Recent Belize News
12/11/2019 to 12/20/2019
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Today's Belize News

December 20, 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

See Belize Travel Channel officially launched
Belize now has a dedicated channel to promote the country as a travel destination for both locals and tourist. During a press conference held at the North Park Hotel in Belize City on Friday, December 6th, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and Color Blind Multimedia Productions (CBMP) announced the launch of ‘See Belize Travel Channel.” Aimed at showcasing the best Belize has to offer, the new channel is currently available for viewing on Channel 12 on Central Cable Vision (CCV), with a countrywide roll out coming soon.

What If You Could No Longer Enjoy Belizean Conch Soup or Ceviche?
The Queen conch is a well-loved delicacy; an important part of Belizean culture that has been around for generations. So, for many Belizeans, Golding’s quote above is not something they imagine or think about happening, particularly in a small country of 360,000 inhabitants, especially since the symbolism of the quote refers to the destruction of a people’s way of life.

Letter to the Editor:Speed Trap Island?
Dear Editor, Most people who come here to visit from other developed countries were taught the speed limit was 15 mph in school zones, 25 mph in residential areas and progressed to 35 mph and up, depending on street conditions and location. It seems to me this island plan to stop excessive local speeders was put into effect with little more thought than a way to increase revenues; the term used in the states is “speed trap”. I fear tourists coming to visit our island will quickly dub us “the speed trap island” and I would not say, as it stands right now, I would blame them.

Hellfighters Footsoldiers Ambergris Caye distribute toys to island children
The Christmas Season is all about celebrating and sharing with one another, and to keep the tradition alive, the non-denomination group called Hellfighters Footsoldiers Ambergris Caye distributed presents to over 200 children on Sunday, December 15th. The event was made possible by Send Me Ministries, in Alabama, USA, and Richard and Gina Headricks of Ramon’s Village Resort, who have been supporting the event each year. The annual activity took place on Sea Grape Drive and saw parents and their children participating in a service that ended with a family lunch. Following the feast, it was time for the children to have some fun with a Christmas pińata.

Ambergris Today

Priyanka Chopra Donates 50,000 Pairs Of Crocs To Children In Belize
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra has teamed up with a footwear brand Crocs to collaborate in a donation campaign. She will give 50,000 pairs of classic clogs to school children in Belize. The actress took to Twitter to announce the good news. She also posted a video with the caption that read: “This initiative is very special to me. What started as a conversation with @Crocs of shared interests and concerns for the children of the world, has blossomed into this amazing association with @UNICEF, an organization that is so close to my heart.”

Various Belizean Sources

mzz

Special Envoy concerned about the Hulse incident
The Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow is gravely concerned by the most recent report of gender-based violence involving Ms. Nicole Usher and her infant child. This case serves to demonstrate the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in Belize and the fact that both victims and perpetrators come from all echelons of our society. It also highlights the need for continued advocacy and action on this issue by all stakeholders, including the general public. The work must also continue on ensuring gender equality, which is the root cause of gender-based violence. Gender inequality manifests in many ways in our society , including a lack of understanding of shared parental responsibility.

Corozal Child Advisory Logo Competition
Calling all creative minds! The Children of the Corozal Child Advisory Board needs a logo to depict what we wish to accomplish for the children of Corozal Town. Deadline is 31st January, 2020.

GIS AND REMOTE SENSING SPECIALIST
Ya’axché is 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.

Groudbreaking for schools on Caye Caulker
It is a proud day for Caye Caulker and for Ocean Academy High School as we break ground for the new pre-primary and high school campus. We were honored with the following dignitaries: Honourable Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education. Honourable Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation Dr. Carol Babb, Chief Education Officer. Dr. Corinth Mortar-Lewis, former President of the University of Belize. Mrs. Heidi Curry, Ocean Academy Principal & Founder. Mrs. Seleny Villanueva-Pott, CCVC Chair. Ms. Sayonara Pasos, Chair of O.A. Board of Governors. Ocean Academy Student Performances.

Corozal Christmas Parade
Sunday December 22, starting at the Corozal Central Park at 6pm.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Joker, The Aeronauts, Police Code, Klaus. *This will be the last movie weekend until after the holidays, so come out and enjoy some quality family and friend time!*

Brukdong Bram Festival
We are exactly two and a half days away from the largest Brukdong Bram Festival to hit Battlefield Park sponsored by the Downtown Rejuvenation Project. All the action starts promptly at 1:30 pm on Saturday 21st. December with the performance of a 60-member Burrell Boom Marching Band. Music, singing and dancing are all necessary for us to have a full fledge Krismus Bram, but a Bram is not a Bram if you don't have food and drinks. Here is the Menu for Saturday's Festival.

HAPPY BATTLE OF SAN PEDRO YALBAC BELIZE
(The day the Yucatec Maya defeated the British). The Guerra Social Maya, more commonly known as the Caste War, is one of the most important historical events in Belizean history. Even so, the Caste War is ignored in Belizean schools. How can this historical event so important, which lasted over 80 years of armed conflict (1847-1930’s), saw over 300,000 die, many villages burnt down and people displaced, be forgotten? Today in Corozal and Orange Walk you can still find people who can tell you stories from the Caste War which were told to them by their grandparents. During this war, borders were created, the Maya gained their freedom and the face of northern Belize was changed forever.

Channel 7

The Cops Say Mario Huezo Killed His Parents
Last night, we gave you more insight into  Tuesday morning's stand-off in Independence Village between the cops and 31-year-old Mario Huezo. He was the suspect that Orange Walk police were seeking for the double murders of his parents, 79-year-old Rafael Huezo and 59-year-old Welma Nancy Huezo.  Well tonight, he has gone from being a person of interest to the accused perpetrator. The cops believe that he killed his parents, and they've moved swiftly to charge him with 2 counts of murder. He was arraigned this evening in Orange Walk before Magistrate Patricia Arana.

Jealousy and Murder In Franks Eddy?
A 39-year-old Franks Eddy Villager was murdered last night in front of his wife and 10-year-old daughter. David Coc was at home with his family when two men came to his house and shouted for him to come outside. Coc refused and the men forced their way in and chopped Coc to death. The report is that Coc's killer wanted to be with his wife and because he could not have her, he was overcome by jealous rage and went after Coc. Courtney Weatherburne has the story. This Franks Eddy Village home was left in disarray, the door was hanging on by only a couple hinges and muddy bloodstained clothes were thrown in the yard.

Police Are Looking for Coc's Killer
Today at the press briefing, police did not give any additional details but they said they are seeking one person in connection with this case. Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Tuesday, the 17th day of December 2019, police visited an area at Teakettle Village, where the body of Damion Bregal was discovered, with chop wound injuries, decomposed.  A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and investigations have commenced into this matter."

Police Discuss Damion Bregal's Murder
We also asked the police to briefly discuss their investigation into the murder of 17-year-old Damion Bregal. He's the Belmopan teenager who went missing on Friday, December 13th, after leaving his family home in the company of friends. His family was worried sick about his well-being, and their worst fears were confirmed yesterday, when his body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on the Young Gyal Road, right outside of Teakettle Village in Cayo.  Here's what police had to say about the discovery:

The Special Envoy Speaks On Behalf Of Alleged Domestic Abuse Victim
Last night, we showed you an extended interview with Nicole Usher. She has come out publicly to accuse her ex-boyfriend, Kenzel Hulse, who's the son of Minister Godwin Hulse, of domestic abuse.  It's that tricky "She says, he says" situation that will have to be resolved in the Magistrate's Court. But, the Kim Simplis-Barrow, wife of the Prime Minister and Special Envoy for Women and Children, has issued a public statement on it.

Threats of Sexual Violence On Social Media?
Today, the public reaction to this case caused an ugly backlash. It started when PlusTV"s Luis Wade made a post referring to what he called the entitled sons of UDP Ministers. It's consistent with Wade's plain spoken posts and qualifies as fair political comment. But it elicited an ugly reaction from Minister Edmond Castro's son, Jumoke Castro. He threatened Luis Wade's wife Shasta with a gang rape led by some sons of UDP's. Shasta Wade is PlusTV's manager and news director.

Guild's Killer Also Shot At A Cop
Last night, we told you about the arraignment of 32-year-old Bart Lucas. He's the man who police believe was caught on camera trying to carry out a brazen execution of 33-year-old Christopher Guild. You'll remember that the victim was walking, and going about his business, when suddenly, a man rode up on a bicycle and shoved a handgun near his head, and opened fire. Fortunately, Guild realized at the very last second that he was in danger, and he ducked quickly enough that the bullet grazed the back of his skull. 

Hard Words Result In Stabbing On Reggae St
The cops are also investigating a stabbing incident which happened last night on Reggae Street in Belize City. It appears that two friends who were socializing had some sort of hard talk, which escalated with one man pulling a knife, which he used to stab 25 year-old Sylvestre Thompson. Here's more from police: Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "Yesterday, just at about 3 p.m., Mr. Sylvestre Thompson, 25 years old, he was along with other friends socializing in the Reggae Street [area], when an argument ensued with one of the male persons..."

The Rise of the "Wind Cuttaz Bwai"ť
Last week we took you to the Bi-annual Police Auction, and that's where we met the little boy who bought a five dollar bike and made quite a stir on social media. Wind Cuttaz as he's being referred to has had quite a week. Cherisse Halsall and cameraman Angel Noble did the original interview. They caught up with the young man today for an update on how he's enjoying his 15 minutes of fame.  From complete anonymity last week Johnathan "Windcuttaz" Coleman has become a national sensation. It went viral and exploded into 100 memes and remixes and that vaulted him into a shopping spree and he's not just enjoying his 15 minutes of fame, he's also benefited in material ways. We caught up with Johnathan at the Real Barber Shop, where Barber Ansar Ahmad had offered him a free haircut.

Convicted Killer Catches A Break
A man got a huge break in court today after his sentence was cut down from 25 years to only 2 years and 10 months. Andrew Kelly, aka "Sweetie Law" was convicted of the March 1999 murder of 27 year old Chinese businesswoman Yang Li Chan. Kelly was initially sentenced to death then it was changed to life imprisonment.

Accused Killer Camron Harris Gets Off
19-year-old Camron Harris was also acquitted today in Justice William's court room, of the November 2016 murder of Nelson Zelaya. Zelaya was standing in the back of his yard when he was shot in his back with a shotgun and three times in his head with a .38 pistol. The main witness for the Crown, represented by Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, was Nicole Moody, Zelaya's common-law wife. She said she was in the bathroom, located outside of the house when she heard a loud bang.

How Will Brexit Affect Belize?
One week ago, general elections in Britain saw Boris Johnson and the conservative party returned to office on an overwhelming mandate, the largest in a generation. Claire Bruce - MBE, Deputy High Commissioner: “What I can really say of course, there was a mandate for the conversation government that no-one was unexpected, including them. But it is a great for any country to have a mandate that allows a government to get on and deliver what it wants to do. Now, I know we’ll wait and see what comes out of the next few days, you know we will exit the EU by the end of January and then we will start on the other work that comes...”

Coast Guard's Revise Stance on Guild Net
Since last week we've been reporting on government's decision not to outright ban gillnets. The conservationists and even licensed gillnet users have come forward to urge a rethink and an outright ban. In the middle of all this is the Belize Coast Guard, which had come out stridently in support of a complete ban.  Captain Elton Bennet - Commander, Coast Guard: “So the Belize Coast Guard is very environmentally friendly, we’re very much in support of marine products and marine life because that is the environment we operate in. The coast guard position is for anything that promotes that healthy marine life...”

Salvation Army's Christmas Aid
900 needy people received Christmas food hampers today thanks to The Salvation Army. These packages include many non-perishable food items and they were handed over to multiple families at The Salvation Army's 3 Belize City locations. The holiday care packages were made possible by donations from numerous businesses and the general public. We spoke with Major Johnathan Kellman from The Salvation Army about the sharing event.

Channel 5

Deadly Chopping in Frank’s Eddy, Was it Caused By Jealousy?
There have been eight murders in one week. The most recent is Guatemalan national who was chopped to death inside his house in Frank’s Eddy, Belize District, on Wednesday night. [...]

Police Charge Son for Allegedly Butchering His Parents
Thirty-two-year-old Mario Huezo has been charged with two counts of murder. Huezo stands accused of callously killing his parents, Rafael and Nanny Huezo, whose bodies were discovered on Monday morning. [...]

Shooting Victim Richard O’Neil Succumbs
Shooting victim Richard O’Neil from Ordonez Street, Belize City, succumbs while undergoing treatment at the K.H.M.H.  O’Neil was abducted on November twenty-sixth in Belize City and taken to an area [...]

Damion Bregal was Chopped to Death
Seventeen-year-old Belmopan native Damion Bregal was chopped to death and his body dumped along the Young Gyal Road in Teakettle Village, Cayo. The teen went missing last week without a [...]

Still No Arrest in Densmore Bowman Murder
The murder investigation into the brutal slaying of thirty-four-year-old Densmore Bowman remains open. His decomposing body was discovered on Monday along mile twenty-four on the George Price Highway. The Belmopan [...]

One Man Charged for Barrack Road Attempted Murder
Thirty-two-year-old Bart Lucas has been charged for the attempted murder of thirty-four-year-old Christopher Guild who remains in a critical condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. On Monday night, just [...]

Altercation between Two Friends Leads to Stabbing
Twenty-five-year-old Sylvestre Thompson was stabbed by his friend on Wednesday afternoon. He was on Reggae Street hanging out with some friends when an argument ensued. One of his friends produced [...]

A Home Invasion in Orange Walk
A man broke into the home of a business woman in wee hours of Wednesday night, burgled and attacked her.  We understand that the businesswoman, who lives above her business [...]

Special Envoy & Women’s Commission Issue Statement on Gender-based Violence
Nicole Usher, a Belmopan resident, was bold enough on Wednesday to speak out against the violence she suffered on Tuesday.  Many women suffer in silence, but Usher publicly claimed she [...]

Cameron Harris is Acquitted of 2016 Murder
Twenty-two-year old Cameron Harris will be home for the holidays. This morning his murder trial ended in his acquittal when Justice Colin Williams upheld a “no-case submission. Harris and his [...]

Andrew Kelly is Resentenced; Less than 3 Years Left for Him to Serve for Murder Conviction
After spending half his life behind bars, Andrew Kelly will now only have to serve two years and ten months more before he is released. Kelly was behind bars on [...]

Where is Calvin Cattouse?
Calvin Cattouse of Belize City is among the many persons who left their families, and never heard from again. In his case, he went missing in early October 2017.  His [...]

Traffic Fatalities Spike in 2019
Aside from homicides, loss of lives due to traffic accidents was a main cause of death during the year. Tonight News Five’s Isani Cayetano revisits those horrible accidents, in which [...]

Running W Serving Quality Local Hams
For most Belizean families, the holidays are not complete without a ham on the dinner table. And with Christmas just a few days away, many shoppers haven’t bought their hams [...]

Running W Gives Away 12 Baskets to Needy Families!
And in the spirit of Christmas and hams, the Running W is also reaching out to twelve needy families this holiday season. PR Rep Terrence Rhaburn tells us more about [...]

Belize Supports Resolution to Reject Violence in Bolivia
At the Organization of American States, Belize joined seventeen other countries in voting for a resolution rtng vln in lv and llng for full rt of the rights of the [...]

Increased Patrols by Police to Keep Christmas Shoppers Safe
The Christmas holidays are always a festive time of the year, but it is also a time when crimes such as robberies and burglaries spike.  In recent weeks, there have [...]

Safety Measures for Homeowners
As to the spike in home invasions, Superintendent Alejandro Cowo also shared some advice on precautionary safety measures that can be taken by homeowners.   Supt. Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., [...]

900 Plus Receive Hampers from the Salvation Army
The headquarters of the Salvation Army in the downtown area of the City was buzzing with activity today. The organization as it has very year came through big time for [...]

Meeting Its Target with the Salvation Army’s Kettle Appeal
Back in early November, the Kettle Appeal of the Salvation Army was launched; its annual target for some years now is to raise one hundred thousand dollars in efforts to [...]

Healthy Living: Healthy Holiday Eating
The Christmas countdown has begun. In less than a week, we’ll all be indulging in the Christmas merriment, which includes lots of deliciously rich food. Christmas is surely no time [...]

The Reporter

Mario Huezo: Officially Charged For The Murder Of His Parents
The Reporter has confirmed that Mario Huezo, 32, was formally arrested and charged moments ago for the murders of his parents, Rafael and Nancy Huezo, in Orange Walk.

Altercation Leads To Fatal Chopping In Frank’s Eddy Village
A man was chopped to death last night (Dec. 18th.) in Frank’s Eddy Village, Cayo. The Reporter understands that David Efrain Coc, 39, a Guatemalan labourer suffered chops wounds to the right side of the head...

Rotarian’s On A Mission To Clean-Up Plastics
On Monday (December 16th. 2019) the Rotarians in Benque Viejo installed the first ever bio-barrier across the Mopan in the hope of cleaning the river of trash and improving the waterway’s health.

LOVE FM

A day in the life of a Coast Guard Officer
Every year, the three branches of security forces in Belize reward their officers with a Christmas luncheon. Yesterday, we showed you the Belize Defence Force’s soldiers enjoying the day.

Guatemalan National Chopped to death in rural Cayo
Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in rural Cayo District. Love News has confirmed that a Guatemalan national was chopped to death last night. The incident reportedly occurred on the Dark Knight Road in Frank’s Eddy Village at around ten thirty last night.

44-year-old man killed in hit-and-run
It wasn’t reported in the news, but this past Sunday, a 44-year-old man was knocked off his bicycle and killed. The victim, Jose Carlos Hernandez Escobar, was travelling from Boston Village to Sandhill Village, Belize District.

Forensic Service is free for everyone says National Forensic Science Service
The National Forensic Science Service is a group civilians authorized to work with the police to solve crimes and prosecute perpetrators. These men and women are often seen at a crime scene collecting evidence, taking pictures and dusting for fingerprints that will then be presented in court.

Man charged for Guild’s attempted murder
An employee of Transparent BPO was shot in Belize City on Tuesday night. 35-year-old Christopher Guild was reportedly walking towards Freetown Road when he was approached from behind by a dark complexion male riding a black bicycle who fired several shots at him.

Jonathon “Wind Cuttaz” Coleman’s road to fame
A 12-year-old boy has stolen the hearts of Belizeans across the country. Jonathon Coleman, a Belize City resident, has received opportunities of a lifetime after a video of him went viral.

Salvation Army Christmas Hampers
The Salvation Army in Belize assisted over nine hundred families today. They distributed Christmas hampers in Belize City, Hattieville, Maskall Village and the Cayo District.

Kelly will soon be a free man
After spending half his life behind bars, Andrew Kelly will now only have to serve two years and ten months more before he is freed. Kelly, who was once on death row, had appealed and as a result, was given a life sentence.

Thompson stabbed by a “friend”
A graphic designer of Belize City was stabbed yesterday evening at around three o’clock on Reggae Street. 25-year-old Sylvester Thompson was socializing with two friends, 18-year-old Jaheim Lawrence and a minor when an altercation ensued between Lawrence and Thompson.

Elderly couple’s son charged for two counts of murder
Police have levied charges in the double homicide case of 79-year-old Rafael Huezo and his 59-year-old wife, Nancy. The couple’s son, 32-year-old Mario Huezo was charged for two counts of murder this morning by Orange Walk Police.

Harris brothers walk from murder charge
his morning another murder trial ended in an acquittal when Justice Colin Williams upheld a “no-case submission”. It was the case of 20-year-old Cameron Harris. Harris and his brother, 22-year-old Lenford Harris Jr., were charged with...

Special Envoy condemns Gender-base violence, Amidst assault accusations against Kenzle Hulse
On the heels of the arraignment of Kenzle Hulse on the charge of harm, the Special Envoy for Women and Children issued a release condemning gender-based violence. The allegation against Hulse is that the choked,...

Anisha Young second DNA test inconclusive
A second DNA test requested by the family of Anisha Young, who went missing in December 2018, is being conducted in the Cayman Islands’ Forensics Lab. This comes after the family was not satisfied with...

Desnmore Bowman chopped to death
A postmortem examination was conducted yesterday on the body of 34-year-old Densmore Bowman. Bowman’s body was retrieved from a shallow grave just off the George Price Highway between miles 24 and 25.

DNA testing soon to be done in Belize
While we are on the topic of forensics and court cases there has been a number of queries from the public on the time it takes for samples from a crime scene to be tested....

Breaking Belize NewsPJ

Mario Huezo charged with murder of his parents after couple found dead in Orange Walk
The youngest son of Rafael and Nancy Huezo who were found dead in Orange Walk a […]

U.S. Embassy hosts ‘Toys for Tots’ delivery at Marla’s House of Hope
The United States Embassy in Belmopan today hosted a Toys for Tots delivery to Marla’s […]

President Trump formally impeached; next steps stalled
On mostly party-line votes, President of the United States Donald J. Trump was impeached Wednesday […]

Special Envoy calls on public to exercise restraint and be mindful of ‘distasteful comments’ in wake of Kenzle Hulse domestic controversy
Earlier today, Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, issued a statement expressing […]

Belize City man charged for unlawful sexual intercourse with teenager
Fifty-eight-year-old caretaker, Eddison Glenford Broaster, has been remanded through the Christmas period on indictable charges […]

National Women’s Commission: Perpetrators must be held accountable for violent acts
The National Women’s Commission, following public backlash and controversy over a high-profile case of domestic […]

Canadian universities team up with educational institutions in Belize to develop climate change adaptation programs
Universities in Canada will be working with the University of Belize and the Institute of […]

Education Minister breaks ground for new pre-school and high school in Caye Caulker
Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, today broke ground for a new pre-school and high school […]

Wakanda not forever: U.S. drops fictional country from list of trading partners
The United States of America trades with nearly every country in the world and it […]

Belize votes in favor of OAS resolution on Bolivia
On December 18, the Organization of American States (OAS) presented a resolution rejecting violence in […]

Salvation Army delivers Christmas hampers for Belize City residents
For many, Christmas will not be bright due to current economic circumstances. The Salvation Army […]

Cameron Harris walks from a murder charge
20-year-old Cameron Harris, charged with the murder of Nelson Zelaya while a minor, was acquitted […]

Kidney Association makes holiday plea to be kind to kidneys
The Kidney Association of Belize (KAB) is asking its members and the public to exercise […]

Burglar/s steal liquor and cash from BDF headquarters
Reports to BBN is that the office of the Financial Officer of the Belize Defence […]

Special Envoy issues statement on gender-violence in wake of Kenzle Hulse backlash
Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow, issued a statement today expressing concern […]

Man reportedly chopped to death in Frank’s Eddy village
A man was killed in Frank’s Eddy Village in the Cayo district last night. We […]

Rotary collects pounds of plastic waste from Mopan River
Residents of the westernmost town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District, have been asked […]

Blogs

2019 Is Almost Over! What I’ve Been Doing Other Than Blogging: Favorite Books, Shows, Podcasts
What It’s REALLY Like To Be Self-Employed on Ambergris Caye (For Me) Or, perhaps more fitting- FAIL: How NOT to Stay Focused While Working From Home Ahhh to be self-employed on an island in the Caribbean…sounds like heaven, right? Yes. It is. Very much so. And I am eternally grateful and totally surprised to be in that position today. But…AND it’s a huge BUT for someone whose inner workings can be best described by this graphic: As you can imagine there are distractions that would make self-guided work hard on Ambergris Caye.

