June 29, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

National Security Council Announces Increased Security Measures
The National Security Council of Belize (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, met in special session yesterday, June 27th, 2019 in Belmopan to discuss the crisis arising out of the recent murder of a tourist, Dr. Gary Swank, in San Pedro. The NSC recorded its grave concern over the tragic development and its implications particularly for the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye and nationally. The NSC also recorded its deep sympathy for the family of the deceased. It also noted that there was no targeting of the tourist and that his murder was made even more tragic by the fact that he was an innocent victim of a dispute between his tour guide and the murderer.

Help Heal Humanity hosts innovative education session in San Pedro Town
Help Heal Humanity (HHH) held an Innovative Education session at the SunBreeze Hotel conference room in San Pedro Town on Tuesday, June 18th. Facilitated by Opher Brayer, the session saw the attendance of island educators, government representatives, and interested island residents. The session aimed to introduce local educators to the project, leading them to seek advanced methodology and subsequently be trained to implement it in their schools. They were further encouraged to engage with potential investors and local community leaders about creating the first local Technology and Science Hub of Research and Development here in Belize.

San Pedro U-15 and U-17 trailing behind in the Youth Inter-District Football Tournament
For their fourth match in the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Youth Inter-District Football Tournament, San Pedro’s Under-15 (U-15) and Under-17(U-17) suffered yet another loss. They faced Belize District Teams at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, June 21st. The first match was at 11AM, and saw Belize’s U-15 going against San Pedro’s U-15 in a tight match. The island team fought hard to take the home victory, but the Belize team had a strong defense, not allowing them to score more than one goal. When the whistle blew, it was a 3-1 victory Belize’s U-15.

Volunteers build a house for San Mateo resident
Thanks to a group of volunteers and donors, one family from the San Mateo Area in San Pedro Town is getting a new house. The construction of the new house project is being overseen by Hope Haven and is sponsored by Jamie Terry Phillips Realty Company, Hilton Claasen, Good World Trading Limited and United Methodist Church (UMC) in Johnstown, Colorado, USA. Construction was initiated by a group of volunteers from UMC, who contributed two weeks of hard work through Tuesday, June 25th. UMC organizes a mission trip to San Pedro Town every four years, seeking possible ways they can assist in the community. “We usually fundraise money at our church, and then we come down here to help the community. This time, Laurie Norton aka Taco Girl lined us up with Hope Haven for the project of building a house for a needy family in the San Mateo Area,” said Maureen Schulz- Sowder from UMC.

Triple R Response hosts body safety and first-aid training for their search and rescue team
Rickilee Response and Rescue (Triple R) held a body safety and first-aid training for their search and rescue team of the island from Monday, June 24th to Thursday, June 27th at the Banyan Bay conference room in San Pedro Town. The training was facilitated by Emergency Medical Service Instructor Evan Sanchez and saw the attendance of Hol Chan Marine Reserve rangers, Coast Guards, tour guides, tour operators, firefighters, and police officers.

Costa Maya Festival Committee presents Miss Honduras and Miss Nicaragua
The International Costa Maya Festival – Reignited committee is excited to announce the remaining two delegates in the 2019-2020 Miss Costa Maya Pageant. Representing Honduras is Kerelyne Isell Campigoti Webster, while Nicaragua’s beauty ambassador is Diana Sofía Loáisiga Ramos. Scheduled for Friday, July 26th the pageant will see eight beauty ambassadors from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama vying for the title of Reina de la Costa Maya.

Two San Pedro Pirates F.C players drafted to be part of Belize’s Male National Team
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has drafted a selection of players for the Belize National Football Team to represent the country at The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League matches in September 2019. Among the selection of players are two players from San Pedro’s very own semi-pro team, San Pedro Pirates F.C. They are Jesse Smith and Asrel Sutherland. The players for the National Selection were chosen from various football tournaments hosted across the country. In San Pedro, the tournament that facilitated the selection of players was the San Pedro Pirates Football Club, which is a part of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) and current champions of PLB.

Graduation season is in full swing on Ambergris Caye
As the school year comes to an end, many educational institutions have been celebrating graduation ceremonies at the primary and pre-school levels in San Pedro Town. Standard Six students bade goodbye to their elementary studies gearing up for high school, while preschoolers joined the celebration as they prepare to enter primary school. The weekend of graduation ceremonies began with the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) graduating 87 students at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium on Friday, June 21st. After a short welcome speech by Kamryn Rhaburn, and remarks by guest speaker Paul Kelly, the students were presented with their diplomas by SPRCS teachers Silvio Camara and Principal Roxanni Kay. The valedictorian speech of the Class of 2019 was given by Wayne Alfaro, while the vote of thanks was delivered by A-Rad Morey.

Ambergris Today

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease In Belize
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is asking all tour operators and guides for assistance in reporting any sightings of corals seen on your dive or snorkel trip that do not look healthy via the submission of photos. We are on the lookout for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). The disease first appeared in 2014 in Florida, in 2018 it was confirmed in areas of the Caribbean and recently summer of 2019 has been one confirmed case in Belize, within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve area of Northern Ambergris Caye.

Meet Miss Nicaragua And Honduras For Costa Maya Pageant
Here are the final two contestants for this year’s International Reina de la Costa Maya Pageant. This week we introduce the Miss Nicaragua contestant for Costa Maya Pageant; she is Diana Sofía Loáisiga Ramos. She is 22-years old and stand 5ft 5in tall. Diana Sofía Loáisiga Ramos is aspiring to be a successful businesswoman currently enrolled as a full-time Business Administration student. Lovely Miss Honduras is Kerelyne Isell Campigoti Webster, she is 21 years-old and stand 6ft 1in tall. Kerelyne Isell Campigoti Webster is an intern in the Tourism industry who enjoys collecting postcards and painting feminine figures. She aims to complete her university career and to become an international model in Italy.

Various Belizean Sources

National Security Council Announces Increased Security Measures
The National Security Council of Belize (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, met in special session yesterday, June 27th, 2019 in Belmopan to discuss the crisis arising out of the recent murder of a tourist, Dr. Gary Swank, in San Pedro. The NSC recorded its grave concern over the tragic development and its implications particularly for the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye and nationally. The NSC also recorded its deep sympathy for the family of the deceased. It also noted that there was no targeting of the tourist and that his murder was made even more tragic by the fact that he was an innocent victim of a dispute between his tour guide and the murderer. Those very circumstances underscore the critical need for our authorities to do better at increasing security both for our citizens and our visitors.

Hon. Edmond Castro Visits Belizean Medical Students in Cuba
Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Hon. Edmond Castro is in Cuba where he is today attending the 17th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs. Arriving there a day early, the Minister took the opportunity to meet with Belizean students who are studying medicine in Cuba. Hon. Castro congratulated them for their dedication and sacrifice to enhance their education and encouraged them to continue studying hard as they prepare themselves to better serve their country when they return home. The students were happy for the visit and thanked Hon. Castro for his keen interest in their wellbeing and success.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Support from Taiwan to Build Capacity in International Boundary Disputes
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has provided support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen the Ministry’s human resources in International Boundary Disputes. This contribution will be used to finance the attendance of two Ministry officials at Durham University’s IBRU Centre for Borders Research Professional Training Workshop: “Resolving International Boundaries Disputes”, to be held from 8th to 10th July 2019 in Paris, France. Ambassador Patrick Andrews, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the contribution on behalf of the Ministry from H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), on Tuesday, 25th June 2019 at the Laing Building in Belize City.

Minister of Postal Services and Belize’s Post Master General attend the Caribbean Council of Ministers Meeting and Conference in Cuba
Participating in the 17th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs earlier today in Havana, Cuba was Belize’s Minister with responsibility for Postal Services, Honorable Edmond Castro. The theme for the meeting was, “Building on the Pillars of the Caribbean Regional Postal-Sector Strategy”, and the main presentation on key challenges and opportunities facing Caribbean posts was delivered by Secretary-General of the Caribbean Postal Union (CPU), Mr. Guillermo Raymond.

Sea Gull Street in San Pedro Being Paved
Have you seen our recent project in the works? Sea Gull Street (one of the streets leading to San Pedro High School) is currently being paved, continued by the paving of a section of Spider Lily Street and a section of Deer Street. Projected date of completion is ending of August, before school opens.

Belize Police Dept. Vacancy Notice
The Belize Police Department is accepting applications for suitably qualified persons to join the Special Constables, Tourism Police Unit in San Pedro Town and Placencia. General Duties and Responsibilities: I. Advice tourists in safety and security during their travel in Belize II. To facilitate and provide security and protection for tourists III. To suppress and address criminal problems affecting tourists IIII. Engage stakeholders and build community relationships. Here is an opportunity to serve our island and country...

San Pedro football players stand in solidarity against the crime that is plaguing the mecca tourist island
"Crime Won't Take Our Island. We Stand Together". This media shack stands in support of the islanders' cry for peace.

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest 2019
Great photos!

Channel 7

Rocus Rolls! CEO's Sudden Departure Sends Shockwaves Through BTL
Two years after taking over the reigns of BTL - CEO Rochus Schreiber has confirmed that he is leaving the company. In a text message this evening Schreiber confirmed reports but said that he is leaving for personal reasons. He said his departure is not immediate and, quote, "There will be an orderly handover of responsibility to a new Belizean CEO." And while Schreiber says it is an orderly departure, with such an abrupt move, and no direct successor in place, it can hardly be that. We are told his departure is the product of internal differences at the senior management level - and that he is not leaving on the happiest of terms. But, he is leaving, and he leaves behind one of the richest compensatIon packages Belize has ever seen. Schreiber had a base salary of almost half a million Belize dollars, which worked out to about three quarter million with incentives.

Eyewitness Recants, Alleged Murderers Walk
They were charged with the 2015 gun murder of the 39 year-old taxi-man, 39 Patrick Spencer, but tonight 23 year-old Charles Middleton and 25 year-old Cesario Choco, are free. They were acquitted in a trial without jury before Justice Colin Williams. On the night of June 24, 2015, Patrick Spencer was socializing at a house on Cairo Street in Belize City. He was approached by 2 gunmen who opened fire and shot him multiple times to the body. He died on the spot. Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, who prosecuted this case, called her main witness, a man who had given police a written statement that he saw Middleton and Choco that night, and that they were the gunmen who fatally shot Spencer. When this supposed eye-witness went on the stand however, he testified under oath that he didn't give police any statement. Crown Counsel Lovell applied to court to treat him as a hostile witness, which was granted.

Christin Espat Still Detained, No Charges
Tonight, there are still no arrests in the San Pedro double murder of local tour guide Mario Graniel and his client, American doctor, Gary Swank. Prime suspect Christian Espat remains detained along with a number of other men - as many as 12 we are told. Espat - who police have described as a notorious gang figure who Graniel had a misunderstanding with - has said he was in Benque Viejo when the murder occurred on Sunday morning. It happened at around 10:00 one mile west of San Pedro Town within the town lagoon. That's where Graniel and Swank were fly fishing when a dark color skiff passed by and opened fire on them.

National Security Council Emergency Meeting To Discuss San Pedro "Crisis"�
The story has made national headlines in the US - and has resulted in a growing number of cancellations by tourists who had bookings in Belize. They fear for their personal safety and that of their families. And that's because the attack happened in broad daylight on the open water - a place where many visitors find themselves sport fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving. The economic effect has made it a matter of national urgency and, yesterday, the National Security Council chaired by Prime Minister Barrow, quote, "met in special sessionto discuss the crisis arising out of the recent murder of a tourist, Dr. Gary Swank." A release says, quote, "The NSC recorded its grave concern over the tragic development and its implications particularly for the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye and nationallyIt also noted that there was no targeting of the tourist and that his murder was made even more tragic by the fact that he was an innocent victim of a dispute between his tour guide and the murderer."

Coast Guard Will Monitor SP Lagoon
Another of those immediate measures will see the Coast Guard establishing a greater presence on the waters surrounding the island - on the sea - coast and the lagoon side. Williams told the town meeting in San Pedro on Wednesday night that the coast guard will employ a new operational mode in the lagoon - using smaller vessels:.. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Mr. Soberanis and the Belize Coast Guard has agreed that they have deployed 2 boats to SAn Pedro. Not the big boats, but the little ones that can go in the lagoon to the back and will be able to navigate even through shallow waters. Yes, they will have one that is capable of going on this side where the waves are higher and seas are rougher, but again it is important that we maintain presence in the lagoon as well as in the sea."

For COMPOL, This One Is Personal
Today's release from the National Security Council also says, quote, "The Commissioner of Police is in San Pedro today and has assumed personal responsibility for bringing to justice the killer of the murdered tourist and tour guide." Indeed, for Williams whose mettle is being tested by a string of recent murders - this one is personal. And, on Thursday night he intimated that the drug gangs of San Pedro will face a tough crackdown: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "There is something that is being done about the gangs but I will not say. You will just going to see it happen, but we are serious about ensuring that we address the gang issue and that will be done, there are alternative means that we are going to use to deal with the gangs, so sit back and you will enjoy the scene as it happens."

Expat From Placencia Found Dead After Night Of Socializing
A British national who calls Placencia home - was found dead this morning, floating in the waters off the peninsula. At around 6:00, 58 year old Phillip Crabtree's body was seen floating in the waters between Southwater Resort and Yolis Bar - which is a hangout for expatriates. Police say he was last seen last night at 7:00 socializing with others. This morning his body was found with a cut wound above the left eye and an abrasion on the right hand.

PM Scolded For Calling Hon. Julius Schizophrenic, Bipolar
Last week Friday night on the news - you may have heard the salty exchange between Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the PUP's Julius Espat. Espat - who criticized his colleague Said Musa in Parliament a few months ago - turned around and praised him last week - prompting the prime Minister to response like this:.. Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister: "My pronouncement is that you are bi-polar, there is something wrong with you. You are Schizophrenia or..." Hon. Julius Espat, PUP Cayo South: "Madam Speaker, in anywhere in my presentation did I insult the Prime Minister as he is doing me. This is the Prime Minister of a country that goes down to the gutter, he should be ashamed."

Phenomenal Fishers Honoured
The outstanding fisher of the year award ceremony was held today at the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute Training Room. The ceremony was held to honor those fishers who truly make a difference in the sector and also to highlight the importance of fisheries overall. Three fishers were recognized, they are Mario Gonzalez, Angel Faux and the outstanding fisher of the year award went to Paulino Elmer Rodriguez from Sarteneja. Here is more from the event. Julie Robinson, Ocean Strategy Lead, The Nature Conservancy: "June 29th is recognized as being international fisher folk day, this has been a tradition for many decades. However, today we recognized that one day is really not sufficient to really express our gratitude to the people who are the foundation of our fisheries industries. Ms. Desiree kind of mentioned this, this is actually a culmination of a number of different activities that took place, there has been the women in fisheries forum, there has been the boat to boat dialogue that has been taking place.."

Police Profiling Prevalent, Peyrefitte Says It Shouldn't Be
Profiling - it's not permitted in the law - but police do it all the time. They stop persons, conduct routine searches and then snap their pictures with cell phone cameras. It's done widely in Belize City - especially to young, black males. Cabinet has said the cops shouldn't do it, but that hasn't stopped them. And, in fact the COMPOL has indicated that the practice will continue. Police use these pictures to make databases of persons who haven't even committed crimes. On Wednesday, the attorney general told the media that the police can continue until someone sues them - which any profiled citizen would be well within their rights to do:

Legislating Around That 21 Day Requirement For The COA
Peyrefitte also spoke about the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill of 2019, which will soon become law. With this new law, the Barrow Administration wants to give the Court of Appeal, the ability to expedite the hearing of appeal cases before the mandatory 21-day grace period. You'll remember that the Barrow Administration faced that same obstacle on April 8th, when it was trying to push for the ICJ referendum on April 10th. They were forced into that position after the Chief Justice granted the PUP an injunction restraining them from holding it on April 10th. The Government went to the Court of Appeal in the hopes of trying to reverse that decision at the last minute, but the Court of Appeal refused to hear the matter because the mandatory 21-days hadn't passed as yet - so the Appeal Court didn't have jurisdiction.

Man Crushed In Downtown Orange Walk
There has been a serious bus accident a short time ago in Orange Walk. It happened right in front of the Town Hall where an R. Tillett bus ran over a man's feet - and he was bleeding out on the street. He was reportedly attempting to cross the street. His condition is not known at this time - but he was rushed to the hospital. The bus was heading from Belize city to Orange Walk.

More Men Need to Test For HIV
The National Aids Commission wants all Belizeans to know their HIV status, and so, they set up testing booths in public parks at several major population centers around the country today. Their focus this year was men - because the male population tends to avoid HIV testing. So they sent out the message far and wide and made the process quick, easy and free. We found out more: Anellie Paredez - Communications and Programs Officer, NAC: "Today is the second annual national testing day countrywide, and we are out here doing free HIV testing for anyone who wants to know their status..."

Another Castro In Cuba
He's no Fidel or Raul, but Edmond Castro is in Cuba has received a warm reception in Cuba where he is on an official visit. He is attending the 17th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs, and also taking some time out to meet Belizean medical students. In a release sent today it says "Castro congratulated them for their dedication and sacrifice to enhance their education, and he encouraged them to continue studying hard as they prepare themselves to better serve their country when they return home." Castro returns to Belize tomorrow.

Chan Pine Ridge Challenges ASR/BSI
Last night, we showed you worries of the Orange Walk residents of Chan Pine Ridge Village. They say that ASR/BSI's Towerhill Factory is polluting their air with ash and smoke produced during the factory's cane milling operation. The residents say that for months now, the ash has been affecting their health, as well as the infrastructure of their homes, since the ash allegedly compromises the integrity of their roofs. The residents say that they have complained to both BSI/ASR, and the Department of Environment, which is supposed to be policing matters like these, and according to them, the response has been woefully inadequate.

Throwdown At The Corner Store
Over the past few years, surveillance videos have become a staple in the daily news diet - and, most times, it's violent and unpleasant, showing storekeepers being robbed or roughed up. But one video we came across last week - shows that the cameras can capture all kinds of crazy goings-on at your corner store. We couldn't find out exactly where or in which town this one was captured - but it shows two women getting into an argument. One of them came in from outside to tell the other not to talk about her. And from there it escalated rather quickly - with the woman who started it resorting to hauling out beer crates and throwing them at the other woman, causing chaos in the shop.

Channel 5

B.T.L. C.E.O. Rochus Schreiber Resigns
There is a huge development tonight regarding the top job at Belize Telemedia Limited.  And that is that Rochus Schreiber has tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer for [...]

A Closer Look at Documents which Shows B.T.L.’s Purported GST Debt
Still on B.T.L., records obtained by our newsroom, show that Belize Telemedia Limited owes the Government of Belize tens of millions of dollars in unpaid General Sales Tax.  According to [...]

An Appeal for Peace and Calm Following Dalla Kite’s Murder
Businessman Carlton Wade was gunned down at his shop in Hattieville on Wednesday night just before he closed for the day. Inside the store were his two grandchildren, while his [...]

FinSec: “admittedly there are problems”
Financial Secretary Joseph Waight has admitted that there are problems with regards to the reporting of financial facts by finance officers across government ministries and departments. This has been a [...]

Financial Secretary Speaks on FTC/AIBL Settlement
Earlier in the month, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced a settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and Atlantic International Bank Limited, describing it as a ‘win for Belize’. The settlement [...]

PM Dean Barrow Speaks on Sanctuary Bay Scam
Lead scammer Andris Pukke along with several associates, promised clients a lush piece of land equipped with world class amenities on a fourteen thousand-acre property in southern Belize. It’s a [...]

Albert Moreira is Freed & Rearrested for Murder of Felina James
B.D.F. soldier, Albert Moreira was charged for the October 2018 murder of Felina James, his girlfriend and mother of their son. This week, he went to trial and saw the [...]

Accused Murderers Are Freed
Four years ago, in June 2015, thirty-nine-year-old Patrick Dean Spencer, a.k.a. “Nally,” was gunned down on Cairo Street with its intersection with Glen Street, Belize City. He was shot multiple [...]

Court of Appeal Given Option to Hear Applications before 21 Days Requirement
Back in April, the Government was unsuccessful in trying to persuade the Court of Appeal to hear an application in an expedited manner. This was in the relation to the [...]

Police’s Profiling Practice Can Be Challenged in Court
We also asked the Attorney General about the continued policing profiling. Police officers continue to stop and search persons, especially young black males, record their personal information and snap pictures [...]

U.S. State Department Speaks on Belize’s TIP Ranking
Last week we reported that the U.S. Department of State upgraded Belize in its Trafficking in Persons Report. According to the report, Belize has shown significant progress in victim services [...]

Immigration Raids in the U.S. Are Coming
The U.S. has announced that a number of immigration raids will be conducted. The deportations, while delayed, are intended to remove recently arrived families who are in the United States [...]

NAC’s National Testing Day Targets Men
The National AIDS Commission held its annual national testing day today across the country. Every year the organization hosts two national testing events, with the next testing day in December [...]

$10,000 For Anyone Who Can Help Solve Marcia Talbert’s Murder
Forty-one-year-old Marcia Talbert, an employee of Cerberus Security, a subsidiary of Bowen and Bowen Limited, lost her life on the morning of June sixteenth when a gunman snuck onto the [...]

ComPol Calls for Stringent Background Checks for Licensed Guides
On Thursday, we told you about new security measures, including surveillance cameras, as well as the hiring of special constables to be implemented in San Pedro. Those new plans were [...]

A British National is Found Dead in Placencia
The lifeless body of fifty-eight-year-old Phillip Crabtree, a British national, was retrieved from the sea in Placencia this morning.  Sometime around six o’clock, police were called to an area in [...]

Fisher of the Year Award Goes to Paulino Rodriguez
He has been fishing for forty years and seen the industry he loves grow and evolve. Today, the spotlight was on Sarteneja resident Paulino Rodriguez who was made Fisher of [...]

Chan Pine Ridge Villager Concern of B.S.I.’s Air Pollution
Residents of Chan Pine Ridge Village in Orange Walk say they have been greatly affected by air pollution emitted by the neighboring B.S.I. sugar factory. Villagers formed the Chan Pine [...]

Team Belize Doing Great at the U-23 Female Volleyball Central American Championships
The female volleyball national team has been competing in the under-twenty-three Central American Championships in Managua, Nicaragua. They have since won three games and lost one. On Wednesday, the girls [...]

Police Health Run & Sports Day at Yabra
Early this morning, the police officers were on the streets of the City, but it was not for the usual crime fighting. It was to encourage residents to maintain or [...]

Amandala

BTL owes almost $30 million in GST: allegation
An explosive report was made on News5 last night, Wednesday, that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), Belize’s largest company, in which the government has a 51 percent shareholding, has racked up an unpaid General Sales Tax (GST) bill in the region of $30 million over a four-year period. This afternoon, Amandala attempted to get a comment from the GST Department on the leaked documents, but we were told that there is no GST Commissioner at the present time. When we asked if we could speak to someone from the senior staff who could comment on the BTL arrears situation, we were told that the Acting GST Commissioner, Evan Brown, was in a meeting and he has sent word to us that “the GST will not make any public statement” on the BTL matter.

Belize City Swing Bridge rotting
The year 2024 will mark 100 years since the Belize City Swing Bridge was built to link the old capital’s north and south sides. As that milestone approaches, however, the only manual swing bridge in the world is in a most deplorable condition. An obvious testament to the years of neglect is the visible corrosion and the decaying of the metal structure. Since Belize has adopted tourism as a large part of its economic and developmental future, the Swing Bridge, which has tremendous tourism potential and has received the attention of Trip Advisor, the international tourism industry’s influential trend-setter, strategic planning could have included a massive restoration project for the Swing Bridge in the Downtown Rejuvenation Project, which involves the spending of millions of dollars for the restoration of the downtown area.

Christian Espat, 23, hands in himself for San Pedro double murder
At about 11:00 Sunday morning, Mario Graniel, Jr., 53, a San Pedro fly fishing tour guide, and his guest, American national Dr. Paul Swank, of Roanoke, Virginia, USA, were sport fishing in the lagoon in San Pedro, when they were shot and killed. Police said they had identified a suspect in the case of the double murder, and on Tuesday, a 25-year-old woman of San Pedro, whom they described as being important to the investigation, was detained. Police were looking for the triggerman, who is known to them, but he had reportedly left San Pedro.

Government’s new legislation passes through the Senate
The Senate met this morning in the National Assembly Chamber under the presidency of former Belize City mayor, Darrell Bradley, who succeeds Lee Mark Chang. Chang resigned as President of the Senate so that he could run in a United Democratic Party (UDP) constituency convention to select the party’s standard bearer for Caribbean Shores. The Senate debated a number of Bills that passed through their stages at the House of Representatives meeting last Friday. Among the Bills the Senate debated were the Customs and Excise Duties Act, the University of Belize Bill, and the Tax and Administration Procedure Bill.

Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) releases reports for January-May 2019
The Statistics Institute of Belize (SIB) reported that Belize imported $169.4 million worth of goods in May 2019, a 1.9% increase over goods imported last year in the same period. Imports of ‘Food and Live Animals’ went up “from $22.6 million in May 2018 to $25.1 million on account of larger imports of infant formulas, corn seeds and lard (shortening)”, parts for food processing equipment and centrifuges increased from $32.4 million to nearly $34 million, and ‘Crude Materials’ imports rose from $2.8 million to $4.2 million, with more purchases of wooden poles and pine lumber. SIB reported that Belize’s economy, led by increases in primary and tertiary activities, grew by 5.2% in the first quarter of 2019 when compared with the same period last year. The SIB’s preliminary estimates show that Belize produced $782 million worth of goods and services for the period, up $38.6 million over the $743.4 million worth of goods and services for the same period last year.

