November 9, 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

San Pedro Drowning
Reports are that a male resident of San Pedro Town drowned around 2PM on Friday, November 8th while fishing out at sea. According to unofficial reports, two island residents went out fishing in a kayak, without life jackets. According to the victim’s friend, while out at sea, their kayak turned over. The friend then swam back to the island seeking help. It took him about two hours to make it to the island, where he was assisted by some hotel employees, who went out and retrieved the body. The San Pedro Police Department is yet to issue an official report on the incident, as they are conducting their official investigation.

Belize removed from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to the International Business Companies Act and the promulgation of the Economic Substance Act on October 11th have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the ‘blacklist’).

UNHCR trains journalists in the proper coverage of refugee stories
Hoping to increase media personnel’s knowledge on issues regarding asylum seekers and refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosted a workshop on Saturday, November 2nd, in Belize City. The all-day event taught journalists from across the country on properly reporting sensitive issues involving vulnerable persons to avoid causing harm or exposing them to danger. The seminar also covered the statistics of refugees in Belize, their origins, and a view of this global phenomenon.

Aerated Septic systems now required for businesses operating at Secret Beach
As Secret Beach on the north-west coast of Ambergris Caye continues to develop into a popular destination for tourists and Belizeans alike, concerns for the surrounding natural environment have prompted local authorities to set measures to make businesses more environmentally friendly. The San Pedro Sun has confirmed that every business establishment at Secret Beach is now required to build an aerated septic system, or The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) will not renew their liquor license. (SPTC).

Crocodile poaching incidents increase on Ambergris Caye
The poaching of crocodiles continues to increase on Ambergris Caye according to the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES). On Thursday, November 7th via their Facebook page, ACES shared that two island crocodiles have been targeted by poachers within 24 hours of each other. One was able to be saved thanks to reports from vigilant residents. However, they were unable to rescue the other. ACES managed to save the crocodile named ‘Fluffy’ from an illegal trap. A resident of the area told ACES that she saw a man wading through the water, and when she asked him what he was doing, he admitted that he was trying to capture a crocodile. She addressed him of the illegality of this offense, after which he left.

Mining Unit addresses irregular dredging on Ambergris Caye
Over the past weeks, dredging has been ongoing near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, within the vicinity of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR). While these dredging projects, mainly for sand, have permits and one is under the consent of The San Pedro Town Council, a few irregularities have caught the attention of the Mining Unit in the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Unit, which is responsible for allowing dredging, is addressing alleged reports that no silt curtains are being installed within these areas as required. Failure to comply with such regulation can lead to fines or even the revocation of permits previously granted.

Ambergris Today

Belize Removed From European Union’s Blacklist For Tax Purposes
Belize’s Removal from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes Belmopan. November 8, 2019. The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services.

The Dangers In Pride
by Selenie Perez - Pride is a nasty feeling that consumes our time and consequently our life. It poisons our mind, while its feeds our ego; pushing everyone away, the ones who truly love and appreciate us, for who we are. We are left with a feeling so vile and selfish. It happens in all of us at some point, while for some it is just for short time; others carry it out for as long as it takes.

Various Belizean Sources

Belize’s Removal from the EU List of Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions for Tax Purposes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union (EU) has released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on November 8, 2019. The ECOFIN Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states and is responsible for economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to the International Business Companies Act and the promulgation of the Economic Substance Act on October 11th have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the ‘blacklist’).

Mr. Andre Perez on Caye Caulker
The presence of Mr. Andre Perez who is the Standard Bearer for the People's United Party, was felt yesterday as he was on Caye Caulker launching his campaign for the 2020 general elections. His team captured footage of key areas of the island that Mr. Perez stressed on, and his focus is aimed towards the sewer issue that has been plaguing the island. He also expressed concerns on the lands that have been given out. Civilians greeted Mr. Perez with excitement and expressed their support for the People's United Party. The Voice Of Caye Caulker spoke with Perez and he explained to us that being a good listener for the people is an important trait that one must have when running for office. Our colleagues at Reef TV in San Pedro will be releasing the official video launch on their station.

Ya'axché Conservation Trust: JOIN US As GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist
We are securing the services of a GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist – with a strong interest in conservation science – to contribute to our growing geospatial data work in the Toledo district. He/she will be assisting program directors in carrying out various GIS and Remote Sensing related tasks and projects Deadline to submit application is Saturday, 4th of January 2020. Visit our website for more details.

Southern Ambergris Caye Neighbourhood Watch General Meeting November 13
It is that time again. Our general meeting will be held Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 pm Lone Star Grill & Cantina. If you are still "up North" getting ready for your trip down, be sure to leave a little extra packing space. We will be sending out an email of patrol needs and wants very soon.

What Happens During the Belize IFF
The 14th Belize International Film Festival (Belize IFF) ends on Sunday, November 10th with a closing ceremony at the Bliss Center in Belize City. Dozens of films, shorts, and documentaries from across the planet have been curated to be shown to a Belizean audience. A special category for local music videos was created to highlight content creators in Belize who do not often get recognition for their craft. That public viewing takes place at Thirsty’s Belize City on Saturday night while a free public viewing of films are showcased also on Saturday night at the Digi Park. While these venues are hoping to attract new people to film, traditional viewing takes place at both the Bliss Center and the Ramada Princess Cinema. Regional movies are highlighted as well as productions that have been done in Belize. HARPOON and MY FATHER BELIZE lead the pack with US and Canada teams while several other films are homegrown.

Movie Night in the Park- This Saturday in Belize City

The Caye Caulker Fire Department held a simulated fire exercise Friday at the split
The motive behind the drill was to practice safety techniques in the event of a fire or a civilian being trapped in a burning building. The drill Operation was an effort organized by the CCBTIA to do a practice on effective measures in the case of a fire and to assist with casualties. A total of of 39 people participated in the drill. We extend our kudos to the CCBTIA and the Fire Department for thinking ahead and having the safety of our Hicaqueños in mind.

Forum on Food and Nutrition Security
Members of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition (BPAHM) gathered this morning at the Marion Jones Conference Room in Belize City for a forum on Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize. In his address to the gathering, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Patrick Faber, said his Ministry is planning to scale up school feeding in Belize as well as ensuring that school children are fed one healthy meal a day. The Minister of Agriculture, the Senator the Honourable Godwin Hulse, who is also a member of BPAHM, spoke about the importance and benefits of school gardens in Belize. On the other hand, the representative of the Ministry of Health informed of the Ministry’s initiatives in the promotion of wellness and prevention of malnutrition in Belize.

Prime Minister Departs the Country
The Office of the Prime Minister informs the public that the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, Friday, November 8th, 2019, on a personal family visit. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will return to Belize on Tuesday, November 12th, 2019.

Minister Aragon Attends Seventh Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in the Americas
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. returned to the country after attending a series of meetings, including the Seventh Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in The Americas (MISPA VII) in Quito, Ecuador. The meeting, which was organized by the Organization of American States (OAS), was held from October 30th to 31st. Topics addressed at the meeting included transnational organized crime, acts that threaten and undermine democracy, and human rights issues. The purpose was to promote regional cooperation among member states of the OAS in an effort to deal with these problems collectively.

Cayo Arts Festival 2019
The SISE HoC will be having the 2019 Cayo Arts Festival on Saturday, December 7th. This year, the event will be held at the Macal River Park. If you are interested in displaying your art, call 824-0783 for more information. "Calling on all artists and artisans & food vendors ,registration is now opened for the Cayo Arts festival .Contact us at 824-0783 for more information."

Aquila Tour Guide Trainings
with BTB.

Channel 7

Teenaged Jaswant, Missing In the Morning, Dead In The Afternoon
Last night, we told you about the missing persons case of Jaswant Brooks. He's the 18-year-old from the Lake I area of Belize City who mysteriously went missing on Monday. His family instinctively knew that something was wrong because, according to them, he has never failed to come home like that before. Their worst fears were confirmed this afternoon, shortly after 2:00, when someone called the police saying they spotted a body in the mangrove swamp, off the George Price Highway, near mile 6. The cops and his family showed up, and his father positively identified the body as his son's. It appeared that his body was already in a state of decomposition.

Teenager's Body Found Floating in A Mangrove Swamp
That morning's search ended just before midday, and less than 3 hours later, police received a call from a civilian who said that he saw a body on the other side of the highway, further down from the bridge. They responded, and after they retrieved the body from the mangrove swamp, Kent Brooks Senior was quickly able to identify the body as his missing son, Jaswant. It's the tragic end that the family was hoping wouldn't come, but which they were mentally preparing for. After police removed the body from the crime scene, we spoke with Jose Espat, who helped with the search. Here's what he and the victim's aunt had to say about the devastating discovery:

Alrick Carcamo Killed
29 year old Alrick Carcamo was ruthlessly gunned down by a masked figure last night. Sometime around 8:40 a gunman entered the yard of a home and furniture store on Raccoon Street extension. Carcamo ran for his life but was pursued and gunned down, shot to the abdomen and finally collapsed in a swampy open lot a stone's throw away on Fire Lane. We spoke to the mother of the man that discovered Carcamo's body. She says that Carcamo was targeted and that he may have been hiding out in this neighborhood.

Knocked Down and Killed Six Year Old, Got Off With A Fine
He was charged with manslaughter for knocking down and killing a 6-year-old girl in 2017, but former Police Constable Albert Martinez has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct. Just after 6:30 p.m. on February 26, 2017, Dawn Swasey, and her daughter, 6-year-old Ashanty Pollard were walking on Krooman Road. They were heading home, and when they arrived at the intersection of Fabers Road Extension, a vehicle came up from behind and knocked down little Ashanti. She died on the spot from the injuries she suffered. A police report on the incident said that police intercepted Martinez shortly after the incident, and according to them, he was quote, "traveling at high speed." End quote.

A Forum For Ending Hunger
The Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition met this morning at the Marion Jones Complex. They met to better focus and solidify their plan and the legal framework to combat hunger and malnutrition in schools and the wider population. It's difficult task to get all Belizeans on the same page because many are already used to eating all that rice and bread, but change in eating habits can come by early intervention with the youth. Here's more from the meeting to consider "Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize."

Deputy Faber Rejects Whispering Campaign
Last night you saw our extended interview with Patrick Faber about all things having to do with the race to be the next leader of the ruling UDP. And, tonight, we have more from that interview. We asked Faber to respond to some of the grumblings we've heard in the background from his Cabinet colleagues. Reporter: "But at a certain level, they di talk 'bout you. And what they're saying about you is that you are disrespectful to your colleagues. You don't respond to your colleagues, you don't treat them with respect, you disrespect, ahm, you've been disrespectful to - I am told - a senior member of the cabinet, right in the cabinet. I'm just saying..."

Faber Says Vega Perception Will Hurt Party
But Faber is worrying about the possible re-emergence of Gaspar Vega as a candidate for the UDP. The Orange Walk North representative seems to be flirting with the possibility of a comeback - and was in the front row at the recent John Saldivar convention. Now, he's not currently the standard bearer; in fact, there is none after Dr. Homero Novelo stepped down two months ago. So will Vega step up? Well, even he refused to answer that question. But, Deputy Leader Faber says, if he does, he would have a problem with it:...

PM Takes Leave, Faber Takes Charge
And while Faber is strategizing about how to line up delegates for a convention success, he will have to set those aspirations aside if only for a few days because he'll have more pressing concerns: he's acting Prime Minister for the next few days. The Prime Minister's office announced today that Prime Minister Barrow departed the country today, Friday, November 8th, 2019, on a personal family visit.

Hon. Hulse Waits Impatiently For Immigration Report
Senator Aldo Salazar is the chairman of the the Special Senate Select Committee charged with putting together the report on irregularities at the Immigration Department. But, it's been two years in the making - and recently Salazar told the media it's not done yet, basically, because he's busy. He referred to exigencies of his personal and political life which the NTUCB called a lame excuse. His Senatorial colleague Godwin Hulse was not so unkind - but today, when the pressed asked him about it - he seemed to be impatiently waiting:

Belize Tries to Get Off Anti Doping Blacklist
In August of 2018, the National Anti-Doping Organization - known as NADO - was suspended by RADO - the Regional Anti-Doping Organization. Well, today, NADO was trying to get off that blacklist with an important two day training at their office at the Marion Jones Complex. The certification training will re-vitalize NADO, restore their spot in the Regional Anti-Doping Organization and in the long run, equip NADO with skills and legal tools to handle their own sports doping cases. I found out more at the training this morning.

Greg Choc, From Activist to Attorney
In the early two thousand's Greg Choc rose to prominence as a national figure - always on the front-line for Maya land, cultural, and human rights. At the time he was the head of SATIIM, The Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, and, indeed, became synonymous with that organization. But in 2014, Choc abruptly took a step back and decided to go to law school at UWI in Barbados. Today, five years later, he was called to the Bar at the Supreme Court. He spoke to LOVE TV after and said that becoming an attorney is just a different way to tackle the same problem of disempowerment.

Radiology, Deeper Than Your Think
Today is the International Day of Radiology - and while that might sound about as interesting as taking an X-Ray, really there is a lot more to it. Imaging is a key diagnostic tool in modern healthcare - and today the importance of it was celebrated with a display at the KHMH:... Dr. Carillo, Head of Radiology Department, Diagnostic and Inventory Radiologist: "This exhibit is to bring across the message of the importance of imaging in modern healthcare it's something that is being celebrated. This is the 8th year it's being celebrated and its actually the first time we're celebrating it here at the KHMH it's just to make people conscious about the importance of what we do."

Politicos Point Fingers
UDP Candidate for Freetown OJ Elrington and the Belize City Council are in a squabble over a basketball court - and like those elephants when they fight - only those who want to shoot hoops are being harmed. Elrington was the first to strike last night accusing the council of quote, "waging war against the youths of Freetown." In a Facebook post, he accused them of "removing the back boards and rims from a community park so a community basketball tournament cannot be played." He called it, quote, "petty, infantile, and utterly disgusting."

The Cathedral of St. John The Baptist Restored
One of Belize City's key historical landmarks is looking sharper than it has for a few decades! Phase one of the restoration work at St. John's Cathedral Church has been completed. It included the stabilization, repair and refurbishment of the brickwork, windows, doors, west and east entrance gates, and roof of the building. The restoration of the church was funded primarily through the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, a project funded by the GOB and The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF).

Channel 5

Missing Man Found Dead
Missing teen, Jaswant Brooks has been found. He was murdered and dumped in some shallow waters in a patch of mangroves off the George Price Highway.  As we’ve reported, eighteen-year-old [...]

Alrick Carcamo is Gunned Down by Masked Man
Twenty-nine-year old Alrick Carcamo was shot after eight o’clock on Thursday night but his lifeless body was not found until two years later in the south side of the City. [...]

E.U. Removes Belize from Tax Haven Blacklist
Belize has been removed from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions following a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the European Union which was held in Brussels today. [...]

Get Your Popcorn and Enjoy the Show, says Opposition Leader
The ruling United Democratic Party is gearing up to select its new leader and the process is causing a major rift within the party. Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar is [...]

Gapi Still Reaping Ministerial Benefits Two Years After Resigning
Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega continues to enjoy all allowances made available to him by the Government of Belize, despite no longer being assigned a portfolio.  Since he [...]

John Briceño Wants Gaspar Vega to Return to Electoral Politics
Opposition Leader John Briceño has also commented on the re-emergence of Gaspar Vega, his political opponent in the north. Vega appeared on Sunday in support of John Saldivar at Saldivar’s [...]

Attorney Greg Ch’oc is Called to the Bar
At the Supreme Court this morning, the well-known former executive director of SATIIM, Gregory Ch’oc was called to the bar.  Ch’oc gained national prominence for his work to promote the [...]

Albert Martinez Guilty of Causing Death by Careless Condition of 6-Year-Old
In the courtroom of Justice Colin Williams, the case of forty-five-year-old Albert Martinez concluded. He was spared jail time after taking a guilty plea to the lesser charge of causing [...]

P.U.P. Leader: “it is more than just the forty thousand dollars”
After public outrage peaked, the Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo, on October-thirty first announced that the forty-thousand dollars debt owed by Joshua Perdomo, his son, had been paid.  This is after [...]

John Briceño Calls on U.D.P. Government to Write Off Student Loans
And since the government was quick to write off the Joshua Perdomo loan, the People’s United Party is calling on the Barrow Administration to do the same for hundreds of [...]

Take Back Lands in Place of Taxes Owed, Says Opposition Leader
On October twenty-sixth, a statutory instrument signed by Minister of Natural Resources, Hugo Patt was gazetted. Through that S.I., the government extended the most recent land tax amnesty. The amnesty [...]

The Political Battle for Belama’s Basketball Court
Every Thursday, for the past year, Belize City youths have been converging at a community basketball court in Belama Phase Two for the Ball is Life tournament. The tournament, however, [...]

Focusing on “Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize”
A parliamentary forum on Food and Nutrition Security for a Healthy Belize took place today in Belize City. Members of the Belize Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition gathered to [...]

NADO Becoming Fully Functional
In November, sports enthusiast and former footballer Carlos ‘Charlie’ Slusher was appointed a new director of the National Anti-doping Organization, NADO, which was suspended from the Regional Anti-doping Organization following [...]

International Radiology Day Celebrated in Belize
International Radiology Day is being celebrated today across the world. In Belize, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, which counts for the largest number of employees attached to a radiology unit, [...]

The Misconception about Radiology
Doctor Barnabe Carrillo also spoke on the misconceptions about radiology and the effects that it can have on patients.   Dr. Barnabe Carrillo, Head Radiologist, K.H.M.H. “It’s real that some [...]

The Restoration of St. John’s Cathedral
The Saint John’s Cathedral Church at the end of Albert Street in downtown Belize City is a landmark structure, having been erected centuries ago. Over the years, the building has [...]

Billy White to Get a New Preschool
Ground was broken on Thursday morning in the Billy White community, Cayo, where a new preschool will be constructed in the months ahead.  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education [...]

Plastic and Styrofoam Ban Take Center Stage at Film Festival
As you may know by now, last March the Department of Environment announced that a phase-out of single use plastics and styrofoam. Once that phase out is over, there will [...]

Belize VU Donates $60K Worth of Security Cameras to Benque Police
Benque Viejo police received sixty-thousand dollars worth of surveillance cameras. The donation was made by a security tech company called Belize VU and the technology and infrastructure for the project [...]

Amandala

Politicians are corrupt because people are corrupt …
There was one notable absence at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Patrick Faber, was not present, because he was a guest speaker at the University of West Indies’ (UWI) 2019 Country Conference in Belize City. Faber did not have to face his Cabinet colleagues, many of whom turned up on Sunday in support of Hon. John Saldivar, the Belmopan area representative vying for the party leader post that Faber is also contesting. Faber used the occasion to make comments that can only lead to him being further isolated from his Cabinet colleagues, in the run up to the United Democratic Party leadership convention.

Kasheif Bevans pleads guilty to manslaughter, sentenced to 21 years
Kasheif Bevans 25, of Jane Usher Boulevard, Belize City, who has been on remand for the murder of Derrick Romero, 18, who was shot and killed in his yard on May 6, 2015, pleaded guilty to manslaughter when he appeared in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court before Justice Herbert Lord. The guilty plea was accepted, but before passing sentence, Justice Lord heard impact statements from Romero’s mother. Bevans told the court that he was sorry for what he did and begged Romero’s family to forgive him. Justice Lord then handed down a 21-year sentence.

Dream Like City robbed
Four robbers, two armed with pistols and one whose face was covered with a cloth, went into the Dream Like City Night Club on the Philip Goldson Highway at about 9:00 last night and held up the eight customers and the cashier who were in the club. ASP Alejandro Cowo said that a security guard at the business was also subdued and held captive with the other victims of the robbery. The bandits pointed their guns at their victims and demanded their money and their valuables, and they got what they wanted without firing a shot or injuring anyone.

Jashawn Brooks, 18, missing
Jashawn Brooks, 18, a construction worker of Lake Independence, left home on Tuesday morning to go to a nearby store and he has not been seen or heard from since. He was found this afternoon, Friday, at this location on the George Price Highway During the regular police press brief held this morning at the Raccoon Street Police Station, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alejandro Cowo said that police and Brooks’ family members have been searching to find the teenager since he was reported missing on Tuesday.

Global Leadership Summit 2019 kicks off Entrepreneurship Month
The month of November is internationally and locally recognized as the month of entrepreneurship, and during that month a variety of events are usually held to promote the entrepreneurial culture globally. This year, Entrepreneurship Month commenced with the launch of the second annual Global Leadership Summit at the Bliss Institute of Performing Arts. The two-day conference was held on November 1 and 2 and was attended by 600 spiritual, corporate and political leaders and other attendees seeking to participate in discussions about effective leadership styles.

The Belize International Film Festival is back again!
The 14th Belize International Film Festival began on Wednesday, November 6, at the Bliss Institute of Performing Arts with an opening ceremony and a screening of the films, “My Father Belize” and “On Happiness Road,” the former of which has been showcased at multiple film festivals in the region and has been gaining praise and attention from its viewers and critics. According to the mission statement for the festival, the event was started with the intent to “stimulate film and audio-visual appreciation and production in Belize and its surrounding regions,” and for many citizens, it has provided a new avenue for creativity and expression.

The key to LeadHership
Another highly anticipated event held during Entrepreneurship Month is Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED). This year, to commemorate the day, the LeadHership Conference was held at the Princess Ramada Hotel on November 6. As its name suggests, the LeadHership Conference is all about empowering women to take up prominent roles in society and educating them on how to handle the challenges and triumphs of owning and/or leading a business.

Carlo Habet produces “Time to Eat,” a Belizean short movie
Carlo Habet, a film producer and director, produced a Belizean short movie named “Time to Eat”. It will premiere at about 7:00 tomorrow evening at the Princess Cinema No. 2 in Belize City during the Belize International Film Festival. The movie will also be shown during a red carpet event at the Bliss Institute on Saturday night, during which it will be live-streamed and uploaded to YouTube, so that those who cannot make it to the Princess Cinema or the Bliss Institute can see the movie on YouTube wherever they are.

Wesley College hopes to win the Battle of the Drums in Dangriga
Students of Wesley College, as part of the activities leading up to Garifuna Settlement Day, will travel to Dangriga to participate in the Battle of the Drums contest, which will be held on Friday, November 8. Edison Ogaldez, a senior teacher at Wesley College, said that the Battle of the Drums group has been practicing and that they are ready. The Battle of the Drums competition for high schools will be held at the Stann Creek Ecumenical High School compound, and high schools countrywide will be competing. The Wesley College Battle of the Drums contingent will be led by the school’s principal, Joan Tillett, and Edison Ogaldez.

City Council caucus votes unanimously to appeal Candice Miller case
On Friday, October 4, Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel handed down a decision in a case brought against the Belize City Council by the former City Administrator, Candice Miller. Justice Abel, reading from a 21-page judgment, had ruled that Miller was wrongfully terminated. The cross-lawsuit that the Belize City Council had filed in an attempt to get back the one million dollars that it lost when Miller failed to advise incoming Mayor Bernard Wagner that the City Council needed to file a defense in a claim brought by Belize Waste Control Ltd., fell by the wayside with the decision that Miller had been wrongfully terminated.

PUP wants government to write off 100 UB students’ tuition, instead of putting them out of classes
In a press release issued today, Thursday, the Opposition People’s United Party called on Prime Minister Dean Barrow to write off the unpaid tuition of an estimated 100 University of Belize students who have fallen into arrears in their tuition payments. The press release, captioned, “We need a write off, Mr. P.M.,” opens by declaring, “The People’s United Party registers its extreme dismay at the news that the national university, the Government- subsidized University of Belize (UB), is threatening to kick out over 100 students who are unable to meet their financial obligations on time.”

Director of Health Services confirms Belize is borrowing anti-retroviral medicine from Trinidad
Belize has been experiencing a chronic shortage of anti-retroviral medicine, the life-saving drug used by the HIV positive population. Belize purchases its anti-retroviral drug from India, but the drugs have been on order and is expected that a supply will be arriving in the country sometime in December. Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, updated the media yesterday on what the Ministry of Health has been doing to address the critical shortage, which could have a negative impact for persons living with the HIV virus.

Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers’ 6th biennial conference opens in Belize
Opening ceremonies were held this morning for the 6th Biennial Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) conference at the Biltmore Plaza Hotel under the theme “Judicial Integrity — the Pathway to Public Trust”. Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in his welcome remarks, told members of the legal profession that although complaints concerning judicial conduct are not legion, they are frequent enough. “Because there are seemingly no ready avenues for dealing with judicial discourtesy”, the Prime Minister said, “This has caused some people to ask the age old question, ‘Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”

Flood waters cause much damage in Benque Viejo and surrounds
Torrential rains in the Cayo District caused flash floods on the Macal River early Monday morning that impacted Benque Viejo, San Jose Succotz and surrounding areas. About 400 families were affected by the floods, and they had to be evacuated to shelters by NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization). The families lost household furnishings and other personal belongings, and some of their houses and vehicles were damaged by the raging flood waters.

Multi-agency raid unlicensed illegal money exchange in Corozal
A multi-agency task force consisting of police, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Belize Tax Services conducted an operation at Almacen Shanti, a store in Corozal Town that was suspected of being an illegal money exchange business. The raid occurred last Thursday and a large quantity of cash in Belize, United States, Canadian, Quetzal, and Mexican Pesos was seized. Police say that the raid yielded over $100,000 US dollars, 1.6 million pesos, $181,000 Belize dollars, 122,000 rupees, $350 Canadian and a few hundred quetzals.

From The Publisher
I’ve given my sons this joke, if you want to call it that, a few times over the decades. I remembered it yesterday because my younger brother, Ronald, the kidney specialist who has been our family’s success story for decades, popped in from Arizona to do his consultancies at the KHMH, and when I went next door to visit him, he himself was being visited by Roman Catholic nuns, Sister Dianne and Sister Sarita. Religion is a confusing thing around me where my family is concerned. My father, the eldest of five children, was the only one amongst his siblings who was baptized and raised as a Roman Catholic. My mother is a devout Methodist. My paternal aunt, Grace, is a Baha’i. My wife is a Jehovah’s Witness.