Junior Buddy the Jaguar
As The Belize Zoo’s jaguar ambassador, Junior Buddy was likely the country’s most recognizable jaguar, and for good reason. For environmental education, visitors had the unique chance to interact and admire Junior Buddy as a big cat ambassador – a gorgeous example of how majestic and essential jaguars are in our ecosystems and why their conservation is important. Secondly, Junior Buddy was the only jaguar born and raised in The Belize Zoo (TBZ). And while the country mourns the sudden passing by heart failure of world-famous Junior Buddy, his 12 years has surely left a mark (or pawprint) on the lives that he touched.

Must Dos in 2020 – CC+L to do Guide
It’s the new year, which means it’s time to add new adventures to your bucket list. Belize offers many exciting and amazing explorations just waiting to be discovered. The country’s lush jungle, pristine barrier reef, ancient Maya cities, rich culture, and natural beauty make it the perfect playground. As you wander Belize’s great outdoors, go at your own pace and you will surely have a fantastic time! Here are Belize’s top ten must-dos in 2020.

The Largest Barrier Reef In The Western Hemisphere
When you vacation in Belize, one of the most popular and amazing attractions to visit is the Belize Barrier Reef. This is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and is located along the coastline of Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef holds an incredibly diverse ecosystem with a wide range of both plant and animal life. The Barrier Reef Reserve System protects the reef and also includes 450 cayes, three atolls, and seven marine reserves. It covers about 960 square kilometers of area.

Videos

  • Standard Bearer of the Peoples United Party Mr Andre Perez giving out hampers to the community of Caye Caulker, 8min. Spreading Christmas cheer.

  • Ground breaking ceremony for the new OA building in Caye Caulker, 68min. This project is an important milestone for the development and growth in the education system for the island. It is indeed a happy and exciting occasion. This project has been long awaited for and is now finally materializing. It is an effort from The Minster of education Patrick Faber, Minster of tourism and aviation Manuel Heredia Jr., the village council and the OA body who have been lobbying effortlessly for this dream to become a reality. The new structure is being built on 5-acres of land in the North West area of Bahia Puesta Del Sol.

  • 12 Days of Christmas continues..., 2hr25min.

  • Ground breaking for the new OA building in Caye Caulker, 6min. The new 5-acre campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities needed on campus to accommodate the students and teachers. The project is being funded by the Caribbean development Bank. It is overwhelming that we're getting this new facility. Ocean Academy High School Principal Heidi Curry said. "We want the very best for our students, and we're excited for it to open." If all goes as planned, the new campus will be ready for students by the 2021 school year.

  • Carol of the Bells as performed by Cayo Music School with Ascenthium, 5.5min. The Cayo Music School had their annual recital, and Ascenthium played the Carol of the Bells with them.

  • Crique Jute Dance Group (Toledo District Belize Central America), 30min.

  • Final Game Senior Division Go Green Belize Bball, 13min. We are sure your bballing appetite will be addressed as Belize City Hard Rock and Solar Roots Brotherhood go for the win in this challenging contest.

  • Skydiving into the Blue Hole, Belize, 8.5min.

  • Christmas Bram, 15min. Christmas Bram, as Belizeans know, is a Kriol cultural tradition that involves Brukdown music and residents dancing and singing while they move from house to house in their communities!

  • CENTAUR'S COUNTDOWN TO MEGA CHRISTMAS BRAM 2019, 1hr22min.

  • 12 Days of Christmas continues..., 2hr23min.

  • The National Forensic Science Service Laboratory, 14min. The National Forensic Science Service laboratory is the only forensic laboratory in Belize which is responsible for the analysis of all evidence submitted by law enforcement for investigation and prosecution of criminal offences. The Forensic Laboratory Unit staff consists of 13 persons and is headed directly by an assistant director. The forensic laboratory is made up of qualified and trained staff with a wealth of invaluable experience who uphold principles of objectivity, integrity and scientific inquiry in the daily execution of their duties.

  • Paradise awaits you in Belize, 3min.

  • Cay Caulker, Belize Island snorkeling, Dec 11th 2019, 4.5min.

  • Belize | Cahal Pech | Mayan Archaeological Site, 5min. Right outside the of San Ignacio in the Cayo District of western Belize, sits the Mayan archaeological site of Cahal Pech. Here, we take you on a tour of this small, but nonetheless magnificent ruins. Go in the off season, like we did and you'll have the site on to yourself!

  • Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, 24min. Scuba diving

    December 19, 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

    Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, the only established National Park on a Belizean island, closed due to no GOB funding
    2011 Marco Gonzalez earned the distinction of being the first Maya Site National Park to be established on a Belizean island. Sadly, due to a lack of funding from the Government of Belize, the Marco Gonzalez Board of Directors were forced to close the site on July 1, 2019. According to Jan Brown, who serves as the site manager, a meeting with the Government of Belize’s (GOB) Institute of Archaeology (IoA) in late June promised that they would finally include Marco Gonzalez in their national budget. A tour through the site with the IoA Director, Parks Manager and President of National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) followed on July 3rd. Brown was assured that IoA would find a solution. Six months later, with no reply to countless phone calls, texts and emails appealing for an update, the Board of Directors had no choice but to close the site due to lack of funding.

    Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel Products
    The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the pump price of three fuel products will change. The price for regular gasoline, kerosene and diesel will register increases as follows:

    San Pedro High girls are NSSSA basketball sub-champions
    The girls of Delille Academy won the national basketball championship, organized by the National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) and hosted by Muffles College at the Orange Walk Multipurpose Sports Complex over the weekend. Game Four was the championship final and was held on Saturday afternoon. The SPHS girls lost a heart-breaker 48-49 to Delille Academy. Normalee Gomez led with a monster 30pts to lead 13-12 in the 1st quarter. Denissa Mairena put up 8pts to lead 28-24 at the half. Shante Chacon added 5pts, and SPHS was up 37-36 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

    SP BTIA benefit concert raises over $7K for Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
    The spacious restaurant area at Fido’s was filled with the festive sound of piano and guitar music by Hill and Hulme. Shortly after 7PM, eager patrons came to not only contribute to a worthy cause but also spend a wonderful evening with great music, drinks, food and socializing. Throughout the night, lucky guests won fabulous prizes via entrance raffles, and ‘lucky dip.’ Many bid on their favorite items via a silent auction that featured sunset cruises, dinner certificates, overnight stays at exotic resorts on the island, snorkeling tours, round-trip flight tickets and even a pizza party for ten persons.

    Ambergris Today

    What If You Could No Longer Enjoy Belizean Conch Soup Or Ceviche?
    - A Research Article, written by Deseree Arzu - The Queen conch is a well-loved delicacy; an important part of Belizean culture that has been around for generations. So, for many Belizeans, Golding’s quote above is not something they imagine or think about happening, particularly in a small country of 360,000 inhabitants; especially since the symbolism of the quote refers to the destruction of a people’s way of life. But, we need not look very far to the Caribbean nations of the Bahamas and Jamaica; or our Latin American neighbors in Mexico, to realize that it’s not a far-fetched reality, despite conch fishery in Belize being small-scale. This means that there are only approximately 2,600 registered fishers who use small fishing vessels and boats to catch conch and other seafood.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    BELIZE FISHING REPORT: DECEMBER 8, 2019 THROUGH DECEMBER 15, 2019
    This has been a great week for Permit, with almost all anglers hooking up. Several with multiple Permit during the stay. A Permit was even caught from the dock. Tarpon fishing has been a little tricky with lots of sightings, but not many landed for the week. Bonefish have been plentiful, and several really large fish caught.

    Consejo Shores "Just for Fun" Golf Tournament
    Feb. 15th, 8am at Consejo Shores Golf Course

    Niurka Marco goes shopping in the Corozal Free Zone
    Popular Mexico Television celebrity and superstar Niurka Marcos takes the opportunity to do her shopping yesterday, at our Corozal Free zone. Niurka Marcos is part of an entourage of many comedian celebrities who will be performing tonight at the Salon Bellavista on the Boulevard in Chetumal, Mexico. We take this opportunity to welcome Niurka Marcos for stepping into our Belize Maya Land. The photo was taken at the Taj Majal store inside the Corozal Free Zone. One Love.

    National Early Childhood Education Commencement
    The first Commencement Exercise for the Associate of Arts Degree & Certificate in Early Childhood Education was held today in Belmopan. This accomplishment was made possible through the collaboration between the MOE, Ecumenical Junior College, Sacred Heart Junior College and Campbellsville University.

    CSHRP Conference 2020
    The Caribbean Society of Human Resource Professionals(CSHRP) invites you to present at CSHRP Conference 2020. Submit your paper before February 1, 2020.

    Paint N Splash
    See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint a beautiful rendition of this photo!

    Mangrove Restoration Project on Caye Caulker
    Our purpose is not only to raise funds for tuition but also to give back to the environment while learning. This year we planted over 200 red mangroves in a reserve, The Fair Fruit Farm, just North of the Split, it will become part of the interpretation the students give while kayaking.

    BTEC, BELTRAIDE Certifies 17 persons in The Basics of Caregiving
    The Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE , in partnership with the National Council on Ageing, has successfully completed its final Job Preparedness Training for 2019! Today, seventeen persons have been certified in Basics of Caregiving after completing a 5-week training programme. The training covered First-aid and CPR facilitated by the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT); the basics of elderly care; caring for persons with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and a host of other topics facilitated by Dr. Ajay Hochandani, Nurse Kelsey Dawson and Chandra Ake as well as a 2-week internship at the Sister Cecelia’s Home for the Elderly.

    BTIA 34th AGM Booklet
    We thank all our members and stakeholders for their support this year. Read more about our 2019 accomplishments here!

    Belize Clinic Care Opening in Corozal
    Belize Clinic Care is Proudly Opening its Doors to the general public on Thursday, December 19th. Dr. Samer Darwiche Yassin will be offering Quality Health Promotional services starting Friday, December, 20th until Sunday 22nd, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For these 3 days medical consultation will be JUST $5 (FIVE) Dollars! Our location will be on the ground floor of Lydia's Plaza on Santa Rita Road before the Santa Rita roundabout Maya monument. We take this opportunity in wishing the entire Corozal community a Merry Christmas.

    The U.S. Embassy is proud to welcome Joint Task Force-Bravo to Belize!
    JTF Bravo plays a lead role U.S. Southern Command's partnership with Belize and other Central American governments to provide assistance in case of a disaster, promote security, and to counter transnational threats in the region. Working together with our BDF counterparts, the sky is NOT the limit in our efforts to create a safer and more secure Belize!

    Tlaltipak Match on Saturday
    All are invited to come to the Yo Creek Community Center this Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 at 10 am as the Central American and the Caribbean Pok Ta Pok champions Ek' Balam from Belize faces Tlaltipak Team from USA.

    Nukux Tat
    The Nukux Tat is a Maya Guardian spirit of the forest ,animals and humans between the Yucatec Maya (Máasewal) people of Belize . The Yucatec Maya continue giving offerings of Sakab and prayers to this spirit . In this picture we can see a Yucatec Maya women from San Antonio(Cayo) giving offerings to the Nukux Tat . The traditional Maya altar is from the village of San Jose and San Pablo where they give offerings during the Ch'a Cháak ritual to the Nukux Tat .

    Corozal Graffiti Festival
    The public is invited to attend the Corozal Graffiti Festival on Sunday, January 26th! This fun and colorful event will feature live art by many of Belize's top artists, body painting, special effects makeup, open mic and we even have international graffiti artists who will be stopping by! This fun-filled family event will begin at 10:00am and will be taking place at the Miami Beach.

    Channel 7

    Another Missing Teen Found Decomposing
    Last night on the news we told you that a body had been found outside Teakettle on the Young Gyal Road. Tonight the family of 17 year old Damion Bregal is saying that it is his remains. The minor had been missing since Friday the 13th when he left his Belmopan home in the company of friends. According to a police report, Bregal's remains were found yesterday evening just before 5:30 in an advanced state of decomposition. And this discovery is a devastating blow for a family that was still holding onto the hope of finding their son who had only been missing for 5 days.

    Huezo Tried to Harm Himself in Police Standoff
    Tonight more is known about the standoff police had yesterday with Mario Huezo. He is a person of interest for police in the investigation into the double murder of his parents, Nancy and Rafael Huezo. And yesterday morning he had a standoff with police in Independence Village. Tonight we know more about why the the cops had to act decisively. Around 10:00 in the morning police from the Independence Southern Formation saw the green Kia Soul that had been reported stolen. It was traveling on the Southern Highway near Santa Cruz village heading to Independence village.

    Break-in at BDF HQ, Criminals In Camouflage?
    There was a break in at the Price Barracks last night - and it happened right at the Force Headquarters building - where the commander of the BDF and his Deputy have their offices. But, the brazen burglars weren't after the General's papers; they were after liquor and cash - stored in the Finance Officer's office. The liquor is purchased annually by the BDF at duty free prices to be sold at cost price to the soldiers - as a sort of Christmas time military perk. But, it seems the duty free discount wasn't enough for the burglars whop pried open a window to get into the office.

    Tried to Kill Guild
    Tonight, 35 year old shooting victim Christopher Guild remains in a critical condition at the KHMH - but police have been quick to charge the man who allegedly shot him on Monday night. 32 year old Bart Lucas, 32, a resident of Pinks Alley, was charged with attempted murder when he appeared today before Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser. Lucas was also charged with dangerous harm, use of deadly means of harm and aggravated assault.

    Minister's Son in He Says, She Says
    A domestic dispute that took place last night in Belmopan is receiving national attention because a Minister's son is involved. And today Kenzel Hulse was taken to court and charged with one count of harm against his ex-girlfriend Nicole Usher. Cherisse Halsall was in Belmopan for the arraignment and here's her report: This morning a furious mother took to Facebook to post pictures of injuries her daughter sustained during an altercation with the father of her child, Kenzel Hulse.

    O'Neil Dead 3 Weeks After Being Shot
    On the 26th November, Belize City resident Richard O'Neil was kidnapped, taken to an area off the Boom - Hattieville road, shot, dumped on the roadside and left for dead. But, he somehow survived in a critical condition. Tonight, though the news is that three weeks, later, he succumbed to his injuries at 11:40 this morning.

    BDF Investigates Friendly Fire Incident
    Last night we told you about a BDF soldier who accidentally shot himself in the leg while routinely clearing an M16 rifle. But, today the BDF general said he did not shoot himself: Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defence Force "The guys were conducting an unloading drill and an incident happened and one of them got shot in the leg. I think he should be receiving surgery today. He is stable."

    BDF Scours Parts for 'Nam Era Helicopters
    We also asked the BDF Commander about the status of the BDF's two helicopters. Recently reports emerged that they were out of commission - and a private helicopter service had to the hired to fly an injured soldiers from one of the southern observation posts. Today he told us the choppers are just plain old: Reporter: "What is the status right now with the function of the helicopters?"

    Forensics for Free, Not for Sale
    Members of the general public may know about the National Forensic Science Service. This is the group of civilian authorities who work with the police to help solve crimes, and prosecute perpetrators. You will always encounter these experts at crime scenes collecting evidence, taking photographs, or trying assist police in one way or the other to preserve important elements of a crime, to hopefully present before a Supreme Court judge in a full trial. They do so to the best of their abilities, and they are public servants, which means that you personally don't have to pay them a cent to do their job. 2 days ago, the Government of Belize sent out a press release warning members of the general public not to try and bribe or induce these experts.

    Someday? DNA Testing in Belize
    We also asked Director Cho about the wait times that the families of murder victims must endure whenever the National Forensic Science Service must send DNA samples abroad for testing. DNA testing is not currently being done in Belize, and so, the general public has begun to begrudgingly accept that sometimes, cases requiring that type of specialized attention could be delayed up to 3 months while everyone waits for the results to return. Here's what the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Services had to say about that process: "The current laboratory that we're outsourcing our cases at this time is the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, which is an ISO-17025 accredited laboratory. The last batch of cases that we sent - because we send cases in batches, rather than on a case-by-case basis..."

    Forensic Evidence Clinched Mason Trial
    So, while the political directorate and the local forensic experts devil the details of DNA testing in Belize, even without DNA, the work which the experts from the National Forensic Science Service carry out is crucial to the prosecution of crimes. The most vivid example of this was the guilty verdicts that were handed down 3 weeks ago to the accused murderers, William Danny Mason and his co-accused, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo.

    Another Inconclusive Result for Anisha's Family
    And one of the most high profile cases recently using DNA testing was that of Anisha Young. A few strands of apparent human remains were found on the Maskall road earlier this year - and the family believes they were hers. The first DNA test sent to Jamaica proved inconclusive and the Forensics department agreed to send another.

    Forensic Experts Anonymous for a Reason
    So, while the Director of the National Forensic Science Service was perfectly willing to talk to us today, he told us that his subordinates very much prefer being unsung heroes in successful prosecutions. He says that the more well-known these become, the greater the risks are to their personal safety. That's because they can be targets of the very criminals that they are trying to bring to justice. Here's how he explained why: "Our staff, our experts that process scenes, conduct post-mortems, analyze exhibits, who go and testify in court, and have to act as an expert witness on behalf of the state..."

    Another Acquittal for Mark Waight
    Another man walked free of a murder charge today. He is 21 year old Mark Waight aka "Pito". This is actually the second time he has been acquitted of a charge. The first time is when he was was acquitted of the murder of Amandala journalist, Kareem Clarke in June. This time he beat an attempted murder charge for the 2015 shooting of Jamilia Neal.

    A Big Truck for Wide Loads
    Countless times on this newscast we've covered Jamal Galvez, on his various manatee rescue missions. Well, he got a major assist today with the help of a few generous sponsors.

    Serving Soldiers, Lessons in Humility
    Christmas is only 7 days away, and, for the soldiers at Price Barracks, that ham and turkey dinner came early today. They threw their annual Christmas luncheon for approximately 1,000 soldiers at their price barracks headquarters in Ladyville.

    New Flesh for the Old Ceremonies
    Today's BDF luncheon gave us a look at the 103 new recruits that are training to become full members of the BDF. They form Intake #65, and stood out today because of their shaved heads, and the bewildered look of the un-initiated. The commander told us that they are nearing the end of their recruit trainin.

    Coast Guard Big-Up BDF Best Warriors
    And today those recruits were given a model of fitness they can aspire to. That's the BDF team which recently won the Best Warrior competition over the other law enforcement agencies. They got $1,500 dollars when they won - but today they got the additional honor of having the Coast Guard Commander, Captain Elton Bennett come over to their headquarters and lavish gifts on them.

    Channel 5

    Kenzle Hulse Charged with Harm Upon Ex-Girlfriend
    In the Belmopan Magistrate Court, Kenzle Hulse, the son of Minister Godwin Hulse, made an appearance and was charged with harm. It follows a report of domestic violence made by [...]

    Agriculture Minister Godwin Hulse Speaks on Son’s Court Case
    Present for the arraignment was Godwin Hulse, the Minister of Agriculture who is the father of Kenzle Hulse. The Minister signed bail for Kenzle, who has a previous charge for [...]

    PUP says zero tolerance to violence against women
    The mother of Nicole Usher was heard early this morning on the airwaves with the complaint. She placed a call to Vibes radio complaining of the physical assault on her [...]

    Body of Belmopan Teen Found
    A second missing person was found dead this week. On Monday, the remains of Densmore Bowman from Belmopan were found in a shallow grave between miles twenty-three and twenty-four on [...]

    Thieves Steal Liquor and Money from BDF Camp
    The workplace of the financial officer of the Belize Defense Force at Price Barracks, Ladyville was broken into recently and stolen from his office was an assortment of liquor, as [...]

    Missing Persons Turned Murder Victim on the Rise in 2019
    The number of missing persons: youths, men and women, is on an upward trend. In some cases they are found safely but in a number of instances, missing persons are [...]

    Mark Waight found not guilty again
    This morning twenty-one-year-old Mark Waight was found not guilty for the second time and the judgment came six months apart from each other. Waight was on trial for the attempted [...]

    The mother of a toddler is accused of aggravated assault by her ex
    A two-year-old child was at the centre of a domestic dispute between the parents. This morning Mara Perez, a resident of Ladyville village, appeared before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson where [...]

    Met Service talks drought outlook for Belize
    On Tuesday we showed you the impacts of the drought on the sugar cane fields in the north. A lot of crops have been affected by the below normal rain [...]

    Why is Marcos Osorio no longer with SIRDI?
    r r is no longer the Drtr f th ugr ndutr Rrh Dvlmnt nttut (RD). Th ugr ndutr ntrl rd reportedly ordered Osorio’s removal when he was informed that his [...]

    SIB Releases November Stats for Export and Imports
    A total of one hundred and eighty million dollars in goods was imported last month, an increase of nine point two percent from imports in November 2018.  Increases were recorded [...]

    COMPOL issues statement on Kenzle Hulse
    Back to the case involving Kenzle Hulse. Late this evening, it prompted a statement from the Commissioner of Police. It states that on Tuesday, December seventeenth  2019, Nicole Usher, and [...]

    UK’s Brexit – what does it mean for Belize trade?
    The U.K.’s exit from the European Union is nearing – and with recent elections in the country, the result has empowered Conservative Party Leader Boris Johnson to effect the “Brexit” [...]

    UB Nursing Graduates make their mark in regional exams
    The University of Belize has been enjoying the spotlight with some of its students excelling in various sectors. Recently, Abbie Godoy won the prestigious Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship. Today, U.B. [...]

    A new truck for the manatees!
    Today the Sea to Shore Alliance received a brand new truck for the manatees. The seventeen thousand U.S.D. truck and its trailer will be used to transport manatees. The manatee [...]

    Ninth Annual Lakers Community Christmas Party
    The children of the Saint Martin’s area of Belize City attended their anticipated annual Christmas party today. The festive event is now in its ninth year and each year it [...]

    Christmas Party at Leo Bradley Library with Brad Pattico
    This morning, the Leo Bradley Library also held a Christmas party to culminate a series of literacy programmes held throughout the course of the year. Over one hundred kids attended [...]

    The Reporter

    Son Of Minister Godwin Hulse Charged After Assault & Serious Gun Play
    The Reporter has confirmed that Belmopan resident Kenzle Hulse, son of Minister Godwin Hulse, was charged today for Common Assault in the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. Hulse was accused of beating up a woman in Belmopan last night, choking her and hitting her in the face with his gun, and also of slapping her repeatedly.

    LOVE FM

    Nadir Mendoza charged
    This morning Police Constable 22-year-old Nadir Mendoza appeared before Magistrate Khadeen Palmer where he was arraigned on a charge of theft. At the arraignment, Mendoza pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft. Since there was no objection to bail, Magistrate Palmer offered Mendoza bail in the sum of five thousand dollars plus one surety.

    Man shot on Barrack Road
    An employee of Transparent BPO was shot last night in Belize City. Gunshots rang out just after eleven o’clock on Barrack Road. 35-year-old Christopher Guild was reportedly walking towards Freetown road when he was approached from behind by a dark complexion male riding a black bicycle who fired several shots at him.