Ka’ añaar, a graphic arts exhibition at Image Factory and Library of African and Indigenous studies
In January, a group of 5 Belizeans made a trip to Cuba and began what they call, the Belize Cuba Solidarity Group. While in Cuba, the group participated in a graphic arts exhibition named Ka’ añaar with Cuban artist Alex Falco Chang. Today, the Belize part of that exhibition continued at the Image Factory and the Library of African and Indigenous Studies, where the works of Falco and Belizean graphic artist, Carlos Lito Quiroz, were displayed. The Cuban Ambassador to Belize, Ambassador Lissette Perez; and Orestes Hernandez, Counsel of the Embassy of Cuba to Belize, attended the exhibition. Acknowledgement and special thanks were extended to the president of the National Institute of History and Culture, Sapna Budhrani, and to Ya Ya Marin Coleman of the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) Education Foundation.

St. Francis Xavier RC girls of Cayo and St. Martin De Porres boys of Belize District are 2019 National Primary School Basketball Champions
The National Sports Council sponsored National Primary Schools Basketball Championship in both female and male categories was held on Wednesday, June 26, in Belize City. The six district champions for both females and males were divided into groups of 3 teams, and a round-robin was played within each group, after which the top two teams of each group advanced to the knockout semifinal round. The boys played their games at Bird’s Isle, while the girls games were at the Civic Center. However, both championship games were played at the Civic Center.

Cricket Corner – Belize River Valley has lost another loved one
Blessings on all you cricket players and lovers of the sport! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), the Barry Bowen/ Harrison Parks 2019 Cricket Competition continued with the playoffs over the weekend. Before going any further, let me inform you that the President of the BNCA and its governing body send their most sincere condolences to the family and friends on the sudden passing of their loved one, CYRIL “BOB” THOMPSON, who met his death due to a freak accident. Bob, as he was affectionately known, was one of the founding members of Summer Fever Cricket Club.

Playoffs near in National Over-40 football
Scoring details are still not available for the 3 games played on Saturday night, June 22, in the Belize National Over-40 Football Tournament 2019; but reports of the final scores show San Pedro Veterans with the 4-0 win over BDF at Ambergris Stadium; Kulture Yabra Veterans and Santels United Veterans playing to a 0-0 draw at the MCC Grounds; and Belmopan Veterans with a 2-1 win over Roaring Creek United Veterans at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. After the 4 games scheduled for the upcoming weekend, one more week of games plus a back match will remain to complete the double round-robin regular season.

FFB Elite Female U-15 Inter-District Week 1 result
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) kicked off its Elite Female U-15 Inter-District Competition 2019 with only 1 game being played. With a 9:00 a.m. kickoff at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio, it was the visitors, Stann Creek with a 5-0 win over Cayo, with goals from Khalydia Velasquez (7’), Taryn Arnold (20’ & 24’) and Shendra Casimiro (36’ & 46’). It is expected that all 10 country zones will eventually be represented in the tournament. 3 games are scheduled for Week 2.

Editorial: Leadership we can trust could ease US cocaine war’s pangs
It’s not easy for Belizeans to wrap their mind around 5 men going to sea on a fishing trip and all of them ending up dead, not by drowning, but by gunshots to the head. The impact is staggering. The equivalent loss in Mexico would be for 1,735 Mexican fishermen to be shot to death one afternoon in the Gulf, and for the Americans it would be for 4,410 American fishermen to be shot to death one morning in Alaska. The world would have stopped turning if that kind of news would have come out of Mexico or the USA. We can’t recall any period with so many incidents of multiple homicides in our country. On June 4, a highly respected and beloved teacher was found, along with two of her friends, all shot to death in her home, which is located in a somewhat isolated area near to the George Price Highway. Then, between June 21 and June 23, the bodies of seven persons were found, in separate incidents. In one incident, five men were shot to death while on a fishing trip a few miles off the coast of Belize City, and in the other incident a tour guide and a tourist were shot to death while on a fishing trip in the waters off San Pedro.

Heavily tinted vehicles contribute to the high crime rate and traffic mishaps
Dear Editor, Several years ago the government and authorities responsible for the licensing of motor vehicles implemented a standard for the tinting of motor vehicles, regulating the degree of tint for private and government vehicles. Only Ministerial and special government-owned vehicles were supposed to be heavily tinted. As is the usual case with many other regulations in the Belizean society, this regulation is not being enforced. Since Belize achieved independence, crime has spiralled in the Jewel, moving us from being a “tranquil haven of democracy” to a country with one of the highest murder rates in the world.

Some thoughts on our Belize history
Dear Editor, Please allow me to share these thoughts. It is difficult to imagine Belize without the legacy of the public meeting, the Flowers Bank 14, the Ex-Servicemen’s Riot, and Antonio Soberanis Gómez, the activist in the Belizean labor movement. He founded the Labor and Unemployed Association in 1934 to demand poverty relief work and a minimum wage. He was jailed for sedition in 1935. Clifford Betson (1897-1974), a strong and militant unionist with only a primary level education, was part of the contingent which on July 22 started the Ex-Servicemen Riot in Belize City in protest of the treatment experienced at the hands of the colonial authorities.

Like, I’m waiting
It’s not within my nature to push for an apology from anyone, but sometimes you have to set the record right. A Facebook “friend” of mine selected a sentence out of a column I wrote and posted it to his page, with a comment, and then proceeded to distribute his work to a number of his other “friends”, so they could multiply his felony. I don’t know the gentleman, have never met the gentleman. I know that he was a favorite of one of our governments some years back, and I believe he is older than I am, because when I was a young man in the 1980s, he was already a big government favorite.

The Growth of Black Consciousness in Belize 1914–1919
Violence, whether spontaneous or premeditated, has an inherent attraction for both the historian and his reader. On the one hand there is the heightened colour of strong emotions unleashed in an individual or society exposed to unacceptable stress. On the other, the rare opportunity to perceive fully, perhaps for the first time, the processes in that individual or society which are most important to its functioning. Those processes and the psychological and ideological assumptions which regulate them may be only fully comprehended when the organism, be it individual or collective, makes war upon itself. Violence, then, is revealing, and it is therefore somewhat difficult to understand successive historians’ neglect of the violent moments in modern Belizean history. The institutionalized violence of slavery has been well researched but often only as an exercise in revisionism – the post-emancipation upheavals of 1894, 1919 and 1934, however, have not been subject to a similar coverage.

Orange Walk was regarded as a rough frontier town
Mestizo social life in the rapidly growing northern towns reflected the newcomers who built them, focusing on the family and community, which included the church. The self presentation that was so essential to creole public life, was not a feature of church and community life in the newly settled villages and towns of the north. There were no papers in the districts. And while by the 1870’s a succession of newspapers announced their commitment to news of interest to Spanish-speaking residents, and made periodic efforts to publish such news in Spanish, their editors were creole, both white and coloured, and they all lived in Belize City. While they might be concerned with general district issues, such as agricultural development, land tenure legislation, or the best labor for the plantations, their personal network rarely went beyond the creole events and inhabitants of Belize City.

Neoliberalism
In other words, our dear readers of this column, to my understanding, neoliberalism is a neo-liberal capitalist free trade system, and the objective of those who support such a system is to globalize such a model. The things in Mexico seem to be very complicated, but it is not so much when one gets to the bottom of how Mexico became what it is after getting its independence in 1821. From those days, the United States of North America, which was composed of 13 colonies, had its eyes on expanding its hegemony, not only over Mexico but over the entire Latin America and the Caribbean countries, which can be understood by considering the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 and also the thoughts expressed by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, even before the constitution of that country was formed.

Hattieville businessman Carlton Wade, 63, killed during robbery
Carlton “ Dollar Kite “ Wade, 63 , a businessman of New Site, Hattieville, was in his shop at about 9:00 last night when three thieves entered the store, held him up and tried to rob him. During the robbery attempt, one of the robbers shot him in the forehead, and Wade died almost immediately in his shop. Police said that on their arrival on the scene they found a toy gun at the front of the shop and an expended shell. Police said that they don’t know what, if anything, was stolen from Wade’s shop, and no one has been arrested as yet in connection with the tragic incident.

Derrick Tracey, 33, of Dangriga, executed in Belize City
Derrick Tracey, 33, a construction worker of the Commerce Bight area in Dangriga, traveled to Belize City with his girlfriend to spend some time with his sister, who lives on Sittee Street, and at about 1:00 this afternoon, while he was in his sister’s yard, an unmasked gunman came up and shot him several times with a prohibited .45 pistol in front of his sister and girlfriend. Tracey was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Reliable information to us is that five shots were fired. Tracey was hit multiple times in the chest and arm before the gunman fled the scene.

Thelma Warrior, 50, arraigned for murder
A love triangle claimed the life of Yolanda Requeña, 47, a janitor of the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court and mother of 4 children, at about 8:30 Sunday night in Bullet Tree Falls Village. A woman, Thelma Warrior, 50, is accused of stabbing Requeña to death. After the murder, Warrior went on the run, but she was arrested yesterday in the Cayo District and charged with murder and use of deadly means of harm at the San Ignacio Police Station. Today, Wednesday, June 26, she was arraigned at the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court and was remanded until August 27.

LOVE FM

Sarteneja Villagers concerned over legitimacy of French tourist’s story
Earlier this week, Love News brought you the story of a French tourist who was allegedly assaulted and robbed in Sarteneja Village, Corozal District. The tourist, 25-year-old Gabriel Jacquet, was reportedly sleeping in a hammock on an isolated part of the beach when the incident occurred. Pictures of him bleeding from the head surfaced on …

Growing the Future Project hosts 15 annual summer program
Growing the Future Project is hosting its annual summer program in several locations simultaneously. The program is in its fifteen year and its objective is to assist primary school children to acquire the fundamental skills in order to excel in Math and English. Peter Lacey, the Director of Growing the Future Project, told us that …

Fisher of the Year for 2019 is rewarded
Fishing is the backbone of many Belizean households, which is why it is necessary to practice sustainable fishing. Many fishers who have been doing so for myriads of years are still able to depend on fishing as their primary source of income. Today, three fishermen who have been dedicated contributors to Belize’s economy as well …

Body of British National found in beach in Placencia
The body of 59-year-old, Philip Crabtree was found this morning at around seven o’clock, along the coast of Placencia, Stann Creek District. Crabtree is reportedly a British national who had retired and was living in the village for a few weeks. Love News spoke with Phoenix Usher, a woman he had been involved with since …

Department of Youth Services hosts Mental Health Round-table
Mental health is being in a state of well-being which allows us to function normally. Many persons are suffering from some type of mental disorder ranging from anxiety, depression, addictions to suicidal thoughts. In Belize, studies have shown that suicide attempts were extremely high in youths ranging from 15 to 19. However, instead of getting …

Blogs

Don’t be afraid of the enchanted underworld of Belize
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Belize is beautiful, inside and out! For decades I’ve done my best to explore and experience the stunning landscapes of my country, from misty mountain tops to blue lagoons, jungle forests, and savannah scenery. My ventures have also found me submerged within the underwater world of our crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, discovering coral reef majesty teeming with colorful marine inhabitants and vibrant seascapes. I want to say I’ve done it all, but there’s one astounding geological feature of Belize that is revered by many and feared by others…and I fall under the ‘fear’ category because to me, caves are just dark, deep, creepy and downright frightening! Sure, I’ve done a couple of the requisite cave-tubing adventures where we float through a dark chasm on inner tubes, donning headlamps and waterproof flashlights, but I managed to calm my nerves by likening the journey to a scary amusement park ride that will be over soon! Never did I linger and embrace the darkness.

Visiting Ka'anar Falco's Display at Corozal House of Culture
Words coming from the Corozal House of Culture: Thank you to Cuban artist Alex Falco Chang and Belizean artist Carlos Lito Quiroz for sharing your expressive graphics with the Corozal community....very thought-provoking. We wish to thank Mr. Yasser Musa for his efforts in producing this traveling exhibit. And we give great thanks to our community members, students, artists, doctors, politicians, historians and educators for your kind support in attending the launch. We invite everyone to visit the House of Culture to view this exhibit which is on display through to July 11th.

International Sources

Tourism in Mexico suffering from invasion of sargassum seaweed on the Caribbean beaches
Seaweed is affecting the tourism industry in Mexico. There has been drastic drop in the occupancy rate of hotels to the extent of nearly 20%. Mexico suffers from pollution of another kind. It is from rotting brown seaweed that litters the Caribbean beaches of Mexico. Municipal workers scoop up the foul-smelling litter regularly but it keeps coming back to spoil the beauty of the beaches. Authorities are trying to cope with the issue and by the time one area is cleaned, the sargassum seaweed returns to the same or an adjacent area within a few hours. The Guardian reports that Mexico has spent millions to clear tons of the unwanted stuff and there is no sign of relief as the problem remains.

Representatives of 13 countries meet to deal with sargassum problem
More research, warning system among proposals. Representatives of 13 countries gathered in Cancún this week to discuss a regional strategy to combat sargassum on Caribbean coasts. Officials from Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Cuba, Panama, Guadeloupe (a French overseas region), Belize, Guyana and Guatemala attended the event during which they participated in roundtable discussions that also considered the effects of sargassum on tourism and the environment. Quintana Roo Environment Secretary Alfredo Arellano Guillermo told the news agency Notimex that the aim of the summit was to generate a better understanding of the origin of the sargassum problem, to use that knowledge as the basis for the development of solutions and to identify ways to fund efforts to combat the seaweed’s arrival.

Drought affecting Caribbean to continue through September
The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) says drought conditions in the Caribbean will continue in several countries for the July to September period this year. In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks publication, the CIMH said the situation is due in part to a weak El Niño. It said a progressive increase in wet spells is expected throughout the region, but fewer than in most wet seasons. The Institute said the spells may bring some level of drought relief, but also concern for flooding.

FBI joins investigation into Virginia doctor’s slaying in Belize
The FBI has joined the probe into the double murder of a Virginia cardiologist in Belize and his fly-fishing guide. Gary Swank, 53, was shot dead Sunday morning along with his tour guide, Mario Graniel, 53, while on a boat near the Ambergris Caye in San Pedro Town, Belize Live News reported. San Pedro Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, announced Wednesday that the US federal agents arrived in the country to assist in the investigation. “There is certain expertise that we do not have in Belize and I have asked them to see how best they can assist us with those expertise and they have agreed,” Williams told reporters. “So, we are hoping that with the expertise they bring to the table, it will aid us significantly how we approach and deal with the investigation.”

Videos

June 28, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Solid Waste Management Authority weighs in on fire at San Pedro’s Transfer Station
According to BSWMA, in the past, they have done controlled burning of garbage under the strict supervision of personnel from the Forest Department. This practice is mainly because the transfer of waste to the mainland is not as efficient. BSWMA’s communication officer Tyronne Chimilio indicated via an email that he was made aware that there was some difficulty in moving the waste off the island. In a phone interview with The San Pedro Sun, Chimilio stated that the fire on June 21st was accidental, that the issue had been addressed and that they were now waiting on an official report from the fire department. However, the San Pedro Fire Department explained to The Sun that they do not file reports on garbage fires.

Taiwanese Diplomatic delegation pays a visit to San Pedro Town
As part of the activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Belize and Taiwan, a group of Taiwanese officials visited San Pedro Town on Friday, June 21st. A brief ceremony was held for them by The San Pedro Town Council at Elvi’s Kitchen Restaurant. The ceremony began shortly after 10AM, with the singing of Taiwan National Anthem, followed by Belize’s National Anthem. Mayor Daniel Guerrero then shared a few words, promising to continue to work with Remus L-Kou Chen, the Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Ambergris Caye. Chen then took the podium to share a few words. The ceremony culminated with an exchange of gifts, followed by a delicious lunch at Elvi’s Kitchen. The Taiwan officials further enjoyed a tour through San Pedro Town and even had the chance to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Belize’s Great Barrier Reef.

San Pedro residents Melvin Montesino and Silverio Cal still missing
Despite continuous searches, San Pedro residents 26-year-old Melvin Montesino, and 26-year-old Silverio Cal have not been found. Both men were reported missing on Thursday, June 13th after they headed to the north side of Ambergris Caye via motorcycle. Police have not confirmed speculations that the men may have been killed as a result of their alleged involvement in illicit activities, and are simply continuing the search for the missing men. “The family members and the police have organized several searches. The information they received was that [Montesino] went to the north side of San Pedro, so family members and police searched between eleven and fourteen miles north of San Pedro, which has proved fruitless,” said ASP Cowo. “[Montesino] is the manager of an apartment building, [and friends of his from the complex say] he left from there on Thursday night, along with another male person, Cal. There is no indication that they went there for any function or any business. All we understand is that he had received a call and he told them that he was going.”

Ambergris Today

Frustrated Islanders Address Crime Issues With Commissioner Of Police
The Belize Police Department is asking the community of San Pedro to come together in assisting the department when it comes to fighting crime. That includes reporting incidents, identifying criminals, joining the special constables program and doing their part of abiding by the law. “It is only fitting for the locals to be part of the security of their own island,” commented Commissioner of Police Chester Williams in his address to the concerned citizens.

Christian Espat Posts Video Saying He Is Innocent Of Double Murder
As reports start coming in that one of the persons being sought in the murder investigation of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank, has surrendered to San Pedro Police, "Stop Bav" posted on its Instagram account a video of person of interest Christian Espat stating his innocense of the double murder. In the video, Espat states that he has no connection with the murders and that he will be surrendering to the San Pedro Police to prove his innocence. A wanted poster for Espat by police was in circulation this morning. We understant that 23-year-old, Christian Espat of the San Pedrito Area has surrendered to San Pedro Police.

Various Belizean Sources

Help detecting Stony Tissue Loss Disease
To all tour operators and guides. We are asking your assistance in reporting any sightings of corals seen on your dive or snorkel trip that do not look healthy via the submission of photos. We are on the lookout for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). The disease first appeared in 2014 in Florida, in 2018 it was confirmed in areas of the Caribbean and recently summer of 2019 has been one confirmed case in Belize, within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve area of Northern Ambergris Caye. The disease affects nearly half of the stony coral species, including primary reef-building species. Elkhorn and staghorn do not seem to be affected by the disease. The cause of the disease is still unknown, and all the factors that affect transmission is not fully understood.

Cardiac Screening for Heart Disease
Visit the clinics participating for more information

The IDB and the Ministry of Finance partner to strengthen public procurement management systems in Belize
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Finance partnered to host a two-day training workshop on “What to do when procurement goes wrong”. This workshop is part of IDB´s continued support to strengthen public procurement management systems in Belize. The training workshop, which was held on June 20 and 21 in Belmopan, was attended by 40 professionals in the public service who are members of evaluation committees for procurement processes related to projects financed by the Government of Belize and the IDB, and was facilitated by International Lawyer, Procurement Specialist and Trade Professional, Ms. Magda Theodate.

Learn more about the Belize Youth Challenge

BHA Annual General Meeting
Join us on Wednesday July 3, 2019 for our Annual General Meeting, where you can hear what the Association has been doing for you for the past year and new projects for the upcoming 2019/2020 membership year. Dynamic Keynote Speaker, Mr. Manny Melendez, Field Marketing Director of TravelClick, will be discussing Revenue Management and how to make it work for you. The morning seminar, hosted by Expedia and ADARA, will focus on Data Driven marketing and new marketing strategies that can improve the way you do business. Guest Speaker Raphael Saul will inspire you on how to enhance your business approach and increase sales. Call us at 223-0669 or email us at [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

Corozal Public Library Summer Program!
Come sign up your child

Summer Art Wave
Corozal House of Culture

The Embassy honored LGBTI Pride Month at the U.S. Chief of Mission's Residence
Thank you to all our guests and speakers for celebrating with us and making the event a success! As Tom Lersten, Deputy Director of Central American Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, emphasized, "We unequivocally support the call of Belize's LGBTI community for legal protection. We also challenge everyone here or watching the coverage of today's event to do our part. As a representative of the United States, I believe we have an ingrained responsibility to respect the fundamental human dignity of all people and to treat others as we want to be treated."

Paradise Theater playing this weekend:
Shazam! Pet Sematary, Little, After.

Channel 7

Belize's Most Wanted, Christian Espat Turns Himself Into Police
Christian Espat - he's the notorious San Pedro underworld figure who police have as their main suspect in the double murder of local tour guide Mario Graniel and tourist Doctor Gary Swank. Last night police prepared this wanted poster for the 23 year old - and this afternoon at 1:00, he turned himself into police accompanied by his attorney Leeroy Banner. In a remarkable statement he recorded on social media before handing himself over - he professed his innocence and warned that he would be beaten. He posted that on Facebook at around midday; here's what he said:

FBI Helping Local Cops to Investigate Dr.'s Murder
His attorney Leeroy Banner stressed that Espat is only currently detained for questioning along with more than a dozen men. Banner says his client was in Benque Viejo at the time of the murder on Sunday morning. Banner also noted that the case is being dealt with by a major crimes team from Belmopan - not San Pedro CIB. Those investigators are being assisted by FBI agents who've been brought in to lend support to the police department. Last night in San Pedro, Commissioner Chester Williams told us more about the Feds' involvement:

Dive Team Went Deep For Evidence
And, a local dive team was also activated to trawl up evidence from beneath the sea. As we told you, the double murder happened in the open water on the lagoon side of the island when Graniel and Swank were returning from a fly fishing tour. A gunman pulled up in a boat and opened fire. Williams told us about evidence they've collected from the sea floor:.. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "One of the things that I have directed as part of the investigation was to bring in the dive team to go and dive the area where we believe the incident may have occurred with a view to see if we can collect any evidence that may have been on the bottom of the sea and that was done and certain things were retrieve and so yes we have made some progress where that is concern."

San Pedro Townspeople Demand Answers From COMPOL
We caught up with Williams last night after a two and a half hour town meeting where he was served up as the featured guest. We say "served up" because that crowd wanted blood, or at least some very solid action oriented answers about what happens next to restore confidence for visitors who feel unsafe and are calling in with cancellations left and right. 7news was at the meeting, and here's how it went:.. A visibly tired Commissioner opened the meeting on a note of vulnerability: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I must say that it had indeed been a difficult time for me. I am doing my utmost best with the support of my staff to ensure that we find those persons who are responsible for the death of Dr. Swank and Mr. Graniel. I can assure you that I am not going to rest until they are caught."

Police Will Try and Keep Murder Witness Safe
And, as a footnote, Commissioner Williams did offer support to Ms. Zetina - the woman who stood up bravely and said that she was a witness in a murder case - and would testify, even thought she and her family had been threatened. He had met with her earlier in the day, and here's how he put it:... Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "I have now given directives and it was done in front of her to the OC in San Pedro, to ensure that they provide some level of security for Ms. Zetina. We need her to be alive and we need her children to be alive and we are going to do our part to ensure that those persons who want to reach her and her children have a very difficult task."

Motorbike Found, Men Still Missing
But the bad news from San Pedro just keeps on coming. Lost in all the uproar about Sunday's double murder is the fact that there are still two men who are missing and feared dead. 27-year-old Silverio Cal and 26-year-old Melvin Montesino, were last seen on Thursday, June 13th when they left their home in town on a motorbike headed for northern Ambergris Caye. Williams told us police have since recovered what they believe is the motorcycle they were on:... Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "The police did receive some information earlier this afternoon and they had responded north of San Pedro. They conducted search of an area in the sea and that led to the discovery of a motorcycle that is believed to have been used by the two persons who went missing at the time they went missing."

Body Who Was Shot Goes Home After 5 Weeks
Ever since he was shot by a stray bullet, 7News has been closely following the story of 11 year-old Kyron Green. He's the standard 4 student from St. Luke's Methodist in Belize City who was seriously injured while he was at the corner store running an errand for his mother. It happened on the evening of May 17th at the One Plus One Supermarket. Kyron went to buy some items for his mom, who had her food vending business nearby. While he was inside, a gunman arrived at the store, looking for his target, who was standing at the entrance. That shooter opened fire, and Kyron was hit by a stray bullet, which damaged his cervical vertebrae. He entered the KHMH in a critical condition, and with the care of the doctors and medical staff, his health finally improved enough that he could be discharged from the hospital.

Elderly Grocer Murdered, But "Dalla Kyte" Put Up A Fight
A well known Hattieville store owner Carlton Wade also known as "Dalla Kyte" was gunned down last night in a robbery. Two young robbers shot Wade and one of the bullets struck him in the head. But even that didn't stop Wade from fighting off his attackers so his common law wife and grandkids could get to safety. It really is a stunning story of adrenaline, will power, and heroism, but, sadly, also one of loss. Courtney Weatherburne has more. If the gunshots were not enough, the blinding police lights surely got Hattieville residents out of their beds and Unto to the street side near Kyte's store. They all looked on as police and scenes of crime personnel canvassed the area and secured store owner, Carlton Wade's body. The well-known resident better known as 'Dalla Kyte' was shot and killed inside his shop.

They Killed Wade For Money
Today at the police press briefing, ASP Alejandro Cowo confirmed that the motive in Wade's murder was robbery. Here is the official police report. ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "Last night just before 9 pm police responded to a shooting incident at 17 miles on the George Price highway, where upon arrival at the Kite Shop they observed the motionless body of Mr. Carlton Wade, 63 years old, inside of his shop. What police gathered so far is that Mr. Wade was along with family members inside of the shop when two young male persons entered the shop and demanded that he hand over the cash that he had. Mr. Wade, according to information that we received, believed that they were playing and as a result the person who had the firearm, one of them fired the shots at Mr. Wade causing his fatal injuries."

Cops Have No Clues Why Griga Man Was Killed In City
Last night's murder was the second for the day in the Belize District. 33 year old Dangriga resident Derrick Tracey was killed at 1:00 pm when he was visiting a relative's home. Police told us they aren't sure why he was targeted: ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "What police gathered so far is that Derek was walking on Ebony Street along with his girlfriend when someone came out of a yard and fired several shots in his direction causing the above mentioned injuries. We know that he had two days that he had come to Belize City, as he is originally from Dangriga, and he was visiting some family members when the incident occurred."

Many Detained But No Answers For Swallow Caye Five
Police also haven't made any arrests in the murder of the Swallow Caye 5. the five men who's bodies were found dead at sea - starting last Thursday and continuing until Saturday afternoon. They are 23 year-old Travis Cooke, 49 year-old Ernest Willis, 40 year-old Winston Santos, 21 year-old Jemar Martinez, and 19 year-old Alysson Jones. All 5 men were had been shot to the head. But, by whom, and why? Those are secrets only the vast and open sea has answers to. Police say they have detained a number of persons - without much success:.. ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "Well, police have been up and down at Map Caye, Swallow Caye and the other Cayes within that area to try and establish motives and to see if there was anyone present when this incident happened..."