Tony Wright’s grandson, Marques Warrick committed to University of Northern Kentucky in 2020 season
In his final year at Henry Clay High School of Lexington, Kentucky, USA, a grandson of Krem Radio personality Tony Wright, 17-year-old Marques “Ques” Warrick has reportedly verbally committed to attending the University of Northern Kentucky in the 2020 basketball season. A standout shooting guard in his high school team, Ques has been sought by a number of scouts from different universities, but he has apparently opted to stay close to home and his parents, American born Marcus Warrick and his Belizean born wife, Therese, who is the daughter of Tony Wright.

Belize Elementary girls and Holy Redeemer boys are Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Champions 2019-2020
The female and male championship finals of the Belize City Primary Schools Volleyball Tournament 2019-2020, which tipped off just over a month ago on September 30 with 9 female teams and 12 male teams, were played today at the Stars Gym in Belize City. In the female championship, it was a close but straight sets victory for Belize Elementary School, 25-23, 25-18, over Hummingbird Elementary School. And in the males, the CODICADER Gold Medal team, Holy Redeemer School grabbed the, 25-16, 25-19, win over Hummingbird Elementary School.

Toledo All Stars are FFB Female U-17 Inter-District Football Champions 2019
The Isidoro Beaton Stadium was the venue on Saturday, November 2, for the championship final in the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Female U-17 Inter-District 2019-2020 Opening Season. (The Female U-15 Inter-District championship preceded the Female U-17 final at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.) After a scoreless first half, at 60th minute goal by Elsa Coy stood up for regulation, to give Toledo All Stars the 1-0 victory over Corozal Selection.

For the love of Belize: a part of the Compton Fairweather story
On Monday, November 4, following a brief illness, Compton Fairweather, a man who had lived his life serving Belize selflessly, passed away, leaving a legacy the likes of which has been compared to those of national heroes George Price and Philip Goldson. Fairweather, the son of Reverend Gerald Fairweather and his wife Estelle Swasey-Fairweather, was born on March 15, 1931, in San Ignacio. Fairweather’s parents were itinerant, and so in his youth he grew up in different districts in the then colony of British Honduras. He attended Anglican schools at St. Paul’s, Corozal; St. Peter, Orange Walk; St. Andrews, San Ignacio; and St. Michael’s College and Belize Technical College in Belize City.

Pathway to Benque and Belize City started
A section of our pathway was put back last week, and let us all pray that a good start leads to a good ending. The plan should be for the pathway to connect from Roaring Creek to Santa Elena, and beyond. Wouldn’t it be glorious if there was a pathway across the breadth of our country, from Benque Viejo to Belize City? Then children and youth, and older people too, could walk, or ride (if they ride slowly, carefully) to wherever they want to go in this section of the country.

From British Honduras to Belize: one family’s drama
Several months passed with no further word about the dreaded subject when, one Tuesday night, a young woman about her age or a little older was admitted to the maternity ward of the hospital. Nowadays all personal information about such patients are recorded when they attend the free pre-natal clinic; but during those times patients could just appear at the hospital with their bundle or suitcase and a file was created on the spot by the Admissions section. The form the young woman had filled out contained the usual personal details as well as those of the child. There was a blank next to “Father’s Name,” but this was not unusual then as now, and did not affect the treatment given to the patient. After several hours of labour a baby boy of light brown complexion had been delivered to the dark-skinned young mother.

Flamboyants from Henry Young to beautify the highway
Former Minister of Tourism, Henry Young, says he has always wanted to see the highways of Belize looking beautiful with flowering trees, and today he handed me about 30 flamboyant plants he set in pots himself, at the Bird’s Isle. Mr. Young also gave me a little chum to pay kids to plant a flamboyant tree in their yard. These villages on the highway did not develop in a very organized way, and many of the yards are small, so it will take some time to find the spots to set the plants. The BEL wires are along the sides of the road, so we will have to set the plants a little distance off. After we’ve set the flamboyant plants, I’m thinking that maybe he’ll have to confine the effort to flowering shrubs.

Commissioner Williams says crime not as bad as last year
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, was upbeat two weeks ago when he reported to the media about the number of violent crimes this year. Williams, who became Police Commissioner in January 2019, swore that the crime scene would improve with him at the helm. The cynics might have said that, the crime situation being so horrific, he could hardly do worse than his predecessors, but the fact is that he could. Every commissioner of police in recent years has had to answer for an ever-worsening crime situation in the country.

The results were predictable – madness!
Dear Editor, I was born in a time when elitist education was the order of the day (1970s). Currently, both globally and locally, there is a move to increase access to education. There will definitely be a compromise on quality in most western educational institutions. Belize and most of the Caribbean cannot afford to lose at least about 25 % of our youth, who never get a tertiary education in a modern world that will require advanced training beyond high school. However, the schools’ modus operandi are designed for students like I was — a non-violent student with a good academic background and supportive mom.

Editorial: Commissioner Williams says crime not as bad as last year
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, was upbeat two weeks ago when he reported to the media about the number of violent crimes this year. Williams, who became Police Commissioner in January 2019, swore that the crime scene would improve with him at the helm. The cynics might have said that, the crime situation being so horrific, he could hardly do worse than his predecessors, but the fact is that he could. Every commissioner of police in recent years has had to answer for an ever-worsening crime situation in the country.

The Reporter

Violence Erupts in Burrell Boom
The usually quiet community of Burrell Boom Village was disrupted on Sunday night by multiple shootings, one of which left a Village Councillor dead, and the other a man wounded and rushed to the KHMH. The violence started to unfold just after 8:30 p.m. on Sunday night when the body of Aaron Baptist, 27, was discovered lying face-up inside an unpainted bungalow in the village.

Swing Bridge Was ‘Accident Waiting to Happen,’ Says Contractor
The dilapidated Belize City Swing Bridge was an “accident waiting to happen,” according to Bill Lindo, the contractor who was hired to repair and restore the bridge. While Lindo would not comment much further on the matter, he did indicate to the Reporter on Monday that had the Belize City Council not embarked on repairing the bridge when it did, a serious situation could have arisen.

CitCo to Appeal Court Award To Former Admin
The Belize City Council will not give in so easily to the October 4th. order that Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel gave them to pay former Belize City Council Administrator, Candice Miller $378,000 for wrongful termination.

The Soft Hand
‘El Salvador President rules out talks with criminal gangs – El Salvador President Nayib Bukele ruled out negotiations with criminal gangs on Tuesday and vowed to go after their finances in a bid to reduce violent crime in the Central American country.’

A Tribute To Compton Fairweather
In place of the usual Editorial the Reporter will dedicate its space this week to pay tribute to a man of incredible talent and fortitude, the late Compton Fairweather, CBE, OB.

ORGY ON THE SEA Belize Isn’t Ready for That, Says Tourism CEO
A video recording that circulated this week with a group of people engaged in sexual activities on board a catamaran raised concern among those who saw the recording; and while many might view the activity as totally immoral and downright cheap, it is not a crime, according to the Attorney General, once the activity is done in a private setting.

Body Found In Swampy Area Is Alrick Carcamo
The Reporter has confirmed the murder of a man in Belize City last night. Just after 9:00 Police were called to a swampy area in the Raccoon Street Extension near Fire Lane.

LOVE FM

Where is the Senate Inquiry report?
It has been two years since the Senate Special Select Committee was tasked to investigate allegations of corruption cited in the Auditor General’s Special Audit Report of the Immigration and Nationality Department for the period 2011 to 2013.

Yellowman Hearing posponed to December
The meeting for Brian Audinett “Yellowman” to appear before the Staff Committee for a hearing has been postponed to a further date. Back in August, PUP Standard Bearer, Louis Zabaneh, made a report to the police on words uttered by Yellowman to him as he had exited the House chambers.

Sagicor celebrates customers
Sagicor Belize held a customer appreciation day to celebrate their nineteenth anniversary as a branch in Belize City. There were games, prizes, and snacks today at their branch on Coney Drive.

Greg Choc pursues law
51-year-old Greg Choc was called to the Belize Bar Association this morning. The event was in the Chief Justice chambers on Treasury Lane, Belize City.

Albert Martinez eluded jail time
45-year-old Albert Martinez was spared jail time after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of “causing death by careless conduct” in the fatal traffic accident that took the life of 6-year-old Ashanty Pollard.

Search for Brooks has ended
The body of 18-year-old Jaswant Brooks was found just after two o’clock this afternoon in a creek just off the George Price Highway around mile six. Brooks was found dressed in only boxers and his body mangled among the mangroves.

Man found dead two hours after being shot
29-year-old Alrick Carcamo’s body was found two hours after he had been shot. He was reportedly found in waist-deep water in an open lot on Fire Lane, just off Raccoon Street Extension in Belize City.

Raid of super buy in San Pedro Town
There was activity on one of the main streets of San Pedro Town as law enforcement officers were seen raiding a store.

Drowning in San Pedro
A male resident of San Pedro Town drowned around 2PM today. Unofficial reports indicate that the victim and his friend went out to Kayak without life jackets. According to the friend, the kayak turned over so he went back to the island to seek help.

Breaking Belize News

Shyne Barrow celebrates 41st birthday with entrepreneur workshop
UDP Standard Bearer for the Mesopotamia Constituency, Shyne Barrow, posted on Facebook that there is […]

New strain of HIV virus found; scientists say no cause for alarm
Scientists have discovered a new strain of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) for the first […]

Ex-policeman fined for 2017 knockdown of six-year-old girl
By Aaron Hums: Albert Martinez, 45, a former police constable who was charged with manslaughter by negligence but had […]

Parliamentarians discuss hunger and food security
Today the Belize Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition (BPAHM) held a forum in Belize […]

South African drought situation highlights climate change concerns felt even in Belize
This week, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) premiered a short video detailing the severe drought […]

Belize represented at 7th meeting of Ministers responsible for Public Security in the Americas
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Elodio Aragon Jr. has returned to […]

Greg Ch’oc comes home, called to the Bar
Former Executive Director of the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM), Gregory Ch’oc, is […]

Belize’s growing culture of not wanting to repay debt
We all have debts, whether the money is used to pay monthly bills, to facilitate […]

Prime Minister departs Belize on personal family visit
Prime Minister Dean Barrow departed the country today, Friday, November 8, 2019, on a personal […]

Body found along George Price Highway
This afternoon, the body of a person was found along the George Price Highway near […]

Possible lead on Jaswant Brooks disappearance
Authorities are currently searching the Burdon Creek area on the George Price Highway after the […]

Blogs

Garifuna Settlement Day: Join the celebration
To the sounds of beating drums and festive dancing, we annually celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. A day set to honor the arrival of the Garifuna culture to our Belizeans shores in dugout canoes back in 1802, the holiday celebrates with much pride and revelry. In San Pedro Town, the local branch of the National Garifuna Council has prepared a vibrant calendar of activities under this year’s national theme: “Lererun Garifuna Laguchabei Labagaridun Garifunaduau! – Garifuna Language is the Foundation of Garifuna Survival!” Festivities will peak on Monday, November 18th, the eve of the 186th anniversary of Garifuna Settlement Day with the crowning of the Miss Garifuna San Pedro 2019, live cultural presentations, music, and of course drumming all night long to bring in the 19th.

Belize Aquaculture And Shrimp Farms
Aquaculture in Belize came about soon after Independence when finances in Belize were scarce due to the cost of Independence. It was seen as a way to diversify the economy formerly dependent on sugar and citrus. Belize’s modern fishing industry revolves around the capture of lobster and conch, and to a lesser extent, finfish such as snapper and grouper. Belize’s lobster industry is regulated by imposing a closed season from February 15 to June 14. During these months, it is illegal to catch, sell, or keep any lobster meat. Belize exports up to half a million pounds of lobster yearly, mostly to the United States and brings in revenue of more than $17 million annually. The second most valuable fishery in Belize is conch. Nearly 900,000 pounds of conch are exported which, in the International market fetches close to $5.00 US dollars per pound. Open season for conch is from October 1st to June 30th.

I Ate Bones and Recently Got Stolen From
This year has been a particularly low offseason for many and it is no surprise that there was some increase in island crime. Heaven help the person who thought they could benefit from stealing my sad-looking aloe vera plant. It was funny because I did not notice it gone right away and instead noticed a clump of crocuses laying in the drive as I was pulling out. Someone had uprooted them from the planter box at what used to be Atlantic International and just left them there. It was only after I returned home that I noticed my planter had “walked away.”

British Honduras River Boats
In early colonial days, settlements were carved out of the forest and the mode of transport was on horseback. In the 1800’s settlers were a mix of English, some U.S. ex confederates, loggers, cane farmers, chicleros, Mestizos and native Maya Indians. There were no passable roads; the rivers were the highways. The Mahogany Industry depended on the rivers in order to float their logs from bush to lumber yards in Belize City. Small dugout canoes called doreys were used. It wasn’t until 1925 that the first road was built, linking the districts with Belize City. Consequently, travel overland was arduous and slow. Near 1875, with the advent of the steam engine, larger vessels were built and brought to the colony by the English governors, thereby transforming travel and trade. The first to run a regular route was a vessel called, “The Pioneer”. It ran between Belize City, Orange Walk, and Corozal, with stops at the villages along the way, carrying passengers, cargo, and mail.

Belize Loves Canadians, Which Is Why You Northerners Must Visit!
Belize puts out the welcome mat for Canadian visitors escaping the cold, but for many, Belize is becoming a second home for retirees and investors, too! It’s no secret that just about everyone in the Western Hemisphere is crazy about Canadians. They put up with weather that’s horrendous. Canadians are neighborly (watch the film “Argo” to witness Canada’s generosity). And when Canadians need an escape, they’re starting to flock to Belize. Coincidence or convenience? The answer is both. Air Canada has recently increased the number of flights to Belize to meet increased demand and Westjet also services Belize by offering flights from both Toronto and Calgary. If this trend continues, many more Canadians will be found hanging around Ambergris Caye, Placencia, San Ignacio Town, and other tourism meccas.

International Sources

Black Travel Vibes – find your bliss in Belize
Regularly eclipsed by different destinations in the locale like Costa Rica and Panama, Belize is a departure that frequently gets numerous off guard. Known for its clear blue oceans, coral reefs, astounding natural life, submerged historical centers, and energetic culture, the nation is unquestionably an escape on the ascent. Travelers searching for authentic encounters will experience passionate feelings for the warm and inviting vibes of Belize. What’s more, the nation’s reasonableness implies that you can find every one of the marvels of the Central American country without using up every last cent. Innovative pilgrim Romie Williams as of late went to Belize and from the vibes of her photographs, the excursion was absolutely pure joy. Investigate our elite manual for Belize to become familiar with how to design your own adventure to heaven.

After nearly five months, still no arrests in death of Roanoke cardiologist Gary Swank
There are still no arrests in the murder of Roanoke cardiologist Gary Swank who was killed in June in San Pedro, Belize. The effects, though, of his murder continue to be felt in the Central American country. News Belize reports tourism is down nearly eight-percent from this time last year which is equal to one thousand fewer visitors. There will also be a fundraiser this weekend for the American Heart Association. OrangeTheory Fitness in Roanoke is holding a class on Saturday with a $10 donation in the name of Gary Swank.

EU removes Belize from its tax haven blacklist
European Union finance ministers removed on Friday the Central American country of Belize from the bloc’s blacklist of tax havens, according to an EU document. “Belize has passed the necessary reforms to improve its tax regime for international business companies that was due to be implemented by end-2018,” the EU document said, adding that was sufficient for the removal of the country from the EU blacklist.

Videos

November 8, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Universal Children’s Month marks Belize’s 30th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on the Rights of a Child
Universal Children’s Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of November; therefore, child welfare events are held across the globe as well as in Belize during the month. This year Universal Children’s Day is extra special for Belize as it marks the 30th anniversary of its signing on to the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC). The goal of Universal Children’s day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights, and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children. Initially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s Day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare.

San Pedro High School freshman and sophomores receive laptops
As part of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Digi Belize, and Microsoft’s new pilot Digital Education Project, 375 students from the San Pedro High School (SPHS) received laptops. The Digital Education Project gears towards creating a digital learning platform for secondary schools in Belize. On Tuesday, November 5th, during the distribution of SPHS report cards, all first and second form students also received their laptops. Both students and parents had to sign contracts and pay $60 to insure the laptops. All 375 students who received a laptop will be able to take it home with them.

BTB Mid-year report shows impressive growth
Belize’s tourism industry continues to show impressive growth according to the Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB) recent mid-year tourism insight performance release. It is the first digitally interactive publication produced by BTB to provide the tourism industry with a snapshot of tourism trends occurring over the first six months of 2019. The publication is instead of the annual Tourism Digest that is produced at the end of the calendar year and contains an overview of arrival trends in the overnight and cruise sectors respectively.

Copa San Pedro rolls into finals
The grand finale of the Copa San Pedro Football Tournament is coming to an end, with upcoming games for third, second and first place. The first round of games will take place on Thursday, November 7th, with a second and final set of matches on Sunday, November 10th at the Ambergris Stadium. San Pedrito Scorpions and Terror Squad will compete for third place, while Legends and Captain G’s will battle for the championship of the tournament. Organizers of Copa San Pedro invites everyone to the Ambergris Stadium to the last game of the season, which will see a champion on Sunday, November 10th. Gates will open from 5PM, and the championship match will commence at 7PM.

Various Belizean Sources

Rotaract Halloween 2019
The Rotaract Club of San Ignacio had their annual Halloween costume contest and haunted house at Hode's this weekend. There were some nicely thought out costumes there. "We would like to thank everyone who helped us with our Annual Costume Competition on Saturday. It was a fun night spending it with the children."

NUKUX TAT
The Nukux Tat is a powerful spirit which protects the jungle, animals and even humans. It is also known as Tata Duende,Tata Balam or el Dueño del monte. The word Tata Duende comes from the Yucatec Maya word Tata meaning elder or grandfather. Duende come from a Spanish word which originated as a contraction of the phrase dueño or Dueño de Casa. So Tata Duende means Old owner or Grandfather owner. Nukux tat is a Yucatec Maya word meaning Great father or Great elder. Tata Balam can mean Old jaguar or Grandfather guardian.

Crocodiles targeted by Poachers
Two iconic island crocs have been targeted by poachers this week within 24 hours of each other. Thanks to the vigilance of island residents, we were able to save Fluffy from an illegal trap. Fluffy is the largest female we’ve caught in recent years, and one of the few sexually mature females we’ve caught on the island within the last 18 months. Unfortunately there was nothing we could do to save Charlie. After receiving a report about a dead croc floating in the mangroves of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve protected waters on the back side of the island, we found the poached body of one of the largest male American crocs on Ambergris, known as three-legged Charlie.

COMPOL Chester Williams tours the Corozal District
COMPOL Chester Williams, joins Minister of National Security Hon. John Saldivar, in touring the Corozal District. In today's highlight, Minister Saldivar, along with COMPOL Williams, reopened the refurbished Caledonia Village Police Sub Station & met with all the Police Officers of the Corozal Police Formation. The Minister's Corozal District tour is also joined by the B.D.F. General Steven Ortega, Belize Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Boland & Senior Officials of the Ministry of National Security". Courtesy Belize Police Department

EMERGENCY MANATEE REHABILITATION PLACEMENTS
Wildtracks is urgently seeking Emergency Volunteers between now and the end of December on the Manatee Rehabilitation Team following the arrival of Nugget, the newest manatee calf intake. Nugget is still requiring intensive care, and we need to expand the Manatee team during this critical period. For this emergency period only, we will be accepting short term (2-week) placement as well as our regular 1 month placements.

Counterpart Appreciation Month
November is Counterpart Appreciation Month and Peace Corps Belize takes this opportunity to say THANK YOU to each and every counterpart in Belize who has worked with Peace Corps Volunteers throughout these years. Without Counterparts our work would not be possible. Thank you to you for taking time to work with Volunteers, teaching them about local culture and norms, taking that extra time to help them integrate in the communities and for making their service successful. Thank you for not only becoming their counterpart but also the friendships developed and those long lasting relationships. Thank you for your support for Peace Corps in Belize.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Dora: The Lost City of Gold, The Peanut Butter Falcon, The Kill Team, Good Boys

San Pedro Tourist Guide Association meeting Nov. 13
Important meeting on November 13 2019 at 7pm Discussion on the Professional Course and certificates for New tour guides.

WÁAY(Huay) - BELIZEAN MAYA LEGEND
Between the Yucatec Maya people of Belize there is the story of the Wáay . The plural of Wáay is Wáayo'ob . For the ancient Maya the Wáay refered to a animal that shared its essence with each person; a kind of "accompanying spirit". The wáay also spelled as Huay can refer to a person who can control this accompanying spirit or transforms into an animal while asleep . After conquest due to religion this legend was more associated with evil . A Wáay can be either good or bad . A wáay can use its powers to benefit a community . Also can use its powers to do mischievous acts . Depending on the transformation the Huay gets a different name . In northern Belize the Huay which are more known are .

Channel 7

DPM Faber Speaks on Saldivar Launch
On Sunday, UDP leadership candidate John Saldivar rolled into Belize City and put on quite a political show at the Civic Center.  It was the official launch of his leadership campaign and he had more than three thousand supporters in the audience, which is twice the number that Patrick Faber bought out two months earlier  He also had a roster of political stars, including ministers and mayors.   As we reported - Sadivar's event outdid Faber's similar but not identical launch two months earlier.  Today we tracked Faber down at the groundbreaking for a new rural school.  We asked him if the appearance of lesser strength and support is a fatal blow to his campaign:

Faber 'Hearts' Finnegan
And while he remains confident that he can again beat the odds - there is a critical difference this time around.  Faber no longer has the support of Michael Finnegan - who was his chief strategist and de facto campaign manager in 2016 when he beat Saldivar in the race for the UDP's Deputy Leader post.   This time Finnegan has quite dramatically come out in support of Saldivar.  It's a key defection - but is it fatal to Faber's campaign? That's what we asked:   Jules Vasquez: "Then it would seem optically at least like your haemorrhaging support when you see Michael Finnegan who was a linchpin in your last campaign and also Ms. Dianne Finnegan who is an employee of the Ministry of Education."

Shyne Suggested Faber Petty and Vindictive
And while Faber wants to hug up with Finnegan, either now or later, it doesn't seem that he's eager to do the same with his nephew, Shyne Barrow.   As we told you, at the Saldivar launch on Sunday - Shyne said John Saldivar was NOT "malicious, vindictive and victimizing and petty" - which clearly suggested that his opponent is all those things. This was echoed by another speaker, Minister of State Frank "Pawpa" Mena.   We asked Faber about it today: Jules Vasquez: "Since you said it's not personal, this was a recurring theme certainly from Frank "Papa" Mena and Shyne Barrow that John Saldivar is not petty and vindictive and Shyne eluded to some entitlement to power. They had to be taking swipes at you, backhanding swipes."

Did Faber Fire 'Yellowman'?
And for proof that he is vindictive - Faber's opponents point to the firing of Brian Yellowman Audinett.  He's a maximum solider for the UDP - and he had a job with the Sports Council checking on the lighting at sports facilities within the city.  It's a small, rather meaningless job; not much really, just what would be called an "end." But, Yellowman himself told Jules Vasquez on Sunday that Faber had fired him - because he is supporting Saldivar.  Now - the Sports Council does fall under Faber's ministry of sports - so we asked about it today: Jules Vasquez: "But if indeed you are not as they claim backhandedly, personal, petty or vindictive. Then why is that you have fired Bryan "Yellow man" Audinett, he told me that on Sunday."

Faber Still Pursuing Prime Ministerial Dream
And while he seemed to be on the defensive today - Faber was in his comfort zone at a school groundbreaking.  He used a portion of his speech to address the schoolchildren at the El Progresso 7 Miles Community.   In encouraging them to dream big, and accomplish great things, he told them his about his dream to be the Prime Minister: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "You know there are some people who criticize me because a long time ago I said I wanted to be prime minister of this country and some people laughed at that..."

Nightmare Robbery At Dream Like City
And we take a break from all the politics now. Tonight, Belize City police are looking for 3 men who they believe can help them get to the bottom of an armed robbery at the Dream Like City Bar.  It happened sometime after 9:00 last night.  4 men entered the bar, on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City. They pretended to be customers, but changed their act when then robbed everyone at gunpoint and fled. At a press briefing today, and the head of the Criminal Investigations Branch in Belize City shared a few details about the case with us:

Robbers Jacked Circle R
Belmopan police are also investigating an aggravated burglary which happened last night Circle R Rice Belmopan Branch, located at mile 45 on the George Price Highway.  Some time just before 9:00, one of the Circle R's employees, drove into the compound to drop off the company vehicle. That's when armed thieves - who had been lying in wait - barged in, and tied him up.  After that, they stole one of the company's cargo trucks, and one of their motorcycles. Police told us today that they had to recover that by this morning, that truck had already made it across the border to Melchor:

Fears Deepen Over Missing Teen
Turning back to Belize City, tonight the family of 18-year-old Jaswant Brooks is worried sick about his whereabouts. He left his home in the Lake I area on Monday, and he was only supposed to go to the nearby shop to buy some items.  But, he never came back, and 3 days later his family is worried sick. They haven't heard from him, and say that he has never stayed away from home like this before. Today, police told us that they offering all the help they can: Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "On Tuesday, Mr. Kent Brooks visited the Precinct 2 Police station reported that his son, Jaswant Brooks, 18 years of age, was last seen on Monday when he left from his residence, en route to go purchase some items within the vicinity..."

