The official role of the Agent is to represent Belize at the (ICJ) and to monitor and …

NARCIE encourages children with disabilities
Yesterday, the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education (NARCIE) hosted its sixth annual National Exceptional Confidence Talent Show. The show highlighted the talents by children with disabilities. Love news spoke with Erlett Thomas, the Manager of NARCIE, who said that the show helps to build these children’s self-esteem. Erlett Thomas, Manager, NARCIE: “We had students …

Classical concert held at the Mexican Institute
“From Bach to Belize” is a series of concerts and art installations held at the Mexican Cultural Institute. The second concert and installation is being held tonight at 7 p.m., and there is no entrance fee. To get a better idea of the show, we spoke to the visual artists, Yaoling Lee. Yaoling Lee, Visual …

Blogs

The heartbeat of San Pedro – Palapa Bar & Grill
Located on the very popular Boca del Rio Beach, this island mainstay has been entertaining, feeding and watering guests and residents for decades. More than twenty years ago it was originally located on the beach north of San Pedro Town, then at a beautiful over-the-water structure in the same area. In December 2015 the island icon moved to the Wet Willy’s dock closer to town, and here she settled into her reputation as an outstanding place to enjoy great service, beautiful water and swimming area, tasty food, cool libations, and island fun.

Belize, a Curious Place. A remarkable country
Airline WestJet has featured Belize and all its treasures in its blog... This small (only 8867 square miles) country is packed with endless vacation opportunities that are sure to satisfy the thrill-seeking adventurer, the laid-back beach bum, the culture and history explorer and more. Belize is a tropical destination that is; Caribbean and Central American, reef and rainforest; ancient and new; adventurous and relaxing, exotic animals and friendly people, and much more.

5 Reasons To Love Chocolate Festival of Belize
The Chocolate Festival of Belize gives you the opportunity to explore southern Belize while you indulge in the sweet food of the Maya Gods – CHOCOLATE. Who does not like chocolate: it’s hard to imagine people who don’t. For those who do (like us), the Chocolate Festival of Belize is a perfect event to indulge in various chocolate delicacies, learn how to make chocolate from scratch, purchase local health/beauty products made from the cacao bean and immerse in a one-of-a-kind cultural experience .

International Sources

Nominations Rolling in for 2019 DIVE Travel Awards
So far, a total of 50 different destinations have been nominated, together with more than 170 individual dive centres or resorts and over 100 liveaboards – and there are still six weeks left to go! Only the Top 25 in each category will go through to the final vote, however, and there is a lot of room for change. Listed below are the Top 25 nominees in each category, in alphabetical order. Note that there are more than 25 in the liveaboards and resort categories - it's early days and a lot of nominees are tied for position.

Videos

May 17, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Fire at Poco Locos Food Court
San Pedro Fire Department have contained a fire that took place this evening at one of the kitchens inside Poco Locos Food Court on Barrier Reef Drive. No major damages are reported and no one was injured.

Surviving A Climate Apocalypse in Belize
They are talking about climate change, and today, these words are echoed by most world leaders, civil society activists and indigenous leaders. In 2016, Belize’s own Minister for Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce, Hon. Erwin Contreras, highlighted the need to “bring economic, social, and environmental policies into synergistic balance, to increase resilience in the face of a volatile global economy and a changing global climate”. These words remain strong and for good reason - climate change will continue to hit home hard, we will continue to suffer hotter temperatures, longer droughts, less rainfall, more destructive and more frequent tropical storms, and we will continue to see rising sea levels inundating coastal urban areas.

Belizean athletes participate in volleyball tournament in Cuba
Island athlete Gabriel ‘Gaby’ Nuñez alongside teammate Bryton Codd of Belize City, has returned to Belize after representing Belize in the 2019 male North, Central America, and the Caribbean (NORCECA) Beach Volleyball Tournament in Varadero, Cuba. The tournament was held from May 9th to the 12th and included teams from Cuba, Belize, Canada, Guatemala, Nicaragua, United States of America (USA), Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Panama, and the Virgin Islands.

U.S. Government Hands Over Prison Courthouse and Video Link Equipment to the Government of Belize
On May 15, 2019, the U.S. Embassy handed over a building for legal use and a video link system to the Government of Belize. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges, Chief Justice of Belize Kenneth Benjamin, and Chief Executive Officer of Kolbe Foundation Virgilio Murillo signed the official handover documents at the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville. The project is valued over U.S. $387,000.

Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish 2019 is coming up, sign up to volunteer
As summer approaches, there are several summer camps taking place across the island, among them is the highly anticipated, extra-special Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish! This year’s Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish 2019 takes place from Monday, July 8th to Saturday, July 13th at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town. This will be the sixth consecutive year the camp has been spreading awareness of various types of learning/physical disabilities while working with children who have special needs.

Ambergris Today

Fire contained at Poco Loco’s
The San Pedro Fire Department is at the scene on Front Street looking into the cause of a fire that broke out at one of the kitchens at the Poco Loco’s food court. More information as it becomes available.

Selena Urias To Represent Belize In Miss International 2019
Belize is all set to make a comeback in Miss International as Selena Urias was recently appointed Miss International Belize 2019 by Mr. Enrique De Leon, the national director of Belize for Miss International. She will now represent her country in Miss International 2019 to be held on 12th November 2019. A native of Belize city, Selena Urias is a fitness and travel enthusiast. Selena holds a degree in Business Administration. She is no stranger to the pageantry as she was a part of Miss Universe Belize 2018 and ended up being the fourth runner-up. Later, she represented Belize at Reina Hispanomericana 2018 in Bolivia and also at Reina del Tropico 2018 in Honduras.

Misc Belizean Sources

School Bus Overturns
Preliminary reports coming to our news blog is that a bus carrying students on a school trip from Santa Clara and San Roman R.C. schools in the Corozal District overturned in the Burrel Boom cut off in-front of the Transfer Facility. We are unable to say if there have been any injuries. We hope everyone is okay. We will be following this report.

Decorated trash bins in Orange Walk
We are more than happy to have assisted Masaki Kimura in Corozal to kickoff his pilot project of decorated trash bins in Orange Walk and involving the school children in that municipality. This is a Blessing. So far we have assisted Corozal Town, Sarteneja, Consejo Village and Orange Walk. Way to go! Here is the press release from the Orange Walk Town Council. "Presently, the Orange Walk Town Council is launching the environmental educational project with Masaki Kimura, who is a JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) volunteer and has been working in the town council for one year and three months..."

4TH ANNUAL CEO CAUCUS CANCER RIDE PLEDGES FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS TO COMBAT CANCER
The CEO Caucus Cancer Ride is an event hosted yearly by the Government of Belize’s Chief Executive Officers. In its fourth year, the CEO Caucus is once again pledging to raise $50,000.00 to support national efforts to combat cancer. This year’s ride will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2019, hosted under the theme, “Stronger Together!” The ride will commence with an opening ceremony at 6:00 a.m. at the entrance of the Solid Waste Management Landfill, Mile 24 on the George Price Highway. The ride will start immediately after the opening ceremony and will continue to the National Agriculture and Trade Show grounds in Belmopan where the ride will conclude with a closing ceremony.

Increase in Pump Price of Diesel Oil
The Ministry of Finance announces that at midnight tonight the pump price for Diesel Oil will increase by 3 cents from $10.43 to $10.46 per gallon.

Caye Caulker Mother's Day Dance
Saturday May 25, 6pm-2am, Caye Caulker Central Park.

¨Go Green¨ activity in Corozal
The Corozal Town Council alongside JICA ( Japanese International Corporation Agency) will be conducting a ¨Go Green¨ activity to commemorate World Environment Day on 5th June, 2019 Join us as we make a pledge to protect our environment". This media blog pledges to curtail the use of plastic bags. What will be your pledge to help clean our Corozal Community?

2019 Children's Essay Competition
Talented Students make the world a better place. If you know any, encourage them to submit to the Children's Essay Competition. Their words can make a difference, while also giving them the chance to win thousands of dollars! "Talented Students make the world a better place. If you know any, encourage them to submit to the Children's Essay Competition. Their words can make a difference, while also giving them the chance to win thousands of dollars!"

Representatives from the Business Development, Registrar of Hotels & Timeshares, Destination Planning & Cruise departments met with the San Pedro Tour Operator Association
Last night at the Sunbreeze Hotel.

PGIA & FSTV Chocolate Events

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Greta, The Professor, Batman VS. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Hole in the Ground. **It's the final episode of Game of Thrones ever.. Last episode was stressful .. Who will take the throne? Our questions will be answered sunday.. 7 and 9:30

Am amazing International Museum Day celebration engaging with students and the community
We all learned Yucatec Maya thanks to the incredible people of To'one Masehualoon. Miss Adela Pederson, Adan Palomo, Faustino Yam and Roy Rodriguez comprise this NGO who work tirelessly to promote and preserve the Yucatec Maya culture. Today we had 8 primary school classes in attendance as well as interested community members. Thank you to each and everyone who attended the language sessions. Ma'alob K'in!!

BTB Meets with San Pedro Tour Operators Association
The San Pedro Tour Operators Association would like to thank the team from,The Belize Tourism Board for their attendance in our general meeting. It was a fruitful meeting. The members got the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions in regards to 3 main points. 1. Law enforcement and violators prosecution 2. Licenses delay and education on renewal procedures 3. Assistance on local destination projects On this same note... We are advising businesses and tour guides to get inform on the law for tour operation in Belize. You can contact any BTB office or The San Pedro Tour Operators Association. We are more than welcome to assist you.

Channel 7

Well Known Criminal Attorney Detained in Murder Conspiracy, Turns Out To Be Bogus
This morning police stopped, searched and detained a well known criminal attorney. They were investigating him for possible involvement in a murder conspiracy. That's right - a male attorney who allegedly took out a hit on a women. Police even had an alleged recording which was provided to them, of this attorney allegedly hiring a gangster to carry out the hit. It's a sensational and unprecedented allegation against an officer of the court - but it may have been a little too well packaged for the police - and we'll tell you why later.

He Claimed It Was An Accident, But Man Charged for Wife's Murder
And while that attorney will not be charged - a man has been charged for murdering his common law wife. Big Falls resident, 48 year old Andrew Caliz claims he accidentally shot his 32 year old wife Noehmy Duarte Caceres before dawn on Tuesday. But, the evidence didn't match the story - and the DPP told the cops to charge for murder; she concluded it was no accident. The head of national crimes investigation told us why today:...

Primary School Excursion Derailed in Dangerous Accident
This morning, about 54 passengers aboard a Tillett bus had a terrifying experience when it ran off the Boom-Hattieville road and ended up overturned on its right side, in a deep ditch running along the highway. It happened just before 6:00 near the dump site. The bus was a charter for a school trip from the Santa Clara/San Roman RC in the Corozal district, along with their teachers and their parents. The children were headed to Xunantunich, but their ill fated trip ended many miles way on the Boom road.

Police Say School Trip Was Lucky
Here's the police account of what happened:... ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City: "This morning at about six-twenty, police responded to a traffic accident on the Boom Road where upon arrival by the dump site area, they observed a Tillett Bus on the right hand side of the road leaning up on one side. They also observed several students suffering from various degrees of injuries. What we know is that the bus was traveling from Corozal enrooted to Xunantunich. It was a group of students from Santa Clara RC School that were on an educational trip to Xunantunich, when apparently the bus driver began to feel dizzy and all of a sudden he lost control and ended up on that side of the road..."

Assad Shoman Says Yes Vote Was victory For Belize
Assad Shoman has been named Belize's Agent at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. The word "agent" seems vague, but it's the official name for a critical post. The Agent is the team captain for the ICJ effort, coordinating all the legal, diplomatic, and organizational elements in the ICJ case. Tonight, in an exclusive interview, he speaks about what his top priorities are in that role. But, first, we asked him to reflect on a tough campaign to get Belizean to vote "yes" to the ICJ. He said it is a people's victory:...

Assad, The Agent
And so, while Shoman feels supremely confident about the path to the ICJ - organizationally, it's not a cakewalk. As the Agent, he has a list of 10 major priorities which we'll tell you all about tomorrow. But we can tell you tonight what's the top three. Number one is repealing the Maritime Areas Act - and that's happening on Monday; number two is writing to the registrar of the ICJ by 9th June to lodge the case. And number three is submitting an application to the Court for what are known as "provisional measures." As we told you those measures would ask the court to intervene and stop the Guatemalans from employing aggressive militaristic behaviors on our the Sarstoon - which is our southern boundary. Shoman told us why the Sarstoon is a top priority:..,.

Belize Ahead of Guatemala in ICJ Preparations
And, so, while Shoman has his priorities planned out as the agent, along with co-agent Alexis Rosado - it seems that Belize is one, or a few steps ahead of the Guatemalans. He told us what he knows about where the Guatemalans are in their drive to the ICJ:... Jules Vasquez- Reporter: "Are there any indications from their camp about when they intend to go and how soon will we know what they claim, any and all?" H.E. Assad Shoman- Named Belize's Agent at ICJ: "Well, we won't know that until they put in their memorial probably within a year. But besides that; it is strange. Do you remember during the campaign you had some people from all over the place making categorical statements that Guatemala already has the best team of lawyers in the world...'"

Appeal Court Overturns Lower Court Decision on House Meeting Upheaval
For sure, you remember that historic House Meeting of August 26th, 2016. That's the day when the House of Representatives devolved into a chaotic mess. Who can forget that scene when the PUP's Julius Espat, was named by former House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte, and he was forcibly dragged out of the House by members of the security forces. He was suspended from the House, and stripped of his salary as an elected parliamentarian, after his outburst to former Speaker Peyrefitte, who refused to entertain him on the topic of corruption in public life.

Hon. J. Espat Vindicated
This afternoon, Espat granted the press an interview to discuss his successful appeal, and why he thinks that he's on the way to proving that the standing orders were not properly followed, making his suspension from the House unlawful. He said that he has personal reasons for pursuing this case, but he also wants a precedent to be established on how these types of suspensions are supposed to be done:

Why Did Cayo South Not Say No For Julius?
Today's encounter with Espat gave the press an opportunity to ask him about the surprising outcome of the ICJ referendum in his Cayo South constituency. Seasoned political observers did not expect that constituency to vote Yes, given that Espat was a militant "no". He told the press today that he did not try to strong-arm the voters of Cayo South to vote for what he believes is best: Hon. Julius Espat: "My position was clear as to I believe that I have doubts of going to the ICJ and I believe that the risk is too high. That is on record. But we didn't go into Cayo South to be able to instruct our people as to what to do..."

PUP Will Abort Supreme Court Challenge of Special Agreement
Immediately after the referendum results were announced, reports started emerging out of the Opposition that they were abandoning their court claim against the 2008 Special Agreement. You'll remember that as the case that produced the injunction which prevented the Barrow Government from holding the referendum on April 10th. Before the May 8th referendum was held, the PUP said that they intended to pursue this case as far as they needed to, in their quest to prove that the Special Agreement is unlawful.

Hardliner Espat Inclined to Vote Yes to MAA Repeal
So, while that's his stance on the Special Agreement case, we wondered what his vote will be at next week Monday's House Meeting. That's when the Barrow Government will table an amendment to the Maritime Areas Act, so that Belize can claim all its territorial waters from the Mouth of the Sarstoon and Ranguana Cayes. Belizeans, including members of his party, have been clamoring for this change for years now, and so, the press asked if he will support the amendment. He said that as long as it is drafted to benefit the country, he will:

UDP Carishores Convention Contention
Political tension is thick amends the UDP's movers and shakers in the Caribbean Shores divisions. As we've been reporting, Santino Castillo, Leila Peyrefitte and Lee Mark Chang have all expressed an interest in an area that is not even vacant! Duly endorsed standard bearer Darrell Bradley has NOT indicated that he will step down and he is expected to have a meeting with the Prime Minister tomorrow to discuss this. But, big wheels in the political machine are turning and the UDP is having a party council meeting on Saturday to decide on the Carishores convention. We are told that the best Bradley may be offered is to contest the convention. And, it would be a quick one. Reports say the party wants to push to convention for as early as next month. That would seem to put Leila Peyrefitte at an advantage - since she has been working in the area in the referendum campaign.

Peyrefitte Too Busy To Study The Shores
And one name that used to be mentioned along with those two is Mike Peyrefitte - who was being seen as a possible candidate for leader. But that political gambit failed - and today he told us he has too much on his plate to be focusing on politics. Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General: "I am absolutely consumed with the AG's ministry, with Vital Stats with companies, with UNCAC, good for them, good for them and so I wish whoever represents the UDP in that area is the best person to go up against the current representative for the PUP and I will just watch and observe and support whoever is the candidate."

Diverse Abilities on Display
The National Resource Center for Inclusive Education (NARCIE) hosted its 6th annual National Exceptional Confidence Talent Show. Students from all over the country with varying forms of diverse abilities gathered at the Swift Hall in Belize City to perform. We spoke to the manager of NARCIE who explained how important a show case like this is to these children and why the public should change their perception of kids with diverse abilities.

Police Justify Charging Zena For Manslaughter
As we told you last night 20 year old Zena Armstrong was charged with manslaughter for stabbing 19 year old Anna Villanueva through the heart. Now many have taken to social media to express outrage that Armstrong wasn't charged with murder. Today at the police press briefing Head of the Crimes Investigation Branch ACP Joseph Myvette says he can't go into much detail on this case but that the police nor the DPP can base their decision on emotions or optics, they have to look at what the evidence and the outcome of their investigation show.

The Beef That Killed Baldwin
And the head of Eastern Division CIB, ASP Alejandro Cowo also commented on the murder of 22 year old Lyndon Baldwin. He was killed in an Ebony Street yard on Monday night - but not found until the following morning. So what led to his death? Well, police say this area has seen a number of shooting recently and Cowo told us what's at the bottom of the rivals and gun violence:..

Baldwin Brother Arrested With Gun
Notably, a short time ago, a sibling of Lyndon Baldwin's - who was allegedly the target on Monday night - was arrested by police with a fully loaded nine millimeter Smith and Wesson pistol. He is expected to be charged tomorrow.

Talking Tvet's
There are some who may not appreciate plumbing, electrical and mechanical work as top career choices but we depend on these professionals daily. They also need to be celebrated for contributing to the work force. Today the Ministry of Education along with its partners celebrated them at their 3rd National Technical Vocational Education Training Conference at the Biltmore. Educators from TVET's countrywide along with representatives from the public and private sectors were present.

Hon. Espat Keeps An Eye On Court
Earlier in the news, we showed you our interview with Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat, in which he discussed several different topics. Among those are 2 cases before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin that he has interest in. The first is that case we told you about last month that Espat as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, and Opposition Leader John Briceno has brought against Prime Minister Barrow.

Making Birth Registration Simpler, Faster
The Attorney General's Ministry, UNICEF, UNHCR along with other partners hosted a national birth registration consultation at the Radisson today. Now almost every Belizean has a horror story about waiting months, sometimes much longer for a copy of their birth paper only to get it back with errors from the Vital Stats office or trying to fix an error you made on your child's birth paper years agoand the list goes on. Well, AG Michael Peyrefitte is trying to address these concerns by identifying the issues and setbacks within the vital stats office, figuring out what's causing them and finding an effective way forward.

AG Urges PUP to Abandon
Speaking on the road ahead to the ICJ - and the current legal issues in domestic courts, AG Peyrefitte also backed up what his one-time adversary Julius Espat said the PUP will do - and that is abandon their challenge to the special agreement: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General: "I think it would be in the best interest of the PUP now to discontinue and withdraw those cases from the court, that would be my suggestion we talk about cooperation with the opposition, I think that is a way the opposition can start to cooperate. They need to take the guns out of their hands and say listen the people have spoken and now we must work together moving forward to ensure we get the best representation in the ICJ for the people of Belize."