Bowen and Bowen Offers Reward For Marcia's Murderer
And the June 16th murder of security guard Marcia Talbott and the attempted murder of her co worker Mansa Baptist also remains unsolved. And that's why Bowen and Bowen - where she worked is now offering a "$10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the criminals who perpetrated the shooting of (the) two Cerberus Security Guards." The two unarmed guards were on duty at the Crystal Bottling Company when they were shot. There was no attempted robbery - just an apparent execution. Bowen and Bowen says, quote, "we will continue to work closely with the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

Kathia Wasn't the Target
Police also need the public's help in finding the person who shot Kathia Williams. The 50 year old was outside her Kraal Road house on Monday night when a gunman released a spray of gunfire at her. She was hit in the chest and abdomen but miraculously survived and is in stable condition. Police say she was not the target:... ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "At this moment I know that she has undergone surgery. She is in a stable condition at the hospital." Reporter: "Has anyone been detained for this crime? We understand that police on Tuesday detained a resident from Tiger Street." ASP Alejandro Cowo: "Police detained three persons so far. They have been questioned and they had to be released because of no evidence at this moment."

David Martinez Murder Mystery
And, police still aren't saying if 23 year old Corozaleno David Martinez was murdered. It's being very vaguely called a "death investigation" even after a post mortem found that he died from a gunshot wound to the chest when he was shot on Friday night. Police say they had to release the suspects: Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB : "We have followed a number of leads which were given to us. Several persons were detained, interviewed and later released because of insufficient evidence. However, it is still an ongoing investigation."

Lawless Home Invasion In Cristo Rey
And turning now to crimes perpetrated against foreigners, we go first to Cristo Rey village where a Canadian couple was the victim of a scary home invasion. Here's what police told us: ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "On Friday night, sometime after 8 pm, San Ignacio police was called to an area known as Monkey Falls on the Cristo Rey Road to the home of Evan Anderson, 38 year's Canadian, who reported to police that sometime around 8 pm when himself and his common law wife were getting ready to close their home to go and sleep, their home was entered into by three armed dark complexion male persons who demanded the keys for his black in color Toyota Hilux. As a result, his common law wife was tied up by means of an electrical chord and he was ordered to take those persons to the area where his vehicle was parked..."

Still No Connections In French Robbery and Assault
Police say they have spoken to a French tourist who was robbed and beaten in Sarteneja. As we told you last night, 25 year old Gabriel Jacquet was cooling out in the seaside village on Monday when he was attacked. Police discussed the difficulties of village policing: ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "He is saying that he arrived in the country on Sunday night through the northern border where he stayed in Corozal on Sunday night and then made his way to Sarteneja on a passenger bus on Monday morning. He then found an area along the sea where he tied up his hammock. But so far, he cannot recall what occurred and also he could not say whether or not anything was stolen. So, the police had canvassed the area however no useful information has been gathered so far. It is still an ongoing investigation. The area, as I mentioned before is an isolated area where he was found."

Boutique Fire May Have Been Electrical
Police also had some information on Tuesday night's fire at Fashion and More Boutique in Belmopan. The cops say that there had been complaints about electrical problems in the building: ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "So far what we know is that all the contents of that complex or that unit within the complex was destroyed by fire. At this point in time the fire department has not made a determination in relation to the cause of the fire..."

Cops Unravel Abuse Case of Coote and The Cuffs
And, police also gave us a rundown on the bizarre and disturbing case of the woman who was handcuffed to a bed by an abusive boyfriend. 30 year-old Illona Coote says she was handcuffed and kept hostage in Vincent Pascasio's home for nine days between June 13th and June 22nd. Police gave us their version: ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "One Illona Coote visited the Belmopan police station where they observed facial injuries as well as injuries to her hands. She reported to police that on the 13th of June she was at her boyfriend's home, one Vincent Pascacio, in the Belmopan area..."

BTL Says GST Arrears Story is Fake News
A document leaked to the media - allegedly from deep inside the General Sales Tax Department - alleges that BTL owes a whopping 29.3 million dollars in GST arrears. It arises from an ongoing audit of BTL by the GST department and the auditor's assessment of what are called internal subsidiary flows. It's highly technical, but the bottom line is that the GST auditor reviewed records from 2012 to 2017 and concluded that BTL owed the GST office almost 30 million dollars. But, today the Financial Secretary told us someone has it all wrong. Joe Waight told us that no assessment has been given to BTL, so the company owes nothing. He said the audit is ongoing but not completed - and even when it is - higher up's would need to sit down and check the basis of any assessment.

COMPOL: Tour Guides Need Better Security Screening
So far on the news tonight, we've had plenty of coverage from the town meeting last night in San Pedro. But one other item did catch our attention. Commissioner Chester Williams says that there has to be a more thorough screening of tour guides. That would seem to point to Mario Graniel, a tour guide who was targeted - and his client, Dr. Gary Swank was also killed as a result: Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "It is also important that we take a most serious look at tour-guides. I believe that we should do more background checks on our tour-guides. We do get a lot of money from the tourism industry and we have to ensure we do what we can to preserve that, so that we will have tourist that feel comfortable and welcomed to our country."

Cameras Covering Pedro
Williams also discussed in greater detail the police's plan to cover San Pedro with security cameras. They are getting a 64 channel system installed - but only 10 cameras will be donated initially. He says they hope to eventually cover all the major points of arrival and departure on the island: Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "We will also ensure that we monitor the airways. The area where the plane comes in the airstrip; we want to put a camera there so we can monitor who comes on the island on the plane. And we will put cameras as well where the boat docks so that we can also see who is coming on the island and who leaves the island." Police will be soliciting donations to increase the number of cameras.

Honoring Cops Who Care
And.while the news has been all about police operations tonight - our next story is about the life of service career officers have chosen. Every day, officers put their life on the line to protect and serve. So to honor those selfless, dedicated and hard working officers, a Medal and Award Ceremony was held today at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. 140 officers were awarded and several of them got their promotions. 7news was there. Here is more from a couple of the distinguished awardees.

Ya'axché Celebrates Sustainable Farming
The Ya'axché Conservation Trust is a conservation NGO that safeguards the natural corridor which connects the forests of the Maya Mountains and the lowland areas of the Caribbean coastal plain. Their area of management now spans 770,000 acres of Belizean territory in the Toledo district that is called the Maya Golden Landscape. But, as part of their outreach programs, Ya'axché also works with the Mayan communities in the south which are near to their area of focus to establish. They work with residents from those communities to establish sustainable farming practices, which mitigate the damage to the natural habitat, while providing livelihoods for the participants.

Ash Pollution in Chan Pine Ridge
Residents from the Orange Walk village of Chan Pine Ridge are complaining that for several months now, they've been affected by air pollution being generated by BSI/ASR's Towerhill Factory. They say that they've lobbied both ASR/BSI, as well as the Department of Environment, to address the problem. But from their perspective, both have failed to come up with an immediate solution to address what they say is an urgent public health matter. And so, they're ramping up the public pressure in hopes of forcing these two entities to take the necessary action. The residents have formed the Chan Pine Ridge Environmental committee, and village resident Teresita Torres was chosen as the Chairman. On Tuesday, she spoke with our colleagues from CTV News about the efforts they've made to get relief for the villagers from the air pollution:

Channel 5

Well-known Businessman is Shot and Killed inside His Shop in Hattieville
We have been reporting on a rash of murders, at least eleven persons have been killed since last Thursday. On Wednesday, hours after Derrick Tracy was gunned down in the [...]

F.B.I. Assisting Local Authorities with Double Murder Investigation
Tonight, we know some more about the investigation into the murders of Mario Graniel and Doctor Gary Swank. The cold-blooded execution a few miles off of Ambergris Caye has left [...]

Christian Espat Hands Himself Over to Police; Denies Involvement in Double Murder
This morning, a wanted poster for twenty-three-year-old Christian Espat, a well-known person to police and alleged gangster on San Pedro Town, began circulating on social media. Espat was reportedly wanted [...]

Commissioner of Police Outlines Security Plans for San Pedro
On Wednesday night, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and other security personnel, as well as Minister of Tourism Manuel Heredia, met with the San Pedro community to discuss the way [...]

U.S. Embassy Assisting with Murder Investigation of Gary Swank
The murder of American citizen Doctor Gary Swank of the State of Virginia has sparked wide spread coverage in the international media. That bad press is already costing Belize’s tourism [...]

G.S.T. Auditing B.T.L.’s Financial Accounts
The General Sales Tax Department is conducting an audit of B.T.L.’s accounts. News Five has received voluminous information and documents which show the telecom giant purportedly owing the Government of [...]

Attorney General: “IF it is true that any entity is not paying its taxes, they should be held accountable”
Information to News Five is that B.T.L. Chair Net Vasquez wrote to Financial Secretary asking for a write-off.  Joseph Waight says he has not seen a letter. We attempted several [...]

New Tax Bill Comes with Enforcement
On Wednesday, the Senate passed the Tax Administration and Procedure Bill which ultimately seeks to increase government revenues. The bill merges the Income Tax and General Sales Tax departments. The [...]

Why Was Derrick Tracey Killed?
Murder victim, Derrick Tracey travelled to Belize City from his hometown, Dangriga. Within forty-eight hours of his arrival in the City, he was shot to death in the south side. [...]

An Update on Investigation into Quintuple Murder
ASP Alejandro Cowo today gave an update on the quintuple murder of: Ernest Wills Senior, Winston Santos, Travis Cooke, Allyson Jones and Jamar Martinez. The five men were murdered at [...]

No Arrests for Corozal Murder of David Martinez
Meanwhile in Corozal, the investigation into the murder of David Martinez continues. He was shot multiple times to the back and head by two gunmen who opened fire at the [...]

The 2019 Police Medals & Awards Ceremony
It was a formal occasion in Belmopan this morning. Outstanding police officers in the department were honoured for service and for excelling in recent exams.  Sergeant Leroy Hernandez has been [...]

A Couple is Assaulted in a Home Invasion in the West
A couple was assaulted during a home invasion on the Cristo Rey Road in the west.  Canadian national, Evan Anderson and his common-law wife were retiring for the night when [...]

French National is Assaulted in Sarteneja, but Can’t Remember by Who
He arrived in Belize via the northern border with Mexico on Sunday night, and by Monday evening, French national Gabriel Jacket was hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. for injuries he sustained [...]

Woman is Kidnapped; Handcuffed and Beaten in Belmopan
On Tuesday, we reported on a disturbing case coming out of Belmopan where a young woman was kidnapped by her boyfriend, who beat on her repeatedly. While police say there [...]

Missing Men’s Motorcycle Retrieved from the Sea
Last week, we reported about the sudden disappearance of two men on north Ambergris Caye. Silverio Cal and Melvin Montesino were last seen on June thirteenth when they were riding [...]

An Elderly Resident is Knocked Down and Killed in San Antonio
An elderly resident of San Antonio Village lost his life earlier this week after being struck by a vehicle while he was attempting to board a commuter bus.  Eighty-year-old Pablo [...]

74 Persons Receive Belizean Nationality
A group of nationals coming from diverse cultures and countries have made Belize their home and country. They are the third group this year to pledge allegiance as citizens of [...]

Triple R’s Mission to Provide Medical Services to San Pedranos, Tourists
There has been a growing need for medical services and facilities in San Pedro which is the number one tourist destination in the country. Often, persons who require emergency treatment [...]

Maskall Resident Wins 15K with Scratch & Win
A resident of Maskall Village in the Belize District is the latest winners of fifteen thousand dollars courtesy of Scratch and Win. Mister Martinez, as he referred to himself to [...]

A New Exhibition at the Image Factory
The Image Factory and Art Foundation opened its Ka`añaar Graphic Art Exhibition on Wednesday. The showcase displays the graphic art work of Belizean and Cuban artist Falco and Lito. Yasser [...]

Healthy Living: National Testing Day
Leave no man behind – that’s the theme for this year’s National Testing Day. It’s a clear call for Belizean men to head out to get tested on Friday. In [...]

The Reporter

Belize’s Culinary Master Win More Medals At Miami Competition
Belize’s culinary masters earned silver in one category and bronze medals in three other categories at the Taste of the Caribbean finals last night. The silver was won in the bartender category, represened by Mark Jacobs, while Team Belize got bronze in the seafood, junior chef (Rogel Lisbey) and pastry (Maria Urbina) categories.

LOVE FM

Belizean chefs return home with bronze medals
Our Belizean chefs have made us proud once again by bringing home bronze medals from the Taste of the Caribbean Competition. Not only did they beat many other countries in the region who also competed, but they were able to showcase the cultures and flavors of Belize. Love News Reporter, Courtney Menzies, was able to …

Cuban artist collaborates with Belizean
A picture is worth a thousand words; it is why artists use this avenue to express their thoughts, emotions and passion. This is the case for Belizean artist, Carlos “Lito” Quiroz and Cuban artist, Carlos Alejandro Falco Chang. The two artists felt that their particular art styles and the chosen messages were similar enough to …

“Unemployment rate drops to 7.6%”
For April 2019, Belize’s labour force, which comprises of persons fourteen years and older, stood at two hundred and sixty-eight thousand eight hundred and sixty-three or about sixty-six percent of the population. As of April 2019, the unemployment rate stood at 7.6%, decreasing from 9.4%; it is cause for celebration as reports indicate that unemployment …

Consumer prices steady in May 2019
The latest figures released from the Statistical Institute of Belize, SIB, showed that during the month of May the cost of regularly purchased commodities including rice, beans, poultry, water and electricity by Belizean households remain relatively the same when compared to May 2018. As a result, the all-time Consumer Price Index recorded the same figure of …

Belizean basketballers face off against international college team
Some Belizeans basketballers will have the opportunity to compete against a US college team, coached by Kevin Seroki. Love News was at the airport when the international team arrived yesterday. Coach Rosco Reese, who helped organized the match, told us that the opportunity gives our local players a chance to see if they can meet …

Award ceremony held for distinguished police officers
Being a police officer is no easy task. Not only do officers put their life on the line, but they work all hours and sometimes they are stationed far from home. Today, for many of those officers, they received much deserved recognition. At the police training academy in Belmopan, officers received their long service medals …

Well-known shopkeeper is gunned down by robbers
63-year-old, Carlton Wade is the latest victim of the criminal elements in Belize. Wade met his death last night at the hands of robbers who went armed to his Dollar Kite Shop last night between eight thirty and nine o’clock. The murder happened in the New Site area of Hattieville Village, Belize District, at a …

Blogs

Budget Travel: My Trip from Ambergris Caye Belize to Cancun and the USA
Flying from Cancun Airport Rather than Belize City – Advice and Scheduling – or “How to Eat Your Body Weight in Junk Food in Under 36 Hours” Cancun has one of the biggest, busiest airports in our region – as the crow flies it’s less than 250 miles from Ambergris Caye. With hundreds of flights coming and going each day, the prices are sometimes much lower, the options much greater, flying to or from CUN rather than Belize City. But…how do you get there. 250 miles driving on a nice highway by car is very different from 250 miles crossing borders, taking boats and buses and crossing time zones. There are a few different ways to go. Flight. Boat and bus. Hired van. But I’m going to tell you how I did it over the last 2 days. The EXTREME budget way. Cheapest scheduled route I know of. And one that took me 36 hours from door to door – my home on Ambergris Caye to my brother’s house in Barrington Rhode Island.

Life-changing Event for Ambergris Caye – San Pedro Lobster Festival
Annually our lobster festival is always a great party. Over the years I have been involved in various degrees to help this event further gain traction. Everything from writing about it to being on the events committee, to getting together with two other island bloggers (that no longer blog) and setting up and decorating a booth. That year (2008) was so much fun, we were all pleased that so many people thought we were an up and coming restaurant with our “Delucious” booth. We also won $500 for the best-decorated booth that year and set the bar for future decorating at lobster fest events. Aside from filling our booth with blow up lips, lobsters and cool retro signage, we also filled the party with crazy lobster hat heads – everyone wanted one.

International Sources

Small nations like Belize are being sacrificed at climate talks
The world is at a tipping point. We are at a moment in history where we can and will go one of two ways: towards climate disaster or a safer planet for all. Which path we take is determined at meetings like the one in Bonn, Germany, where I have been for the last week — sweltering in an unusually hot European heatwave. Nearly 200 countries attended at this round of UN climate talks, aimed at implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement, which seeks to keep the average global temperature increase below 2C. All these countries agreed in 2015 to that deal, and yet here — nearly five years on — there are a few who wish to quietly use procedural measures to rip it up away from the public gaze.

Taste of the Caribbean competition Results
Barbados was named the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year, while Jason Thomas Ao of the Cayman Islands was crowned Caribbean Chef of the Year when the 2019 Taste of the Caribbean competition results were announced last night at Hyatt Regency Miami. Taste of the Caribbean featured 14 Caribbean destinations, competing in a friendly but intense battle for cooking supremacy. The culinary tournament was held in conjunction with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) annual industry conference, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) from June 21-23, and the Caribbean305 culinary and cultural consumer celebration on Saturday.

Videos

June 27, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Sandbar and Nook take top prizes at 2019 San Pedro Lobster Festival!
After nine days of lobster crawl parties at various participating businesses on the island, the 2019 San Pedro Lobster Festival culminated with the highly anticipated Block Party on Saturday, June 21st at the Central Park. San Pedro’s Lobster Fest Block Party saw hundreds of residents and visitors enjoy an evening of fabulous music by Pannerifix Steel Band, Dennis Wolfe Jr., the Gilharry 7 Band and DJ Debbie. Beautifully decorated booths offered some of the best of lobster-themed dishes and drinks, and several local restaurants even competed in the annual food and drink competition.

Police have detained one person in connection with the death of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank
Police investigation into the shooting death of 53-year-old island tour guide Mario Graniel and American tourist Dr. Gary Swank has led to the detention of a prime suspect, believed to have played a main role in the double murder. The San Pedro Sun also confirmed that other persons have been detained at the San Pedro Police Station for questioning regarding this crime.

Minister of National Security Visits Taiwan
The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar arrived in Taiwan on Monday, June 24th for a five-day trip to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During his trip, Minister Saldivar will meet with Mr. David Lee, head of Taiwan's National Security Council; Mr. Yen De-faand, Defense Minister; and Miguel Tsao, Vice Foreign Minister. He will also visit Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, Coast Guard Administration, the military's top research institution, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, and a number of military facilities as well as local shipbuilders, to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's latest developments in related national security fields.

Commissioner of Police visits San Pedro Town and provides updates on murder of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank
The senseless murder of well-known island tour guide Mario Nestor Graniel Jr. and American tourist Dr. Gary Paul Swank has prompted the formation of a special police team to investigate the crime that occurred on Sunday, June 23rd during a fly-fishing trip at sea. Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams visited San Pedro Town on Tuesday, June 25th, and met with the investigative team. After a closed-door meeting, he told The San Pedro Sun that a male suspect has been identified and police are currently searching for this person on the island as well as on the mainland.

After a controversial election, Caye Caulker has a new Village Council
Caye Caulker Village has a new Chairperson, Seleny Villanueva-Pott, along with six newly elected councilors. Pott takes over from Enelda Rosado after being elected on Sunday, June 23rd during the Village Council election. With this victory, Villanueva-Pott becomes the third woman to run the village. She will head the island’s local government alongside Miguel Neal, Lilia Marin, Jorge Delcid, Alejandro Carrasco, Kimberly Sutherland, and Danny Reynolds. Their term officially begins once they are sworn in by a Justice of the Peace.

Belize co-champions coral reef action for Commonwealth Blue Charter
Champion’ countries of the Commonwealth Blue Charter are laying the groundwork for joint action and robust, innovative strategies to tackle the world’s most pressing ocean issues. Belize is one of 12 countries which has stepped forward to lead nine ‘action groups’ under the Blue Charter – a commitment made by the 53 Commonwealth member states to work together to solve ocean-related problems. Co-championing the area of coral reef protection and restoration along with Australia and Mauritius, key government officials from Belize joined a four-day programme in London, which concluded today.

Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Closing Ceremony for Train-the-Trainers Workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture Senator Hon. Godwin Hulse and UNDP Country Office Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Aldo Garcia issued Certificates of Completion to forty-four participants of a five-day Train-the-Trainers workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture. The closing ceremony was held at the Administrative and Technical Conference Room, National Agriculture and Trade Showground Belmopan. The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of Extension and Cooperative Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, lead farmers and high school teachers. The sessions consisted of theory and practical, centered on the use and implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture and Farmer Field School methodology approach.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro Lobster Fest 2019 A Huge Success!
San Pedro celebrated its 13th Lobster Festival on Saturday, June 22, 2019, with record-breaking attendance. After only a week from the opening of the lobster season, restaurants from around the island gathered at Central Park to showcase their best lobster dish and best drink.

Things Heat Up At Caye Caulker Village Council Elections
The first round of village council elections were held on Sunday, June 23 in Belize. In Caye Caulker, four slates contested the elections for Chairman and councilors, along with a few independent candidates. The campaign leading up to Election Day was vigorous with accusations of negative campaigning by one slate, replete with fake social media profiles and personal attacks on the candidates.

Minister Of National Security Visits Taiwan
The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar arrived in Taiwan on Monday, June 24th for a five-day trip to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

No Measles In Belize As Compared To The Region
According to The Ministry of Health of Belize as of 1 January to 18 June, 2019, a total of 1,722 cases of measles have been reported in 13 countries of the Region of the Americas: Argentina (5 cases), the Bahamas (1 case), Brazil (122 cases), Canada (65 cases), Chile (4 cases), Colombia (125 cases), Costa Rica (10 cases), Cuba (1 case), the United States of America (1,044 cases), Mexico (2 cases), Peru (2 cases), Uruguay (9 cases) and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (332 cases). No fatal cases have been reported in the same period.

San Pedro Lobster Fest 2019 A Huge Success!
San Pedro celebrated its 13th Lobster Festival on Saturday, June 22, 2019, with record-breaking attendance. After only a week from the opening of the lobster season, restaurants from around the island gathered at Central Park to showcase their best lobster dish and best drink. The aroma of great food was in the air luring many to this year’s Lobsterfest. It was definitely the place to find the best lobster dishes from the best restaurants in town. With no time to waste, and as the crowd got bigger, judges sampled all the decadent lobster servings and refreshing drinks. Pleasing the judges pallets the most, Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant and Nook Restaurant & Cocktail Bartique were awarded with Best Lobster dish and Best Drink of the evening, respectively.

Various Belizean Sources

Justice of the Peace Training Session
The San Pedro Association of Justice of the Peace (JP) and Commissioner of the Supreme Court is confirming a JP Training Session with three trainers; a retired Superintendent of Police, Female Officer and National President on Sunday, July 7th from 8AM-12 noon at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room. All JPs are invited, pending JPs, interested in becoming JPs. Space is limited and sign up required with $25. fee for materials. See Ana Ico at The Palms or Clive Welsh at Christian Lighthouse Reef Radio. Let’s get better equipped to serve with “the pen, which is mightier than the sword.”

San Pedro Pirates get big check!
Mayor Daniel Guerrero presents a cheque of $2,000 to San Pedro Pirates F.C. for winning the Championship of the 2019 PLB Closing Season and for all their efforts in promoting sportsmanship and sports in our community.

Minister of National Security Visits Taiwan
The Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar arrived in Taiwan on Monday, June 24th for a five-day trip to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During his trip, Minister Saldivar will meet with Mr. David Lee, head of Taiwan's National Security Council; Mr. Yen De-faand, Defense Minister; and Miguel Tsao, Vice Foreign Minister. He will also visit Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, Coast Guard Administration, the military's top research institution, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, and a number of military facilities as well as local shipbuilders, to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's latest developments in related national security fields.

There is a $2,000 reward for information regarding the murder of Gary Swank and Mario Graniel

BWS Notice for customers in San Pedro
Low Water Pressure for Wednesday, June 26, 2019 and Thursday, June 27, 2019. Duration: 12:00pm midnight to 5:00am Area to be affected: entire San Pedro Distribution System

NOCHE SAN PEDRANA
We invite everyone to be a part of NOCHE SAN PEDRANA - A street affair! On this night, the delegates from the Central American countries and Mexico vying for the title of Miss Costa Maya 2019 will be presented with their official sash and they will be presenting themselves in their traditional costume, a dress by a designer of their country and lastly, a national gift - all of this will be judged and be a part of the Preliminary Competition. There will be entertainment by the San Pedro Dance Academy, El Criminal, Rompe Raja, the Pandemonium Steel Band and Caribbean Kings. Bar and Food Booths are available. Call 226-2180 to reserve yours today! There will be games for the kids, so bring the whole family and meet the lovely ladies of the Miss Costa Maya 2019 Pageant.

Channel 7

Murder of American Doctor Causing Cancellations
The murder of American Doctor, Gary Swank in the San Pedro Lagoon on Sunday is making headlines all across the US - and it's having a major negative impact on Belize's tourism industry.  From yesterday we've been receiving reports of cancellations and today those numbers are growing. The issue is not so much that a tourist was killed - sadly, that has happened before, but it's the place where it happened.  53 year old Dr. Swank was killed on the sea, returning from a day of fly fishing - which is one of Belize's prize attractions.  His tour guide Mario Graniel was the target, and Swank was a witness - so he was killed as a sort of collateral damage. That event has destroyed his family who arrived in Belize with him on Saturday - and now it's damaging the tourism industry.  We asked the Executive Director of the Belize Tourism Industry Association about the cancellations and the wider concerns of industry stakeholders:

Police Question Female Friend of Graniel As Possible Murder Mastermind
Those townspeople are also sure to press Commissioner Williams for answers in the investigation of this double murder.  We know that police are looking at a number of angles - but principally, the storyline has been that 53 year old Mario Graniel had a personal misunderstanding with one of the island's notorious figures.   Our sources say that the dispute may have been over a 25 year old woman - who, reports say, was friendly with both men.  We are told she has been detained by police - and was only allowed to attend the funeral yesterday with a police escort. They took her back into custody after the burial at the island graveyard. Police believe she may have played a central role in masterminding the killing.  As for the gunman who pulled up in a boat and shot Graniel and Swank, he is known to police, but reportedly still art large.   And now a two thousand dollar reward is being offered for any information regarding the murder of the two men.  If you have information, your can call CRIMESTOPPERS at 0800-922-tips.  