No Answers in Eric Tillet Shooting
On Tuesday, we told you about 27-year-old Eric Tillett. He is the Belize City resident from Lavender Street who was shot on Monday night, just before the start of the evening news. As we told you, residents from the St. Martin's Area heard the sound of at least 10 gunshots being fired, and when the shooting stopped, they found Tillett suffering from multiple injuries inside his yard. During today's press briefing, the police shared what they have been able to find out about the incident so far:

No Witness, Man Gets Off Murder
And, in court news. Another accused murderer was acquitted in the Supreme Court today because the main prosecution witness refused to cooperate. This time, the main witness didn't even show up to court, and police couldn't find him in time for the trial. The accused in this instance was 30-year-old Ervin Fitzgibbon, charged with the murder of Keimar Nicholas, who was also known as "Bwee (Bee Wee). Sometime after 8:00 on January 23rd, 2017, Nicholas was playing basketball on a court that is actually a part of his family's yard on Lindo's Alley. He was enjoying a game with 2 friends when an unknown man rode up on a bicycle, fired several shots at the group and sped off. Nicholas was injured in the neck, and he was rushed to the KHMH in time for the doctors to treat his wound and stabilize him.

Talking About The Green Globe at Film Festival
You still have time to make it over to the Bliss Center for the Green Globe panel discussion. It is part of the Belize Film Festival and during the day a number of environmental films were showcased at the Bliss. Well, tonight you have the opportunity to interact and ask the experts questions about the phase out of single use plastics, sargassum, and stony coral tissue loss disease. Here is more from one of the organizers of the tonight's event.

The Importance Of A Pre-School in El Progresso
This morning ground was broken on a community pre-school to be built in El Progresso village - which is in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the Cayo District.   The Construction of this school and 34 others are being funded in an 88 million dollar project by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize.  This will be the first preschool for El progresso village and it's construction is thought to be essential for the educational foundation of the community's children.   Cherisse Halsall has more: The children here at El Progreso Community Primary School in the Mountain Pine Ridge area might look like any other school kids.

An Overview of Education Sector Reform Programme
Today's ground breaking on the El Progresso pre-school was part of The Belize Education Sector Reform Programme.  GOB launched the program back in Jan 2016 in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank to provide children across the country with equitable access to a quality basic education, and increase enrollment in post-secondary and tertiary education.  But, more than three years later, the project is just getting off the ground because acquiring the land for 35 new schools has proved more difficult than expected:

El Progresso - Montero's Political Breadbasket?
And as we told you the today's Preschool groundbreaking was one of three groundbreaking's in the Cayo Central division.  It's also the second event we've covered in this small remote village of el Progresso in less than a week.  Front and central at both events was area representative Rene Montero. We asked him if he's counting on the village to shore up his political fortunes in Cayo Central. Jules Vasquez: "It's the second event you've had in 7 miles progresso in a week or in a few days. Is this now a strategic village for you being that you lost the village council in the very big San Antonio and in Georgeville, Unitedville?"

Is Montero With Faber in Leadership Bid?
And so while Montero says it's all about education - we do take note that Faber made a point to attend three groundbreakings in his constituency today.  Montero, very notably - did not attend Saldivar's campaign launch - but did attend Faber's one. We asked him about that: Jules Vasquez: "A super majority of the representatives for Cayo, are on the poster with Mr. Saldivar. Do you feel that you are dangerously hanging out on a limb with Mr. Faber?"

Salvation Army Rings Bells For Your Support
Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner already? Now, some Belizeans, especially in the Culture Capital may be protesting because the 19th of November is naturally the next big celebration and nothing should take away from that.  But, the Salvation Army hopes everyone can give them a break since their kettle drive is for a worthy cause. The Salvation Army officially launched their kettle appeal today in front of the Scotiabank downtown branch. We stopped by to capture the Christmas carol-singing children and find out how all your monetary contributions will go a long way this Christmas:

Does Darrell Have Another Run In Him?
Darrell Bradley took his seat as the new President Of The Senate in June of this year. Now when he is not presiding over senate meetings, he is running in and out of court dealing with cases as an attorney. But will we ever see him at the forefront in electoral politics again? Say maybe... run in a division? That is what we asked him today at the Salvation Army Kettle drive launch, at which he is a usual guest and contributor. Bradley told us indeed, he hasn't thrown in the towel on politics and only time will tell what his next move will be.

Education Minister Can't Help University Students With Registration Fees
And, finally, tonight, there's been some outcry recently because over 100 students face the prospect of having to leave the University of Belize because they cannot pay their registration fees. Today, we asked Education Minister Faber if he can do, or will do anything: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "Everybody who has to pay a bill at the school, there comes a point where if you don't pay, they will do this in the semester. At UB and I want to be very clear, government gives a tremendous amount..."

Channel 5

Have You Seen Jaswant Brooks?
The Belize Coastguard and police searched the area of Burton Creek on the George Price Highway looking for eighteen-year-old Jaswant Brooks. Brooks, who is now missing for more than forty-eight [...]

Coast Guard Officers Search for Missing Man
A search for the missing Belize City youth proved fruitless this morning. C.I.B. requested the assistance of the Belize Coast Guard to conduct a search at Burdon Canal along the [...]

Circle R Robbed! Employee Tied Up by Thieves
The investigation into a brazen armed robbery in Belmopan led police across the Guatemalan border. Just before nine o’clock on Wednesday night, police were called out to the branch of [...]

Stolen Cargo Truck Found in Melchor, Guatemala
According to Romero, the cargo truck was empty. It is not certain if the thieves wore masks and if there is security footage of the aggravated burglary. Investigators, however, know [...]

Police Investigating the Shooting of Eric Tillett
There have been no arrests yet in the attempt on the life of Eric Tillett. The twenty-seven year old was shot as many as five times on Lavendar Street, Belize [...]

Popular Belize City Bar Targeted by Armed Robbers
A business establishment was hit on Wednesday night as patrons milled inside. Police confirmed today, they are looking for three men that are persons of interest in the armed robbery [...]

Investigators Review Security Video of Centaur Cable Robbery
There was another robbery this week in addition to the jacking at Circle R and Dream Like. At around nine-thirty, on Tuesday morning a pair of armed assailants targeted Centaur [...]

President Clement Sankat Speaks on Students’ Deregistration
On Wednesday night we told you that over a hundred students will be de-registered at University of Belize for not paying their school fees for this semester. As you heard [...]

U.B. President Says Debt “Write-Off” is not Sustainable!
Today we asked Sankat his thoughts on the P.U.P.’s release to write off the students’ debt at the University of Belize. Sankat said that he hadn’t seen the release, but [...]

P.U.P.: “We Need Write Off Mister PM”
The P.U.P.’s release titled “We need write-off Mister PM;” is in obvious reference to the loan write off to the son of the Cabinet secretary. The release states that the [...]

Another Murder Trial Falls Apart in the Supreme Court
Another murder trial crumbled at the Supreme Court today when the defence attorney made a no-case submission since the prosecution could not prove their case without the key witness. Thirty-year-old [...]

Kishore Kumar Charged for Unlicensed Money Lending Operation
The owner of Almacen Shanti in Corozal town Kishore Kumar was charged with operating a money exchange business without a permit.  On Wednesday, the businessman appeared before a magistrate and [...]

Will Darrell Bradley Make a Comeback in 2020?
He is currently the president of the Senate, but before Darrell Bradley was the two-term Mayor of Belize City. Bradley, the ambitious politician, however, stepped aside and did not seek [...]

Darrell Bradley, a Future Prime Minister of Belize?
While Bradley did not comment on the leadership race between John Saldivar and Patrick Faber, we asked if he too would aspire to be the U.D.P. leader or prime minister [...]

The 2019 Salvation Army Kettle Appeal is Officially Launched
This morning in the downtown area of the City, the Salvation Army launched its annual Kettle Appeal ushering in the season for giving. The sounds of the ringing of the [...]

BWS Calls for Environmental Awareness on Water Resources
The source of water from which many are able to drink, cook and use for other activities has often been taken for granted as an infinite well that supplies the [...]

28 Participants Complete U.B./I.D.B. Climate Change Programme
The University of Belize and the Inter-American Development partnered to create a short term programme to build the local capacity of the management of natural and climate hazards along the [...]

Providing Employment Opportunities for Belizeans
A job fair takes place this weekend so if you are looking for work the place to be is on Coney Drive, Belize City. Transparent BPO is looking for individuals [...]

2019 Film Festival Kicks off at the Bliss
The Belize International Film Festival 2019 kicked off in grand fashion on Wednesday evening with the red carpet treatment.  The opening night of the fourteenth edition of the festival, hosted [...]

Healthy Living: Bad Habits Affecting Your Teeth
Last week around this time, children were out collecting their fair share of sweets and treats. Now that Halloween is over, it is an excellent time to reassess your family’s [...]

The Reporter

Dream Like-City Nightclub Robbed In Brazen Hold-up
The Reporter has confirmed that popular and controversial nightclub Dream Like City was robbed last night...

Owner Of Money Exchange Establishment In Corozal Detained
The Reporter has confirmed that on Tuesday (November 5th.) Police charged Kishore Kumar, owner of Almacen Shanti in Corozal for operating a money lending business without a permit.

LOVE FM

Search for Jaswant Brooks
It has been almost four days since 18-year-old Jaswant Brooks has been seen. His family has grown concerned and are following all leads that they receive.

Armed robbers target Dream Like City
Workers and patrons of Dream Like City Night Club on the Philip Goldson Highway were held up last night by four men of dark complexion. It is an unsuspecting target for thieves particularly during open hours.

Father wants answers about his injured baby
A father of two is claiming that his seven-month-old child was severely injured whilst in the custody of the Human Services Department. Kevin Arnold told Love News that his 7-year-old son and two-year-old daughter were removed from the family home in Belize City because the Department found their living arrangements to be unfit.

Sex tourism – how did it end up in Belize?
Tourists engaged in nude acts on Ambergris Caye has caused an uproar in the tourism sector on the island, who are now calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the promotion of these types of activities.

Truck stolen from Circle R found in Guatemala
Just before nine o’clock last night a truck driver was robbed of his employer’s delivery truck for Circle R Rice Products. The incident reportedly happened at a storage site in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District.

Freezone’s stakeholders and Board of management meet to discuss extra fees
A handful of stakeholders of the Benque Viejo Del Carmen Free zone were protesting on Monday because of an increase of fees by the Free zone’s Board. One of the operators reportedly locked the gate, blocking entrance from everyone.

Tis the season to be jolly; Salvation Army Kettle drive begins
Scotiabank Belize is the first to donate to the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Appeal for this year. The bank gave two thousand dollars during the launch this morning.

No answers for Shailey Polanco
Police seem to be dragging their feet in the death of 18-year-old Shailey Polanco . The teenaged mother died on October 26 after she ingested poison.

what can you do to mitigate climate change
Climate change is any significant long-term change in the expected patterns of average weather of a region or the whole Earth over a significant period of time. Global warming is the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system.

Celebration of National Children’s month
November is Universal Children’s Month and activities on a national level includes a Children’s Parliament on the 20th November to coincide with Universal Children’s Day.

Absent Witness In Fitgibbon Case
Another trial has ended in a no-case submission since prosecution could not prove their case without the key witness. 30-year-old Enfield Ervin Fitzgibbon, who was charged with the murder of 19-year-old Keimar Nicholas, was acquitted of the charge today before Justice Colin Williams in a trial without a jury.

Breaking Belize News

Salvation Army talks uplifting Belizeans from poverty
The Salvation Army’s charitable works make them among the most recognized churches in Belize, but […]

Family and police continue search for Jaswant Brooks
Jaswant Brooks, 18, remains missing tonight amid concerns he has come to harm. The teenager […]

HIV medication could be available by the weekend
The scarcity of anti-retroviral (ARV) medication could be addressed by this weekend, according to the […]

Ministry of Health responds to fraud allegations regarding medical students
Belize has been mentioned in an investigation being carried out by the University of Otago in […]

Robbers pretending to be customers rob Dream Like City
Sometime around 9:30 last night four men entered popular nightclub Dream Like City in Belize […]

Police: Robbery at Centaur cable caught on cam
Sometime around 10 o’clock on Tuesday morning an armed robber entered Centaur Cable Company at […]

Police detain but release suspects in Eric Tillett shooting
Police detained but released several persons in connection with Monday night’s shooting of Eric “Rico” […]

Circle R Rice targeted by armed burglars
Just before 9 o’clock last night there was an aggravated burglary in western Belize. It […]

Salvation Army needs your generosity for annual kettle appeal
We are less than two weeks from Garifuna Settlement Day, and believe it or not, a […]

Taiwan Can Be a Valuable Partner in the Global Response to Climate Change
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Director of Health Services advises public to eliminate dengue risk factors
The Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero told Breaking Belize News today that he […]

Minister Rene Montero to break ground for new Pre-School in El Progresso, Cayo
Cayo Central area representative, Rene Montero and the Ministry of Education, Youths, Sports and Culture […]

Why You Should Retire in Placencia, Belize
While Ambergris Caye used to be the go-to retirement spot for people looking to retire […]

Blogs

Africans in Belize
The earliest African arrivals to Belize, then known as British Honduras, appears in a text penned by a Spanish missionary in 1724. Said text claims that the British had been importing slaves from Jamaica and Bermuda; in truth, the British had claimed the territory we now know as Belize in the middle of the 1600s. This meant bringing British technology to the land in order to cull resources from the lush forests throughout the area. Unable to find willing laborers needed to chop and haul logs and mahogany, the British relied on slaves from Africa.

Ray Caye: This Sunny Belize Island is Like No Resort You’ve Visited in the Past
Join the eco-off-the-grid community at a brand new haven that represents the future of resort tourism. According to MarketWatch, people in today’s society have become so enmeshed in their digital lives, some suffer health crises when their electronic devices disappear or fail to work. Taking advantage of this reality, writer Kari Paul took a deep dive into the state of “disconnect desperation” consumers experience, even when on vacation. Her journey took her to the newly-launched travel company “Off the Grid” committed to sending travelers to destinations where phones are not permitted.

Rum Popo – The Perfect Holiday Drink
Celebrate Christmas the right way with some rum popo (the Belize egg nog)! Rum Popo is a rich creamy blended traditional drink made in Belize that is similar to egg nog. This drink, dating back hundreds of years, is typically served in Belizean households as a celebratory drink shared with family and friends but can also be found in restaurants and bars all throughout the month of December. Almost every home makes their own version of rum popo. The creamy drink is also used as a unique homemade gift between family and friends during the holidays.

International Sources

Black Travel Vibes: Find Your Bliss In Belize
Often overshadowed by other destinations in the region like Costa Rica and Panama, Belize is an escape that often catches many by surprise. Known for its clear blue seas, coral reefs, amazing wildlife, underwater museums, and vibrant culture, the country is definitely a getaway on the rise. Travelers looking for authentic experiences will fall in love with the warm and welcoming vibes of Belize. On top of that, the country’s affordability means that you can discover all the wonders of the Central American nation without breaking the bank. Creative explorer Romie Williams (@roamingwithromie) recently went to Belize and from the looks of her photos, the trip was nothing short of pure bliss. Take a look at our exclusive guide to Belize to learn more about how to plan your own journey to paradise.

Marriott Is Opening a New Resort in Belize
A hot new resort is coming to one of the Caribbean’s hottest hotel destinations: Belize. The new Alaia Belize is set in the bustling destination of San Pedro Town in Ambergris Caye, a residential resort community that will be part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The beachfront property, the first-Marriott branded resort in Belize, will include a pool, spa and fitness center, a wedding venue, a beach club, several eateries and a signature rooftop pool.

Videos

November 7, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Current State of the New River
The Department of the Environment (DOE) hereby informs the public, especially residents of Orange Walk Town and those people living in the vicinity of the New River, that the general condition of the river has improved over the past weeks. Since early September 2019, the DOE has been monitoring the water quality of the river near Orange Walk Town on a daily basis and has observed a steady improvement of the river.

Various Belizean Sources

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “Beach Booze”.

Terance “Terry” Winemiller (LSU MA Anthropology, PhD Geography) died November 4, 2019
Terry was Associate Professor at Auburn University Montgomery where he taught GIS, Geography, and Anthropology since 2001. His research focused on GIS, Remote Sensing, and 3D digital modeling, as well as 3D imaging. He started a Geospatial lab, GIS Certificate Program, and GIS degree programs at the undergraduate and MA levels at AUM. Terry was a popular and tireless teacher and well-liked by his students. Following Terry’s graduate research funded by an NSF dissertation grant on ancient Maya water management in the Yucatan. Terry was Co-PI on NSF grant “Ancient Maya Wooden Architecture and the Salt Industry,” focusing on 3D analysis and presentation of the submerged Paynes Creek Salt Works, Belize with his former advisor Dr. Heather McKillop (McKillop, McKee, Roberts, Winemiller).

The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation Issues Clarification on Assertions Published in the Amandala Newspaper
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation clarifies certain erroneous assertions made in an article in the Amandala newspaper entitled “A Father Wants Answers”, dated October 17, 2019. On September 9, 2019, the Department of Human Services received a report of medical neglect of two minors. A home visit was conducted which showed an environment that was a risk to the children. The parents were not cooperative with the social worker in the request for the children to be taken for medical attention. The police had to be called to assist with the removal of the children who were then taken for medical care. The medical examination showed that the children were dehydrated and malnourished.

WestJet's Frozen themed 737-800 at BZE
WestJet's Frozen themed 737-800 just got spotted at our very own Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Let's hope that it brought some cooler weather with it!

Green Belize Panel Discussion
Join us at the Bliss Insititute Thursday night for the Green Globe event as we sit down to discuss current environmental issues affecting not only Belize but also the entire world - you don't want to miss it! The event begins at 6PM. SEE YOU THERE!

Corozal Football Action Sunday
Football Action continues at the Carolina Football Field this Sunday, November 10, 2019 starting at 9:00 a.m. Let's get it on!

Cayo West Fest 2019
The 2019 Cayo West Fest will be on November 30th at Galvez Stadium. "The San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council in Collaboration with COBY Entertainment brings you WEST FEST Nov 30th,2019 inside the Victor Galvez Stadium San Ignacio featuring NOTCH Nailah Blackman Supa G Dajah Music and Belize's Top Djs. Spread the Vibes and Lets Turn up the Westside."

Sisimite
Sisimite native to the world of the Maya, the name Sisimite is a corruption in Maya from a Nahuatl – Aztec – word tzitzimitl which loosely means "Demon" or “supernatural creature.” While known to the Maya for centuries, especially between the Yucatec Maya ,Itza Maya and Lacandon Maya ,the first outside report of the Sisismite came from a group of Spanish gold prospectors in the 18th Century. So, what does this creature look like ? The Sisimite has been described as a hairy ape-like creature, much larger than a human, with the face of a human. Some say it can be up to 9 Feet tall . It has only 4 fingers and no thumbs, and in some cases it has been described as having backwards-facing feet. Sisimites walk upright, like humans. They let out high-pitched screams but have no language. They are generally regarded as being hostile to humans and have been accused of kidnapping people.Their apelike fur has been described as ranging from a chestnut color to pitch black.

Channel 7

Kryon Green, the 12 Year Old's Struggle To Walk Again
Since May, we've been closely following the case of 11-year-old Kyron Green. He's the primary school student who was shot by a gunman who was aiming at one of his adult rivals. It's the type of senseless violence that defies logic. He was simply running an errand at a store for his mother, and he had nothing to do with the street war between two adults, but he nearly lost his life due to a stray bullet, which almost paralyzed him. Since then, he and his mother have been hard at work to try and restore his mobility. Their effort was greatly bolstered with the generosity of the World Pediatric Project and Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia.

Kishore Kumar and The Cash to Court
6 days ago, a team of police, FIU, and tax officers searched A store called, Almacen Shanti in Corozal town. They found huge amounts of cash - including 134,000 US dollars, 181,000 Belize Dollars, 1.6 million pesos, $350 Canadian Dollars, 122,000 Indian Rupees and a couple hundred Quetzal. Well, the owner of the business, Kishore Kumar has been charged operating a money lending business without a permit. He appeared in court yesterday, where he pled not guilty and was offered a steep bail of 150 thousand dollars. We understand his wife offered two properties as security and he was bailed. His attorney is Audrey Matura Shepherd and disclosure is supposed to be given on the 6th January.

Sludge Truck Not Toxic CITCO Says
A video showing a City Council sludge truck dumping its contents into the East Canal was making the rounds on social media today. Public reactions were negative speculating that those putrid contents were environmentally harmful. Late this evening the Belize City Council released a statement indicating that while the dumping of those contents are not standard practice, the truck's function is to separate refuse from water.

Teenaged Girl Reportedly Died From Dengue
A 14 year old second former from San Ignacio has reportedly died from Dengue. Jennifer Moreno was a Sacred Heart College student and the post mortem results should be out by the end of the day to say whether it was indeed Dengue that killed her. If so, she would be the 4th person to die from Dengue in Belize so far this year. Today we spoke to Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero about this case and about the extra efforts the Ministry of Health is making to control mosquito populations.

Did Belize Health Official Forge Internship Documents For Vacationing Medical Students?
Manzanero also addressed an issue that's making international headlines. A news outlet in New Zealand claims that students from that country have been using fake documents to take two-month holidays while pretending to be on mandatory work placements overseas. And where are those bogus work placements? Well, supposedly in Belize, Bosnia and Italy, where - according to the news article, quote, "they can get their placement signed-off - sometimes for cash - after only a week or less."

Belize Borrowing Anti Retrovirals from Trinidad
Manzanero also gave us an update on the supply of HIV anti-retrovirals in country. As we've reported, there's a national shortage of the life - saving medication - which is a crisis for persons living with HIV. Today, he told us they have managed to borrow some stock from Trinidad: Dr. Marvin Manzanero: "We have a loan that is coming from Trinidad and Tobago. I don't know when the arrival date of that is going to be."

Youth Apprenticeship, Ten Years Of Struggle and Success
The Youth Apprenticeship Program, it's where young people who've struggled with traditional schooling can still get an opportunity to gain employable skills by doing an apprenticeship under a volunteer employer. The program started in 2010, and, since then, approximately 3000 graduates have passed through the program. Today the coordinator, Diane Finnegan held a luncheon for those employers who have generously taken a chance on the apprentices. And while the luncheon was hosted as a token of appreciation, it was preceded by a training that took the employers through the program's hand book so that they might better understand their role in mentoring program participants.

Caribbean Exposed To Risks Of Illegally Trafficked WMD Materials
Terrorist activities and Weapons of Mass destruction are not terms that seem urgently relevant in a country like Belize. In fact, Belizeans might only ever har about them by watching CNN or Al Jazeera. But The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean believes that disarmament and non proliferation of WMD's are every country's business. They say the Caribbean region has become more and more exposed to the risks posed by illegal trafficking of WMD related materials, some of which are commonly traded within and through the Caribbean.

Post Mortem Says 18 Year Old Mother Drank Poison
Last night you heard 18 year old Shailee Polanco's mother saying that her daughter was killed - and that he rpost mortem showed blunt force trauma to the head. Well, the post mortem found that she died as a consequence of Pulmonary Oedema Due to the ingestion of Insecticide/Herbicide.

Raging River Swept Away BWSL Infrastructure
For the past two nights, we've been reporting on the flash flood in San Jose Succotz and Benque Viejo. It affected 400 persons in those communities - but that wasn't the full extent of it. The raging river also damaged BWSL equipment downstream in the Macal river and knocked out water supply to San Ignacio, Santa Elena and Esperanza. Production wells on the river were washed away when the riverbank was also swept away in the fast raging waters.

A Film About Fatherhood and Loss
The Belize International Film Festival started tonight and the first film up for viewing is a short called "My Father Belize." The Film was written, directed, and produced by a duo of American born Belizean cousins. "My Father Belize" has been making the rounds of the regional film festivals and earning praise and acclaim along the way. Today the cast presented the film to Belizean media ahead of the film festival and told us that this selection was always their ultimate dream:

Channel 5

100+ UB Students at Risk of Being Deregistered
There are tensions at the University of Belize, where over a hundred students at are at risk of being kicked out of the ongoing semester for lack of tuition payment. [...]

Ian Sangster: U.B. Students Need to Meet its Financial Obligations
There are over five thousand students enrolled at the four U.B. campuses across the country. Each student pays roughly about one thousand dollars for the associate’s programme and two thousand [...]

John Saldivar: “I refuse to go to the gutter”
On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber took on the government at a youth event in Belize City. Faber said that politicians and the people are corrupt and that there [...]

A 14-Year-Old Student Dies After Exhibiting Dengue-Like Symptoms
A second female has died in less than two months and the suspicion is that her death was caused by dengue. The fourteen-year-old student from San Ignacio died at the [...]

Complications Associated with Dengue
Regional Health Manager for the Western Health Region, Doctor Javier Zuniga says that there are many complications associated with dengue. He advises that persons, who detect symptoms of dengue at [...]

Western Health Region Installs Dengue Clinic to Help with Epidemic
Since the dengue outbreak was announced by the Ministry of Health earlier this year, weekly reports have shown the western region as one of the areas recording the highest number [...]

Latest Figures for Dengue Cases
While the case of the student is yet to be confirmed, according to Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero, for this year there have been four cases of dengue-related [...]

M.O.H. Yet to Receive New Stock of HIV Meds
Belize has yet to re-stock on anti-retroviral medication. Belize City clinics are completely out of stock of the much needed medication and clinics in other districts are running low.  The [...]

Primrose Gabourel, Dion Zabaneh vs. D.O.E. Continues before the Courts
Today, the case between seventy-three-year-old Primrose Gabourel and her son, forty-three-year-old Dion Zabaneh and the Department of the Environment, continued before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford. The mother and son are [...]

Trove of Evidence against Reynaldo Verde Filed
Reynaldo Verde remains locked up in the U.S., facing charges of extortion and attempted extortion. The former Deputy Director of General Tax Services pled not guilty to those charges. Verde [...]

Scam Alert! New Zealand Medical Students have Elective Paperwork Signed-off for Cash!
The University of Otago in New Zealand is investigating claims that medical students faked work placement records in Belize. An online article claims that the medical students got their elective [...]

Human Services Department Responds to Allegations
Today, we reached out to the Department of Human Services for a comment on the report made by Kevin Arnold Senior. As you heard in our newscast on Wednesday night, [...]

Improved Water Quality in the New River
There is good news from the Department of Environment on the health of the New River. Today, Environmental Officer Aldo Cansino confirmed to News Five that the aerators that were [...]

Update on Water Interruption for San Ignacio & Santa Elena
On the morning of November fourth, residents along the banks of the Mopan and Macal rivers were alerted of flash flooding in the vicinity of those two waterways in the [...]