The Mile 44 Mystery Robbery
Police have arrested and charged two men and are looking for two others after a holdup at a farm in the Cayo district. It happened two days ago at mile 44 on the George Price Highway where four masked men carrying a gun and knives tied up watchman, Juan Garcia in the security booth. They beat him up and stole his money. But a passerby intervened and that led to the arrest of two of the men. Police told us more:

Roaring Weapons
In other news from out west a search yesterday at 11:15 am in Roaring Creek in a house across from the cemetery, police found a 16 gauge double barrel sawed off shotgun - and a 9mm Glock pistol. Shelly Scott has been CHARGED for kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license

Pleads Guilty To Bank Scam
At the beginning of this year, news broke that 3 South Americans were charged by police with the offense of preparation for a crime. That's after the cops allegedly caught them with sophisticated equipment which could be used to steal money from ATMs. 2 of the 3 got off that charge, and tonight, the news is that the third, Chilean Juan Espinosa, has pleaded guilty to the crime. Espinosa appeared before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer this morning, and he indicated to the court that he wanted to accept guilt for the offense. When he and the other South Americans were initially arraigned he pleaded not guilty.

The Many Wonders of Wayne
He's a reggae dancehall star with true staying power and Wayne Wonder is performing in Belize tomorrow night at the Lerisi Garifuna restaurant. He arrived today and we found out more about the show: Lerisi is across from celebrity Restaurant. There will also be performances by Sweet Pain and Mile 41 band.

Channel 5

House of Representatives Sits on Monday to Amend Maritime Areas Act
Parliamentarians will meet on Monday for a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives. The special sitting will be to primarily amend the Maritime Areas Act. While this step was [...]

Julius Espat Discusses Referendum Loss and Maritime Areas Act
The People’s United Party is meeting on Friday to determine a position ahead of a collective vote on the proposed amendment to the Maritime Areas Act.  The House of Representatives [...]

Court of Appeal Orders Julius Espat’s Claim to be Heard
It made headlines back in August 2016 when opposition parliamentarian Julius Espat was physically removed from the House of Representatives on the instruction of former House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte.  The [...]

Espat’s Unlawful Ejection to be Heard Before the Supreme Court
This afternoon, we spoke with Espat who explained that there is merit to the claim that his constitutional rights were indeed violated when he was forcefully kicked out of the [...]

Julius Espat Sues for Damages Two and a Half Years Later
According to Espat, he is seeking redress in the form of compensation for the length of time that he was suspended from the House without pay. Primarily, he wants it [...]

Patrick Faber on U.D.P. Leadership Convention
Prime Minister Dean Barrow is nearing the end of his term as leader of the United Democratic Party. The U.D.P.’s leadership convention is expected to be held sometime before February [...]

Michael Peyrefitte Not Interested in U.D.P. Leadership, at this Time
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte lost his bid to represent Port Loyola for the U.D.P. in the upcoming general elections. Peyrefitte was defeated by former Belize City councilor Philip Willoughby. Prime [...]

U.D.P.’s National Party Council to Discuss Caribbean Shores Convention, Candidates
We also asked the U.D.P.’s Deputy Leader Patrick Faber about the three-way race in the Caribbean Shores constituency. As we reported, Santiago Castillo Junior, who once represented the division, is [...]

A Harrowing Class Trip When a Chartered Bus Overturns on the Boom Road
Twenty persons, including eight students, as well as parents and teachers were injured and had to be rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital this morning after the passenger bus [...]

Andrew Caliz is Arraigned for the Murder of His Common-Law Wife
A tour operator in southern Belize has been charged for the murder of his common-law wife on Tuesday morning.  Forty-eight-year-old Andrew Caliz shot and killed Francisca Caceres Duarte inside their home [...]

Bail for Stabbing Death of Ana Villanueva Incenses Corozaleños
Twenty-year-old Zena Armstrong is out on bail after being charged with manslaughter.  The incident involved the fatal stabbing of Ana Villanueva in Corozal on Monday night.  The young ladies had [...]

5 Suspects Being Sought for Murder of Lindon Baldwin
Belize City police are looking for five persons in connection with the murder of Lindon Baldwin who was shot and killed on Monday night on Ebony Street.  According to investigators [...]

Chilean National Pleads Guilty to Attempted ATM Scam
Chilean national Juan Espinosa SaaVerdra pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an ATM scam in Dangriga and Belize City; he was fined a total of six thousand dollars, which he [...]

2 Charged for Aggravated Burglary at Farm
On Wednesday, police formally arrested and charged two of four persons believed to have been involved in an aggravated burglary at a farm near mile forty-four on the George Price [...]

The Third National TVET Conference
The third national Technical and Vocational Education and Training Conference is being held in Belize City. The conference began today with a packed agenda where professionals of different backgrounds spoke [...]

EU Wraps Up Banana Project in the South
The European Union wrapped up its two million Euros project in the south today. The project started a year and a half ago with the goal to teach banana farmers [...]

Kolbe Foundation Promotes Health and Rehabilitation behind Prison Walls
The third annual health fair was held today at the central prison. It was held under the theme, “Kolbe Foundation, promoting health and rehabilitation: Healthier Citizens for a more productive [...]

Leo Bradley Library Host 7th Annual Health Fair
A health fair was also held today in Belize City. The seventh annual Leo Bradley Library health fair took place at the library’s compound where a number of informational booths [...]

National Birth Registration Consultation Held
A national birth registration consultation was held today in Belize City. Agencies such as UNICEF, UNHCR and the British High Commission partnered with the government to bring together all stakeholders [...]

Finding the Time to Get in Shape with Healthy Living
For people trying to get in shape, one of the most common challenges they encounter is finding the time. Veteran health and fitness coach Ed Williams has a solution to [...]

Late night accident
A van transporting members of the mennonite community reportedly crashed into a silver car earlier tonight. It happened a few miles out of Orange Walk Town. The van was heading in the direction of Corozal. We understand that at least one person received medical attention.

The Reporter

Bus Overturns On Boom Road, Passengers Are Students On School Trip
A Tillett Bus has overturned on the Boom road near the dump. The bus was reportedly carrying students on a school trip.

Breaking Belize News

Andrew Caliz charged for murder
Businessman and Toledo resident, Andrew Caliz, 48, was charged today for the crime of ‘murder’ […]

Young man reported missing in Trial Farm
The family of Isais Sosa, 19, student of Trial Farm, Orange Walk is seeking the […]

Diesel raised by 3 cents
The Ministry of Finance informs that at midnight tonight, the pump price for Diesel Oil […]

Police charge two men for burglary; seeking two more
Police have formally arrested and charged two men believed to be the thieves that entered […]

Cayo’s People’s Coalition Committee elects new executive
The People’s Coalition Committee (PCC) of San Ignacio yesterday elected a new executive committee to […]

Police address public outrage over manslaughter charge
Following massive public outcry on the decision to charge Zena Armstrong with manslaughter in respect […]

Beach Jaguars crash out of CONCACAF championship
Belize’s Beach Jaguars beach soccer team were unable to register a win at the CONCACAF […]

Christian Festival coming to Santa Elena, Cayo
A first of its kind Christian Festival will be held in Santa Elena, Cayo on […]

BNTU salutes their teachers during education week
As a token of appreciation for the hard works teachers around the country put out […]

LOVE FM

Third national TVET Conference held at Biltmore
Today, the Ministry of Education held its third national TVET Conference at the Biltmore Plaza. The focus of the conference is to highlight and promote technical and vocational education and training. It is aimed towards all stakeholders in vocational education, from the trainees to the employers. Love News found out more today from the Minister …

Several people hospitalized after bus carrying students overturns
A chartered bus carrying students from Santa Clara/San Roman RC School, Corozal District, overturned this morning at around seven o’clock. The students, along with their parents and teachers, were on a class trip when the accident occurred due to the driver reportedly experiencing health issues. The passengers were shaken up and about 20 of them …

Prisoners Interactive Health Fair
On Wednesday we told you about the quarter million dollar investment in the first prison court. The building and videoconferencing equipment, complete with a server room, bathrooms, attorney/client meeting rooms and with a live prison to court video feed came courtesy of the US Embassy via the Central American Regional Security Initiative. Today the health …

“National Birth Registration Consultation”
The Vital Statistics Unit was the subject of much controversy in recent months. Prior to the referendum, many persons who attempted to get their birth paper in order to re-register in time to vote in the referendum had problems obtaining their birth paper. Some persons discovered that they were never registered at all or the …

Minister Faber says unity is the most important thing for the UDP
Matters within the United Democratic Party (UDP) are currently heating up as it, as well as the rest of the country, is anxiously awaiting the next leadership convention to decide who will take over the role of party leader from Prime Minister Dean Barrow. So far, there are two names in the running: Deputy …

Education Minister says it’s important to cherish teachers
Every year, during the month of May, we celebrate some of the hardest working individuals in the world – teachers. Teachers are responsible for shaping the minds of every student, so that they can eventually go on to become successful in whatever field of career they choose. That is no easy task, and so tomorrow, …

“Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Life”
In keeping with its mission of informing the society, today Leo Bradley Library held its seventh annual health fair, which was visited by students and the public. The fair was held under the theme “Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy life”. Love news spoke with Shaunna Vaccaro, Senior Library Assistant, who said that when it comes …

Derrick Gabb will stand trail for rape
47-year-old Derrick Gabb, also known as Wiz, has been committed to stand trial in the October session of the Supreme Court. Gabb was accused of raping a Canadian woman during a social. Today, Gabb appeared without his attorney before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford for a preliminary inquiry. During the PI, Sergeant Macedonio Sanchez tendered into …

Blogs

The Corozal House of Culture Is Celebrating International Museum Day
International Museum Day 2019. The worldwide community of museums will celebrate International Museum Day on and around 18 May 2019. Participation in International Museum Day is growing among museums all over the world. May 16, 2019, The Corozal House of Culture Celebrated its International Museum Day Today Thursday in Corozal. Yucatec Maya Language Lessons To'one Masehualoon Mayan Language Lesson By Ms. Adela Pederson is at the Corozal House of Culture giving Mayan Langauge to the Schools around Corozal. This is event is to teach the younger generation the Language Skills about the Maya's in Belize. This Maya History is a very important Culture to learn. If you want to learn more about this event, there will be a class at 1pm and it will conclude at 3pm today.

International Sources

Banana Leaves Have Replaced Plastic Packaging In Asian Supermarkets
Rimping Supermarket in Chiang Mai, Thailand, recently decided to swap out their single-use plastic wrappers for banana leaves. The banana leaves are now used to keep bunches of cucumbers, peppers, and beans together. On each of the banana leaves is a sticker with the barcode, product, and notice that the leaves and food are pesticide free. While the stickers are still single-use plastic, getting rid of plastic packaging is a step forward for grocery stores.

CARIBBEAN305 RETURNS TO MIAMI THIS SUMMER
South Florida's premier Caribbean culinary and cultural celebration, Caribbean305, returns to Miami on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Mana Wynwood , a new location for the annual event. Featuring flavors from more than a dozen countries and territories, Caribbean305 spotlights award-winning chefs and mixologists from 14 destinations, such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos. The event will also feature cultural influences from Antigua and Barbuda, and the Dominican Republic. The guests, who will be welcomed by moko jumbie stilt walkers and carnival dancers in full-feathered regalia, will also enjoy live Caribbean entertainment, including reggae, soca, salsa and zouk.

Sargassum killing Mexico and Caribbean beaches and tourism industry
Tourists looking for sun and sand in Mexican resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have been disgusted by foul-smelling mounds of sargassum – a seaweed-like algae – piling up on beaches and turning turquoise waters brown, and experts are warning that it may be the new normal. Mexico’s Riviera Maya Caribbean coast provides half the country’s tourism revenues, and very little sargassum reached it prior to 2014. But a possible combination of climate change, pollution from fertilizers and ocean flows and currents carrying the algae mats to the Caribbean has caused the problem to explode. While it may not have the global impact of melting of polar ice, the vast mats of sargassum filling the Caribbean could be one of the more visible climate-change events because of the sheer number of people who visit the region’s popular tourist beaches, some officials say.

Guyana in consolation beach football win over Belize
Guyana ended their CONCACAF Beach Football World Cup qualifiers on a winning note, overcoming Belize 3-2 yesterday at the Puerto Vallarta facility in Mexico. Faced with a 2-0 deficit following goals from Wayne Ford and Marlon Meza in the third and fifth minute respectively, Guyana stormed back to clinch the result compliments of three unanswered goals.

Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival begins its 8th anniversary May 23-26
The Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (GIIFF) will celebrate its 8th anniversary, with an emphasis on screenings and programming about social and cultural issues, currently making headline news. The four-day festival runs from May 23-26, 2019 at the Electric Lodge, located at 1416 Electric Ave. in Venice, Calif. Opening night festivities will kick off with the Los Angeles premiere of Dak’Toká Taíno (I Am Taino) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Electric Lodge Theatre.

U.S. Strategy for Engagement in the Caribbean
The Caribbean region is the United States’ “third border,” characterized by common interests and societal ties that yield daily, tangible benefits for U.S. citizens. The United States is the primary trading partner for the Caribbean, representing a vibrant economic partnership that in 2016 saw a $4.6 billion trade surplus for the United States, 14 million U.S. tourist visits, and 11,042 Caribbean students studying in the United States. We also face many common threats across the region. Small, but significant, numbers of violent extremists from the region have joined ISIS. Caribbean countries have some of the highest murder rates in the world. Rising crime and endemic corruption threaten governments’ ability to provide security and good governance.

Videos

May 16, 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

Camrin Rhaburn wins 14th Annual Reef Fest Trivia Competition
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve 2019 Reef Fest culminated with their 14th Annual Trivia Competition with the participation of various students from San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker. The competition was held at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, May 14th. San Pedro Roman Catholic School student Camrin Rhaburn proved that she had the most knowledge of the marine ecosystem, taking the coveted first place title. Contestants were questioned about protected areas, coral reefs, the role of the mangroves in the ecosystem, protected marine species, and even about the laws about the opening and closing season for lobster and conch and the importance of doing so. Students seemed to be well-prepared, answering the questions to the best of their abilities. Judging the contest were Alicia Eck- Nuñez, Mario Requeña, and Kirah Forman-Castillo.

San Juan Roundabout fountain inaugurated during Reef Fest 2019
Mayor Guerrero stepped on the podium to share a few words. “This new roundabout highlights some of the most important species of our marine life. Over the past 30 years, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye has evolved from a fishing community to the country’s tourism Mecca. The island’s economy has always been dependent in the Barrier Reef, first for its rich fisheries product and now for prime dive and snorkeling sites and other tourism-related activities. Over 70 % of our national tourism overnight arrivals want to experience the reef and see it. While this may cause pressure on our reef and ecosystem, it has also created the demand for more accommodations..."

Second Little Free Library installed in San Pedro Town
Another Little Free library was installed in the San Mateo Area in San Pedro Town on Saturday, May 11th. The aim of the Little Free Libraries around town is to promote reading to island children, who can, in turn, share their favorite books with their community. It operates under the honor system that you take a book and leave a book, so the content of the library boxes constantly changes. The second Little Free Library was built by local Belizean carpenters Jacob and Romaldo and was commissioned by David Threets with support from his friend Jennie Schetnan.

Ambergris Today

Taiwan Supports The Belize Music Month
The Government of Belize, through the Office of the Music Ambassador, is pleased to announce that the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be one of the proud sponsors of the 4th Annual Belize Music Month. The Office of the Music Ambassador is the government entity whose sole function is to grow the Music industry. In partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and other friends, the Office of the Music Ambassador plans to expand the scale of this year’s Music Month, in order to continue to celebrate the immeasurable contributions Belizean musicians and artists make to Belize’s economy and social development.

Camrin Rhaburn of SPRCS Wins Reef Week Trivia Competition
Reef Week's Trivia Competition tested the wits of elementary school children based on our precious marine ecosystem. Students of Caye Caulker joined those from San Pedro at the San Pedro Lions Den for the fun and educational competition that took place on Tuesday, May 14, 2018. Coming out on top after three rounds was Camrin Rhaburn of San Pedro RC School. Rounding up the top three spots were Camilla Domergue from La Isla Carinosa in third place who won a Samsung J4 Phone, trophy and $200 Cash prize and Jasmin Ramos of Holy Cross Anglican School in second place who won a Samsung J8, trophy and $300 Cash Prize.

Fountain Inaugurated During Reef Fest At San Juan Roundabout
A new water fountain was constructed around the San Juan statue roundabout and inaugurated during Reef Fest in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The fountain commemorates our barrier reef as it depicts sea creatures that are of vital importance to the survival of the reef. A short ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday, May, 13, 2019. Local Belizean artist Anton Leslie of Placencia Village was commissioned to create the sea creature sculptures that include a Nurse Shark, Sting Ray, Sea Turtle and Spotted Eagle Ray. More fish and coral reef will be added to the fountain to complete its final design.

Misc Belizean Sources

Programme for Belize Monitoring Activities Report Summary 2017-2018

8th Annual East Indian Heritage Fair
Happening this Sunday, May 19th at 9:30 a.m. at the Round House Area, Miami Beach. Emcee: Willian Neal. Theme "Orchestrating Cultural Partnership". Official Ceremony - Various cultural dances and presentations throughout the festival - Traditional Cocont Grating Contest - Photo Opps throughout the day - Mehendi/Henna Painting all day - Various cultural demonstrations at intervals during the day - Cultural Exhibitions - Info Booths - Interactive Games & Activities for the entire family. Come out and support our East Indian heritage and Culture.

Extension for Public Comments on Gillnets
The Government of Belize has extended its submission period for the public to present information relating to gillnets. You have until May 31st to use your voice and make a difference! There is power in speaking up and the destructive nature of gillnets is an issue we cannot ignore. If we fish sustainably, we can always fish!

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Ride The Wave”!

SBDCBelize in partnership with Unicomer completes Business Development Training
The Small Business Development Centre Belize (SBDCBelize), a unit of BELTRAIDE in partnership with Unicomer has successfully completed its business development training. The six day curriculum provided participants with the basic business skills needed in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Start Up Essentials, Budgeting, Marketing and Financial Management. These tools will assist participants to make sound decisions in relation to budget and investment for their business.

CLOTHING SALE! Belize Red Cross, Corozal Branch
Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Only $5 per bag. All proceeds go towards helping our Corozal Community. Venue: Red Cross Corozal Headquarters in Santa Rita. Come up on 7th Avenue and proceed around the Santa Rita roundabout monument and keep going straight, then take your first right. Red Cross will be to your right.

2019 Children's Poster Competition
Do you know a talented, artistic student? Let them know there's still time to submit for the Poster Competition! Enter for a chance to win thousands of dollars while advocating for the environment.

International Costa Maya Festival Office Opens
Our office is now OPEN! We are located on Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro Town, inside the Oh Danny Boy office. You can also call us at 226-2180. Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Channel 7

Stabbed Ana Through The Heart, Zena Charged For Manslaughter
She stabbed 19 year old Anna Villanueva right through the heart - but Corozal resident Zena Armstrong has not been charged for murder. The DPP has told police to charge her for manslaughter for the Sunday night street fight which ended with Villanueva being stabbed in the chest. Today 20 year old Zena Armstrong was arraigned at the Orange Walk Magistrate's court for manslaughter. She was granted bail of $8,000 and returnd to court on June 17th. As we told you on Monday, Villanueva and another girl were hanging out in front of the friend's house, when Zena Armstrong allegedly rode by on a bicycle and started to threaten and tantalize the girls.

Mo Charge Yet For Man Who Killed Wife
Police took a few days to finalize charges in that case - and are also taking advice on how to charge Andrew Caliz. He is the 48 year old resort owner from Big Falls Toledo who shot his 32 year old wife Noehmy Duarte in the neck before dawn yesterday - causing her to die from her injuries. Hew told police it was an accident - which happened as he was putting his licensed, loaded and cranked 380 pistol on his waist.

Did Combustible Water Ferry Overfill The Gas Tank?
They overfilled the gas tanks - that's what tourism minister Manuel Juniour Heredia says caused the explosion that killed two little girls on The Water Jets water taxi 10 days ago. 10 year-old Yamiri Guy, and her sister, 8 year-old Kimberly Guy were killed as they sat at the back of the vessel with their parents who were both injured. The tragic deaths have highlighted the lack of regulatory oversight in a fast growing water taxi industry. Today, the Ministers of Transport and Tourism said that oversight and requirements will be enhanced:...