Griga Man Came To Visit Family In City, Targeted By Gunman
There was another killing in Belize City early this afternoon - and this time, the victim is a Dangriga resident who came to visit relatives in the city.  Just before 1:00, 33 year old Derrick Tracey and his girlfriend were visiting his sister Linda Tracey at her home, corner of Ebony and Sittee street when a gunman ran up to them and fired 5 shots at Tracey.   The gunman dashed off while Tracey slumped to the ground with multiple wounds to the chest and arms. He was rushed to the KHMH but was pronounced dead on arrival.  

Danny Mason Trial Adjourned Again
Tuesday July 9th : That's the date that Danny Mason's trial will resume. The case was adjourned again today but this time it was because Justice Antionette Moore was not feeling well. Justice Moore had a short discussion with the attorney's and the DPP to settle some details this afternoon and then, that was it; it was adjourned. We spoke to Kieron Fernandez Attorney, Bryan Neal as well as Mason's attorney Dextor Todd after the session. Here is what they had to say about today's adjournment and the case going forward. 

Tourist Stable After Being Clubbed By Robbers
Last night we told you about the tourist who was beaten and robbed in Sarteneja, Corozal.   Well, tonight, more is known.  First off, the good news: he was transferred to the KHJMH and is in a stable condition.   Second, here's what happened: On Monday evening the 25 year old French tourist, named Gabriel Jacquet was visiting Sarteneja and tied his hammock in the Cancucito area near the sea.  No one was really paying him too much mind, except for the criminals who pounced on him while he was sleeping.   At 5:30 resident found him bleeding from head injuries. Jacquet - who lives in Mexico City - had been robbed.  Police are tying to finds who did it, while Jacquet is at at the KHMH in a stable condition.  We are told there was no police officer in the village when it happened, and no nurse. 

Bradley's Got a Brand New Bag
The senate met today in Belmopan and former Belize City Mayor and former Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer, Darrell Bradley took his seat as the new president of the senate for the first time. He read his oath, gave a statement and he was warmly welcomed and congratulated by all the senators. Here is an excerpt from his opening address. Hon. Darrell Bradley - Senate President: "Thank you for the privilege to serve as president of the senate. Know that I take up this post in humility, fully appreciating the solemnity of this office and the great importance of the legislature to a democratic process. I remember when I was a child; I use to watch proceedings of this national assembly broadcasted live on television. I was in awe of this assembly, having so much admiration and faith in the representatives and senators who spoke in this hollowed chamber..."

Very Light Sparring in Senate
But after Bradley's  introductory speech and all the niceties, it was down to business. Today the senators debated the amendment of the Customs and Excise Duties Act, the University of Belize act and the Tax and Administration procedure bill. Business Senator Mark Lizarraga kicked off the discussion with the Customs and Excise Duties Act, citing the benefits of decreasing tariffs but also highlighting a few shortfalls in the bill. Leader of Government Business Godwin Hulse also weighed in on the topic.

SIB: Unemployment At A Record Low
The Statistical Institute of Belize today presented the finding of the first Labour Force Survey for 2019.  Since 1992, it's been conducted bi-annually in April and September.  But, April 2019 saw the lowest unemployment numbers ever recorded in Belize with over eight thousand persons finding jobs.  Here's the rundown: Wendy Benavides - Statistician II: "You see at this rate has decreased from 9.4 percent in April 2018 to 7.6 percent in April 2019. This has been the lowest rate ever recorded. The drop in the level of unemployment was seen in all districts except Corozal and Orange Walk. The decline was as a result of more persons finding jobs combined with persons exiting the labour force. Cayo was the district with the highest unemployment at 9.8 percent, although it had the largest decline shifting from 13.6 percent last year, this fall was attributed to many persons leaving the labour force.

GDP Growth Strong In First Quarter
In other encouraging news for the economy, the GDP also showed strong froth in the first quarter.  This is a reflection of the overall economic activity and it increased by 5.2% over 2018.  And, Statistician Angelita Campbell explained what drove that growth: Angelita Campbell - Statistician II: "For the first quarter of 2019, Belize produce goods and services totalling 782 million dollars. This is an increase of 38.6 million dollars or 5.2 percent when compared to the same period of 2018. This was due to increases within the primary and the tertiary sectors. The agriculture, hunting and forestry industry increased by 12.3 percent or 9.5 million dollars, this was attributed mainly to an increase in banana production of 22.5 percent, sugar production went up by 16.4 percent and an increase of livestock production of 1.8 percent. Citrus production on the other hand declined by 6.3 percent, this was mainly due to a drop in the orange fruit delivered due to a late start in production period, coupled with shortage of workers in that industry.

Trade Deficit Ballooning
In other news from the SIB, imports continue to climb ever higher while exports continue to slump forcing Belize's trade deficit to almost the half a billion dollar mark.   Statistician Tiffany Vasquez told the media which exports increased: Tiffany Vasquez - Statistician II: "For the periods January to May 2019, Belize's imports were valued at 771.8 million dollars. This was an increase of 2.6 percent or 19.5 million when compared to January to May 2018. Now if we turn our attention to import trends, it is very clear that imports have been trending up with an almost steady increase between years 2010 to 2015.

SIB: Despite What You've Observed, Inflation Is In your Imagination
And, while the trade imbalance grows, inflation is virtually nil - or at least that's what the numbers say.   Compared to May of 2018l, consumer prices declined by an almost imperceptible 0.01 percent. Don't believe it?  Well, the numbers don't lie - here's how the experts explained it: Jacqueline Sabal - Statistician II: "The inflation rate for the month of May 2019 stood at -0.01 percent, this means that the cost of regularly purchased goods and services which Belizean households purchase remains relatively unchanged in comparison to 2018. Food and non-alcoholic beverage increases by 0.5 percent when compared to May 2018. This increase was due a rise in prices of certain meat, fruit and vegetable prices..."

Blaze Burns Belmopan Boutique, Bucket Brigade to Rescue
A Belmopan boutique was gutted by a blaze last night. All the clothes and other products were all burnt to a crisp inside "Fashion and More", located at the far end of a building next to Wing Stop. According to residents, the fire burned for hours and several people including the manager of the complex had to chip in with buckets of water because the fire truck ran out. Then finally, the Spanish Lookout Fire department had to be called in to assist. Today the media spoke the manager of the building as well as another business owner who rents a space in the building. Here is what they had to say.

Community and Collaboration: Cuba + Belize
In January we told you about the group of Belizean artists, teachers and activists who travelled to Cuba. They were on a mission to foster a renewed spirit of solidarity and friendship with the island nation, through the exploration of culture, art, education, and community activism.
Among those Belizeans on the trip was the graphic artist Alex Quiroz, who is better known as "Lito". He got a chance to meet his Cuban kindred spirit, Alex "Falco" Chan, who specializes in contemporary graphic art, meant to provoke thought on controversial  social and political topics. That meeting in Cuba sparked the beginning of a collaboration between the 2 which spanned several months. They have put together an exhibition being called Ka'añaar to introduce to Belizeans to the power of art that delivers clear messages, using graphic designs that cut down on the clutter of traditional artistic styles. 

A Taste of Success at Taste of Caribbean
Last week we showed you Belize's foremost culinary experts preparing their dishes for the Taste of the Caribbean event in Miami.  They returned from that weeklong event with hardware today - medals of all colours, sadly, except gold.  They told the press what happened when we met them at the airport:.. This is the second time Belize has participated in the event.  

Daycare For Cops' Kids At Raccoon Street Station
Since he was appointed as Police Commissioner in January, Chester Williams has been making major attempts to improve the welfare of the hundreds of police men and women who make up the department.  This afternoon, another one of those initiatives came to fruition when the department opened its first police daycare center, at the Raccoon Street Police Headquarters in Belize City. It's being named the Marie Henry Day Care Center, in honor of Marie Henry, one of the first women officers to be recruited to the department back in the 1960's.  Instead of seeking babysitting services for their children outside, police officers will now be able to access an in-house day care facility, located right on the Raccoon Street Police compound. It's the first of its kind for the Department, and it was officially inaugurated during Police Week.

Closure For Family of Swallow Caye Five
And after that event at 4:00 - Commissioner Williams went to San Pedro for tonight's town meeting - which is underway right now.  Williams is the featured speaker at the San Pedro High School where he's trying to continue wary townspeople that Sunday's double murder was an outlier, and not indicative of a new pattern in criminal activity. But while all the attention is focussed on San Pedro because of the international news coverage, we aren't taking our eyes off the Swallow Caye 5.  That's the five men who were found dead at sea, 23 year-old Travis Cooke, 49 year-old Ernest Willis, 40 year-old Winston Santos, 21 year-old Jemar Martinez, and 19 year-old Alysson Jones, were all discovered between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon. All 5 men were had been shot to the head.  For their families who have lost so many - they told us on Sunday that they are at least grateful to have closure:

Family Found The Body, Coast Guard, Police Took Hours to Respond
But, the family is not happy with police.  First, for linking Jemar Martinez to an 4 year old facebook picture - and suggesting that he was boosting about the proceeds of drug money, and, second, for saying they found the bodies when it is the family which found many of them - especially the last two.  Here's what an uncle told us off camera on Sunday:.. Again, that interview conducted on Sunday at the Eternal Garden Cemetery where the bodies were buried. We'll keep following the story.

New Belizeans By The Bushelful
Dozens of new citizens were sworn in today at the Gorge Price Center in Belmopan.  
The Director of the Passports Department welcomed them: Arturo Tux Vasquez from the chamber of commerce was there as a member of the nationality scrutinizing team.

Channel 5

Derrick Tracey is Gunned Down on Sittee Street
The murder count continues to ratchet up even as police continue investigations to crack a slew of murders in the past days including that of a highly respected doctor from [...]

Police Make Arrests in San Pedro’s Double Murder
We can report tonight that investigators have made significant progress into the double murder of tour guide Mario Graniel and prominent US Doctor Gary Swank. Reports from the island of [...]

ComPol Meets with Tourism Stakeholders
Tonight, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams will be meeting with stakeholders in the tourism industry in San Pedro following the double murder at sea and the disappearance of two men. [...]

Murder Trial of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas Adjourned, Again
Alleged murderers William “Danny” Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Terrence Fernandez, Keiron Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo were back in court this afternoon. The men appeared before Belmopan’s Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore [...]

Attorneys for Accused Murderers to Raise Preliminary Issues
One of those counsels is Attorney Bryan Neal, who is representing Keiron Fernandez. According to Neal, after meeting with his colleagues, it has been decided that the defense will make [...]

B.T.L. Owes Millions of Dollars in GST
We take a break from crime and go to Belmopan where the Senate today dealt with an amendment to the Tax Laws which was passed and place criminal liability against [...]

Senators Debate Tax Administration and Procedure Bill (2019)
The Upper House met this morning in the Capital. A bill which seeks to merge the Income Tax and General Sales Tax departments into the Belize Tax Service Department was [...]

Social Partners Express Concerns over Amalgamation of Government Departments
Through the successful passage of this bill, the Belize Tax Service Department is also expected to provide for tax procedures and civil and criminal penalties for persons found to be [...]

U.D.P. Senators Respond to Concerns
Responding to the concerns raised by the senators were U.D.P. Senators Michael Peyrefitte and Stephen Duncan. Peyrefitte and Duncan asserted that in order for businesses to avoid penalties, businesses need [...]

Darrell Bradley Takes Post as Senator President
Two new senators were sworn in today. It was Darrell Bradley’s first day as President of the Senate. He was appointed to the post after Lee Mark Chang stepped aside [...]

A Blaze in the Capital Wipes Out Fashion & More
A fire on Tuesday evening gutted a store at a shopping complex in Belmopan. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but a few days ago, electrical issues plagued [...]

SIB Releases New Quarterly Statistics
On the economic front, there is positive news coming from the Statistical Institute of Belize in respect of the labour force. Figures show a drop in the unemployment rate from [...]

Team Belize Returns with Wins from the Taste of the Caribbean
It has been taking place since 1993 and has become one of the leading culinary competitions in the Caribbean region. In the past two consecutive years, Belize has been fielding [...]

Police Hosts a Community Awareness Fair
This week, a series of activities are taking place to highlight the work of the police department. One of the initiatives that builds relations with the public is community policing; [...]

Police Week Activities
Police Week began on Sunday with a church service at the Divine Mercy Church in Belize City. There were several other activities organized across the country, but later this week, [...]

Marie Henry Daycare Center Inaugurated at Raccoon Street HQ
Retired police officer Marie Henry was among the first women to join the Belize Police Force back in the early sixties.  Today, her outstanding career as a woman in law [...]

The National Primary School Basketball Championships
Budding basketball athletes from all the districts converged in Belize City today. They represent the cream of the crop at their age and in their schools. Having made their mark [...]

An International Friendly Basketball Match at the Civic Centre
Also touching down in Belize today was the college division-three basketball team from Westminster College in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. headed by Kevin Siroki. Siroki, you will recall, is a former coach [...]

A Celebrity/Entertainers Basketball Show Down
The international friendly match will be preceded by a celebrity basketball game also at the Belize City Civic Centre. Local radio and TV personalities as well as well-known athletes will [...]

L.G.B.T.I. Community Speaks on Challenges Faced in Belize
The U.S. Embassy held its annual Pride Month commemorative event today in Belmopan. It joins the rest of the world this month to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex [...]

No More Rainbow Flag at U.S. Embassy; L.G.B.T.I. Community Still Being Supported
In our past coverage of the L.G.B.T.I. event at the U.S. Embassy, you may have seen the symbolic raising of the rainbow flag; but that didn’t happen this year. Visiting [...]

The Reporter

Robbery – Murder Of Elderly Man In Hattieville
The Reporter has confirmed that there was a robbery and murder a short while ago at a shop located in the New Site area of Hattieville. The victim has been identified by family members as Carlton Wade.

Large Fire In Belmopan Burning At Fashion n’ More Store
A fire has burnt for several hours in Belmopan at the popular Fashion n’ More Store. The Belmopan Fire Department is at the scene fighting the blaze, however, the fire truck has ran out of water and has made a trip to get water and has returned to the scene, but persons there say it will not be enough to extinguish the flame.

Breaking Belize News

Thousands of Mexican troops deployed to borders
Belizeans traveling to Chetumal this week should notice a spike in military presence after Mexico […]

Man drowns on weekend swimming trip
Jaime Cayetano is dead and police suspect his death was caused by drowning. According to […]

Leaving no man behind’, National testing day 2019
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) and its partners in the national HIV response are coming […]

Over 100 students from San Ignacio graduate from GREAT program
Today, Regional Commander of Community Policing, Cpl. Jason Jones delivered certificates of completion for the […]

LOVE FM

Man gunned down in broad daylight
33-year-old, Derrick Tracy of a Dangriga address, was killed in Belize City this afternoon as he stood in the yard where his sister, Linda Tracy lives. Derrick was in the company of his girlfriend, Valerie August just before one o’clock this afternoon, visiting his sister on Sittee Street, when a gunman dressed in a red …

Imports up 1.9 %, Exports down 35.6%
The total value of imports for the first five months of 2019 stood at seven hundred and seventy-one point eight million dollars. Meanwhile, the total imports for the month of May were valued at one hundred and sixty-nine point four million dollars, this was an increase of 1.9% or $3.1 million from imports for May …

“Economy Grows 5.2%”
The Gross Domestic Product, GDP, which is the main benchmark of the country’s economic growth, for the first quarter stood at 5.2% when compared to the same period of 2018. The goods and services produced for the first quarter total $782 million; showing an increase of $38.6 million when compared to the same period last …

Police Department caters to children of their officers
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, is fulfilling another one of his promises today by way of a daycare for the children of police officers. The initiative has been well received by the officers who already signed up their children to attend the Marie Henry Day-Care which is named after one of the first female police …

Small Hive Beetle Threatening Honey Industry in Belize
The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, a scavenger and parasite of honey bee colonies has been reported in northern Belize. The authorities believe that the incursion of the small hive beetle into northern Belize is due to the illegal trade of Honey Bee products, equipment and materials. Both adult and larval beetles feed on larvae, pollen, …

Taiwan Belize It fair celebrates 30 years of friendship
The Taiwan Belize It Friendship Fair, which was sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and organized by Love FM, was held this past weekend. The fair, which was filled with fun, food, and, of course, friendship, proved to be a success and a fine celebration of the strong diplomatic relationship between …

Police Blotter: robbery suspect arrested and Postmortem results of murder victims conducted
On June 23 Mario Graniel, a well-known tour guide from San Pedro Town was with US National Doctor Gary Paul Swank on a skiff behind Ambergris Caye when they were murdered by assailants who shot at them from a passing vessel. A postmortem examination was conducted on the bodies of both men on June 24. …

Woman Shot outside Kraal Road Home
About two dozen shots were fired at a home Kraal Road at 8:30 p.m. on Monday night. Minutes before the shooting, children and adults were socializing outside the bungalow. When the gunman fled the area, one woman, 49 years old was shot outside her door. Love News was on the scene and spoke to relatives …

Maya Mountain Research Farm wins international award
Outstanding innovators were recognized as a part of the Commonwealth Seventieth anniversary. Christopher Nesbitt was among the innovators who were awarded by the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry. Nesbitt hard work and persistence for some three decades earned him this award. Approximately, thirty years ago Nisbett bought a piece of land in San Pedro Columbia …

Safeguarding the health of tourists
Belize is a part of a project dubbed “Regional Tourism Health Information, Monitoring and Response System”. The project seeks to strengthen Belize’s current tourism-based surveillance system. In October 2016, the Ministries of Health and Tourism, and the Belize Tourism Board launched the project in an effort to improve the health and well-being of visitors to …

Blogs

Police week is happening right now
Today, the Corozal Police Branch are having Police Week, to inform the public about the safety uses of guns, investigating, Youth Cadets information booths, Oceana booth, Belize Diabetes Association Corozal Diabetes booth and more are out there right now giving out positive information. They will be showing their booths in front of the police station today, until 2pm. Come out and Support this event. And, be informed about this event.

Videos

June 25, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Tour guide Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank shot and killed at sea
Police in San Pedro Town continue to investigate the double-murder of local tour guide, 53-year-old Mario Nestor Graniel Jr. and American National, 53-year-old Dr. Gary Paul Swank. They were both gunned down on Sunday, June 23rd, while on a fly-fishing trip at sea on the leeward side of Ambergris Caye. While investigations continue, no arrests have been made.

Calling All Alumni Campers of the Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Summer Program
Smith College and Hol Chan Marine Reserve invite you to a 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Coral Reef Ed-Ventures Program. We will be celebrating 20 years of connections among Coral Ed Smith alums, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the San Pedro community. We hope to see as many camp participants as possible to reconnect and celebrate our longstanding reef-education partnership. Family members welcome. This Gala Community Celebration will take place on Friday, June 28th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Palapa Bar and Grill. A free appetizers buffet and punch will be included for all.

Ambergris Today

Virginia Doctor Identified In Island Double Murder
Reports form news media in the United States of America, have revealed the identity of the tourist who was killed in the double murder case that occurred on Sunday, June 23, 2019. The tourist has been identified as Roanoke, Virgina cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank; who was found dead along with local tour guide Mario Graniel Jr. Swank was an interventional cardiologist ,medical director of Carilion Clinic's Cardiac Catheterization Lab and an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, according to WDBJ. According to his clinic, Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague. He was vacationing with his wife and three children in Belize when he was killed.

Introducing The New & Improved DigiPark In Belize City
Digi, in collaboration with the Government of Belize and the Belize City Council, has taken a step in its commitment to developing communities across the country. On Saturday, June 15, the company was thrilled to host the official opening of the new and improved Belize City DigiPark – formerly known as The BTL Park. The new DigiPark is now the 8th public park in the country equipped with FREE DigiNet Wi-Fi connection via the company’s state-of-the-art fiber optic network. The ceremony highlighted honorary remarks from Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner; councilor in charge of Parks & Beautification, Aisha Gentle and Deputy Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Digi, Marconi Leal.

Various Belizean Sources

Volleyball Athletes with Belizean Heritage
If you are a Belizean volleyball player living abroad, Belize needs you!

Caye Caulker Village Council Election Results
Congratulations to Chairman-elect, Seleny Villanueva Pott and the following councilors-elect on winning the CCVC election yesterday: Mike Neal, Lilia Marin, George Delcid, Kimberly Sutherland, Danny Reynolds and Alejandro Carrasco.

Educational subsidies
The Belize Peace Movement strongly condemns the actions of the deputy prime minister and minister of education, by way of his politicizing the students’ awards ceremony held in Punta Gorda on 17th June 2019. It is shameful for the minister to allow a United Democratic Party ( UDP ) political aspirant to take part in distributing the awards and whose presence reeked of party political posturing. It is a further shame and insult to the school, parents, teachers and young students that their innocent and important occasion was disrespected by the minister, who tried to make it appear that he and the political aspirant were doing students a favour by giving some students monies from the education grant.

UDP LEADS VILLAGE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WEEK 1
The United Democratic Party captured 113 seats, the PUP 104 and 28 independent representatives were elected.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: JUNE 9, 2019 THROUGH JUNE 16, 2019
Windy conditions continued keeping most of the action to the lee of the islands and cayes. Permit fishing remained good, with some large fish landed.

BTB Kiosks Lobster Events

The Way Of The Masewal (U Beelil Máasewal Wiinik )
Even that today many Yucatec Maya in Belize now work as police,teachers,Office Jobs ,Caneros and etc many continue doing Milpa . Today many Maya in Corozal and Orange walk continue doing milpa and growing crops with out using artificial pesticides or fertilizars . Milpa is known in Maya as "Kool" and is mostly done for personal consumption especially corn for doing Tsotob(Tamalitos de maiz) . Especially old Mayeros who are retired continue to do milpa as way of entertaining themselves and its believe it helps them to live longer . Doing milpa is a connection with earth ,a connection with our ancestors,the connection with your innerself , one which binds together the family and a connection of eating healthy food . That is the way of the Maya Máasewal .

Dia de San Pedro 2019
Dia de San Pedro festivities commence on Friday! We have a great line up for the whole family to enjoy! You do not want to miss it!

2nd Annual Natitional Bartender's Cup
July 20, 3pm

Ministry of National Security Issues Statement on Recent Quintuple Murder
The nation is undoubtedly and understandably concerned over the recent murder of five persons who reportedly went on a fishing expedition in the Swallow Caye area. The Ministry of National Security shares its sincere condolences with the grieving families. The Ministry gives assurance to the families and the public that all is being done to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime. The Ministry, however, reassures the public that there is no indication that there is any generalized threat to public safety. The Ministry notes that there is a tendency for crime to spike after reports of illicit activities related to the transshipment of drugs that are destined for North America find its way on Belize’s shores. The Ministry has observed that each time there are reports of the transshipment of drugs through the country there are residual effects and consequences.

Summer Programs for Children
Looking for summer programs to keep the children busy over the holidays? Then here are some great programs for you to consider.

Fiestarama in Orange Walk begins June 29
This June 29th & 30th Fiestarama comes to Downtown Orange Walk! New Experience, free access to everyone! See you There!!! Fiestarama The Downtown Festival!

Diabetic Footcare Assessment
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 9 AM – 12 PM, Belize Diabetes Association, 27 7th Avenue, Corozal, Corozal, Belize. Foot complications are among the most serious and costly complications of diabetes. As a diabetic not only should you examine your feet daily but your doctor should examine your feet at every visit. A thorough foot exam should be conducted once a year. If you have a history of foot problems, check-ups should be more frequent. Report any corns, calluses, sores, cuts, bruises, infections, or foot pain. Come in to our office on Tuesday's to get a foot care assessment by Foot Care Assistant Nicholas Raul Gomez and receive more information concerning appropriate care for any diabetic related wounds. The cost of service is $3 and includes Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure Testing.

GRAPHIC ART EXHIBITION
Thursday June 27th at 2:00 P.M. Corozal House of Culture. Organized by the Image Factory Art Foundation.

FFB Interdistrict Elite Tournament 2019 in Corozal
Come out and support Corozal. CFA invites each and every Corozaleño for this weekend's FFB Interdistrict Elite Tournament 2019. Date: Saturday, June 29th, 2019. Time: It all starts at 11:00 a.m. Place: Santiago Ricalde Stadium. Come and witness our very own Corozal District Selection vs San Pedro Selection. CFA and San Pedro Invites you.

FUNDRAISER FOR COROZAL ANIMAL PROGRAM
Please join us for a fun afternoon of Bingo called by our very own Teamous Newberne! DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 TIME: 2:00 TO 4:00 P.M. PLACE: TORTUGA RESTAURANT. There will be cash prizes, as well as other great prizes. 100% of the funds we raise goes to CAP!

FCD announces the post for a Park Ranger
All interested individuals are asked to contact us at [email protected] for Terms of Reference and Application Form. We invite you to join us.

Taste of the Caribbean 2019
Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean’s best chefs and culinary teams unite at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other and offer the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands.

Images from the Museum of Belize's booth at the 'Taiwan Belize IT Friendship Day
In case you missed it! Here are a few images from the Museum of Belize's booth at the 'Taiwan Belize IT Friendship Day' 2019 celebration. We would also like to take this time to acknowledge our gift baskets raffle winners!! Thanks again, to all our participants. 1) Mr.Stewart Balderamos 2) Ms. Sherigne Rodriquez 3) Mr.Harvey Valenzona

Cochinita Pibil
Go support and buy . Pibil is one of food which is part of our Yucatec Maya (Maya Mestizo) identity in northern Belize .