    Cane Season delayed until next year
    Sugar Cane farmers of the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts are experiencing an additional drought as they will have less money in their pockets for this Christmas season. The sugar cane crop season has been delayed.

    Fuel prices rise once again
    As of midnight tonight, fuel prices will be adjusted. Diesel will increase by 16 cents, from $9.90 to $10.06. Kerosene will also go up by 16 cents, from $7.35 to $7.51.

    Guinea Grass residents protect their community against thieves
    It made the news last week when a pair of robbers went to Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District and were met with more than they expected. The Guinea Grass residents did not take the idea of criminal intrusion into their village lightly and as a result they took matters into their own hands and apprehended the two men.

    Missing Densmore Bowman is found dead
    He had gone missing 16 days ago from Belmopan. Today, the family is getting closure but not the kind they hoped for.

    Phillip Roberts shot thirteen times
    33-year-old, Phillip Roberts, was murdered in the Farmer’s New Site area of Hattieville, Belize District, just after eight o’clock on Saturday night. He was visiting a house that he was renting when he was fatally shot.

    Two teenagers shot on Seagull Street
    Two teenagers were shot on Seagull Street on Saturday night in Belize City. 19-year-old Rassan Leslie and 16-year-old Kamron Adolphus were socializing on said street when they received several gunshot injuries.

    Man shot to the leg in Ladyville
    A Biscayne resident was shot in Ladyville Village, Belize District on Friday night. 37-year-old Mark Faber received a single gunshot to his leg.

    Suspected drug plane found in the north
    Police were misled this morning when they were expected suspected drug transporters to land just after two o’clock this morning. It turns out, however, that the plane made its landing on a Sarteneja airstrip this morning.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Citrus Growers Association holds successful AGM, continues push to restore citrus industry
    This afternoon the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) made known its efforts to restore the industry […]

    Senior citizen car washer busted with crack cocaine
    He claims it was not his, but 70-year-old Harrison Mejia of Market Square, Belmopan, is […]

    Mark Waight beats another charge of attempted murder
    Twenty one year old Mark Waight was released today after being found not guilty of […]

    Bart Lucas charged in attempted murder of Christopher Guild
    Bart Lucas, 32, a resident of Pinks Alley, was charged with attempted murder when he […]

    Police: Kenzle Hulse charged with harm after altercation with ex girlfriend
    The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams issued a report this evening informing that Belmopan resident […] https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2019/12/18/bart-lucas-charged-in-attempted-murder-of-christopher-guild1/

    U.S. President Donald Trump faces impeachment over Ukraine contacts
    The debate continues tonight, but it is highly likely that President of the United States, Donald […]

    B.S.I. roots future of sugar industry in demonstration plots
    Back in October, Belize Sugar Industries Limited/American Sugar Refining (BSI/ASR) director Mac Maclachlan discussed what the […]

    UB Nursing Students excel in Regional Examination for Nurse Registration
    The University of Belize (UB) extended congratulations to their recent nursing graduates, who successfully passed […]

    Sea to Shore Alliance gets new truck
    Today Sea to Shore Alliance, a conservation group dedicated to the protection of manatees in […]

    ColdYWCA shares “Brown Bag Breakfast” with Belize Police Department
    Today, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) paid homage to the brave men and women […]

    Body of missing teenager, Damion Bregal found in Teakettle
    The body of missing Belmopan teenager, 17 year old Damion Bregal was found late yesterday […]

    Blogs

    Visit the Modern Maya of Belize
    The ancient Maya civilizations may have disappeared into the mists of history, but modern Maya are alive and well. In Belize, they have continued to build thriving communities where they have held onto their culture, language, and traditions. If you’re visiting Belize, you can spend a day immersed in their fascinating culture. The Maya of Belize live in several distinct communities. You can visit these villages to experience the way they live and how they contribute to Belize’s incredible cultural diversity. The various Maya tribes all speak their own languages. The Maya who live in Belize are mostly Kek’chi and Mopan Maya.

    Belizean Artist Carolyn Carr
    Carolyn Rauch was born in Colorado in the summer of 1944, grew up on a farm in Western Kentucky and married John Carr in 1968. She holds a BFA in Design from Utah State University, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In 1973, the Carrs bought the Banana Bank property in the Cayo District and finally moved to Belize in 1977, to what is now their home. Mrs. Carr holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design from Utah State University. Her paintings bear her unique touch, and you surely have seen them everywhere in Belize. Carolyn Carr has a purpose in creating her portraits of Belizean culture. Having grown up on a farm, as a child, she witnessed first-hand her parents’ struggle to harness, as well as overcome, the forces of nature.

    Belize Natural Energy
    Belize Natural Energy is an established Oil and Gas company based in the Western District near Spanish Lookout. Decades ago, other companies had speculated if Belize was feasible to drill for oil. This is the first to succeed in following through. It was founded by Susan Morris, an Irishwoman, experienced geologist, explorer and deal maker. She believed that Belize had oil in sufficient quantities to improve and enhance the nation. Susan partnered with Belizean Mike Usher in 2002 and began exploratory drilling in 2005, and discovered oil on a farmer’s property in Spanish Lookout.

    International Sourcesizz

    Why Dengue Fever Cases Are Hitting Record Highs In Latin America
    The reasons from the surge range from rain (or lack of it) to the Zika virus. Leah Katzelnick, an epidemiologist at the University of California, Berkeley who works on dengue in Nicaragua, says climate definitely plays a role. The Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, which can infect people with the virus, will lay eggs in any pool of clean water. After this year's heavy rains in Latin America, "you're just fighting against everything," Katzelnick says. The mosquitoes will breed in a puddle on the lid of a trash barrel — or even discarded tires.

    Priyanka Chopra Joins Footwear Brand to Donate 50,000 Pairs of Shoes to School Children in Belize
    Footwear brand Crocs recently announced that they are teaming up with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas to donate 50,000 pairs of classic clogs to school children in Belize - a nation on the eastern coast of Central America. Taking to Twitter, the actress posted a video, alongside the caption, "This initiative is very special to me. What started as a conversation with @Crocs of shared interests and concerns for the children of the world, has blossomed into this amazing association with @UNICEF, an organisation that is so close to my heart."

    Simone Biles: Once-in-a-lifetime star has leapt through adversity to redefine what's possible in gymnastics
    Even on a recent holiday in Belize, Simone Biles could not conceal her taste for the pyrotechnic. Off a rickety wooden diving platform beside the turquoise waters, she produced the same double twisting dismount that she has absorbed into her dazzling beam repertoire. “How is this even possible?” asked Aly Raisman, her US team-mate, via text. The question was largely rhetorical. To her peers as much as to her admirers around the world, Biles has ascended to a plane of such unfeasible brilliance that when Raisman took all-around silver behind her at the Rio Olympics, she spoke of feeling that she had won.

    The Five Best Cruises for a Post-Holiday Detox
    Has the holiday season been taking its toll? If you're craving a post holiday detox after all the festivities, consider booking a cruise early in the new year as a way to reset. Though the old cliche was that you gain weight on the luxury liners, it just doesn't hold today. Sometimes a scenery change delivers the best boost. On this Seven Seas Explorer sailing, you can pet spider and capuchin monkeys in a Roatan sanctuary, trek through a Guatemalan rainforest, river raft in a jungle in Belize, or zipline in Cozumel. Coral reef-ringed waters provide stellar underwater viewing for snorkelers and scuba divers.

    10 of the Best Fly Fishing Spots in the World
    U.S. publication Sport Fishing Magazine lists Turneffe, Belize, as one of the Top 10 Spots for fly fishing! Check out some of the best saltwater fly-fishing destinations in the world. Not all the destinations are exotic and hard to reach; in fact, a couple spots are within a short drive of major population centers. There are other great ones, of course, and which are best could be the source of long debate — but few would debate the merits of these spots. The locations are listed in alphabetical order below.

    Videos

  • National Forensic Science Service, 12min. Countrywide, the National Forensic Science Service has 60 personnel. The Medical Examiner’s Office is the smallest of the three units of the Department. This unit was officially established in May 2014 and its mission is the same as the entire Forensic Department, to assist in the administration of justice by providing scientific-based evidence. In the case of this unit, through autopsy findings.

  • From The Heart of Belize - Swing Bridge, 2.5min. The Swing Bridge is a unique wonder in all of the world! It is the oldest Swing Bridge in Central America and the ONLY remaining manually swung bridge in the entire world! The bridge was constructed in England and delivered to Belize by the Jefferson Construction Company. After the bridge was installed, vehicular and pedestrian traffic would come to a standstill in downtown Belize City EVERY day, once in the morning and again in the evening, to allow boats to pass.

  • From The Heart of Belize - Community Baboon Sanctuary, 2.5min. The Community Baboon Sanctuary is an ecological wonder From the Heart of Belize! It is home to over 3,000 Black Howler Monkies who amaze thousands of visitors yearly. The Community Baboon Sanctuary protects the resident mammals from hunting and logging, and has, over the course of decades, formed an intimate bond with the Black Howler Monkeys!

  • See Belize Channel Promo Video, 45sec.

  • In A Day - Belize Zoo, 4min. The Belize Zoo is the Best little zoo in the world, housing over 100 exotic animals and birds! It is one of the best things you can do in Belize In A Day!

  • Experience Belize - Belize City, 10min. Belize City is the 'Old Capital' of Belize and is still the main financial center. Belize City boasts a rich, Colonial history with scores of Colonial architecture serving as reminders. Museums, parks, and monuments preserve the political and social history of the Old Capital, while fun bars, restaurants, and nightclubs keep the City buzzing!

  • From The Heart of Belize - St John's Cathedral, 2.5min. The St. John's Anglican Cathedral isn't any ordinary building. Construction began in 1812 when the first cornerstone was laid. The Church has since served the Anglican congregation in Belize for over 200 years and is also the only church outside of Europe that has hosted the crowning of Kings!

  • From The Heart of Belize - Baron Bliss Lighthouse, 2min. Baron Henry Edward Bliss was a wealthy Englishman. Once, he was sailing through the Caribbean and got caught in a storm which forced him to seek a safe harbor in Belize’s calm waters. Although Baron Bliss was confined to a wheelchair, he fell in love with Belize’s beauty, and the Belizeans he had the chance to interact with. He left a significant portion of his estate for the benefit of Belize - making him the country's single largest benefactor. The iconic Baron Bliss Lighthouse and a granite grave were erected in his honor following his death.

  • Experience Belize - Caye Caulker, 6min. "Go Slow" is the trademark phrase associated with Caye Caulker, a small island off the coast of Belize. Caye Caulker boasts an organic island experience, with beaches that are the envy of many. Caye Caulker is the perfect place to visit when planning snorkeling or diving near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef in the world! When planning a trip to Belize, visitors are always encouraged to go Experience Caye Caulker!

  • Trunkfish Night Belize, 1/2min. Anyone else love Trunkfish like I do? These guys are so cute! And this marks my 350th dive! Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) during a night dive. Dive site; Permits Paradise, Turneffe Atoll, Belize.

  • 4th Annual Belize International Yoga Festival - 2019 Recap, 4min. Major thanks to everyone who participated in The 4th Annual Belize International Yoga Festival (BIYF) 2019. This year's event was a wonderful mix of yoga classes, healing arts and therapies, live music, movement workshops, and healthy food and drinks.

  • Driving into Placencia, Belize, 9.5min.

  • Wake up Belize Dec 18 2019, 1hr45min.

  • LOVEFM 12 Days of Christmas, 2hr45min.

  • Caye Caulker Village Council General Meeting, 2hr. The Caye Caulker Village Council hosted it's first general meeting to update the public on what has been done for the island within a hundred days of being in office

  • The Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow's Christmas Message, 2min. Seasons greetings! The Rt. Honorable Dean Barrow wishes all Belizeans at home and abroad a merry Christmas!

  • BEL Christmas Hampers, 1/2min. BEL’s Christmas Hampers are packed and ready for distribution on Thursday, December 19, 2019 to deserving families and senior citizens countrywide. We thank our employees, their children and students from the Restore Belize “I am Belize” Scholarship Program for packing hampers.

  • Belize Carnival Day, 4min.

  • The Ronald Frederick Greenwood House Razed and Rebuilt by the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project, 1min. Soon to be a Restaurant and Museum.

    December 18, 2019


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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

    (RRR) Air Evac Emergency Response donates medical supplies to San Pedro
    Today, Tuesday, December 17th, the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II was the recipient of a large cargo of medical supplies courtesy of Rickilee Response and Rescue Team (RRR) Air Evac Emergency Response. The supplies are expected to last approximately six months and are the fruitful result of months of hard fundraising by the Triple R team in the United States of America. The generous donation to the island’s only public health center also includes an ambulance, which is on the mainland awaiting transport to San Pedro Town.

    Two Mexicans and one Belizean arraigned for illegal fishing at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
    On Tuesday, December 10th Adriel Ken, a Belizean waiter, Ronaldo Arriola and a 14-year-old minor of Xcalak, Mexico, were arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court after they were detained by agents of the Fisheries Department for illegal fishing at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Ken was charged for the use of a vessel for commercial fishing without a valid boat license to fish, engaged in commercial fishing without a valid fishing license and within a conservation zone. He was also charged for using a spear gun within a conservation zone and for the possession of undersize lobster. Arriola was charged for engaged in commercial fishing without a valid fishing license and within a conservation area. He was also charged for using a spear gun and catching undersize lobster. The minor was only charged for the possession of undersize lobster. They were all fined $500 plus a $5 court fee for each charge. They were released after paying their fines.

    San Pedro Catholics pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe
    Devoted island Catholics gathered at the San Pedro Central Park on Thursday, December 12th to honor La Virgen de Guadalupe (Our Lady Guadalupe). The annual tradition is part of festivities held across the Americas in the Roman Catholic Church. The day pays homage to the story of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Deigo, an indigenous Mexican farmer in the Hill of Tepeyac in 1531. In opening the celebration, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church hosted the traditional mańanitas and mass at 4AM. Father Scott Guiliani was the main celebrant at the 5AM mass, leading a joyful celebration that felt as if the spirit of Our Lady of Guadalupe was amongst the devoted attendees. A generous full breakfast followed the mass.

    SP Red Cross Branch’s last blood drive of the year yields 11 pints
    The Belize Red Cross, San Pedro Branch (BRCSPB) held their last blood drive of the year on Saturday, December 14th at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Between 9AM to 3PM, a total of 22 persons showed up to donate; however, many were not able to do so due to different reasons and at the end of the day only 11 pints of blood could be collected. The response to the blood drive was considered satisfactory, as many people were eager to participate in the important event that seeks throughout the year to collect a healthy supply of blood to save lives in the case of emergencies. The amount of blood collected is believed to be enough to save over 30 persons, as one pint of blood can supply the vital fluid for up to three persons.

    Annual Love FM Christmas parade lights the streets of San Pedro Town
    The holiday mood in San Pedro Town was heightened on Sunday, December 15th with the 9th Annual Love FM Christmas Parade. As hundreds of islanders lined the parade route, the annual celebration began at the Boca del Rio Beach Park at 7PM featuring beautifully decorated floats and different marching bands. Mickey Mouse and his friends were also in attendance joined by a jolly Santa Claus and the Grinch. The parade was led by The San Pedro Town Council and staff, along with Area Representative Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., Miss San Pedro Litzy Guillen Castillo and members of the Love FM crew. They handed out candy throughout the length of the parade and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

    Ambergris Today

    RRR Evac Donates Medical Supplies To The San Pedro Polyclinic
    On Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) Air Evac Emergency Response Team handed over $1million worth of medical supplies to the San Pedro Poly Clinic, Caye Caulker Poly Clinic and the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). RRR is an emergency management company for water, land and air evacuation on the island of Ambergris Caye. This project was the brain child of Cruz, Chavez of Omaha, Nebraska & member of RRR Air Evac who teamed up with Project Cure to raise funds in the United States of America and in a short five months they were able to come up with this million dollar donation worth of medical supplies.

    Belize Represented At International Meeting To Improve Food Safety
    In coordination with International Atomic Energy (IAEA), Belize is attending the First Project Coordination Meeting for Improving Regional Testing Capabilities and Monitoring Programmes for Residues/Contaminants in Foods Using Nuclear/Isotopic and Complementary Techniques from December 16-21, 2019.

    Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow Visits His Holiness Pope Francis
    The Spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, Special Envoy for Women and Children and the Chair of SCLAN, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow participated in the Pastoral Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Pontifical Scholas Occurrentes office in Vatican City on Friday, December 13, 2019. This day also marked a special and significant day as His holiness was celebrating 50 years since being ordained as a priest.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Ground Breaking Ceremony for Caye Caulker Schools
    Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 10 AM. The Caye Caulker Community is invited to the GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY for Caye Caulker Preprimary and Secondary Schools December 19, 2019 at 10:00 am. Follow the signs from the entrance to Bahia.Please join us as we break ground for the new pre-primary and secondary schools here on Caye Caulker. Community members, local leaders, school officials, students, area Representative Honorable Manuel Heredia JR. and Minister of Education Honourable Patrick Faber will join us on December 19th at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Ocean Academy high school structure.

    Annual Christmas Cheer program on Caye Caulker
    Andre Perez and the PUP Belize Rural South have begun the Annual Christmas Cheer program with over 750+ food baskets, 5000 toys and 1000+lbs of sweets! We will be reaching out to both San Pedro and Caye Caulker in the next couple days...!

    Holiday fun with The San Pedro Lions !
    Mark your calendar for holiday events with The San Pedro Lions !

    Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel Products
    The Ministry of Finance announces that effective Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the pump price of three fuel products will change. The price for regular gasoline, kerosene and diesel will register increases as follows: Regular gasoline will increase by 1 cent from $10.05 to $10.06 per gallon; Kerosene will increase by 16 cents from $7.35 to $7.51 per gallon; Diesel will increase by 16 cents from $9.90 to $ 10.06 per gallon. The price for premium gasoline will remain unchanged at $10.74 per gallon.

    Estel's 9th Annual BBQ Cookoff
    Mark your calendars because the date has been choosen for the 9th Annual BBQ Cookoff!!!!

    Hoodigenous Solstice Concert
    Hoodigenous will be performing some acoustic soul at the Wildfire for the Winter Solstice. "Come share this cosmic day...SOLSTICE! We will imbibe the textured sounds of voice, guitar and cosmic musical mixes AKA HOODIGENOUS. GET TIX @ Back to My Roots $15 ... at the door $20

    The Belize Krismus Brukdong Bram Festival Performance Schedule
    We are exactly four days away from the largest Brukdong Bram Festival. I am posting the performance schedule for Saturday, 21st December. This Festival will be a first of its kind because we have never had so many top notch Belizean performers/bands performing all in one day at the same event. We may never see this assembly again. You don't want to miss it!

    Ya’axché workshop to develop a National Agroforestry Policy
    Ya’axché joined a national capacity building workshop to develop a National Agroforestry Policy. The policy aims to include the agricultural, forestry and environmental sectors; and, contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Belize. The five-day exchange with CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Teaching Center) in Costa Rica provided an opportunity to visit models of silvo-pastoral systems and cacao-based agroforestry farms that have organic, fair-trade and eco-logical certifications. Our national team learned from the experiences of our partners in order to formulate an improved approach to implement a National Agroforestry Policy.

    Channel 7

    Cops Capture Huezo In Fiery Standoff
    Tonight, a man wanted for questioning about the murder of his parents is in the hospital after a showdown with police today. Mario Huezo, the youngest son of Rafael and Nancy Huezo has been wanted from yesterday - after a sibling found the couple stabbed to death in their Orange Walk home. Mario lived with them, but he was missing and unaccounted for - along with the couple's Kia Soul car. Mario had last been seen at the family house on Friday night - apparently intoxicated. Police put out an all formations notice for the Kia Soul and it was spotted in Independence Village today - a short distance away from the Big Creek Port. Police pursued it - and the chase ended in a fiery showdown. Here's what passers-by captured form their cell phones while they waited for police to clear the road:

    Toddler Perishes in House Fire
    A toddler perished yesterday in a house fire in Silk Grass Village in the Stann Creek District. Four kids were home alone when the five year old reportedly started playing with a lighter which caused a mattress to ignite; it spread to devastating effect. A neighbor rescued three of the kids, but their 3-year-old brother Isaias Lobos became trapped inside and was eventually consumed by the flames.

    Neighbor Was The Hero in Tragic House Fire
    This evening we spoke with the Fire Station Supervisor Kenneth Mortis about the fatal Silk Grass fire. Mortis confirmed the details of the case and also sent a warning for parents who are in the habit of leaving their children home alone. Voice of: Kenneth Mortis, Fire Station Supervisor: "Dangriga fire department received and responded to a structural fire in Silk Grass Village. The caller did made mention initially that there is a high possibility that an infant might have been trapped in the building. So we responded and on our arrival we found the remains of a wooden structure gutted by fire and we finish extinguish this fire in the hot spots and immediately thereafter and investigation commenced..."

    BDF's Accidental Shot
    A BDF soldier shot himself in the leg while routinely clearing an M16 rifle today. Reports are that 21 year old Private Macario Cus had just returned from detail to Fair-weather Camp in Punta Gorda when a routine task went horribly wrong. Cus's weapon accidentally discharged and hit him in the upper leg. His fellow soldiers put him on a stretcher, hauled him into the back of a truck, and rushed him to a medical facility.

    Decomposed Body Found Near Teakettle Village
    There's more bad news tonight about a body found - and this time the report is coming out of the west. Late reports are that police visited the Dream Valley area on the Young gal road outside Teakettle village where a male's body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.

    Guild Survives Ruthless Attempted Murder
    A 35 year old man survived multiple shots to his body, and a graze to his head in a ruthless attempted murder last night. At around 11:00, Christopher Guild was walking on Barrack Road, not far from his home when a gunman on a bicycle came up from behind and tried to shoot him in the head. The well known footballer and working man - cringed at just the right moment to have the bullet graze the back of his head.

    A CET Site Fire
    Earlier in the newscast we told you about a fire where a 3 year old perished. Well, there was also another fire but fortunately no one was injured in this case. It happened last night around 10:00 in the CET site area of Gungulung, Belize City. Here is what the fire station supervisor had to say. Voice of: Kenneth Mortis, Fire Station Supervisor: "We responded to a house fire in the CET site area of Gungulung. We responded and when we arrive we found another wooden structure fully engulfed in flames. This on we manage to contain..."

    Licensed Gillnet Fishers Ready To Give Up Their Nets
    Today, the Belize Federation of Fishers called the media to their Belize City office to say that they have 13 licensed gill net users who are willing to give up their nets. That's 13 of the 83 licensed fishers countrywide. They told us that - for them - gill net fishing no longer makes dollars or sense - and are now interested in the two million dollars OCEANA has talked about for alternative careers: Nigel Martinez, Director, Belize Federation of Fishers: "What we are saying is to comply with the donors request. The donors is asking them to put a fix time on the ban so that they can release the funds..."

    Cops Shot Robbers At Ming's
    Placencia's visitors and villagers were shaken today by the news of a robbery and home invasion of a centrally located and much trafficked grocery store. Last night after closing time Hao Jia Luo, the owner of the store, was called downstairs by a man who would become his assailant. Luo's face was covered and his hands bound with tape, he was additionally robbed of his 9mm glock pistol. Police arrived shortly thereafter. They found Luo on the second floor and then proceeded to the third floor where they were caught in a standoff with Luo's assailant and another man. The cops shot both men and they were transported to the Southern regional hospital in a stable condition. Both weapons used in the robbery including Luo's pistol and a 9mm Tourism unit issued firearm were taken as evidence.