Bus Operators Seeking Reciprocity
We met the Ministers of Tourism and Transport this morning at an impromptu press conference held at the Belize Tourism Board conference room. The media basically cornered them after a meeting with the Belize Bus Association. The meeting is a follow up to one held 15 days ago with Minister of Transport, Castro. He told them that the guy they needed to speak to was his colleague Tourism Minister Heredia. And that's because many of their grievances arise form the fact that Guatemalan and Mexican buses can drive all through Belize, while they can't do the same - especially in Guatemala. Very contentious issues - with resentment roiling for two decades - but, surprisingly, at the end of the meeting - everyone seemed to be optimistic and on the same page.

The Sargassum Situation
We have featured stories on the sargassum plague countless times on this newscast. In the beginning of this year, we told you about CRFM's fact finding study to find out how and why it is affecting the Caribbean. Well, while that study is being conducted, residents on the ground in Belize especially on the islands and coastal communities have to deal with the unsightly heaps and unbearable stench of the sargassum as it accumulates and decays on the beach. As you can imagine, it's having a direct effect on the tourism product and properties. We spoke to the Reservations Manager at The Palms Ocean Front Property on San Pedro and she told us that it is getting harder to control and it is jeopardizing their business.

Ministers Seeking The Sargassum Solution
Area representative for Belize Rural South, Manuel Juniour Heredia has to deal with this issue on the ground and at the policy level. He says it's only going to get worse on the ground, and that's why regional tourism ministers are meeting urgently at the end of this month to discuss solutions: Mexico's Riviera Maya along the Yucatan Peninsula is also reporting a major influx of Sargassum.

No More Prison Bus! Court By Teleconference At Kolbe
Regularly on this newscast, we take you to the Supreme Court and the Magistrate's Court for coverage of high-profile criminal cases. But after those high profile arraignments, the accused go through a series of routine adjournments until either the police, or the prosecution is ready proceed to trial. For persons on remand at the Belize Central Prison, these adjournments play out over the course of several weeks, months, and even years, where they are taken from the prison to the court for a few hours before they are inevitably told by the Magistrate or the Supreme Court judge that another adjournment is being granted because the state isn't ready to proceed to trial against them just yet.

Integrity Commission Sworn In For Another Term
In late 2016, when the teachers union went on strike demanding greater transparency from government, the re-activation of the long dormant integrity commission was one of their key demands. And, it was re-activated, to fair effect: we are reliably informed that several elected politicians were extremely late last year in submitting their financial records to the Commission. Because of the late filings, they have racked up many thousands of dollars in penalties. Their names have been handed over to the DPP for prosecution - we are told. That's the good news - but the bad news is that - without anyone noticing - the Commission slipped into inactivity earlier this year.

Taiwan Donates To UDP Albert Rep's Committee
When we hear about donations from the Taiwanese Embassy - and there are many - usually it's to a ministry of government department. But, this morning, they donated to the Albert Action Committee, Minister Tracy Taegar-Panton's divisional group. The Taiwanese donated 30 thousand dollars towards the development of an Albert CARE Centre. We found out what's the plan for the centre - located above Taegar's constituency office on Regent Street:... Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton, Albert Area Rep.: "We felt based on our work in the division that there was a need for a safe space where our students both at the primary school level and the secondary school level to come and do homework, research, get some tutoring if it was necessary, mentorship, counselling services."

Why Albert Said Yes
Today's donation can be seen as Taegar-Panton consolidating her political standing after the Albert division came out decisively in favor of a yes. With 81% voter turnout, 71% of those voters said "Yes" to the ICJ. That is the position that Panton campaigned for - and she said that throughout her information campaign - she felt strong support fro a "yes" in the Albert:... Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton, Albert Area Rep.: "I think that the committee and the team and myself along with the referendum unit had organize a number of educational forums for the people in the constituency and at all these forums there was a quite a bit of engagements by the residents, they were very well attended, we had robust debates at these forums and I believe that the people were sufficiently engage in this very important issue."

Tracey, The Third Way For UDP?
So, with what can be called a "referendum - bump" - how does that position Taegar-Panton in the fast changing UDP power paradigm? She has been known to be an ally of John Saldivar - but might there be a third way forward? We asked her today:.. Reporter: "We've seen it, Mr. Saldivar taken to Facebook. I'm saying he is ready for it, he and Mr. Faber are the 2 persons that we know have made it clear that they want the leadership. Any support for any of these candidates?"

Who Are You Supporting In Shores?
And while she was cagey on that one - she was studiously vague on the other big issue right now in the UDP. That is, who does she support in the shores:... Reporter: "How do you find yourself amongst the 3 aspirants we are told: Leilah Peyrefitte, Santino Castillo and Lee Mark Chang?" Hon. Tracy Taegar Panton: "I think they are three formidable candidates and I think that whichever of the three emerges as the standard bearer for the constituency will lead the party to victory. I believe they all have something to offer and the people of Caribbean Shores will make that determination."

Lee Mark's Master Plan For The Shores
Today we spoke to the one candidate we didn't mention in last night's story about the shores. And that's Lee Mark Chang. And we didn't mention him because our information said that he was asked to step aside. But today he told us her is very much in the race. We went to Chon Saan - which his family owns - and asked the former Freetown candidate why:... Jules Vasquez- Reporter: "My first reaction was incredulity because I thought you retired from politics. How is it that we are now hearing your name for Caribbean Shores?"

Alleged Arsonist Gets Off For Allegedly Burning Down Aunt's House
31 year-old Darrell Alvarez, who was accused of arson by his aunt, has been acquitted by a jury of 9 in a Supreme Court trial. You may remember the story from August 26th, 2014, which happened on Holy Emmanuel Street. Sonia Harris, a Belizean who resides partly in both the US and Belize, reported to police that at around 12:45 p.m., someone lit her wooden house on fire. The blaze destroyed the house completely, costing her approximately $75,000 in losses.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault Of Girl, Judge Tells Her Sin no More
32 year-old Stacey Leslie, a single mother of a 1 year-old child, walked out of the courtroom of Justice Colin Williams with the news that she will not be sent to prison after she pleaded guilty to common assault of a sexual nature on a female minor, who was only 14 years-old at the time. She was facing the more serious charge of abetment to commit carnal knowledge. The incident occurred on September 17th, 2013. According to the allegation, she had aided and abetted her boyfriend John Williams to have sexual intercourse with the girl...

Courts Training Capitalists
15 entrepreneurs from across the country graduated from a 6 week business training. Courts and Beltrade's SBDC unit collaborated to provide this training through Courts' Broadening Horizon's Program. We attended the ceremony this morning and found out how these newly acquired skills can help these entrepreneurs develop their businesses.

Escapee Christian Neal Still Running
Earlier on we showed you an event at the prison. That gave the press the opportunity to ask CEO Virgilio Murrillo for an update on the last of the 3 prisoners who escaped last week Tuesday. As we told you, 2 of them have since been recaptured, but the third, Christian Neal, is still on the run. The CEO told us that they are on his trail, and he made a plea to the public not to harbor this prison escapee. Here are those comments:

Will PUP Vote Yes To MAA Repeal?
Monday will be a historic day in the House of Representatives - as the government moves to repeal sections of the 1992 Maritime Areas Act - which is the last step before filing Belize's case at the ICJ. But, it will also be a politically interesting time - because the government side says it is expecting unanimous bi-partisan support. That puts the opposition in a cute position because we'd expect that some anti-ICJ hardliners on that side may find it hard to vote "yes" to anything introduced by the government. Same goes for the senate - which has its own opposition hardliners.

GUSTAVO CARDENAS At COURT
A former senior accountant at Belize Diesel and Equipment Ltd. was arraigned today for obtaining property by deception and claiming upon a forged document. This is after 48 year old Gustavo Cardenas allegedly forged and cashed 3 Atlantic Bank cheques amounting to $2,107 - without having the required signatures. Cardenas appeared before Magistrate Emerson Banner on Monday, May 13th where he pleaded not guilty. He was released on a bail of $5,000 and his case was adjourned until June 15th.

Channel 5

A Teenager is Arraigned for the Manslaughter of Ana Villanueva
Nineteen-year-old Zena Armstrong is out on bail tonight, following the stabbing death of Ana Villanueva in Corozal Town over the weekend. Armstrong was arraigned for one count of manslaughter, for [...]

A Watchman is Injured During an Aggravated Burglary at a Farm Outside of Belmopan
A watchman from San Ignacio is at home recovering from injuries he sustained during an aggravated burglary at his place of work just outside of Belmopan. On Tuesday morning, Juan [...]

No Charges Against Andrew Caliz in Death of Francisca Duarte
An investigation into the shooting death of thirty-one-year-old Francisca Caceres Duarte, a Honduran national who was killed in the predawn hours of Tuesday, remains open.  Punta Gorda police are yet [...]

Tourism Minister Says Boat Explosion Caused by Overfilled Gas Tanks
An explosion on Sunday, May fifth at the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi terminal in Belize City claimed the lives of eight-year-old Kimberly Melisa Guy and ten-year-old Jamiri Yasmin Guy. The [...]

Tourist Injured in Belize Flown Out for Life Saving Surgery
Belize is getting a bad reputation on the international stage for not having adequate medical equipment to save a tourist’s life. A little over a week ago, U.S. tourist nineteen-year-old [...]

Kolbe C.E.O. Says Trend of Prison Escapes Broken
On April thirtieth, an inmate lost his life while trying to escape from the Belize Central Prison.  Nineteen-year-old Kevin Moore, a resident of Punta Gorda was shot and killed by [...]

Prison Escapee Christian Neal Remains at Large
Christian Neal is one of three inmates at the Belize Central Prison who managed to escape from detention last Tuesday.  Neal, a resident of San Ignacio, was serving time for [...]

Is Albert Area Rep Tracy Panton Weighing Her Chances at the U.D.P. Leadership?
During the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, it was expected that politics would have been at the centre of the discussions. That presumption came on the heels of several social [...]

Who Will Tracy Panton Support as Caribbean Shores U.D.P. Standard Bearer?
As we’ve reported, three candidates have thrown their hats into the ring to represent the United Democratic Party in the upcoming general elections. Leila Peyrefitte, Lee Mark Chang and Santiago [...]

G.O.B. Approves PSA for Canadian Company to Explore for Oil in Northwest Belize
An online report is announcing that the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce has approved a production sharing agreement with Fire Creek [...]

A Prison Courthouse to Connect Inmates to the Judiciary
A new courthouse was inaugurated this morning at the Belize Central Prison where inmates will now be able to connect directly with the Supreme Court and the magistrate’s court from [...]

Local Bus and Taxi Operators Meet with Cabinet Ministers
Local taxi and bus operators met today with Minister of Transport Edmond Castro and his cabinet colleague, Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia Junior in Belize City. Minister Castro first met [...]

Minister Castro Explains Granting of Licenses to Guatemalan Bus Companies
In March, Minister of Transport Edmond Castro issued licenses to two Guatemalan-registered companies, Linea Dorado and Fuente del Norte, to transport passengers to and from Guatemala and Belize City.  This [...]

Bus, Taxi Operators Hopeful That Issues Will be Addressed
Speaking of behalf of operators was Chairman of the Bus Terminal Market Square Taxi Cooperative Mark Humes and President of the Belize Bus Association Thomas Shaw. Both men said that [...]

Belize, Caribbean in Danger as Sargassum Invasion will be Much Worse
In 2018, News Five took a look at the crippling effects of sargassum, a brown, foul and invasive microalga. In October of last year, the Ministry of Tourism and the [...]

UNICOMER Belize’s First Broadening Horizons Graduating Class
The first cohort of UNICOMER’s Broadening Horizons program received certificates today for successfully completing six weeks of business skills training. Broadening Horizons is an entrepreneurship program that seeks to help [...]

Taiwanese Embassy Lends Financial Support to Albert CARE Centre
The Republic of China (Taiwan) made a donation of thirty thousand dollars today to the Albert Division, specifically its Action Committee for the development of a CARE Centre on the [...]

Belize Observes International Day of Families
Belize joined the rest of the world today to observe International Day of Families. The day is used to shine light on the importance of families and their role in [...]

El Pilar Itinerant Photo Exhibit Arrives At Leo Bradley Library
The El Pilar Itinerant Photo Exhibit is on display at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City. The exhibition features photos, literature, and ethnobotany celebrating the El Pilar Archaeological Reserve [...]

The Reporter

Zena Armstrong Charged For The Death Of Ana Villanueva
This afternoon Zena Armstrong, 20, appeared in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court where she was read a charge of Manslaughter for the death of Ana Villanueva, 19, on Sunday, Mother’s Day.

Husband Shoots Wife In Big Falls, Claim It Was Accident
A man from Big Falls in the Toledo district has been detained after he shot and killed his common-law-wife early this morning, claiming it was an accident.

Breaking Belize News

Belize’s Ambassador to the US thanks all Belizeans for participating in national referendum
On May 10, 2019, Belize’s Ambassador to the United States of America & Permanent Representative […]

Zena Armstrong charged for manslaughter; released on bail
Zena Armstrong, 20, of Corozal is out on bail after answering to a single count […]

Surviving A Climate Apocalypse in Belize Lee McLoughlin Wildlife Conservation Society
y Lee McLoughlin: “The greatest threat to future generations” (Barack Obama) “The greatest threat that humanity has faced in a thousand years” (Sir David Attenborough) “The biggest global health threat of the century” (World Health Organization) […]

Four alleged gangsters behind bars
Four men accused of belonging to rival gang groups, one of whom was out on […]

Charges reduced in Blue Creek ‘drug plane landing’ case
Former commanding officer of the Orange Walk Police Formation, Superintendent David Chi; constable Norman Anthony; […]

The Journey to the International Court of Justice – What Belizeans Need To Know
On May 8, 2019, Belizeans went to the polls and voted in favor of taking […]

Leading Guatemalan presidential candidates could face expulsion from race
Pic courtesy Getty Images/BBC. Guatemala’s presidential election on June 16 may be marred by court decisions. […]

Digi mobile data service is temporarily down
Digicell issued an advisory to PostPaid customers minutes ago informing that they may be experiencing […]

Elite Sports Leagues reach climax this weekend
The Belize District, or more accurately Ambergris Caye, will be the epicenter of all things […]

Taiwan Supports the Belize Digi Music Month Fest
The Government of Belize, through the Office of the Music Ambassador, is pleased to announce […]

Government of Taiwan makes donation for youth center in Albert Division
Today, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize H.E. Remus Chen, handed […]

The People Have Spoken, Politicians Should Respect Them | Sir Ronald Sanders
As territorial claims go, Guatemala’s claim to all – every square inch – of Belize is, perhaps, the most outrageous. The only thing that is more outrageous than the scale of the claim is the argument on which it is based […]

GOB retains three law firms for ICJ challenge
“A tidy sum” will be going to three international law firms who will represent Belize […]

Mason’s Guyanese lawyer called to the Belize Bar
Dexter Todd, the attorney brought in from Guyana to represent accused murderer William “Danny” Mason […]

Masked men tie, beat, and rob security officer near Mile 44
Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred yesterday morning at a farm near Mile […]

LOVE FM

Taiwan donates $30,000 to youth center in Albert Division
Many students struggle with having access to resources that are necessary to aid them in their schoolwork. Soon, however, the students in the Albert Division in Belize City will be provided with a care Center, where they will be able to get the help they need. This division has 7 schools, but even students that …

At deadline, only Darrell Bradley’s Name was submitted for UDP Caribbean Shores
Caribbean Shores is one of the hot properties that will help to provide delegates to support either Patrick Faber or John Saldivar in the next leadership convention. So whomever wins, whether it’s Senate President Lee Mark Chang, former Area Representative Santi Castillo who relinquished the area to former Mayor Darrell Bradley or businesswoman Leila Peyrefitte. …

The mini court inside the Prison links to Courthouse
The Prison Video Link Project launch was held today behind the walls of the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville. The U.S. Embassy donated the building and equipment for the brand new Prison Courthouse and the Video Link System. Love News attended the unveiling of the project which was designed to modernize the operation of the …

The UDP Leadership: Saldivar or Faber?
Three terms are the time limit given for any individual to serve as Prime Minister of Belize. Dean Barrow is at the end of that three term limit and that knowledge has doused the ambitions of Minister of Education Patrick Faber and Minister of National Security John Saldivar to pursue the penultimate leadership role next …

Prison CEO says no more Tuesday Escapes
While Moore’s dash to freedom cut his life short, there were three individuals whose sprint lasted a few hours. Rafael Mencias was convicted of manslaughter and accused in a beheading case and Wilser Echeverria who was convicted of killing Panamanian diplomat Jose Rodrigo De la Rosa were both caught hours after their escape on May …

Lessons from Kevin Moore’s fatal dash to freedom from Prison
When we spoke to Kolbe CEO Virgilio Murillo earlier today we had an opportunity to ask him about the recent death at the prison. 19 year old Kevin Moore, a man suffering from schizophrenia was shot in the foot after he scaled the exterior fence of the Belize Central Prison on April 30. Murillo spoke …

El Pilar: Wealth Untold
Belize and Guatemala share a common Mayan site known as El Pilar, which spans the territories of both countries. This ancient Mayan Site still holds great value even today since plants of all sorts can be found at the site. El Pilar Maya Forest Gardeners Network has been on a campaign to share with others …

Blogs

Free Food? Count me in – Taste of the Caye Food Festival
I absolutely love that we get to do many events early on Ambergris. The fact that the food festival ran from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm was right up my alley. Of course, free food did not hurt to get my attention either. The fact that I scored a ride in a hot rod to and from the event was also icing on the cake. So was the fact that I ended up with a sweet iced roll to go. Now back to the beginning. The weather was perfect, nicely overcast with no real threat of rain. My friend Denice and I along with a good-sized crowd were treated to an hour and a half of sampling delicious cuisine from several local Ambergris Caye restaurants.

International Sources

MAJOR BORDER ROWS
In the Caribbean Community family of 15 nations, there are two major simmering border rows dating back centuries to the days of British and Spanish colonialism. One involves Venezuela’s claim to almost two thirds of Guyana and large tracts of its sea space where American supermajor ExxonMobil has found more than six billion barrels of light, sweet, crude oil. The other has to do with Guatemala laying claim to half of the territory of Belize so it could easily gain road access to the Caribbean coast through Belize for its imports and exports. In the past, Guyana has filed papers with The Netherlands-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get rid of what authorities deem as Venezuela’s spurious claim to Guyana’s territory. Officials there think the country has such a strong case that the World Court will eventually dismiss the Venezuelan effort and settle the decades-old dispute once and for all.

Reef restored: How Belize saved its beloved coral
A choppy half-hour boat ride from the mainland lies a narrow, ribbon-like island ringed with granular coral sand beaches. In the distance, the azure sky seems to meld with the cobalt waters. Along the beach, the gently lapping waves and shallows are tinged brown with native seagrass. It’s an idyllic setting. But the island’s real draw lies hidden beneath the waves. Under the clear, calm water, large outcroppings of chocolate-colored elkhorn and staghorn coral are entangled in a pastel wash of coral fans and sponges. Queen triggerfish, with tails like neon-blue sickles and pointed, skeptical faces, mingle with schools of yellow-tailed, horse-eye jacks. Occasionally a marine giant such as a spotted eagle ray or loggerhead turtle swims by. It’s a tranquil, otherworldly scene, like an Impressionist painting brought to life.

Expedition Unknown exclusive: Josh Gates finds Crystal Skull cave and artifacts
Deep in the jungles of Honduras, there is a special place where an explorer reportedly found an amazing pre-Mayan culture crystal skull. Expedition Unknown is on the hunt to verify that the cave exists and what is inside that would validate these claims. Fans of Indiana Jones will love this episode as Josh Gates heads into a subterranean cave filled with crystals, and finds an untouched ancient piece of pottery in the process.