Channel 7

The Swallow Caye 5: All Killed At Sea
It's been one of the most violent and unsettling weekends we've ever witnessed, with a staggering death toll: we have 9 murders to report on tonight, killings with motives ranging from narco-violence to a lovers' triangle. We start where we left off Friday with the mass murder at sea. On Friday night: the body count was three dead, with two missing. But over the weekend the final two men were found - and, just like the first three, they had been murdered, shot multiple times. These two were found tied up behind Mapp Caye - not far from Swallow Caye - about three miles off the coast of Belize City, which is also where two of the other three had been found.

Island Tour Guide Murdered On The Job; His Guest Was Silenced
And, our next story is about a Sunday afternoon double murder that has shaken up San Pedro and could have very serious implications for the tourism sector. A tourist who had gone fly fishing was murdered when the local guide he went out with was targeted for an execution at sea. It happened on Sunday morning in the San Pedro Town lagoon when 53 year old tour guide Mario Graniel was returning from a tour with fellow 53 year old Dr. Gary Swank. Swank was a visitor, staying at a home on the north end of Ambergris Caye where his wife and children were waiting for him to return from his morning fishing tour.

Police Are Taking These Murders At Sea Seriously
So, that's 7 people killed out at sea in less than 5 days, and the police commissioner is paying close attention to these very high-profile crimes. He told us today, that he's assigned senior investigators with supporting officers, so that they can make their best attempts at solving them, and hopefully making arrests: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Let me start by expressing our deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives at sea over the past couple of days..."

Law Enforcement Looks Closely At Harbour Area
Police are also assuring the residents of the coastal communities in the Belize District, that they've been alerted to frequency of criminal activities that have been taking place around the Belize City Harbour. The Police Commissioner invited one of the leaders of the Belize Coast Guard to today's press conference to assure the public that they will be increasing their presence to respond appropriately: Chester Williams: "It is about time that we begin to see how best we can patrol this coastline closer to Belize City. We have earlier in the year, the matter with Mr. Neal; again from Mapp Caye. And then now we have this one. But it seems that the Mapp Caye/Swallow Caye is the main area closer to Belize City."

Elected Politicians Weigh In On Crime Spike
As you've seen in the news tonight - there was whole lot of crime this weekend. And that scary spike has spurred the expected boilerplate reactions from politicians. First up was the Leader of The Opposition, John Briceno, whose office issued this statement. Quote, "The PUP holds the Barrow Administration completely responsible for yet another six months in which the general law- abiding citizenry continues to be paralyzed by crime. We are fed up of the press conferences and constant claims that statistics show that crime is decreasing. The families of Anna Villanueva, the five fishermen, or the family of Principal Alarice Andrewin can testify that crime is not reducing. The many Belizeans who are assaulted and the many businesspersons who are held at gunpoint, beaten and their establishment robbed are a persistent reminder that crime continues to rise." End quote.

Cayo Woman Killed By Another
At the top of the news, we told you about the 7 men killed in 2 separate incidents, 5 at Mapp Caye, and 2 at the north end of Ambergris Caye. Well, our next story is about the stabbing death of a woman, allegedly committed by another woman. It happened last night in Bullet Tree Falls - and it springs from a domestic dispute between two women. 48 year old Yolanda Requena got into a fight with another woman who stabbed her fatally to the chest. That woman is at large tonight.

Corozal Resident Murdered On Time Off From Work
The deadly weekend's first killing happened at the start of the weekend in Corozal town. 23 year old David Martinez was visiting his family in Corozal Town in the San Andres Area. He had arrived on June 14th and was scheduled to return back to San Pedro on Saturday, where he works, but he was fatally shot by two gunmen on Friday night. Martinez was sitting on a white bucket under a shed in the family yard, socializing with two friends. The shooters, who had their faces covered, walked into the yard and reportedly hid behind a blue vehicle which was parked inside the yard. That's the position from which they fired, and police say Martinez was hit in his right lower back.

Another (Suspected) Drug Plane Destroyed
In other news out of the north, another plane was found completely destroyed by fire after it made an illicit landing in the Orange Walk District. This one was found near Blue Creek Village, and though police are hesitant to say so without proof, it appears to have been carrying illicit cargo, most-likely drugs. Here's what comments the Head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch had to say about this incident:

Cops Found Suspected Aviation Fuel Down South
And down south, the cops found a sizable quantity of suspected aviation fuel, that could have been used to refuel another illegally landed aircraft near the Monkey River Road. Here's what details police had to share on yesterday's discovery: As noted, police say that this cache of suspected aviation fuel was some 3 miles away from a recognized commercial airstrip.

Trio Supermarket Robbed By A Shotgun Wielder
A business place in the Toledo Village of Trio was robbed on Friday night. 2 men, one of whom was armed with a shotgun, stormed into the store known as Trio Supermarket. They then held up the owner with the weapon, and then stole an unknown quantity of cash, before riding off on bicycles belonging to some of the store's innocent patrons. ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Friday, sometime around 8pm, Bella Vista police responded to a robbery in Trio Village whereupon arrival the police were informed that the proprietor of Trio Supermarket that shortly before 8pm..."

Man Drowns In Red Bank
So, while the cops try to find the culprits in that daring robbery, they don't think that any crime was committed in the death of man who drowned in Red Bank, which is near the southern edge of the Stann Creek District. At this time, it is believed that he jumped into the river for a swim, before his friends arrived, and when they got there, they ended up finding his body in the water. There were no signs of violence on the victim's body.

House Fire On George Street
Residents of George Street in Belize City woke up to an early morning fire that Saturday. It started at one home on the street, but it spread to an abandoned house nearby. Fortunately, the blaze didn't get completely out-of-control, but it has left an elderly gentleman homeless. Here's more details from the National Fire Service:

Charged For Kidnapping His Own Wife?
Belmopan police have charged a man for kidnapping his wife - after he allegedly handcuffed her to a bed for over a week. 32 year old mason Vincent Pascascio allegedly handcuffed his common law Illona Coote to her bed on the 15th off June and she escaped this weekend and ran to police in the capital. Police say she had significant injuries to her face from being beaten, and he has also been charged for wounding.

A Full Week Devoted To The Cops
Police week 2019 started yesterday. It's an entire 7 days dedicated to recognize and remember the hundreds of police men and women who make great personal sacrifices to serve the country, and keep you, the citizens as safe as possible. As you would expect, the department has a calendar full of activities. The police commissioner took the time out to prepare a 7-minute announcement on the week's importance. Here's a short exerpt of that message:

The Taiwanese Government's Investment Mission
Taiwan's state relationship with Belize is a long story of economic and technical assistance - and now the island nation wants to steer investors to Belize. Two investment missions from Taiwan are visiting Belize this year. The first is here during this last week in June to explore opportunities in the tourism sector. We found out a more at a welcome event sponsored by BELTRAIDE:..

BELIZE & TAIWAN AT 30
This weekend, while the Taiwanese officials were still in Belize, the Government held a number of activities in memory of the 30-year friendship that the 2 nations have shared. We leave tonight with a few highlights of a street fair the officials hosted.

Channel 5

Quintuple Murder at Sea; was it Drug Related?
Going into the weekend, police and the coastguard were on high alert at sea searching for two Belize City youths who could not be located. They were the youngest of [...]

A Belizean and a Tourist are Shot Dead in San Pedro
San Pedro residents were stunned on Sunday when word of a double murder spread across the island. Police on Ambergris Caye are investigating the deaths of Mario Graniel, a well-known [...]

Police Say Graniel Had Beef with Notorious Gang Figure
Investigators are working on establishing a motive. This was not the first time that Graniel came under gunfire. A day before the double murder, shots were fired at Graniel’s apartment [...]

Separate Teams Deployed to Investigate Cases of Multiple Murders at Sea
A total of seven persons have been murdered at sea in less than five days, including the quintuple murder in the Mapp Caye/Swallow Caye area and the double murder in [...]

Man Killed in Corozal but was He the Intended Target?
A construction worker was killed in Corozal Town on Friday night. Police say they don’t know why David Martinez was gunned down and if the bullets were meant for him [...]

A Deadly Love Triangle Claims the Life of a Mother of Four
Residents of Bullet Tree Falls Village were shocked to find out that a murder had taken place in their neck of the woods on Sunday evening, more so that the [...]

P.U.P. on Weekend Bloodbath
The bloodbath over the weekend has triggered a statement from Leader of the Opposition. John Briceño notes that ten persons lost their lives this past week in a crime spree.  In [...]

Tensions Spike in Caye Caulker for Village Council Elections
The first phase of village council elections was held on Sunday. A total of thirty-five villages in Corozal, Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo participated in the first round. The [...]

Are the Burnt Remnants of an Aircraft and Aviation Fuel Found Tied to Illicit Activities?
Today, police shared details of the suspected drug plane which was found already burnt in northern Belize.  According to the authorities, they were alerted about the remnants of the aircraft [...]

5 Kilos of Weed Seized on Passenger Buses
Police seized over five thousand grams of weed between Friday and Saturday. The seizures all happened on passenger buses traveling in the north heading in a south bound direction. Police [...]

Trio Supermarket Robbed by 4 Thieves on Friday Night
A supermarket in the southern community of Trio was hit by armed thieves on Friday night.  According to police, four men stormed the business and proceeded to rob the propriety [...]

George Street Fire Leaves Elderly Man Homeless
A fire on Saturday night in Belize City has left an elderly man homeless. The property on George Street contained three wooden structures, two of which were gutted by the [...]

Jamie Cayetano Drowns in Red Bank
A young man lost his life over the weekend in Red Bank Village where he had gone swimming with a group of friends in the nearby river.  Jamie Cayetano reportedly [...]

A New Tax Administration and Procedure Bill
On Friday, the House of Representatives read through the Tax Administration and Procedure Bill 2019 which essentially sees a merger of the Income Tax and General Sales Tax departments.  The [...]

PM Says Income Tax/GST Merger Concerns are Baseless
Prime Minister Barrow responded to those claims as baseless and unsubstantiated, notwithstanding the fact that the opposition supports the idea of streamlining the tax system.   Prime Minister Dean Barrow [...]

A Fair to Commemorate Bilateral Relations between Belize and Taiwan
On Saturday, the Taiwanese Embassy in Belize celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of established diplomatic ties between Belize and Taiwan. Both countries have cooperation in areas such as education, agriculture, climate [...]

Belize Hosts Taiwanese Trade Mission
The Ministry of Investment and Trade has partnered with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to facilitate two investment missions to Belize. These missions are to help increase foreign direct [...]

Summer Coding Camp for Girls Launched
The first Society of Women Coders Camp for Girls was launched this morning and the aim is to engage the intellectual curiosity of Belize’s young women and provide an atmosphere [...]

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

The Reporter

Police Create Special Task Force To Investigate Lobster Trap Murders
Police has assigned a task force to investigate the murder of five fishermen, all of whom were related. The body of the first fisherman was found on Thursday evening, two others on Friday and the final two on Saturday.

Caye Caulker Elections Clerk Says, “Recount Of Ballots”
Credible reports to the Reporter are that a recount will take place starting at 1:00 this afternoon in Caye Caulker, after some ballots from yesterday’s village council elections on that island were found inside a classroom at the polling area this morning.

Breaking Belize News

Hispanic men rob supermarket in Trio Village
Just before 8 o’clock on Friday night, there was a robbery in Trio, Toledo. Four […]

Police find over 5 thousand grams of cannabis aboard passenger buses
Over the weekend, police conducted searches on three passenger buses that led to the discovery […]

Award winning Belizean product, Truly Turmeric, being exported to CARICOM
By BBN Staff : The world’s first manufacturers of fresh turmeric paste, Naledo Belize, announced that their award […]

Ministry of National Security advises public not to retrieve packages found at sea
The Ministry of National Security issued a statement today extending condolences to the family of […]

Ministry of National Security notes crime trends following suspected narco-trafficking reports
File picture: September 2018 The Ministry of National Security issued a statement today on the […]

Police: Suspects detained in case of men found dead near Mapp Caye
Today police confirmed that several suspects have been detained and several statements have been recorded […]

Police confirm two suspected drug plane runs
Police today confirmed two separate incidents involving suspected narcotics trafficking via separate planes. In the […]

Suspects detained for San Pedro double murder
According to police, some suspects have been detained for last week’s double murder in San […]

PUP lashes at Government for senseless violence across Belize
In light of the recent spike in crime in Belize, PUP Leader, John Briceno issued […]

Man knocked down by Vehicle in Toledo
A man was knocked down by a vehicle a short while ago in the Toledo […]

Woman stabbed to death in Cayo
Reports reaching our newsroom is that a woman was stabbed to death in Bullet Tree […]

LOVE FM

Five bodies in all found over the weekend
Five men left out on a fishing trip last week and never returned. Instead, one by one, their bodies were found by members of the Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard. These men: 23-year-old, Travis Cooke; 49-year-old, Ernest Wills; 40-year-old, Winston Santos; 21-year-old, Jamar Martinez and 19-year-old, Allyson Jones – all lived in the …

Multiple fires over the weekend
There were multiple house fires over the weekend. In the first incident, our Correspondent Paul Mahung says the fire was ignited when lightening hit a thatch roof. Paul Mahung: “ Fire totally destroyed the house of a teacher and family in rural Toledo. Information from Senator Macario Coye indicated that about 8:10 pm on Friday, …

Woman accused of Killing woman that was in a relationship with her husband
A single mother of four was killed after 7 on Sunday night in the Cayo District. The victim and her suspected killer are both residents of Bullet Tree Village. Love News travelled to Bullet Tree and spoke to a neighbor, the village chairman and the eldest daughter of the victim about what could have caused …

23-year-old man fatally shot while socializing
In what has been a bloody weekend in Belize, the first murder came on Friday night, on the San Andreas Road in Corozal Town. This murder follows the three bodies that were found between Thursday evening and Friday morning. 23-year-old, David Martinez, was reportedly socializing with friends in a yard when his assailants approached him …

American tourist and tour guide murdered at sea
53-year-old, American tourist, Gary Swank, who is also an interventional cardiologist, Medical Director of Carilion Clinic’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab and an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was found murdered alongside Belizean tour guide, 53-year-old Mario Graniel Junior, on Sunday morning. This double murder occurred while Graniel and …

Blogs

Caye Caulker offers a kick-back, low-key island lifestyle
Caye Caulker, a five-mile long island off the coast of mainland Belize, is a charming Caribbean island where “go slow” is the motto. This island is known for its stunning seascapes, diverse water sports, eco-tours, and friendly community. This charming island is graced with pastel-colored B&Bs, bars, and cafés. The lifestyle is laidback and low key. It’s a perfect spot for those who wish to live on the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by nature… Artists and writers, who seek creative inspiration, will find plenty here, given the spectacular natural environment.

Decoding the Secrets of the Belize ATM Cave
One of the most mysterious archeological sites on the planet is located deep within the jungles of Belize. Now known as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, this vast underground labyrinth was abandoned and forgotten about for more than 1,000 years. Only accidentally rediscovered in the 1980s, the cave is proving to be a treasure trove of information not just about the ancient Maya but also about climate change. The diverse collection of religious artifacts, pottery, and weapons would be more than enough to excite archeologists, but the greatest secret of the cave lies much further in. Only after more than an hour of navigating one’s way ever deeper into the earth does ATM’s namesake become visible.

Finding Our Own Kind of Relaxation in Small-Town Belize
“We’re trying to get better at retiring,” laughs Leslie Sorrell. She and her husband, Will, bought land in the seaside town of Hopkins, Belize, a decade ago with the intent of retiring from their demanding careers. The former political consultant and accountant immediately took to the slower pace. “We didn’t mind not putting on suits or no longer being called at 2 a.m. with a crisis.” But they didn’t spend their days napping in a hammock either. Instead, they took up building. “We’d bought property with a plan to build our dream home. We spent a year creating the plans of a beautiful home with wrap around porches. But instead, we bought and renovated an inn. We remodeled cabanas. We built a commercial space; we were going to make fresh cheeses,” says Leslie.

A Monday Scroll in Corozal
Do you love Corozal? If you do, then you are in the right place. If you are looking for an attractive place, you are in the right place. There are a lot of morning people who just love to walk around town in Corozal. Because the water is so calm and not that rough as it is like midday. Today, I came around town, to take photos of the Corozal view. Beside's going to the Beach, you can also visit the local restaurants around Town. Also, you can always visit the ruins in Corozal, while you are visiting Corozal. About 84 miles from the capital of Belize is the city of Corozal, the capital of the district of the same name and a site really close to the border with Mexico. These lands were in the 19th century part of an extensive private property but in the middle of that century, a town was born that grew around beautiful Mayan ruins.

International Sources

Roanoke doctor and his tour guide killed while fishing in Belize
A Roanoke doctor was killed while fishing in Belize on Sunday. Dr. Gary P. Swank, an interventional cardiologist at the Carilion Clinic, was found dead with his local tour guide, the hospital said in a statement Monday. “Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear,” the statement said. “We are heartbroken at his loss.” Swank, 53, was medical director of the clinic’s cardiac catheterization lab and an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

'Well-loved' American heart doctor gunned down on vacation in Belize along with tour guide
The bodies of an American cardiologist from Virginia and his tour guide were found in Belize Sunday, dead from gunshot wounds. Gary Swank, 53, who was in the country fly fishing, was found floating face down in a lagoon in San Pedro along with his guide, Marion Nestle Graniel, also 53. Swank, who worked for the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, was also an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Authorities said Swank and Graniel were fishing at the San Pedro town lagoon when a skiff passed by and opened fire on their boat, Carilion Clinic officials said in a social media post.

Belize to protect critical wildlife corridor that’s home to jaguars and more
In a boost to jaguars and other iconic wildlife of Central America, the government of Belize has approved a proposal to protect the Maya Forest Corridor, a key stretch of jungle that could help create the largest contiguous block of forest in Central America. About 20 kilometers (12 miles) long and 7 kilometers (4 miles) wide, the Maya Forest Corridor connects two major protected areas: the Manatee Forest Reserve to the south and the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area to the north. These protected areas, in turn, are contiguous with the larger Maya Mountain Block in central Belize and the northern Maya lowland forests, shared by Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. The corridor also includes small protected areas, such as the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor, which the Belizean government had previously set aside to provide safe passage for jaguars (Panthera onca).

Videos

June 24, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Official Police Report re: Sunday Double Murder
On June 23rd, 2019, about 11:30 a.m., the San Pedro Police responded to a report in an area about one mile west of San Pedro Town. Upon arrival, they observed a light in color purple and black skiff with registered name JOHNNIE G, and inside the skiff, they observed the lifeless body of Mario Nestle Jr Graniel, 53-year-old, Belizean Tour Guide of Boca Del Rio Area, San Pedro Town, with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. They also observed the lifeless body of Gary Paul Swank 53-year-old, American of the USA address, floating face down in the lagoon about 30 feet away from the skiff, with multiple apparent gunshot wounds to the body. Initial police investigation revealed that about 10:00 a.m., Mario Graniel and Gary Paul Swank went fly fishing within the San Pedro Town lagoon, when a dark color skiff passed by and opened fire on the boat that Mario Graniel and Gary Paul Swank were in, as a result causing their injuries.

Letter of Intent Signed between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for Cooperation in Tourism
As a part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a Letter of Intent on a framework for tourism cooperation. The signing took place in Belize City on June 19, 2019. The Letter of Intent is a first step towards bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism to further strengthen communication and collaboration between both countries, promote information sharing and knowledge transfer, and support professional expert exchanges and capacity building programs.

Wolfe’s Woofer: That Special Restaurant
“I couldn’t wait to get out of there,” I told Sherry after we left the restaurant. “I know what you mean,” she said. “I’ll be more careful about who we have dinner with from now on. Those two argued and bitched at each other from the appetizers through the dessert.” “I’d much rather go out with people like Bruce and Becky,” I said. “In all the years we’ve known them I’ve never heard either of them say a cross word about the other. I wonder how they do it.”

Thirty-one Youths Successfully Complete Belize Youth Challenge Programme
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of National Security held a passing out ceremony today to recognize the thirty-one (31) cadets who successfully completed the Belize Youth Challenge Program (BYC). The young men, ages 15 to 17, comprise the second cohort of the BYC program which was introduced in October 2017 for at-risk youths. As part of the 10-month residential program, the youths engaged in academic lessons, physical training/drills, and learnt vocational skills such as agriculture, woodwork and hospitality.

Doctor Love: Middle-Aged Crisis
Dear Doctor Love, I have spent the last two years in a quiet panic because I am turning fifty this year. I am so unhappy that I can’t stop the changes that are happening in my body and every time I look in the mirror and see the beginnings of sagging jowls and lines around my eyes I feel like crying. The one extra pound I gained in my thirties has tuned into twenty in my late forties and while I am not fat, the hourglass figure that I had in my younger years has become more of a pear.

Ambergris Today

Double Murder Of Island Tour Guide And American National
The San Pedro Police Department is investigating a double murder that took place today, Sunday, June 23, 2019, on Ambergris Caye. Confirmed dead are local tour guide 53-year-old Mario Nestor Graniel Jr. 53yrs and American National 53-year-old Gary Paul Swank. Police report of visiting an area on the lagoon located one mile west of San Pedro Town where upon arrival saw a light purple and black skiff with registration number BZ-1427 name JOHNNIE G. Inside the skiff was the lifeless body of Mario Nestor Graniel Jr., Belizean Tour Guide of Boca Del Rio Area San Pedro Town. He was in a fetal position behind the steering wheel of the skiff with two apparent gunshot the the right lower foot, one apparent gunshot wound to the right upper chest and one apparent gunshot wound to the right side of the face above the right eye.

Various Belizean Sources

The Legend of the Blue Hole Monster
“It was HUGE!” Cap’n Ray declared. “The monster arched … and dove … at an incredible speed,” Chris Biagi said. “The water became turbulent”, noted George Strauss. “The creature had a snake-like head with large red eyes that looked like flashlights” recalled Marisol of her strange encounter with what must be the longest sea creature alive. Four people, three Americans and one Venezuelan, a woman, were out diving by the Blue Hole for fun. All four of them saw an unusual sea creature which, for size and elusiveness can compare with the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. Scientifically, if other independent documentation can be obtained, the Blue Hole Monster could become one of the great biological discoveries of marine life.” The descriptions which follow are taken from the affidavits of the eye-witnesses themselves. The charts and diagrams are from Cap'n Ray's pen.

Double Murder on Ambergris Caye
Police in San Pedro Town are investigating a double murder which occurred this morning. According to reports, police were called out to a lagoon, a mile west of San Pedro Town. There they saw “Johnnie G”, a black skiff and the bodies of 53 year old Mario Graniel and 53 year old Gary Swank. Graniel, a tour guide was seen behind the steering wheel of the skiff with 2 gunshot wounds to the right lower foot, 1 to the right upper chest and 1 to the right side of the face. Swank, a USA citizen was seen floating face down in the lagoon about 30 feet away from the skiff. He was shot in the chest, cheek, left arm and lower back. Reports are that both men went fishing when another skiff passed by and opened fire at them.

Mr. Mario Graniel passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Graniel friends and family on the tragic passing of Mr. Mario Graniel. May his family and friends find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May he rest in peace.

Crocodile Research Coalition’s Next Gen Croc
The last few days a few young and enthusiastic Belizean students from different parts of the country participated at the 42nd Annual International Herpetological Symposium in Belize City through CRC’s Next Gen Croc Program. The 10 students presented on topics that ranged from crocs to sea turtles to frogs and snakes. Congratulations to all the students for a wonderful job educating people about the wonderful wildlife of Belize!

Photos from Taste of the Caribbean 2019/a>
Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean’s best chefs and culinary teams unite at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other and offer the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands.

Ulama Tournament
July 27, 10am in Yo Creek Village

Xbáalam Naj
The XBalam Nah church in Chan santa Cruz(Carrillo puerto,Quintana Roo, Mex) is the only church in the Americas build by white Slaves . The Yucatec Maya group known as the Cruzoob Maya were able to create a modern Maya state called Chan Santa Cruz . The X-Baláan Naj was completed in 1860 during the leadership of the indigenous leader Bernardino Cen. After the Mexican Army took Santa Cruz, on May 3, 1901, the Xbáalam Naj church was used as a dungeon, stable, chiquero, cellar. The Maya never occupied the place again even though the Constitutionalist government of Carranza gave them back in 1915. Their descendants consider that the sacred site in which their ancestors guarded the Holy Maya Cross was tainted by the tsulo'ob (white Yucatecans) and uaches (Mexicans).

Channel 5

Official Police Report on Bodies Found
On June 22nd, 2019, about 1:30 p.m., acting on information received, police visited an area behind Mapp Caye about 7 miles off Belize City. Upon arrival, they observed the decomposed bodies of two male persons tied together in some mangroves. The bodies were identified as 21 year old Jamar Martinez and 19 year old Allyson Jones. Both bodies were observed with gunshot injuries. The bodies were transported to the Belize Medical College where a post mortem examination will be conducted

The Reporter

A San Pedro Tour Guide & An American Found Dead
Police suspect that popular San Pedro tour guide Mario Graniel, 53, was the target of gunmen in a skiff who killed him and a tourist he was with as they were fly-fishing just before midday today.

Two Bodies Found, Tied Together Near Mapp Caye
Around 1:30 Saturday afternoon, Police were called to an area behind Mapp Caye, seven miles from Belize City, where they found the bodies of Jamar Martinez, 21 and Allyson Jones, 19. The two men had been shot and tied together, and had apparently floated at sea for days before they were found.

Police Week Kicks Off, Compol Encourages Church Attendance
Police Week 2019 kicked off today with officers across the country attending Church services in their respective communities. According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, who has encouraged Church attendance by his officers on a regular base, “as a Police Department we are God fearing and believe that our work can only be achieved by ensuring that our Creator is always in the midst of everything we do.”

US FTC – Builds Case Against AIBL
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) case against the principals of the Sanctuary Bay real estate scam, which defrauded American consumers of over $100 million, has progressed with the agency depicting Atlantic International Bank Ltd., which was forced to close down amid the scandal’s fallout, as central to knowingly facilitating the scam.