Water is Restored to the Twin Towns Out West
In San Ignacio, potable water had to be trucked in from elsewhere within the district in order to service priority customers, including hospitals, schools and the tourism sector; all this [...]

What is BWS Doing About Discolored Water?
The issue of discoloration that was initially detected in Belize City two weeks ago also remains a priority for BWS.  The change in color of water in the pipelines is [...]

Youth Apprenticeship Programme Turns 10!
Ten years ago, the Belize National Youth Apprenticeship programme was started in Belize City with the aim to reduce crime, through its focus on the development, education and employment of [...]

UNLIREC Hosts Workshop in Belize
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and Global Affairs Canada are hosting a two-day workshop in Belize. Ten Caribbean countries are participating in [...]

My Father Belize Premiers at 2019 Film Festival
The 2019 Belize International Film Festival opens tonight at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts and several pieces will be showcased at the inaugural event.  Among them is My [...]

What’s My Father Belize About?
If you are curious what My Father Belize is about, then here’s a brief storyline and what can be expected from the film.   Actor, My Father Belize “My Father [...]

The Reporter

18 yr. Old Male Reported Missing By His Family
Jaswant Brooks, 18, has been missing since Nov 5th 2019. He was last seen in the Lake Independence area around 11:00 a.m. and has not returned home.

LOVE FM

Dangriga Mother With More Burden To Bear
Estella Polanco of Dangriga is grappling with the recent loss of her teenage daughter whom she believes was abused and poisoned by someone close to her. As if that were not a big enough burden to bear, Polanco is now faced with the loss of her three other children as they have reportedly been taken away by Social Services

Belize’s health sector accused of corruption
Yesterday we told you of an online article from New Zealand that alluded to corruption in the health sector in Belize. The publication made an update to their post in which it was stated, quote, “Belize is awash with bribery, fraud and profiteering, with everyone from government officials to the local mafia on the take.”

Highlighting social issues within our youths
Secondary and tertiary students participated in the University of the West Indies Country Conference to discuss major issues in society that are affecting them. The conference is held every two years and this year’s theme is “Youth and Security: Assessing Risks, Mitigating Vulnerabilities, and Improving Well being".

San Ignacio student reportedly dies of dengue
A student of San Ignacio, Cayo District has reportedly passed away due to dengue. The 14-year-old died yesterday morning and, according to Doctor Marvin Manzanero, the Director of Health Services, the results of the postmortem should reveal if there were other factors involved in her death.

Where are you Brooks?
18-year-old, Jaswant Brooks, has been reported missing and his family is appealing for the public to assist in locating him. He was last seen in the Lake Independence area in Belize City around 11am on November 5. His family became concerned when he did not return home in the evening.

OJ Elrington says he did not betray Patrick Faber
Orson OJ Elrington set the record straight today when our news reporter asked if there was truth in the story on social media regarding his betrayal of Patrick Faber. A social media post uploaded by Yellow Jaw Media indicated that Elrington secretly taped a conversation with Faber that spoke against the Barrow family.

PUP Condemns BWS for two day water shortage
Santa Elena, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Del Carmen Towns, all in the Cayo District, have been suffering from a lack of water for two days. According to, Belize Water Services, the water source was adversely affected by the flood and was not restored until the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Belize to get loan from Trinidad for anti-retro viral medication
Sticking on the issue of finances, there is an update to give you tonight on the acquisition of HIV retroviral medication. Recently, we had reported on a shortage of the medication.

Business charged for running illegal casa de cambio
Yesterday, police officers arrested and charged Kishore Kumar for operating a money exchange business without a permit. On Thursday, police officers conducted a joint operation at Shanti Store in Corozal Town and found more than six hundred and twenty thousand dollars in different currencies; among the total were one point six million pesos.

Facilitating for at-risk youth
Coordinators of the Belize National Youth Apprenticeship programme are looking to make adjustments after hearing what employers have to say about the apprentices. The programme began 10 years ago, with the aim to reduce crime, through its focus on the development, education and employment of at-risk youth.

Belize gets two Conde Nast awards
Belize has successfully snagged two spots on the Conde Nast Johansens Central and South America awards for excellence. Victoria House Resort and Spa on Ambergris Caye won for “Best for Romance” while Coco Plum Island Resort in Stann Creek received the award for “Best Waterside Hotel.”

Breaking Belize News

Why Belize City is place to be for Garifuna Settlement Day
Belizeans, even from Belize City, are used to traveling South for Garifuna Settlement Day festivities. While […]

San Ignacio teen tested positive for dengue hours before death
Yesterday, Breaking Belize News broke the news that a student from Sacred Heart College in […]

Authentically Belizean: ‘Time Fu Eat’ short film premiers tonight at 14th international Film Festival
Tonight the 14th Belize International Film Festival kicks off in Belize City, which will feature […]

Massive support at the top for Saldivar; will the delegate base propel Faber to be the next UDP party leader?
If the evidence of Sunday’s campaign launch by Belmopan area representative and Minister John Saldivar […]

Gaspar Vega still non-committal on “comeback”
Orange Walk North area representative Gaspar Vega and Belmopan colleague John Saldivar have long been […]

Businessman charged for lending money without permit
We reported that last week a joint task force of police officers, tax officers and […]

Dr. Louis Zabaneh speaks out against UB de-registration of students
Earlier this week we reported that the University of Belize (UB) was in the process […]

Free self-defense course being offered in celebration of International Women’s Self-Defense Day
In honor of International Women’s Self-Defense Day, defense instructor Renee Wentz is offering a free […]

Zac Efron to play journalist in “King of the Jungle” film about John McAfee
Together, Together, Together, everyone… The young hunk Zac Efron of High School Musical, the 2006 […]

Man injured in traffic accident in San Ignacio
A man was injured in a road traffic accident that occurred minutes ago near the […]

Blogs

Best Spas in Belize
No matter what part of the year you choose to visit Belize; going to the spa is always a great idea. Many people look for complete relaxation and a holistic approach for their wellbeing, while others prefer something more luxurious and upscale. Luckily, this destination offers all that and more. From being near the jungle or on a beach at one of the many islands or in the hills on the western side of the country; there are a variety of spas available for you to choose from. Whether you are on vacation, or you aren’t on vacation but wish you were then this short insight of spas in Belize should boost your interest to visit.

Boat Trip with Panny To Robles Point, North North Ambergris Caye
Tour guide extraordinaire, Panny Arceo, deserves a website of his own. He is a senior guide- boat captain- storyteller- born and raised San Pedrano- musician and accordion player that knows ever inlet and coral head around Ambergris Caye like the back of his hand. (A hand that has only three fingers due to crocodile attack or barracuda or a myriad of other reasons depending on Panny’s mood) Earlier this week, he took four of us – me and Jeff, Jeff’s mom and her friend Ken, on a boat ride up to Robles Point for some sun and beachcombing and fishing.

Adventure in Belize
Belize is hands down one of the best destinations for you to visit – all 8,867 square miles of it. From its lush and beautiful jungles to breathtaking and scenic hills to its relaxing and refreshing sandy beaches and azure blue Caribbean Sea. Belize is home to many ecosystems and biodiversity, all of which you can experience for yourselves. This makes it perfect for any traveller; especially eco and adventure travellers. In every district there is something for everyone to do, whether you’re looking for a little bit of adventure or for an extreme adventure – the tour companies and guides make it possible to find the right fit for you. We now look at the various adventure tours that are offered throughout Belize.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Placencia, Belize
Placencia is a small peninsula measuring about 1 mile across and 16 miles north and south attached to the southeastern corner of Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize. Due to its unique geography, the Placencia Peninsula offers visitors two very different terrains. On the landward side, the peninsula is bordered by several mangrove-lined lagoons, known for their rich abundance of fishing opportunities. The seaward side fronts the Caribbean and offers spectacular vistas and easy access to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. The beaches of Placencia Peninsula are renowned for their pristine beauty.

International Sources

The forgotten half of the Caribbean that mass tourism hasn't discovered
It’s not all about Barbados and Antigua – there’s more to the Caribbean than you might think Standing on the beach at Baracoa, I felt like I had arrived somewhere important. It wasn’t just that I had crossed – by car and bus – east to west, almost the entirety of Cuba – a stringy island 777 miles long. It was also because that morning, Oscar, the guide I’d hired to take me on a hike to a coffee farm, had mentioned in passing that Columbus “came here before anywhere else – and he said it was the most beautiful place in the world.” As soon as I could get online – and this being Cuba, it wasn’t that soon at all – I looked it up. It was true, even if the exact date of the landing was open to interpretation....

Pro-nature tourism is set to be a big trend for 2020 – so what’s it all about?
The climate crisis and plastic pollution have made headlines in recent years, but there is another environmental catastrophe steadily bubbling away that may be even more threatening to humanity. Devastating declines in biodiversity are driving fears of a ‘Sixth Mass Extinction Event’. Population shrinkages in insects, mammals, fish, birdlife and plantlife, driven by factors including habitat reduction, climate change and over-consumption, pose a very real risk of ecosystem collapse. Another area where we expect substantial growth in future is with pro-nature menus in hotels and restaurants. That might mean dining on vegetarian food at a luxury eco-lodge in Jordan, or following an entirely vegan-friendly itinerary as you journey through Belize and Guatemala.

Roxann Menning, 1963-2019
Roxann Marie Menning (“Roxy”) of Westminster, Colo., went home to the Lord Friday, October 25, 2019, after a fierce yet graceful battle with cancer. A celebration of life and memorial gathering will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Grace Church of Arvada, 6969 Sheridan Blvd., Arvada, CO. Roxann devoted her life to caring for others, with more than 35 years in nursing that included travel nursing (ERs and ICUs), hospice and as a trauma nurse in one of the nation’s leading trauma hospitals. In addition, she gifted her time and expertise to the Belize Diabetes Association, Corozal Branch as well as volunteering alongside First Responders with her canines during Search and Rescue operations.

The Luxe Belize Getaway You And Your Girls Need Toda
Belize is having a moment right now. Though more established countries like Mexico and Costa Rica have long been the top contenders for luxury travel in Central America, Belize is slowly creeping up on the radar as one of the must-visit destinations for couples, families and more importantly — girlfriend’s getaways. The destination, which is set to debut a handful of ultra-luxe new resorts by 2020, already has quite a few properties that takes uber luxe to the next level. But in addition to properties that would make even Diddy jealous, it’s really Belize’s cultural diversity and attractions that make it a fantastic draw. This underrated gem is a melting pot of Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, Spanish, Lebanese, Chinese, British, Indian, and Mennonite heritage — also coupled with a range of activities such as the Altun Ha Mayan ruins, ziplining, swimming with the sharks or tubing through its famed Crystal Cave. Really, you can’t go wrong here.

Videos

November 6, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Island pets shine at this year’s Saga’s Halloween Spooktacular Party
The island’s Saga Humane Society (Saga) held its annual Halloween Spooktacular party on Sunday, November 3rd at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar. The event saw island pets (mostly dogs) and even some of their owners dressed up in costumes. A few of them competed for fabulous prizes, while others won raffled prizes and enjoyed great food, drinks and live music from 11AM to 4PM. In the Most Creative category Bella and Benjamin took first place, while Penny and Krista took second place and Louis and Carina settled for third. In the Scariest division Kira the Zombie dog took home the first place prize. Marley as Chucky won second place and Savannah the Scarecrow came in third.

Ambergris Today

Zac Efron To Star As Wired Investigator In McAfee’s ‘King Of The Jungle’ Movie
John McAfee is back on the headline news this time with his movie “King of the Jungle” and huge Hollywood stars are signing up to be a part of it. Zac Efron has signed on to star in “King of the Jungle” as a Wired Journal investigator, Ari Furman, who tracks down John McAfee at his jungle compound in Belize.

PIC OF THE WEEK: Famous Photographers Skydive The Belize Blue Hole
Just a normal day in Belize! WOW! This week we feature two amazing posts by famous content creators/photographers/filmographers Sam Kolder and Jacob Riglin who are currently in Beilze. They are in the country working on their Project Uprise which had them skydiving over the Great Blue Hole of Belize. Okay! Maybe it's not a normal day as not many people get the opportunity to visit the Blue Hole, yet skydive over it. Below are the two Instagram posts of Sam Kolder and Jacob Riglin. Sam Kolder posts: “Yesterday myself and the #projectuprise team flew out 50 miles over the ocean at an altitude of 14,500 ft. With no land in sight the only reference point we had was this tiny blue hole down below that was starting to disappear below the clouds. We jumped out, linking arms In a star formation we held this..."

Deveene Martinezis Ms. Garifuna Belize 2019-2020
On Saturday November 2, 2019, National Garifuna Council held its annual Ms. Garifuna Belize Cultural Pageant at the Belmopan Civic Center in Belmopan City. The contestants showcased their fluency of the language through their introduction and presentation which focused on an issue facing the Garifuna community or relevant to the theme for the November celebration. They also performed the various cultural dances and displayed the traditional clothing. At the end of the night, Taruni Gonzalez was 2nd runner up, Chastidy Williams was 1st runner up and Deveene Martinez emerged victorious as the new Ms. Garifuna Belize.

Saga Humane Society's Halloween Spooktacular
Saga Humane Society held its 16th Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at the Crazy Canuks Bar. There was much to each and drink, fun raffles with awesome prizes. Everybody had a "pawesome " watching the cute doggies in costumes. Here are a few pictures of the event for your enjoyment:

Various Belizean Sources

Current State of the New River
The Department of the Environment (DOE) hereby informs the public, especially residents of Orange Walk Town and those people living in the vicinity of the New River, that the general condition of the river has improved over the past weeks. Since early September 2019, the DOE has been monitoring the water quality of the river near Orange Walk Town on a daily basis and has observed a steady improvement of the river. The improvement is as a result of several factors: (i) the DOE has conducted remedial actions in the river, (ii) inspections of local industries by the DOE and other agencies to address discharge of wastewater, and (iii) the recharging of the river due to localized rainfall in central and northern Belize.

BTB at the CTO Canada Roadshow 2019

Aquila Tour Guide Trainings

"My Journey: Belize" - Feature on Belize Named Best Trade Feature at the CTO Awards
BTB is pleased to share that a feature on Belize copped the Best Trade Feature at the CTO Awards held on November 4th. Martin Steady of Selling Travel visited Belize in November 2018 as part of a press trip organised by the BTB and our European marketing agency Brighter Group. With over 130 entries we are thrilled that our Jewel won the prize.

Movie Night at Central Park in San Pedro
Breakthrough: Everyone's invited to this incredible movie! Saturday, November 9th at the Central Park! Seating is at 7:00 p.m.

Tourism Talk – Let’s Talk Travel + Tourism
My name is Anoushka De Boucherville-Brandl, and I am the Second Vice President for BHA. If we were to rank the reasons we travel, I’d put “self-discovery” at the top of my list. What’s on the modern traveler’s mind in 2020? GREEN FOR GOOD: I like to define sustainability as ‘luxury.’ Luxury is not necessarily defined as a fancy hotel by Aman or Four seasons… Think about the fervor around single-use plastics. We can leverage sustainability to enhance the guest experience. Tip! – Start an initiative such as planting trees and write a blog about it. This initiative shows that you are putting the effort to help combat deforestation and global warming; hence, you will attract more customers concerned about the state of the planet.

TOURISM PARTNERS PROMOTE BELIZE IN GUATEMALA CITY
The Belize Hotel Association, in partnership with Tropic Air and Avianca Airlines, hosted a dinner and networking event to promote Belize to travel agents and wholesalers at the Westin Camino Real Hotel on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in Guatemala City. Over 130 invited guests attended the event, including travel agents and wholesalers who are presently selling Belize, or are very interested in selling Belize, along with Press and Media and several representatives from Avianca Airlines. BHA was also honored to have the presence of Ms. Kyrshanie Pott, First Secretary of the Embassy of Belize in Guatemala, in attendance. The event started at 6:00 pm with networking and meetings between the agents and the Belize delegation of hoteliers, DMC’s and tour operators, whom each had tabletop displays of brochures, rates, packages, and giveaways.

BHA Promoting Belize at the International Tourism & Travel Show Montreal 2019
The Belize Hotel Association represented Belize and its members at the 31st International Tourism and Travel Show 2019 in Montreal, Canada, on October 25, 26, and 27. The BHA Representatives at the show were Past-President Leisa Carr-Caceres and Membership & Marketing Director Ilechia Flowers. The ITTS show commenced on Friday, October 25, at 11:00 AM, with visitors excitedly entering the show floor until 9:00 PM, followed by Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. The ITTS show boasts a total of 36,225 travel lovers, 1,000 activities, 400 exhibitors, and 10,000 ways to travel.

National Children's Award
DO YOU KNOW AN EXEMPLARY CHILD AGE 5 - 17? ARE THEY DESERVING OF BEING RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS? NOMINATE THAT CHILD TODAY!!! Get it in by November 8, 2019!

Belizean Christmas Vol.3
The 3rd annual Belizean Christmas is happening on Friday, December 6th. MD, Alida, and David are back, and this year, Kudzai will be joining them. The venue is the Lifenet Church in Belmopan. Call 822-0165 for more information. "Back in 2017, Mervin Budram - MD and Alida Sharp, collaborated on a magical Caribbean Christmas experience filled with music, warmth and Christmas cheer. This event is called “BELIZEAN CHRISTMAS” and has become the perfect place to gather each year with your friends, family and loved ones. This year MD and Alida have teamed up with Boy & His Drum (David) and Kudzai Pahwaringira to bring Volume 3 to life. This family-oriented Christmas event is scheduled for Friday, December 6th at 7pm at The LifeNet Church!! TICKET PRICE: $30 Reserved | $20 General | $5 {kids ages 4-11) |"

7th Annual Cayo Cancer Walk
Great pictures from the 2019 Cancer Walk. "The Belize Cancer Society San Ignacio Branch held its 7th Annual Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday October 26th 2019. Walkers (and a few runners) made their way from the starting point at Running W’s facility in Central Farm to the finish at the Macal River Park in San Ignacio. It was an early start at 5:30 a.m. but the sunrise was beautiful and well worth waking up for. The weather was perfect and by the time the sun was out completely the walkers had already beat the heat and were enjoying delicious meat pies, muffins, johnny cakes, sandwiches and fruits at the Macal Park.

6AM WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2019 ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES ARE OPEN FOR VISITATION
PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION AT ALL RIVER LOCATIONS

Channel 7

Two Possibly Counterfeit Nike Containers Held At Western Border
Yesterday there were some tense moments at the Benque Viejo Free Zone after an attempt to impose a new charge on tobacco imports. Police had to call out the riot squad to calm down angry importers. And while that was an internal matter between Zone management and importers - tonight, there's a bigger problem. 7News has confirmed that Customs at the border has held back two 40 foot containers bound for the zone.

Man Critical After Surviving Multiple Shots In City
A Belize City man is clinging to life after he was shot yesterday evening in the St. Martin's area. It happened at 6:15 on Lavender Street where residents heard at least 10 shots fired. The target was 27 year old Eric Tillett who was hauled out of the yard with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, but still alive. He was put into the back of a pickup - which a number of neighborhood men crowded into - and then rushed to the KHMH where he is critical tonight.

Accused Killer Keon Is A Free Man
He's been on remand for a murder charge for over 3 years, but tonight 23-year-old Keon Usher is a free man. That's after he was acquitted in a trial without jury, in front of Justice Colin Williams. Usher was charged with the murder of 25-year-old Nicasio Zuniga. That killing happened in the Martin's Area in 2016. Zuniga had just left his home for the corner store when 2 men rode up on bicycles, and one of them shot him in the head. The cops believed that they made a solid arrest, based on a caution statement given to them by an alleged eyewitness who swore that he heard a single shot, and saw Usher and another man riding off on separate bicycles.

Armed Robbers Stormed Centaur
It's a shopping complex at one of the busiest highway intersections in the country - but the business plazas near the Phillip Goldson airport in Ladyville continue to get robbed - and in broad daylight. This morning at 9:25 a man entered the Centuar Cable Office at Ramon Plaza, Ladyville and asked for an unknown individual.

The Aftermath of the Succotz Flash Flood
Yesterday morning, relentless rains caused the Mopan river to swell and triggered a pre - dawn flash flood in the village of San Jose Succotz. Hundreds of residents were affected and lost household property such as mattresses, furniture, and even car engines. Today, NEMO went in with relief. Cherisse Halsall has more on the flood and the aftermath. It was a vivid and unforgettable image, a tearful pastor and his wife in the grips of loss and incomprehension, as chest high flood waters ripped through their house in the predawn darkness.

The Thorny And Troubling Issue of CSEC
On Friday we told you about the Interpol Cybercrime Capacity Building Project in the Americas. Law enforcement representatives from Belize and the Caribbean learned new techniques to detect and interdict predators engaging in the online sexual exploitation of children. It is a very real and disturbing global phenomenon and Belize is among the countries where it is happening. There haven't been many reported cases of online child solicitation or exploitation of children in Belize but the number of cases reported from homes and communities all over the country are alarming. Courtney Weatherburne takes a closer look at commercial sexual exploitation of children, what the police and other organizations have been doing to address this chronic problem and what gaps need to be closed to better protect children. Here is her special feature story.

New River Renewed
Almost 2 months ago, the New River in the Orange Walk District made national news after it was discovered that this major waterway was severely polluted. Well, the Department of Environment is reporting tonight that the condition of the river has improved significantly since its intervention. The DOE says that since early September, they've been monitoring the water quality near Orange Walk Town on a daily basis, and their tests indicate steady improvement. They attribute these improvements to several factors. The first is the installation of mechanical aerators at strategic locations along the river. Also, the river has been recharged due to the significant rainfall in Central and Northern Belize.

Police Say She Drank Poison, Mom Says She Was Killed
18 year old Shailee Polanco passed away last week at the Southern regional hospital. Police have said that she died from drinking poison - reportedly gramaxone. Her mother, however, believes that she was killed. Now she is claiming that Shailee also had head trauma from an injury she had sustained. Estela Polanco, Mother of Shailee Polanco: "The postmortem is saying that she also has a dent in her head. It looks like she got hit with a heavy equipment or something."

UWI's Country Conference on Belize
Today, UWI held its Belize Country Conference under the theme "Youth and Security: Assessing Risks, Mitigating Vulnerabilities, and Improving Wellbeing". It is a major youth conference that brings high school and tertiary level students to discuss issues affecting them. There were also panelists who presented academic papers on themes like financial and economic inclusion of youth, school based response to violence among other topics. The Acting UWI head told us more: Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, Acting Head, U.W.I.: "Every 2 years our university is mandated to host a Belize country conference and the focus is usually on research, academic papers and research conducted on Belize and about Belize..."

A Decade Later, Still No Justice For Buckley
The last time that Steven Buckley made the news was back in January of 2018. That's when he was calling for the state to speed up the criminal prosecution of the cop who was charged for almost killing him. That happened in April of 2010. Buckley was accidentally shot by a police officer during a routine search. That officer has been identified as Inspector Dennis Lopez. Buckley came to our office today to complain that he has seen Lopez back on the job for the police department even though the case for attempted murder and dangerous harm is still unresolved. He expressed his outrage about that:

Belize Off EU Blacklist
After many tense months of legislative back and forth - it has been announced that Belize will be removed from European Union's blacklist of tax havens. A report from Reuters says that the decision will be formally adopted on Friday. Eight jurisdictions are expected to remain on the list, including Trinidad and Tobago, and the three U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Compton's Contribution to Culture
Last night we told you about the passing of one of Belize's most noted record producers, Compton Fairweather. The 88 year old died of bronchial pneumonia yesterday morning. And while he has passed on, he leaves a huge cultural legacy in music. Fairweather was the owner, engineer and producer for CES records, which was the dominant music label in the 60's and 70's. CES is responsible for many seminal Belizean records, and captured on vinyl countless legendary performances by some of the best musicians Belize has produced.

The Rights of Refugees
Last night we told about the UNHCR media training on refugee reporting. As we told you, refugees are persons who have no choice but to flee their country in fear of their life. But it is not a bed of roses when refuges get to Belize initially. The process to be recognized as a refugee is a long and tedious one and the time period refugees have to apply is also very short. Janice Marshall, Senior Consultant, UNHCR Belize: "There is a very short time limitation in the Belize refugee act, people who enter the country only have 14 days after they enter the country in which to make their claim for refugee..."

UNHCR Lobbies For 'Fugees
But when refugees finally get settled in, many become active and productive members of communities. UNHCR senior consultant Janice Marshall discussed this transition that is often overlooked by Belizeans. Janice Marshall, Senior Consultant, UNHCR Belize: "World Refugee day comes everyday on the 20th of June and each year in Belize we try to find successfully integrated refugee to come and talk to people to show that this can be done, we have refugee teachers, we have refugee business people, in Valley of Peace which is mainly a refugee community who have many farmers who are providing much greater variety of vegetables..."

14th. Belize Film Fest Bears Promise
Tomorrow night, local and international filmmakers will converge on Belize for the 14th edition of the Belize International Film Festival. This year, the Festival features 62 film entries and 15 music videos. This morning, the Festival's founder, Suzette Zayden, told the press why the public should take an interest and attend: Suzette Zaiden - Founder, BIFF: "We're about to start the 14th Edition of the Belize International Film Festival tomorrow. With us today is our guest speaker, who will be giving the keynote address at the opening ceremony tomorrow at 7, Mr. Mark Ang."

Time Fu Eat, A Belizean Short Film
And one of the featured Belizean films at this year's festival comes from a noted production house. Ignite Belize has had their name tagged unto countless groundbreaking Belizean music videos like Tanya Carter's 'Ex-boyfriend', and Big Bang's 'Cocaine'. And now, the founder, Carlo Habet is trying to parlay that success and savvy into filmmaking. His first short film, "TIME FU EAT" is a refreshing and authentic look at Belizean socio-political culture. Cherisse Halsall spoke to him and the cast and crew to find out why TIME FU EAT will call film buffs to the table.