State takes over security in Playa del Carmen after weekend shoot-out
We are not aware of any travel advisory warning to Belizeans from our Government but here is a NOTE to Belizeans traveling to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The popular Belizean tourist destination remains on high security RED ALERT as a result of this weekend's massacre and shoot out at the Chapultepec Bar. The army which arrived this Tuesday night to join state police, local police and other authorities under a single state command are conducting various security operatives and check points. Tourists and visitors have been warned to stay away, for the moment, from certain areas of Playa Del Carmen, particularly Avenida Constituyentes. Mexican authorities strongly advise everyone to avoid this area.

Videos

May 15, 2019

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

2019 Reef Fest Puppet Show entertains island children
Many island children from various schools across the island enjoyed a fun Puppet Show at the Lions Den in San Pedro Town on Monday, May 13th. The Puppet Show is a yearly activity held during Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Fest, aimed at educating younger children in a fun manner on the importance of the protecting and preserving both the environment and marine life.

PLB Finals begin: San Pedro Pirates F.C lose 1-0 against Belmopan Bandits
For the first round of the Premier League of Belize’s (PLB) 2019 Closing Season Finals, the San Pedro Pirates travelled to Belmopan City to face the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, May 11th. The intense match saw both teams fighting for the advantage in the first of the two crucial games. At the end of game time, it was a 1-0 victory for Belmopan Bandits.

Wyndham Debuts Trademark Collection in Latin America with Opening of Costa Blu Beach Resort
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries, announced the arrival of its Trademark Collection® by Wyndham soft-brand to Latin America and the Caribbean with the addition of the Costa Blu Beach Resort in Belize. Located seven miles north of San Pedro Town on the scenic Ambergris Caye, the exclusive, 38-suite, adults-only beach-front resort is located in one of the region’s most sought after vacation destinations and is just offshore of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort is owned by Sandy Point Group and will be managed by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, making it the company’s 26th managed property in the region.

Reef Fest 2019 Coastal Cleanup a success, says Hol Chan Marine Reserve
As part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Fest 2019, a massive coastal cleanup activity was held around San Pedro Town on Saturday, May 11th. The clean-up is a yearly activity that serves to continue raising awareness about keeping the environment clean and to stop the single use of plastic. At 8AM a large crowd of participants gathered at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Dock located at the end of Caribeña Street. Participants separated into groups and tackled different areas of the island. Some headed to the north side of the island and began cleaning the beach side, while others tackled the lagoon.

Ambergris Today

Yello Directory Covergirl Model Madison Shares Phonebooks
Yello and Digi telephone book cover girl Madison Edwards had some fun this past Saturday, May, 11, 2019, handing out the books to passersby at Central Park, San Pedro Town, Belize. She joined the Yello team from Belize City who came to town to give away the new 2019 directories to customers. Madison was chosen to grace the cover of the book because of her activism for a cleaner, safer and better environment/coral reef. Yello and Digi's theme for the book this year was "Yello goes Green" and is full of useful information on green products and way we all can protect the environment we live on.

Sargassum Flow Expected Worse Than Last Year
According to the monthly reports of the Optical Oceanography Laboratory of the School of Marine Sciences of the University of South Florida, intended to provide an overview of the current flowering condition and the probability of future flowering of sargassum for the Caribbean Sea, the conditions for this 2019, are greater than those of last year for the uptake of these marine algae. In the report for the month of January the extension of flowering in 2019 is still significantly greater than in most of the years from 2011 to 2018 for the Caribbean and the Central West Atlantic. For this reason, they point out that this 2019 is likely to be another important flowering year and for which, the corresponding measures must be taken to address said overflow.

Misc Belizean Sources

Information business session on pro-development initiatives
His worship, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and BELTRAIDE invites you to an information business session showcasing a series of pro-development initiatives titled under the “Competitiveness Month.” Friday, May 17, 2019. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. San Pedro Town Council Conference Room.

Rainbow Town Neighbourhood Watch Group Fundraiser in Corozal
The newly formed and vibrant Rainbow Town Neighbourhood Watch Group will be having a BIG BBQ Sale on Monday, May 27th at Rainbow Beach & Park. Monies raised will be used to acquire and install neighbourhood watch caution signs in that particular neighbourhood. NOTE: Monday, May 27th will be a public and bank holiday.

International Museum Day activities in Corozal
"Date change for International Museum Day activities here at the House of Culture. We are looking forward to engaging with students and community members on Thursday! Learn how to count and how to greet people in Yucatec Maya! Friday is Teacher's Day; no school as teachers will be on a well deserved outing". Courtesy Corozal House of Culture.

Corozal Football Association Under 10 and Under 13 FINALS
This Sunday, May 19th at our popular Ricalde Stadium. It is going to be sizzling football action. Let's support these super talented football warriors. It all starts at 10:00 a.m.

NICH meeting with Creative and Cultural Stakeholders
"The Institute of Creative Arts - NICH would like to invite all stakeholders from the Creative and Cultural Industries to a meeting with President of NICH and all Directors on May 15th at the Bliss Centre. Kindly contact the Bliss Centre at 227-2110 for more information".

Power outage scheduled from 8:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, May 16 to affect portion of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Including: Almond Street, Barracuda Street, Basil Jones Street, Beach Front, Bermuda Beach, Blue Dolphin, Buena Vista Area, Boca Del Rio, Bonefish Street, Bright Waters Street, Canary Cove area, Coco Beach Area, Deer Street, Habaneros Area, Iguana Street, Indigo Street, Jewfish Street, Lagoon Street, Laguna Street, Mangrove Drive, Middle Street, Pescador Drive, San Juan Area, Sandpiper Street, Seagull Street, Seaweed Street, Spider Lily Street, Lina Point, Mata Grande, Mata Villas, Mexico Rocks Subdivision, North Ambergris, Nunez Subdivision, Playa Blanca, Punta Arena Street, San Feliz Area Tres Cocos and San Mateo Subdivision. BEL to install utility pole and energize new power lines for customers in the area.

New traffic signs installed in San Marcos
We received complaints from residents in the area, that driver's were speeding putting children at risk. The traffic dept is clamping down on reckless drivers and any driver who drives in a way that puts others at risk can expect a ticket.

Cabinet Appoints agents for ICJ and approves Maritime Areas Act amendmen
Cabinet at its meeting today, Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 approved that the Maritime Areas Act, 1992 be taken to the National Assembly for amendment. Additionally, Cabinet approved that the amendments be tabled at the next sitting of the House of Representatives scheduled for Monday, May 20th, 2019, and submitted to the Senate the following day. Cabinet further approved the appointments of Ambassador Assad Shoman as Agent of the Belize Government and of Ambassador H.E Alexis Rosado as Co-Agent.

Gang Resistance Education And Training Program
On Tuesday May 14th 2019, Community Policing Officers from the Corozal Police Formation visited Church of Christ Primary School and conducted the Gang Resistance Education And Training Program (G.R.E.A.T) lectures to the students of Standard V .

Taiwan Supports the Belize Music Month
The Government of Belize, through the Office of the Music Ambassador, is pleased to announce that the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be one of the proud sponsors of the 4th Annual Belize Music Month. The Office of the Music Ambassador is the government entity whose sole function is to grow the Music industry. In partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and other friends, the Office of the Music Ambassador plans to expand the scale of this year’s Music Month, in order to continue to celebrate the immeasurable contributions Belizean musicians and artists make to Belize’s economy and social development.

TAIWAN BELIZE IT – FRIENDSHIP RUN 2019
The Department of Youth Services and the National Sports Council of the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Embassy of Republic of China (Taiwan), will be hosting a 2K and 5K track race to commemorate thirty years of diplomatic ties and strong friendship between Belize and Taiwan. The Fun Run will be held on Saturday, 1st June, 2019 in Belize City at Memorial Park, commencing at 6:00 a.m. Registration will begin from 5:30 a.m. All families, Primary, High School and University students are invited to come out and engage in some friendly competition while getting the chance to win attractive prizes such as computers, tablets and cell phones. The event is sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Corozal Mayor visits Mayor of Chetumal
On Monday, May 13th our Corozal Town Mayor, His Lordship, Rigo Vellos paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Othón P. Blanco, His Excellency, Othoniel Segovia Martinez of Chetumal, Mexico. The discussion involved strengthening the close ties between the two neighbouring communities. Efforts will now be focused towards renewing relations which existed some time ago. Present at the meeting was the Town Administrator, Claudet Grinage and Councilor in charge of Tourism Affairs, Hilberto Clarke, as well as Belize’s Consul in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Dr. Luis Gilberto Montero Maldonado.

The San Pedro Tour Operators Association, participating in Hol Chan Reef Week
We showcased our new Coral Reef Nursery.

Channel 7

Assad, The Agent
Belizeans took the first step towards the ICJ when they voted "yes" last Wednesday - and on Monday - Parliament will take the critical second step when it repeals two sections of the Maritime Areas Act. The act was crafted in 1992 when Belize and Guatemala were negotiating. It declared a territorial sea of 12 miles along all the coast, but proposed a concession in the south from the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, where Belize only claimed three miles of territorial sea. That was an area only reserved to negotiate a sea boundary with Guatemala. But, now that we're going to the ICJ - any possibility of negotiations is over - and before Belize lodges its case at the ICJ - it will now formally reclaim all its territorial waters.

Gang Rivalry Hotspot Flares Into Murder
In the past few weeks we have reported on a a number of shootings in the area between Ebony Street and Conch Shell Bay - where rival groups - that live right across the street from each other - are feuding. While shots have been firing, fortunately, life was spared. That was until last night, when a city man was gunned down. 23 year old Lyndon Baldwin was shot and killed as he hung out with friends in a yard at the corner of Youth for the Future Drive and Ebony street.

Man Kills Wife, Claims Accident
A man killed his wife this morning in Big Falls, Toledo. But he says it was an accident. Resort owner 48 year old Andrew Caliz - who you've seen on this newscast before - told police that this morning at 4:30, he and his common law wife, 31 year old Noehemy Duarte Caceres were getting ready to make a trip to Belize City. Caliz say he took his licensed .380 pistol out of a drawer and slipped it into the waist of his pants. But, for some reason, the gun was already cranked and it accidentally went off. The single shot hit Caceres to her right upper shoulder, right near her neck.

Man Found Dead On Corozal Seawall
A man was found dead on the seawall in Corozal Town - but police say no foul play is suspected. When 46 year old Alberto Lara didn't show up to his Ranchito village home last night his family started a search. They found his bike near the seawall and found that he was seen at two different restaurants up to early last night. But, apart from his bike - they found nothing last night - until this morning. His brother Roque explains what he saw:... "At 5:15 we went and we searched all the seaside. I found him. He was face down. But because he was my brother I could have recognized him from his back. My next brother called the police and gave him the information while I stayed with the body."

Mason's New Attorney Called to Bar
Yesterday, we told you about Dexter Todd, the new attorney for William Danny Mason imported from Guyana. Well, with the assistance of fellow attorney Hubert Elrington he was called to the Bar today at the Belize City Supreme Court before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. When it was finished, Todd told the press that he just wants justice for his client: Dexter Todd, Danny Mason Attorney: "Some people have the misguided notion that once you are a defence counsel there are certain challenges and old tricks that you bring. I can tell you, this is not one attorney that does that. I am for fairness, to ensure that my client is given fair opportunity."

Attorney Todd's Presence Makes For Reset of Mason Trial
After being called to the Bar in Belize City, Todd, headed straight to Belmopan for a hearing in front of Justice Antoinette Moore. The judge wants to resume the trial as soon as possible, and she called all the defense attorneys representing the 5 accused for a report, and to get their input on the best possible date to continue with this case. Daniel Ortiz in Belmopan for that hearing, and here's his report on the day's events: The last time these 5 defendants went before Justice Antoinette Moore for their murder trial, their previous attorney,

Men Remanded For Allegedly Being In a Gang
New anti-gang legislation was passed last year to make it a crime to be a member of a gang. But, it hasn't been used too often. It was used today, though, against four men who are alleged members of the warring Peace In The Village and "Bacalands" gangs - which are based in the St. Martin's area. 24 year old Akeem Augustine, 21 year old Ulide Allen, 25 year old Kevin Cacho and 23 year old Jeffrey Buller were charged for being members of a gang that engages in criminal activity. Augustine and Allen were charged with being members of PIV, while Cacho and Buller were charged with being members of Bacaland Crips.

Red-Handed Zane
An alleged burglar was caught red handed in the Vista Del Mar area. On the morning of May 9th, Police responded to a burglary in progress at mile 8 on the northern highway. When they got there, they saw Zane Pott riding out of Dennis Johnson's yard with a bag in his hand and a knapsack on his back. The police stopped him at mile 5 and found a bunch of stolen times in the bags.

City Shooting Preceded Murder
At the top of the news, we told you about last night's murder in Belize City. Well, there was another city shooting which proceeded that. It happened around 7:00, and, luckily, the victim survived. 22 year old Christian McDonald along and Alvin Usher were hanging out in a yard at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Jane Usher Boulevard when a man crept up from behind and shot at them.

Corozal Customs Contemplating Charges For Boat
Customs has taken possession of a boat in Corozal and is assessing it for documentation and, possibly, illegal entry. It's called the Paulito and Customs suspects that it may have entered Belizean waters at Ramonal, Mexico - which is an illegal and unauthorized border crossing on the Rio Hondo.

Rivalries In UDP Caribbean Shores
Since last week Wednesday when Caribbean Shores voters said an emphatic "yes" to the ICJ, there's been exhilaration in the UDP - fueling all kinds of fantasies of re-taking that division for the red. And, suddenly, a seat that has a duly endorsed standard bearer in Darrell Bradley is up for grabs. Santino Castillo - who was the last UDP elected Rep in Caribbean Shores has already publicly expressed his interest, and solid reports say former city Councilor, Leila Peyrefitte is also very interested.

Disappointment for Ascenthium
The last time we told you about the Belizean rock and metal band, Ascenthium was 3 weeks ago. That's when they flew out of country for Panama to participate in the first round of the 2019 Wacken Open Air Festival. They were trying to qualify for a trip to Wacken, Germany, for a shot a being the judged as the best metal band around the world for this year in the biggest global event for the genre of music. In order to do that, they had to compete against bands from Central America, and on April 27th, they took on 6 other bands from the competing countries who participated.

What Next On Road To ICJ?
So, as we told you at the tops of the newscast, the Government of Belize is getting very ready to go to the ICJ by repealing sections of the the Maritime Areas act and appointing Assad Shoman its Agent at the Hague. And while they're moving fast to lodge the case at the ICJ, things will slow down once the case is lodged. The timeline is that the Guatemalans have one year to file what is known as their memorial, and then the Belize side has another year to file its counter memorial. In March, Judge Stephen Schwebel - who is a former president of the court explained the process to us at his home in Vermont:..

Taiwan Supports Music Month
The Taiwanese Embassy is now supporting the 4th Annual Belize Music Month. The funds, an undisclosed figure, will be used by the Office of the Music Ambassador to expand the scale of this year's Music Month. A release says that a series of events have been planned all across the country that will culminate with 3 days of concerts and feature the most spectacular performances by 70 of Belize's top Musicians and 30 DJs at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City, from May 23- 25, 2019.

Channel 5

Home Invasion in Belmopan
Police in Belmopan are investigating a home invasion which occurred this morning. Four men entered a property and attacked the security guard who was also robbed. The men escaped in grey car when the manager arrived. According to reports, the assailants fired shots at the manager. One of the men was reportedly arrested in Roaring Creek Village while the others managed to elude police.

Police have charged a 20 year old for the death of 19 year old Ana Villanueva
Zena Armstrong was charged for the crime of manslaughter. The teenage woman was visiting with a friend on Fourth Street North when another teen, with whom she had conflict, passed by with her baby and threatened to harm Villanueva. The accused, returned minutes later after which a fight ensued. A knife was then introduced in the fight and used to stab Villanueva once to the chest.

In Toledo, a Woman is Killed by Her Common-law Husband
The mother of a two-year-old child was fatally shot down south; she is the second woman in twenty-four hours whose life has been cut short in violence. This morning, a [...]

Lindon Baldwin is Murdered on Ebony Street
At around seven-thirty this morning, the lifeless body of Lindon Baldwin was found at a yard on Ebony Street in Belize City. Baldwin was there on Monday night in the [...]

Father of 2 Drowns in Corozal Town
There was a third loss of life up north. A construction worker drowned in Corozal Town sometime between Monday and Tuesday. The father of two packed his tool bag and [...]

1 Freed; 4 Get Reduced Charges in Blue Creek Drug Plane Trial
The sensational trial of five persons, two Mexican nationals and three Belizeans, accused with drug trafficking and the illegal landing of a drug plane in the Orange Walk District in [...]

Cabinet Approves Amendment to Maritime Areas Act
In an update to the referendum…A sitting of the House of Representatives will be held on Monday, May twentieth, to amend the Maritime Areas Act of 1992.  That decision was [...]

Accused Murderers William ‘Danny’ Mason et al Return to Court with News Attorneys
The infamous William ‘Danny’ Mason and his associates were back before Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore in Belmopan today.  This time, Mason went in armed with a new attorney, Dexter [...]

‘Danny’ Mason et al Still Facing Charges for the Kidnapping of Mennonite Couple
William ‘Danny’ Mason et al are also facing kidnapping charges. They stand accused of kidnapping Mennonite businessman Lloyd Thiessen and his wife in May 2016. The Thiessens reportedly handed over [...]

Guyanese Attorney Dexter Todd Called to the Bar in Order to Represent Mason
As we told you, Guyanese attorney, Dexter Todd, had to be called to the bar in order for him to practice law in Belize and represent William ‘Danny’ Mason. The [...]

4 Belize City Men are Charged for Alleged Gang Involvement
The police department is once again cracking down on individuals believed to be involved in gang activity.  This morning in the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, four alleged gang [...]

Saldivar Ramps Up Campaign for U.D.P. Leadership with the “Youth Brigade”
If you’ll recall last year, the race for the leadership of the U.D.P. was in full swing with hopefuls John Saldivar and Patrick Faber actively campaigning within the party. They [...]

The Taiwan Belize It—Friendship Run 2019
The Embassy of Republic of China is partnering with the Department of Youth Services and the National Sports Council to host a two-K and five-K Track Race to commemorate thirty [...]

Belize City Man Says Police Shot Him in the Groin
Fifty-two-year-old Belize City resident Vince Martinez says he was shot by police. It happened on Sunday, May twelfth at his house on Far West Street. According to Martinez, he was [...]

Vince Martinez Plans to Sue the Police Department
According to Martinez, he was first taken to Precinct One and later allowed to visit the K.H.M.H for treatment. He says that he has reported the matter to the Professional [...]

Knowing How to Deal with an Oil Spill
Representatives from sixteen Caribbean countries met today in Belize City as part of a four-day training working on oil spill. The training which was organized by the Regional Marine Pollution [...]

Developing an Individual Child Tracking System in Belize
The annual early childhood development conference of the Ministry of Education concluded today in San Ignacio. A team of experts have been looking at the implementation of a child tracking [...]

Amandala

Mother’s Day stabbing murder in Corozal
Ana Villanueva, 19, a resident of Corozal Town and the 2017 Valedic-torian for Ladyville Technical High School, was stabbed in her chest during an altercation with another girl, and died almost immediately. The girl who stabbed her has been detained, pending charges of murder. She is also 19 years old. The incident occurred at about 11:30 last night at a Mother’s Day event that was held at a house on 4th Street North and 10th Avenue, in the town. Police said that on their arrival at the house, they saw Villanueva lying on the road not far from the house where she had been socializing, with a stab wound in her chest.

Alleged robber shot dead on Albert Street
An alleged robber was shot and killed on Albert Street, Belize City, at about 9:30 yesterday morning, Mothers’ Day, and his accomplice was arrested. He has been identified as Shemar Nunez, 23, an unemployed resident of the Pickstock Street Hutment who was a member of the notorious George Street gang in Belize City. Police said that the proceeds from the robbery were recovered from the robber’s accomplice, who is a minor, who has been detained pending arraignment for charges of aggravated robbery and possession of stolen goods.