Breaking Belize News

Double murder reported during fishing trip
Island newspaper, The San Pedro Sun reports that a double murder happened during a fishing […]

Police halt apparent attempt to refuel suspected drug plane in south
Independence police have recovered some 206 gallons of suspected aviation fuel after reports that a […]

Family loses everything in house fire in Dolores village, Toledo
A family from Dolores Village, Toledo is appealing to the public for assistance after their […]

Belizeans in the diaspora unite to help child,11, who was shot in the face
The Belizean community in Houston, Texas are coming together to hold a fundraiser for Kyron […]

Police find 2 decomposed bodies in Mapp Caye
Authorities today confirmed the discovery of 2 bodies. A police report indicates that about 1:30 pm […]

Blogs

San Pedro LobsterFest 2019: It Just Gets Bigger and Better
Last night was the BIG San Pedro LobsterFest Block party. LOTS of live music – including the AMAZING steel drum band and GilHarry 7 – one of the biggest bands in the country. LOTS of booths serving lobster in countless ways…from Lobster Corn dogs to Lobster Tacos to fresh grilled tails… I got there early – 4:30pm – a full half an hour before the event was supposed to start and everyone was ready to go. The crowd would get BIG as the night went on…lots of eating and drinking and dancing. I had made a big decision. It may sound crazy but I said NO to sitting on the judges’ panel for Best Lobster Dish 2019. After much back and forth – after doing it for years – I wanted to get there early…eat just one lobster dish – rather than 20 – and really enjoy things.

International Sources

Belize national security minister visits Taiwan
Belizean Minister of National Security John Saldivar arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day trip to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Central American ally and the Republic of China (Taiwan), according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Making his second trip to Taiwan as Belize's top national security chief, Saldivar will meet with Taiwan's National Security Council head David Lee, Defense Minister Yen De-fa and Vice Foreign Minister Miguel Tsao during his trip, which concludes Friday.

Videos

June 23, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

Sargassum Task Force continues to combat national disaster
Over the past ten months, the Sargassum Task Force (STF), a public-private committee, has been working diligently to strategize mitigation and adaptation measures to address the impact of Sargassum on the top four impacted tourist destinations, which includes San Pedro Town, Caye Caulker, Hopkins and Placencia Village. In late 2018, Cabinet approved a set of relief support mechanisms, including a four-month hotel tax relief for accommodations situated on the beach front, duty exemption facility for machinery and equipment imported to support clean-up efforts and containment of the sargassum, as well as a BZ $1.5 million dollars to support municipalities for beach clean-up. Based on the latter, the STF led the development of destination-level sargassum management plans that focus on a four-prong strategy of collection, containment, disposal, and awareness.

Belize Coast Guard Lieutenant Alma Pinelo receives Honor Graduate Award at US Training Center
The San Pedro Sun joins the community in congratulating Lieutenant Alma Marcela Pinelo who, on Wednesday, June 19th received the Honor Graduate Award after successfully completing the International Maritime Officer Course at the United States of America Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia USA. The training was operated under the mission, “Forge Today’s Force to Execute Tomorrow’s Mission.” According to the Belize Coast Guard, Lieutenant Pinelo is the first Belizean and the first female to have ever received this prestigious award. Her name and country will be now enshrined into the Honor Graduates Hall of Fame.

Minister of Health Heads Delegation on Official Visit to Cuba
The Honourable Pablo Marin, Minister of Health, arrived in Havana, Cuba on June 16, 2019, to meet with his counterpart Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda. They assessed the current state of cooperation and exchanged ideas on how to improve the work programme between both countries. He presented Minister Portal with a special plaque commemorating 28 years of continuous collaboration. Minister Marin also met with health officials to discuss best practices in primary health care, specialized medical training and accreditation, and intersectoral approaches to mental health, stress management, and the treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which are common to both nations.

Central Bank of Belize to begin charging APSSS Fees to local banks
October of 2016, The Central Bank of Belize first implemented the Automated Payments and Securities Settlement System (APSSS) to expedite the clearing time for check deposits. Three years since the system’s introduction, Central Bank will commence charging financial institutions a fee for the processing of transactions through APSSS, effective Monday, July 1st. In turn, local banks will be charging customers fees for services rendered.

2019 Public Service Month begins with a ‘Health Walk’ in San Pedro Town
In Belize, the month of June is considered National Public Service Month, where various public events are held across the country to educate Belizeans about the different service agencies the government has and their importance in our society. In San Pedro Town, Public Service Month activities kicked off with a ‘Health Walk’ through the main streets of the island on Tuesday, June 18th. At 4:30PM, many public officers gathered at the Central Park in San Pedro Town to participate in a ‘Health Walk’ to show the importance of exercising and keeping a healthy lifestyle. Chairperson of San Pedro Public Service Committee Harris Gabourel is in charge of organizing the week of activities for the island and is looking forward to a great turnout.

Various Belizean Sources

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign on Caye Caulker
Please note: Caye Caulker Health Clinic is conducting a Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign. Nurses will be in the community Sunday, June 23rd. You will see nurses in golf carts with a sign “Vaccination Campaign 2019.” Please stop us if you have children 15 years & younger so we can assess their immunization status. We will also be offering select vaccinations to adults in need as well. Thank you!

Application for nationality by descent.
If you were born in Belize but your child was born in the USA, you can now apply to have your child naturalized as a Belizean right in the USA...

The Voice of Caye Caulker Congratulates Mr.Miguel Matus on 25 years of Service in the Fire Department
He started his career as Fire Chief in 1993 while Living in BenqueViejo, Cayo . He then moved on to Belize city in 1996 then proceeded to Sanignacio And Santa Elena in 1997. He was then transferred to Orange walk in 1999 and in 2004 he came to Caye Caulker and has been here since then. He has been on the island for fifteen years and is the officer incharge of our Fire Department. Mr.Matus also lobbied for the brand new fire truck that was donated to us. Congratulations again Mr.Matus and thank you for your service to the island.

Placencia LobsterFest
Today the CRC had an awesome day at Placencia LobsterFest! We posted the first of 5 American crocodile awareness signs for Placencia Village through a collaborative effort with Jimmy Riffle from Gator Boys Road Shows brought to you by Scales, Tails, and Teeth, Belize Forest Department, the CRC, and Placencia Village Council PVC. We also had an awesome day of outreach, which was a huge success with the help of Kerrisah and Tara. Stay tuned for a Lobsterfest highlight video in the next week!

Belize's Garifuna Collective Shares Video for "Hamala / Let Him Fly" (premiere)
We are very proud to release the first single from our upcoming album, ABAN (One)! This song is called Hamala (Let Him Fly) and was written by the youngest member of the band, Emilio Thomas aka Adahati Usan. He says, "Hamala is a song that came to me in a dream. It sings to the Garifuna youth to embrace the freedom that their ancestors fought so hard to keep." A big thanks to PopMatters for premiering the video, which was directed by Jeremy Christoph Lewis.

Congratulations to Team Belize tonight for winning the Grand Prize for the Best 'Caribbean Street Pork'
(For none other than '#PIBIL #TACOS) at the 'Taste of the Caribbean' Culinary Competition being held in Miami Florida, USA! Keep it going Team Belize! Making us proud!

Official Police Report on Bodies Found
“On June 22nd, 2019, about 1:30 p.m., acting on information received, police visited an area behind Mapp Caye about 7 miles off Belize City. Upon arrival, they observed the decomposed bodies of two male persons tied together in some mangroves. The bodies were identified as 21 year old Jamar Martinez and 19 year old Allyson Jones. Both bodies were observed with gunshot injuries. The bodies were transported to the Belize Medical College where a post mortem examination will be conducted.”

David Martinez killed in Corozal
Two persons have been detained pending the investigation into the murder of 23-year-old David Martinez. Martinez was killed on Friday night in the San Andres Area of Corozal Town. He was shot in his back. Investigators say that Martinez was in a yard with some friends when two armed men appeared and fired several shots at them. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Photos from the Taste of the Caribbean
Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean’s best chefs and culinary teams unite at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other and offer the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands.

Photos from Lobsterfest 2019 in San Pedro

Photos from Lobsterfest 2019 in Placencia

The Reporter

Two Bodies Found, Tied Together Near Mapp Caye
Police have confirmed the discovery of the bodies of Jamar Martinez, 21 and Allyson Jones, 19 around 1:30 this afternoon. The badly decomposed bodies of the two fishermen were found tied together in some mangroves behind Mapp Caye, seven miles off Belize City. There was evidence of gunshot injuries on both bodies.

Another Crispy Plane, “Drug Plane ?” In Blue Creek
It didn’t make it on to the Police reports, but the Reporter has confirmed that on Wednesday June 19th. just after 8:00am Police were called out to Pioneros Road in Blue Creek, Orange Walk where they found the burnt remains of a white and maroon single engine Cessna aircraft.

Corozal Man Gunned Down At His Home
Just before 8:00 on Friday night, Police were called to San Andres Road to the residence of Enrique Martinez, 47. At the back of the house they found the motionless body of a man who was identified as David Martinez, 23. Martinez was rushed to the Corozal Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Breaking Belize News

Police seize over 12 pounds of marijuana in separate operations
The Belize Police Department has seized over 12 pounds of marijuana in three separate operations in […]

Juan Quintero charged with attempted murder
Justin Diaz was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting on the morning of September […]

San Pedro resident murdered in Corozal
Corozal police are investigating the death of a San Pedro resident that occurred last night […]

Police yet to confirm reported drug plane discovery
Members of the media were provided with information of the discovery of burnt remains of […]

Couple from San Narciso busted with weed
Authorities have detained a couple from San Narciso in Northern Belize pending charges of drug […]

Thatched kitchen destroyed by fire in San Marcos, Toledo
A thatched kitchen was completely destroyed by fire yesterday morning in San Marcos, Toledo. Sebastian […]

17-year-old minor of Armenia reported missing
The family of 17-year-old Sussetta Teul of Armenia, Cayo District is concerned about her whereabouts. […]

4 masked men rob grocery store in Trio, Toledo
Authorities are investigating an armed robbery that occurred minutes after 7 last night in Trio, […]

Eamon Courtenay appointed on Belize- Guatemala committee; Steps down as Senator
On June 11, 2019, PUP Leader, John Briceño wrote to the Governor General to advise him […]

Kareem Musa and PM square off over Sanctuary Bay
Caribbean Shores area representative, Kareem Musa, during today’s House Sitting raised the issue of the […]

Blogs

New Restaurant in San Pedro: Campo Tex-Mex on Front Street
Yesterday I tried a new restaurant! Campo Tex-Mex on Front Street in downtown San Pedro. I don’t waiver from routine very often. But yesterday I wanted to check out one of the newer spots in town located in one of the older spots in town. Campo Tex-Mex in the old Coral Beach Hotel – the home of the first dive shop on the island. Situated right in the heart of San Pedro… For those who love margaritas – and there are few alcoholic drinks as refreshing as a margarita – Campo has a full menu with fun specials like the Unicorn Margarita. Portions are BIG – which I think also defines Tex-Mex? I’m not sure. A super fun spot to bring a party – maybe get there a bit early (5-6pm) for discounted margaritas? Try it out! A new spot on the island by the island’s most famous chef – Chef Chris Aycock (formerly of Blue Water Grill, now at Rain and Aqua at Grand Caribe.)

Videos

June 22, 2019

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Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

SunBreeze Hotel first to be Hospitality Assured Certified by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in Belize
Earlier this year, the SunBreeze Hotel located in San Pedro Town, completed its journey to becoming the first tourism enterprise in Belize to become Hospitality Assured (HA) certified in Belize. Hospitality Assured is a United Kingdom (UK) based certification program that promotes a culture of service and business excellence that is developed specifically for tourism and tourism-related businesses. It is a service quality certification program created and owned by the Institute of Hospitality and managed by Hospitality Limited in the UK. This program of business excellence is aligned with the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model and is managed and promoted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) in the Caribbean.

Special Event held to Honour 28 Years of Cuban Medical Brigade
Minister of Health Hon. Pablo Marin hosted an event to honour Cuban medical personnel who have served in Belize. The event was hosted at Kcho Studio Romerillo Gallery and Community Centre in Havana, Cuba. The studio is a community cultural project demonstrating the transformative power of art. It was founded by the world-renowned Cuban visual artist Alexis Leyva Machado, also known as Kcho, who believes that “art has a healing ability that can enrich and beautify other peoples’ lives”. He embodies the spirit of the collaboration that has brought Cubans and Belizeans together in keeping with the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s vision of service among developing nations.

GOB aims to improve Solid Waste Management with new IDB Grant
The amount of garbage produced in growing communities continues to concern the Government of Belize (GOB) and tourism areas are producing more garbage than the local authorities seem to be able to manage. As such, the Government of Belize has launched a new program aimed at improving solid waste management across the country. Through a non-reimbursable Technical Cooperation (grant) of $500,000US, provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through the Japan Quality Infrastructure Initiative (JQI), GOB has stated that they will “improve solid waste management in Belize by promoting the reduction and recovery of municipal solid waste generation and contributing to the expansion of coverage of municipal solid waste management to rural areas.”

2019 International Day of Yoga to be hosted at Ak’Bol
Yoga enthusiasts will convene at Ak’Bol on Sunday, June 23rd for the 5th Annual International Day of Yoga – San Pedro Chapter. Celebrated across Belize, this special day sees local yoga instructors combine classes at one select location to provide a unique experience for participants. Everyone, from first timers to advanced practitioners, are invited to this free event. Hosted by Kristen Migilio, this year’s International Yoga Day will be held from 10:30AM to 12:30PM at the Akbol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort dock. “The class is suitable for children and adults, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy yoga for the first or hundredth time. Just bring a mat or towel and a friend, and join this worldwide celebration of fellowship and goodwill,” said one of the event’s organizers, Diana Snyder. After the yoga class, a Chai Reception and Mandala making event will be held.

Do The Right Thing School Safety Summer Program is back in San Pedro Town
For the second consecutive year, Do The Right Thing School Safety Summer Program (DTRTSS) is back in San Pedro Town.The summer program is led by activist Philip ‘Fawda’ Henry and aims at keeping island children involved in positive activities throughout their summer vacation. The summer program takes place from 9AM to 4PM, Monday to Friday at the San Pedro High School. Through presentations and fun-filled activities, children will learn about traffic rules and regulations, what is human trafficking, cyberbullying, and child abuse, as well as how to become better persons in their community.

ACCSD seeks new plan of action against development at Cayo Rosario
The fight against the massive development at Cayo Rosario continues. Most recently, on May 30, 2019, the Supreme Court of Belize refused leave for Judicial Review in the case brought forward by the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) against the Department of Environment (DOE) regarding the approved development at Cayo Rosario. However, this is not deterring the ACCSD. Former manager for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and director on the board of ACCSD, Miguel Alamilla has confirmed that they are discussing with their lawyers a new approach to stop the development.

Ambergris Today

Belize And The Republic Of China (Taiwan) Sign For Cooperation In Tourism
As a part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a Letter of Intent on a framework for tourism cooperation. The signing took place in Belize City on June 19, 2019.

Lieutenant Alma Pinelo 1st Belizean Woman To Receive Honor Graduate Award
The Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard is proud to acknowledge Lieutenant Alma Pinelo for receiving the Honor Graduate award after successfully completing the International Maritime Officer Course at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia, U.S.A. Lieutenant Pinelo is the first Belizean and the first female to receive this prestigious award. Her name and country will be enshrined into the Honor Graduates Hall of Fame.

Various Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Cleanup Day Today
This Saturday, June 22nd 7:00 am to 9:00 am neighborhood clean up day. Meet at the patrol substation. Wear gloves, bug spray, good shoes and a smile. It's time to give the neighborhood a quick brush up. Can't make it? No problem, drop off bug spray for patrol, drop off AA batteries, drop off bottled water - or better yet. . . drop off a donation. The patrol is paid with 100% donor funds.

International Day of Yoga in Corozal
I am very happy to announce that Corozal Town has successfully celebrated the International Day of yoga four years in a row. Thanks to the yoga community for their love and support! Namaste

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The ninth consecutive edition of the Brazil Scholarship PAEC OAS-GCUB 2019 offers 513 scholarship opportunities to outstanding citizens of OAS Member States to pursue master's or doctorate programs in Brazilian Universities. The Partnerships Program for Education and Training (PAEC) between the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), with the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Division of Educational Topics and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) is open now and the deadline to apply is August 7, 2019.

COSTA MAYA TICKETS NOW ON SALE!!!
Season Pass: General $175, VIP $250, Ultra $300, Children 5-11 yrs $50. International Night: General $150, VIP $200, Ultra $250, Children 5-11 yrs $25. Nightly Tickets: Pageant Night $50, Children $15, Final Night $25, Children $10. Costa Maya Office is located in front of the San Pedro Town Council office “Oh Danny Boy”.

Ministry of Agriculture Hosts Closing Ceremony for Train-the-Trainers Workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Minister of Agriculture Senator Hon. Godwin Hulse and UNDP Country Office Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Aldo Garcia issued Certificates of Completion to forty-four participants of a five-day Train-the-Trainers workshop on Climate-Smart Agriculture. The closing ceremony was held at the Administrative and Technical Conference Room, National Agriculture and Trade Showground Belmopan. The training which commenced on Monday, June 17, 2019, was a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (J-CCCP). Facilitators for the training were personnel from Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE).

JOIN THE BELIZE COAST GUARD: RECRUIT INTAKE NUMBER 10
Are you willing to join those who provide safety, security, and protection of our maritime areas? Are you ready to accept the challenge and overcome adversity? Join the Belize Coast Guard where every day is an adventure and a challenge. The Belize Coast Guard is looking for a few good men & women to join its ranks and be a part of an elite organization. Candidates must be a Belizean between the ages of 18-24 years and must:

Snake Handling Workshop
In collaboration with the 42nd Annual International Herpetological Symposium (IHS), CRC coordinated a snake handling workshop led by Justin Elden from the St Louis Zoo for Belize Forest Department officers and caretakers at The Belize Zoo. After a presentation on basic snake biology facts and exhibiting how to safely handle and relocate or remove snakes, FD officers got to practice their skills.

Baymen's Back to School Essay Competition
Winners will be chosen July 12th.

Long Service Award from the Public Service of Belize
This media blog joins our Corozal Community in extending warmest and sincere Congratulations to Ms. Lavern Thompson on receiving the Long Service Award from the Public Service of Belize for her 37 years of service to the Corozal Community Hospital. What a great achievement.

Photos from Lobster Fest San Pedro 2019

Photos from Taste of the Caribbean 2019
Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. Since 1993, the Caribbean’s best chefs and culinary teams unite at Taste to compete, demonstrate their skills, learn from each other and offer the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most delectable culinary treats of the islands.

PRIME MINISTER BARROW ATTENDS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS!
Rt Hon. Prime Minister Barrow & Public Service Minister Hon. Papa Mena celebrating our Public Servants at the Public Service Award Ceremony!!!

U KUCHKABAL CHAKTEMAL: INDOMITABLE
Chaktemal in Maya means The place where red trees grow. Another possible translation is: Chaac means "rain" as the lord of rain, tea means "there", and emal means "go down", that is "Where the rains come down" Shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Kuchkabal controlled what is now the south of Quintana Roo and the north of Belize, whose political head is believed to be today Santa Rita(Corozal) . The last Halach Uinik that governed Chactemal was Nachán Can. Nachan Chan was feared and respected in battle during the European invasion . “turkeys in the shape of spears and corn in the shape of arrows" was Nachan Can reply In answer to a demand to submit to Spain. The Maya defended northern Belize for over 200 years against the Spanish and continue against the British .

Channel 7

Mass Murder On The High Seas, 3 Dead, Two Missing
Tonight, three Belize City families are in the throes of grief, while two more are praying for a miracle. This is after three men were found at sea murdered - and their two companions are missing. The five had reportedly gone on a lobster trapping expedition on Tuesday - basing their operations in the Swallow Caye area. But, it seems they met ruthless pirates in those waters just off Belize City. Last night we reported on the first body that had been found near Swallow Caye; by 7:30 this morning there were two more - and two unaccounted for. It's a staggering body count - and I've been following up with police and the families all day. Here's the story:

A Settlement For Sanctuary Belize, the CBB and the FTC
Shifting gears to politics now - we have highlites from today's house meeting. On the Parliamentary side, a number of significant bills were introduced and passed - which took only about two hours to get done. But the biggest news of the day came when the PUP members spoke on the adjournment - which took more than three hours. PUP Representative for Caribbean Shores Kareem Musa spoke about the Sanctuary Belize scam - which was staged in in southern Belize by US fraudsters. As has been widely reported, it was shut down by the US Federal Trade Commission - which described it as the biggest land scam it's ever put the brakes on. In the process, the FTC's suit in the US froze the foreign accounts of Atlantic International Bank - and forced that bank to shut down.

PM Says Hon. Julius is A "Sick Puppy"
And while that exchange took on dimensions of national import - another about social security disintegrated into a testy exchange of insults. It happened when PUP Cayo South Rep Julius Espat spoke about the increase in Social Security contributions and caught everyone off guard when he started praising his senior colleague Said Musa, whom he disparaged at the last house sitting. Here's what Espat said, and what the PM snapped back with:... Hon. Julius Espat, PUP Cayo South: "You are asking the people of Belize to pay 2% more on social security contributions, but at the same time the inflation rate is high. The regular Belizean makes $148.50 a week. Now just for comparative, the CEO of the social security board after receiving his salary and perks receives $200,000 a year..."

Oil Tanker Flips on Hummingbird
There was an accident this afternoon at mile 28 on the Hummingbird Highway. It seems and oil tanker lost control and flipped over a guard rail on a part of the road that has hills and curves . So far police have not confirmed the status of the driver - as to the extent of the injuries. We did see some oil spillage on the road. Contractors have been working extensively in that area to flatten out some of the hills and reduce the number of sharp turns.

Big Win For PUC At Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal's 2-week session for June ended today, and as the judges always do, they handed down decisions for appeal cases that they've already deliberated on. One of the judgments involves a protracted fight between the Public Utilities Commission and telecoms company, Speednet, which is better known as Smart. As we reported, back in 2011, Smart sued the PUC, claiming that the regulator was overcharging them for the licensing of 238 channels that they use to provide phone calls, texts, and data to customers. The PUC billed them for $800,000, when in previous years, the charge was only $1,400.

After 6 Years in Jail, court Tells Deunas The System Did Him Wrong
Another appellant who got good news in the Court of Appeal today is defendant Juan Duenas. In January of 2010, when he was only 15 years-old, he was arrested and charged with 1 count of carnal knowledge for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 13 year-old girl back in September 2009 in Punta Gorda Town. 1 year later, he was tried in only a day and a half and without any legal representation. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to serve the mandatory minimum 12 years in jail. He appealed, but back in March of 2016, the Court of Appeal did not have a full transcript of his original trial. Well, the court had to re-build a record of the trial by getting guidance from the trial judge's notes, which were incomplete.

Amalgamating Tax Collection
Going back to the House of Representatives - one of the more interestIng bills to be passed today was thew Tax Administration and Procedure Bill. It will create the Belize Tax Service Department - which is an amalgamation of the Income and Sales Tax Departments. The Leader of the opposition said it is a good thing, but had concerns about staffing:..

Female Guardsman Shone
The Belize Coast Guard is reporting that one of its own has received high marks of distinction while studying abroad. She's Lieutenant Alma Pinelo, and for several months now she's been taking the International Maritime Officer Course at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia. She's the first Belizean, and the first female to receive the Honor Graduate award after completing the course. Her name and country will be enshrined in the institution's Honor Graduates Hall of Fame. She also excelled in Naval Academy training she received previously in Mexico.

Immigration Officer Charged For Fight With Coworker
She's accused of attacking a fellow immigration officer 3 months ago, but today, 46 year-old Anne Smith, a Grade 1 Immigration Officer was arraigned on common-assault when she was taken to the Magistrate's Court today. The incident allegedly happened on March 10th, 2019. Smith was traveling in an Immigration van, which was being driven by Kurt Burgess. Sheree Flowers, the woman who's accusing her, was seated behind the driver. Flores was about to get out of the van, when the two women allegedly got into an argument over the positioning of Smith's purse and jacket, which was on the seat.

More Guilty Gangsters
Police have arrested and charged 3 more men for being in a gang. 2 of them are facing court fines for a guilty plea, and the third is on remand at the Belize Central Prison. The defendants are 20 year-old Kevaughan Middleton, a resident of Caesar Ridge Road; 22 year-old Steven Palmer, a resident of Guerrero Street; and 22 year-old Edward Flowers Jr., a construction worker of Gill Street. Police say that they have been conducting surveillance on these 3 men since April of last year, and they are sure that they are members of the Southside Gangsters.

Briceno Makes Pitch for Villages
Village Council elections start on Sunday, and speaking on the adjournment today - Opposition Leader John Briceno - made a kind of campaign pitch by saying that the UDP had neglected rural areas - and overseen grossly politicized mismanagement of water boards. Here's an excerpt of his 33 minute presentation - the longest of the day - where he points to water broad money mismanagement: Village council elections start on Sunday in Independence and other villages.

Senior Senator Steps Down
For just over 3 years now, he's been the Opposition Party's lead parliamentarian in the Upper House, but as of last week Tuesday, Senator Eamon Courtenay is senator no more. On the National Assembly's website, the Office of the Clerk notes that Opposition Leader John Briceño officially informed them that that Courtenay had resigned from the Senate. So has the senior Senator gone crossway with his party? A PUP press release this evening, explained quote, "Ambassador Courtenay stepped down as the Opposition's lead senator to dedicate his full attention to his new appointment as the Opposition Leader's representative on the Belize - Guatemala Committee that is working along with Belize's ICJ International Legal Team.

The Life of Refugees Through A Lens
Today is World Refugee Day where the plight of over 70 million displaced people worldwide is taken into account. Here in Belize this was noted with a Refugee Storytelling Expo at the Kiki Witz Resort outside Belmopan. It's an interesting project where children who are refugees and asylum seekers, were children living in Belize, were given cameras for a day to document their lives through photographs. The stories tell os displacement, resilience and the perseverance of hope.