    Accused Cop Runs From Court Cameras
    He was on the run from the law and today he showed that he can also dodge the cameras as he sprinted from the courtroom to the clerk's office. Last week we told you that 22 year old Police Constable Nadir Mendoza was wanted for the theft of three firearms from the Precinct Three formation in Belize City. Well today he was arraigned in Belize City's Magistrate Court on a single charge of theft.

    Big Ships Sail Into The Supreme Court
    There is a big money fight currently happening in the courtroom of Justice Courtney Abel between the multinational cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line, and the principals of the Port of Big Creek from Independence Village. The Port's management says that they tried to establish a healthy business relationship with Norwegian. They assert that this backfired when the cruise company baited them into buying a multi-million dollar piece of dredging equipment which ended up being inadequate. The Port also asserts that NCL owed them several hundred thousand dollars for unpaid services which they provided. So now, they're trying to urge the Supreme Court order NCL to pay them several million dollars in damages due to the losses they suffered.

    Cop Convicted of Sexual Assault of An 8 Year Old
    Earlier we told you about a cop charged for theft of firearms. Well, also in court today, a cop was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 8 year old girl. PC Darren Martinez was convicted in court today and is facing 12 years in jail for the crime. A 9 member jury deliberated for 2 hours 23 minutes, and came up with a unanimous guilty verdict. After that, Martinez's attorney, Oswald Twist asked the court to grant his client bail until sentencing was set for January 28, 2020, but Crown Counsel Riis Cattouse objected on the ground that the offense carries a prison term of 12 years minimum.

    Man Jacked Tourists At Zoo
    A St. Matthews villager was charged with attempted robbery yesterday before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. He is Esbey Solomon Alvarado. He allegedly attempted to steal from a tourist. Alvarado pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was offered a bail of $2,000 and his case was adjourned until February 17th. The incident occurred on December 14th. Jason O'Conner, an American tourist, reported to the police that when he and his female friend were outside of the zoo at mile 31 on George Price Highway, a man armed with a knife jumped out of the bushes and demanded money from him.

    Drought Delays Opening of "Zafra"ť
    Even though the drought ended several months ago, the country's agro-productive sectors are still suffering the financial pain of approximately 50 million dollars in losses. And the direct impact of it on the sugar industry is that this year's start of the cane harvesting season, known as "La Zafra", has been pushed back by an entire month. It was estimated that if the drought hadn't hit, the cane farmers of the north would have 1.3 million tonnes of cane to BSI/ASR for milling. But, the rain-starved crop has caused about 300 thousand tonnes of cane to be lost.

    Fuel Prices Increase For Christmas
    Tonight, you can add at least one more expense to your Christmas list: The price for diesel and kerosene are going up. Diesel will increase by 16 cents from $9.90 to $ 10.06 per gallon, and Kerosene will increase by 16 cents from $7.35 to $7.51 per gallon; regular gasoline will increase by a modest 1 cent from $10.05 to $10.06 per gallon.

    Channel 5

    Mario Huezo – prime suspect in his parents’ murder – is captured in southern Belize
    A husband and wife were savagely stabbed to death inside their house in Orange Walk Town. The bodies of Rafael and Mario Huezo were found on Monday morning sending shock [...]

    Three-year-old Isaias Lobos Perishes in Silk Grass Fire
    Tragedy struck a family in Silk Grass, Stann Creek District, on Monday afternoon. Omar and Efijenia Lobos lost their three-year old son in a fire that totally gutted their small [...]

    Attempted Murder Caught on Camera; Christopher Guild Remains Critical
    There was a shooting in the dead of the night in Belize City on Monday.  A thirty-six year old resident, Christopher Guild, was heading to Freetown Road when he came [...]

    Densmore Bowman was Chopped to Death
    A post mortem examination conducted on the remains of thirty-four year old Densmore Bowman show he died a horrible death; he was hacked to death. The death certificate states that [...]

    Police Officer Charged with Theft
    A police constable is in plenty trouble with the law. Twenty-two-year-old constable of Esperanza Village, Nadir Rayon Mendoza, was charged for theft when he appeared in court today. He was [...]

    License Gillnet Users Support Ban of ‘Destructive’ Gear
    There are some in-roads being made in respect of the eventual ban of gillnets. As you know, the government has endorsed the continued use of the fish gear on the [...]

    Banana Enterprises Take Island Holdings to Court Over Dredging Contract
    Banana Enterprises Limited, a subsidiary of the Big Creek Group, is taking Island Holdings Limited, the parent company for Harvest Caye, to court for non-payment, following a business deal turned [...]

    Banana Enterprises Loses Major Money on Dredge
    According to Flores, Banana Enterprises lost significant money on the deal since the dredge has failed to serve the purpose that it was initially purchased for.   Zaid Flores, Managing [...]

    Fuel Prices to go up at midnight
    At midnight tonight, consumers will be spending more on three types of fuels. The price for regular gasoline, kerosene and diesel will be going up. Regular gasoline will increase slightly [...]

    Drought woes for Sugar Cane Industry
    A few months ago we told you about the drought that has hit the north. It has affected several different crops, and one of the hardest hit, is the sugarcane. [...]

    BCCI writes to CEO in requesting documents for the contract of the Coastal Road
    Since the signing of a huge contract of one hundred and thirty-three point two million dollars for the Coastal Road between Government and Imer Hernandez, serious concerns have been raised. [...]

    BCCI is Concerned that Momentum has been lost in Implementation of UNCAC
    Another thorny issue is the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. The Chamber along with the unions and NGOs were critical in the push to its signing three years ago but [...]

    Fire Guts House in Belize City
    A house was gutted by fire on Monday night in Belize City. The fire broke out after eleven o’clock in the CET Site area of Saint Martin’s in the Old [...]

    A BDF is injured in a freak accident as he cleans an M16
    A B.D.F. soldier had to be rushed for medical treatment to the Southern Regional  Hospital  after sustaining injuries in a freak and dangerous accident. Twenty -one year old soldier, Macario [...]

    Businessman busted with contraband on Coney Drive
    There was a bust of contraband goods here on Coney Drive. The list of items includes wines, vodka, whiskey and cigars, popular goodies especially at this time of the year. [...]

    Amandala

    Husband, 80, and wife, 75, murdered
    The Huezo family of Stadium Street in Orange Walk Town is reeling, trying to face the unbelievable reality, that their elderly, law-abiding parents, who were just trying to live their lives in tranquility with their family, have been brutally and senselessly murdered. The body of Rafael “Don Lito” Huezo, 80, a veteran watch repairer, was found lying in the hall of his house with multiple stab wounds in pools of his blood in a state of decomposition, while his wife, Nancy Huezo, 75, who owned a little shop in the family yard, was found lying lifelessly in pools of her blood on her bed, with multiple stab wounds in her body. She was also in a state of decomposition.

    Timroy Neal, 28, executed in front of police station
    ertainment, a business place that is located across the street from the Roaring Creek Police Station, when a gunman coldly executed him at about 10:30 p.m. The execution was captured on surveillance video, which showed Neal’s killer escaping into the night after he had made sure Neal was dead. On the surveillance video, Neal, 28, was seen running around the front of a car. Apparently, he had just been shot, and he fell to the ground in front of the car.

    Verdes drop Bandits, 2-nil, to take PLB National Football Championship
    With a 1-1 draw in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Opening Season Final game 1 a week ago at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, yesterday’s Final game 2 at the Norman Broaster Stadium was “for all the marbles” between home standing Verdes FC and visiting Bandits Sport from the capital city. Notably absent from the jam packed stadium was Bandits owner/Minister Hon. John Saldivar, who had been gracious in accepting the second place trophy in the previous season to then champions San Pedro Pirates FC. Saldivar was nowhere to be seen this time around, with Bandits manager Kenneth Budna receiving the club’s $5,000.00 check for second place, after a 2-nil loss to Verdes.

    Drug plane touched down on Sarteneja airstrip and is destroyed
    In this morning’s early hours, a twin engine aircraft made an illegal landing at the Sarteneja Airstrip in the Corozal District. The aircraft, which left South America, was tracked until it reached Belizean airspace, then it disappeared, and only its shouldering remains were found after daylight had set in. Belize police were notified about the aircraft entering into Belize airspace on Sunday, but apparently, Belize law enforcement authorities were given the slip and by the time police arrived at the scene of the burning aircraft, only some items were recovered.

    8 major station prizes for 30th Annual KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic 2020
    The countdown is on for the 30th Krem New Year’s Day Cycling Classic, and the count for major station prizes secured is up to 8 in the Elite Male Category, for the most lucrative prize package in any cycling race for Belizean riders on the cycling calendar. Today, race organizer Michael “Money Mike” Hyde of Krem Radio released the details of the eight major station prizes in this coming New Year’s Krem Classic, which travels from the northern “border to the boulevard” near Mahogany Street in Belize City, as follows:

    “Migrant” thieves captured and beaten in Guinea Grass by residents
    Two thieves who migrated from Belize City to commit robbery in Guinea Grass were found hiding near the water reservoir in the village by the villagers, who have a zero tolerance for thieves. The angry villagers captured and beat the two thieves, and then handed them over to police, who have detained them pending charges of aggravated robbery, and being without possession of a gun license. The robbery occurred at about 7:30 tonight. Guo Wie Wu, 55, a businessman of Guinea Grass, told police he was in his store when three armed men wearing camouflage clothing entered the store, pointed a gun at him and demanded money.

    Belize’s economy has slowed, said IMF report
    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its final Article IV Consultation with Belize, which was completed on November 12 and was published on December 9 by the IMF Executive Board. The report says that Belize’s economic recovery has slowed down after registering a 3.2 growth in real GDP for 2018. “Growth for 2019, on a whole, has been projected to one and a half percent, while the current account deficit remains large in 2018 at 7.9 percent of GDP”, stated the report.

    Editorial: Too much pain in Belize for mothers who have sons
    There is a way to address the pain of our mothers with sons. We can do so by electing capable, caring leaders. Belize’s sons fought in the two great wars in the last century — the 1914-1918 war (World War I), and the 1939-1945 war (World War II). Belize’s sons have also fought in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In all those wars we fought alongside the Americans and the British. Hundreds of our mothers sent sons away to fight in World War I. Jamie Bisher, in his story, “World War I in Latin America (World War I in Belize)”, published on the website ww1latinamerica.weebly.com, reports of two contingents that left our shores, 129 in 1915, and 404 in 1916. At that time the population of Belize was less than 50,000.

    2 lives lost in 2 traffic accidents
    Two persons have died as a result of two separate road traffic accidents. Those two persons are: Manuelito Ye, 25, of Bullet Tree, Cayo, and Lydia Weller, 60, a resident of Dangriga. Weller’s death occurred at about 3:30 this afternoon at Mile 13 on the Stann Creek Valley Road near Alta Vista. Beverly Flores, 57, of Dangriga, was driving a Toyota Highlander SUV from Belmopan to Dangriga, and Weller was a passenger in the vehicle, along with her 4-year-old granddaughter.

    Diana Jones, 34, found dead in Crooked Tree Lagoon
    Diana Pott Jones, 34, a domestic of Pine Ridge, Crooked Tree, was found dead, tangled in a net in the Crooked Tree Lagoon at about 9:00 Saturday morning. She was last seen in the lagoon area by the bridge at about 5:30 Friday evening. At the time she was seen, she was clothed in a pair of blue jeans pants and a red blouse, and villagers believed that she was going to swim. Jones’ body was recovered and taken to the morgue. Police said that no signs of violence were visible on the body. The cause of her death will be certified by an autopsy scheduled to be carried out tomorrow.

    Hattieville man executed in a hail of bullets
    Phillip Roberts, 33, a resident of New Site, Hattieville, died in a hail of bullets after two gunmen ambushed him at his home on Friday around 8:30 p.m. Roberts had just finished eating and decided to go outside to throw away his leftovers, but when he pushed the door open and stepped outside, he was greeted with gunfire. The first gunshot hit the plate he had in his hand and the bullet ricocheted, hitting him somewhere in the neck area. Roberts ran to the side of the property, but another gunman was waiting there for him, and he opened fire.

    BPP, BPM and VIP sue government over failure to implement redistricting
    The Belize Progressive Party (BPP), the Belize Peace Movement and Vision Inspired by the People have teamed up and filed a lawsuit against the government of Belize for the failure of the Elections and Boundaries Commission to implement redistricting of electoral constituencies in accordance with the stipulation of the Belize Constitution. The Belize Constitution calls for the number of persons listed as belonging to each of the electoral constituencies to be roughly the same, and this has not been done during the recent re-registration exercise that was completed a few months ago.

    Missing Densmore Bowman, 34, found murdered
    Densmore Bowman’s family has been in turmoil ever since the 34-year-old Belmopan resident went missing on November 30. Bowman’s family went on an all-out investigation comparable to what’s conducted by the Belize Police Department in their search for him. This morning, their determination to find him and bring closure to the saddest chapter of their lives paid off when his cell phone and slippers were found between Miles 25 and 26 on the George Price Highway.

    From The Publisher
    When the United Democratic Party (UDP) was formed in September of 1973, out of an amalgam of the National Independence Party (NIP), the People’s Development Movement (PDM), and the Liberal Party, the average person would have expected that the new party would have been dominated by the NIP, at least in the beginning. Such an expectation would have been based on the fact that the NIP Leader, Hon. Philip Goldson, was a bona fide national hero, and had been such for more than two decades. The NIP, moreover, was officially “Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.” Mr. Goldson owned the only Opposition seat (Albert) in the House of Representatives. I would say at least 70 percent of the support for the new UDP came from people who had been NIP in their thinking.

    Rumberas and Jewel Fury, 1-1 in 1st leg of National Women football championship
    The home-and-away championship series of the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2019-2020 Opening Season kicked off game 1 on Saturday, December 14, down south at the Cowpen Football Field, where it was Rumberas hosting defending champion Jewel Fury. And it ended with a 1-1 score, just like the first leg of the men’s national finals series between Verdes FC and Belmopan’s Bandits Sport, which held their 2nd leg yesterday in San Ignacio, with the home team, Verdes securing the championship. First half in Cowpen was scoreless. The visitors, Jewel Fury took the lead early in second half on a goal by Jennisha Scott (60’), and it wasn’t until injury time before home standing Rumberas levelled the score with a goal from Jessica Acevedo (90+’).

    Stann Creek F.A. 1st Division Cup semifinals over; Finals this Sunday – Conquerors vs Pomona Warriors
    The best-of-two games semifinals of the Stann Creek Football Association (SCFA) 1st Division Cup 2019-2020 Opening Season were played on Friday and Sunday, December 13 & 15, at the Carl Ramos Stadium, in Week 15 of the tournament. In the opener on Friday night, Conquerors and New Site played to a 0-0 draw. And in the nightcap, Pomona Warriors dropped Pomona Impacts, 4-2. Shaking the net for Pomona Warriors were Orlando Acosta (13’), Harrison Roches, Sr. (42’ & 75’) and Timothy Estero (75’); while Pomona Impacts got a goal each from Dwayne Sampson (15’) and Tyler Peters (22’).

    Old Road New Year’s Football Classic Week 1 scores
    The Old Road New Year’s Football Classic regular season got under way with 2 games played yesterday at the Lucky Strike Field. In game 1, Lucky Strike won, 5-2, over Corozalito. Lucky Strike goals were by Kenen Gillett (40’), Daniel Lino (51’), Frederick Garbutt (65’ & 77’) and Kendale Chacon (85’); while Corozalito got a goal apiece from Tyrel Estrada (54’) and Wayne Godoy (82’).

    Guilty feeling
    I don’t have any credentials to talk much about music, so this is just an innocent plea to end a guilt trip I keep going on when I listen to YouTube music from artists in small markets. The story is that there’s no chum there for these artists. Flat out I don’t have the same guilty feeling when I listen to YouTube music from artists in big markets. Don’t sweat for the rich and famous when they aren’t getting richer. Your sweat should be for people who need your support. I’ve done quite a bit of work with youth in sports, and I’ve done much informal studying of American sports development, both college and professional. Administration and field management are critical to sports development, and I have good knowledge of the subject, so I can be loud when I get going.

    Eckert Lewis interviewed by Charles Bartlett Hyde
    FUN & GAMES: Which was your first professional fight? ECKERT LEWIS: It is hard to say because I was meeting people like Nappy Castillo, Bill Facey and others professionally when we were still small boys. The Boxing Board was not very strict where this group was concerned, because we were fighting three rounders and the prizes were very small. FUN & GAMES: Well, which was your first big professional fight? ECKERT LEWIS: I think that my first big fight was with Ludwig Lightburn, who was a champion also having won a lot of tournaments in the Golden Gloves. I remember Ludwig was reported to have said that he could beat any featherweight around, and I was around, so this match had to be made.

    Enter Mercedes “Mechi” Olivera
    We pick up the story from where Jerome and my younger brothers were in the heyday of their soccer football life, eating, sleeping and living for the game. One incident had disturbed the serenity of Jerome’s relationship with his parents, however, and this had resulted from the friendship of one of Mr. Reg’s attachments since returning to his bachelor quarters. He had become the target of a young Mestizo woman, Mercedes Olivera, the only daughter among four sons of well-to-do parents prominent in social circles in the most northerly district and the republic across the border.

    The people should elect the prime minister; not the party
    Dear Editor, When Boris Johnson won the election in the United Kingdom, it made me think of the need for Belize to elect its prime minister directly. I expected him to win, because the narrative he told was optimistic and urgent. The election showed me how the Westminster system encourages people to vote for party, more than the best-suited candidate. The leader of government in this system is chosen by the party, not the people, in general. It is no wonder that prime ministers in this system make decisions that are best for the party.

    “Di man black till ih han inside ahn all black”
    Dear Editor, They say you shouldn’t speak ill of the departed. However, I am of the opinion that the truth doesn’t count in that equation. As an avid Amandala reader (it sometimes costs me $2.50 a week for both issues), I have been reading the Publisher’s recent columns on Creole leadership with great anticipation for the subsequent installments. Upon reading the one featuring Curl Thompson and the one C.L.B. “Lindy Rogers”, I couldn’t help remembering the campaign leading up to the election in which Rogers lost to Curl Thompson.

    ‘Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister’ Review: Money, Power and China
    Once upon a time, a wealthy man lived in Shanghai with his devoutly Christian wife, with whom he had three sons and three daughters. The girls grew up to be educated, cultured and stylish, and their family’s money and status attracted many aspiring suitors. In an era when China was experiencing significant political upheaval, each sister married an influential man and secured her position at the top of society. Their selection of husbands appeared to crystallize an essential aspect of each woman’s character, as summed up by an oft-repeated saying: “One loved money, one loved power and one loved China.”

    The Reporter

    Missing Belmopan Teen, Found Dead Near Teakettle
    On Sunday December 15th. THE REPORTER listed several missing persons on our FACEBOOK page, One of the missing was a teenager named Damion Bregal. We had all hoped that it was just a case of a run-away teenager that had gone to a relative or close friend.

    Christopher Guild Survives Multiple Gun Shots
    A man identified as Christopher Guild, 36, a resident of Matron Roberts St. was reportedly shot four times just before midnight (Monday Dec. 16th) on Barrack Road.

    Elderly Couple Found Murdered In Orange Walk
    The Reporter has confirmed that Mario Huezo, sought for questioning in the heinous murder of Rafael and Nancy Huezo in Orange Walk, their bodies were discovered yesterday (Dec. 16th.), he was captured heading towards The Big Creek Port in the southern district of Stann Creek, following a high speed chase.

    Cop Wanted For Theft Of Firearms: Police Issue Wanted Poster
    The Reporter has confirmed with official sources that Police Constable Nadir Mendoza, 22, has been charged with theft in relation to three firearms that went missing from the Queen Street Police Station.

    LOVE FM

    Cane Season delayed until next yea
    As a result the Belize Sugar Industries has announced that the sugar cane crop season has been delayed by a month. Today BSI invited us to take a first hand ...

    Fuel prices rise once again
    According to a release from the Belize Press Office, these price changes reflect current demand and supply conditions of crude oil in the international petroleum ...

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Body of missing Belmopan minor found
    The body of missing Belmopan teenager, 17 year old Damion Bregal was found late this […]

    Three-year-old dies in Silk Grass house fire
    Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire that claimed the life of a […]

    Trinidadian host, Daniel “Loveless” of ‘What Yuh Know’ scheduled to visit Belize
    Trinidadian host, Daniel (Loveless) Roberts of the online comedy show, ‘What Yuh Know,’ is scheduled […]

    Police confirm grizzly details of OW double murder, suspect believed of killing parents detained
    Authorities are investigating a gruesome and shocking double murder in Orange Walk. Around 9:30 a.m. […]

    Police: Burnt aircraft found in Sarteneja
    Authorities are investigating the origin of a burnt aircraft that was discovered around 5:00 a.m. […]

    BDF officer accidentally shoots himself
    Reports to BBN’s newsdesk is that an officer of the Belize Defense Force accidentally shot […]

    Regular, diesel and kerosene fuels see price hike at midnight
    The Ministry of Finance today announced that effective midnight, the pump price of three fuel […]

    DIGI/ BECOL Basketball Tournament- Win or Go Home
    17th December 2019 By Elvis ‘Tigre’ Usher SSBA President San Ignacio Town The DIGI / Becol Basketball Tournament […]

    Tarrus Riley to perform in Belize Valentine’s Day 2020
    Reggae sensation Tarrus Riley is finally making his return to Belize with a huge concert […]

    Cuello’s Distillery giving back this Christmas season
    As a part of its efforts to give back this Christmas season, Cuello’s Distillery is […]

    Blogs

    A Cold Front Coming and Grinching Out For the LoveFM Holiday Parade
    Christmas is A WEEK AWAY!!!!!!!!!! And all of Ambergris Caye is decorated for the holidays. Sunday evening, LoveFM (the biggest radio station in Belize) held its annual SUPER FUN Lighted Holiday parade on the streets of San Pedro. I got there early…the parade generally starts about half an hour after nightfall…but things didn’t go quite as I had planned. (WHAT? Things not going as planned? 15 Things No One Told You About Living in Belize) I know the parade was awesome. Last year’s was the biggest parade of the year in San Pedro but this year? It was my second trip to town for the day (each drive to town is about 40 minutes of bumpy golf carting), my “real” camera (non-phone camera) is broken and I just wasn’t feeling it. Add in that the parade started about an hour late?

    Minimizing Lionfish in Belize’s Waters
    Lionfish are very small creatures that are making a big impact on Belize’s marine life. For the past ten years, this invasive species has been reducing the biodiversity in the reefs; which makes it a huge threat to these ecosystems. Given that the Belizean economy is vitally dependent on tourism and a large part of this is the barrier reef attraction; this, therefore, means that minimizing lionfish is of utmost importance to keep the reef and biodiversity thriving.