Move Over COACH, Say Hi To "Fahina"� Handbags
We may know them primarily as a conservation group, but the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) has qualified for a $130,000 US dollar grant from the CDB's Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund. SATIIM is working along with a Toledo women's group called 'Fahina'. Fahina has been around for many years and the women make handbags, jewelry and other handcrafts from local materials.

A House For A Deserving Mother
This afternoon in Orange Walk, the Social Security Board and Hand in Hand Ministries handed over a house to a very deserving mother of two. Social Security staffers assembled the house over the weekend, and they handed it over to a very pleased Amanda Leiva today in Orange Walk.

CUBA CYCLING...
Belizean cyclists excelled in the 19th Caribbean Championship in Cuba. Oscar Quiroz placed second in the Road Race on Sunday in Havana - coming close in a dramatic sprint where the Cuban rider bested him. While on the women's side, Kaya Cattouse placed 5th and Nicole Gallego was 12th in what we are told was a very tough road race.

Channel 5

Patrick Faber: “To hell with it!”
The Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber was not at the start of today’s cabinet sitting in Belmopan. It means he did not face his colleagues around the table who on [...]

Deputy Prime Minister: ‘there is a lot of corruption’
The Deputy Prime Minister also spoke on corruption among politicians. He says that there is a lot of corruption and the politicians are corrupt because the people are corrupt too.  [...]

Faber Says G.O.B. Needs to do a Better Job in Addressing Youth Issues
Parts of Faber’s speech also touched on the budget, saying the youth are being short changed since little is spent on the future of the country.  Faber admitted that the [...]

Eric Tillett Survives Wild Attempt on His Life
Turning to crime, Belize City Resident Eric Tillett was on his way home on Lavender Street when he came under fire attack. A volley of bullets were unleashed and as [...]

Centaur Cable Held Up in Ladyville
This morning around nine-thirty, a pair of thieves entered the office of Centaur Cable in Ladyville.  While one of them inquired about an unknown individual, the other brandished a firearm [...]

“Rebel” is Committed to Stand Trial for Sexual Assault of Minor
A fifty-one-year-old man will have to stand trial at the January 2020 session of the Supreme Court for a horrible sexual offense of a child, only three years old. Alfonso [...]

Suspended Sentence for Jordan Pitts, Guilty of Robbery
In the Supreme Court, Jordan Pitts was fortunate to be spared jail time when he pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery. Pitts appeared in the courtroom of Justice Colin [...]

A Life-Changing Surgery for a Mother of 3
For twenty years of her life, a Guinea Grass resident endured pain from an external hernia that developed so big that she carried her organs outside her body.  The mother [...]

Father Alleges that His Baby was Injured while in Human Services Custody
Kevin Arnold Senior alleges that his seven-month-old baby boy was injured while in the custody of the Human Services Department. According to Arnold, the boy and his two-year-old sister were [...]

A Plea for Help for Robbery
On Monday, the family of Aspinal Welch, who is incarcerated at the Belize Central Prison while awaiting trial for attempted murder, shared their story with us about his struggle behind [...]

Belize CitCo to Appeal Candice Miller’s $300K Judgment
In early October Supreme Court Justice Courtenay Abel ruled in favour of Candice Miller, former City Administrator.  Miller was contracted by former Mayor Darrell Bradley and was awarded a contract extension [...]

Mayor Wagner Says Belize City Council Doing Financially Well
Mayor Bernard Wagner also spoke on the council’s financial operations. The Mayor says that the council is gradually emerging from the slow season and has been able to meet every [...]

Hand in Hand Ministries and Social Security Help Single Mom Own a New Home
The family of Amanda Leiva is resting comfortably tonight in their new home. The mother of two received the keys to their new home this afternoon. Hand in Hand Ministries [...]

Historical Swing Bridge Being Repaired
Repairs on the historical Swing Bridge continue in the downtown area of the City. The Belize City Council’s initial assessment of the state of the Swing Bridge revealed serious structural [...]

Deveene Martinez is Ms. Garifuna Belize 2019-2020
Miss Garifuna Hopkins, Deveene Martinez was crowned Miss Garifuna Belize 2019-2020 over the weekend by the National Garifuna Council at the annual Miss Garifuna Belize Cultural Pageant. Following the National [...]

Mayor Bernard Wagner Clarifies Water Shortage at City Hall
The Belize City Council says it is in the process of seeking legal advice to take action against the Guardian’s Newspaper for an article published regarding a shortage of water [...]

University of West Indies Hosts Belize Country Conference 2019
A two-day conference focusing on youths is underway in Belize City. It is being hosted by the University of the West Indies. The discussions are taking on issues of gender [...]

Climate Change and Ecosystem-based Adaptation
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Center and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity are hosting the first of a series of regional dialogue sessions aimed at raising awareness and identifying [...]

F.F.B. Holds Licensing Course for Football Coaches
The Football Federation of Belize is holding a ‘National D License Coaching Course’ throughout the country in November and December. The course for the Belize District kicked off today at [...]

The 14th Edition of the Belize International Film Festival
The fourteen edition of the Film Festival opens this Wednesday and we will be airing the event here on this station.  A long list of films will be screened, including [...]

Time Fu Eat to Premiere at 2019 International Film Festival
A fifteen-minute short directed by Carlo Habet is premiering at the 2019 International Film Festival.  The original screenplay for Time Fu Eat was written by Carlo and Andre Habet and [...]

The Reporter

Another Shooting, Eric Tillett Critical At KHMH
The Reporter has confirmed that the man shot in Belize City last night was Eric Tillett, 27. Tillett was reportedly standing near Lavender Street ...

LOVE FM

14th Belize International Film Festival
This year’s Belize International Film Festival will be taking place from November 6 to November 10. This is the fourteenth edition of the festival, and to promote it, Suzette Zayden, the founder, held a press conference today.

Belize WAV elects new president
The Belize Women Against Violence Movement (WAV) has elected a new president. Over the weekend, the members chose Doctor Pricilla Brown Lopez as their president. Akira Genus Hewlett was chosen as Treasurer and Senieda Shol as secretary.

Using natural resources to mitigate Climate Change
Climate Change experts are in Belize to discuss how we can utilize our natural resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Climate Change is a growing issue impacting all countries around the globe.

Who is to blame for baby’s death?
The administration of the Punta Gorda Hospital has come out to clarify what they refer to as erroneous information relayed on social media. On Friday, November 1, a social media post indicated that a woman of San Jose Village, Toledo District was left unattended at the hospital and had given birth in the waiting room.

New River conditions improving
Today, the Department of the Environment (DoE) gave an update on the condition of the New River in Orange Walk. According to them, the general condition of the river has improved over the past few weeks.

Man to stand trial for sexually assaulting child
After allegedly sexually assaulting a toddler, 51-year-old Alfonso ‘Rebel’ Perez will stand trial for the crime. Perez, a resident of Rancho Dolores Village, Belize District, was committed to stand trial in the January 2020 session of the Supreme Court for allegedly forcing a 3-year-old boy to perform oral sex on him.

Breaking Belize News

BECOL clarifies inaccurate report that Vaca dam “caused Succotz flooding”
The Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL) has asked Channel 7 News to retract an inaccurate […]

Belize Water Services begins pumping water for San Ignacio/Santa Elena residents; water boiling advisory remains
Belize Water Services (BWS) issued a new update a few minutes ago on the on-going […]

“Tourism industry performed well at mid-year,” says new BTB report
Belize’s tourism sector continues to see impressive growth according to the Belize Tourism Board’s (BTB)’s […]

San Ignacio student tragically dies
A 14-year-old student from Sacred Heart college in San Ignacio died early this morning. The […]

Yolanda Schakron wins appeal of libel/slander case
In what her attorney Anthony Sylvestre has called “a vindication,” former activist, businesswoman and political […]

Deveene Martinez is Ms. Garifuna Belize 2019-2020
Hopkins’ own Deveene Martinez captured the National Miss Garifuna Belize title at the Cultural Pageant […]

Over 100 UB students face de-registration for non-payment
A total of 104 students currently enrolled at the University of Belize (UB) are faced […]

Condition of the New River has improved says Department of the Environment
The Department of the Environment (DOE) today informed those people living in the vicinity of […]

Barrack Trading Center burglarized over the weekend
The owner of Barrack Trading Center in Santa Elena, Cayo reported to police that sometime […]

U.S. Marines refuel largest Navy helicopter during mission over Belize
In the skies over Belize last Wednesday, a Marine Corps CH-53E Tremendous Stallion helicopter conducted […]

Cable company robbed in Ladyville
Our newsroom has confirmed a robbery in northern Belize. It occurred minutes ago in Ladyville. […]

Two Belize hotels win prestigious Conde Nast Johansens Awards of Excellence
San Pedro’s Victoria House and Spa and Coco Plum Island Resort off the coast of […]

Shooting victim identified as Eric “Rico” Tillett
Last night we reported that a man was shot in Belize City. He has since […]

NEMO Minister visits residents in Benque Viejo after flash flood
Several videos and pictures went viral yesterday showing the state of homes and the El […]

Classes suspended in San Ignacio and Santa Elena due to on-going water interruption
This morning, administration of the following pre, primary and high schools informed BBN that classes […]

Blogs

Health Care in San Pedro
Depending on where you are in your stage of life, healthcare and medication may or may not concern you. As retirees not yet Medicare eligible, it was a significant concern to us. Additionally, we both have some critical medication needs so forethought and planning was definitely needed. Regardless of your health needs you will need proof of certain vaccinations in order to apply for residence under the QRP, (Qualified Retirement Persons). It is also advisable to see your doctor before leaving the states and consult with them regarding any suggested vaccines. Of the many things that Belize is known for, healthcare is not one of them. There are a couple of doctors on the island and just recently, Belize Medical Associates opened a clinic here on the Caye upping the quality of care for islanders significantly. If you have a cold, strep throat, cuts and bruises or even a broken bone or two you’ll be fine. If you have anything significant like a chronic illness, a heart condition or cancer concerns, you’ll want to look beyond the border of Belize for the best quality care. I say this not to disparage Belize’s healthcare but as a matter of fact when you look at healthcare worldwide.

The Best Ways To Enjoy A Coconut In Belize!
Coconut is a mature fruit of the Cocos nucifera, a tree of the palm family. They have been grown in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years but have recently increased in popularity for their flavor, culinary uses, and potential health benefits. Coconuts are tasty, refreshing and also happens to be good for you. It is loaded with several essential nutrients, including minerals that most people don’t get enough of. Like other Caribbean countries, the coconut lies deep within Belize’s culinary customs. Besides eating the meat right from the shell, here are many ways to reap the robust flavor of this fruit:

Belize, what a romantic destination!
Belize is a beautiful country located in Central America, with the most amazing breathtaking white sand islands, wild landscape and a variety of activities. It is no wonder that Belize is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Travelers visiting the country are able to choose from a wide variety of upscale luxury hotels to ensure an ultimate romantic vacation. Belize provides the perfect combination of a luxurious holiday but at the same time having a romantic reconnection with your partner.

Black & White Christmas Affair – Fruit Cake Recipe
No matter the odds, a delicious traditional Belizean spread makes it the best time of the year. If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Belize, one of the most significant elements to be found on a Belizean dining table during this time is the iconic Black or White Fruit Cake. It is a Belizean tradition and one that you must definitely try to get your hands on when visiting for the Christmas holidays. The key ingredients for this delightful delicacy are dried fruits, nuts, and of course rum! The preserved fruits are baked in the cake and then stored for a couple of days after being soaked with local Belizean rum. Black/White fruit cake is moist inside with a brown crust outside. The combination of a sweet cake and rum is sure to make an excellent end to a magnificent meal!

International Sources

Guatemala's next president to cut ties with Maduro's Venezuela
Guatemalan President-elect Alejandro Giammattei said on Monday that he will break off all diplomatic relations with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro when he takes office on Jan. 14. The center-right Giammattei, who won a run-off election in August, told reporters his incoming administration will instead recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s leader.

Videos

November 5, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

San Pedro observes Dia de Los Finados
Island residents celebrated their dearly departed at the San Pedro House of Culture’s (SPHC) El Dia de Los Finados/Muertos celebration (Day of the Dead) on Saturday, November 2nd. This tradition is practiced annually among the Mestizo, Maya and Garifuna cultures in Belize, and is usually observed over two days, November 1st and 2nd. It is also a tradition in many Latin American countries. The exhibit displayed framed photos of loved ones that have passed on, and families observed each one and shared stories about their departed loved ones. Some family members even went in matching T-shirts with their loved ones’ picture on it. There were seven different altars on display, representing the Maya Hanal Pixan, Garinagu, Aztecs, Los Angelitos (little Souls), La Anima Sola (The Forsaken Soul), and the Christian Altar.

San Pedro Pirates win 3-1 against BDF
For the 13th week of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) 2019 Opening Season, the San Pedro Pirates travelled to Belize City to face the Belize Defense Force (BDF) on Sunday, November 3rd. The match saw the island team taking the win with a 3-1 score and retaining their third place position on the PLB charts with 22 points. For their last match of the regular series of the PLB 2019 Opening Season, the San Pedro Pirates will be playing at home against Wagiya Sporting Club. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30PM inside the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town. ALL islanders are invited to come out and support the island team in their last home match in the PLB regular series.

Belize signs loan agreement with IDB to strengthen tax administration
The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Dr. Cassandra T. Rogers signed a loan agreement on November 1st in the amount of US$14 million to strengthen tax administration in Belize. The financing will support the Government of Belize in its ongoing efforts to modernize, restructure and integrate its Tax Administration.

Ambergris Today

Belize Signs $14 Mil Loan Agreement With IDB To Strengthen Tax Administration
The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Dr. Cassandra T. Rogers signed a loan agreement on Friday, November 1, 2019, in the amount of US$14 million to strengthen tax administration in Belize. The project will strengthen tax administration governance, improve operational processes through the modernization of technological infrastructure with the aim of maximizing government revenue generating potential.

Belize Tourism Board Releases Mid-Year Insight Into Tourism Performance
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the release of its first Travel & Tourism Mid-Year Performance Statistics Report. The report is the first digitally interactive publication produced by the BTB in an effort to provide the Tourism Industry with a snap-shot of tourism trends occurring over the first six months of the year. The publication is in lieu of the annual Tourism Digest that is produced at the conclusion of the calendar year and contains an overview of arrival trends in the overnight and cruise sectors respectively.

Various Belizean Sources

South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Cleanup Day Nov. 9
Hello everyone! If you are on the island, come help out with our quarterly neighborhood clean up day. We will meet at the patrol station next to Miramar Villas at 7:00 am. We will split into teams to cover the area from Victoria House all the way down to the tip of the island. Many hands make for light work! Our teams usually get it done in two hours :-). Someplace South Cafebar will provide a coffee or water to anyone working the pick up. Thank you!

Belize's Wonder Women! Karen Vernon
We are proud to announce that for the month of November, Karen Vernon is our Belize Wonder Woman. Karen has always been involved in the promotion, preservation, and development of the arts in Belize. At the age of five, she started dancing with the Bob Reneau School of Dance and continued dancing for many years. For the past 10 years, Karen has been serving tirelessly as the Theater Director at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Karen is a superb leader with national and regional impact. She not only manages the day-to-day operations of the Bliss Center, but also leads four signature annual events: Street Art Festival, Belize International Jazz Festival, Francis Reneau Concert Series, and Dance X BZ. This year, the Belize Tourism Board recognized the Street Art Festival as Belize’s Major Festival & Event of the Year!

Happy Birthday to Blue Water Grill in San Pedro
This past Saturday we celebrated 18 years of Blue Water Grill (or as we like to call it Mrs. Kelly’s first born), we gathered around and reminisced on good times but mostly the not so good times. It was very special and well y’all know how we all feel!!

Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel Effective November 5, 2019
The Ministry of Finance announces that on November 5, 2019, the pump price of two fuel products will change. The price for premium gasoline will register a decrease and regular gasoline will register an increase as follows: Premium gasoline will decrease by 19 cents from $10.97 to $10.78 per gallon; Regular gasoline will increase by 2 cents from $10.05 to $10.07 per gallon. The prices for kerosene and diesel will remain unchanged at $7.42 and $10.09 per gallon, respectively.

Caye Caulker Football Marathon
This Sunday was the close of the U13 football marathon. The Caye Caulker Village Council sponsored the tournament and is greatful to Councilor Miguel Neal who spear headed the marathon with assistance from Ms Vanina Sosa, Mrs.Enelda Rosado and Ms Gabrielle Pariente. The tournament had 5 teams Fantasy Jr(1st place), E. Arias (2nd Place), Extreme Warriors, Caye Strikers, Super Hero and Rainbow. The Caye Caulker Village Council is grateful to the parents, children, and coaches Mr. Sanjay Pitts, Mr. Edgar Arias, Mr.Carlos Macu who took on two teams, Mr. Austin Lopez and Mr. Gustavo Castro for coaching these young children of our community. We thank any supporting team and fans of the children. Special mention to Gisel Alvarado the most valuable player of the season and Aniki Palacio who showed sportsmanship. He was older than the set age but he committed to assist with preparation of the field the entire season.

BTIA Annual General Meeting
Save the date for our 34th Annual General Meeting.

Informative session on Cervical Cancer in Corozal
The Corozal Town Council cordially invites the public to an informative session on Cervical Cancer to be held at the Corozal Town Hall this Friday 8th November starting at 9:30 am. This initiative is geared to create awareness for women.

Cruise Agents Fam Trip
The BTB Cruise Department is hosting our first ever familiarization trip for Cruise travel agents. We invited five (5) agents from across the United States to Belize to explore and immerse themselves in the wonders of our country. This opportunity will allow for the cruise agents to gain first-hand experience of what cruisers encounter while in Belize and it creates a matchmaking opportunity with local tour operators.

NOTICE TO ALL HOTELIERS AND TOUR GUIDES
6:00AM TUESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2019: THE ATM RESERVE REMAINS CLOSED. THE BARTON CREEK RESERVE IS OPEN PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION AT THE RIVER CROSSING. THE XUNANTUNICH AND NOHOCH CHEEN RESERVES ARE OPEN. PLEASE CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND THE IA WILL PROVIDE UPDATE ON ANY CHANGES IN RIVER LEVEL THAT CAN LEAD TO CLOSUR.E

BELIZE CITY COUNCIL WATER DISCONNECTED FOR NONPAYMENT!!!
The water has been disconnected at City Hall for nonpayment. The cash strapped City Council has being having difficulty in meeting its expenses. Included in those expenses is a huge fuel bill at a specific fuel station that is now refusing to extend any further credit to the council. Couple those expenses along with salaries, which they are already having problems to meet along with that almost one and a half million dollars owed for two court judgements the City Council is in dyer straights.

Channel 7

Cigarette Importer Rebels at The Western Free Zone
The situation at the Benque Viejo Free Zone was tense today. Reliable reports say that one of the big tobacco importers rebelled against a new charge being put on tobacco imports. He had his workers padlock the gate to the zone, and locked out the CEO in the process. When the Zone staff broke the lock, the importer reportedly put back another lock - and then parked a towhead behind the gate to block entry into the zone What's the issue? Well the new CEO of the zone has proposed a surcharge, reportedly 50 cents US on each case of Chinese cigarettes coming into the zone.

Saldivar Showed Muscle, Money and Machinery at Leadership Launch
A big political show traveled from Belmopan to Belize City on Sunday. It was the formal launch of John Saldivar's candidacy for the UDP leadership convention in February of 2020 - and he pulled out all the stops. Jules Vasquez was there and here's his recap: With an imposing image of Saldivar plus 17 area reps or standard bearers welcoming supporters to the Civic, the message was clear: dominance. We are told there were as many as 20 buses mobilized and the area was festooned with all types of signage, giving Sunday's launch the air of a national convention.

Gapi Vega, Call It A Comeback?
And the larger crowd followed their divisional leaders: we mean the standard bearers and area reps who have declared their support for Saldivar. As you saw, that included a very prominent Gaspar Vega. The Orange Walk North Representative was said to have been retiring from electoral politics. He hasn't been to a house meeting in many months, and has receded into the political shadows. But, he re-emerged on Sunday - reportedly as a financier and a Saldivar supporter. We asked Saldivar if the tarnished figure would make a comeback under his leadership of the UDP - and he was vague about Vega:

Pro-Saldivar - Shyne, Sista Band Dean B.?
And, while both Vega and Saldivar were non committal, there was no need for hedging about two other Saldivar supporters: Shyne and Denise "Sista B" Barrow. That's Party Leader Dean Barrow's younger sister and his eldest son, and both were prominently in support of Saldivar - we asked Saldivar what conclusions we can draw from that: Reporter: "You had Shyne Barrow doing the opening address and you had Sista B here as well. They were obviously not at Faber's event. Is this indicative of the fact that the prime minister's son and his sister are here. Can we then conclude that the prime minister supports...."

What Will Happen In Months to Come?
And while Saldivar may seem to be comfortably carrying the momentum right now - we are reminded that, in politics, three months are an eternity, and many things can change. AND, while we saw thousands there on Sunday - ultimately, the decision on who will be the leader will be made by a small number of persons: 560 national delegates. Patrick Faber and John Saldivar squared off in May of 2016 for the post of Deputy Leader - and Faber got the support of a majority of those delegates.

Vaca Volumes, Water Rushes Into Succotz
There was some heavy flooding in San Jose Succotz early this morning around 5:00. And it happened after the Vaca Dam had to be opened and warning of flash floods were issued. A public notice from BECOL this morning said quote, "the Vaca Dam spillway became active this morning and some flash flooding maybe possible down stream. Residents in the area are asked to be on the alert." For the villagers not even their church was safe - and parishioners had to rush to protect the instruments.

A House Murder in Boom
Tonight, residents of the Burrel Boom Village in the Belize District are distressed after one of their own was ruthlessly gunned down and killed within the community. Burrell Boom doesn't regularly make the news for these types of crimes. But, reports to police are that last night, sometime before 9:00, 27-year-old Aaron Baptist was socializing with Lindell Willams inside Willam's home. Someone used that opportunity fire as many as 10 times into the home. When police arrived, Baptist had already passed away form his injuries. So, what's behind the in house execution? Well, that's what we asked the Head Of National Crimes Investigation, Assistant Commissioner Myvette in Belmopan today:

Murder Followed By Shooting
Several hours after Baptist shot and killed, another villager, Kyle Pinkard, also came under attack by unknown gunmen. Fortunately, he survived the attempt on his life, but he was injured by a gunshot to the hip. Some residents believe that the two shooting incidents for these men are connected. They also live on the same street in the village - and are known to ply the same trade. Police say he gunman shouted threats before he shot.

Shooting Victim Succumbs
Last week, we told you that 25 year old Adam Joseph had been shot on Thursday night in front of the Civic Center. It happened at about 9:45 on Central American Boulevard when an unknown gunman came at Joseph from behind and fired a shot at him. He was transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where the last word was that he was stable. But, this weekend things took a turn for the worse and on Saturday night, he succumbed to his injuries.

Shady Business At Shanti
After a 9 hour search, an unauthorized money changer in Corozal was shut down last week by a task force comprising of personnel from the police department, FIU, and Belize Tax Services. It was a well known exchange hub - where those who are headed over the border to Chetumal can make a quick stop to exchange currency. Of course, it also handles much larger transactions. The problem, however, was that Shanti's Tour had no authorization to perform the service. Now, this is kind of a joke, since the dozens of money changers at the border also do not have a license.

Bicycle Rider Fatally Knocked Down
A San Jose villager was killed in a hit and run last night around 8:00. It happened between miles 61 and 62 on the Phillip Goldson Highway. 40 year old Jose Sanker was riding his bicycle towards Orange Walk when someone rammed into him from behind. Police gave us more details. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head NCIB: "Sometime after 8:00pm police were called to an area between miles 61 and 62 on the Philip Goldson highway in San Jose village in Orange Walk district..."

Alfonso Takes A Plea
In news about another accident:... On Christmas Eve in 2016, media personality Alfonso Noble knocked down and killed Gilbert Myers who was riding a bicycle at mile three on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Today in the Supreme court he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless conduct. He was fined $6,000 dollars but with a third of that discounted for his guilty plea saving the court's time. He spoke with the press after and said it has been difficult carrying the weight of this:

Woman Makes Please for Paraplegic Husband in Jail
In 2017, Aspinal Welch was shot and the injury left him a paraplegic. Now, the 29 year old Welch is facing a charge for an armed robbery in 20912, in which he was also shot. But, because he's been getting to court late, he was remanded in September by the order of Justice Marilyn Williams. Now, he's been on remand for over a month - and his health has taken a downturn. Today his wife made a tearful plea for his release:..

Port Authority Wrapping Up Report On Water Taxi Explosion
Last week, we showed you our interviews with 2 of the victims of the boat explosion that happened near the Swing Bridge in Belize City, back in May of this year. You'll remember that 2 little girls, 10-year-old Yamiri Yasmin Guy, and her sister, 8-year-old Kimberly Melissa Guy, lost their lives in the blast. 8 tourists were also severely injured. Well, Roselia Catch, the mother of the two girls, and American Tourist Joseph Lee from Indiana have complained to us. They say that they still don't know how or why this tragic accident happened because the Belize Port Authority has still hasn't released its final report into the investigation.

Pounds of Weed in Belmopan
Police busted two Belmopan residents with about 52 pounds of weed on Saturday morning. Both were arrested and charged. Police told us more. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head NCIB: "On the 2nd of November sometime after 8:00am in the morning Belmopan police conducted a search at the home..."

Held Up A Furniture Store
Also in Belmopan on Saturday evening, two armed thieves held up Madison Furniture Store. But it seems a passerby who had a licensed gun saw what was happening and fired at the culprits apparently hitting one of them. Police later found the stolen items and a blood stained t shirt on Haulover Street. Police told us more. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head NCIB: "On Saturday evening shortly before 5:00pm Police were called to the Madison Furniture store on constitution drive in Belmopan where it was reported to them..."

Man's House Burns Day After Gun Arrest
Bruce Reneau was arrested on Friday morning for possession of an unlicensed firearm and by that evening, his house was in danger of burning to the ground. Police say that they have not ruled out arson as the cause of the fire. ACP Joseph Myvette, Head NCIB: "On the first of November sometime around 10am police conducted a search at Bruce Reneau's home on Iguana street..."