4 adults and 3 minors charged with burglary
Seven persons — four of them adults and 3 of them minors — were charged with burglary when they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The adults were Wilfred Garbutt, 35, aka “Chronic”; Kevin Bodden, 26; Eric Tillett, 26; and Tarique Allen, 19. They pleaded not guilty to the charge and were denied bail. They were remanded until July 5. The minors were one boy, 12, another boy, 14, and a girl, 15 years old. They were offered bail of $4,000 each, which they met.

Policeman allegedly stole large quantity of rosewood from Santa Theresa villagers
A group of Maya villagers from Santa Theresa Village in the Toledo District came forward this morning with a disturbing allegation that a policeman, along with a contractor who is said to be well-connected to the ruling United Democratic Party, went to their village yesterday and stole a large quantity of rosewood. The villagers, including their alcalde, told Wil Maheia of PGTV their story. Pablo Max, the chairperson of a Santa Theresa community- based enterprise which deals with forestry products; Mateao Salam, the first alcalde from Santa Theresa; and Jose Thomas, Santa Theresa deputy alcalde, told Maheia that they are concerned that a police officer went to their area and stole their rosewood.

Denzel Flowers, 27, shot to death on Central American Boulevard
Denzel Flowers, 27, a mechanic of Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City, was shot multiple times by an unknown gunman at about 7:15 Saturday evening while he was standing in front of a store on Central American Boulevard. He died almost immediately, and the shooter escaped. Police have detained three men in connection with the incident. Reliable information to us is that Flowers was standing in front of T & R Grocery Store and Fast Food when he was shot in the chest, head and both arms.

The Economic Development Council aspires for exponential growth in Belize
The Economic Development council partnered with the Complete Caribbean partnership organization to host a one-day workshop, designed to improve Belize’s economy through technology and innovation. Complete Caribbean is sponsored by institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank, United Kingdom Aid Direct, the Government of Canada as well as the Caribbean Development Bank and seeks to foster economic growth throughout thirteen Caribbean territories.

Snake eyes in 1st leg of Women’s League Semifinals:
he highly anticipated football playoffs in the National Amateur Women’s League 2018-2019 Closing Season is living up to all expectations, as both semifinal 1st leg games ended deadlocked at 1-1 over the weekend. Despite early regular season lopsided scores in some games, we couldn’t ask for a more competitive scenario in the best-of-two games semifinals. Consider this: South Group rivals Rumberas, from Independence Village, and defending champions Jewel Fury Bandits, from Belmopan, have drawn both times they met in regular season (1-1 and 2-2), both ending the double round-robin with undefeated records.

The Big Dance! Pirates host Bandits in 2nd leg of PLB Championship final on Saturday in San Pedro
Opening season champions, Bandits Sport FC will represent Belize in the CONCACAF Champions League tournament later this year, regardless of what happens on Saturday night in San Pedro; but the San Pedro Pirates FC will challenge the Bandits for the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2018-2019 Closing Season championship in game 2 of their home-and-way series at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night. In game 1 of the finals series this past Saturday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, the defending champions held serve with a 1-nil victory over the Pirates.

Cricket Corner – BDF leading in Zone Two; Bandits lost first game; Easy Does It creeping up
Hello, all cricket enthusiasts! It’s a pleasure once again to have you all informed of our so wonderful sport – CRICKET. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Harrison Parks 2019 Cricket Competition continued over the weekend. Thanks for the sponsorship of Bowen and Bowen. It was such a lovely day for playing cricket. Fans and spectators had a fun filled day. Some teams were joyous, while others were heartbroken; but that’s the way the game goes. We win some; we lose some.

Editorial: Get serious about BELIZE, UDP
No Belizean leader or political party ever had such an easy run. PM Barrow and the UDP came to power in 2008 after the PUP government of 2003-2008 imploded. The PUP, to an extent, has remained imploded. That party, during its 1998-2008 reign, had allowed some of its elements to handle the national treasury as if they were running their personal finances, and the people rose up against them. The PUP seems unable to come to grips with its failures: they want to point only to their successes. The PUP’s failure to accept its failures put the UDP on easy street. They have won every election since 2008, an unprecedented run in recent years. The UDP has enjoyed every minute of their eleven years and odd days in power, and a great part of their enjoyment seems to come from rubbing salt in the wounds of the PUP. It is true that the UDP had, and has had tough times when they were out of office, and it seems that politicians in particular are heavy on revenge. Okay, but what do the rest of us have to do with that?

Nothing lasts forever
Dear Editor, The petrodollar is a system where oil is sold in United States (US) dollars exclusively. In 1944, as a consequence of the Bretton Woods Conference, the US dollar, backed by gold, became the world reserve currency. Prior to that, it was the British Pound. In 1971, US president Richard Nixon unilaterally cancelled the international convertibility of US dollars to gold. From 1972 to 1974, the US made a series of agreements with Saudi Arabia, which led to them selling oil in US dollars only.

From Clinton Canul in Corozal
Dear Editor, We, the citizens of Belize, expected to hear from politicians in the period leading up to the coming general elections that the constitution of this country will be reformed, and included in this reform will be the cancelation of the Belize Tourism Board, which is paid for through the People’s Consolidated Funds.

Don’t do it, John Carr
I guess Brother John Carr railed about government wikidnis one time too many and somebody challenged him to stop talking, to get in the ring and do something about it. A man has to be very careful about the friends he keeps. Some friends protect you from evil. Remember how Toad of Toad Hall gheh the sense (Wind in the Willows). It was good, firm friends who made him get over his swell head. Some friends egg you on to get into the ring. They are nowhere around when they carry you out on a stretcher, your face all puffed up from being pummeled with various hooks, uppercuts, jabs, and straight crosses. I’ll have to ask around and find out who the instigator is. Of course John Carr is frustrated with all the shitn’nis in government. All of us are. And well, he’s got credentials. Successful businessman, to the bone Belizean after being born in America, always has a solution to offer on the nation’s many problems, yes, he’s got the credentials.

Two detainees escape from Independence Police Detention Block
Gregory Flowers, 26, and Clinton Coleman, 36, both of Independence who were detained at the holding cell at the Independence Police, pending investigation, one for theft and the other for burglary, escaped out of the cell block by damaging the locks on the cell door. The breakout occurred at about 6:45 Tuesday evening. When checks were made for the detainees, the police found the cell empty.

Juan G. Marin, Jr., receives Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering
On May 11, 2019, graduation ceremonies were held at Barnhill Arena at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR. Out of 4,500 graduates for the Spring 2019 ceremony, Juan G. Marin, Jr., the eldest grandchild of the Hon. Florencio Marin, Sr., received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

The Reporter

Santino Says He Got The Nod For Caribbean Shores
According to Santino Castillo, who was Area Representative of Caribbean shores before he stepped down to make way for Darrel Bradley, his application to step back in the ring was submitted three months ago...

High-Speed Chase On Hwy. Belmopan Police Nab 1 Of 4 Robbers
Belmopan Police have detained one man following a brazen invasion at a property located on Mile 44 on the George Price Highway. According to reports, around 8:00am today the watchman at the property was held by four men in the security booth, then beaten and robbed.

Missing Man – Body Found In Corozal Bay
The Reporter has confirmed very preliminary information that the body of a man has been found in the sea at the south end of Corozal Bay.

Breaking Belize News

United States calling on United Nations members to take action against Venezuelan government
The United States has condemned the deteriorating social situation in Venezuela and is calling on […]

Murder victim identified
Police have identified the murder victim found this morning as Lindon Baldwin, 22, from Belize City. […]

Cabinet Agrees to Amend Maritime Areas Act and Appoints Agents for ICJ
At its meeting today, Cabinet approved that the Maritime Areas Act of 1992 be taken […]

Taiwan donates $30,000 to Albert Care Center
The Albert Action Committee (AAC) in collaboration with Area Representative, Tracy Panton is seeking to […]

Fun Run Marathon to be Held to Commemorate Belize and Taiwan Diplomatic Ties and Friendship
The Department of Youth Services and the National Sports Council of the Ministry of Education, […]

Taiwan supports Music Month in Belize
The Government of Belize and the Office of the Music Ambassador informed today that the […]

Husband says gun accidentally shot wife
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Honduran national, Francisca Noehemy Duarte Caceres, […]

Corozal’s Municipal Bazaar coming soon
The Corozal Town Council is hosting a Municipal Bazaar on Friday, May 31. The event […]

Inland temperatures rise to 96 degrees
Warm, hazy and dry conditions are forecasted to continue today. Skies are expected to be […]

Body found floating at sea
Around 5 this morning, the body of a man was retrieved from the sea in […]

Young woman stabbed to death in Corozal Town
A woman is dead and another is detained by police after a stabbing in Corozal […]

Dead body found in Belize City
Police have recovered a dead body near the corner of Youth for the Future Drive […]

Police: Denzel Flowers gunned down five minutes after police search
Denzel Flowers, 27, was gunned down in Belize City shortly after 7:00 on Saturday night. He […]

Police: Shooting death of Shemar Nunez justified
Belize City police have ruled that justifiable force was used in the shooting death of […]

LOVE FM

RAC-REMPEITIC hosts workshop on oil spill disaster
RAC-REMPEITIC – it is quite an acronym. Its role, however, is not so complicated. RAC-REMPEITIC stands for Regional Activity Centre/Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Information and Training Centre. The centre is currently hosting a four-day conference, focusing on how to respond in the event of an oil spill disaster. The conference is a very timely one …

Jose Lara found dead after drowning in Corozal Town
47-year-old Ranchito villager, Jose Lara, left his home to visit Corozal Town yesterday, but never returned. Surveillance footage showed him near a restaurant around 5 p.m. that evening, but his whereabouts after were unknown. Later in the night, his neighbor found his bicycle near the seaside at South End. His family immediately filed a police …

Lindon Baldwin killed near home
The corner of Ebony Street and Youth for the Future Drive is a prominent piece of real estate as it sits across from the Guardian Newspaper office and also adjacent to a well illuminated gas station. But none of that had any impact on Monday night’s violence as a resident of Ebony Street was killed …

“Labour and You”
The Ministry of Labour is mandated to ensure that the rights of employees are adhered to by the employers and that their benefits are within the confines of the Labour Laws. With many still unaware of the role the Labour Department plays, the Ministry is hoping to change all that by hosting a conference which …

International Sources

How hurricanes are named
Prior to the 1950s, there was no uniform way to name hurricanes. Some used saints' names, others used longitude and latitude. In 1953, that all changed when the U.S. started using female names to identify storms. By 1979, the use of female and male names was adopted for storms in the northern Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Medfly detected in Southern Belize
Te Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has issued a release informing that medflies have been detected in the following areas of the country: the Sapodilla Cayes, the dump in the Toledo District, and Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District. As a result of the medflies detected, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, increase trapping, and chemical control has begun in those areas. The public is asked to refrain from taking fruits such as mango, cocoplum, and sea grapes, outside of those areas to prevent the spread of this pest.

Selena Urias to represent Belize in Miss International 2019
23-year-old, Selena Urias was appointed as Miss International Belize 2019. The gorgeous lady will be flying to Japan to represent her country at Miss International 2019. Beauty queen will be carrying Belize’s flag for the first time since 2012 at the Miss International stage. Selena is a fitness and travel enthusiast.

Teen Injured During Central America Vacation Fights To Recover In South Florida Hospital
Nine days ago Austin Leintz and his friends posed for a picture on the beach in San Pedro, Belize. The group was on vacation from Colorado and just beginning what they hoped would be a memorable, fun-filled vacation. Little did 19-year-old Austin know that it would be memorable for a much different reason. In fact, just minutes after that picture was taken, Austin would suffer a severe head injury when he fell from a golf cart. Austin suffered a fractured skull, brain bleeding and swelling along with numerous cuts, scrapes and bruises.

Consolidated Water grows revenue, net income
Consolidated Water increased total first quarter revenues by 17% and gross profit by 13% compared to the same period last year. Higher manufacturing and retail revenues were partially offset by marginally lower bulk and services revenues. The decrease in bulk revenues was due to lower rates that came into effect in February for water supplied from the company’s Red Gate and North Sound plants. The net income attributable to shareholders increased to $6.2 million or $0.41 per diluted share, based on improved operating income and gains from the sale of discontinued operations in Belize.

Fire Creek Resources and Government of Belize to sign PSA to develop onshore oil and gas resources
FCRL Belize Ltd. (FCB) is pleased to announce the approval of its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) application by the Government of Belize Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade and Commerce. “This PSA is a significant step for a Calgary-based company. It showcases the world-class skills and experience that we have in Canada and that we can take outside of our borders to work with other nation states,” says FCB President and CEO Dean Casorso. “We appreciate Government of Belize’s decision to allow us this opportunity to apply our patented technology and experience as we look forward to commence production from discovered oil and gas resources in Belize. We sincerely thank the Government of Belize for positively considering our proposal.”

Videos

May 14, 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

The San Pedro Tiger Sharks secure a spot in the 2019 NEBL finals
On Saturday, May 11th, another decisive game took place to determine Hurricanes’ opponent for the finals. The San Pedro Tiger Sharks travelled to Dangriga Town in southern Belize, where they faced the Dangriga Dream Ballers before a packed auditorium. The island had one of the toughest games in the NEBL season as their opponent took a 20-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. Tiger Sharks tried their best to close the gap in the first half of the game, but Dangriga Dream Ballers controlled the first half of the match and by halftime they were leading by eight points.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve 2019 Reef Fest opens with Reef Fair
At 9:30AM, the Reef Fair saw booths opened to the public, highlighting topics such as the importance of protecting and preserving the Barrier Reef, as well as different wildlife and marine ecosystems. Attendees were also educated on the laws about the different protected areas and marine species.

San Pedro Town Council celebrates Mothers’ Day in grand style
An extravaganza of entertainment, drinks and delicious food delighted Ambergris Caye’s mothers on Sunday, May 12th at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex. The annual Mothers' Day event hosted by The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), saw a variety of performances, and music, tons of giveaways and a comedy show with popular performers from Mexico. The Mother of the Year was also selected near the end of the show.

Ambergris Today

Yeka Rosales Entertains Moms At Mother’s Day Spectacular
The highlight of the San Pedro Town Council’s Mothers’ Day Program on Sunday, May 12, 2019 was the performance of Yeka Rosalez from the comedic show “La Parodia” all the way from Mexico but the participation of the mothers on stage also made for great entertainment. Yeka Rosales had everybody laughing she cracked joke after joke with a non-stop performance and imitation of some of Mexico’s top artists such as Alejandra Guzman, Ana Gabriel, Laura Leon, Paulina Rubio and Gloria Trevi. She danced, sang and had fun interaction with the audience. She really showed her love for San Pedro and expressed her joy of having the opportunity to entertain all the mothers at the show.

United States Southern Commander Visits Belize
Belmopan. May 10, 2019. Commander of the United States Southern Command (U.S. SOUTHCOM), Admiral Craig Faller met today, May 10th, with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar at the Prime Minister’s Office in Belize City. The Prime Minister in his remarks congratulated Admiral Faller on his recent appointment as Commander SOUTHCOM and extended his sincere gratitude for the continued support that Belize receives from the U.S. SOUTHCOM and the great partnership that both countries share.

Hol Chan Kicks Off Reef Week 2019
Reef Week 2019 was officially kicked off on Friday, May 10, 2019 with its annual Reef Fair which took place at Central Park. Students from various schools and the public in general were invited to attend a very informative fair. Children learned about protected areas, protected fish, the environment and even about crocodiles. The House of culture had a beautiful display of San Pedro when it was once a thriving fishing village. It was a very hot day but refreshments were available for those in attendance courtesy of Hol Chan Marine Reserve. There was fun entertainment for all to enjoy as stilt dancers performed for those in attendance. Local artists were also on hand painting reef/sea creatures and the kids had tons of fun with the face painters.

Misc Belizean Sources

2019 CEO Caucus Cancer Ride
This Saturday, May 18th, 2019 is the annual CEO Caucus Cancer Ride! Join us! Ride with us! Combat Cancer! See Flyer for Details!

5th Annual Corozal Rotary Club Cheap Sale
The Corozal Rotary Club Cheap Sale is joining with Corozal Town council municipal Bazaar on Friday May 31st at Central Park. We are changing our location for your convenience

Belize Red Cross Corozal Branch $5 Bag Clothing Sale
The Belize Red Cross Corozal Branch is holding a $5 per bag clothing sale on May 23rd. The sale will be held at the Red Cross Center in Santa Rita. If you have clothing you would like to donate, please drop it off at the Red Cross Center before May 22nd.

BWS Notice for Customers in Caye Caulker
Low Water Pressure for Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Duration: 1:00 PM (May 14, 2019) - 1:00 PM (May 15, 2019) Area to be affected: entire Caye Caulker Distribution System

Medfly Detection
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority hereby informs the public that medflies have been detected in the Sapodilla Cayes, Dump in the Toledo District and Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District. As a result of the medflies detected, eradication activities such as fruit stripping, increase trapping and chemical control have begun in Hopkins and the Sapodilla Cayes. The public is being asked to refrain from taking fruits such as mango, cocoplum, and sea grapes, outside of these areas to prevent the spread of this pest. BAHA also reminds the public that Belize is free of the medfly and introductions only occur when people bring medfly host such as fresh fruits and vegetables illegally into the country.

Corozal Art In The Park
Another wonderful edition of Art in the Park. Thank you to our artists, food vendors, DJ, musicians, gymnasts and of course our community for coming out and enjoying yourselves!! A gracious thank you to this month's sponsor; Zaara's Boutique!!! See you all at the June 15th edition.

BETEX closing party at Banyan Bay Suites in Ambergris Caye
Thanks to the Belize Tourism Board, Tropic Air Belize, Belizing.com, Travellers Liquors Ltd and Bowen & Bowen, Ltd official sponsors of BETEX 2019!

HANDS ACROSS THE SAND
Saturday, May 12th at 12:00 noon - Corozal Town - Round House, Miami Beach and Sarteneja Village - Almendro Park.

Kyle's Benefit Concert
Ascenthium and SonicBrew are playing at Kyle's Benefit Concert this Saturday, May 18th, at Thirsty Thursdays. All proceeds will go towards Kyle's medical expenses. You know it's going to be a great concert with those 2 groups.

Belizean Patriot: Mrs. Beverly Smith Lopez
At the tender age of nineteen, Beverly Smith Lopez diversified Belize’s artistic scope by becoming the “First lady of Comedy”, the first National Drama Coordinator. In 1957, Beverly was born to Earl and Hazel Smith. She attended Belize Pallotti High School. She later attained a scholarship to Santa Clara University in Northern California and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelors degree in Theatre. Beverly’s acting debut was her performance of her hit monologue – BELIZEAN GOSSIP at the Square Peg Players at Carifesta 1976 in Jamaica, which quickly raised her popularity.

Hands Across the Sand
Join Oceana Belize and our Wavemakers as we host "Hands Across the Sand" in Belize on Saturday, May 18th at 12 PM! Find your nearest location and come join hands as we say no to offshore oil and yes to protecting Belize's economically important marine resources!

JOIN US: As GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist
We are securing the services of a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist – with a strong interest in conservation science – to contribute to our growing geospatial data work in the Toledo district. He/she will be assisting program directors in carrying out various GIS and Remote Sensing related tasks and projects

San Juan Fountain officially launched!!!

Channel 7

Girl Fight Leads to Murder in Corozal
A teenaged girl was murdered last night in Corozal. 19 year old Anna Villanueva was hanging out and drinking at a friend's house on 4th Street North when another 19 year old, Zeyna Armstrong, rode past on a bike hurling threats and insults at them. Armstrong finally approached Villanueva which led to the deadly brawl. Courtney Weatherburne has more details on this killing. A friendly Sunday night visit turned deadly for 19 year old Anna Villanueva. Villanueva was walking down 4th Street North when she saw her friend who lives at this house. Villanueva stopped by and they stood in front of the house to catch up.