Long on the Run, Juan Carlos Charged
For several months now, he been wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of 25 year-old Samuel Castro, and the shooting of 24 year-old Justin Diaz. But tonight, 29 year-old Juan Carlos Quintero is in police custody, and reliable reports to 7News are that he has been criminally charged with attempted murder. He was caught yesterday evening by a joint patrol of police officers from the Special Branch, the Special Patrol Unit, and the Quick Response team. Best information suggests that this team of police caught him at the home of several relatives of his, which is located on Santa Rosa Street in Orange Walk.

Channel 5

Triple Murder at Sea; Bodies of 3 Fishermen Recovered
There is yet another triple murder in less than three weeks, this time at sea. Three of five fishermen have been murdered, shot to death and their bodies dumped in [...]

Vessel Found, but Still No Signs of 2 Fishermen
The police have been working closely with the Belize Coast Guard as investigations continue into this triple homicide at sea. Now there are a number of fishing camps at and [...]

Belizean Man Killed in USA; Police Charge Son with Murder
A Belizean man was shot multiple times and killed on Wednesday in Barberton, Ohio, U.S.A.  He has been identified as forty-one-year-old Shannon Callahan. According to online reports, Barberton Police responded [...]

PM Barrow and Julius Espat Go at it over S.S.B. Contributions
The House of Representatives met today in ordinary session, one month after a special meeting was called to amend the Maritime Areas Act, following the May eighth I.C.J. referendum.  But [...]

Opposition Leader Calls for Order, to No Avail
While things got testy between the PM and Espat, Opposition Leader John Briceño attempted to have order returned to House and despite the Speaker’s intervention, the cutting remarks kept coming. [...]

Sanctuary Bay – A Cadaver Investigated by FTC
A thorough investigation into the real estate swindle that was Sanctuary Bay is being undertaken by the Federal Trade Commission, an independent arm of the U.S. government tasked with providing [...]

Was Atlantic Bank Ltd. Involved in Questionable AIBL Ownership Transaction?
Musa openly questioned the business transaction during which principal ownership of AIBL was assumed by former Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Pelayo, but not before taking a few more swipes at [...]

PM Warns Musa’s Assertion May Point FTC to Atlantic Bank Ltd.
While the Caribbean Shores Area Rep enjoys parliamentary privilege for utterances in the house, the prime minister took umbrage to the allegations that the Atlantic Bank may have had a [...]

Patrick Faber Takes it to Fort George and Toledo West
The topic of education proved equally testy as Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber responded to concerns raised by Freetown Area Rep and former Minister of Education Francis Fonseca.  In responding [...]

Eamon Courtenay Vacates Senate Seat for New P.U.P. Appointed Role
Eamon Courtenay has vacated his seat in the Senate. Having served as a parliamentarian in the upper house for as many as ten years as lead senator for the Opposition, [...]

Judgment in Favor of P.U.C.; SMART Ordered to Pay Overdue Spectrum Fees
The Public Utilities Commission won its legal battle against Speednet Telecommunication Limited, the parent company of SMART. This morning, the Court of Appeal handed down a judgment effectively overturning the [...]

P.U.C.’s Rejoices Win
According to Pitts, the Court of Appeal’s ruling is significant as it reminds public utilities providers to adhere to the legislation.   Sheena Pitts, Attorney for P.U.C. “Quite frankly this [...]

Notorious OW Gang Figure Captured
Twenty-nine year old Juan Carlos “Canikas” Quintero is tonight behind bars at the Belize Central Prison. Quintero who was on the run for months and believe to have been residing [...]

Tourism Minister Says Cayo Rosario Surrounded with ‘Huge Amount of Marine Life’
A Supreme Court ruling in May has the Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development ready to protect Cayo Rosario. The island sits in the middle of the Hol Chan Marine [...]

Minister Heredia Sides with Environmental Group
The decision to allow the development was made in 2018 by the National Environmental Advisory Board and the Department of Environment. The project calls for fifty island bungalows as well [...]

Belizean Coast Guard Female Lieutenant Makes History
Lieutenant Alma Pinelo received the honor graduate award after she successfully completed the International Maritime Officer Course at the U.S Coast Guard Training Center in Virginia, U.S.A. Lieutenant Pinelo is [...]

Belize Coast Guard Making Strides at Fuerzas Commando Competition
Earlier this month, the Belize Coast Guard Special Operations Group deployed to Santiago, Chile to participate in the fifteenth Annual Fuerzas Commando Competition. The seven-man team is competing against nineteen [...]

Belize Goes to U-23 C.A Female Volleyball Championship
The U­23 Female Volleyball National Team departed Belize today for the fourth Central American U­23 Female Volleyball Championship in Managua, Nicaragua. All seven Central American Countries will be participating. The [...]

Belize Jaguars’ Assistant Coach Brings Fresh Skills from European Training
On Thursday, we showed you the new head coach of the Belize National Football Team. He’s Vincenzo Alberto Annese from Italy. As you heard in our report, the new coach [...]

Amandala

Ohio cops charge Shannon Ingol with murder
Police in Barberton, Ohio, in the USA were called to the 300 Block area of George Street in that state yesterday, Wednesday morning, after they received a report of a shooting. When police arrived, they found a man who was later identified as Shannon Callahan, 41, bleeding profusely in his driveway. Callahan has been identified as a Belizean. Callahan was treated on the scene by paramedics and later transferred to Summa Barberton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

8-year-old dies in tragic accident
Gabriella Corrales, 8, a standard 2 student at the Guadalupe RC School in Belmopan, had just gotten out of classes at the end of the school day and was about to ride her bicycle home when she was knocked down and killed by an SUV at about 3:45 yesterday, Tuesday, after school. She had gotten off her bicycle and was walking across the pedestrian ramp near the school, on the East Ring Road, near Our Lady of Guadalupe RC School, when she was hit by the SUV, driven by a 15-year-old Guatemalan boy.

The body of Travis Cooke found floating near Swallow Caye
At about 5:20 this evening, the corpse of a man was found floating in the sea near Swallow Caye, about three miles from Belize City. The body was seen with a gunshot wound in the head. The man was described as being of dark complexion, slimly built, and he was wearing a black T-shirt and a black and burgandy tattoo, “Beulahlee,” is on his chest. Tonight, the victim was identified as Travis Cooke of Belize City. At this time, police do not have any more information on his age and other particulars, such as his address.

NOREEN BODDEN: THE LAST FAREWELL!
The sad news of the passing of Noreen Rivers Bodden, the legendary Belizean softball superstar athlete of the “Golden Girls” of softball that won the first gold medal for Belize in the 1974 Central American & Caribbean Games, reached me today Monday, June 17, 2019. Belizeans from many walks of life send their deepest condolences to her family and friends who supported the ailing Belizean softball giant throughout her time of illness. The article below was produced by yours truly on the legendary Belizean athlete last year after a very candid conversation with her. May we Belizeans at home and abroad remember and celebrate the greatness of Noreen Bodden. Rest in peace, Belizean softball superstar:

Curfew lifted off street vendors
Contention has been brewing between the Police Department and local street vendors/peddlers over a curfew that had been imposed to shut down food stalls by 12:00 a.m. on the south side and by 2:00 a.m. on the north side. As many may know, the uptake of sales for food vendors is in the later hours of the night and wee hours of the morning, especially on weekends after local bars and night clubs have been vacated. The curfew was met with disagreement by the vendors and general public, who were of the impression that this was an injustice and would greatly affect the income of the vendors.

2019 PSE Award Ceremony
The top 25 performers in this year’s Primary School Examinations were honored at the 2019 PSE Award Ceremony on Wednesday. Proud educators, parents and students convened at the Belize Civic Center to be commended for their time and commitment dedicated to achieving these accomplishments amongst a cohort of over 7,000 participating students. The students were bestowed with plaques and certificates for their exceptional performance, as well as congratulated by the Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister of Education, Hon. Patrick Faber. “We are here to bring together the bright sparks of our students who made this year in the spotlight.

Both St. Martin De Porres girls and boys are Belize City 2019 Primary School Basketball Champions
The National Sports Council sponsored Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Tournament 2019 held its championship finals in both Female and Male categories yesterday afternoon at the Bird’s Isle basketball court, where both the girls and boys of St. Martin De Porres Primary School emerged as champions. The competition, which tipped off on Tuesday, May 28, featured only 3 girls teams and 13 boys teams, and the results of the male semifinals on Monday of this week suggested that the finals would be a tight contest. In the first semifinal on Monday at Bird’s Isle, St. Martin De Porres boys dominated Belize Elementary boys, 40-28...

Cricket Corner – Games getting hot!!
To all cricket lovers, pleasant time of the day to you! Under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, the Sir Barry Bowen/ Harrison Parks Cricket Competition 2019 playoffs started last Saturday with a bang, as BDF took advantage of Summer Fever on BDF grounds, and Berlan won over Excellence by a near margin. Before getting into specifics of both games, I take this opportunity to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Miss Marcia Talbert and Excellence Cricket Team on the loss of Marcia. May her soul Rest in Peace.

Dangriga Mayor’s Cup final regular season game results; Sampson Proper Fix makes playoffs
The regular season of the Dangriga Mayor’s Cup 2019 competition was completed tonight with the playing of a back match, where Sampson Proper Fix clinched the last playoff spot in Group A when they bombed Hope Creek Pumas, 7-0, with goals from Alton Carr (21’ & 40’), Dwayne Sampson (43’ & 53’), Dylon Williams (80’ & 56’) and Myreque Francis (69’). The top 4 Group B teams had already been decided; but in Group A, the 4th playoff spot was up for grabs among 3 teams – Pomona Impacts and Hopkins Ibayani with 13 points each, and Sampson Proper Fix at 11 points, with the back match remaining against Hope Creek Pumas, who were clearly out of playoff contention at 7th place with only 9 points.

COBY donates school supplies & equipment to Wesley Lower School
The COBY Foundation Basketball Camp and 3 on 3 Knockout Tournaments tipped off at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon at Bird’s Isle with Day 1 of a 2-Day Clinic focusing on FUN-DA-MENTALS and DISCIPLINE; and while the Clinic was still underway with over 50 youths in attendance, the Foundation President, Evondale “Coby” Coburn took a break at 4:00 p.m. to present some sorely needed school equipment and supplies to Wesley Lower School, which is located on Albert Street. The printers, tablets/pads, school bags and other miscellaneous school supplies, to a value of over Bze $1,400.00, were received on the Bird’s Isle court by Mrs. Shirley Saldano, Principal of Wesley Lower School.

Editorial: Elected Senate is no mirage
We noted last week, June 11, that Mr. Henry Gordon, who is a former Senator, Chief Meteorologist, and Cabinet Secretary, and is presently a pastor, constitutionalist, newspaper columnist (Amandala), and television host (Plus TV), declared that an editorial suggestion in the Amandala that Belize ditch the 13th Senator Senate for an elected Senate, was a mirage. Mr. Gordon wrote in his column: “What benefit, if any, would Belizeans enjoy by simply replacing the 13th Senator with an Elected Senate, as was suggested in the editorial in the Tuesday Amandala of June 4, 2019?” Mr. Gordon is a highly educated man, and very dedicated, but he may be showing frustration. He shouldn’t snatch away a candle that has never been lit, to protect a candle (13th Senator Senate) that has not delivered, and, by its composition, cannot.

Sally (and Leonardo) Caretella write(s) from Esperanza
Dear Editor, In your March 29 edition of the newspaper, you printed a letter from Candy and George Gonzalez headed “20 years of misinformation.” I read that letter and was in total agreement with it — an extremely good summary of all that has happened (or not happened) here in Cayo. Unfortunately, I did not write in support of that letter; I felt it stood on its own. Now in the Amandala of June 7, comes BECOL’s response. I wondered who could possibly have written such a letter claiming that the courts had dismissed BELPO’s claims as baseless. I seem to recall listening to then Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh in the Supreme Court giving the judgement in favour of BELPO.

You want one answer to Belize’s challenges? Sing Unsung Heroes (and be one)!
Amidst the murders, traffic deaths, the lack of effective governance, politricks and…and….etc., there are plenty of good things happening and good people making it happen. In all walks and facets of life across the Jewel, Belizeans toil with the hope that their labor is not in vain and things will improve. From rural primary schools with bright eyed children and dedicated teachers, farmers, construction workers, fishers, sanitation workers, and so on, I know they toil in hope (and so families can eat). This hopefulness is not the strength of the Belizean elite, generally speaking. Many are cynical, judgmental, and impatient while cloistered in walled cocoons of self-righteousness and privilege (not to put too fine a point on it. I digress).

Fry never trust big fish
Media in Belize have been playing up the fact that the candidate who got the most votes in the election that was held in Guatemala on June 16, to choose a new president, has some blood relationship with us. Sandra Torres, a former First Lady of Guatemala who is now the candidate with the most votes in the first round of the Guatemalan presidential election, is a sister of a prominent Belizean, Mrs. Narda Garcia. Narda is also the wife of a high-ranking PUP, former Corozal Southwest area rep, Dr. Greg Garcia. Sandra Torres is not the only candidate in the Guatemalan presidential pool of hopefuls with connections to Belize. Her running mate, Carlos Raúl Morales, spent some of his youth in Belize, and is married to a Belizean lady, with whom he has fathered two sons.

Yucatecas de Goshen y Pembroke Hall
Catalina María Rosado era para entonces parte de una tradición de matrimonios yucatecos con los ricos escuderos de Goshen y Pembroke Hall, las dos fincas más grandes del norte. A diferencia de las familias criollas e incluso blancas, las historias familiares españolas no comienzan con la llegada de un solo hombre blanco: los inmigrantes yucatecos incluían hombres y mujeres en igual número, y la movilidad no se limitaba a los hombres. Stephens observó que las mujeres yucatecas superaban a los hombres en una proporción de dos a uno, mientras que Belize era una tierra de terratenientes y comerciantes no casados.

US Trafficking in Persons Report places Belize on Tier 2 Watch List
The United States Department of State issued its Trafficking in Persons Report today, Thursday, June 20, and the opening sentence of the report noted that Belize “did not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so.” The report placed the country on the US’s Tier 2 Watch List, after noting the government has made significant efforts during the period the report covers. A press release today from the US Embassy in Belize said, “The theme of this year’s TIP Report introduction is ‘The National Nature of Human Trafficking: Strengthening Government Responses and Dispelling Misperceptions.’ It invites governments to address all forms of human trafficking with a special emphasis on when it takes place exclusively within the borders of one country, absent any transnational elements.”

Raise in SSB contributions a “political” decision, says SSB CEO
There have been quite a number of political spins surrounding the Belize Social Security Board phased-in two percent increase in the contributions required from employees and employers, which has been done to maintain the viability of the Social Security Board fund so as to guarantee that when future generations of workers reach retirement age, they will be able to receive benefits from the fund. In response to a blistering attack from the Opposition People’s United Party via a press release yesterday, Monday, June 17, the Social Security Board called a press conference today at its Belize City office, at which the Social Security Board (SSB) chairman, Doug Singh, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Colin Young, vigorously defended the SSB’s increase and a three-page memorandum written to Cabinet that Dr. Young had penned and controversially captioned:” “How the U.D.P. can leverage S.S.B.’s sustainability to gain political advantage.”

The war against Sargassum
For years, Central America and the Caribbean have been plagued by the presence of the dreaded Sargassum. This brown algae first started affecting Belize on the coast of San Pedro, creating a foul odor as it accumulates and rots at the water’s edge. Since as far back as 2015, reports have made it to the public about the Sargassum’s rapid spread to other areas such as Caye Caulker, Hopkins and Placencia. In neighboring countries the phenomenon has grown to alarming levels and destinations such Quintana Roo have even declared the situation to be an imminent natural disaster.

Danny Mason’s murder trial fails to start because of his attorney’s no-show
William “Danny” Mason and the four other men who are accused of the beheading murder of Dangriga Pastor Llewellyn Lucas in July 2016, appeared in the Belmopan Supreme Court of Justice Antoinette Moore for the resumption of the trial this morning, but the case could not proceed, because Mason’s new attorney did not show up in court. The hearing was then adjourned to the afternoon, but when the attorney again failed to appear, Justice Moore adjourned the case until Monday, June 24.

The Reporter

Huge RTA Involving 18 Wheeler On The Hummingbird Hwy
An accident occurred on the Hummingbird Highway this evening involving a 18 wheeler (photo), multiple sources have said that as many as five persons were badly injured. More details about the incident will be available here later.

It’s Not You, It’s Your Job
By: Dr. Abigail Joseph - It’s generally a routine for me to wake up at 6am and just lay in bed and stare at the ceiling until 6:30 – (yes, I am one of those people that have 2 alarms). In that moment I would contemplate and question myself on just how important my job was, if they really needed me, if they would notice me gone and most people’s favorite…should I call in sick?

Mayra Arfona, offering a Healthy Alternative to re-hydrate
You may have driven past her, or you may have stopped at her yellow tent on Coney Drive to patronize her coconut water business; but whatever day you have seen or communicated with Mayra Arfona, you would have quickly gathered that here is a single mother who is struggling to feed her children, but doing it in a noble way and while serving you with a smile.

Round 1 To Street Vendors
In a release issued Thursday evening, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams explained that the Police will back down from a directive issued a week ago which would have forced late-night street vendors to close early. In the release, Williams states that he “has discussed the matter regarding the closing of the Street Venders at 12:00 midnight with the Minister of National Security, and is of the view that it amounts to a deprivation of the vendors’ rights to work. It was also agreed that this practice must cease and desist with forthwith.”

Police Investigating Another Triple Homicide
Police believe that three bodies which were found in the past 24 hours, one Thursday evening and two this morning, are linked, and that the three men were killed at the same time and dumped into the sea. Up to dusk today, Coast Guard and civilian personnel were conducting searches off the coast of Belize City, because two other men are still missing, and are presumed dead as well.

Special Constable Detained After Questionable Kidnapping
Jacinto Luna, 31, a Special Constable employed with the Belize City Council has made a Police report to the Belmopan Police that he had been kidnapped and the rented Toyota 4-Runner he was driving, worth $70,000, was allegedly stolen from him. It is a case that Police are investigating and have no clue as to where the rented SUV is at this time.

Belizean Chefs To Present Local Food Internationally
The best of Belize’s culinary experts who competed in this year’s Taste of Belize competition and won will now be tested starting this weekend by the best among their ranks in the region in the Taste of the Caribbean competition. Our pride and joy had a test run last weekend when they put on display at the ITVET on Sunday an array of their dishes for the public to sample with sponsorship from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB).

Supreme Meats Robbed At Gun Point At Closing Time
Last week Friday (June 14th.) at approximately 7pm. it was closing time for Supreme Meats at #116 Cemetery Road, and that day was not routine for the butcher, because two robbers entered the business establishment and held him up – one armed with a knife and the other with a handgun.

Search Intensifies for Missing Men
The disappearance of two men from San Pedro Town since last week Thursday has created quite a stir among family members, friends and members of the Belize Police Department who have teamed up and launched multiple search parties with the hope of finding them.

Belize Coast Guard Receives Honor Graduate Award
The Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard is proud to acknowledge Lieutenant Alma Pinelo for receiving the Honour Graduate award after successfully completing the International Maritime Officer Course at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia, U.S.A.

From A Dark Place
By: Mike Rudon Jr. – I write this from a dark place, because every day I am forced to walk through the wreckage left behind by a life of drinking. Each day it is pushed in my face. Each day I stumble and trip over some reminder, some snide comment, some insult or scorn pushed into my path. I am forced to accept that this may never change. I can change.

SHYNE AND SECOND CHANCES!
They say everybody deserves a second chance but apparently not when you enter politics and not when you are the son of the sitting Prime Minister. Shyne Barrow’s decision to enter electoral politics has ignited a heated debate about who exactly should be allowed to sit in the House of Representatives.

Editorial
The first round of presidential elections in Guatemala, held on Sunday, June 16 has produced a woman candidate, former First Lady Sandra Torres, as the front runner and clear favorite over second placed Alejandro Giammattei. If her luck holds, she will become Guatemala’s first woman President in her country’s 198 year history.

Breaking Belize News

Man murdered in Corozal Town
Almost two hours ago a murder was reported in northern Belize. It occurred in the San Andres area […]

Governments of Belize and Taiwan team up for investment mission
The Governments of Belize (GOB) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are teaming up to […]

Toledo West Area Representative raises concerns over increases in drivers, gun and captain licenses
At the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Representative for Toledo West, Oscar Requena […]

Italian Vincenzo Annese introduced as new Jaguars coach
Italian, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, has been appointed national men’s football coach on a one year […]

Abetment charge dropped against student
A Victoria Street student accused of aiding in the commission of a crime back in […]

Eamon Courtenay resigns as Senator
With effect from June 11, 2019, according to the National Assembly of Belize website, “the […]

Minister of Finance alleviates staffing concerns at new Tax Department
Responding to concerns raised during the debate on the Tax Administration and Procedure Bill, 2019, […]

House considers bills on a wide range of financial issues
The House of Representatives meets shortly in Belmopan after a break occasioned by multiple special […]

Conservation organizations applaud government of Belize for decision to protect the Maya Forest Corridor
A group of conservation organizations issued a joint statement this week, applauding the decision by […]

Ministry of National Security reverses curfew on vendors
The Ministry of National Security and Police Department have heeded warnings against impinging on the […]

Belize and Taiwan sign letter of intent for tourism cooperation
As a part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic […]

Police find another body in less than 24 hours
In less than 24 hours another body has surfaced in Belize. This one was found […]

Lieutenant Alma Pinelo is 1st Belizean & 1st woman to receive honor graduate award
The Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard says that it is proud to acknowledge Lieutenant […]

Travis Cooke found dead near Swallow Caye
The body of Belize City resident, Travis Cooke, was discovered yesterday evening off Swallow Caye. […]

Thirty-one youths successfully complete Belize Youth Challenge Program
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation and the Ministry of National […]

Belizean sergeant major inducted into Excellence International Student Hall of Fame
Belize Defense Force’s (BDF) Senior Enlisted Advisor Force Sergeant, Major Roberto Pop, has been inducted […]

COMPOL and National Security Minister call off street vendors curfew
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams issued a statement yesterday explaining that he has met with […]

LOVE FM

Leader of the Opposition accuses UDP of “purging” tax departments
Parliamentarians engaged in a meeting of the House of Representatives today in Belmopan, Cayo District. Coming up in the exchange between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition had to do with the amalgamation of the General Sales Tax Department and the Income Tax Department. In today’s meeting, the establishment of a Belize …

Driver’s license will have a new look
The Taiwanese government has been assisting the Department of Transport in the upgrading of its driver’s license system. The four-year project dubbed “Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and License System” commenced in 2017. It is in keeping with the government’s vision to utilize communication technology in order to promote e-government, which will allow for greater exchange …

Lighting teachers paths
Pathlight International is a faith-based organization which has been operating in Belize since 2008. The organization provides scholarships for students as well as training for teachers. Consuelo Godfrey, the Associate Teacher Trainer Director spoke about this year’s teachers conference. Consuelo Godfrey – Teacher Training Director, Pathlight International: “Teachers come to our conference for three reasons: …

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications Dr. Chia-Lung Lin visits
Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications Dr. Chia-Lung Lin visited Belize this week. His visit was very short but managed to meet with government ministers and leaders of town and city councils from across the country. Chia-Lung Lin told Love news that he was here to represent Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-Wen for the celebration of …

“Taiwan Belize It”
Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will mark thirty years of diplomatic relationship with a fair, which will be held tomorrow at the Memorial Park in Belize City. There is a lot to celebrate since the relationship has been a very fruitful one. Taiwan has contributed to the development of the country in countless …

Lieutenant Almita Pinelo graduates with honors from US Coast Guard Training Center
Tonight we start our newscast with some positivity and good news. Lieutenant Almita Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard graduated this morning from the US Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia. The 29-year-old was the Honor Graduate, meaning she came in first out of a cohort of thirty-nine students from twenty-eight countries who …

Taiwan’s Mission to engage the tourism sector
In February, the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated sixty thousand US dollars earmarked for trade development to the Government of Belize. As a part of the initiative, two investment missions to Belize is expected to take place in order to increase foreign direct investments in Belize’s major sectors and as a result promote economic growth. …

Blogs

San Pedro Tour Operators come to rescue the reef
On Ambergris Caye, where reef-related tourism is paramount, one group of vested stakeholders have taken the lead in restoring reef areas that have been affected. According to the president of the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA), Everette Anderson, it is essential that the members of the association be part of the solution. “Here on Ambergris Caye, there are many of us who depend on a healthy reef for our livelihood. As tour operators, we can take the initiative to find solutions in restoring our damaged reef, and with the help of local tour guides, volunteers, and the business sector, we can make a difference. We want to set an example that we, as a private-sector-led conservation organization, can do our part in protecting the dive and snorkel sites we use every day,” he explained.

International Sources

Heads of State and Government Officials from Caribbean to Attend Mr. Seaga’s Funeral
Several Heads of State and Government Officials from the Caribbean will be in attendance at the State funeral for the late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, on Sunday, June 23. The State funeral for Mr. Seaga will be held on Sunday, June 23, beginning at noon, at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, 1 George Headley Drive in Kingston. Interment will follow in National Heroes Park.

Multinational task force begins deployment during hurricane season to Latin America, Caribbean
Southern Command officially kicked off their 2019 deployment with an opening ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, June 21. Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández and U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Faller, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, attended to welcome the SPMAGTF multinational team and reaffirm the importance of this deployment. “The [SPMAGTF-SC] is one of the many ways U.S. Southern Command is strengthening partnerships here in Honduras and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Adm. Faller.

Innovation helps rebuild Belize’s coral reef
Hurricane Iris made landfall in southern Belize on October 4, 2001. It was the deadliest storm of the season. Six days later, communities across Belize and other parts of the Caribbean and Central America were left with US$250 million in damages. When the 14-feet-high tidal surges subsided, the fishing village of Placencia and Laughing Bird Caye National Park were decimated. Times were hard for the Placencia community who had lost homes, farms, fishing grounds, and all means of feeding their families. When the coral died, fishermen from the village also noticed that the fish disappeared. Fragments of Hope was borne out of Belize’s moment of despair. The community-based organization is the first in Belize to adopt micro-fragmenting, a revolutionary super coral growing technique. The pioneering group is also the first to take on the coral growing in Belize, which many believed couldn’t be done.