Reporting on Refugees
This weekend, Belizean journalists gathered at the Biltmore for a training on how to cover stories about refugees while protecting the refugees right to anonymity and safety. The training was hosted by United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the facilitators discussed national and international refugee laws and tips on how to protect the identity of refugees who are being threatened by gangs in their home countries among other topics. They also addressed the common misconceptions of refugees. Our reporters participated and they spoke with the lead presenter about the importance of this training.

Talking Climate Change
Climate Change experts from the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico are in Belize for a regional seminar to discuss how nature can help to mitigate the effects of this global problem. Climate change is no longer just a concept that only scientists are studying. It is a real issue and this year's drought, with the tens of millions of dollars in losses to Belizean farmers, is a vivid example of how climate change can have major negative impacts right here at home. So, these experts who have congregated in Belize are examining natural remedies for the effects of climate change.

Powering El Progresso, Cayo
Many of us take electricity for granted. For instance, we flick the light switch on without a thought and sometimes probably don't bother to take off the light or fan when we leave the room. Well, El Progresso villagers out west never had that luxury. They had been without electricity for decades, that is until Friday when they finally got hooked up to the grid. Here is more from the celebratory ceremony.

CITCO's Slow Work On Swing Bridge
Three more weeks, that's how long it will take before the Belize City Council re-opens the western pedestrian crosswalk on the swing bridge. A rare release from the council says that the bridge has, quote, "serious structural issues" and when they pulled up the walkway, they found, major deterioration throughout and urgent repairs became more extensive.

Compton's Contribution
And finally, tonight, we note the passing of Compton Fairweather, a noted record producer, and super patriot. The 88 year old died this morning of bronchial pneumonia at Belize Medical Associates. Fairweather was a passionate student fo the Guatemalan claims and an advocate of going to the ICJ.

Channel 5

#TheWayForward, John Saldivar Launches Leadership Bid
The man, who wants to replace Dean Barrow as leader for the U.D.P. and ultimately as Prime Minister, launched his bid on Sunday.  John Saldivar from Belmopan bussed in supporters [...]

Saldivar Boasts Support of 23 U.D.P. Standard Bearers Including Vega and Finnegan
The next leader of the United Democratic Party will be chosen by five hundred and sixty delegates. Of that figure, four hundred and ninety-six delegates are chosen from all thirty-one [...]

Minister Saldivar Responds to Mason’s Allegations
John Saldivar has had his share of controversies as well as allegations made against him, the latest coming out from the ‘Mason Murder Trial’. Mason along with Ashton Vanegas, Kieron Fernandez, [...]

Burrell Boom Village Councillor is Gunned Down Inside a House
A father of one, Aaron Baptist was gunned down inside a music studio early on Sunday night in Burrell Boom. Another person was inside the building, but the spray of [...]

1 Man Injured in a Second Shooting in Boom
Within hours of the murder of Aaron Baptist, shots rang out once again in Burrell Boom, adjacent to where Baptist lived in the village. Kyle Pinkard was shot and is [...]

Halloween Shooting Victim Adam Joseph Succumbs to Gunshot Injuries
Two days after his shooting, Belize City resident Adam Joseph succumbed at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; he is the second person to lose his life over the weekend to [...]

A Protest Fizzles at the Border in the West
Earlier today Belize police were called out to the Benque Free Zone where reports say that a protest was taking place. Three police vehicles, with one carrying riot gears, arrived [...]

San Jose Village Resident Killed in Hit & Run; Witness Chases Down Suspect, but Driver Escapes
There was a hit and run on Sunday night in San Jose Village, Orange Walk. It left a forty-year-old constructor worker dead on the George Price Highway. Jose Antonio Sanker [...]

Police Asking for Public’s Help to Solve Fatal Accident
Police say that they need the public’s help to solve this fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of forty-year-old Sanker. Today police shared the official details about the accident [...]

Alfonso Noble Pleads Guilty to Knocking Down and Killing Gilbert Meyers Jr.
Forty-two-year-old Alfonso Noble, the editor of Guardian Newspaper, today appeared in the Supreme Courtroom of Justice Colin Williams and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless [...]

Alfonso Noble Breaks Silence on Details of Fatal Accident
The accident occurred on Christmas Eve of 2016 as Noble drove his pickup truck on the George Price Highway heading home. There were allegations that he was under the influence [...]

Wife of Wheelchair-bound Inmate Appeals to the Judiciary
Twenty-nine-year-old Aspinal Welch, who is otherwise known in the streets of Belize City as “Robbery”, is wheelchair-bound.  Paralysis after being shot three years ago has led to a gradual deterioration [...]

Severe Case of Bed Sore for “Robbery”
In describing Welch’s situation, his common-law wife explained that she reached out to Kolbe C.E.O. Virgilio Murillo after having received a medical certificate from a doctor at the K.H.M.H.   When [...]

Illicit Casa de Cambio Raided; Big Sums of Cash Found in Various Currencies
Police say that last week Thursday, a joint team of cops, FIU and Belize Tax Service personnel conducted a joint operation at a store called Almacen Shanti in Corozal Town. [...]

1 Man Injured in Lizarraga Avenue Shooting
Earlier in the newscast we told you about Adam Joseph who was shot on Halloween night. He lived for four days following that shooting, but died over the weekend. That [...]

45+ Families Affected by Flash Flood in Benque
A flash flood has displaced close to fifty families in the west. NEMO personnel have been on the ground since early this morning to help affected families. Reporter Andrea Polanco [...]

50 Pounds of Weed in Pan!
Police conducted a search at a home in Belmopan where they found over fifty pounds of weed. The search happened sometime after eight on Saturday morning. ACP Joseph Myvett says [...]

Madison Furniture Robbed; Thief is Shot and Injured, but not Apprehended
There was armed robbery at Madison Furniture store on Constitution Drive in Belmopan on Saturday evening. Police say that it happened just before five that evening. Two armed men walked [...]

CAJO Conference a Success
The sixth Biennial Conference of CAJO came to a successful conclusion on Saturday in Belize City. About one hundred and fifty members of the judiciary from the wider Caribbean took [...]

U.N.H.C.R. Holds Media Training
Belize is traditionally known to open its doors to refugees, in particular those from Central America countries who come here seeking a better life. Some resettle for economic reasons and [...]

Bruce Reneau’s Home Goes Up in Flames After He was Busted with .38 Revolver
On Friday morning, Belize City police visited the home of Bruce Reneau where they conducted a search of the property.  During the raid, they discovered three live rounds of ammunition, [...]

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

Flooding is being reported in Western Belize
Images posted on social media show several areas along the border in Benque and San Jose Succotz Village flooded.

The Reporter

Hit-&-Run In Orange Walk District
A man is dead after he was knocked down last night in San Jose, Orange Walk District. Police believe that the man identified as Jose Antonio Sanker, 40, was riding his bicycle near the entrance of San Jose when he was hit by a vehicle which collided into the rear of his bicycle.

Owner Of Money Exchange Establishment In Corozal Detained
The Proprietor of Almacen Shanti in Corozal Town has been detained by Police pending charges of operating a Casa De Cambio without a valid permit. Last week Thursday a joint team of Police Officers, F.I.U. and Income Tax personnel conducted an all-day raid of the business establishment, resulting in the discovery of US$60,000.

Flash Flood In Some Western Villages & Roads
The Reporter has confirmed that NEMO mobilized this morning around 3:30am. after receiving a call from residents of San Jose Succotz informing them of flash flooding in the village. We were told by an official from NEMO that there is at least two feet of water on the road between San Jose Succotz and Benque, and the flooding has been more serious in Benque, with at least 20 families affected.

Police Avert Revenge Warfare In The City, After Gun Battle In Boom
Last night at approximately 10pm. (Sunday November 3rd.). The Reporter received reports that there were at least ten gun-shots heard in Burrell Boom Village. We later learnt that 1 man was pronounced dead at the scene and another was injured.

LOVE FM

Village in the Cayo district gains access to electricity years later
Approximately 250 families in Seven Miles El Progresso Village, Cayo District, now have access to electricity after the government installed power lines to run through the village.

Man killed in hit and run in Orange Walk
40-year-old Jose Sanker is dead following a hit and run in San Jose Village, Orange Walk District. Sanker was reportedly on his way home on a bicycle when he was hit by a vehicle.

300 Cayo residents affected by flash flood
An estimated three hundred residents of Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town, Cayo District, were affected by a massive flash flood. Low-lying areas were especially affected, as well as the road between San Jose Succotz and Benque and the low-lying bridge in San Ignacio.

Furniture store in Belmopan robbed at gunpoint
Police are looking into a robbery that occurred on Saturday, November 2 in Belmopan, Cayo District. Correspondent Fem Cruz was at the robbery scene shortly after and filed the following report.

Illegal casa de cambio shut down by police in Corozal
More than six hundred and twenty thousand dollars were found during a major joint operation on Thursday, October 31 in Corozal Town. The total amount is the sum of various currencies and denominations found including one point six million pesos.

Man fatally shot in Burrell Boom Village
A man was killed last night in Burrell Boom Village, Belize District. He was inside a house with another man when an unknown gunman shot at them and fatally hitting 27-year-old Aaron Baptist.

Maya community celebrate embrace their culture
Maya community in the Toledo District celebrate their first Catholic Family Festival.

Fuel Prices fluctuate
Fuel prices will adjust once again at midnight tonight. Regular fuel will increase by 2 cents from $10.05 to $10.07 per gallon.

Imprisoned man in need of Medical care
A man who is currently imprisoned is in need of medical attention and according to the family, officials are denying him that right. Family members of Aspinal Welch spoke to the media today explaining their dilemma.

Guatemalans protest at the Benque Freezone
Just after twelve o’clock this afternoon police were called out to the western border to diffuse a situation that saw the Benque Free Zone temporarily closed off. Our news team was dispatched to the border where the riot squad and several police mobiles were seen waiting, in the event that tensions escalated.

Breaking Belize News

Belize City Council repairs broken pipe line
Earlier today, the Guardian Newspaper and an unnamed pseudo media house reported that the Belize […]

Belize Water Services issues update on water interruption for Benque and Twin Towns
Earlier today, Belize Water Services (BwS) informed residents of an emergency water interruption affecting Benque Viejo, […]

Shooting in Belize City leaves man injured
Our newsroom has confirmed a shooting in Belize City. It occured minutes ago on Onleander […]

Paraplegic inmate with horrible bedsore pleads for medical attention
Relatives of an inmate on remand at the Belize Central Prison, Aspinal Welch, are pleading […]

Police officers share joyful times with former squad member
Dayton Lewis, former police constable enlisted in the Belize Police Department in squad number 81. […]

Double whammy for Bruce Reneau: busted with gun and home burnt down
At 10 o’clock on Friday morning police visited the home of Bruce Reneau on Iguana […]

Belmopan couple busted with weed
A couple was charged with intent to supply a controlled drug after they were busted […]

Price of premium goes down, regular gasoline inches up
The Ministry of Finance announced that at midnight tonight, the pump price of two fuel […]

Kyle Pinkard shot hours after Burrell Boom killing
Three hours after last night’s murder of Aaron Baptist in Burrell Boom, gun violence continued […]

Police: No motive for Aaron Baptist murder
Sometime before 8 o’clock last night a man was shot in Burrel Boom, Belize. He […]

Investopedia explains why Belize is considered a tax haven
As the European Union (EU) prepares to remove Belize from its blacklist for tax haven […]

EU to remove Belize from tax haven blacklist
According to Reuters, European Union finance ministers are set to remove the Central American country […]

Florida man arrested for 40 grams of cocaine found in package delivered from Belize
Authorities in Naples, Florida arrested Joseph Rahman for trafficking cocaine. According to NBC2, Rahman received […]

Cristo Rey Waterboard informs no water today due to loss of pipes
Today, the Chairman of the Cristo Rey Waterboard in Cayo, Alfredo Guerra, issued a statement […]

National Meteorological Service issues flood alert
This morning, the National Meteorological Service of Belize issued a flood alert for western Belize. […]

Flash flood reported in Benque Viejo del Carmen
BBN has received reports of flash floods in Succotz and Benque Viejo del Carmen. According […]

Blogs

Iguana love you!
In Belize, I liken the iguana to our cute but pesky squirrel. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and yes, I think iguanas are cute, even when they eat my flowers! And similarly, they have been and still are hunted and consumed by indigenous populations and remain a part of our cultural cuisine. Considered a delicacy, especially the developing eggs the female carries in March and April, the hunting season for iguanas is closed from February to June of each year as this is their breeding season. With poaching and over-hunting of the popular ‘Bamboo Chicken’, paired with the destruction of their natural habitat as development destroys their nesting sites, the green iguana is facing grave population loss in some areas.

SAGA’s 16th Annual Halloween Spooktacular: Nothing Better Than Dogs in Costume
I can’t say enough great things about SAGA. Yesterday was there BIG fundraiser of the year – if you missed it, I’m sure they would SO APPRECIATE a donation big or small on their website (they feed and medicate so many animals…they are ALWAYS short on funds). I stopped in to take some pictures and just ooohhhh…and ahhhh…over dogs in costume. Nothing cuter.

5 Perfect Days in Placencia
Placencia, a small coastal village in the South, is a popular vacation spot in Belize with access to both marine and jungle adventures. Situated on the Southernmost tip of a narrow, sandy peninsula, this quaint village offers laidback beach vacation options and off the beaten path adventures. Wondering how to spend your time on the peninsula? What makes this location special is that you can have access and enjoy a variety of adventures.

Christmas in Belize
Though our coconut palms don’t dress up quite as pretty as your traditional conifers on Christmas – the sun-soaked coast, sparkling blue waters, and famously friendly people make Belize an irresistible tropical escape for the holidays. With average temperatures ranging between 71°F (22°C) to 80°F (27°C) during December, it’s no surprise that visitors are ditching their snow boots for sandy flip flops. US News & World Report agrees in naming Belize #1 in Affordable Winter Vacations this year. Whether your wish list experience is naughty or nice, Belize is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season!

Belize Birding Festival 2019
The San Ignacio Resort Hotel was this year’s host for the 2019 Belize Birding Festival in which birders, hoteliers, NGOs and many more stakeholders were able to discuss the majestic creatures that fly the skies. The festival kicked off birder-style at 6AM with a birdwatching tour followed with a quick breakfast and some much-needed coffee overlooking the jungle at the Running W Restaurant, an experience we highly recommend for you to try out. Dining with the Birds is a delicious adventure in which you can enjoy breakfast prepared by our Executive Chef while looking out for the early morning visitors.

International Sources

US Marines carry out refueling in Belize – Defense Blog
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) announced that the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters with Special Land-Air Maritime Task Force – The Southern Command carried out the refueling of aerial fuel with a tactical tanker of multi-missions KC-130J of the Maritime Air Refueling Transport Squad234 over Belize, October 30, 2019. The task force carried out refueling operations with the Hercules KC-130J tanker with Squadron 234 of Air Fuel Air Transport, according to a recent press release from the service.

Researchers Discover A Previously Unknown Shark In The Middle Of The Ocean And Its Head Looks Really Weird
In Belize, Central America, researchers have discovered a new kind of shark. It’s the head in particular that raises questions. Sharks are one of the most interesting creatures to be swimming about in our oceans. There are hundreds of different species living in our waters although some, such as the great white, are a lot more dangerous than others. According to the WWF, this particular species of hammerhead shark was found in Central America, in the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. It’s one of the 1400 counted animal species in the region.

Belizeans now need to demand lots and land distribution with a titled expedited process
BY WELLINGTON C. RAMOS. Belize is a country with a population of about 400,000 people. It is underpopulated and there is enough land in the 8,867 square miles, to give each Belizean a lot to build a home for his family and himself. Plus, almost every Belizean family own farmland which can be subdivided to give all their members a lot to build a house for themselves. Yet, there are hundreds of Belizeans at home and abroad, who are yearning to get a piece of lot to build their homes but cannot get a lot to do so.

Videos

November 4, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Wolfe’s Woofer: Adult Conversation
"My favorite thing about Ambergris Caye is the fishing,” Don said. “The fishing’s great,” I said, “but Belize has a lot to offer besides fishing. Have you and the family ever spent any time on the mainland?” My friend Don is in town this week with his wife Hannah and their twelve-year-old son, Richie. They were treating me to dinner at their hotel’s restaurant. Don said, “Not yet but this is only our fourth Belize vacation. I think maybe next year. . . .”

Doctor Love: Worried Wife
Dear Doctor Love, My husband has had a few health issues in his golden years but until we moved to Belize he was careful to keep them under control with healthy eating, medications and regular light exercise. Since coming to San Pedro he has fallen into an unhealthy lifestyle—eating fatty foods, drinking more alcohol than he should and often forgetting or neglecting to take his medication. He quit exercising so he has gained weight, which his doctor back home warned against.

Various Belizean Sources

Cook needed on Caye Caulker
Busy season is just around the corner! Looking for a talented, experienced cook to run our kitchen. Experience is a must! Someone with a “can-do” attitude. Responsible and reliable. Must respond with desired salary and professional references.

Sarteneja Corozal Water Taxi Express returns
Sarteneja Corozal Water Taxi Express is here by announcing to the public of Sarteneja and Corozal that we will start providing water taxi services again from Sarteneja to Corozal and from Corozal to Sarteneja. Departure from Sarteneja to Corozal 7:00 am - arrives Corozal 7:30 am . Departure from Corozal to Sarteneja @ 4:00 pm - arrives at 4:30 pm. Adults $15.00 one way. and $25.00 round trip. Minors $10.00 one way and $15.00 round trip. Students $10.00 one way and $15.00 round trip. We will only be providing services on Mondays and Fridays starting. Friday November 8, 2019. for further information kindly contact Mr. Abisai Canul @ 669-8267.

ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESERVES CAVES ARE PRESENTLY CLOSED AS A FLASH FLOOD PRECAUTION. HEAVY RAIN CONTINUES
ANOTHER UPDATE WILL BE PROVIDED AT 8AM, MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2019.

That 'ichpam ko' olel: The Corn, the 'Holy Grace' of the Mayans
The Word 'Cornfield' appears in the dictionary of the royal Spanish Academy, but its roots are not in Europe, but in America, or to be more accurate: in Mesoamerica. It comes from the nahuatl milli that means inheritance, cultivation field and so, with that meaning, but island as 'Cornfield', is used in Mexico. In Guatemala is also used but there is not a growing space, it means more corn. In Mexico is a word that designates a special form of agriculture where it lives a diversity of plants that have downtown the ' Holy Corn ', to the ' Holy Grace '. This is what the Mayan milperos call him when they speak in Spanish. When they speak Maya, names bring an affective burden and can call it nal when they refer to both the whole plant and the cob or the corn. A word that is not identical but yes very close to the word na ', with which it is said mom; or to the word naj with which it is said home, home.

Yucatec Maya dancers from the dance group U il Ixi'im dancing the U Óok'ostaj Pool in the village of San Narciso (Corozal)
This was not a cultural presentation but actually the real Óok'staj Pool(Hoghead dance) which was done with a spiritual meaning .

Happy Halloween 2019 from Holiday Hotel
Photos by Karen Brodie Photography

Channel 5

John Salvidar Rally at the Belize Civic Center
Minister of National Security officially launches his campaign for the post of leader of the United Democratic Party at the Belize City Civic Center.

The Reporter

UDP’s John Saldivar Takes Over The Civic With Huge Turnout
By the media’s unofficial count, close to 3,500 persons from across the country showed up the Belize Civic Center on Sunday, November 3rd as Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar officially launched his campaign to be elected leader of the UDP, when that Party’s national convention is held in February 2020.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: AN OWNER SPEAKS!
By: Major Lloyd Jones (Ret’d) - My recent column – “Electric Vehicles: Plug In and Shut Up” – gave rise to some interesting debates. Many people felt that there are more important things that we should be focusing on instead of EVs. Others felt that whereas EVs are certainly coming, Belize is not yet ready. Yet still others thought that we should plunge ahead in the name of the planet.

One of Two Suspects Charged For Darren Gentle’s Murder
Orange Walk police have managed to formally arrest and charge one of two suspects believed to be responsible for last week’s murder of Darren Gentle. On Monday, police charged Micheal McDougall 28 with murder. McDougall was arraigned later that day in the Orange Walk Magistrate Court and remanded into custody at the Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance.

Breaking Belize News

John Saldivar makes pitch to be next leader of U.D.P.
Claiming the support of a majority of standard bearers and others, Belmopan area representative John […]

San Pedro Pirates, Altitude FC and Wagiya battle for final 2 playoff spots – race down to the final week
After this weekend, only the top two in the Premier League of Belize are assured of […]

Gunshot victim passes away
On Thursday night, Belize City resident Adam Joseph was shot. Unfortunately, he passed away yesterday evening while receiving treatment. […]

Blogs

A Gorgeous Week in Belize Except for that Pesky Malware Issue
It’s been a gorgeous week on Ambergris Caye. The weather has been hot and humid – with a heavy dose a mosquitos if you step a bit too far away from the breeze. (Also, the farther away from town, the better chance you have of encountering the blood sucking beasts from hell. Yesterday we were up at Robles Point with Panny – and we had a FANTASTIC time – but as the afternoon rolled on, the mosquito count increased exponentially.) And someone or something got into my website, sent out some FALSE emails (it was not me who was trying to sell you CBD oils or medical marijuana) and posted some very poorly written posts to my blog. So much effort putting into breaking into websites, invest some time in some grammar and creative writing classes!

The Creole People of Belize
The Creole people in Belize are those with some amount of African blood. They are the descendants of African slaves who were brought to Belize in the 1700s and 1800s. Some also are descended from those who immigrated from Africa. The Creole people once encompassed about 60 percent of the Belize population. However, many of them moved to North America and, at the same time, a number of Central Americans moved into Belize. The Creole people now number just under 25 percent of the Belize population. Most of the Creole people live in Belize City. Others live in the villages alongside the Sibun River and Belize River. Some common locations for the Creole people include Monkey River, Lemonal, Gracie Rock, Placencia, Bermudian Landing, and Maskall.

Soursop in Belize
Ever visited any of the markets in Belize and come across a dark green prickly fruit? Chances are you have seen this fruit which goes by the name of Soursop. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world and got its name due to the slightly acidic taste when ripe. Their flesh is whitish, juicy, and aromatic but big black seeds fill the inside of its membranes, which can make it hard to eat. Fruit lovers have found creative ways to make it richly edible, while researchers have found medicinal uses for it.

Tested to My Limits on an Adventure Vacation in Belize
Middle age was pounding on the front door of my life, yet the intensity of parenting young children was easing up a bit. It was the perfect time for my friend Sarah and I to take a trip, but it had to be somewhere we’d never been, doing something we’d never forget. With some research, the perfect opportunity appeared: an adventure vacation in Belize! The website said a good attitude and average fitness were the only things needed to enjoy eight days of exploring, hiking and kayaking, including a few days on a private island. A moment was all I needed to consider my decision. My glass-half-full personality and size 14 jeans convinced me I was the perfect person for this experience. Without hesitation, I clicked ‘submit’ and committed to my first (and last) adventure travel vacation.

25 Things that create the Belize experience
While you might find a few of these things elsewhere in the world.....most of these are part of what makes the Belize experience so memorable and unique! 1.) There’s a napkin wrapped on every beer ...and you order a beer by saying, "I'll have a beer" (beer=regular Belikin). 2.) Fry jacks - sometimes as big as a football and stuffed with tons of stuff. 3.) Belikin Beer. 4.) Puddle jumpers. 5.) Johnny cakes. 6.) English signs...yet you landed in Central America.

Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize
We didn’t really have any expectations or even a real idea of what we would see, all we knew was that we were not going to miss out on snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world … AGAIN! Last year, we only stayed in Caye Caulker for two nights, underestimating how great snorkeling the barrier reef is, we opted to skip it and do the ATM cave on the mainland instead. Insider Tip: If you are debating about which one to do, do both, they are equally impressive and totally worth the money. However, after hearing so many backpackers rave about the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, we regretted not going snorkeling. So when we somehow found ourselves back in Caye Caulker last week, we knew what we had to do!

International Sources

EU to remove Belize from tax haven blacklist this week
European Union finance ministers are set to remove the Central American country of Belize from the bloc’s blacklist of tax havens in a meeting this week, an EU document said. The decision is to be formally adopted on Friday, the document said. Eight jurisdictions are expected to remain on the list. They are: Fiji, Oman, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu and the three U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Seagrass—secret weapon in the fight against global heating
One of the most threatened yet overlooked ecosystems on Earth, seagrass could have a promising future thanks to its ability to absorb carbon. Seagrass is a flowering marine plant whose blades form dense meadows in shallow, sheltered areas along coastlines. It has a range of benefits: seagrass acts as a nursery and food source for a wide variety of marine life, provides a home for many fish and charismatic animals such as turtles and dugongs, protects coastlines by absorbing wave energy, produces oxygen and cleans the ocean by soaking up polluting nutrients produced on land by humans. In addition, seagrass accounts for 10 per cent of the ocean’s capacity to store carbon—so-called “blue carbon”—despite occupying only 0.2 per cent of the sea floor, and it can capture carbon from the atmosphere up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.

Seven amazing Belizean adventures
ome nations are blessed with natural wonders, historic riches and vibrant local culture. Belize is barely the size of Wales but its geographical position, rugged mountain scenery, awe-inspiring beaches and marine life, wildlife-rich rainforest and Maya sites make it a veritable playground for adventure-seeking travellers who want to pack adrenalin-spiking activities and immersive cultural experiences into their break. Bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south-west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea, Belize is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s best adventure travel destinations, particularly with travellers seeking more bang-for-buck from a long-haul trip. Belize’s beaches and luxury lodges are spectacular, but this small nation richly rewards intrepid travellers who want to get off-the-beaten-track and immerse themselves in meaningful pursuits beyond the beaches.

Consumption of benthic cyanobacterial mats on a Caribbean coral reef
The McCoy lab at Florida State University discovered that certain angelfish, parrotfish and surgeonfish species play an important role in regulating mats of cyanobacteria on Caribbean coral reefs.