Cops Recovered Knife
Now, police have Armstrong in custody and expect to bring charges soon. Today, at the press briefing, police confirmed the details of Villanueva's murder. They also said that they have not officially established a motive and that they are no reported cases of prior confrontations between the girls. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Corozal police were called to an area on Tenth Avenue and Fourth Street North responding to a stabbing incident where upon arrival they observed a dark complexion female lying on the side of the street apparently motionless..."

Family Loses Two Members To Murder Days Apart
And from that killing in Corozal, we turn now to Saturday night's murder in Belize City. 21 year-old Denzel Flowers, a resident of the Jane Usher Boulevard area, was shot and killed on Saturday night right in front of his family's home on Central American Boulevard, in the Port Loyola area. He went across the street to buy food, and while he was waiting, an unknown gunman caught him off-guard and shot him multiple times before anyone realized what was happening. His family heard the barrage of gunshots from inside their home, and they rushed out onto the street, only to find him bleeding to death.

Civilian Shot and Killed Robber On The Run
Tonight, a 23 year old is dead - killed by an armed civilian after he had just robbed a grocery store on Sunday morning. There's no nice way to say it, the fact is there are many in the public applauding the man who took out his weapon and killed this robber as he was fleeing. And police seem all too happy to keep to that tidy narrative - because the perpetrator Shemar Nunez was known to them as a criminal. End of story: one bad egg gone. But, it's not that simple, not at all, and Jules Vasquez has questions. Here's his story:..

Santa Teresa Villagers Say Police Inspector Stole Their Rosewood
Residents of Santa Teresa Village in the Toledo District say a policeman stole logwood from them. The Quiche Ha Community Based Enterprise says that a lone officer, an Inspector who is from Toledo, went to their village and took Rosewood which they had stored up. The Quiche Ha chairman says the cop took what was theirs without authority. Here's what he told PG TV: Pablo Max, Chairperson - Quiche Ha: "Right now our concern is that a police officer was involved in getting into our area. We are saying that he was stealing Rosewood from our area without our permission."

Travel To Mexico Made Easier
Belizeans who travel very regularly to Mexico can now get a Regional Visitor Card to cut through the immigration red tape. The card - known as the TVR - is free and can be obtained at the Chactemal Immigration office at Belize's northern border. It allows cardholders to travel up to 7 consecutive days to the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Tabasco and Yucatán. It is not valid for any other state in Mexico. To get the Card, Belizean nationals must present a valid passport and a photocopy of the ID page. Children and minors must present the proper authorization from both parents or a legal guardian certified by a JP. The card is valid for 5 years.

Medfly Detected In The South
It's bad news for Belize agriculture tonight because Mediterranean fruit flies - medflies for short - have been found the south. According to BAHA, medflies have been detected in the Sapodilla Cayes, Dump in the Toledo District and Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District. So, now BAHA has started an eradication campaign, meaning fruit stripping, increased trapping and chemical controls in Hopkins and the Sapodilla Cayes.

Orel Targetted
Orel Leslie was twice acquitted of the same murder - most recently in July of 2018. That was for the killing of James Noralez. He's been a free man for the past 10 months, but on Sunday morning, police say someone tried to take the 30 year old's life. It happened on Bocotora Street near the Michael Finnegan market. He was driving on Bocotora street when 6 shots rang out. Leslie escaped unhurt but police say he didn't want to make a complaint:

Danny Mason's New Imported Attorney
Back in March of this year, William Danny Mason and his 4-co-defendants Ashton Vanegas, Keron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo, began standing trial without jury in front of Justice Antoinette Moore in the Belmopan Supreme Court. The court heard extensive evidence led by DDP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal herself, in which the prosecution was attempting to prove that Mason and these others were guilty of the July 2016 beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas.

IDB Unleashing Innovation
The Government of Belize, through its Economic Development Council, is seeking to grow Belize's economy through technology and innovation. To do this, they've partnered with the Complete Caribbean Partnership Facility. Complete Caribbean is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Government of the UK under its UK Aid program, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Government of Canada. It seeks to stimulate economic growth throughout 13 countries across the Caribbean, through technology and innovation.

Multi Sectoral Approach To Early Childhood Development
The Ministry of Education today led what's called an intersectional conference on Early Childhood Education. It combines inputs from the Ministries of Education, Health and Human Development along with UNICEF and NCFC. That's a lot of agencies contributing to this strategic plan.

Channel 5

A Fight between 2 Teenagers in Corozal Town Ends in Fatal Stabbing
The life of a young woman who had her own share of misfortune was cut short in Corozal on Sunday night. Nineteen-year-old Ana Villanueva was visiting with a friend when [...]

Denzel Flowers Shot Dead on Central American Boulevard
The first murder for the weekend occurred in Belize City on Saturday night.  He was recently released from prison, but twenty-one-year-old Denzel Flowers was shot multiple times as he walked [...]

Is the Shooting of Alleged Robber Shemar Nunez Justified?
Another man was killed in the city within hours of the murder of Denzel Flowers. The case, however, is being treated as a fatal shooting because police say Shemar Nunez [...]

Danny Mason’s Guyanese Attorney Arrives in Belize
Arriving in the country today was thirty-eight-year old Dexter Todd, a Guyanese attorney. Todd has been retained by William “Danny” Mason, also from Guyana, who is expected to go back [...]

Shots Fired Near Allan Pitts Crescent
Fortunately, no one was injured this morning when shots were fired in Belize City, but the shooting caused commotion in the neighbourhood. At around ten o’clock, shots were fired behind [...]

Orel Leslie Escapes Shooting
Last year, Orel Leslie was freed of a murder charge, but on Sunday morning it appears he was a marked man. Leslie was driving on Bocotora Street around five in [...]

Police Look for Gunman inside “the Jungle”
Police have detained one man and are looking for another suspect in connection with a shooting incident that happened on Freetown Road on Sunday morning. Police say that shortly after [...]

Santino Castillo Wants Back Caribbean Shores Seat
Businessman and cyclist, Santino Castillo, is returning to the political arena. Castillo has announced he wants to run again in the Caribbean Shores Constituency for the U.D.P.  After serving as [...]

3 U.D.P. Candidates for Caribbean Shores, So Far
Senate President Lee Mark Chang and former U.D.P. Belize City Councilor Leila Peyrefitte are the two names who have reportedly expressed interest in representing Caribbean Shores. While Castillo won in [...]

John Saldivar Urges U.D.P. to ‘Embrace the Inevitable Competition for Leadership’
With the referendum results showing a strong YES in favour of the U.D.P. position, it’s silly season in the party.  Now, Prime Minister Barrow will also be making his exit [...]

The Stealing of Rosewood from Santa Teresa Village, Toledo
There is an allegation against a police officer coming out of the Toledo District tonight. Residents from the Santa Teresa Village claim that the officer has stolen rosewood from its [...]

IDB Hosts Innovation Workshop to Spur Economic Growth
The Economic Development Council, Compete Caribbean and the Inter-American Development Bank hosted a one-day workshop to discuss using innovation within the private sector to achieve exponential growth in Belize. At [...]

Crooked Tree Cashew Fest 2019
The popular cashew festival took place over the weekend attracting its own share of visitors to the village; from tourists to mothers celebrating their special day. All things cashew were [...]

NEBL Playoffs & PLB Finals in Sports News
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.   [Highlights of the weekend in Sports...]

The Reporter

BAHA Issues MEDFLY Alert In Some Areas Down South
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority ‘BAHA’ the government’s agency that reguulates food safety in Belize, has issued a MEDFLY Alert for a region in the southern part of the country, the alert is for the following areas, The Sapodilla Cayes, Dump in the Toledo District and Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District.

No Excuse – The Day After Referendum
By Nancy Marin – Yesterday was a very Historic day in the political life of our Nation. Regardless of what the PUDP machinery used to get our people to vote yes; it was at the end of the day the choice of our people and it must be respected.

Teenage Girl Detained For Murder
A woman identified as Ana Villanueva, a resident of the Dominguez Layout in Corozal Town, was murdered last night, allegedly by another woman during a fight.

Robber Killed On Albert Street
A minor, 16, is in Police custody and a well known street figure, Shemar Nunez, 23, is dead following a robbery in Belize City this morning around 9:00.

Breaking Belize News

Belize hosts 2019 Intersectoral Early Childhood Development conference
The 2019 national Intersectoral Early Childhood Development Conference commenced today and will conclude tomorrow at […]

Economic development organizations host innovation workshop
Today the Economic Development Council (EDC); Compete Caribbean (CC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) […]

Belize featured in travel writing piece on TravelTrivia.com
Positive mentions for Belize keep popping up in international media, the latestin the form of […]

San Ignacio morgue back online
Quick response by the Ministry of Health (MOH) has restored function to the morgue at […]

Westrac continues to give back to the community
The largest auto and tractor parts supplier in Belize, Westrac Limited recently took the initiative […]

Cristo Rey Riverfest Coming Soon
The annual Riverfest in Cristo Rey, Cayo District is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2019. […]

Medfly detected in Southern Belize
Today, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) issued a release informing that medflies have been […]

San Ignacio Hospital morgue is down
The morgue at the San Ignacio Hospital is currently not functioning. Breaking Belize News confirmed […]

Santa Theresa villagers say police stole rosewood
Villagers from Santa Theresa are outraged this morning, alleging that a police officer illegally harvested […]

Legacy Global Development Celebrates Surge of Vacation Home Sales at Its Orchid Bay, Belize Property
Orchid Bay sold out of their phase 1 bungalows and most of phase 2 beachfront condos, thanks to […]

Three countries to be removed from EU tax haven blacklist, Belize still on it
Three countries, Bermuda, Aruba, and Barbados are to be removed from the European Union’s (EU) […]

New regulations for Mexican regional visitors card
Mexican authorities issued new travel and immigration procedures for regional visitors on April 23, 2019. […]

Belize Peace Movement urges PUP to follow up on legal proceedings relating to the Special Agreement
Last night, the Belize Peace Movement (BPM) released a statement reminding Belizeans that the issue […]

Woman stabbed to death in Corozal
A woman was stabbed to death last night in Corozal town. According to reports, Ana […]

LOVE FM

Use your Card to Travel to Mexico
Mexico has made a few improvements with its Regional Visitor Card which has been issued to nationals from Belize and Guatemala. The card will also be now made available to Salvadorans and Hondurans at the Mexican Immigration offices located at seven border points of entry with Guatemala. According to Edgardo Briones Velasquez, the head of …

Who fired shots at Orel Leslie?
Orel Leslie is one of a group of men who were jointly charged for the November, 2012 murder of James Noralez. Leslie, Tyrone Meighan and Brandon Baptist were acquitted in 2015 and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal appealed. While Leslie was on remand for that second trial, he felt he was not treated …

BAHA working on eliminating medfly detected in the south
Today, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA, sent out a release informing the public that the Mediterranean fruit fly or Medfly has been detected in the Sapodilla Cayes, Dump in the Toledo District and Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek District. As a result, BAHA has embarked on eradication activities which include fruit stripping, increase …

Denzel Flowers Killed on Central American Boulevard
Belize City resident, Denzel Flowers was the second person to die from gun violence. According to the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch for Belize City, Alejandro Cowo, Flowers was killed in front of T and R Shop on Central American Boulevard on Saturday night. ASP Alejandro Cowo – Head CIB Belize City: …

Shemar Nunez Killed after Robbery
There were two persons killed by gun violence in Belize City over the weekend. Shemar Nunez, the son of Sebastian “Sabby” Nunez was killed during a robbery on Albert Street on Sunday morning. Jose Sanchez- Reporter: “Three generations of the Nunez family are a microcosm of Belize City’s at risk youths. Sebastian Nunez Senior in …

Blogs

Getting to know your beach buddies
There is nothing more relaxing than a stroll on the beach. There is something about the vast expanse of the horizon that allows your worries to drift over that unseen ledge, temporally disappearing from heart and mind. Along the way, shorebirds often scamper the waterline, escorting you on your sandy saunter. These little beach buddies are a delight to watch, and you may wonder just who are these new found feathered friends!

A Sunset View in Corozal Town, Belize
Aren't Sunset Fabulous? Everyone at one time or another has marveled at the beautiful red and orange colors of a sunrise or sunset. Although colorful sunrises and sunsets can be seen anywhere, certain parts of the world are especially famous for their twilight hues. The deserts and tropics quickly come to mind.

What's newly opened and fun in Belize??? Placencia + Ambergris Caye
Belize is so small, and realistically, it changes pretty slowly all things considered - but it is amazing how many new little places crop up all the time. Thankfully, at this time, they are almost exclusively mom-and-pop places like the history of Belize has always had (I can only think of Losers and Hilton's Mahogany Bay as chains that have opened in the country recently - yes there is talk of more but it'll be a while.) Because all the new stuff makes my head spin, I find it helpful to keep a record of new places as they open. Here are the new places in the last couple months in Placencia and Ambergris Caye! ***HERE is my last update from February 2019 - a couple places were mentioned in the this post that are here again, but they weren't quite open yet :)

An Ancient Maya Ballgame Is Being Revived Across The Mundo Maya – And Belize Rules It!
It’s with no small amount of pride and joy that we congratulate Belize’s Ek’ Balam, aka the Black Jaguars in Mayan, on bringing the Third annual Pok Ta Pok World Cup home after a gruelling regional competition held in El Salvador from 29 April to the 5th of May 2019. We’re also happy to report that the captains of the losing sides were allowed to live. For the uninitiated, Pok Ta Pok is an ancient Maya ball game played by two opposing teams using only their hips to pass and shoot a heavy solid rubber ball down a playing court.

Belize: The Best Place To Travel In June For Adventure
On the vacation calendar, June is an odd month. Too early for school vacations and too late for springtime festivities like Easter and Carnival, June is sometimes a bit of a misfit. But precisely because it occurs during the “low” travel season, June is one of the best months to visit Belize. June is a bit of a transition month in Belize as the country is moving into its “green” season. Belize receives roughly eight inches of rain in June, but most of that falls overnight or in brief downbursts during the hottest part of the day. Visitors to Belize can easily wait out the brief afternoon showers to enjoy a full day’s worth of exploring and traveling in the country.

International Sources

Commmonwealth observer group describes referendum in Belize as ‘credible, transparent and inclusive’
An interim statement released by Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) chairman and former Bahamas prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, laid out the group’s initial observations. Ingraham described the vote as “credible, transparent and inclusive.” The results revealed that 55,388 people voted yes (or 55.37 percent) and 43,028 voted no (44.63 percent). The official turnout was 64.93 percent. COG’s conclusions stated, “Belizeans who took part in the process had the opportunity to express their will and exercise their franchise” and that the outcome “reflects the view of the majority of Belizeans who voted.”

Belize to take the Guatemalan dispute to the ICJ
In the Referendum Election held in Belize, Wednesday May 8, 2019, approximately 65 percent of the registered voters or 148,500 cast their vote. The results were yes-53,388 and no-43,029, out of 96,417 of the total votes that were cast. This turnout percentage was even higher than the number of Guatemalans that voted on this same issue on April 15, 2018. Only about 26 percent of Guatemala’s 7.5 million registered voters voted. Before and after Belize’s independence in 1981, the People’s United Party (PUP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP), were grappling with the question of taking this claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Eventually, they both decided that this was the best way to resolve this dispute.

Solución de conflicto con Belice ante La Haya podría costar más de Q100 millones
Belize/Guatemala and the ICJ: According to an article written today in the Prensa Libre, Guatemala's leading newspaper, states that Guatemala already has identified about 35 experts to fight its case against Belize at the International Court of Justice with an estimated cost of over $12 Million US for the first five years!

Videos

May 13, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: Congestion on roads not designed for large vehicles
Dear Editor, I refer to an article in your May 3, 2019 issue concerning the San Pedro´s Traffic Department objection to electric motorized scooters. As a long time tourist to your beautiful island I would have thought the congestion, in the main, is caused by the over invasion of a resort facility by motor vehicles specially as the roadways in San Pedro town were not and are not designed to meet this continued increase, place taxis within the rank also. Not only do these vehicles speed around the narrow streets but also have little training.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Eulogy
“I have to deliver the eulogy at a funeral this afternoon,” Tom said, “but after that I have two days free. I hoped we could do some fishing.” Tom and I met years ago when he was a novice priest just arriving to the country and we became good friends. His mission called him away to the mainland but we still stayed friends, visiting each other at least once every two months or so. “I’d love to go fishing. Who is the eulogy for?”

Healthy and affordable eating with Ms. Gotay Fruits, Vegetables and Groceries Shop
Since Ms. Gotay Fruits, Vegetables and Groceries Shop opened its doors in March of 2013, island residents and visitors have been enjoying fresh fruits, vegetables, and groceries at really affordable prices. New supplies arrive daily, from the basic local fruits like bananas, oranges, papayas and watermelons to imported apples, grapes and even exotic fruit like pomegranates, kiwi, strawberries and more. Ms. Gotay has made it her mission to provide her clients with a delicious variety. That includes a big selection in the vegetable department as well! Customers will not be surprised to find bundles of fresh asparagus alongside fresh callaloo! With the recent addition of a groceries section, Ms. Gotay Fruits, Vegetable and Groceries Shop has become a one-stop convenience store.

Doctor Love: Defining good manners
Dear Doctor Love, I don’t make my child say “please,” “thank you” or “I’m sorry” and I don’t correct him if he doesn’t use the expected appropriate response. It’s not that I am opposed. I say please and thank you but I believe we use these words thoughtlessly. I teach him empathy and appreciation so he understands when to say please and why it is important in some situations and not in others. This became a topic of debate when my son asked a friend to return his toy. That child’s mother reminded my son to “say please.”

Beach Brawl Mixed Martial Arts Tournament coming to San Pedro beaches
Caribbean Villas beachfront located south of San Pedro Town will be the setting for the upcoming Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event set for Friday, May 17th starting at 7:30PM. The fight night, dubbed ‘Beach Brawl’ will see 12 matches, featuring nine Belizean fighters and 15 from Mexico competing in various categories. The event will conclude with two main events comprising of a female championship fight in the Straw Weight Championship followed by a male match for the Light Weight title.

Misc Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Yard Sale! Tag Sale!
Our yard sale / tag sale / cheap sale was such a success today that we are now calling it the First ANNUAL Sale. Like always, the neighborhood came together with donations, hard work and sweat to raise over $6,000 BZD! The final and audited total is not in just yet - but THANK YOU!!! We will announce the final tally after all the results are in.

Denzel Flowers shit and killed in Belize City
On May 11 at 7:25 p.m., Denzel Flowers, a resident of Central American Boulevard in Belize City was shot and killed. The police say that at 7:25 p.m., while he was standing in front of a store on the boulevard, he was approached by a man who person who fired several gunshots and killed him.

This is how the Tiger Shark games look like...
Exciting days ahead!

2019 Scholarships with The Belize Bank Limited
High School and Sixth Form. Final submission date: Friday, June 14, 2019. The Belize Bank Limited continues to nurture the talents of our youth through our High School and Sixth Form Scholarship Program. Since its inception in 2012, the Bank has granted scholarships to over one hundred (100) deserving students throughout Belize.

BETEX 2019
BTB & The Community: The Belize Tourism Board is a proud sponsor for this year's BETEX trade show which is the key marketing initiative of the BTIA.

Cashew Festival 2019
This weekend was the annual Crooked Tree Cashew Festival of which the Belize Tourism Board proudly sponsored!

Belize Ma'alob K'iin
We want to congratulate the Maya village of Cristo Rey in Corozal for this beautiful monument. Maya Roots !!!

THE BIRTH OF THE MESOAMERICAN MESSIAH
May 13,895 of this era one of the most important Indigenous persons was born . He was seen as a Indigenous Messiah and his name is Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl(K'uk'ulkan) . Kukulkan impacted alot in Mesoamerica we can easy consider him "The Indigenous Messiah" and Mesoamerica the "Holy land " . Some said he even did miracles but today we will honor some of the things he did while he walked through Mesoamerica . K'uk'ulkan was born in May 13,895 Under the name of Ce Acatl Topiltzin. His birth was full of tradegy because his parents where murder but also full miracle as he survive various attempts of murder while he was a baby . He assumed lordship over the Toltecs and migrated his people to Tollan. Reigning in peace and prosperity he contributed much to the lifestyle of the Toltecs with basic ideas such as civilization.