    What Expats Need to Know About Living in Belize
    Belize has long been a regular vacation spot for many. A lot of these people are fine with staying at the country’s many resorts, knowing that their every desire and need will be handled. While most are content to think of Belize as their vacation spot, some get the completely natural idea of staying full-time. These people fancy living their lives in a paradise where they are free to snorkel or scuba or boat or chill on the beach whenever the urge strikes them. As to whether or not this is what Belize’s expat life is even like, read on to learn the truth.

    ‘Tis the Season to Get Cozy! – Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe
    For those that are not able to escape the cold this year, that’s okay, we’ve found a way to help! Keep warm and cozy with Chef Sean Kuylen’s Roasted Pumpkin Soup recipe. It’s not just for sick days or side dishes. This recipe will comfort you from the inside out on the chilliest days. Chef Sean decided to add a Caribbean twist to his soup by adding spicy lobster medallions and pepito pesto. (roasted pumpkin seeds.) We’ll never turn down a good lobster dish! (Who would?) This savory soup only requires a few ingredients and it’s quite quick. In no time you’ll be enjoying the delicious creamy taste of a roasted pumpkin soup.

    Videos

  • Medical Equipment supplies donated to Caye Caulker, min. RRR Director Miss Vanessa Parham along with the help of Project Cure came to Caye Caulker with a portion of a million dollars worth of medical equipments of supplies

  • Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Update, 22min. This the season for shopping! Marcello Blake, Vice President of the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry talked with us about keeping our Belizean dollars at home during this season. He acknowledged the general consensus to stretch the dollar but unpacked BCCI's position on building the local economy and growing the business sector through commerce. He also shared that the business community needs to work on being competitive to provide more incentives for persons to buy in Belize.

  • What is social anxiety disorder?, 27min. What is social anxiety disorder? Christa Courtney, Professional Counselor, helped us understand this diagnosis. She talked about the difference between "shyness" and social anxiety disorder and how it impedes on normal interaction. She also offered guidelines on how to support friends and family who may be battling with their mental health this season.

  • Christmas staple - Black Fruit Cake, 34min. Eva Longsworth is the Chef at Doni & Dodits located in Corozal. She was our guest to share her grandmother's recipe for Christmas staple - Black Fruit Cake.

  • CENTAUR'S COUNTDOWN TO MEGA CHRISTMAS BRAM 2019, 71min.

  • 12 Days of Christmas continues..., 2hr13min.

  • National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) Symposium, 10min. The National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) held its first national symposium in September of this year. Our team worked along with the NFSS to create a three-part documentary on the work of the department. Here's part one... The National Forensic Science Service has a very short but interesting history. It started in Belize in the late 1980s when the only analyses being done were for drugs and it was done abroad. In 1990, it became a Government Department and was housed in a one-room residence in the Buttonwood Bay Area. It was staffed by only three persons at that time. From 1998 up to 2006, it was situated at the Queen Street Police Station compound in Belize City and from there it was moved to its permanent location in Ladyville, where it presently sits. The National Forensic Science Service is a department within the Ministry of National Security. The NFSS consists of three units - the Forensic Laboratory, the Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Scenes of Crime Unit.

  • Sailing Belize March 2019, 3min. A few clips and photos from a week-long charter in Belize out of Placencia on a Dream Yachts Lagoon 450. Belize is one of my favorite cruising locations. I've visited multiple times and each time is magic.

  • Snorkling at Silk Cayes by Placencia, Belize Part 3, 15min.

  • Snorkling at Silk Cayes part 2 by Placencia, Belize, 8min.

  • Snorkling at Silk Cayes by Placencia, Belize, 5min.

  • Belize, Harvest Caye, 7min. Harvest Caye island is privately owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. Although they still have locals from Belize working on this island and selling their own products in the souvenir shop.

  • Maria of Maya Belize Channel- October 31st, 2019, 30min. Maria of Maya is a Medicine Woman Spirit connected to the Serenity Retreats Belize grounds in Corozal, Belize. Those who came to the Thinning of the Veil Belize Retreat hosted by Rissa in October, had the privilege of experiencing the divine healing and rebirthing energy of Maria first hand! As Maria states, she will remain at the grounds indefinitely to continue her healing work with the resort guests at the retreats hosted there! If you are interested in connecting to the Ancient Mayan energy and sacred lands of Belize, join us for our next adventure, The Ethical Witches & Wizardry Retreat April 18th-24th, 2020 (hosted by Rissa Vibes)!

  • Visit the Placencia Peninsula, Belize via Aerial Drone Video, 5min. Turn up that volume control, sit back and visit Belize, Central America. This Aerial Drone Video is of the Placencia Residences and Resort, just north of popular Maya Beach, Belize. Enjoy the sandy beaches, sailing, fishing, Scuba Diving, Mayan Ruins and so much more.

    December 17, 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

    The Ministry of National Security Advises the Public about Appropriate Conduct Regarding the Belize National Forensic Science Service
    The public is advised that the Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) is a Government Department under the Ministry of National Security. The NFSS is tasked with collecting and analyzing exhibits from crime scenes, accident scenes, conducting post mortem examinations according to forensic inspection and testing standards, and producing certified reports detailing their collection and/or analysis of items. Members of the public are not required to pay any fee or other forms of compensation to public officers employed by the NFSS for performance of their government mandated duties mentioned above

    CCJ allows appeal, no fraud by Caye Bank and Nagel
    In the course of oral argument before the CCJ, the parties came to an agreement. With the consent of the parties and having considered that there were no sustainable bases for a finding of fraudulent misrepresentation, the CCJ ordered that the appeal be allowed, and the decision of the Court of Appeal be set aside. Further, on the issue of breach of contract, the court ordered that the matter be remitted to the Supreme Court for assessment of damages to be heard by a judge of that court. The matter of costs is to be decided at a later stage. The Court was comprised of the Hon. Justice Wit, Hon. Justice Anderson, Hon Justice Rajnauth-Lee, Hon. Justice Burgess and the Hon. Justice Jamadar.

    Ambergris Today

    San Pedro Police Keeping Guns Off The Streets
    San Pedro Police are working hard on keeping La Isla Bonita safe and have conducted several patrols and as a result they have successfully arrested and charged several individuals for having a firearm without proper licenses. On Thursday, December 12th, 2019, about 6:00 a.m., Police was conducting patrol in the Northern San Pedro, as a result, they conducted searches on Marcus Garcia 25-year-old, Belizean maintenance worker of 10 miles North of San Pedro Town, the search resulted in the discovery of (1) One Chrome .38 revolver Smith & Wesson brand and (4) .38 live round of ammunition.

    Love FM Spreading Christmas Cheer
    Hundreds of island residents and tourists lined up the streets of San Pedro on Sunday, December 15, 2019, to witness of the most cheerful parades of the year, the Love FM's Christmas Parade. It is without a doubt one of the season's most anticipated events as participants spread Christmas cheer and share candies and other goodies.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Belize Represented at IAEA Project Coordination Meeting
    In coordination with International Atomic Energy (IAEA), Belize is attending the First Project Coordination Meeting for Improving Regional Testing Capabilities and Monitoring Programmes for Residues/Contaminants in Foods Using Nuclear/Isotopic and Complementary Techniques from December 16-21, 2019. The regional project is expected to improve food safety in Belize for the protection of the domestic market and public health. This will be done through the strengthening of national capacities for risk assessment and increased monitoring programmes for pesticides residues and contaminants in priority commodities.

    The Ministry of National Security Advises the Public about Appropriate Conduct Regarding the Belize National Forensic Science Service
    The public is advised that the Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) is a Government Department under the Ministry of National Security. The NFSS is tasked with collecting and analyzing exhibits from crime scenes, accident scenes, conducting post mortem examinations according to forensic inspection and testing standards, and producing certified reports detailing their collection and/or analysis of items. Members of the public are not required to pay any fee or other forms of compensation to public officers employed by the NFSS for performance of their government mandated duties mentioned above.

    BTB Kiosks - Christmas Festivities

    SPECIAL ENVOY KIM BARROW MEETS WITH POPE FRANCIS AT VATICAN!!!

    Mr. Lucio Guerrero passes away
    Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its most sincere condolences to the Guerrero friends and family on the passing of Mr. Lucio Guerrero. The Town of San Pedro has lost a true pioneer and a devotee of his faith, and love for his island. We hope his family finds the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.

    A interesting view of the Census of the 2010 in Belize showing our People who continue identifying as Yucatec
    A interesting view of the Census of the 2010 in Belize showing our People who continue identifying as Yucatec Mayas(Maya,Masewal,Maya Masewal,Mayero etc) and also who can speak the Yucatec Maya language by district. In the year 1991 around 5,686 warriors identify as Yucatec Maya(Máasewal) and in the year 2000 around 3,155 warriors identify as Yucatec Maya our numbers are decreasing .

    Channel 7

    Elderly Couple Killed In Orange Walk - Son's Whereabouts Unknown
    Tonight, Orange Walk Town is reeling after a well-known, well-liked and law abiding couple were stabbed to death in their home. Rafael Huezo Sr and Nancy Huezo were killed sometime between Friday night and this morning - when they were found in an advanced state of decomposition. Our colleagues at CTV-3 were first on the scene - and we have this report: For Orange Walk residents, it was an unbelievable scene as the bodies of a well-known couple were carried out of their home on Stadium Street in body bags.

    Village Vigilantes Unleash Brutality on City Robbers
    And keeping it in the Orange Walk District, a mob of vigilantes doled out some harsh village justice on two Belize City men - who allegedly came to their village to rob. It was an unbelievable scene that started around 7:15 when two men in camouflage outfits held up the village grocer. They were caught a short time after in a scary and unforgettable scene. Here's the story: This was the scene on Friday night when two men robbed Zhen Zhen store in Guinea Grass. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "On Friday last, police responded to a robbery at Zhen Zhen store in Guinea Grass, shortly after 9:20 p.m..."

    Another Burnt Up Drug Plane - This Time It's Sarteneja
    Another suspected drug plane has landed in northern Belize, and this one was also burnt up. But, this one didn't land on some bushy improvised airstrip - it was on a proper paved runway in the village of Sarteneja. Police told us they got the call at around 5:00 and found the plane on fire - with its contents gone: ACP Joseph Myvette - Head, NCIB: "This morning, shortly after 5 a.m., Corozal Police were called to the Sarteneja area where, on the Sarteneja Airstrip, a burnt aircraft, twin-engine, was seen on the airstrip, still engulfed in flames. A search conducted on the area revealed several items, empty buckets, and other paraphernalia."

    NICH Park Ranger Killed In Cruel Accident
    Belizean roadways have seen a multitude of fatal accidents in the last month. And over the weekend, four more lives were lost. And in one of the most horrific accident of the weekend, a man was run over not once, but twice, according to his family. It happened on Saturday morning at around 12:30 on the Bullett Tree Road when 30-year-old Park Ranger Manuel Ye had an accident and Santos Navarro and an Uncle of his came to the aid of. That's when all three men became victims of a bizarre accident. Here's more: A father and husband was killed in an alleged hit and run on Friday night. Manuel Ye was headed home from San Ignacio on the Bullet Tree Road when he fell from his motorcycle. Before long a taxi driver and his uncle stopped to help him, but before they could leave the scene of Ye's minor accident, all three men were hit by another vehicle.

    Bowman's Body Found, Closure For Family
    The family of 34 year old Belmopan resident Densmore Bowman can breathe a sad sigh of relief tonight: Bowman's body was finally found this morning after 10:00 near mile 25 on the George Price Highway. A post mortem examination found that he had been chopped to death. Sure, it's the absolute worst kind of discovery to find their loved one decomposed in a shallow grave, but for Bowman's family, it represents closure. Bowman had been missing for 17 days, from November 29th. The family found some clues two weeks ago at mile 24 but they had no idea that if they had just walked a mile ahead, they would have found his body sooner. Courtney Weatherburne was out on the scene and has this story.

    Police Say It's John Doe
    This morning at the press briefing in Belmopan, police didn't have much new to share since the information was just coming in that human remains had been found. We'll keep following the case to see if police make any arrests.

    A(nother) Murder In Hattieville
    And down the road in Hattieville, a man was ambushed and killed at a Farmer's Site house on Saturday night. 33 year old Phillip Roberts also known as Jonathan had been renting the house to someone else and was just there on Saturday evening with his girlfriend enjoying a meal. That is when two gunmen pounced on him. Here is more from police. Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Saturday, the 14th day of December 2019, around 8:03 p.m., police responded to a shooting incident in the Farmer's Site area of Hattieville. Upon their arrival, they found Phillip Roberts, 33 years-old, with gunshot injuries..."

    Narrative of an Ambush
    And we also spoke to one of Roberts' girlfriends who was inside the home when the shots rang out. We also spoke to his sister off camera. Roberts leaves behind 2 daughters. He died on the way to the hospital. The post mortem is scheduled for Friday.

    Shooting Victim Survives Night On The Side of A Picado Road
    So, while Hattieville police are investigating the Roberts murder, they must also determine what was behind the shooting of a Belize City man. It is believed that his assailant or assailants shot him last night and left him for dead on an unnamed road. He's 37-year-old Brian Harris, who's a resident of Belama in Belize City, but according to police, they found him this morning suffering from multiple gunshot injuries on a picado road off mile 17 and a half on the George Price Highway. It is unclear why Harris was in the vicinity of Hattieville.

    Man Crashes Into Lamppost and Dies
    22-year-old Jaime Williams died in an accident just before 10:00 last night. It happened at the junction of Trapiche road and Loma Luz Boulevard. Williams was driving from San Ignacio to Santa Elena town. But something went wrong and he slammed into a lamp-post which caused the vehicle to flip and his body to be flung into the roadside bushes. Today his family visited the scene of the unbelievable accident.

    Teenager Dies When Dad's Van Has A Blowout
    And in the south, a 15-year-old student lost her life on Sunday morning while she and her family were heading back to their home village of Bella Vista. Sometime before 1:00 a.m. yesterday, Shelmadine Coc was traveling with 34-year-old Santiago Coc Sr., 14-year-old Jonathan Coc, 12-year-old Santiago Coc Jr., 2-year-old John Coc, and Teresa Chok. Police believe that Coc Sr had a blowout - which caused the van to flip. Although everyone in the vehicle suffered varying degrees of injuries, Shelmadine Coc was the most severely hurt. She passed away on the scene.

    Friday's Fatality Came First
    Turning now to the Stann Creek District, we have an update on the accident we first told you about on Friday. A 60-year-old Dangriga resident died in that collision at mile 13 on the Stann Creek Valley Road. She was in a Toyota Highlander SUV - which crashed head on into a chevy passenger van. Police say the accident happened on a curve: ACP Joseph Myvette- Head of NCIB: "On Friday the 13th of December sometime around 3:30 pm, Dangriga police were called to an area between miles 12 and 13 on the Hummingbird Highway where they arrived at the seen of an accident..."

    Apparent Drowning in Crooked Tree
    And in another kind of weekend accident, a woman apparently drowned in Crooked Tree Village. She's 34-year-old Diana Emerita Pott Jones, and her body was discovered at around 9:00 on Saturday morning. There were no signs of violence on her body, which lines up with initial police investigation into her death. The cops told us today that she was last seen swimming in the lagoon on Friday evening at around 5:00. Here's are few more details from the Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Myvette:

    Police Seeking Well Known Suspect For Timroy Neal Murder
    On Friday's news, we told you about the ruthless street execution of 28-year-old Timroy Neal, a resident of Roaring Creek Village. Surveillance cameras from the Lucky Entertainment Store in Roaring Creek captured the entire murder which happened at around 10:00 last Thursday night. He was walking toward the store when a gunman arrived on a motorcycle. That assailant ran up behind him and shot him before he could react. When he fell to the pavement, the shooter then immediately took the opportunity to shoot him 6 more times before fleeing the scene.

    Cricket Women's Team Starred in Costa Rica
    Belize's first all-female cricket team to travel internationally has returned with Gold from the Mid-Season International Tour in Costa Rica. They play six games against three teams from Costa Rica - and lost only one. It's an incredible outcome in the first international outing for Belize's Women Cricket Team. And even more so because organized cricket for women just recently started up in Belize. We were at the airport to greet them on their return this afternoon:

    Another Guatemalan Gold Panner
    Last Thursday, Chiquibul forest rangers busted a trio of Guatemalan gold panners in Ceibo Chico. But, two escaped and the Joint Forces Unit detained one of them. He is Santos David Xol Yat, a 30 year old Guatemalan national, resident of Monte Los Olivos, Peten, Guatemala. He was one of two Guatemalans in a creek at the foothill of the Chiquibul-Maya Mountains, 5 miles within Belize. One of them had a shovel in his hand, and the other had an iron bar which both of them were using to dig inside the creek.

    6 Guns Off the Street in San Pedro
    Police took a total of 6 guns off the streets of San Pedro in just a few hours on Thursday. We told you about the first bust on Friday, when the cops got three guns in an early morning operation. They found one on Marcus Garcia, another on Alex Matura, and another on Matthew Moses. Well, later that day, island police conducted an operation where they got three weapons.

    How Were They Going To Use Molotov's?
    You've heard a whole lot from today's press briefing, but the police didn't want to talk about this: three roughly made Molotov cocktails. They were found inside a car that police stopped because it was going against traffic on Fair-weather Street.

    Belmopan Teen Missing
    Even though the final days of 2019 are almost here, residents will definitely remember all of those missing person cases this year which resulted in disturbing murders. And so, families of two more missing persons are anxious to locate them as soon as possible. 17-year-old Damion Bregal, a resident of Cayo Street in Belmopan, left his family house last week Friday evening, and since then, he hasn't been seen or heard from.

    Jahira Avoiding Her Family?
    AND, Another Belmopan family is worried about their missing 16-year-old teenager. She's Jahira Martinez, a resident of Uruguay Street, and she was last seen last Friday morning at around 7:30. At today's press briefing, Police said that they are looking for her, but they have received information that she may be purposefully avoiding her family.

    Teenaged Minor Shot On Seagull
    And, finally, a teenager was shot on Seagull Street on Saturday night. Kamron Adolphus, and Rasaan Leslie were both shot by a gunman on a bicycle.

    Channel 5

    The bodies of an elderly couple is found at their home on Stadium Street
    With the clock ticking toward the Christmas holiday, the past weekend turned out to be a bloody one for families across Belize as the incessant murder count keeps going upward [...]

    OW Couple’s Death is a Murder Investigation
    The discovery of the bodies of husband and wife couple, Rafael and Nancy Huezo, rocked Orange Walk this morning.  According to police, Nancy had what appeared to be an injury [...]

    Phillip Roberts is Dispatched in a Hail of Bullets in Farmers Site
    There was another murder over the weekend. On Saturday night, shortly after eight o’clock, police were called to Farmer’s Site in Hattieville, Belize District where another murder took place two [...]

    Brian Harris Survives Near-fatal Attack in Hattieville
    This morning, also in Hattieville, residents made a shocking discovery when they found thirty-seven-year-old Brian Harris with multiple gunshot wounds along a makeshift path off the George Price Highway. Harris [...]

    Body of Densmore Bowman Found in Shallow Grave
    The family of Densmore Bowman finally has closure; Densmore had been reported missing since November twenty-ninth, when he left his house in the Young Bank area of Belmopan to collect [...]

    Another Suspected Drug Plane Lands in Sarteneja
    A burning aircraft believed to have been laden with an undetermined quantity of drugs was discovered this morning on an airstrip in Sarteneja Village.  According to police, they were notified [...]

    Woman found dead in Crooked Tree Lagoon
    Thirty-four-year-old Diana Pott Jones was found floating in the lagoon in Crooked Tree on Saturday morning just after nine o’clock. There are multiple reports circulating about what may have happened [...]

    The BPM and IP challenge the Lection and Boundaries Commission for violating the Constitution
    h morning, hf ut Knnth nmn hrd frm the Belize Peace Movement  and the Vision Inspired by the People in their case against th ltn nd undr mmn in which [...]

    Attorney says he is pushing case ahead of the general elections
    The case is being heard by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in the Supreme Court. Deputy Solicitor General Samantha Matute-Tucker is representing the Attorney General. Saldivar was asked if he was [...]

    The BPM explains lack lustre turnout at event
    When the representatives of the Belize Peace Movement exited the court, they were also asked about the disappointing turnout at a recent rally at Battlefield Park in Belize City to [...]

    Villagers respond to robbery in Guinea Grass
    A robbery in Guinea Grass on Friday night played out in the village when several residents took matters into their own hands to hunt down the culprits. Police captured the [...]

    Tragedy hits Silk Grass family; toddler dies in fire
    There is tragic news from the Stann Creek District. A two-year old boy was killed in a fire this afternoon in the village of Silk Grass. The child was inside [...]

    Belize City Man Dies in Traffic Accident in Santa Elena Town
    A number of persons lost their lives in traffic fatalities. Twenty two year old Jaime Enrique Williams lost his life as a result of a traffic accident on Sunday night. [...]

    One Dead in Bullet Tree Road Traffic Accident
    A man tragically lost his life on Saturday morning after he was ran over on the Bullet Tree Road, Cayo. It was about twelve-forty when police in San Ignacio Town [...]

    Dangriga Resident Loses Life on Stann Creek Valley Road
    Dangriga resident, sixty year old Lydia Weller, was also a victim of a traffic accident on Friday afternoon on the Stann Creek Valley Road. That fatality happened at around three-thirty [...]

    A truck laden with electrical poles overturns on the Hummingbird
    There was also another traffic incident on the Hummingbird Highway. Around two thirty this afternoon, a truck transporting electrical poles overturned and ended belly up. The driver was reportedly trapped [...]

    Dr. Lisa Johnson is UB’s Dean of Health Sciences
    Doctor Lisa Johnson has been named as UB’s Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. According to a press release from UB, as dean, Johnson will lead development and implementation [...]

    Fragments of Hope reseeding and replanting Belize’s reef
    Fragments of Hope is a non-profit community-based organization that has been working to respond to coral reef challenges by re-seeding and re-planting the reef with diverse and resilient corals. There [...]

    Two Belize City Youths are Shot on Seagull Street
    Aside from the bloody murders, a couple of persons were injured in shootings.  Two young men, sixteen and nineteen-years-old, was attacked in Belize City on Saturday night, as they stood [...]

    Missing Teens Reported in Belize City and Belmopan
    The families of two missing teenagers in Belize City and Belmopan are trying desperately to locate them in good health after they disappeared on Friday in both municipalities.  Sixteen-year-old Jahira [...]

    No Compassion for Mark Faber on Compassion Lane
    There was another shooting incident, this time in Ladyville on Friday morning, in which Mark Faber was shot in the leg by someone who accosted him while walking along Compassion [...]

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

    The Reporter

    Phillip Roberts Of Hattieville – So Many Unsolved Murders
    A man murdered in Hattieville last night (Saturday, Dec. 14th.) has been identified as Phillip Roberts, 33.

    Elderly Couple Found Murdered In Orange Walk
    The bodies of elderly watch repairman Rafael Hueso and his wife Nancy are currently being removed from their home on Stadium Street in Orange Walk Town.

    Another Drug Plane Landed, Wee Hours – This Morning
    Police are en-route to an area near Sarteneja in northern Belize where we are told another drug plane landed early this morning.