Videos

November 3, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

Cancer warrior Xavier ‘Iggy’ Howells visits Belize
Two years ago, Xavier ‘Iggy’ Howells was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscle tissue. Howells’ bravery in battling the deadly disease was rewarded with a visit to Belize. Made possible by Make-a-Wish Foundation, which provides wishes for terminally ill patients. Howells and his family visited Ambergris Caye from the 23rd to the 28th of October, and spent a memorable time engaged in a variety of activities from snorkelling the second largest barrier reef, learning about the local wildlife, to eating at some of the best restaurants on the island.

Dollar drive fundraiser hosted for Anthony Coleman to travel to Shriner’s Hospital in the USA
A dollar drive fundraiser was held on Monday, October 28th as to raise funds for island student Anthony Coleman. He is scheduled to travel on Monday, November 4th for evaluation and surgery for a pair of prosthetic arms to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. The dollar drive was organized by the San Pedro Justices of the Peace (JP’s) Association and the San Pedro Police Department. Funds raised will be used for Coleman’s travel and expenses during his initial two-month stay for him and his mother.

San Pedro Pirates in 3rd place position on the PLB charts
With a no show from FF Valley Pride F.C, San Pedro Pirates F.C automatically received three points and moved to the third place position of the Premiere League of Belize (PLB) chart with 19 points overall. The game was scheduled to be held at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town at 7:30PM, but FF Valley Pride didn’t show up, and the Pirates received victory points. For this upcoming week, San Pedro Pirates will be travelling to Belize City to go against BDF F.C at MCC Grounds on Sunday, November 3rd. For their last match of the season on Saturday, November 9th, they will be going against Wagiya Sporting Club at home at the Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro Town at 7:30PM.

Delicious paletas for SPRCS students
Long time island visitors Debbie and Larry Heimgartner brought sweet treats once again to the students and staff of the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) on Monday, October 28th. The Heimgartners, who have been doing this activity for years on their wedding anniversary, were joined by Natasha Stuart, Emilia Baghdasaryan and Manelly’s Ice Cream Shop in distributing over 800 paletas (popsicles) in the school. Teachers and students received their chocolate paletas with big smiles and much gratitude. “I fell in love with La Isla Bonita many, many years ago. The sand, the sun, the water, but, primarily the people drew me here each year and I truly feel Ambergris Caye is my center of the universe."

Various Belizean Sources

Belize Mission Project on Caye Caulker
Thank you Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel, Frenchie's Diving, Blue Sea Diving Services and Purple Passion Studio & Spa for teaming up with the CCBTIA for a better community. Your sponsorship made this event a success. Thanks to the Belize Mission Project medical and dental team for all their services provided on October 30th and 31st. We look forward to next year’s collaboration.

THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE TOPS THE NOVEMBER 2019 TRANSGLOBAL WORLD MUSIC CHART
Aban, the new album from the The Garifuna Collective has reached #1 on the Transglobal World Music Chart! Check out the album at https://fanlink.to/aban

Waterspout over Corozal Bay
Here is the waterspout that went over the Corozal Bay on south end yesterday morning. Of course, no damages reported. Photo courtesy: Brian Slate.

Belize Ma'alob k'iin
Yuum Cimil is the representation of dead a cycle of the human life . Dead is not the end but the transformation of the body and the Pixan (Soul). Us Yucatec put altars to honor our loved ones .

The Reporter

Mans House Burns While He’s In Police Custody
A fire in the Iguana Street extension of Belize City on Friday night completely destroyed a plycem structure belonging to Bruce Reneau, 36. Just after 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1st, neighbors living within the vicinity observed fire and smoke coming from the structure, prompting them to call the Police hotline and ask for assistance.

Police Officer Earns Certificate in Law
Another Police Officer has earned his law degree. Inspector of Police, Holman Katanegie graduated on Saturday from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados with his Master’s Degree in Law.

COPS CRACK DOWN ON SUSPECTED GANG MEMBERS
Belize City Police are placing an emphasis on cracking down on gangs through their anti-gang operation launched in major gang hotspots throughout the city. As recently as Thursday, three men became guests of the ‘Hattieville Ramada’ because of their involvement in gangs.

Blogs

Garifuna Music
In Garifuna culture, music accompanies most activities, often spontaneously and everyone participates. There are no “stars” in the commercial sense, and even children learn and take part as an endemic part of their formation. Garifuna is a rich amalgam of all the elements of cultural traditions that they are fortunate to have inherited. Besides the obvious Amerindian and African elements, early French, Spanish and English folk music contributed to their musical heritage.

The Caste War and Orange Walk
The twenty- five years between 1847 and 1872 were troubled ones for the people of Orange Walk. The War of the Castes was raging in Yucatan to the north gradually came closer and closer to the colony. The first concrete sign of the fighting was the flood of refugees across the border. People panicked as there was news of advancing warriors. The Icaiche and Santa Cruz Indians were Maya tribes from the interior who had felt threatened by the spread of Mexican control from the north as well as invasion of their lands by the Baymen from the south. Caught in the middle, they fought back in various ways under different leaders and to varying degrees for over fifty years.

5 Tours for a Foodie in Belize
Many people travel to see new places, experience different cultures and to try new foods. Belize, is a destination not only with stunning natural beauty, but unique and delicious cuisine not to be missed. Having a mix of cultures, brings a rare and exotic flair to Belizean Cuisine. One of the best ways to experience the culture of a destination is through its food. Here are some top culinary travel experience not to miss when in Belize!

Videos

November 2, 2019

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, 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

SPJC hosts 5k Run for Education
To raise funds to purchase school supplies and teaching aids for teachers, San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) hosted a 5k Run for Education on Saturday, October 26th. The race saw the participation of 29 runners raising awareness of the importance of teachers and extending appreciation for them throughout the island. At 5AM, runners met at the SPJC campus and began heading out to Ak’Bol Yoga Retreat and Resort, which was the finishing point. From there they headed back to the school campus to receive awards.

San Pedro Invaders lose 5-0 against Verdes Rebels F.C
For their second match in the 2019 National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) Football Tournament Opening Season, San Pedro Invaders travelled to San Ignacio to go against Verdes Rebels F.C. Held at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday, October 27th the match saw Verdes Rebels claiming a clear victory over the island girl’s team.

2019 Kids in Action end weekly field trips with a clean-up
The 2019 Kids in Action (KIA) weekly field trips came to an end with a clean-up activity at the Mosquito Coast Park located south of San Pedro Town on Saturday, October 26th. Every Saturday for the past three months, KIA members participated in educational field trips, visiting various ecosystems on Ambergris Caye to appreciate and learn to preserve and protect the environment and marine life even more. At 1PM, the KIA met at Belize Diving Adventures Dive Shop for a short briefing with their instructor, and after that headed on a boat to Mosquito Coast Park on a boat. During the clean-up, the kids collected plastic bags, pieces Styrofoam, caps/stoppers, plastic bottles among other debris harmful for the environment. After the clean-up, KIA members got enjoy a delicious lunch and tasty snacks. This was followed by a much-deserved plunge into the water.

UB and SJCJC win National ATLIB Volleyball Tournament
The San Pedro Junior College (SPJC) hosted the Association of Tertiary Level Institution in Belize (ATLIB) National Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, October 26th in San Pedro Town. The all -day sporting event took place at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium and saw the participation of male and female teams from tertiary schools including University of Belize (UB), Saint John’s College Junior College (SJCJC), Independence Junior College (ICJ), Galen University, Centro Escolar Mexico, Corozal Junior College (CJC) and Ecumenical Junior College. In the male division, UB took first place, while SJCJC won first place in the female category at the end of the tournament.

Margaritaville Resort on schedule to open on Ambergris Caye in 2020
Plans for the completion of a resort complex under the Margaritaville brand in northern Ambergris Caye are on schedule, and according to its shareholders, the multi-million dollar project will be open for business in December 2020. As works continue to meet this deadline, an entourage of executives representing Margaritaville descended on the property on Tuesday, October 29th for a routine inspection. Among them was the brand’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Cohlan, who was impressed with the project that will see 71 units (one and two bedrooms) including a penthouse, two pools, four bars, two restaurants, and a 400-foot pier, complemented with the brand’s signature and beverage concepts.

Belize’s U-18 Football Team sub-champions of the UNCAF Tournament
The Belize Under (U) 18 Football Team return to the country on Monday, October 28th with Silver after becoming the sub-champions of the Union Centro Americana de Futbol (UNCAF) tournament held in Costa Rica. The U-18 Jaguars fell short against the host, Costa Rica, 0-4 during the championship match on Saturday, October 26th. The tournament took place from the 21st to the 26th of October at the Rafael Bolaños Stadium, in Alajuela, Costa Rica. All seven Central American countries (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) participated. In their first match at the beginning of the competition, the U-18 Belizean team drew 1-1 against Panama. Then on Tuesday, October 22nd, they were crushed by Costa Rica 5-1.

Quality Poultry Products opens new building in San Pedro Town
In an effort to better serve its customers and keep up with the fast growing community of San Pedro Town, Quality Poultry Products Ltd officially opened its newly refurbished branch at their Mangrove Drive location on Saturday, October 26th. Throughout the day, patrons took advantage of the various deals available in poultry and grocery products. Some of them also walked away with fabulous raffled prizes while enjoying refreshments under a tent in front of the new building.

Holiday Hotel’s annual Halloween Celebration brings another epic bash
The biggest annual Halloween celebration in Belize was once again celebrated at the Holiday Hotel in San Pedro Town. Held on Saturday, October 26th, the anticipated party featured islanders dressed in a variety of spectacular and elaborately creative costumes. As every year, attendees competed for fabulous prizes with their craziest, creepiest, elegant, spectacular and most creative outfits. Shortly after 10PM, participants began arriving via the purple carpet at the Holiday Hotel. They posed for pictures as onlookers admired their costumes. As time passed, the lounge inside the hotel quickly became filled with monsters, witches, wolves, wolverine from X-Men, ghostly beings, super heroes, vampires, pirates, angels and even creepy bunnies.

Ambergris Today

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available At Public Health Clinics Countrywide
The Ministry of Health informs the public that the seasonal flu vaccine is now available for the following at-risk groups: children 6–23 months, pregnant women, healthcare providers, persons over 65 years, and persons with chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The seasonal influenza vaccine helps to prevent the flu or reduce the severity of the illness. Mild side effects of the flu vaccine may include a slight fever, muscle pain for a few days and soreness around the injection site.

State Of The Art Emergency Operations Center & Relief Warehouse Donated To Toledo District
U.S. Embassy/U.S. Southcom Donate to NEMO Machaca Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Relief Warehouse The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) remains very thankful to the United States Embassy in Belmopan and the U.S. Southern Command for providing the people and Government of Belize with a first-rate state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Relief Warehouse facility for the Toledo District.

Various Belizean Sources

BTB RELEASES MID-YEAR INSIGHT INTO TOURISM PERFORMANCE
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the release of its first Travel & Tourism Mid-Year Performance Statistics Report. The report is the first digitally interactive publication produced by the BTB in an effort to provide the Tourism Industry with a snap-shot of tourism trends occurring over the first six months of the year. The publication is in lieu of the annual Tourism Digest that is produced at the conclusion of the calendar year and contains an overview of arrival trends in the overnight and cruise sectors respectively.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Available at Public Health Clinics Countrywide
The Ministry of Health informs the public that the seasonal flu vaccine is now available for the following at-risk groups: children 6–23 months, pregnant women, healthcare providers, persons over 65 years, and persons with chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The seasonal influenza vaccine helps to prevent the flu or reduce the severity of the illness. Mild side effects of the flu vaccine may include a slight fever, muscle pain for a few days and soreness around the injection site. The vaccine is available at all public health centers and is free of cost throughout the country. Persons in the aforementioned groups are advised to visit their nearest health center to be vaccinated. Persons who were vaccinated last year should know that further protection during this flu season would entail being vaccinated again this year.

U.S. Embassy/U.S. Southcom Donate to NEMO Machaca Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Relief Warehouse
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) remains very thankful to the United States Embassy in Belmopan and the U.S. Southern Command for providing the people and Government of Belize with a first-rate state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Relief Warehouse facility for the Toledo District. Toledo is now better equipped with an emergency radio, satellite television and communication system, computers, servers, drone, warehouse shelving system, a press room, kitchen and other functional spaces to respond to emergencies and disasters. The district now has a platform or home base from where NEMO can plan, coordinate and launch relief operations for the affected population.

Youth RISE Project Open Day
The Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation through its Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (RISE) Project is hosting an Open Day on Thursday, October 31, 2019, at the BTL Princess Royal Park in Dangriga Town from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The partner agencies will be highlighting outcomes of the various programs implemented through the project since 2017. Approximately 1,710 children and youth from Dangriga Town have benefitted from the various programs being implemented under the Youth RISE Project since its launch in April 2017. The Youth RISE Project is being implemented through the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize.

Corozal Municipal Bazaar
The Corozal Town Council cordially invites all Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Business Houses and the General Public who would like to join us for our monthly Municipal Bazaar to join us Saturday, 2nd November 2019. Want to promote your small business or produce or simply want to have your garage sale? Come out and take advantage of this great business opportunity. Lets support our local business and contribute to our economy. Together we can". Happening in front of Town Hall and Library. Courtesy CTC

Garifuna Settlement Day
Jump on the bus for a free ride to Libertad Village where you will witness the reenactment of the Garinagu's arrival to Belizean shores. Take part in and enjoy the processions, Mass, wonderful cultural presentations, Garifuna cuisine, activities and more! This year we are supporting the cultural presentations with a stage outside on the lawn of Reggaeville!

Verdes Basketball Tryouts
We are less than three months away from the start of the 2020 NEBL season and we are looking to finalize our roster. Only a few spots remain so make sure you bring your A game!

U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2020 Competition
U.S. Embassy Belize is now accepting project proposals from Belizean organizations for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2020 Competition. The AFCP supports the restoration of ancient and historic buildings and the conservation of #Belize’s unique cultural heritage. All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2019.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Angry Birds 2, Good Boys, Bliss, 47 Meters Down

Flamboyant Park in San Pedro Revitalized
On Thursday, October 31st, Flamboyant Park was revived after getting a new paint job and other works as well. Thanks to our hard working crew, the park is as vibrant as ever! Check out the pictures or come have a visit! We kindly ask everyone to take care of the park and to help us maintain it as beautiful as we had left it. The park is for everyone to enjoy. We encourage everyone to practice civic pride and to encourage it amongst your peers.

Belize signs loan agreement with IDB to strengthen tax administration
The Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow and Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Dr. Cassandra T. Rogers signed a loan agreement today in the amount of US$14 million to strengthen tax administration in Belize. The project will strengthen tax administration governance, improve operational processes through the modernization of technological infrastructure with the aim of maximizing government revenue generating potential. The financing will support the Government of Belize in its ongoing efforts to modernize, restructure and integrate its Tax Administration. The project will implement a new business model through a series of integrated processes and services for the taxpayers.

Winner of the Belizean Traveller Selfie Video contest!
Congratulations to Marlenie Liz Castillo! You won a vacation package valued at $4,000 and can spend it anywhere in Belize. We hope you and your family have a wonderful Belize Vacation.

U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2020 Competition
U.S. Embassy Belize is now accepting project proposals from Belizean organizations for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) 2020 Competition. The AFCP supports the restoration of ancient and historic buildings and the conservation of #Belize’s unique cultural heritage. All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2019.

Channel 7

Perdomo Paid It Back
He became a household name in the worst possible way - as a "malpago," and Joshua Perdomo's name was dragged through the mud as a national scandal. Well, tonight, it's over. Perdomo has paid back the student bond that caused his family so much agony and embarrassment. Government today sent out a revenue collectors' receipt confirming the receipt of payment.  And, his father, Cabinet secretary Carlos Perdomo issued a personal statement saying, quote,  "the bond has been paid in full. At the time of the signing of the bond many years ago, it was expected that it would be repaid if the terms of the agreement were not fulfilled.  With this in mind, my family thought it was the right thing to do.  We regret that this situation ever arose."  End quote. 

Tourism Numbers September Slump, Are Bus Operators Partially To Blame?
Tonight there is concern in the tourism industry after tourist arrivals at the PGIA went down by 7.8%  in September. That's more than one thousand fewer arrivals than September 2018. And what's even more worrying is that overnight tourism stays went down by 8.5% which represents a huge loss in income for hotels. So, what's causing this downturn? Well, the trend started back in June when American Dr. Gary Swank was murdered in San Pedro. And it spiked again in September - which happens to be when the Bus Operators forced government to sign a Statutory Instrument blocking Guatemalan and Mexican tour busses from entering  Belize.

The Downward Tourism Trend?
Shaw now has to convince his membership that working together is in everyone's interest at his next meeting of the Bus Association on November 17th.  And, they may be seized by the urgency of that when October's tourism figures come out.  Tejada warns, they won't be pretty: Ted Tejada - President, Belize Hotel Assoc.
"We've studied trends and we believe that trends take a while for it to fix. I believe October from listening to the Hoteliers that is going to be another troubling month. There were several hotels that closed their doors in October because they had no tourism and it's not only the bus situation, we were also affected with sargassum.

With New Boledo Deal, Amy Number Can Play
And while those numbers may not be encouraging, the news on the new boledo contract is that any number can play.  Today the press caught Prime Minister Dean Barrow leaving an event and he told us that government wants a bigger cut with the new contract: Reporter
"Will the government look at taking over the Boledo contract?" Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "No we are going to put out to tender again, we are committed to private sector handling it but it is going to be a fair tender process, there isn't going to be an automatic renewal the current concessionaire will have to bid like everyone else for the next iteration of the contract. Government is going to ensure that there will be new terms and conditions to govern the new concession in other words in other words government is going to insist on a larger share of the proceeds."

BWSL, Water Complaints Slowed To A Trickle
Belize Water Services says the number of complaints it is receiving about cloudy and discolored water continues to go down.   Today we spoke to operations manager Dave Pascascio about where the utility is with cleaning up the water supply.  He also discussed the issue of turbidity or cloudy water, which the Ministry of Health yesterday said was at twice the allowable limit: Jules Vasquez: "Where are we at this current Thursday October 31st with those complaints?" Dave Pascasio - Operations Manager, BWSL: "My records are showing that yesterday we got 3 and today we are just about that same amount."

Caribbean Jurists Converge on Belize
On last night's news, we showed you how judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice arrived at the Supreme Court in person to preside over a hearing between the Maya of Southern Belize and the Government.  Normally, that would have happened via teleconference and the judges would have been all the way in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the headquarters of the CCJ.  But the court is in Belize for the 6th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers. The Belize Judiciary is hosting the conference for the very first time. It is a major 2 and a half-day event, where jurists from all over the Caribbean have come together to update themselves on the latest legal learning.  They invited the press for the first day of the conference and 7News attended.

Judiciary Courting Public Confidence
So, you heard in our story how we describe the theme of this CAJO conference as somewhat controversial.  Their main area of focus is, "Judicial Integrity - the Pathway to Public Trust". Here in Belize, we've shown you instances of dissatisfaction with the judiciary by litigants who have been forced to wait untold years for judgments.  Also, we've reported on numerous cases where persons accused of murder have remained on remand at the Prison for years, only to get their day in court, where they are acquitted.  Well, according to the keynote speaker from today's session at CAJO, the research he's conducted suggests that public confidence in the judiciary, all across the Caribbean, is decreasing.  He asserted that surveys, from as far back as 2007, have indicated this decline in public confidence. Here's a small excerpt from his 50-minute presentation:

Justice Abel Responds to PM Barrow's Glancing Blow to Bench
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was a sort of special guest of the CAJO for day 1 of this conference. As you saw, he mostly had glowing remarks for the caliber of the judiciary across the Caribbean. There's was one portion of his address to the regional jurists, however, where it appeared that he threw a slight jab at the judiciary. That prompted Justice Abel to respond in like fashion. Here's that comment, and it's the response: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister: "It is impossible in view of the different personalities of judges to lay down fixed rules of behaviour to govern every tick and every crotchet of every judge but surely there must be minimum standards of civility, attitude and courtesy that judges are obliged to display. All litigants, I don't say particularly government are entitled to respect..."

Judge Brother Barrow
Today's CAJO conference gave us an opportunity to catch up with Justice Denys Barrow. In June of 2017, he left private practice as an attorney in Belize when he was sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Back in his lawyer days, he was a regular presence on the news,  as government's attorney in the seemingly unending litigation between the Barrow Administration and the Ashcroft Alliance.  But, 2 years have passed since his elevation to the highest court in the Region. So, we wondered what the experience has been like. Here's what he had to say about it:

Will Cops Charge Imer For "Rottweila's" Death?
Last night we told you about Nelson Ayuso. The 41 year old, known as Rotweilla, was killed in an accident near Ontario Village when the pickup driven by his friend Imer Hernandez crashed.  Today, police say they are still looking into the cause of the accident: Ayuso was well known in political circles as a UDP ultra loyalist.

Gunshot in Griga
There was a shooting in Dangriga yesterday morning. Fortunately, the victim survived. Police gave us more details on this case.

Free Flu Shots Available
Flu season is upon us and if you're hoping to save your child from the virus this time around, or just escape it yourself, the seasonal Flu shot is the way to go.  The vaccine is now available at all public health centers countrywide, and it's free.  The flu vaccine is especially recommended for  at-risk groups including children 6–23 months, pregnant women, healthcare providers, persons over 65 years, and persons with chronic diseases and conditions.

A Living Altar For The Dead
The Mexican embassy is celebrating Dia de los Muertos as they usually do, by constructing an Altar de Muertos at the Mexican Cultural Institute.  The "Day of the Dead" is one of the most representative manifestations of the cultural heritage of Mexico and one that many people far and wide travel to the Mexico to take part in. Now the Mexican embassy has brought the celebration across the border to Belize.  This year's ofrenda will be dedicated in memory of the renowned historian Dr. Miguel Leon-Portilla and visual artist/activist Francisco Toledo:   Diego Sapien - Director, Mexican Cultural Institute : "Mexicans have let's say a weird or very familiar way of handling death, we like to celebrate and we like to celebrate many things, and we also celebrate death. This year we're celebrating the life of Dr. Miguel Leon Portilla a very important intellectual in Mexico and Francisco Toledo visual artist and activist who recently died this year."

Chaya! Dinner With The Maya
And while that's tomorrow, an exhibit with a unique perspective on the ancient maya forest is opening up tonight at The Mexican Cultural Institute. The curator is Dr. Anabel Ford.  Dr. Ford is a distinguished archaeologist who has spent her life decoding the ancient Maya landscape. She and community organizer Cynthia Ellis Topsey now present Chaya! Dinner With The Maya. We found out more about it.   CHAYA! DINNER WITH THE MAYA, invites the public to explore solutions from the past and bridge indigenous and contemporary science for a sustainable future. Annabel Ford - Archaeologist: "We are celebrating the Maya creation of the Maya forest, the Maya temples, the Maya garden and the Maya life which is just like ours really. We all have to store water, we all have to collect goods for feeding people, we all have to cook and we all have to drink and that's what they did and so this is to try and make us think how the Maya did it and use our own imagination to understand the ancient Maya monuments like El Pilar that the actual forest is a Garden because all those plants are useful. How the Maya use the landscape it's not slash and burn it's select and grow. All the things are working towards a robust perennial forest that has all kinds of things that are good for us."

A Haven For The Headbangers
We know that November is the time for Punta Fest, and Christmas is the time for the Brukdung Festival.  But, is there space on the music calendar or in the music culture for a heavy metal fest? Well, the rock band Ascenthium isn't about to ask for permission.  Their regional festival called Metal Haven is in its 9th year and plays on Saturday at the Cancha Marshalleck in Benque Viejo. The band's vocalist and drummer told us more: The fest starts at 7:00 on Saturday night and will feature 7 metal bands.

Catholic Youths Unite
And form metal-heads to Catholic Youth at the Mission Month Youth Rally and Mass.   Over 2000 students gathered at the Civic Center today for the event. The rally had plenty of praise and worship through song, and theological talks from local and international speakers. We caught up with one student to get her take on the rally's impact on young people her age.   Tessa Habet - Student: "I know that Pope Francis is really big on youths so I think that it's good that all the church the entirety of the churches deciding to go along with Pope Francis's wishes to cater to young people and bring them closer to the church."

Water For Sarawee
2,260 residents in 179 households in the village of Sarawee, Stann Creek will have connections to running water upon completion of the the village's water expansion project.  The project is underway and it will entail the installation of 8,500 feet of transmission line and almost 25,000 feet of distribution lines. It is estimated to cost $1.2 million and will be jointly funded by BWSL and and the Government of Belize through SIF.   The Sarawee water expansion project is scheduled to be completed in May of 2020. 

Channel 5

Joshua Perdomo’s Debt is Paid Off
The government and the Perdomo family took a beating when the Prime Minister introduced and got the nod of the House on a motion to write-off some forty thousand dollars [...]

New PAC Report Highlights Government Losses and Lack of Accountability
The annual report of the Public Accounts Committee for 2017/2018 has been released.  While it brings out areas where government has lost millions of dollars due to a number of [...]

Boledo Contract Out for Tender, PM Says GOB will Insist on Larger Share of Proceeds
In 2009, the popular boledo franchise was privatized with Brads and Company Limited taking control of the administrative process. Brads was granted an exclusive ten-year contract and has been raking in [...]

Belize Hosts 6th C.A.J.O. Conference
In Belize City this morning, a conference began bringing together the judicial arm of the courts from the entire region, including the Caribbean Court of Justice.  The conference will be [...]

The C.C.J. and Social Media
CAJO Interim Chairman, Justice Peter Jamadar says that this year’s conference promises to surpass the expectations of attendees. The team of panelists is first-rate and renowned regional jurists are taking [...]

A Judge’s Ethical Expectations
Crucial to the discussion are ethical guidelines that judges should adhere to as it relates to the adjudication process. C.C.J. President Adrian Saunders says judges need to be sensitive to [...]