Channel 5

Fatal Shooting in the city
Police are currently processing the scene of yet a second fatal shooting in the Old Capital in less than 12 hours. Just before 10 a.m., officers responded to shots fired in downtown Belize City to find Shemar Nunez dead on Albert Street. The victim collapsed on the pavement near a bicycle. A gun was also seen beside his body. The area has since been cordoned off as residents remain stunned by the broad daylight fatal shooting. Nunez was shot during a robbery.

The Reporter

Commissioner Issues somber statement VIA FB about this morning’s robbery
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has issued a statement on Facebook following this morning’s fatal shooting of Shemar Nunez. According to Williams, “the shooting was a result of a robbery and one of the robbers was fatally shot with his .45 calibre pistol in hand.

MURDER IN JANE USHER
Three persons, one of them a minor, have been detained for questioning in the murder of Denzel Flowers on Saturday night. Flowers, shot multiple times, was pronounced dead at the KHMH at 7:40pm. According to preliminary investigation, Flowers, a mechanic residing on Central American Blvd. was on his bicycle in front of T&R Grocery Store and Fast Food at 7:25pm when he was approached by a gunman who opened fire.

The Plight of Villagers and Students of Machakil Ha
Two of five children from Machakil Ha Primary School who sat Part II of the Primary School Exams, did not have to get up in the dark of night to trek to the nearest village to take them closer to their exam centre. That’s because the Ministry of Education provided transport for them to reach their destination a day in advance, in order to give them time to prepare and condition their minds for the test.

Apparent Robbery On Albert Street – Robber Shot Many Times
An apparent early morning robbery on Albert Street, just after 9am this morning at Midtown Grocery has left the robber seen middle of the street on his Get-Away-Bicycle, shot several times. The robber has been taken to the K.H.M.H.

RTA On The Hummingbird Highway
A man was admitted to the Western Regional Hospital last night in critical condition after an RTA on the Hummingbird Highway. Police were called to the scene of an accident at Mile 40 where they found a vehicle with severe damages and a man identified as Harrison Tasher, 34, with injuries to the head and body.

Another Murder On Jane Usher Blvd.
Efforts by Law Enforcement officials in the Jane Usher Blvd. area has been improved in the past few months since the new commissioner took over, but unfortunately it has not completely solved the high crime rate of homicide in the area.

Are You Woman Enough ?
By Dr. Abigail – At some point in time you may have heard women having the conversation of child birth and referring to women that have had C-sections to be “less of a woman” for not having done so “Naturally”. The truth is that while some women choose to have an elective C-section a large number of women are subjected to going under the knife due to complications. There is no circumstance that trumps the other when it comes to having a child.

Street Figure Found Guilty Of Threatening His Mother
Notorious George Street figure Brian Brown 42, was ordered to pay a fine of $200 dollars after he was found guilty of threatening to set his mother on fire. Brown appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s court on May 7th, where he denied committing the offence, however after reviewing the facts of the case the sitting magistrate impose a guilty verdict and ordered Brown to pay the fine before June 30th or in default spend two months in prison.

Breaking Belize News

Micah Goodin launches scholarship fund
Belize City Councilor, Micah Goodin, has announced a scholarship fund. According to him, he hopes to raise $10,000 over the summer to assist tertiary level students. “I am confident we can raise $10,000 over the summer,” he said.

ComPol issues statement on early morning shooting
Following a fatal shooting on Albert Street this morning, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has clarified that the deceased was shot following a robbery. Williams explained that the deceased was in possession of a .45 caliber pistol, which is a prohibited weapon.

Man shot and killed on Mothers day
Our newsroom has confirmed that the man shot on Albert Street has passed away. He has been identified as Shemar Nunez, son of the popular, Sebastian “Sabe” Nunez.

Man survives traffic accident on Hummingbird Highway
Sometime around 10:00 last night there was a road traffic accident around mile 40 on the Hummingbird Highway. Harrison Tasher, 34, was rescued from the scene. He was observed with head and body injuries and was unable to speak.

Man shot on Albert street on Mother’s day
Minutes ago there was a shooting on Albert Street in Belize City. The victim, an unidentified man who was allegedly involved in a robbery moments prior, was riding his bicycle near the 7 News office building when he was shot.

Police detain three for murder of Denzel Flowers
Last night Denzel Flowers, 27, was murdered in Belize City. Official police reports indicate that the mechanic was found with four gun shot wounds to the chest, one to the right arm and two to the left arm.

Orel Leslie survives attempt on his life
Information to BBN is that there was an attempt on the life of Orel Leslie, 30. Sometime around 5:00 a.m. today he was driving an SUV near Bocotora Street in Belize city when two men emerged. The men opened fire at him but he was able to escape unhurt

BTIA hosts BETEX 2019
Around 30 international tourism providers are in Belize this week for the 2019 Belize Tourism Expo (BETEX). The bi-annual event started on May 8 and will run up tp May 13. Unlike the previous incarnations, where resort owners and tour companies come to a central location to meet with buyers, this year’s BETEX takes on a road show format, where buyers travel all over the country to see the destinations personally.

Shooting victim passes away
Our sources just confirmed that the latest murder victim is Denzel Flowers. He was in the vicinity of Jane Usher Boulevard in Belize City when he was gunned down. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

International Sources

Genomics uncovers the mystery of the magic drumstick tree—Moringa oleifera
Not all who visit Belize realize how healthy some of our plants are. Moringa is one. The moringa (drumstick) tree has medicinal value and is a rich source of nutrients and minerals. Traditionally, its parts are known to confer multiple benefits, including anti-diabetic (leaves), cardio-protective (roots), anti-fertility (roots), anti-inflammatory (roots), anti-microbial (roots), anti-oxidative (leaves, flowers), anti-obesity (leaves) effects. Additionally, the seeds have been used for water purification and as lubricant oil, among other benefits.

Videos

May 11, 2019

I will not be doing the news on Sunday, May 12th. I will return on Monday morning.

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

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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

San Pedro Fire Department cautions residents on bushfires
Thanks to their quick response, the San Pedro Fire Department (SPFD) managed to extinguish a bushfire that occurred south of San Pedro Town on Wednesday, May 8th. The department is still not certain what caused the fire. The SPFD told The San Pedro Sun that due to the extreme heat and dry weather in the past months, there have been several bushfires on the island. “We advise all islanders to keep their yards clean, as sometimes high brush or objects like glass can cause these fires,” said SPFD.

Belizeans agree to settle the Guatemalan claim to Belize at the International Court of Justice
A majority of Belizeans approved the proposition to settle the long-standing territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after they voted ‘YES’ at a national referendum held on Wednesday, May 8th. The nationwide election saw 65% of the 148,500 re-registered electorates participating. The official reports from the Elections and Boundaries Department indicate that at the end of the voting process, 55% of the population voted ‘YES,’ while 44% voted against settling the Guatemalan claim to Belize at the ICJ.

Fire truck for San Pedro Town arrives in Belize
San Pedro Town will soon be the recipient of a fire truck that arrived at Belize’s Philip S.W Goldson International Airport on Wednesday, May 8th. Acquired in the United States of America (USA), through the efforts of the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye, the fire truck came aboard a U.S Airforce C-17 Globemaster aircraft shortly after 2PM. Arrangements are now being made to transport the truck to the island, where it is expected to be delivered to the San Pedro Fire Department in a week or two.

U-Report Belize positively impacting youth
Launched in September 2018, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Belize’s U-Report Belize has been very active with youth around the country. The U-Report Belize program is a powerful, innovative tool that can increase youth participation in the country as it engages young people in different issues and connects them with policy and decision makers through their cell phones. The platform uses social networks such as WhatsApp, SMS (text messaging), and Facebook while taking advantage of the growing internet accessibility within the community.

Ambergris Today

Increase In Pump Price Of Diesel Oil
The Ministry of Finance announced that at midnight on May 10, 2019, the pump price for diesel oil will increase by 17 cents from $10.26 to $10.43 per gallon.

Misc Belizean Sources

Francisco Gabriel "Gaby" Perez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Perez family on the sadly passing of Mr. Francisco Gabriel "Gaby" Perez. Mr. Gaby was a true pioneer of the fishing industry in San Pedro and he will always be remembered for his contributions towards a sustainable fishing industry. We hope his family and friends find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace. Funeral services will be in San Pedro, on May 11, 2019. Time to be announced later.

Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic gets donation
The Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic (BWRC) handed a donation of $3,763.26 derived as a result of the 3rd Chiquibul Marathon held in March. We thank BWRC, sponsors to the event and all the athletes that have made this a signature annual event for macaw conservation!!

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Wine Country, Polaroid, Artic, Wicked, Evil, Vile.

Caye Caulker welcomes the Governor General
Ocean Academy welcome Belize's Governor General once again

OLOGHS 2019 Second Years Carreer Day Opening Ceremony
Thank you Guest Speaker, Mr Antonio Beardal.

Commander of the United States Southern Command Visits Belize
Commander of the United States Southern Command (U.S. SOUTHCOM), Admiral Craig Faller met today, May 10th, with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and the Minister of National Security, Hon. John Saldivar at the Prime Minister’s Office in Belize City. The Prime Minister in his remarks congratulated Admiral Faller on his recent appointment as Commander SOUTHCOM and extended his sincere gratitude for the continued support that Belize receives from the U.S. SOUTHCOM and the great partnership that both countries share. Prime Minister Barrow and Admiral Faller also discussed areas of concern including Belize-Guatemala relations and regional efforts to counter narco-trafficking and other illicit transnational criminal activities.

Ministry of Investment, Trade & Commerce Slogan Competition
Want to win $500??!! Are you good with words? As a part of National Competitiveness Month, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce is pleased to announce a slogan competition that encourages your participation! The Ministry is looking for ONE creative and catchy slogan that promotes the work of all its units/departments and BELTRAIDE. To learn more about the Ministry visit http://www.itc.gov.bz Please submit your ideas by May 24th, 2019 for your chance to win! The winner will be announced on Facebook!

Submission Period Extended for Public to Submit Information in Relation to Gillnets
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Immigration advises the public that the period for submissions relating to the use of gillnets in Belize’s waters has been extended to May 31, 2019. The purpose of conducting this information gathering is to obtain wide stakeholder views and input pertaining to current gillnet usage so as to inform the consideration of socio-economic and environmental impacts in relation to fisherfolk, the fisheries resources, and marine ecosystems. The information obtained through this form will be compiled and utilized by the Gillnet Taskforce, with the aid of an independent consultant, to supplement the conduct of an in-depth assessment of the benefits, risks, threats and impacts of gillnets.

BELIZE’S CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Come celebrate with us in southern Belize, indulge in chocolate at the Chocolate Festival of Belize! The art of chocolate making dates back to the ancient Maya civilization – a tradition that has been passed on for generations. Today Belize’s southernmost district Toledo is where the finest chocolatiers are born. Every year hundreds around the world travel to tranquil Punta Gorda to taste an array of chocolate products at the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize. The chocolate festival celebrates the variety of chocolate products, farm tours, culture and nature within the district. The two-day event has tremendous positive cultural, economic, and environmental impacts for the entire Toledo district. Chocolate is one of the top most desirable flavors in the world, but do you know where chocolate comes from? Exquisite chocolate comes from cacao trees! Belize is within the cacao trees’ native range – the deep tropical regions of the Americas.

Channel 7

Port Probing Tragic Water Taxi Explosion
On Sunday, two little girls were killed in an explosion on a water taxi which was docked at the Ocean Ferry Terminal, at the foot of the Swing Bridge.  Had there been no ICJ referendum, that incident would have been the biggest story of this week's national news.  But the explosion that caused the deaths of 10 year-old Yamiri Guy, and her sister, 8 year-old Kimberly Guy, slipped under the avalanche of referendum information.   Still, a family is without those two precious lives, in deep and unimaginable grief and, so, today we went to the Port Authority for answers.  They are the primary regulator of vessels on the sea. In this case, they are part of a a multi-agency task force, trying to find out what happened on Sunday afternoon around 3:00 when 34 passengers were boarding  the vessel, owned by San Pedro Water Jets International

Set Free After Killing Stepson, Court Convinced of Self Defence
He was on remand awaiting trial for the murder of his stepson, but, 45 year-old Patrick Castillo has been set free. Justice Colin Williams found him not guilty yesterday at the conclusion of his trial without jury. In April of 2015, a gruesome scene played out at Castillo's residence on Kut Avenue. Castillo was covered in blood after he chopped his stepson, 21 year-old Jose Maderas to death. He claimed self-defense, while the prosecution argued that he was responding in a rage after his stepson called him a black pedophile.   One of Madera's sisters, who is also Castillo's step-daughter testified that her Castillo responded to the insult by chopping Maderas with a machete.  She says he delivered the final chop wound to Maderas while he was sitting on the ground.

US Military Southcom Commander Visits
As we told you last night, the highest ranking Officer responsible for US Military operations south of Texas and Miami arrived in Belize on Wednesday - which also happened to be referendum day. Admiral Craig Faller left the country today after meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow.  The Prime Minister had said, he planned to discuss Guatemala's aggressive military maneuvers on the Sarstoon with Admiral Faller.  They met at the PM's Belize City office at the Laing Building where an official release says, quote, "Prime Minister Barrow and Admiral Faller also discussed areas of concern including Belize-Guatemala relations and regional efforts to counter narco-trafficking and other illicit transnational criminal activities." End quote.   The independent media wasn't invited but Admiral Faller did answer two questions from the Government Press Office.

Can Belize Ask ICJ For Relief Against Guatemalan Aggression?
And if the military diplomacy between Belize, the US and Guatemala doesn't cool things down on the Sarstoon - then Belize can - in theory - turn to the International Court of Justice for what are called "provisional measures."   Since we have voted yes to the ICJ, and the case is expected to be filed within a month former ICJ president Judge Stephen Schwebel has advised the Government of Belize that "it would be open to Belize to apply to the Court for its issuance of provisional measures to direct Guatemala to cease and desist from its actions on the Sarstoon." When the media was at the seat of the ICJ in the Hague, Netherlands in November of last year, we asked two international laws experts about how these provisional measures work.  Former ICJ Law Clerk Julia Pinzauti explained the provisional measures are designed just to address events like those that are happening in the Sarstoon:..

Drilling Down Into The Referendum Numbers
Going back now to the result of Wednesday's referendum, Jules Vasquez drilled down into the numbers looking for trends and possible geographic reasons why 9 divisions voted "no" while 22 voted "yes" As this map shows, the "Yes" vote prevailed in 22 constituencies. Those are the areas colored green - while the areas in orange said "no". Interestingly four of the "no" constituencies are along the Guatemala border - four of them - Toledo East and West and Cayo West and Cayo North - all bordering Guatemala. Another "no" constituency, Orange Walk North is against the border with Mexico, while two more, Corozal Bay and Corozal Southeast are set against territorial waters that border Mexico's waters. So, you can say that of the 9 constituencies which voted "no" - 7 of them are along a border.

The Tale of The "No" Vote In Toledo And Cayo
And, while the referendum was not about PUP and UDP - there is a political dimension to everything.  Truth is, without political parties you won't get a 65% turnout, or anywhere close. Sure enough, they do the heavy lifting on election, or referendum days.  And with both parties openly campaigning for yes or no positions, the results have to be analyzed within a political context. The Prime Minister spoke about that a little at his press conference yesterday.  He discussed first what happened in Toledo which went all for the "No" vote - and Cayo, which went partly "no" - against political expectations:...

Briceno’s Area Was "No", But Not Emphatically
The Prime Minister wasn't quite so eager to discuss Orange Walk Central.  In that division, the majority voted no, but it was a slim majority - bot a good sign for incumbent and opposition leader John Briceno's political machine.  The PM was restrained in his analysis:.. Reporter: "While you said that you're not really certain in some sort of a litmus test - I mean genuinely and realistically speaking, doesn't it and because of you being a seasoned politician, don't you think it speaks wonders in terms of Mr. Briceno's political career or influence actually up north."

Jail for Man Who Put His Bro’s Food Cart On "Buy and Sell"
A family refused to pay bail for their loved one because they say he needs to go to prison to get off drugs.   Nineteen year old Brandon Richards appeared today before Magistrate Emerson Banner, charged for the theft of his brother's food cart.  His brother Johnny Richards says that Brandon posted his $5,000 cart for sale on Belize Buy and Sell's Facebook page for not even a tenth of the value! Yesterday morning about 10, Brandon got a buyer and he sold the cart for $450.  Johnny reported the theft to the police and Brandon was taken to Precinct 1 Police Station yesterday to be charged for theft. But when he arrived at the station he was searched by a police officer who found 13 grams of cannabis in his pocket.

Leadercast and The Strength of the Pack
Any working person knows about tension in the workplace. Indeed, personality clashes often turn simple disputes into something more. But, imagine leading a company and trying to manage all those different personalities, while trying at the same time to remain productive and commercially viable.
Issues like these were the focus of this year's Leadercast Live, the largest, one-day leadership event on the planet,
Dionne Chamberlain, the Managing Director of Chamberlain Consulting, has been staging these seminars annually in Belize, as part of the larger global event.   Past seminars were focused on self-improvement, but today's session was all about what leaders need to do to inspire their employees to be better at their jobs.

A Health Fair For The Healthy
The Gateway Youth Center held its annual health fair today at the Battlefield park. Students and other city residents stopped by to get a quick check up and learn more about overall wellness. Here is more from the event coordinator. Erolyn Sebastian - Counsellor, Gateway Youth Center: "What you see out here is our 5th annual health fair so it is something we believe we should keep on doing every year just to give a reminder to people in Belize, the students and others in the community that health is important and the different practices whether it be spiritual, mentally, physically, the whole 9 yards, the importance of it. It is not something you should practice once for the year but it is something you need to constantly do for as long as you live."

Down With Darrell, Santi Steps Up?
In the wake of Wednesday's referendum - there's some political intrigue developing in Caribbean Shores.  The "yes" campaign had a strong showing in that area with 64% of the voters saying "yes" in an area that has a formidable PUP representative, Kareem Musa, who was for a "no" vote. So, that should be good news for the UDP Standard bearer Darrell Bradley, right?  Well, it isn't. On referendum day - he was on our "Run di Referendum" show for a breezy two hours and seemed in no rush to get back to the campaign trail.  He said his machinery was at work. But, big timers in the UDP have told us that it was former city councillor Leila Peyrefitte who had her machinery at work and that Bradley was not involved.

Channel 5

Minister Beverly Williams Expels U.S. Veteran Guillermo Ortiz from Belize
Minister of State for Immigration Beverly Williams signed off on the expulsion of Guillermo Ortiz, a U.S. Veteran who was in Belize since August of last year. It took immediate [...]

Ortiz Set to Challenge Expulsion Order
According to Ortiz, he is being victimized by Torres. Ortiz, who says he has been detained on a number of occasions, alleges that Torres has ill-treated him. In fact, the [...]

Teacher Judith Cacho Arraigned for Allegedly Harming 8-year-old Student
Forty-five-year-old Judith Cacho, a teacher at Queen Square Anglican School, was arraigned on a single charge of harm today. The incident reportedly occurred on January sixteenth, almost four months ago, [...]

Patrick Castillo Not Guilty of Murder; Acted in Self-Defence
A father accused of killing his twenty-one-year-old stepson was acquitted today after a judge found him not guilty. Patrick Castillo chopped Jose Yontan Maderos as many as four times to [...]

Overnight: 2 Attempts to Torch a Property on Antelope Street
A residence situated next door to Unity Presbyterian Church on Antelope Street Extension was set on fire twice overnight by someone intent on reducing the elevated wooden structure to cinders.  [...]

Baby Nelson Passes Away
Baby Nelson Javier Tavora passed away on Saturday.  We introduced you to him months ago as he battled a condition called hydrocephalus, where there is a build up of cerebrospinal [...]