    LOVE FM

    Guinea Grass residents protect their community against thieves
    It made the news last week when a pair of robbers went to Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District and were met with more than they expected. The Guinea Grass residents did not take the idea of criminal intrusion into their village lightly and as a result they took matters into their own hands and apprehended the two men.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Final farewell for Hipolito Bautista
    Final services were held for 69-year-old Hipolito Bautista of Belmopan this past Saturday, after his death […]

    Another act of violence on Compassion Lane, Ladyville
    For years the area that encloses Compassion Lane and Marage Road in Lardyville has been an […]

    No suspects in Seagull Street double shooting
    There have been no arrests or leads in a shooting that almost claimed the life of […]

    Post mortem to determine cause of Diana Jones’ death
    Investigators are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to determine the cause of […]

    Police: Phillip Roberts killed in ongoing rivalry
    We had previously reported on the murder of Phillip Roberts, 33. Today police claimed that his […]

    Brian Harris shot last night, found this morning
    Last night gunshots rang out in Hattieville. When police patrolled the area they found no one […]

    Guatemalan gold panner busted in Ceibo Chico
    On Thursday, December 12, a Joint Forces Unit patrol based at Ceibo Chico Conservation Post in […]

    Fire in Silk Grass claims toddler’s life
    Earlier today, BBN reported on a house fire in Silk Grass village. Sources have confirmed […]

    Redistricting constitutional challenge advances to case management
    This morning Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard from claimants against the Elections and Boundaries Commission as […]

    Caribbean Tire coming to Punta Gorda: bringing huge discounts with it
    Caribbean Tire is celebrating the opening of its new branch in Punta Gorda with a […]

    Special Envoy for Women and Children visits Pope Francis
    Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow participated in the pastoral visit of […]

    Elderly couple found murdered inside OW home, police seeking relative as possible suspect
    Authorities are seeking a relative of Rafael Hueso and his wife, Nancy, who may be […]

    Body found believed to be that of missing Belmopan man
    Sources have confirmed to Breaking Belize News that a man’s body was found this morning […]

    Taiwan in the eyes of a Belizean student abroad
    Benque Viejo native, Asuncion Martinez is a Belizean student and recipient of an International Cooperation and Development Fund […]

    Two persons found dead inside home in Orange Walk
    Reports to Breaking Belize News is that a couple was found dead inside their home […]

    Ministry of National Security advises public not to pay members of Belize National Forensic Science Service
    The Ministry of National Security issued a statement today advising that the Belize National Forensic […]

    Traffic accident in Santa Elena claims life of Jaime Williams
    A road traffic accident on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena has claimed the […]

    Blogs

    Aqua Sushi Restaurant – an example of the ever-evolving culinary arts of Belize
    Aqua Sushi and Steakhouse at Grand Caribe is a prime example of just how much our local chefs have grown. Chef Samuel Gonzalez Jr. (Samii) is a fantastic success story of a young man who moved his way through the kitchen to become an executive chef, with intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the cooking sanctum. His mind is always working, and as he tastes food wherever he goes, he has lots of ideas on how to re-create, improve, re-design or replicate. It’s no surprise that when he was trained to take on sushi that he would pass the test with flying colors!

    Coffee and Pastries/Belize City
    Le Petite Café: This quaint coffee house is in what might be the most beautiful part of Belize City, fringed by the sea and in an iconic colonial neighborhood. BakeD: This coffee house is the new kid on an old block. It is in the King’s Park area, a block west of Princess Margaret Drive, on a lovely, residential corner across from a park in a tranquil neighborhood. Martha’s Café: This lovely colonial house has a wrap-around verandah overlooking Belize Harbour. The view is second-to-none, and near to a park and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse.

    Touring the Mennonite Communities of Belize
    In 1957, several Mennonite communities were living in Mexico. The Mexican government had recently changed the law to allow Mennonites to be drafted into the army. The Mennonites realized they needed a new home. The Mennonites made a deal with the government of Belize. The Mennonites would help Belize produce a wide variety of agricultural and dairy products, and in return, they could practice their religion free from persecution. Their children would never be drafted or sent to war. In 1958, the Mennonites established their first community in the community of Spanish Lookout in the Cayo District.

    The British: A Brief History
    History can be compared to a river rushing over all the events that lie like rocks in its path, swirling around and coming back for a second look at only those with the biggest impact. This is especially true of the British influence in modern-day Belizean culture. So many aspects of everyday life in Belize are directly attributed to British tenure that it’s easy to take them for granted. However, Britain’s early occupation, and then colonization, is one of the reasons Belize remains unique among all the countries of Central America.

    International Sourcesizz

    The Best Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands: The 2020 Gold List
    Congratulations to Turtle Inn for being in Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Gold List!

    THE CELEBRITIES SUPPORTING OCEAN CONSERVATION
    To help overcome the threats facing our oceans, these ocean-loving A-listers are leading the way in marine conservation. Find out which stars are doing their bit to help the environment and save our planet's seas.

    Below Caribbean waves, ‘a huge disaster’: Stony coral tissue loss disease attacks reefs
    A malady called stony coral tissue loss disease has been raging since 2014 through reefs under the deceptively calm blue paradise of the Caribbean. In five years, it has wreaked devastation on the fragile coral ecosystems that are at risk of extinction from the effects of climate change. The disease has ravaged the entire Atlantic reef off Florida, spread across parts of the Caribbean and has recently been reported near Belize in Central America. “It is a huge disaster that’s going on underneath the waves,” says Karen Neely, a coral ecologist at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. “This is on the level of the Amazon burning. It is on the level of a disease that’s wiping out all of America’s forests.”

    Belize women’s cricket team makes history by winning first three matches against Costa Rica
    The national women’s team of Belize made history by winning its first three international games of cricket. Belize Women have won the first three games played against Costa Rica Women. The women’s cricket team of Belize is currently on a tour of Costa Rica. They are playing 6 T20Is against the hosts as part of this tour. All the matches are recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and supported by ICC and the Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA). The venue for all of the matches is the Los Reyes Polo Club in Guácima. Belize have won the first three games played in the tour. Belize Women thus have made history. They played their first-ever international match, and have managed to win the first three games of the series as well. Costa Rica won the fourth game whereas Belize won the 5th and 6th T20Is to win the series 5-1.

    Deeper Green Biodegradable Belize Book
    Photographer Colin Dodgson has a picture book out featuring pictures from all over Belize. 100% of profits from the sale of ‘Deeper Green’ will be donated to the World Land Trust to help protect and preserve endangered animal habitats around the world, acre by acre. Can't wait to see this book. More pictures from the book can be found in the

    W Magazine interview

    . And here in this gallery, and here, and here. "‘Deeper Green’ is a collection of images made by photographer Colin Dodgson whilst traveling through Belize in December of 2018. Working in collaboration with the World Land Trust on the occasion of their 30th anniversary, Dodgson and WLT ambassador Jonny Lu travelled to the Central American country to gain insight into the organisations working on the ground and on the front line of sustainability and conservation in the region.

    Videos

  • SKYDIVING INTO THE BLUE HOLE, 10min. A few weeks back, we saw them land by the junction to Secret Beach and then it was all over Instagram and then I sat next to Sam Kolder at Tropic. I thought I knew But I had NO idea!!!!

  • Mr. and Mrs. Pennell Album, 2min. Belize Wedding Highlights of Mr. and Mrs. Pennell. Photography by: Rolando Cocom

  • SWIMMING WITH SHARKS IN BELIZE, 2.5min.

  • Renewing a Belize Passport, 15min. Useful information you might need when renewing a Belize passport.

  • Marie Sharp's Habanero Sauce - Proud Products Of Belize, 1min.

  • A jam session with the 501 Genesis Band, 10min.

  • Belize Electricity Limited wishes you a happy and safe Holiday Season, 1.5min.

  • The Bridge Trance-spiration Video, 4min. Ignite Ltd. put together a video that perfectly captures the wild time that 'trancespired' at The Bridge rave. The Bridge 2019! Dance party on a bridge in Belmopan, Belize by electronic music label, Mind and Me Music. A BIG Thank You to Jahmai Trapp from Ignite Ltd. for this beautiful capture.

  • Vacation to Maruba Beach in San Pedro Belize, 10min. We take a trip to the hidden beach. Maruba Beach in San Pedro Belize. We get our hair braided, had some yummy smoothies and something else...

  • Corozal, Belize Central Park - Christmas Decor, 2.5min. The little town of Corozal pride's itself for their beautiful, bright and colorfully lit Central Park. During the Christmas Season, it is beautifully decorated and illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. It has one of the biggest Christmas trees in the entire country of Belize. This is but a short preview of what the park looks like. Video or photographs alone cannot capture the true beauty of it. You need to personally experience it to capture the essence of its beauty.

  • Accion Deportiva, 60min.

  • Swimming with Sharks! Ambergris Caye Belize 4K, 3min. This year we explore the beautiful waters of Belize for our Christmas holiday vacation... see all the fun we had along the way!

  • Maya in Belize Ground rights, 5min.

  • Belize 2019 Our Adventure on Coco Plum Island Part 3, 25min. Part 3 of our vacation of a lifetime on Coco Plum Island in Belize ! Join us for a day of paddle boarding and a night of drunken Karaoke ! Plus lots more beaches and bikinis !

  • Santa Rita Mayan ruin in Belize, 18min. Archaeologist believe that Santa Rita is almost certainly the ancient city of Chetumal and was occupied from 2000 BC to 1530 AD, with its primary importance in the Late Post Classic Period from 1350-1530 when it was an important center for the trade of honey, vanilla, cacao and anchiote to the northern Yucatan and other locations. The breadth of the trade that flourished in Santa Rita is evidenced by findings at the site that include Andean pottery from the Late Classic Period and turquoise jewelry from the Aztecs.

    December 16, 2019


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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

    Police remove illegal firearms and drugs from San Pedro; Three persons arrested
    In the last week the San Pedro Police Formation have removed several illegal firearms, including drugs from the streets of Ambergris Caye, leading to the arrest of three island residents. On Thursday, December 12th, at about 4AM, police were conducting a patrol in northern Ambergris Caye, when they stopped and searched 41-year-old Mathew Moses. The search led to the discovery of one 9mm pistol. Moses was unable to produce a gun license and was arrested for a Kept Unlicensed Firearm.

    Wolfe’s Woofer: Halloween Costume
    “Did you enjoy the Halloween party?” I asked Nicole. “You wouldn’t believe how much,” she said. Ed and Nicole were supposed to meet me at my favorite beachside restaurant at seven o’clock. She closed her shop a little early so we were having a drink while we waited for Ed. “I decided not to go,” she continued. “I had a bad headache but Ed loves those costume parties so I told him to go ahead by himself.

    Doctor Love: Not the Daddy
    Dear Doctor Love, My girlfriends’ children are spoilt and rude little girls who bully their mother into giving them what ever they want. I was brought up by parents who expected me to treat them with respect and learn good manners. These girls are barely in preschool and they sass and fight with their mother about everything. The problem is that if I try to stop them my girlfriend gets mad at me. She reminds me that I am not their father and says it’s her job to parent her children.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    A new Tortilla Factory in San Pedro
    Rony’s Tortilla Factory is now officially opened located on the street behind black & White Bar. Come try our delicious Pibil tacos, giveaways music and more all are invited!!!.

    Ms. Sapna Budhrani, President of the National Institute of Culture and History, went spreading Christmas cheer in Orange Walk and Corozal Town
    She was able to personally deliver consolation prizes to some of the students who participated in the 2019 NICH Christmas Card Competition on Tuesday afternoon, December 10, 2019. Ms. Budhrani got the opportunity to visit and personally give tokens of appreciation to the students of Compassion School in Yo Creek, La Immaculada in Orange Walk Town and St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal Town. Ms. Budhrani hopes to personally deliver as many of the consolation prizes, as her schedule will permit her to, as a way of encouraging the many other students throughout the country who participated in this year's competition.

    The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) Mourns the Passing of Mr. Hipolito Bautista Sr.
    It is with sadness that the NICH has become aware of the passing of Mr. Hipolito Bautista Sr. Mr. Bautista, a man of great intelligence, many skills, and talents, will be remembered for the contributions made at various parts of his life in politics, education, public service, business, community development, and the arts. We at NICH had the pleasure of working with him as a scriptwriter and dramatist with the famed Square Peg Players who produced many plays which were performed at the Bliss. In the last two years, he revived his work on the stage and produced plays in Belmopan.

    NICH President Sapna Budhrani Delivers Consolation Prizes to Students who Entered the 2019 NICH Christmas Card Competition
    The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) announced Khloe Landero of Central Christian School as the winner of the 2019 Christmas Card Competition on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019. Later in the day, Ms. Budhrani, President of NICH, began to travel the country in an effort to personally deliver consolation prizes to as many of the students who entered this year’s competition as possible. Ms. Budhrani went spreading Christmas cheer in Orange Walk and Corozal and got the opportunity to visit and give tokens of appreciation to the students of Compassion School in Yo Creek, La Immaculada in Orange Walk Town and St. Paul’s Anglican School in Corozal Town.

    The Reporter

    Succotz Residents Rise Up Against Bandits
    The residents of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo have decided to join forces to defend their properties and ward off bandits who they say are Guatemalans that have been terrorizing their community, holding them up at gunpoint, robbing them and stealing their vehicles.

    Cop Wanted For Theft Of Firearms: Police Issue Wanted Poster
    The Belize Police Department has launched both a criminal and internal investigation following the disappearance of three firearms from the Queen Street Police Station.

    Miss Jamaica Wins MISS WORLD Pageant In London
    The people of Jamaica are dancing in the streets today because their girl has won the Miss World pageant. 23-year-old Toni-Ann Singh from Jamaica was crowned Miss World 2019 in London, England this evening (Saturday Dec. 14th.)

    Editorial: 15th. December 2019
    Starting in 2020 Belize will begin to sell plantation white sugar to the countries of CARICOM, the trade group of nearly 16 million people spread across twenty small, developing countries, to which Belize belongs.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Fatal road traffic accident in Santa Elena claims one life
    BBN has confirmed that there was a fatal road traffic accident on La Loma Luz […]

    San Ignacio nurse reported missing
    The family of San Ignacio nurse, Fiona Young, is concerned about her whereabouts. Young was […]

    Green Machine rumble to opening season title with 2-0 victory over the Bandits
    The celebration is on for the Opening Season champions, Verdes FC of Cayo. The defending […]

    Verdes up 1-0 at halftime in Premier League Championship
    “The Green Machine” is 45 minutes away from the Opening Season Championship after taking an […]

    Premier League final clash between rivals Belmopan Bandits and Verdes
    Sports in the modern era are defined by rivalries – between teams, between individuals, sometimes both. […]

    Belize City teen reported missing
    The family of Leshawn Cutkelvin, 15, is asking the public’s assistance in finding her. Cutkelvin […]

    Ahmadiyya Muslims break ground for new mosque
    The small but fast-growing community of Ahmadiyya Muslims has been active in reaching out to […]

    Can authorities resolve Anisha Young case after setbacks with DNA?
    Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS), Gian Cho, has defended his department’s […]

    Traffic accident reported on Lord’s Bank Road last night
    Our newsroom has confirmed that there was a road traffic accident last night on the […]

    Belmopan teen reported missing
    Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for Damion Bregal, 17. Bregal […]

    Two hospitalized following Seagull Street shooting
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    Phillip “Jannaz” Roberts killed in Hattieville
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    Traffic accident claims another life
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    Blogs

    Holidays in FULL Swing: Magic Cookies and Gorgeous Crafts at the Truck Stop
    The Truck Stop – one of Ambergris Caye’s most happening spots – is currently BUSTING with Christmas cheer. Decorations…balloons…a gorgeous Christmas tree…even delicious holiday ice cream flavors. Yesterday they held the VERY POPULAR Holiday Craft Fair & Cookie-Bake Off and let’s just say that the Truck Stop REALLY: kicked it up a notch... made me say Yum-O... made this blogger feel like the Mayor of Flavortown.

    Manatee Tours
    Often called “sea cows”, these graceful creatures are found abundantly in Belize. These mammals are sometimes described as ancient mermaids; they have a paddle-like tail, round body and a small face – which can be compared to that of a seal. Belize has the highest rate of Antillean manatees in the world; at approximately 1,000 manatees, this number is slowly growing due to all the protection efforts for this species of endangered mammal.

    Why Invest in Belize?
    While Belize began as nothing more than a rural country by the Caribbean, it has since evolved and matured into one of the most vivacious centers for tourism and investment within all of Central America. Strong tourism numbers mean that more people are coming to visit with money they set aside for their vacation. 2016 saw a 44% spike in overnight visitors when compared to figures from 2017 and 2018 which showed an even greater number, indicative of a 10% shift. A lot of this growth is thanks to the four biggest American airlines, and the two leading Canadian airlines, featuring direct flights to Belize. The cruise industry has also had some role in these numbers, as more liners come to port.

    The Best Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands: The 2020 Gold List
    This year’s Gold List of our editors’ favorite hotels, resorts, and cruise ships in the world is created by teams in New York and London. It spans six continents and 49 countries. They’re gold as in exceptional. Gold as in classic. Gold as in brilliant. Gold as in you’d do it all tomorrow. Of the Coppola clan’s two exceptional ecolodges in Belize, the mangrove-encircled Turtle Inn, in the fishing village of Placencia, is where their cinematic vision really kicks in: thatched cottages with hand-carved Balinese doors, rustic-Italian dishes flavored with items from the organic garden, and a private castaway island, Coral Caye, with hammocks for post- snorkel naps.

    International Sourcesizz

    Ray Caye, A Private Island Resort, Debuts In Belize
    There are a handful of small private island resorts scattered off the coast of Belize, the ultimate getaways for beachgoers seeking peace and quiet in a stunning tropical setting. Seasoned beachgoers like to say that these islands are the way that much of the Caribbean used to be, before mass tourism came along. Now there’s a new resort, Ray Caye Island Resort, that’s set to open in January 2020. Named after the spotted eagle rays that swim along its shores, the island is 18 miles off the coast off Placencia Village, an hour long boat ride away. Formerly a resort known as Hatchet Caye, the island was purchased in 2018 and rebranded as Ray Caye Island Resort in January of 2019 and has undergone a year-long transformation. Set on 7.4 acres, this private island oasis has a full mile of pristine shoreline and guests have unlimited use of the resort’s non-motorized water toys.

    Having Helped Discover Belize’s Only Commercial Wells, Susan Morrice Envisions Its Post-Oil Future
    For most people, Belize conjures images of an island paradise. But since the 1930s, almost all of the big players in the industry – Exxon, Shell, Phillips, Chevron – have gone to the tiny Caribbean nation in the elusive search for oil. After drilling fifty wells, all of which were dry holes, the general consensus was there was no oil to found in commercial quantities. At least not until 2005 when Belize Natural Energy (BNE), a small company with only enough money to drill two exploratory wells, struck oil. But the company’s origins go back much farther than that. Having gone to Belize on holiday, Irishwoman Susan Morrice, then a young geologist, was working in the U.S. when she received a phone call in 1983 or ’84 from British oilman Sir Ian Rankin, 4th Baronet.

    Videos

  • Krem Krismus Night 6, 2hr.

  • Krem Krismus Night 7, 2hr.

  • The Christmas Parade brought to you by Love FM, the San Pedro Town Council and Hon. Manuel Heredia, 2hr.

  • Christmas parade in San Pedro Town!, 7min.

  • This is Belize | Part 2 | A detour to Kukumba Beach - Old Belize, 9min. I present to you Belize, my home for the last 2 years. With the Part 1 of this video showing a brief history and culture of Belize (Link to Part 1 below), this video gives an insight to how Belize looks like from Burrell Boom cut off to Kukumba Beach in Old Belize...Enjoy!!!

  • Vacation to San Pedro Belize, 19min. Danika goes to San Pedro Belize. This is the first half of the vacation where she goes swimming and jumps off huge rock caves in the pool. She then goes on a speed boat to the Belize Zoo where there are Vultures, Jaguars, Parrots, Monkeys and Crocodiles. Then she goes tubing through the caves of Belize and then back on the speedboat to the Coco Beach Resort.

  • Diving Belize on the Belize Aggressor III March 9-16 2019, 25min.

  • Belize Christmas parade 2k19, 5min.

  • PLB Opening Season FINALS | Verdes FC vs Bandits SC | at Norman Broaster Stadium, San Ignacio, 3hr.

  • SPECIAL TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL TO THE LEGENDARY DELL SMART (RIP)!, 30min. The silky alto touch of Belizean vocalist and balladeer, Dell Smart of Dell & The Sensations has touched the spirit of many a Belizean music lovers over the years. Dell's popularity grew as he sang lead for the legendary Belizean band in Los Angeles, Dell & The Sensations, to become one of the first Belizean bands ever to pioneer Belize's musical prominence as a band in the Los Angeles Belizean community and the Belizean diaspora in the United States.

  • Disability Awareness Week Message 2019, 4min. Hon. Angel Campos, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation, shares a special message as Belize observes Disability Awareness Week.

    December 15, 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

    IDB Group Vice President for Countries visits Belize
    Vice President for Countries for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group Alexandre Meira da Rosa, visited Belize this week to meet with top government officials and private sector representatives to discuss ways of strengthening the Bank’s partnership and cooperation with the Government and private sector to ensure the country’s sustainable development. Accompanied by the IDB Country Representative Cassandra T. Rogers, Vice President Rosa paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow.

    Two San Pedro young men drafted to Belize’s Male U-19 National Team
    On Tuesday, December 11th the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) issued the names of the players that will form Belize’s U-19 Male National Team to participate in the upcoming Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) U-20 qualifiers tournament in Curacao from February 15 to 23, 2020. Among the young Belizean players drafted are San Pedro’s own Arnold Flowers and Ian Pou. Both Flowers and Pou are known on the island for their incredible football skills.

    Crime Stoppers Belize launches its P3 Tips Application
    During a conference at the Belize Biltmore Hotel in Belize City on Tuesday, December 3rd, Crime Stoppers Belize launched its latest tool to assist in the fight against Crime: a web application called P3Tips. The P3 Tips application is a free download from either the Apple Store or the Google Play Store (for Androids). It can be downloaded on any mobile device, and its sister application, the web-based version, requires no download and can be used on a computer or PC. Just go to the web link www.p3tips.com. Anyone who is an eyewitness to a crime or has important information to share can do it through this app in the privacy of their home or office.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Corozal Mini Business Expo
    It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Every Year in Corozal, in the month of December, at this time of the month, a Mini Business Expo is Held in-front of Atlantic Bank on 4th Avenue right here in Corozal. What’s the exciting news for this event? This booths come out to promote their products. And, this are the great chances you might get discounts on items, when they have it on display. Since, it’s the Christmas Month, I saw lots of items being sold.

    Book drive for Ocean Academy High School
    Thank you Melanie Myers for spearheading the book drive for Ocean Academy High School. Over the last few weeks, every single student at OAHS selected a book. And then Melanie and Thrive FP and others (please tag them Melanie) started aquiring the books requested by the students. Today, just in time for Christmas Break, each student received his or her very own book! I can't begin to express how excited they were!! I received many hugs and thank you's that I can only try to pass on to the people who made this happen.