John Saldivar and His 21 Standard Bearers Supporters
This Sunday, John Saldivar will be officially launching his campaign for the leadership of the United Democratic Party and is going up against the Deputy Party Leader Patrick Faber whose [...]

Decrease in Tourist Arrivals – is it from the Western Border Closure?
Today, the Belize Hotel Association and the Belize Bus Association called a two-man press conference.  President Ted Tejada of the B.H.A. and Thomas Shaw of the Belize Bus Association presented [...]

Guatemala Trip was Eye-Opening for B.B.A.
So, as you heard just now, the B.B.A. didn’t fully understand those moving parts in the travel industry. If you recall, they had agitated to close off the border to [...]

B.H.A. & B.B.A. Working to Remedy Border-Bus Woes
And so here they are – the B.H.A. concerned about the drop in tourist arrivals, particularly from the European market and the B.B.A. must get its act together in the [...]

Police Give Details on Fatal Traffic Accident Involving Nelson Ayuso
Well-known entertainer and television personality Nelson Ayuso lost his life in a fatal road traffic accident on Tuesday night when he was traveling towards San Ignacio Town with close friend [...]

Dangriga Resident Shot Inside His House
A Dangriga resident is tonight recovering at the Southern Regional Hospital after he was shot to the arm in a home invasion. Reports to our newsroom is that Darren Taylor [...]

From Murder to Manslaughter; Court of Appeal Changes Conviction
The Court of Appeal is in its second week of sittings; today convicted murderer, Edwin Hernan Castillo saw his conviction substituted with manslaughter. Some two years ago, forty-year-old Castillo was [...]

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Now Available Countrywide
The seasonal flu vaccine is now available for children between six months to two years old. Late this evening, the Ministry of Health issued a release to say that pregnant [...]

Denys Barrow on Post on C.C.J.
In 2017, Denys Barrow was officially sworn in as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice as the seventh and final member.  Barrow’s impressive judicial career includes service as High Court [...]

Denys Barrow: “It is absolutely a great accomplishment”
Barrow says that his personal accomplishment should also be seen as an accomplishment for the country. The C.C.J. Justice says that he hopes to inspire local practitioners to seek higher [...]

Baptized and Sent: A Youth Rally for the Catholic Faith
One of biggest rallies involving young people was held today at the Civic Center. Similar events have been held the world over as part of the Catholic Church’s Extraordinary Month [...]

A New Emergency Operations Center for NEMO in Toledo
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan and the United States Southern Command have donated a modern emergency operations centre and disaster relief warehouse facility to the National Emergency Management Organization for [...]

Mexican Institute Celebrates Dia de los Muertos
Every year, the Mexican Embassy in Belize celebrates the memory of loved ones during the traditional celebration of “Dia de Los Muertos,” which is the day of the dead.  The [...]

Chaya with the Maya & an Exhibition at Mex Institute
Chaya Dinner with the Maya – it is happening now at the Mexican Institute in Belize. It is the kick off to a three-month long exhibition which seeks to look [...]

Healthy Living: Diabetes Walk
In November, the Belize Diabetes Association will be spearheading a number of activities to help spread awareness on how to prevent and manage diabetes. The first event will take place [...]

Amandala

bows to public pressure
The United Democratic Party government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow suffered much political damage when in late August, at a sitting of the House of Representatives; the Prime Minister introduced a write-off motion for a student loan given to Joshua Perdomo, a son of his Cabinet Secretary, Carlos Perdomo. Joshua Perdomo signed a 3-year bond with the Government of Belize to pursue a Master’s Degree in Forensic Genetics and was supposed to return to his job at the Ministry of National Security. Since he never returned, he was terminated in 2011 in that ministry.

U.S. State Department sends senior official to Belize
In an apparent effort to reaffirm ties between Belize and the US, a senior State Department official paid a visit to Belize to liaise with several political figures and diplomats on October 27 and 28. Julie Chung, who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, visited the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow; the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño; the Ambassador of Japan to Belize, H.E. Hiroyuki Kubota; and the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, to reinforce how important and fruitful our ties have been both with the US and Taiwan over these past decades.

Riverside Tavern’s accountant allegedly “under-deposits” almost $50,000
An Orange Walk man, Armando Olivera, who was working as an accountant in Belize City at the Riverside Tavern Limited, a subsidiary of Bowen and Bowen, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court last week to answer to charges of theft. Police charged Olivera, 43, with 10 counts of theft after police investigated a complaint from Natalie Grange, a process manager from Bowen and Bowen. The report made against Olivera is that he allegedly under-deposited funds in the company’s Heritage Bank account that resulted in a shortfall of almost $50,000, between the period June and August 2019.

New tech at Social Security Board
The Social Security Board has embarked on a new endeavor that should increase efficiency and, more importantly, security when it comes to issuing money from the Social Security fund. The board is aiming to use biometric scanning as its main form of customer identification, which is expected to become effective as of March 2020. This would entail that citizens use registered fingerprints or, potentially, iris scanning when claiming their benefits. The intent, according to CEO Dr. Colin Young, is to reduce the use of tedious and inefficient paperwork systems to file for claims, and also, to reduce the risk of fraud that results in the illegal acquisition of money from the SSB.

Don’t drink that discolored water, Ministry of Health warns
The water coming out of the pumping station at Double Run which supplies Belize City has been discolored for about two weeks now, since the rains began. After customers in Belize City began complaining, Belize Water Services (BWS) called a press conference on Monday, October 28, to explain what has been happening with the water coming through the pipes from Double Run. The water company told citizens that essentially the water has more iron in it, and that is what has been responsible for the discoloration. BWS Chief Executive Officer, Alvan Haynes, seemed to assure consumers that the water is safe to consume.

Remembering Hurricane Hattie
The Saturday, October 28, 1961 issue of British Honduras’ leading newspaper, The Belize Billboard, reported that Hurricane Hattie had appeared in the Caribbean 550 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and 50 miles northwest of San Andres Island off Nicaragua. That same issue of the newspaper reported that 108 more British Hondurans had left for Florida, joining 109 of their brethren who had left earlier that week after being contracted to do farm work for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.

Corozal F.A. Youth Tournaments 2019-2020 Opening Season Week 7 report
Another successful week of our ongoing Corozal Football Association (CFA) Opening Season Youth Tournament 2019-2020. We are grateful to the Almighty Father for His continued blessings upon our office and participating teams. On Sunday, October 27, we had a total of 8 games, i.e. 2 U10, 3 U13 and 3 U20 at the Carolina Football Field. We are pleased to report that all went well; it has been seven successful weeks. These weeks have been a success, thanks to the match officials and the Disciplinary Committee persons, who have devoted their time and efforts.

CYDP/BDFA 1st Division weekend games at the MCC
The CYDP Peace Cup 2019, which is endorsed as the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) 1st Division Tournament 2019-2020 Opening Season, continued with 7 games over the weekend at the MCC Grounds, 4 on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. In game 1 on Saturday, October 26, Eagles FC won by forfeit (3-0) over Berger FC, after Keron “Benny” Patnett (1’) and Michael Robinson (22’) had already shaken the net for Eagles.

Belize City’s Stars Academy to Honduras for UNCAF FIFA Forward Football U-17 Inter-Club Cup
The Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) National U-17 Male Club Champions, Stars Academy from Belize City, will be competing in the upcoming Copa Inter-Clubes, U-17 UNCAF FIFA Forward Football tournament in Honduras. The tournament, being held at the Estadio Emilio Williams in Choluteca, Honduras from the 4th to the 12th November 2019, will have the participation of host Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Mr. Stanley Reneau will be representing Belize as the Head of Delegation, and will accompany the coaching staff and players who depart the country on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Future FC U-10 & U-13 Football Tournament Week 4 results, standings
Five games, two U-10 and three U-13, were scheduled for today, Saturday, in Week 4 of the Future Football Club U-10 & U-13 Little League Tournament 2019, being played at the ITVET (Old Technical) Football Field in Belize City. In game 1 (U-10), Belize United defeated Caesar Ridge, 4-0, with a goal each from Juan Diego, Gerald Vellejios, Ishmael Gonzalez and Antwan Latchman. Game 2 (U-10) was a 1-1 draw between Reality Youths and Yabra FC.

Editorial: GoB must assist the CGA and all small farmers
The Government of Belize cannot allow the CGA (Citrus Growers Association) to fail. The body is indebted to the gills, and if the government doesn’t intervene with some urgent financial assistance it will go into bankruptcy. We won’t go into all of the history here, but a few years ago the government did steer the Social Security Board to lend citrus farmers $10 million to help them replant groves that had been decimated by Citrus Greening, a disease that began to concern citrus growers around 2010. Farmers, on the advice of the CGA and its research department, CREI (Citrus Research and Education Institute), bought plants certified free of the disease, and they followed all other recommendations.

From The Publisher
On most Sunday mornings for the last few years, KREM Radio and Television have broadcast a show called Sunday Review, which is hosted by Ya Ya Marin Coleman and co-hosted by Bill Lindo. The show is definitely not a money maker for KREM, and the reason is that Ya Ya is a female version of the late Argentine revolutionary, Che Guevara. Ya Ya supports all regional and international movements which represent the masses of roots people, which is to say, movements which stand in resistance to corporate interests and neoliberal capitalism. Because of Ya Ya Marin Coleman’s positions, Sunday Review is not supported by advertizers. My personal feeling is that the Ya Ya/Bill show has a ton of listenership/viewership, both at home and abroad, just as many KREM productions have enjoyed in the past.

Belize City water supply: a public issue demanding urgency
Dear Editor, The high level of iron in the water supply system of Belize City, announced and explained by the CEO of our water company (an issue that must be addressed in any public water supply system in any country for that matter), only evidenced his poor knowledge of the importance of water in public health; but more importantly, his indifference, reflected in his choice of words and intonations, towards an issue of potential public health significance, is intolerable.

Pampas are our best friends on the sea
A research paper by Marisa Spyker, “A New Study Suggests Dolphins Might Be Even Smarter Than We Thought” on the website https://www.coastalliving.com, says that “young dolphins hit an important developmental milestone before humans do.” The paper claims that on a test called mirror self-recognition, “human infants, when presented with a mirror, seem to begin recognizing themselves around 12 months, whereas chimpanzees lag behind at around 2 years”, but bottlenose dolphins show that they begin recognizing themselves at 7 months.

Money and the National Bank of Belize
Money, something every human being wants. Some more than others. Before, I go any further, I must confess that I was mistaken about the subject of money. I, like 90% of the population, believed the myths, the lies, of the neo-liberals that money started as a means to solve the problems created by barter. In fact, in my 1995 book – ABC’s of Economics, I wrote and argued for the myths. I was wrong, and I apologized for my mistake. And for those who don’t believe that private commercial banks, not credit unions, create new money out of thin air by creating a debt or loan, they should check the Bank of England. Money creation in the modern economy — Bank of England, March 2014 publication.

Belizeans now need to demand lots and land distribution with a titled expedited process
Belize is a country with a population of about 400,000 people. It is underpopulated and there is enough land in the 8,867 square miles to give each Belizean a lot to build a home for his family and himself. Plus, almost every Belizean family can own farmland which can be subdivided to give all their members a lot to build a house for themselves. Yet, there are hundreds of Belizeans at home and abroad, who are yearning to get a piece of lot to build their homes, but cannot get a lot to do so. The reasons are: a selfish family member who has the title for the family land and refuses to share it with other family members who are entitled to some of it, a family member who sold the family’s titled land without the written consent and approval of all the family members...

From British Honduras to Belize: one family’s drama
Matron told Mama that it wasn’t long before she had had the opportunity to talk with Mrs. Atkins about life in the capital, slanting it towards the medical services available there; and she had gleaned quite a good amount of information, which she stored away for the future, not even mentioning her plan to Millicent, usually her confidante, having realized that it made her sister nervous to know that she was planning an activity that might meet with their father’s disapproval. She therefore decided to spare her sister’s feelings and bear the burden alone, satisfied that, as always, she could count on her for moral support.

Amandala warned of river pollution in 1980
(Ed. NOTE: The following was a front page story in the Friday, April 11, 1980 issue of Amandala. The story was headed CHEMICAL KILLS BELIZE RIVER FISH: NOBODY’S TALKING.) Belizeans were somewhat taken aback this Tuesday morning by a low-key Ministry of Health release that they should not eat dead fish which were floating in the river. The “normal” thing would have been to headline on the radio news the FACT that a large quantity of fish had been killed by chemical waste disposed of in the Belize River and then go on from there to issue the necessary health warnings.

Domestic exports in Sept 2019 down 7% compared to Sept 2018
The SIB reported that Belize exported only a little over $35 million worth of products in September 2019, “down 7 percent or $2.6 million from the $37.7 million” in September 2018. Sugar exports were down $1.2 million, from $20.7 million in September 2018 to $19.5 million in September 2019; sales of citrus products were down $1.1 million, from $3.6 million to $2.5 million; and the value of banana exports was down $0.6 million, from $6.6 million in September 2018 to $6 million in 2019. Higher prices for lobster products led to an increase of $0.1 million in earnings for marine exports, from $3.1 million to $3.2 million. Red kidney beans also showed a slight improvement, with September 2019 sales of $1.2 million —$0.4 million more than the $0.8 million earned in September 2018.

Nelson Ayuso , 41, dies in road accident
Nelson Ayuso, 41, a businessman of San Ignacio who is originally from Orange Walk, died as a result of massive head and body injuries he suffered when he was involved in a road traffic accident on the George Price Highway at about 10:30 Tuesday night. Police said that Ayuso was with Imer Hernandez in a Sierra pickup and they were traveling toward San Ignacio when Hernandez, the driver of the pickup, lost control of the vehicle between Miles 55 and 56 (between Ontario and Blackman Eddy) and ran off the road.

In murder trial, Enfield Fitzgibbon, prosecution circumstantial witness, has terrible amnesia
The murder trial of Enfield Ervin Fitzgibbon, who has been indicted for the February 2017 murder of Kenmar Nicholas, 19, began in the Supreme Court of Justice Colin Williams this week. At the trial this afternoon, Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell waged a valiant struggle with one of her witnesses who had become adverse to the proceedings, prompting Lovell to make an application to Justice Williams to “stand down the witness” — which will likely end with her making another application to have the court declare the witness a hostile witness, after which she will probably try to get the witness statement admitted into the evidence against the accused.

The Reporter

Sleepless Nights
“YOU SLEEP LIKE A CAT!” – a phrase my friend Shivannie always messages at 4am. This is because Guyana is 2 hours ahead of Belize, so when she gets ready for work and decides to remember me at 6:00am, I should be sleeping.

Two Men Shot In Separate Incidents In The City
Two persons continue to recover from gunshot wounds they sustained in separate shooting incidents in Belize City on Thursday night. The first incident which happened around 8:15 p.m. on Lizarraga Avenue in the city left Maleik Acosta, 21, of a West Street address with a single gunshot wound to his body.

Editorial: November 3rd. 2019
The Caye Caulker Town Council has the authority to apply to the Supreme Court of Belize for an injunction for a cease-and-desist order to halt any construction which it deems dangerous or undesirable to the island environment.

Did San Antonio Resident Drowned, or was he a Victim of Foul Play?
San Ignacio police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the official cause of death for San Antonio resident, Ismael August, 60, whose dead body was found floating in the Macal River on Tuesday evening

Young Chocolatier Making Giant Strides
Amara Ack, 17, of San Miguel Village in the Toledo District is aware of just how important her education is and the role that it will someday play in empowering her as a young aspiring businesswoman. It is with that focus that she gets up every day and toils on her family-owned chocolate farm in an effort to pay for her college tuition.

Late Night Shooting On Lizarraga Ave. Leaves Man Injured
A man is admitted at the KHMH in stable condition after he was shot last night. Around 8:25pm Police visited the hospital where they saw a man identified as Maleik Acosta, 21, with a gunshot wound to the body.

LOVE FM

Global Leadership network hosts second leadership summit
Youths and adults were engaged in two days of learning how to equip themselves to become better leaders in the world. This initiative is being carried out by the Global Leadership Network, through their Global Leadership Summit held in Belize.

Tackling cycbercrime in our region
Police officers from Belize and other countries in the region participated in a training to fight against cybercrime. Specifically, this training dealt with stopping and preventing sexual exploitation of children online.

Moving forward with technology
Yesterday, we told you about Judicial Officers from all over the region meeting at the Belize Biltmore Plaza for the 6th Biennial Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) conference. At the conference there were many discussions of improving the judicial system in the Caribbean.

Creating code of conducts for social media use
With the Judiciary system seeing the implementation of technology, the use of social media also comes into play. As Justice Peter Jamadar, Chairperson of CAJO, noted, they have added sites such as Twitter and Facebook for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Butane Prices decrease
Zeta Gas announced that their prices for liquefied petroleum gas, also known as butane gas, has been modified. They have reported that due to the international price movements, their prices saw a decrease of 0.21 cents per pound and 0.98 per gallon.

Tourist visits decline
The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) has reported that there has been a decrease in tourist visits, including overnight stays and occupancy within the past 4 months. According to BHA, the month of September has been the worst out of the four with a 7.8 decrease in tourist arrivals into the country as compared to last year.

Breaking Belize News

Ascenthium bringing original sets to 9th Annual Metal Haven Bash
The 9th Annual Metal Haven Bash is set for tomorrow, November 2 in Benque Viejo […]

Scotia Bank hands over to Republic Bank of Trinidad in eastern Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago-based Republic Bank Limited has acquired the operations of the Bank of Nova […]

Police investigate armed robbery in Belize City
Authorities are investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night in Belize City. The owner […]

Belize signs US $14 million loan agreement with IDB
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Dr. Cassandra […]

2 Bullet Tree residents busted with weed in Teakettle
Two Bullet Tree residents in the Cayo District have been arrested pending charges of possession of […]

Calling all cricket coaches
Persons who coach the sport of cricket are encouraged to take advantage of a training […]

Young man shot in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Belize City last night. Around 8 […]

Police investigating shooting incident in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred last night in Belize City. Adam Joseph […]

US Embassy accepting applications for Cultural Preservation funding
The US Embassy in Belize is now accepting applications for the Ambassadors fund for Cultural […]

Students participate in anti- bullying campaign
Over 60 students from San Ignacio, Santa Elena and the surrounding communities participated yesterday in […]

Perdomo family repays outstanding $40K bond; “regrets” situation
In a short statement issued late today, Cabinet Secretary Carlos Perdomo stated on behalf of […]

Dia De Los Finados Exhibition to be held in Orange Walk
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Banquitas House of Culture, is […]

Dangriga resident shot at home
Dangriga resident, Darren Taylor, is injured but alive after he wrestled with a man who […]

Police comment on fatal road traffic accident involving Nelson Ayuso
Shortly after 10 o’clock on Tuesday night, there was a fatal road traffic accident out […]

Woman dies after swallowing poison
Over the weekend, Dangriga resident, Shailey Polanco, passed away. Police say that she had swallowed […]

Team Saldivar struts in new photo
Today, John Saldivar, who is campaigning for the title of United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader, […]

“Cost of living was slightly lower in September,” says Statistical Institute of Belize
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), produced by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) says […]

Jack-o’-lantern, costumes and witches; Is Halloween an evil tradition?
An article entitled, “The dark history behind Halloween is even more chilling than you realized”, […]

Blogs

THE Belize Travel Guide: 50 BIG Experiences on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Earlier this year, I wrote and then self-published a guidebook to Ambergris Caye, Belize – the type of Belize travel guide that I would want when visiting…and it also includes 9 Experiences for a day trip to Caye Caulker…. and it’s FINALLY in softcover form. Well…it has been since last week but I wanted to get it in my own hands to make sure that it was real. The book is available from Amazon – in eBook format and softcover. And it’s an Amazon bestseller. I am shipping a bunch down to Belize for sale here…but it is going to take a while. I hope to have them available by the beginning of December in a few spots around the island. Jeff’s mom brought down 4 copies just last night and it looks…AMAZING! Way better than I could have imagined.

Belize’s Benefactor Baron Bliss
A world traveler, avid sailor, and philanthropist, Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the 4th Baron Bliss has played a significant role in the propagation of Belize’s culture, education, and the arts. Born February 16, 1869, was a wealthy English Baron descended from Portuguese and English nobility. He inherited his wealth from his father as well as from his uncle Edward Bliss of Brandon Suffolk. Some of his predecessors were Portuguese nobility and he was also granted a bequest from a Colonel Barreto of Spain. He had been an engineer by trade and inherited his title from his father.

The Lebanese of Belize
One of the more recent groups of people to settle within Belize would be the Lebanese. While the Lebanese account for far less of Belize’s population than the Chinese, they have started to leave an impact on the country. Arab food restaurants, like Sahara Grill, have opened in both the capital and Belize City, where there is even a mosque for practicing Muslims to engage in worship. Since the Lebanese first arrived in Belize in the 1900s, the settlements of San Ignacio and Benque Viejo del Carmen have served as their primary homes within the Cayo District. It is through their incredible work effort and business savvy that the Lebanese have survived and even thrived, providing not only for themselves but also for their future generations. These days, it is possible to find up to five generations of Lebanese Belizeans in San Ignacio. Common surnames of Lebanese Belizean include Awe, Zaiden, Habet, Espat, and Bedran.

Districts of Belize
Belize is located in Northern Central America facing the Caribbean Sea and bounded by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the West and South. It is made up of six districts, each unique in their own rights. So, here are the districts from north to south!

The Garifuna People Of Belize
The mystery and history of Belize’s Garifuna people are subtle reminders of the impression a small society can make within a much larger one. Visiting Belize is a colorful, informative and rewarding experience. For a small nation, it claims many of the most remarkable sites found in Central America. Around 900 ancient Maya ruins. The planet’s second-longest barrier reef. And a cultural mix that belies so small a landmass. Included in this diverse mix are the Garifuna people, descendants of Carib Indians and Black Africans who once lived on the island of St. Vincent. Having survived hundreds of years of change in pursuit of a distinct ethnic identity, Garifuna’s bloodlines are diverse and exotic. Test the DNA of any member of this community and you are likely to find represented Arawak Indian, Spanish and French lineages in addition to the aforementioned Black African and Carib Indian roots. By 1750, the Garifuna were the most strongly represented people on St. Vincent.

Punta Gorda, Toledo
As your tour boat flutters across the calm Caribbean Sea after, a boisterous group of feeding pelicans settles nearby while glancing over at the numerous mauve and orange-colored sea stars sauntering through the seagrasses, as well as the occasional stingray gliding silently beneath the water’s glassy surface. Welcome to Punta Gorda. Locally known as P.G. or Peini, nested in the southernmost portion of Belize, Punta Gorda is a small yet delightful seaport and fishing town that serves as a popular access point to Belize’s southern cayes. The capital of the Toledo District, this town offers travelers a more soothing vacation, away from the hustle and bustle in the city.

Belizean Folklore
Tata Duende, La Llorona, Anansi, Alux; these are all characters from Belizean Folklore and are familiar to Belizeans, no matter their origin. These stories are part of the oral tradition of village people, and men who toiled in the remote bush camps—cane farmers, loggers, and chicleros. In remote areas, these stories were created to entertain and gather the family, but also served the purpose of deterring men from frequenting rum shops, and to keep children from straying too far from home. Further, they were passed down from myths, legends, omens, and proverbs as part of a belief system that has existed across the years and narrated by every ethnic group.

Mixology at Matachica and Gaia tell the story of Belize’s unique flavors via cocktails
Six bartenders, five judges, several bottles of liquor, and lots of Belizean ingredients set the stage for a fun afternoon at Matachica Resort. The occasion? An impromptu bartending competition initiated by Lawrence Picard, a three-time winner of GQ/Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada USA. Owner of Nectar and Mixologie in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Picard has been working alongside Matachica and her sister property Gaia’s bartenders, revamping, strengthening their skills and training them in the fine art of mixology.

International Sources

THE GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE TOPS THE NOVEMBER 2019 TRANSGLOBAL WORLD MUSIC CHART
Aban from Belize-based The Garifuna Collective is the Transglobal World Music Chart’s number one album in November 2019. The Garifuna Collective has performed in over 30 countries on five continents and has been part of the some of the most celebrated Belizean Garifuna albums of all time, including the critically acclaimed Wátina. The ensemble includes seasoned musicians from across different generations.

This incredible resort in Belize was redesigned by a pair of Canadian brothers
With lush rainforest, crystal blue waters, Mayan ruins, and the second largest reef in the world, Belize is one of Central America’s best kept secrets. The only country to have English as its official language, it’s here that you’ll find history, culture, tradition, romance, and cuisine all tucked beneath a canopy of adventure. Recently, Belize has seen Canadian and US resort developers attracted to the region, investing in the country’s future with an effort to turn it into a luxury destination, rivalling its neighbours in Mexico, Costa Rica, and other Caribbean spots. One of those is Matachica, an adults-only boutique resort on the island of Ambergis Caye, owned by Montreal’s Daniel Lighter, who enlisted fellow Montreal-based brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, co-founders behind WANT Les Essentials, to give the resort a makeover.

Trainee doctors pay $US200 for faked operating theatre photos in overseas scam
Clinical placements are compulsory for New Zealand medical students and many opt to do them overseas, gaining valuable experience while helping communities in some of the poorest parts of the world. But not all is going well, as LEE KENNY discovers. Tourists don't spend long in Belmopan. Although visitors flock to Belize's Caribbean islands, the country's tiny inland capital offers few attractions for sightseers. However, it's here that medical students from across the world get their elective paperwork signed-off for cash. For around $300 trainee doctors can have their documents falsified before being taken on a tour of the hospital for photos in gowns and scrubs.

Isotopes in poop show where secretive jaguars hunt
How do you follow a predator so elusive that its nickname is "shadow cat"? To track secretive jaguars in the forested mountains of Belize, the University of Cincinnati turned to geology and poop. Brooke Crowley, a UC associate professor of geology and anthropology, can trace the wanderings of animals using isotopes of strontium found in their bones or the bones of animals they have eaten. This method works even with long-dead animals such as ancient mammoths. Now she and her research partners are applying the technique to jaguar poop, or scat, found in the geologically diverse Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize.

Videos