What’s the Fate of Pending Litigation Post I.C.J. Referendum?
Belizeans have voted decisively to proceed to the International Court of Justice in an effort to bring an end to the longstanding territorial dispute with Guatemala.  On Wednesday, thousands of [...]

3 Law Firms Retained to Represent Belize at I.C.J.
At the press conference on Thursday, the prime minister said that the team of international lawyers who will represent Belize at the I.C.J. is already on government’s payroll.  But what [...]

PM Barrow Open to Input from P.U.P. on I.C.J. Case
As you heard, the P.M. is proposing to go back to a two-party approach between government and the opposition, following the May tenth I.C.J. referendum.  But how much input will [...]

There’s Still No Sarstoon Protocol on the Immediate Horizon
A Sarstoon Protocol has been on the books since a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey following a meeting between Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington and the then Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Raul [...]

US SouthCom Commander Visits Belize
Admiral Craig Faller, Commander of the United States Southern Command, met with Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Minister of National Security John Saldivar earlier today at the Laing Building.  Admiral [...]

Leadercast 2019 Hosted in Belize
The conference on leadership has been bringing people together from all over the globe. Leadercast 2019 is being held annually in Atlanta, U.S.A., but it is screened in every corner [...]

Learning Dollars and Cents at an Early Age
Learning about dollars and cents starts at an early age. In Belize, a forum on financial literacy is held annually to teach young students how to manage money and make [...]

‘One Man’s Journey’ Launched in Belize City
At the Leo Bradley Library today, Wilfred Holder launched “One Man’s Journey’, an autobiography that transports readers on an insightful journey detailing key moments of his life. From rock bottom [...]

Health is Wealth
Gateway Youth Center today held its fifth annual health fair at the Battle Field Park in downtown Belize City. Held under the theme “Health is Wealth”, the goal this year [...]

Ocean Academy Victorious at 2019 Youth Innovation Challenge
The winners of the 2019 Youth Innovation Challenge were announced on Thursday. Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker Village placed first with their financial literacy mobile application. The competition took place [...]

ComPol Chester Williams on Successful Policing on Referendum Day
Aside from the Wednesday night murder of Karl Lamb in Belize City, there was no violence during the referendum. It is a success for the police department and Commissioner of [...]

A Crack Down on Public Drinking During Referendum Day
To ensure the personal safety of the citizenry, there were also strict orders in reference to public drinking and the sale of alcoholic beverages. ComPol Williams says they were forceful [...]

Amandala

Belizeans vote “yes” to the ICJ
Belizeans went to the polls yesterday, Wednesday, to vote in a historic referendum, definitely the first of its kind since the nation got its independence in 1981. Like their Guatemalan counterparts, voters in Belize were asked to vote yes or no to the following 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 determines finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?” At the end of the balloting, when the results were finally announced today, Thursday, the “yes” votes had exceeded the “no” votes across the country by over 10,000 votes. Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai announced that there was a total of 53,388 “yes” votes, while the total number of “no” votes was 43,029.

Karl Lamb, 38, shot to death in Lake I
Karl Lamb, 38, a husband and father of two children, fell victim to Belize City’s ongoing gang violence at about 10:00 last night on Gladden Street in the Lake Independence area. ASP Alejandro Cowo told us this morning during the regular police press brief held at the Raccoon Street Police Station that Lamb was standing on Lacroix Boulevard, talking to a man who was standing in a yard behind a zinc fence, when the murderer came up from behind him and fired several shots at him.

Thomas Requeña charged for stabbing his wife
Thomas Requeña, 50, a laborer of Belmopan, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and threat of death, and is detained pending arraignment at the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. Police said that at about 8:30 Sunday night, at a house on Sarstoon Street in Belmopan, Katherine Anthony, 38, was attacked and stabbed in her chest by her common-law husband, Thomas Requeña, during a misunderstanding with her.

Henry Jacobs, 31, convicted of murder
Today, after she heard pleas for mitigation for Henry Jacobs, 31, who was convicted of the murder of Brian Welch, 49, Madam Justice Marilyn Williams set May 22 as the date for sentencing. Welch was shot and killed on April 29, 2012, on Central American Boulevard. Two character witnesses, including Jacobs’ attorney, Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington, spoke on his behalf. The witnesses said they have known Jacobs since he was a baby and that he grew up around them. They said they know him to be a quiet person, a respectful and humble individual, and they were shocked when he got into trouble with the law.

PM Barrow explains the process of going to the ICJ
Having Guatemala’s claim to Belizean territory adjudicated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) — which was endorsed by the majority of Belizean voters through a “yes” vote in the national referendum held yesterday, May 8 — is a lengthy process that will take quite a few years before the court hears the case and make its final determination, which will be binding on both countries. It could take up to ten years before the ICJ hands down its ruling on the case between Belize and Guatemala. Today, at a press conference at the Belize City Civic Center, Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained the process that has to be followed for both countries to take the case to the ICJ.

Belize People’s Front leader says government lied about Sarstoon Island incident
In recent years, making a trip to the Sarstoon River has become viewed as an expression of Belizean patriotism and nationalism. On April 30, 1859, Britain and Guatemala agreed to a boundary in which the mid-channel of the Sarstoon River was considered as the border line between the two countries. This past April 30, Nancy Marin-Juan, the leader of Belize’s newest political party, the Belize People’s Front, decided that she would celebrate the anniversary of the 1859 Treaty by visiting the Sarstoon and planting a Belizean flag on the island, considered to be inside Belize’s national territory.

Cricket Corner – BDF leading in Zone Two; Bandits lost first game; Easy Does It creeping up
Hello, all cricket enthusiasts! It’s a pleasure once again to have you all informed of our so wonderful sport – CRICKET. Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Harrison Parks 2019 Cricket Competition continued over the weekend. Thanks for the sponsorship of Bowen and Bowen. It was such a lovely day for playing cricket. Fans and spectators had a fun filled day. Some teams were joyous, while others were heartbroken; but that’s the way the game goes. We win some; we lose some.

Light & Peace Basketball Foundation took U-19 team to Dru Joyce Classic in Akron, Ohio, April 26-28
The Light & Peace Basketball Foundation, under coaches Roscoe Rhys, Darwin “Puppy” Leslie and Rupert Brown, travelled to Akron, Ohio in Cleveland, United States on April 25 to 30, 2019, to play in an NCAA certified showcase named the Dru Joyce Classic. The main focus of this trip was to give 9 Belizean high school and 1st year junior college players the opportunity to get scouted and earn a collegiate scholarship in the USA and Canada.

Weekend Warriors Cross Country Race 2019 results
Here are the results from the 2019 Weekend Warriors (WW) Cross Country Race, which started at 9:00 a.m. from in front of Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena, Cayo, went down the George Price (Western) Highway, to turn left at the Chetumal Street Boulevard, then right onto the Philip Goldson (Northern) Highway, then turned at the old NAPA roundabout, to finish at the M&M Engineering office, for 72 miles.

Ahmadiyya Basketball League 2019 results, standings and playoffs outlook
The Ahmadiyya Basketball League 2019 has come to the end of regular season play, and will be moving into playoffs this Sunday, May 12. The format will be single-game elimination until we crown the championship team. Below are the results from the last two weeks of play, as well as the standings and playoff match-ups in the different categories.

Editorial: Belize going to the ICJ
Let us be clear, very clear: if the country had returned a NO vote yesterday, the Prime Minister, if he and his party had any honor, and that also means respect for the people, would have gone to the Governor General the next morning and told him to dissolve the government. Belize really, really must demand that our representatives deserve the Honor that is placed before their names. There could have been no excuse offered by them for a majority NO vote. There are excuses, there are always excuses, but the government could not, should not have offered any. We are not arguing here that Belize going to the International Court of Justice to defend against the Guatemalan claim is a good or bad thing. We are saying that when leaders fail in their mission they must do the responsible thing. We have heard of the captain and crew that abandoned their charge on a cruise ship that was sinking off the coast of Africa. Leaders go down with their ships. Leaders fall on their swords when they let down their people. The vote was not inconsequential.

Please, you don’t like Freddy?
A family member, my younger sister, bought me one of those modern phones that can do a whole lot of things, and while I find that it’s too daam bulky, I have to appreciate the things it can do that my old one couldn’t, I mean the things, those features it has, that aren’t too technically tedious for a man who is absolutely not fascinated with the trappings of the modern world. Personally, you can keep planes, organ transplants (I guess I appreciate that for how it helps lots of people, but I don’t like knives), powerful outboard engines (I like sails), electricity (I adore the smell of kerosene lamps (I’d get by with getting electric juice at a community shop, to do my work) (the only thing electricity is really needed for is to get beer cold)), selfies (I don’t look good enough for that anyway) — you get my world.

On becoming a Muslim – The UBAD period
To understand how I came to be a part of UBAD and later join the Nation of Islam, you would have to go back four years earlier to 1965 and the Watts Riots of Los Angeles. The Watts Riot was my first wake-up call to the fact that there was another way, a revolutionary way, to approach to the Civil Rights Movement which up to that time had been confined to sit-ins, stand-ins, strikes, boycotts and marches. The urban riots marked a new turn in the civil rights movement of the sixties and served as a radicalizing point for many young urban blacks in the States, including myself.

Musings by the Curious Nonconformist
It’s May 9 , 2019. It is the day after Belizeans have made our most important decision since our move to independence on September 21, 1981. On May 8, 2019, 96,417 Belizeans went out to the polls to cast their vote 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?”

Brian Brown charged $200 for threatening his mother
Brian Brown, 42, a former gang leader charged with using threatening words to his mother, Rose Jacobs, 61, was found guilty of the charge today by Magistrate Emerson Banner. Brown was fined $200 and was given until June 30 to pay. If he defaults on payment he will serve 2 months in prison. The incident occurred on August 21, 2018. Jacobs, a retired school teacher, testified that while she was at a funeral at Lord Ridge Cemetery, Brown confronted her and threatened to set her on fire. She said Brown had a gallon-sized bottle and a cigarette lighter in his hand.

Three inmates escape from prison; two recaptured
Three inmates of the Belize Central Prison in Hattieville made a run for freedom at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon, but the escape was brief for two of them. Virgilio Murillo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Central Prison, told us that the three prisoners who made a dash for freedom from behind the prison’s walls are Wilser Echeverria, 25, of Belmopan, who is on remand awaiting trial for murder; Rafael Mencias, 25, of Corozal Town, who is serving a 10-year sentence for manslaughter, for the death of Philip Hall of Corozal; and Christian Neal, 25, of Toledo, who was in prison for two counts of robbery and one count of carnal knowledge.

Gas leakage caused deadly explosion onboard water taxi
An ongoing investigation into the explosion that occurred at about 3:00 Sunday afternoon onboard “Water Jets”, a water taxi that was docked at the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi near the Swing Bridge, Belize City, revealed that the fatal explosion, which killed sisters Jamiri Guy, 10, and Kimberly Guy, 8, and injured 19 passengers on the boat, was caused by leaking gas that was ignited by a spark. The Belize National Fire Service, the main body investigating the explosion, said that it is not yet certain what mechanism caused the spark that set off the explosion. They are looking closely at the bilge pump that comes on automatically to pump out water when the boat’s engine is started, and the ignition system.

Suspected arson destroys five houses in Krooman Lagoon Reserve
A fire that is believed to have been deliberately set, completely destroyed five houses and all the contents inside them in the Krooman Lagoon Reserve area, in the Collet Division, at about 2:00 Monday afternoon. Twelve persons were left homeless as a result of the blaze. Luckily no one was hurt. On our visit to the scene we saw the debris of the houses and a sixth house that remained standing. Its verandah and its front portion, however, were damaged by the flames.

The Reporter

R.T.A. On The Phillip Goldson Hwy
A Road-Traffic-Accident has occurred on the Phillip Goldson Hwy. between miles 3 and 4. Police are on the scene, where an overturned SUV can be seen in this photo. The accident occurred shortly before 9pm and there are reports of injuries as traffic is backed up in both directions of the Highway.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder of Wife
Thomas Requena, a bus driver from Belmopan, faces charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm and threat of death for allegedly stabbing his common law wife, Catherine Anthony, in the chest on Saturday.

WE HAVE MADE OUR BED.!!!
By Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d) - On the back of a 66.8% turnout on referendum day, 53,388 Belizeans made their ICJ bed. All it took was 38 years and $8 million to detach the Belizean people from their land. Guatemala’s strategic patience has paid off and now we must hope and pray that Mr. Barrow’s ironclad case is as he says it is.

GOB steps in to settle Atlantic International matter
The government of Belize has met with US authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC, following an interrogation of government Senator Aldo Salazar last week in connection with his ties to Atlantic International Bank, which has been named in an FTC case investigating the largest real estate scam ever uncovered by the agency and carried out in Belize.

Happy Happy Joy Joy
By Mike Rudon Jr. - I woke up after one a few nights ago, alone, sweating, racked by guilt and loneliness and despair. There was this song playing in my mind, over and over again like a demented jukebox on repeat – you left me just when I needed you most. I don’t know where the hell that song came from. I haven’t heard it in many years, and had to look up who sang it. But it was there in my head. It’s this band Smokie, just in case you were wondering. Not that it matters.

The Impact of Vocation Training on Employment
There is likely to be very few educators, economists, or business persons who would argue against the value of improving a country’s human capital. Dating as far back as the late 1980’s with studies by economic giants such as Robert Lucas to more contemporary investigations, there have been an abundance of empirical examinations that reaffirmed the positive relationship between human capital and economic variables such as productivity.

Editorial – May 10th. 2019
We expected that there would be many loyal PUP’s who would not be following the party line to vote against taking Belize’s case to the ICJ. And so it happened. We also expected that the swing vote, Belizeans who do not regard themselves bound to any of the major parties, would also vote “yes” in the referendum. And so they did.

One of three escaped prisoners on the loose
Prison authorities and the police are executing an all-out manhunt for a convicted pedophile, who was one of three prisoners who made a daring escape from the Belize Central Prison on Tuesday afternoon.

Breaking Belize News

Belize to participate in historic regional rugby match
Belize’s National Rugby Team will be present at the historic first Central American Rugby 7s Tournament […]

US Southern Commander visits Belize
Commander of the United States Southern Command (U.S. SOUTHCOM), Admiral Craig Faller met today with […]

Leadercast 2019 held in Belize City
Companies, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders gathered at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza today […]

Submission period extended for information relating to gillnets
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration informs the public […]

UN Secretary-General Welcomes ‘Spirit of Cooperation’ of Belize and Guatemala
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General issued a statement saying that it welcomes the ‘Spirit of […]

Commonwealth observers praise referendum management and give initial certification
Reporting ad interim, the members of a Commonwealth Observer Group invited by the Ministry of […]

Prime Minister Dean Barrow: “Thank you” to Belizeans after referendum vote
Yesterday at a press conference following a largely unexpected result in Wednesday’s referendum, Prime Minister […]

LOVE FM

STREET LAW, empowering Schools and Communities about the Law
You’ve heard about the law of the streets, that’s when a community that receives no justice and takes matters into its own hands. But that’s not what Street Law is. It’s a program being utilized across the Caribbean and being piloted at Delile Academy in the south and St. Ignatius High School in Santa Elena. …

Escapee still at large
Christian Neal, Rafael Mencias and Wilser Echeverria escaped from the Belize Central Prison on March 7. The road to freedom was a very short one as the management agency for the prison, the Kolbe Foundation quickly set chase after the three men. Kolbe’s CEO Virgilio Murillo also joined the manhunt. Two of the men have …

Hard Life on Mothers Day – Living on Noodles
Last week there was a demonstration at the Constitution Park in Belize City. Though the thrust of the activity was to promote growing concerns about the rise in fuel cost, one demonstrator had worries that was closer to her heart and her concerns reverberate particularly loudly today. It is Mother’s Day and while money is …

Gateway Youth Center holds fifth annual Health Fair
As the saying goes, “health is our greatest wealth” and for many it is not until they come down with an illness that they are concern about their health. Gateway Youth Center has been encouraging youths to engage in health lifestyle from a young age so that they can live longer. Love news caught up …

“One Man’s Journey”
“Life is a journey, not a destination” and one man, wrote about his life’s journey in a book entitled “One Man’s Journey”. Wilfred Holder previously launched his book in Guyana, the land of his birth as well as Trinidad & Tobago where he resides. However, he felt the need to also launch the book in …

Blogs

Belize Celebrates Chocolate Love in the Toledo District
This year the anticipated weekend event kicks-off with their popular Wine and Chocolate Gala on Friday, May 24th at Garbutt’s Marine starting at 7PM. Talk about a match made in heaven! Guests enjoy an evening of meeting Belizean artisans while sampling their exquisite chocolates and sipping delicious wine. Tasty appetizers are also served, and the ambiance is warm with twinkling lights and live music performed by talented Belizean artists. It’s the perfect evening of mixing and mingling while indulging in chocolate and charismatic culture.

Thursday May 9th, 2019 View in Corozal Town
Good afternoon from Corozal. Today, I will be blogging about Yesterday's view of Corozal. It was quite humid during the day in Corozal. It was a very windy day during the course of the day. My First stop was at the Border in Corozal. Then, I head on to the Beachside to take photos in Corozal. Then, I took the new Graphite CSAM's newest member Mrs. Christy Carrillo begins work on her mural by Mirador Hotel. I will leave with this photo's Below.

International Sources

Wyndham Continues Caribbean Expansion in Belize
Costa Blu Beach Resort gets a new management team... Wyndham’s growing Caribbean portfolio is expanding again, this time in Belize. The global hotel company has brought its Trademark Collection by Wyndham soft band to Belize with the addition of the Costa Blu Beach Resort. The adults-only resort, set north of San Pedro Town on Belize’s popular Ambergris Caye, has 38 suites on a beachfront site. The property is owned by Sandy Point Group, which has a portfolio of boutique hotels in Belize, and will be managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

Belize Provides Educational Alternative for the Youth
The Belize Defence Force partnered with the Louisiana National Guard to help at-risk youth change their lives. Through the window of the juvenile detention center, Delrick Sankey watched as students executed military drills at the Belize Youth Challenge Program (BYC) across the street, and wished to be among them. He was 14 years old and serving a nine-month sentence in Belize City. “I was an at-risk youth. I didn’t have self-esteem and didn’t know what to do with my life,” said Sankey, a BYC student who as of (date) has completed seven of the 10-month residential program. “I used to see them [students] doing physical training and playing; I told myself that I wanted to be like them; if they could do it, so could I.”

WHY MODERN FISHING IS CATCH-AND-RELEASE GAME: Too Valuable To Be A Trophy
I am a statue gliding over a bleached flat, stiffened by salt and wind and sun. In the water ahead of me, a silver knife cuts the surface and in a moment I am casting from the skiff, the fly streaking through the sharp Belize sky, the blisters on my hands forgotten. Sixty feet of line and months of preparation hang in the air. I square my shoulders and flex my knees. And I wait. Good fishing stories ideally end with a fish. But the stories have changed in recent years, the romance of fishing evolving from brutish grappling matches on the open ocean (picture the conquered marlin, mounted in mid-leap on the wall, a reminder of the strength of the contest) to something faster, more precise, yet altogether more considered. When you talk to a fisherman, a real fisherman, you are talking to a steward of the water. He is a lover of fish. He is angry about the vast islands of plastic poisoning the sea, and about ruinous overfishing and fishery mismanagement. Mike Heusner was born in Belize in 1939. He grew up fishing the mangroves and keys around Belize city with his father, using cotton handlines and a small harpoon. The local fisherman taught him techniques for trolling kingfish.

Central American security leaders, partners discuss threats, support for civilian authorities
Defense and security leaders from Central American nations joined counterparts from other Western Hemisphere countries in Tegucigalpa May 7 - 8, 2019, and took part in the 2019 Central American Security Conference, co-hosted by the Honduran Armed Forces and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Honduras hosted the annual security forum for the second time in five years. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Defense Minister Fredy Díaz, Chief of Defense Staff, Maj. Gen. René Ponce and U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Faller, SOUTHCOM commander, were on hand to welcome more than 100 participants from Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and the United States.

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