    Power outage 6:00 am to 8:00 am on Tuesday, December 17 to affect San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
    Includes Almond Street, Barracuda Street, Basil Jones Street, Beach Front, Bermuda Beach, Blue Dolphin, Buena Vista Area, Boca Del Rio, Bonefish Street, Bright Waters Street, Canary Cove area, Coco Beach Area, Deer Street, Habaneros Area, Iguana Street, Indigo Street, Jewfish Street, Lagoon Street, Laguna Street, Mangrove Drive, Middle Street, Pescador Drive, San Juan Area, Sandpiper Street, Seagull Street, Seaweed Street, Spider Lily Street, Lina Point, Mata Grande, Mata Villas, Mexico Rocks Subdivision, North Ambergris, Nunez Subdivision, Playa Blanca, Punta Arena Street, San Feliz Area, Tres Cocos, and San Mateo Subdivision. BEL to energize newly installed power lines in the San Juan area.

    Repair of the Supreme Court historic clock
    The Supreme Court clock stopped working at twenty nine minutes pass four o'clock on some day in the past. Time seems to have stopped for the clock at that time while the rest of the world's time continued. The old clock will soon come alive once again. One of the projects the Downtown Rejuvenation Project has taken on as one of our many projects is the repair of the Supreme Court historic clock. It has been inoperational for some time now and we need to make it operational once again. It will be an expensive venture. Most of the parts have become corroded. One of the main component also went missing over the years. That part was so old that they don't make them anymore, so we will have to improvise. Also, the structure that the cupola sits on has also corroded and will need to be replaced. The sea is beautiful, but it is also merciless on metal. Since we will only be able to work on it on weekends, it will take a while to complete. Estimated time is six to twelve weeks.

    Mr. Manuelito Ye, Park Ranger, passes away
    It is with deepest sympathies that we announce the untimely passing of Mr. Manuelito Ye, Park Ranger, stationed at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve. The National Institute of Culture and History and the Institute of Archaeology extend sincerest condolences to the family on the passing of Manuelito. May he Rest in Peace.

    The Reporter

    Body Seen Floating In Crooked Tree Lagoon Is Identified
    The body retrieved this morning from the Crooked Tree Lagoon has been identified as that of Diana Pott Jones, 34, a resident of the Pine Ridge Area of the community.

    Missing: Parents Plea To Find Belmopan Teen
    Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Belmopan resident Jahira Martinez, 16, who has been reported missing. Martinez was last seen around 7:30 a.m. on December 13th, when she left her home on Uruguay Street.

    DANGRIGA RESIDENT DIES IN RTA
    A road traffic accident between miles 12 and 13 on the Stann Creek Valley Road on Friday evening caused the death of one person and injuries to four others, including a small child.

    Police Try To Quell Mob: Guinea Grass Villagers Mad About Thieves
    The Reporter has received this amateur video which shows angry villagers of Guinea Grass as they reportedly handed over two robbers they caught following an armed invasion of Zhen Zhen store in the village. Residents told the Reporter that the men were found hiding near the water reservoir.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Saturday night murder in Hattieville
    Information reaching our newsroom is that there was a fatal shooting tonight in Hattieville, Belize […]

    Shoot out reportedly erupts during Christmas Parade
    Reports to BBN’s newsdesk indicate there was a shooting moments ago near Roger’s Stadium in […]

    Belizean resort featured in English luxury travel magazine
    A Belizean resort has been listed in the Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List Hotels 2020, […]

    Police operations net several illegal firearms in San Pedro: three men charged
    Police operations in northern San Pedro on Thursday led to the discovery of several firearms […]

    Police investigating death of woman found floating in Crooked Tree lagoon
    Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Crooked Tree resident, Diana Emerita Pott […]

    Crooked Tree woman found dead in river, no signs of foul play
    Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Crooked Tree resident, Diana Emerita Pott […]

    Body of woman found in Crooked Tree
    Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose body was found […]

    Woman dies in traffic accident
    A woman lost her life in a road traffic accident yesterday afternoon near Mile 13 […]

    Jamaica wins Miss World 2019
    Jamaican beauty ambassador, Toni-Ann Singh, was today declared Miss World 2019. Singh represented her country […]

    Ladyville shooting under investigation
    Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 13 […]

    One suspect in Guinea Grass robbery-turned-vigilante-beat-down remains at large
    Lt nght N brk th tr f n rmd rbbr n Gun Gr vllg, n whh thr rmd mn drd n muflg ftgu hld u Zhn Zhn tr ut ftr 7:00. […]

    “Dis da fi wi environment; dis da fi wi chikin”
    lz’ ldng ultr rdur  gng lr, t lt t t rng lnt n nh Lkut,  Dtrt. Qult ultr rdut nnund vr l md n Frd tht t h “[mltd] […]

    Belize Women’s Cricket Team makes history winning first two international games
    The Belize Women’s Cricket team made history on Friday, December 13 by winning its first two internal games against Costa Rica. […]

    Royal Bank of Canada announces sale of Eastern Caribbean banking operations
    For the second time this year, a Canadian bank operating in the Eastern Caribbean has agreed to sell its local operations to banks within the region […]

    Blogs

    San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade and Best Pupusas in Town
    I love that the SPHBP really pushed charities to get involved more. Over the years I was lucky enough to participate on two boats that way. This year I was just happy to highlight two great charities among the few that participated. Best Charity Boat ($2,000): Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter Boat: SeaStar Belize & The Dive Bar Sponsor: The Truck Stop Santa putting trash in the can and Captain Conch was a great effort at making education festive and fun. You saw the other side of this boat in my featured image above. As for the best pupusas, Pupuseria El Salvadoreńo on Middle Street wins hands down against Waruguma for me. Why? Because they let you get three ingredients in them versus two. My favorite is spinach, cheese, and squash – so gooey and yummy. A few friends and I ended up there after the parade. Kay, Rosemary, and Emily all agree.

    Placencia Diving Hotspots
    The coastal village of Placencia, located in the South of Belize, is a destination to consider for your marine adventures. This sandy peninsula, with a laid back ambiance, makes for the perfect base for marine excursions. You can check into one of the many beachfront properties like Turtle Inn or Umaya Resort and spend your days exploring the vibrant life of the Belize Barrier Reef. There are pristine offshore islands and cayes not too far from the coastline making for an incredible day out. Laughing Bird Caye and the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, are the two most popular inner reef hotspots for diving and snorkeling to be considered when down South.

    Is Belize Safe?
    As Belize grows as a popular spot for vacation and retirement, it makes sense that people might be concerned about how safe it is to live there. The short answer to this question is “Yes!” Belize is one of the safest countries in the world. When tourism is one of your country’s biggest industries, it makes sense that the safety of visitors would be a high priority; any outrageous stories of horrible violence tend to be greatly exaggerated due to how infrequently it occurs, especially stories beyond Belize City.

    Videos

  • On behalf of Andre Perez and the PUP BRS Executive have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!, 1.5min.

  • Belize Raptor Center, 19min. An informative video on the birds of prey kept at the Belize Raptor Center. Checkout these 5 amazing birds and their backgrounds as to how they ended up at the RC.

  • Mennonites in Belize | Dancing Performance, 1.5min. This is a dance performed in April of this year at one of the "modern" churches in Spanish Lookout.

  • 2019 Belize bone fishing, 3min.

  • Belize Dec 2019, Our 25th anniversary trip, 17min.

  • Bonefishing in Belize; A Couple of Troutsetters in Paradise, 4min. My wife and I took a quick trip to Belize for some bonefish and to try our hand at Permit. Bonefish were caught, Permit were not. Not for a lack of trying. Special thanks to Cayo Frances Farm & Fly for great food and accommodations. Perhaps the best DIY Salt water fishing camp out there.

  • Diving in Belize, 3min.

  • We're in Belize!!, 10.5min.

  • Belmopan 1st Division Finals 2019 | Galacticos vs Club Atletico L Live at Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Belmopan, 2hr.

  • NAWL 2019 | Jewel Fury vs Rumberas L Live at Cowpen Field, Independence Part 1, 55min.

  • NAWL 2019 | Jewel Fury vs Rumberas L Live at Cowpen Field, Independence Part 2, 50min.

  • Here is an update for the renovations and repairs happening at the Government House property as of yesterday, 1min.

  • El Pueblo Maya del Norte de Belize en El Festival del Pueblo, 2min.

    December 14, 2019


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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


    The San Pedro Sun

    Belize Attends the 9th ACP Summit of Heads of State and Government
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington led the Belize delegation at the 9th African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Nairobi, Kenya from December 9-10, 2019. Under the theme “A Transformed ACP Dedicated to Multilateralism”, the leaders discussed important issues of concern for the ACP regions including climate change, ocean governance, and the defense of multilateralism. Belize commended the ACP Group for its efforts in addressing climate change and called on the transformed ACP to play a major global role in multilateral cooperation, particularly for the championing of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) issues. The Summit was preceded by other ACP Ministerial meetings, including the 110th ACP Council of Ministers.

    SP BTIA assists the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II with a much-needed donation
    On Saturday, December 7th, the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II received a much-needed donation of four glucose readers and a heart rate and respiration simulator. The contribution to better the services at the island’s only public health center was made possible through the efforts of the San Pedro Chapter of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (SP BTIA) and its assistance program. They partnered with Rob Cadick, a Biomedical Technician and Radiology Engineer from Indiana, USA, who brought the center equipment for the Polyclinic.

    Feeling the Christmas Spirit at The Island Academy’s annual Christmas Show
    Students of The Island Academy (TIA) brought the holiday spirit during their annual Christmas Pageant on Wednesday, December 11th. Junior and senior students performed heart-felt carols, dances and a well-put-together play that placed San Pedro Town as the perfect place to spend the anticipated holidays. Parents and friends attending the show were welcomed by school Founder Lady Dixie Bowen. She commended the teachers, staff and students of TIA for again organizing another spectacular show. Immediately after her remarks, students at the beginner level and infant one and two took to the stage. They performed dances and sang beautiful Christmas carols. Afterwards, they were joined by the class of Standard One who danced and sang ‘Santa is coming to Town.’

    Hol Chan Marine Reserve charges fishermen for Fisheries Offenses
    On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Enforcement team, led by Operations Manager, Shalini Cawich, embarked on a strategic patrol within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Within the vicinity of the Tres Cocos Channel, the patrol team encountered a fishing vessel with two fishers in the water. Due diligence was done, and the vessel was searched, which led to the discovery of parrot fish, fish fillet without skin patch, lobster with spawn and undersized lobster. The fishers, Geovanni Reyes and Jose Marroquin, were arrested and successfully prosecuted in the San Pedro Magistrate court.

    Two more fire trucks for San Pedro Town!
    Two additional fire trucks were handed over to the San Pedro Fire Department on Thursday, December 12th, bringing the current fleet to a total of four trucks. This latest acquisition came as a donation from Casa de la Caye Villas, a vacation retreat west of San Pedro Town. The keys and documentation for the trucks were handed over to the island’s fire department during a short ceremony.

    Ambergris Today

    BNN Calls Government To Support Transition Away From Gillnets
    [Press Release, Belize City, Belize, 11 December 2019] For two decades, many Belizean fishers have been calling for a ban on gillnets. Over the past 18 months, following a number of meetings with Government officials and licensed gill-netters, a coalition of NGOs, including commercial fishermen, sports fishers, game fishers, and tourism and conservation organizations, drafted a comprehensive proposal to transition those 83 fishers who have a gillnet license away from the gear.

    Hol Chan Marine Reserve Charges Fishermen For Fisheries Offenses
    On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, the Hol Chan Reserve Enforcement team, led by operations Manager, Shalini Cawich, embarked on a strategic patrol within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. In the vicinity of Tres Cocos Channel, the patrol team encountered a fishing vessel with two fishers in the water. Due diligence was done, and the vessel was searched which led to the discovery of parrot fish, fish fillet without skin patch, lobster with spawn and undersized lobster. The fishers, Giovanni Reyes and Jose Marroquin were arrested and successfully prosecuted in the San Pedro Magistrate court.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Belize Water Services spreads some Christmas Cheer!
    On Thursday, December 12, 2019, Belize Water Services, through an Operations Department initiative, began to spread some Christmas Cheer! This year, Santa and his helpers rode his sleigh all the way to the Belize Rural Primary School located in Rancho Dolores and Flowers Bank in the Belize River Valley. This donation was made up of a Christmas gift and a snack package along with a juice for each student in Infant I to Standard II.

    FCD Attends Border Security Strategic Planners Workshop
    FCD personnel attended a three day Border Security Strategic Planners Workshop with state security units. FCD encourages and supports the promotion of inter-institutional planning and implementation to address border issues. Training was conducted by the US Customs and Border Protection and the US Embassy in Belize.

    Travel Industry Association (TIA) - Miami
    BTB at the Travel Industry Association.

    Paradise Theater playing this weekend
    Noelle, Parasite, Playmobil: The Movie, 6 Underground. *We are not showing movies on Friday because the theater will be occupied by Isla Bonita School for their annual Christmas show*

    Belize Attends the 9th ACP Summit of Heads of State and Government
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Wilfred Elrington led the Belize delegation at the 9th African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Summit of Heads of States and Governments held in Nairobi, Kenya from December 9-10, 2019. Under the theme “A Transformed ACP Dedicated to Multilateralism”, the leaders discussed important issues of concern for the ACP regions including climate change, ocean governance, and the defense of multilateralism. Belize commended the ACP Group for its efforts in addressing climate change and called on the transformed ACP to play a major global role in multilateral cooperation, particularly for the championing of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) issues.

    The Belize Zoo sadly announces the passing Junior Buddy the Jaguar
    Junior Buddy passed from heart failure yesterday evening, December 12, 2019. The exact cause of the heart failure remains unknown until further diagnostic testing is conducted. “It’s a sad day for all of us,” says Sharon Matola, TBZ's Founding Director. “Our animals are like members of our family and losing a family member is tough! Junior Buddy was an exceptional ambassador for his species and liked to interact with guests; he will be missed by many.

    Attention Belizean travellers to Mexico
    Alberto Capella, Secretary of Public Security in Quintana Roo, has informed that starting today, the Quintana Roo Police will begin operations to inspect vehicles with tinted windows and vehicles without or with irregular license plates in the municipality of Benito Juárez (Cancun and Puerto Morelos). The Mexican Embassy recommends to all Belizean tourists traveling to Mexico during this holiday season to comply with traffic rules, to check their vehicles before going on the road and acquire their third party insurance and Temporary Import Permit (to go beyond Quintana Roo), for a happy stay in Mexico and a safe return to Belize.

    Corozal ArT In ThE ParK
    Christmas Edition today Saturday, December 14th at our Corozal Central Park. Starts at 6:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy live music.

    Biobarda Inauguration
    Belize's first Biobarda, a river strainer made mostly of plastic, and created to catch plastic from the Mopan river, will be inaugurated in Benque on Monday, December 16th. "Celebrate the launch of a great community effort to control the flow of trash in the Mopan and Belize rivers with a Biobarda. Join us Monday, in Benque, at 9:30."

    Channel 7

    Another Head on Collision, This Time Hummingbird Hwy
    There has been another fatality on one of Belize's major highways. It happened after 3:00 this afternoon on the Valley Road, which is in the Alta Vista area, a stretch of the Hummingbird Highway. There was a massive head-on collision between a Toyota Rush SUV and a Ford Passenger van. Reports say that one of the vehicles may have been trying to overtake and ended up directly in the other's lane -causing the high speed head on. Unofficial reports say there was one fatality and multiple persons injured - who were rushed to the Southern Regional.

    Ruthless Roaring Creek Murder
    28 year old Roaring resident Timroy Neal was executed last night after 10:00 in front of a Chinese store. Neal was shot at point blank range in very deliberate and merciless execution. Now, Neal has had several run-ins with the law, but his family says Neal was changed man. Well, his attacker didn't feel so or just didn't care. Courtney Weatherburne has more. Last night there was a most unlucky tragedy at Lucky Entertainment store in Roaring Creek, across the street from the Roaring Creek Police Substation. Timroy Neal was shot 7 times to the head.

    Can Police Contain Retaliation
    We caught up with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams this evening and he told police are monitoring to try and contain any retaliation for Neal's murder. Reporter: "Are you able to say at this point if there is anything connected to Mr. Neal's past that may have resulted in his murder?" Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Well, I don't like to go into the past history of persons who are victims of murder, but I will advise you to go into your archives and you will see what you need to see there."

    Constable Signed For Three Guns, Returned None
    Police Constable Nadir Mendoza is still a wanted man tonight. As we told you the constable is under investigation for the theft of two firearms from the Precinct Three formation in Belize City. Today, the Commissioner said it's actually three guns! He discussed the details of the case: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Three firearms were signed out by a police officer, Nadir Mendoza, over a period of time and upon inspection of the firearm register, it shows that the officer didn't sing the firearm back in..."

    Another Home Invasion In Residential Neighborhood
    We've been reporting on Monday afternoon's brazen home invasion on Samuel Haynes Street in the Belama Phase 1 area of Belize City. It was the second home on this street in 2 weeks. Well, tonight, police are investigating another aggravated burglary in a residential northside neighborhood; this time, criminals targeted a family living in the King's Park area. At around 4:30 this morning, Kishore Lumar Lalwani woke up to find 3 armed, masked men in his bedroom.

    Compol On The Tough Job Of Keeping City Safe
    So, how will police address all these pre-holiday crimes that have been plaguing Belize City? Well, the Police Commissioner says that they have a strategy in place, but they need City residents to do their part to keep themselves safe. Here's how he explained it to the press today: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "We do realize that at this time of the year it is a festive time and people are preparing for the holidays and we have a responsibility to ensure their safety...."

    San Pedro Cops Got Three Guns
    San Pedro Special Branch took 3 guns off the streets of the Island town in a single operation. Not many details of the operation are known - other than the fact that they got two nine millimeters pistols and one 38, and arrested five men. We'll know more when they go to court. When we spoke to Police commissioner Williams, earlier today, he told us effective policing starts at the top of the island formation.

    COMPOL Defends OT For SPU Boss
    The Commissioner also freely discussed the sizable extra hours payment to commander of the SPU, Superintendent Aaron Gamboa. As we told you last night, during Easter, September celebrations and December, police get paid for what's called payment "extraneous hours." Basically, it's extra hours the cops work to keep criminals at bay while you celebrate. Commander of the Special Patrol Unit, Superintendent Aaron Gamboa's September payout is over three thousand dollars, almost as much as his monthly salary.

    A Mosque of Mercy
    If you're a regular viewer of 7News, you should know the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat very well. The group of Islamic missionaries have gained a strong community foothold here over the last 5 years. And they've done that not by asking Belizeans to come and worship Allah, but by their deeds, spearheading very many community-based outreach initiatives - such as the hugely successful basketball league. And now they're hoping to parlay that popularity into support for their first mosque in the country. This morning, they hosted a press conference to tell the general public that construction will begin tomorrow and that when it is completed, all well-intentioned individuals are welcomed to visit.

    The AC Ordeal At Chiste Garcia Stadium
    The Chiste Garcia Auditorium in Dangriga was opened in January of 2019. And while it has been well received, the place has no air conditioning and it can be cruel to sit inside on a Sunny day or a humid night. And, to hear the local political movers tell it - that stadium has no AC because the UDP is a house divided against itself. Here's how UDP Dangriga Divisional Chairman Clifford Peters, known as "Boss P" put it in October:

    A Griga Groundbreaking
    And, Mena called it a wonderful day because of the AC units and because of a groundbreaking of a school in the Wagierale area. That's another reason Faber was in the southern town at what will be the Benguche Government Pre-School. This is one of the 35 new schools it will build with the help of the Caribbean Development Bank.

    Corozal Groundbreaking "Complicated"ť
    And while that school groundbreaking went smoothly - not so in Corozal. A groundbreaking had to be postponed because of a dispute between the Ministry of Education and the BNTU. It's over the parcel of land in Corozal where the Ministry of Education wants to build a preschool. The BNTU says not so fast, because Union executives in Corozal expressed that they are in the process of acquiring the land.

    In Kenya, Belize Thanks ACP Countries for Support
    Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington was in Nairobi, Kenya for the 9th African, Caribbean Pacific Summit of the Heads of States and Government. This summit, which took place on December 9th and 10th, was held under the theme, "A Transformed ACP Dedicated to Multilateralism". It was held to discuss issues such as climate change, ocean governance, and defense of multilateralism. Belize thanked the ACP Group for its unwavering solidarity and support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    A Bike For Five Bucks?
    A bike for $5? With Christmas on the horizon you might be asking where to sign up for that deal! Well if you weren't at the Queen Street Police station earlier today, sorry to say.you missed your chance. In the last 6 months, Police officers have collected dozens of motorcycles and hundreds of bikes from perpetrators, crime scenes and as unclaimed evidence. And today they put them all on auction. These bike prices run so low because the majority of them are extremely old, rusty, and worn out.

    What the Reward Fund Does
    You heard Superintendent Tucker say that the funds earned by the auction would be funneled into the Police reward fund. So what is the special reward fund? We asked Commissioner Willams today:

    Compol Comes Through For Kids on Antelope Street
    10 Bikes were spared from the auctioneer's block and that's because Commissioner Williams had already pledged them to G. Micheal Reid's Charlie Burton Foundation. We spoke to both men at the Racoon Street police station this evening, and they introduced us to ten young boys from the Antelope street area who will now be better able to get safely to and from school.

    The Big Goodbye For Junior Buddy
    He's one of the most famous animals ever in Belize - but Junior Buddy the jaguar is no more. The big cat passed yesterday evening due to heart failure. He had a very public life, an animal raised in captivity as a poster boy for jaguar education in Belize. We've attended his birth celebrations for most of the 12 years he lived and for a look back we go as far as 2009, and as close as 2018. Here's more:

    Channel 5

    Timroy Neal is Gunned Down in Roaring Creek
    A Roaring Creek resident was executed on Thursday night under the nose of the Roaring Creek police. At about ten thirty on Thursday night, twenty-eight-year-old Timroy Neal was pursued by [...]

    Cop on the run in missing firearms case
    Police Constable Nadir Mendoza is on the run and his fellow officers are now looking for him. On Thursday, police issued a wanted poster for Mendoza. The Santa Elena constable [...]

    6 firearms recovered in San Pedro
    Six firearms were taken off the streets of San Pedro over the course of a few days making the island a little safer. Today, Commissioner Chester Williams praised Officer in [...]

    One Vehicle, Two Different License Plates in Two Countries: Perfectly Legal
    On Thursday Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and his senior commander visited Benque Viejo del Carmen, San Jose Succotz and Arenal Village to gain firsthand knowledge on Guatemalan bandits operating [...]

    Forensics Department Provides Update on Annie Young’s Case
    The disappearance of Anisha Young one year ago, continues to raise more questions than answers and her loved ones are no closer to finality on her whereabouts or that of [...]

    No Familial Permission Necessary to Send Samples Outside for DNA Testing
    According to Cho, there is still an option available should the Young family intend to pursue an independent D.N.A. test elsewhere.  He pointed out as well that all samples are [...]

    International Energy Resources Ltd. and Kuylen’s Gas Service send out press release on LPG
    The debate on butane prices continues. As you know, government enacted fixed prices on the commodity on November fifteenth to prevent predatory pricing; the move has triggered further discussions from [...]

    Belize City Mother says Cop Attacked Her Son
    Allison Broaster is accusing one police officer of using excessive force on her sixteen-year-old son. On Sunday morning, her son was making his way on West Street in Belize City [...]