Caribbean fisheries ministers’ respond to Sargassum scourge and IUU fishing
aribbean fisheries ministers who met for two days last week in Saint Kitts and Nevis underscored the need for the region to take urgent action to address the ongoing Sargassum scourge, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing—two of the most pressing challenges responsible for multimillion-dollar losses to the regional economy. Eugene Hamilton, minister of agriculture, health, national health insurance, human settlements, community development, gender affairs, social services, land and cooperatives, of St Kitts and Nevis, delivered the feature address at the official ceremony of the 13th regular meeting of the ministerial council of the Caribbean regional fisheries mechanism (CRFM), Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the Marriott Resort in Frigate Bay, St Kitts and Nevis.

Videos

June 21, 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, Reef TV, KREM, and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Belize Now, Talk Ah Di Town, and other specials.

The San Pedro Sun

The University of Belize (UB) Celebrates its Twenty-Sixth Commencement Exercise In Belize City and the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young, receives UB’s first Honorary Doctoral Degree
The University of Belize, Belize’s national and premier degree-granting University, conducted its Twenty-Sixth Commencement Ceremony on June 15th, 2019 at a colorful and packed Belize Civic Center. It conferred degrees with pomp and ceremony on 1041 students at the Associates, Bachelor and Master levels. This weekend’s commencement exercise was also historic as the University conferred sixteen (16) MBA Degrees to its first cohort of graduate students. This Master’s program was launched eighteen (18) months ago through the University’s Faculty of Management and Social Science (FMSS).

It’s official: Lobster Season is Open!
Friday, June 15th marked the opening of the 2019-2010 Lobster Fishing Season. The opening of the season also signaled the start of the San Pedro Town Lobster Festival. The annual island celebration of the Spiny Lobster started with the Lobster Passport Crawl and will end on Saturday, June 22nd with a grand block party at Central Park. Official San Pedro Lobster Fest activities started on Thursday, June 13th with a Lionfish Tournament at Estel’s Dine by the Sea. The party continued Friday, June 14th with a Pop-Up stand at The Commons by Cook Inc., Madisco and Iguana Juan’s Restaurant and Bar. At night, passport crawlers made their way to Pirate’s Treasure Restaurant for a special lionfish themed Chef’s Table Dinner.

San Pedro U-15 and U-17 lose third match in the Inter-District Football Tournament
For their third match in the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Youth Inter-District Football Tournament, San Pedro’s Under-15 (U-15) and Under-17(U-17) team traveled to Belmopan City on Saturday, June 15th. Both island teams went against Belmopan teams and lost their respective matches. For their next match, San Pedro teams will be hosting Belize’s District teams at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town on Saturday, June 22nd. The games are scheduled to begin at 11AM. All islanders are invited to come out and support the youngsters in their home game. Food and drinks will be on sale.

Belize upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List in the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report
The United States Department of State released the 2019 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report today. Belize has been upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List after demonstrating notable improvements in victim services and strengthening the anti-trafficking police unit. The 2019 TIP Report assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 187 governments, including the United States. The theme of this year’s TIP Report introduction is “The National Nature of Human Trafficking: Strengthening Government Responses and Dispelling Misperceptions.” It invites governments to address all forms of human trafficking with a special emphasis on when it takes place exclusively within the borders of one country, absent any transnational elements.

Paul Jex’s murder trial set to begin in October 2019
Over a year since his murder at the entrance of the San Pedrito subdivision, Paul Jex’s alleged shooters will be tried in the October session of the Supreme Court of Belize. Jex passed away from a fatal shot to the head following a shooting incident on January 23, 2018. Another man, Dion Neal was also injured during the shooting but survived. Following investigations, Delson Paguada, Timothy Carcamo and Tionne Paguada were jointly charged with the crime of ‘Murder’ on January 29, 2018.

Various Belizean Sources

An incredible honor bestowed on an incredible Belizean woman, Alma Pinelo!
The Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard is proud to acknowledge Lieutenant Alma Pinelo for receiving the Honor Graduate award after successfully completing the International Maritime Officer Course at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown Virginia. Lieutenant Alma Pinelo is the first Belizean to have received this prestigious award. Her name and Country will be enshrined into the Honor Graduates Hall of Fame. Congratulations

Belize Zoo Conservation Camp
TBZ is now accepting applications for our 2019 Conservation Camp. Deadline is Wednesday July 10th. It's going to be another great "Zoo Camp!" Still plenty of spaces.

Temporary Teaching Positions for September & November 2019 available at the Corozal Methodist School
Deadline for submission is Monday, June 24th 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Applications should be addressed to Mr. Henry Neal, Local Manager and dropped off at the school's main office on 1st Avenue. For further information call 422-2839.

JOB OPPORTUNITY - Senior Accountant at Las Vegas Hotel and Casino located at the Corozal Free Zone

Lobsterfest Event: The Price Is Right!
Friday, June 21, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM. Get ready for the return of our best game show event ever! This Friday The Truck Stop will be playing THE PRICE IS RIGHT, and contestants chosen randomly from the audience will have a chance to win HUGE prizes and showcases -- including trips, flights, and excursions! This show has so many big prizes that we can only do it once a year. So, if you think you have what it takes COME ON DOWN to The Truck Stop for your chance to win!

Letter of Intent Signed between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) for Cooperation in Tourism
As a part of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Belize and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signed a Letter of Intent on a framework for tourism cooperation. The signing took place in Belize City on June 19, 2019. The Letter of Intent is a first step towards bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism to further strengthen communication and collaboration between both countries, promote information sharing and knowledge transfer, and support professional expert exchanges and capacity building programs.

Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel
The Ministry of Finance announces that on June 21, 2019, the pump prices of three fuel products will decrease as follows: Premium gasoline will decrease by 41 cents from $11.54 to $11.13 per gallon. Diesel oil will decrease by 46 cents from $10.25 to $9.79 per gallon. Kerosene will decrease by 11 cents from $7.83 to $7.72 per gallon.

SBDC Workshop: Introduction to Quality and Standards
Presented by: Mr. Lloyd Orellano, Standards Officer, Belize Bureau Of Standards. Location: Beltraide Conference Room 14 Orchid Garden Street, Belmopan. Workshop Date: June 27th, 2019. Time: 9am to 12 noon. CALLING OUT ALL ENTREPRENEURS, ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS This Workshop is for you!!! Objective: * To equip participant's with the knowledge to develop or improve their product labels according to the national quality standards of Belize. Topics to be covered are: Overview of BBS, Importance of labelling and requirements under the six labelling standards. Free of cost.

Indian dance workshop in Corozal Town
COEICH is inviting anyone who is interested in learning Indian dancing. Samanta Ramkarran, a professional dancer from Trinidad & Tobago will be conducting an Indian dance workshop in Corozal Town , July 3 through August 3, 2019. Please inbox the Corozal Organization for East Indian Culture and Heritage Facebook Page for early registration.

Cayo International Day of Yoga
The International Day of Yoga is this Sunday, June 23rd, and the Cayo event will be held at Falcon Field. It starts at 10:00am, and it's free. "We will be having a free yoga event for #internationaldayofyoga2019 at Falcon Fields starting at 10am - 12:30pm. More details to follow soon!"

Congratulations to the 31 graduating members of the Belize Youth Challenge Program!
We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Dumbo, I am Mother, Hotel Mumbai, Nightmare Cinema. *We're closed Saturday. For the past 5 years no one has came to the movies during the Lobster Fest block party .. so we figured we'd let the kids go out and get weird on a Saturday night for once.. See you Friday or Sunday*

International Costa Maya Festival Flash Sale
Missed the first FLASH SALE? Well we're having another one! SATURDAY - JUNE 22...Only at the Costa Maya Festival Office on Barrier Reef Drive. See you Saturday!

ASUNCION EK
General Asuncion Ek was the leader of several villages found in the Yalbac hills(Belize) and eastern Peten with it's centered San Pedro Siris. Following the attack destruction of Chichanha many of it's inhabitants lead by Asuncion Ek went to found the town of San Pedro siris and they became known as the San Pedro Maya. The autonomous area led by General Asuncion Ek collected rents from the British mahogany workers. In 1861 when the British were demarcating the western border north of Garbutt's falls and the expansion of logwood operations created mistrust between the San Pedro Maya . In 1966 the British broke trust of the San Pedro Maya by sending a West India regiments in Maya territory. This was when the San Pedro Maya leadership made a alliance with Marcos Canul and the Icaiche .

Channel 7

Long Languishing in Tier 3: US Upgrades Belize on Human Traffic List
The US no longer lists Belize as a Tier 3 Human trafficking country; we've been upgraded to the Tier 2 watchlist. This is news after the US State Department today released the 2019 Trafficking in Persons report today. A release says "Belize has been upgradedafter demonstrating notable improvements in victim services and strengthening the anti-trafficking police unit." Belize has been listed as a Tier 3 country off and on since 2006 - and since 2015, we have made that undesirable list every year - joining only one or two other nations in the America's.

Commissioner Pleased With Upgrade
It should be noted that the Trafficking in Persons Report assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 187 governments, including the United States. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges is quoted as saying, quote, "The Ministry of Human Development and its private-sector partners did a commendable job in increasing efforts to protect victims and boost prevention through awarenessWe continue to call on the Government of Belize to fully implement the anti-trafficking law by vigorously investigating and prosecuting suspected traffickers, including complicit officials, and imposing strong prison sentences on convicted traffickers...." end quote.

Police Digging Deeper in Case of Unlicensed Belmopan Driver
As we told you last night, a 15 year old unlicensed driver has been charged for knocking down and killing 8 year old Our Lady Of Guadeloupe student Gabriela Corrales. Based on our information, on Tuesday afternoon, Corrales was riding home after school. She went through the Dakers parking lot, she kept riding until she stopped by the Taxi stand on the road side. That's when she took off across the street on the pedestrian ramp and the 15 year drove off at the same time in A Toyota Land Criiiser with no license or insurance and struck little Gabby. The vehicle crushed her head. Today at the police press briefing, Supt. Hilberto Romero from the national crime investigation branch told us that they are still looking into other elements in this case.

Hot Dog Hostilities on Hold, Police Reach Tacos Truce with Food Vendors
Police commissioner Williams was also pressed to speak about the situation with the late night street food vendors in Belize City. Recently police have been shutting them down at midnight - as a measure to control people moving about at dangerous hours. But, the commissioner says they may need to do a re-think. Williams says there must be some compromise made to ensure that these vendors do not suffer. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "The vendor issue is something being done by the Officer Commanding in Belize City. I try as much as I can not to interfere in whatever policing strategy that they might have..."

Body With Bullet To Head Found Floating Off City Coast
And there's late breaking news tonight that police have found a body floating near Isabella Caye. This evening at 5:20, Police and Coast Guard found the unidentified body of a creole descent male believed to be in his late teens, with a gunshot to the head. He is short, slim built and has this tattoo on his chest "Beulahee". Police are asking your assistance in identifying this John Doe.

Taiwan and Belize Celebrate Friendship With Commemorative Stamps
As we told you last night, Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications, Lin Chia-Lung is visiting Belize on official business. He arrived yesterday and today he signed tow more important agreement with his local counterparts. This morning at the Radisson, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding and unveiled a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps celebrating Belize and China's 30 years of friendship.

Drivers License Upgrade? Thank Taiwan
And the whirlwind of activities between the Belize Government and the visiting high-level delegates from the Taiwanese Government continued this afternoon at the Radisson Hotel. That's where Transport Minister Edmond Castro and representatives of the Taiwanese Ministry of Transport and Communications held a ceremony to outline the major in-roads that the two governments have made to implement a project called Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and License System. The ambitious project was launched in November of last year, and the intention is the Department of Transport will have a centralized database system with information on all licensed drivers and registered vehicles in the entire country. By sometime next year, no matter what district, town or village you live in, and are where you are registered as a driver, your driver's license, and the license plates on your vehicle will have a standardized look.

Planning For Disasters in The Era Of Climate Change
One wrong move or error in a disaster response plan can result in the death of a victim and even a rescuer. That's why coordination is key. The Department of the Environment and BATSUB have partnered with other agencies such as NEMO and the fire department to strengthen their coordination skills and to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows their role. The team held a Show and Tell Exercise called "Exercise Tropical Alliance Phase 2" at the Ladyville Price Barracks. Here is more from the demonstration.

Kia Driver Made A Left Turn at Deadly Junction
On Tuesday we told you about the early morning accident at the airport junction. Today police gave us the official report on the accident and said that the Kia Sportage driver Jason Pascual will turn himself in. Here is more from police. ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB: "Reference the accident that happened on Tuesday, what we understand is that Mr. Jeremy McLaughlin was on his way to Belize City and whilst reaching at the airport junction..."

Multiple Leads, Nothing Conclusive in Talbott Murder
There are no major leads in Marcia Talbott's murder case. She was the security guard who was shot and killed while on duty at Bowen and Bowen Crystal Bottling Company in Ladyville on Sunday. Police say they are still investigating multiple leads. ASP Alejandro Cowo- OC CIB : "Well, police is continuing with that investigation. I know that several persons have been detained...."

Alleged Drug Trafficker Who Ran From Mexico Gets Free in Bz
In January of 2018 - it caused an international incident when a Lincoln Navigator licensed in Belize - and found with 14 points of cocaine in a hidden compartment on the Mexican side of the northern border - busted away from the Mexican customs and raced towards Belize. Driver Robert Gentle, crashed into the customs fence at the northern border three weeks ago - but escaped the Mexicans. And, now it seems the alleged drug trafficker has also escaped Belize law enforcement.

No Charges Yet For Net Vasquez Jr Murder
Commissioner Chester Williams says investigators are still in the process of interviewing other detainees who were at the Queen Street police station at the time Nestor Vasquez Jr. was viciously attacked and beaten, and later died form his injuries. At this time, Vasquez's attacker Colin Francis has not been charged as yet. Here is more. Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "The investigators are still putting a case file together..."

Two Dozen Pounds of Weed
Last night customs officers made a major 24 pound weed bust in Orange Walk. Commissioner Williams told us more. Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Last night, members of Customs were conducting a checkpoint somewhere in the Orange Walk District and they intercepted a pickup truck..."

Fuel Prices Dip Across The Board
If you need to fill up on fuel, wait until tomorrow. That's because prices of Premium, Diesel and Kerosene are going down - and by a fair amount. Premium gasoline will decrease by 41 cents from $11.54 to $11.13 per gallon. Diesel will decrease by 46 cents from $10.25 to $9.79 per gallon.

New National Football Coach Says He Wants New Culture, New Personnel
As we told you a few nights ago, Belize's National Football selection has a new coach. He is Italian Vincenzo Alberto Annese. He's coached all over the world including Palestine, Ghana, Latvia, Kososvo, and others. Now, he says he wants to bring a winning culture to Belize - and it could mean a change of personnel:

The Challenge of Youths
Your probably know about the National Youth Cadet Service Corp, and the many young men who've graduated from it. This program was the Department of Youth Service's initiative to reach out to at-risk young men, engage them productively teach them the principles of military discipline practiced by the Belize Defense Force. Well, that program is now being succeeded by a fledgling initiative that both the Ministry of Human Development and the Ministry of National Security are collaborating on. It's called the Belize Youth Challenge, which was introduced in October 2017. The ideas and designs are very similar to the Louisiana Youth Challenge, which is run by the Louisiana National Guard.

Hon. Castro, Taiwan, Te Amo
Over the past two nights on the news - the friendship between Belize and Taiwan has been center stage. But, the truth is Taiwan has a diminishing number of global allies as mainland China picks them off one by one. The island nation is now down to the low teens in terms of the numbers of allies - and Belize is still one. We asked for how much longer:..

Police Promotions Not Straightforward Test Performance
Today Commissioner Chester Williams spoke on the police promotional exams. There were some concerns that some of the many officers who failed the exam still have a chance of getting a promotion. Williams told us this is not out of the ordinary. He says he must take each officers record and overall contribution on a case by case basis.

Serious Stabbing in Illicit Move
Sharing is caring: well for two men in Ladyville, that principle went out the window. One stabbed the other because he did not want to share a joint. Police told us more about this curious stabbing incident.

Channel 5

Ministry of National Security Reverses Curfew on Vendors
The Belize Police Department has lifted a vendors’ curfew that was introduced a couple days ago. As we’ve reported since the start of this week, street vendors who operate from [...]

COLA Condemns Police’s Curfew for Late Night Vendors
The reinvigorated Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, COLA, has jumped on the matter. The grassroots organization has been monitoring the situation and according to President Shawn Saldano, the only [...]

Belize Upgrade to Tier 2 in U.S. Department of State’s 2019 TIP Report
Belize is making progress in its fight against trafficking in persons and the U.S. Department of State has taken notice. In the 2019 U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons [...]

Major Drug Bust in Orange Walk
There was a major drug bust on Wednesday night in Orange Walk. Personnel from the Belize Customs Department were conducting routine patrols when they intercepted a pickup truck containing ten [...]

Investigation Continues into Deadly Beating of Nestor Vasquez Jr.
The Commissioner of Police also gave an update on the deadly beating of Nestor Vasquez Junior. The sixty-year-old mental health patient was in police custody when he was fatally attacked [...]

A Body is Discovered near Swallow Caye
CIB and coastguard personnel have been dispatched to Swallow Caye where the lifeless body of an unidentified male was discovered floating in the sea late this evening.  The corpse which [...]

Stabbed over a Cigarette, Abraham Leslie in Critical Condition
Abraham Leslie remains in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after he was stabbed on Monday afternoon. Just before three p.m., Ladyville police were called out to [...]

A Near Fatal Accident at the Airport Road Junction
Also in a critical condition at the K.H.M.H. is Jeremy McLaughlin. McLaughlin was riding a motorcycle on the Philip Goldson Highway when he collided with a vehicle near the intersection [...]

Did Guatemalan Minor Attempt to Flee Accident Scene?
Eight-year-old Gabriella “Gaby” Corales will be laid to rest on Friday. The standard-two student of Our Lady of Guadalupe RC School in Belmopan was knocked down and killed on Tuesday [...]

Are Melvin Montesino and Silverio Cal Dead?
Where are Melvin Montesino and Silverio Cal? The two men went missing one week ago when they headed to the north side of Ambergris Caye on a motorcycle. Despite several [...]

U.S. Captain Ordered to Pay $30K for Damages to the Reef
On May thirtieth the forty-foot sailboat “Shambella” grounded on the Belize Barrier Reef. On board was US national James Garreth, along with a German National. News Five has confirmed that [...]

A New Driver’s License is Coming Our Way
Belize is preparing for the introduction of a new driver’s license system.  With financial and technical assistance from the Taiwanese government, a new driver’s license will be created and it [...]

Pump Prices of 3 Fuel Products to Decrease
As of midnight tonight, three fuel products will see a notable decrease. Premium gasoline will decrease by forty-one cents. The new price will be eleven dollars and thirteen cents per [...]

Belize National Team Gets a New Coach
The Belize National Football Team has a new coach. He is thirty-four-year-old Vincenzo Alberto Annese from Italy. The coach, according to the F.F.B., has extensive coaching experience that spans from [...]

Belize and Taiwan Signs M.O.U. and Unveil Commemorative Stamps
Today, Belize and Taiwan held a short ceremony to unveil three commemorative stamps and sign an M.O.U. to improve the postal services in Belize. The three stamps are designed to [...]

Postal Services Upgrades to Benefit Customers
So, what does this M.O.U. mean for postal services in Belize and for the users of this service? Postmaster General James Gabriel says this boost comes at a critical juncture [...]

Day of the Seafarer: “I am onboard with Gender Equality
June twenty-fifth is recognized annually across the world as the “Day of the Seafarer.” This year’s theme is “I am onboard with Gender Equality.” It is used to raise awareness [...]

Belize Youth Challenge Graduates 31 Cadets
Today, thirty-one young men from across the country proudly marched up to receive their recognition and award for having successfully completed the 2019 Belize Youth Challenge. The initiative is modeled [...]

Healthy Living: International Yoga Day
This Sunday at ten-thirty a.m., yoga enthusiasts from across the country will synchronize their practice in honour of International Yoga Day. Healthy Living has all the details about this annual [...]

The Reporter

Body Of Belize City Young Man Found On Swallow Caye
Just off the coast of Belize City is a small mangrove island named Swallow Caye and it is mostly a wildlife sanctuary. This evening the body of a Belize City young man was found on the island, with a gunshot wound to the head, he has been identified as Travis Cooke.

Breaking Belize News

Taiwan hands over new drivers license system
The Belize Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing System (BMVRALS) is soon coming on stream. Developed […]

Fuel prices cut for premium and diesel oil but prices trended up in first half of 2019
The yoyoing of fuel prices continues. Cuts were announced today by the government to take […]

Belizean man shot and killed allegedly by his son in Ohio, USA
A Belizean man was gunned down in Barberton, Ohio on Wednesday morning, and police have charged […]

Non-profit group promotes useful ideas for open government
This week, the Trust for the Americas, a not-for-profit organization and affiliate of the Organization of […]

U-23 Female Volleyball National Team goes to Nicaragua for Central American Championship
The U-23 Female Volleyball National Team will depart Belize for the IV Central American U-23 […]

Marijuana seller stabbed by customer
Marlon Casey, 24, of Ladyville, was arraigned Wednesday for a stabbing reported to be the […]

Model young people rewarded for “Du Di Rait Ting”
For fourteen years, the Belize Police Department’s “Du Di Rait Ting” program has sought out […]

Belize’s Female National Team qualifies to Olympic Qualification Tournament
Belize’s Female National Team placed second in the 2019 Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship that […]

Police explain shutdown of late night vending
Those seeking a late night bite to eat will need to head out earlier, as the […]

Senior citizen in trouble over drugs
Sixty-five-year-old Henry Armstrong, known as “Mission,” owes the courts major money for separate convictions on […]

Fair weather to continue
Generally fair weather is expected to continue today. Sunny skies with some cloudy spells are […]

Belize upgraded to Tier 2 on Trafficking in Persons report
Today, the United States Department of State released the 2019 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. […]

Belize Coast Guard Lieutenant receives Honor Graduate Award at US training center
Belizean Lieutenant, Alma Pinelo was honored with the Honor Graduate award yesterday in Virginia. Pinelo […]

Man stabbed in apparent weed deal gone bad
One man is recovering from stab wounds and another imprisoned over a weed deal reportedly […]

Belize Network of NGOs hosts membership meeting in Belize City
Yesterday, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) held a general membership meeting at the Belize Audubon […]

LOVE FM

2nd Intake of Belize Youth Challenge
The Second cohort of the Belize Youth Challenge (BYC) passed out today. The uniformed cadets were in great form as they were presented to their parents and family in front of officials from both Ministries of National Security and Human Development. The BYC, formerly the National Youth Cadet Service Corp was designed to intervene and …

3 stamps unveiled with MOU signed between Chunghwa Post and the Belize Postal Service
This year marks the 30 anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Belize. A high level diplomat, Dr. Chia-Lung Lin, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for Taiwan flew to Belize to sign a memorandum of understanding between Chunghwa Post and the Belize Postal Service to improve the technology used by our post offices. Ministry …

Police honor 10 youths from across country for doing DI RAIT TING
14 years ago, former commissioner of police, Gerald Westby attended a police meeting in Miami, Florida in the United States. At that meeting, a man who previously handed a gun over the police department received a certificate. That experience was the seed that transformed into the “Do Di Rait Ting” program. Since the launch in …

Blogs

A Trip to Belize City, A Bestselling Book, The Museum of Belize and An Update
So yesterday I was off to Belize City – to try to figure out the right/best/most cost-efficient way to get this book printed and for sale on Ambergris Caye and to run some other errands. The view from Central Park San Pedro just before I hopped aboard my water taxi to Belize City. After the errands, I had half an hour – and I went to the Museum of Belize. Where YEARS ago I saw one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen – the crown jewel of Belize. The largest piece of jade ever found from the Maya era – the Jade Head of Belize. The building itself is FASCINATING and terrifying. It was the Belize Central Prison from 1857 to 1993! And some of the display inside – and the thick iron doors and the tiny dark cells…are harrowing.

Public Service Information Day 2019
Today, Public Service Information Day 2019, is happening right at Corozal Central Park. Belize Customs and Excise Department, BCVI, Corozal Town Council, Belize Diabetes Association Czl, Belize Red Cross, Labour Department, Income Tax Department, Department and Youth Services,NDACC, Police Booth, Department and General Sales Taxes, Corozal Library and lots more booths are out here giving information for the public to be informed about Their Departments across Belize. To be informed about what they do on their daily works for Belize. If, you have any questions, come out right now at Corozal Central Park to ask questions.

International Sources

Belize takes place at tourism’s top table
Selling Travel has published in-depth article about Belize’s tourism growth and also plans for the future! Click below to read what BTB's very own Director of Tourism Karen Bevans had to say about our unique country

Belize upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List
The U.S. Department of State released the 2019 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report today. Belize has been upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List after demonstrating notable improvements in victim services and strengthening the anti-trafficking police unit. While Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons, the report recognized the efforts the Government of Belize made over the last year.

Llega la Guardia Nacional a la frontera de México-Belice
Belizeans take note. The Mexican government has sent reserve national security personnel at the Belize-Mexico borderline to help regulate illegal crossing over to the Mexican territory! El gobierno federal desplego 300 elementos de la Guardia Nacional en la frontera México-Belice para apoyar al personal del Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) en la contención de migrantes centroamericanos. Los elementos de la Guardia Nacional que llegaron a Quintana Roo fueron enviados a las aduanas Chactemal, Subteniente López y en el punto fronterizo de la comunidad de la Unión.

Honduran President Deploys Military Across Nation Amid Chaos
President Juan Orlando Hernandez (JOH) announced orders to the Honduran military Thursday to deploy to all parts of the country to stamp down the ever-widening protests against the neoliberal policies of his administration. This follows an overnight emergency session with his National Defense and Security Council after a violent night of protests turned deadly.

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