    Mother says Son Needs Urgent Surgery
    Broaster says that her son now needs surgery to repair his broken jaw. She says the doctor is charging four thousand dollars.   Allison Broaster, Mother of Victim “I just [...]

    Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!
    A large crowd gathered at the Queen Street Police Station today in Belize City. The crowd stood ready to bid on goods confiscated during criminal investigations but were never claimed. The [...]

    Murder trial of Cameron Harris closes, 6 testified
    The case of twenty-year old Cameron Harris for the 2016 murder of twenty-seven year old Nelson Zelaya closed today; six witnesses testified in court. Zelaya was killed in his yard [...]

    ComPol explains big payment for extraneous hours for SPU OC.
    Just mischief or is there a case for a closer look at a huge extraneous payout to the head of the Special Patrol Unit? If you ask Commissioner of Police, [...]

    BPD gifts bikes to southside foundation!
    The Commissioner of Police gifted ten bikes from its auction stock pile to a budding foundation on the southside called Charlie Burton Park Foundation. The foundation is being led by [...]

    Safety tips for Xmas Shoppers
    The holidays are upon us – with just twelve more days to go before Christmas, the shopping has started and this weekend going into next week – there will be [...]

    Leonora Patnett is 106!
    Tonight we take you to a home on Wagner’s Lane, Belize City, where a special lady is celebrating a big milestone. We stopped in to visit with Leonora Patnett for [...]

    Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to Build Mosque
    Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will be breaking ground tomorrow on a parcel of land along the George Price Highway for the construction of a mosque. The group of Muslims has undertaken [...]

    Beloved Jaguar Junior Buddy Passes
    The Belize Zoo today announced the passing of Jaguar “Junior Buddy”. Over the years we have followed the twelve-year-old jaguar, who passed from heart failure, on Thursday evening. The exact [...]

    A New Pre-school for Dangriga Is Coming Soon
    Earlier today, ground was broken by the Ministry of Education to construct a new pre-school building in Dangriga.  On hand for the brief ceremony was Minister of Education, Deputy Prime [...]

    Amandala

    Cops, villagers fight Guat bandits’ thievery
    Residents of San Jose Succotz, which is in close proximity to the Belize-Guatemala border in the western part of the country, are angry and up in arms because Guatemalan bandits frequently come into the village to hold up and rob villagers, and steal vehicles, which are then smuggled into Guatemala. The village chairman, Wilson Pott, said that yesterday, men believed to be bandits from Guatemala were seen scouring the village and taking photos of homes and vehicles parked in some yards. The men were seen in the village a day after a resident, his wife and children were held up in their home on Monday night by three armed, masked men, and his vehicle was stolen.

    Alvin Chi, 35, jacked at home; pickup stolen by Guat bandits
    At about 8:30 last Saturday night, Alvin Chi, 35, a furniture maker, was at home along with his wife and two children when three men came into the house and held him and his wife at gunpoint. Chi was ordered to hand over the keys to his pickup. He immediately complied, and also told them that the vehicle was in good order, and that its gas tank was half-full. He said that the bandits told him that if the vehicle malfunctioned, they would return and kill him and his family, and also, if he reported the matter to police and made comments on Facebook, they would come back and kill him. They then drove away.

    Hipolito Bautista, a true Belizean for all seasons, dead at 69
    Hipolito Bautista, a Belizean whose work in various fields has left an indelible imprint on what it means to be committed to the ideals of national development, died yesterday, Wednesday, December 11, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. He was 69. “Yesterday was a painful day for me, when I learned that ‘Bou’ died”, said Francis Gegg, a longtime friend who described Bautista as being “one of my closet friends—like a brother to me.” Bautista lived with one of his sons in Belmopan. Gegg recalled visiting his friend about three weeks ago and “he was in good spirits.” “I had a very good visit; we laughed a lot. So now I only have the better memories,” said Gegg.

    “Valentine Baptist, you are guilty of murder,” Justice Colin Williams tells prisoner
    At the end of his summary of the Crown’s evidence in the indictment of Valentine Baptist, 30, for the July 2016 murder of Devin Parham, 19, Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams declared: “Valentine Baptist, you are guilty of murder!” The court has set February 13, 2020 as the sentencing date for Baptist. The Crown’s evidence was led by Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell, while Baptist was defended by attorney Simeon Sampson, S.C.

    “Sure I loved the ladies. But I got a bum rap,” says 101-year-old RB
    “Me an my partners had a club — we rented Thistle Hall — and on the weekends we held parties. All the ladies would be inside the hall, waiting for a partner, and the guys would be hanging around outside, doing who knows what. The ladies wanted to dance; I loved to dance; so I danced with all of them,” RB (Roy Belisle) said. God spares life, on December 18 RB will be celebrating his 102nd year on earth, at Harmonyville, where he resides with his caregiver, Ms. Gloria Soriano, and her family. RB isn’t doing so well these days, largely because he is bedridden.

    Traffic lights will bring order to busy intersections in Belize City
    Belize once made it on the US game show Jeopardy with the question: Which country only has one traffic light? Presentely, the folks at Jeopardy cannot bring that same question back, because that reality has changed. Traffic lights have been installed in several municipalities throughout the country. In fact, one week ago, the Belize City Council installed a set of six lights at the busy intersection of Central American Boulevard at its junction with Neal Pen Road. The state-of-the-art traffic lights which confirm to international standards are equipped with cameras that can photograph violations, and drivers who run the red lights are putting themselves at risk of being ticketed through an automated system.

    Clinton Uh Luna honored by Belize-Cuba Group
    This morning at the Belize-Solidarity encounter, the Belize-Cuba Solidarity Group in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba in Belize made a special acknowledgement to Clinton Uh Luna. For many years Mr. Luna has been a unique force for public good by providing articles, excerpts and important information about the history and contemporary life of Cuba. The Amandala newspaper, which celebrates 50 years of service to Belize this year, has created the space for Mr. Luna to express his ideas.

    G Mike Reid names playground the Charlie Burton Park
    G. Michael Reid, a retired police public relations officer, two years ago cleared an area of high bushes near his house on Gibnut Street in order to create a play area for kids of the neighborhood so that they could have fun in a safe space, and in collaboration with others, he has been able to develop the play area into a park. The park is now a full-scale recreational area for the kids and is equipped with a basketball court, and an area for football, and other amenities. The playground was officially named the Charlie Burton Park.

    Cricket Corner – Big and excellent things happening for cricket in Belize!!
    A pleasant time of the day to all cricket enthusiasts! The President of Belize National Cricket Association (BNCA), Dr. Roy Young and the governing body of the Association are highly pleased to inform you all of the continued progress of cricket in Belize. Female National Cricket Team By the time this news hits the streets at home and abroad, fourteen (14) female cricket players will be on their way to Costa Rica to play six games against three teams in the mid-season international tour (Female). According to stats (I stand to be corrected), this is the first time a female cricket team will ever be traveling abroad to participate in any tournament/games.

    Teachers prepare to fight over land — again
    There is new friction between the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) as a result of actions being taken by the ministry in accordance with its Education Quality Improvement Program (EQIP), which has been run by the Ministry of Education since 2015 and was designed to improve the quality of education for primary and secondary students by adequately training educators and developing new schools and educational facilities in the country. The program, which was discussed as recently as December 4 at the last House of Representatives meeting, exists to furnish teachers with the skills and tools necessary to apply more effective learning strategies and yield higher standardized test results.

    Thieves attempt to rob former Belmopan mayor, Anthony Chanona
    One of two thieves pointed a gun at former mayor of Belmopan, businessman Anthony Chanona, and tried to rob him, but he struggled with his attackers. The second thief threw him to the ground, but Chanona screamed for help and the two thieves ran away. Luckily the former mayor was not injured. Chanona told police that he was walking from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, located near the Ring Road in Belmopan, at the end of a church service on Monday night.

    Akeem Trapp, 23, arraigned for murder of Glenford Hinds, 36
    Akeem Trapp, 23, a laborer of Flowers Bank, Belize District, has been charged with murder for the death of popular Punta Gorda resident Glenford Hinds, 36, and with attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and grievous dangerous harm for shooting Anthony Valentine, 26, a laborer of Punta Gorda, who is fighting for his life in the Southern Regional Hospital.

    Lloyd King, 25, pleads guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter
    Lloyd King, 25, who was indicted for the March 4, 2013 murder of Ronald Rivers, 28, entered a guilty plea for the lesser charge of manslaughter when he appeared in the Supreme Court of Justice Marilyn Williams yesterday, Tuesday, December 10. After King agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter, Crown Counsel Sheringe Rodriguez amended his indictment to reflect the change. Today, the court heard a mitigation plea on King’s behalf from his grandmother, Lonette Maskall.

    Alvin Chi, 35, jacked at home; pickup stolen by Guat bandits
    At about 8:30 last Saturday night, Alvin Chi, 35, a furniture maker, was at home along with his wife and two children when three men came into the house and held him and his wife at gunpoint. Chi was ordered to hand over the keys to his pickup. He immediately complied, and also told them that the vehicle was in good order, and that its gas tank was half-full. He said that the bandits told him that if the vehicle malfunctioned, they would return and kill him and his family, and also, if he reported the matter to police and made comments on Facebook, they would come back and kill him. They then drove away.

    Deon Badillo, 27, dies 9 days after being knocked down
    Dion Badillo, 27, a laborer of Hattieville, was riding to work on his bicycle on the George Price Highway in Hattieville, on Sunday, November 24, when he was knocked down from behind by a man on a motorcycle. Badillo, it seems, did not suffer visible injuries. He was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and released. His mother told us that she was rather surprised that he was released quickly, but at home Badillo began to suffer with pain in his neck and he had severe headaches.

    Editorial: Our senators need some teeth
    Some of the most brilliant minds Belize has produced have served in the Senate, and the debates in that arm of government testify to that. Most Belizeans would say that they learn more from the debates in the Senate than they do from debates in the House of Representatives, which are oftentimes given to grandstanding. The trouble for Belize is that where the more serious talk is, there is very limited power, and where the sometimes wasteful talk is, power is unfettered. One of the longest serving senators in our country, present Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon. Godwin Hulse, was the senator representing the business sector in May, 2007, when, speaking on a bill that would transfer millions of dollars in assets at BTL, to Telemedia, he expressed his frustration with the impotence of the body.

    Fatal collision in Trinidad
    At about 5:30 this morning, Leonardo Vasquez, 23, a farmer of Trial Farm, Orange Walk District, who was driving his motorcycle on the La Union Road from Trial Farm to August Pine Ridge, Orange Walk District, slammed into a tractor in a head-on collision and died almost immediately. Police say that the motorcyclist fell onto the road, and died from massive head and body injuries. The motorcycle, which was lodged under the tractor, erupted in flames, causing the wheels of the tractor to ignite, and also begin burning.

    From the Publisher
    Continuing in our recent series on Creole leadership in the second half of the twentieth century, we now come to the man Dean Russell Lindo, an economist and attorney who founded the People’s Development Movement (PDM) in 1969, and then became the first Leader of today’s ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) in September of 1973. (Lindo resigned as UDP Leader following the UDP’s shock defeat in the 1979 general election.) If you study the life and career of the late Dean Lindo closely, you will be forced to the conclusion that he was a selfish, self-centered individual. Married twice, to two of the most beautiful women in our lifetime, Lindo fathered one child, a son, Martin, with the former Eva Elizabeth “Betty” Fairweather, but the record indicated that he never paid that much attention to his only son.

    Tutbay Yabra FC U-10 and Caesar Ridge U-13 are champions of 2019 Future Little League U-10 & U-13 Football Tournament
    The Future Football Club U-10 & U-13 Little League Football Tournament kicked off on Saturday, October 5, at the ITVET Football Field in Belize City; and this past Saturday, December 7, saw the culmination of the tournament, with third place games in each category preceding the championship games, followed by an awards ceremony. Special guest for the occasion was legendary Belize City striker, Norman “Tilliman” Nunez/Pipersburgh, who was accompanied by former champion goalkeeper turned coach and now FFB coaching instructor, “Marvellous” Marvin “Hagler” Ottley.

    Corozal F.A. Opening Season Week 12 report
    This week marked the closing of the regular season for our Corozal Football Association (CFA) U-13 Male tournament, and the first leg of the U-20 Semifinals. Another successful week of our Youth Football Tournaments 2019! It has been a total success. This has been possible, thanks to each and every player and parent, as well as match officials, organizers, and foremost to the club owners/managers for their undivided time rendered to their players.

    Belize Women Cricket Team to Costa Rica for international tournament
    Fourteen ladies that form the National Women Cricket Team are leaving Belize on Thursday to play in the Mid-Season International Tour (Women) in Costa Rica. They are expected to play six games against three teams from Costa Rica. This is the first international outing for the Belize Women Cricket Team. The team is comprised of ladies from the Belize River Valley, and their average age is 30. Two Level One umpires are accompanying the team.

    Eckert Lewis interviewed by Charles Bartlett Hyde
    As a young boy of 8 or 9 years old, Eckert Lewis used to walk in the streets in the vicinity of 86 Eve Street, Belize City, where he lived at the time. Nothing unusual about this, except that a pair of boxing gloves hung from his neck by their lacing, and any of the boys he encountered on the way were welcome to try a round or two. The gloves were a present from his elder sister, Jean, who felt that he ought to have his own equipment since he seemed to have an addiction to the sport. A neighbor, Mr. Gilbert Bradley, had bought a pair of gloves for his sons, and Eckert was spending all his spare time at the Bradley’s. The other boys in the neighborhood were attracted also, but none of them had a relative with the generosity and foresight of Sister Jean.

    Krismos shirts for 3 columnists (none for Canul Luna)
    I really would have liked to buy shirts for all columnists in Belize, because I look to them for energy every week, but I have my budget. In the columns sections of the weeklies, it’s all about enlightenment, entertainment, political spin, independent spin, and flavor. Keep up the great work, all of you. Quién sabe, if you didn’t get a shirt from me this year, God spare life and my niece, Jacinta (AMANDALA’s business manager), remaining supportive of my having a column in the great Amandala, you might get the special next year Krismos. My first shirt goes to Mike Rudon of the Reporter. Braa, if you have to go to a pub for a little libation so you feel the spirit of the season, take only enough money to cover a few drinks and wear my shirt which says: “If yu buy mi a drink my family will kill yu”.

    Musings by the Curious Nonconformist
    I break my long-standing absence from my column by referencing and reflecting on the great words of Maestro Yasser Musa: “I recognize the beacon that is Cuba and its revolution, especially to the micro-nations, like us, of the earth. In the face of great adversity, we continue to struggle to determine who we are and it is our responsibility to teach solidarity and social justice.” Cuba is affectionately referred to as “la isla bella” for good reason; it is a remarkably beautiful country, of even more beautiful people, one of the world’s greatest contributors to the art and music industries, and she has a heartbeat which she marches to without apology.

    Matron’s sister, Millicent, rescues Lucille
    Nine weeks was not a long time for Lucille to wind up her affairs and vacate the government premises that had been her home since arriving in the town as a bride for what seemed so long ago, but right after the departure of her in-laws she had applied herself to this task. One of the first things she had done was get in touch with Mrs. Atkins, whose assistance and advice made the transition from the secure life of a Senior Civil Servant’s wife to ordinary citizen as smooth as possible. With her help she had been able to sell all unused linens, the leftover wedding gifts and the furniture, except for the baby’s crib, dresser, pram and her sewing-machine with its table.

    Bandits – Verdes, 1-1 in PLB Finals Game 1; Game 2 “for all the marbles” this weeken
    The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Opening Season is down to its final game this coming weekend, after game 1 of the final series ended in a 1-1 draw last night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium between home standing Bandits Sport and Verdes FC. Verdes took a 1-nil lead at the 35th minute, after left midfielder Denmark Casey’s cross-goal floater found advancing right-side striker Krisean Lopez, who unleashed a right-footed half-volley from 15 yards that caromed off the body of Bandits defender Carlos Urtilla and past goalkeeper Shane Orio into the net.

    Only the people can save the people
    Dear Editor, Election season in Belize has started. Although my philosophy is antagonistic to most politicians, I engage in dialogue. I prefer substance over form. Soon, political manifestos will be issued. Although they are supposed to declare the programs, positions and new ideas of the issuer, they are historically empty promises to a desperate populace. They only highlight the programs, but not the costs or drawbacks.

    Alejandro reminisces about Jerry Cattouse
    Dear Editor, In the From the Publisher column of November 22, 2019, Hyde refers to an Amandala article (Aug. 25/81) about Gerald Cattouse, the eldest son of Minister Albert Cattouse, the right hand of George Price in the 50’s and 60’s. I knew Jerry Cattouse when he had Jerry’s Tours in the 7th St. Zone-1 in Guatemala City. We used to palaver together and drink coffee. Jerry used to help people, especially Belizeans.

    Allegations of corruption against Venezuela’s Juan Guaidó signal end to his leadership quest
    The Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Belize, His Excellency, Ambassador Gerardo Argote, in an exclusive interview with Amandala, updated us on the situation in his country as it relates to what a few months ago appeared to be a parallel government — with President Nicholas Maduro on the one hand and the US-backed “interim president” Juan Guaidó, around whom allegations of corruption are now swirling, on the other. Ambassador Argote declared that Venezuela has won, because his embattled country has been able to avoid a war with neighboring Columbia and a civil war within its own borders. The allegation of corruption against Juan Guaidó has crippled his chances of toppling the Nicholas Maduro government.

    The Reporter

    The Blues At Christmas
    When we hear the word Christmas, for many we envision twinkling lights, Christmas trees, tinsels, ham, turkey, black cake, gifts, rumpopo, and the list of celebratory items goes on and on. It can be said that for many Christmas is a happy time, but also we must acknowledge that Christmas is also a time where we can feel overwhelmed with the packed month of activities.

    Rumble in the Heartland
    ‘District’ and ‘Village’ have always been places of reprieve for city folks and those in urban areas when they want to relax, recharge, rejuvenate and even retire. This can be seen especially during the holiday season and even more so during Easter.

    Late Night Murder In Roaring Creek
    The Reporter has confirmed that a man was murdered in Roaring Creek late last night. That man has been identified as Timroy Neal.

    LOVE FM

    SALE SALE SALE; Police Department Auction
    Today the Belize Police Department held its Police Auction, where they auctioned off various impounded and found property that were never claimed. The police station’s gate on Queen Street, Belize City was surrounded by various people waiting to take home a bicycle or other items. Superintendent of Police, Carol Tucker, told us about where the money acquired from the action is invested.

    Man fatally shot in Roaring Creek
    A brazen shooter fired multiple shots in front of a Chinese store last night, killing a resident of Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District. Love News understands that 28-year-old, Timroy Neal was in front of the establishment. The incident happened just after ten o’clock last night, a few yards away from the Roaring Creek Police sub-station.

    Good bye old friend; Junior Buddy passes away
    Today the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center announced the death of the most famous jaguar in Belize, Junior Buddy. The 12-year-old jaguar passed from heart failure yesterday evening. The exact cause of the heart failure remains unknown, however. Junior Buddy was known as the ambassador of his species.

    Ten thousand dollar fine for Unlawful sex
    Simeon Ortiz , who has been charged with the unlawful sexual intercourse of a minor, was today committed to stand trial in the April 2020 session of the Supreme Court by Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford, after a preliminary inquiry was held.

    Mosque to be built in Belize
    History is being made in Belize with the construction of a mosque. A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, but more than that, it is also a place of peace. The Ahmadiyya Jama’at community in Belize will be having the groundbreaking tomorrow.

    What does Christmas mean to you ?
    Christmas preparation can sometimes be a hassle. The holiday is eleven days away, so Love News Reporter Alisha Valentine took to the streets today to find out what Christmas means to our fellow Belizeans.

    Bike donation by COMPOL
    While the Belize Police Department held its annual auction today, the Commissioner of Police also donated ten bikes to ten children on Gibnut Street. The ComPol was approached by G Michael Reid, who is the founder of the Charly Burton Park on Gibnut Street.

    Vice President of IDB visits Belize
    The Inter-Development Bank (IDB) Vice President visited Belize this week Alexandre Meira da Rosa met with top government officials and private sector representatives to discuss ways of strengthening the Bank’s partnership and cooperation with the Government and private sector to ensure the country’s sustainable development.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Another ‘school girls fighting’ video goes viral
    Another video of young Belizean girls fighting in their high school uniform has gone viral. […]

    Armed camouflage bandits get ‘vigilante justice’ in Guinea Grass
    Minutes ago, Breaking Belize News reported, and shared a video, of an armed robbery at […]

    Armed men dressed in camouflage rob grocery store in Guinea Grass
    Breaking Belize News (BBN) is reliably informed that Zen Zen grocery store in Guinea Grass, […]

    Police officer from Santa Elena wanted for questioning regarding firearm theft
    A wanted poster was issued for a police constable from Santa Elena, Cayo. The officer […]

    Fisherman charged $2,000 for fishing inside a protected marine reserve
    It is officially unlawful to fish or enter a protected area in Belize under most […]

    Students strive for a green Christmas
    This Christmas season, various schools have participated in projects aimed at improving the environment, through […]

    One dead in road traffic accident on the Hummingbird Highway
    Breaking Belize News (BBN) has confirmed that one person is dead and another is hospitalized […]

    Road traffic accident in Pomona Village, Stann Creek
    A road traffic accident occurred a short while ago in Pomona Village, Stann Creek. According […]

    Orlando Salazar, 28, charged for robbing a police officer
    Orlando Salazar, 28, one of two men who the police believe tried to rob police constable […]

    The Belize Zoo mourns the passing of “Junior Buddy”
    The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (TBZ) sadly announced today the passing of its […]

    Almost 100 Belizeans deported from the US in 2019
    An article published today on newsamericasnow.com says that for the fiscal year 2019, over 5,000 […]

    Report crimes with Crime Stoppers’ P3 Tips app
    Crime Stoppers Belize is urging the public to assist in solving crimes. Crime Stoppers Belize […]

    Timroy Neal killed in Roaring Creek, Cayo
    Roaring Creek resident, Timroy Neal, was shot and killed last night in Roaring Creek, Cayo. […]

    Blogs

    Let’s get jolly with Christmas Rompope!
    . One libation that stands out as a Christmas concoction is eggnog, or as we Belizean know it, Rompope. The egg-based drink is seasoned with local spices and is a true taste of home. Rompope has always been present at family festivities during the holiday but never had I tried it. It wasn’t until recently that I got to sample the boozy Christmas drink made by the top distillery in Belize.

    A Trio of Big Airline News For Belize
    Tropic Air commemorated its 40th birthday December 11th, and the airline celebrated with customers. I missed the festivities the following day as I was already slated for two events – a salon party followed by a deli and real estate event. I got my celebration in a day early with a flight to Belmopan and back. While flying from Belmopan to San Pedro, I had a chance to get some great footage of the new Caye Caulker terminal and a cool runway shot. We were originally supposed to stop at Belize City Municipal Airport but got rerouted. I love flying in Belize, it helps me remember how much open space we have.

    Belize Christmas Gift Ideas
    Christmas is 12 days away! It time to get your notepad out to start writing down what’s on your Christmas list, and what your shopping list is for your friends and family. Here are our top Christmas Gift Ideas from Belize.

    The Annual Christmas Bird Count
    In Belize, the average person may know Christmas is near when seeing the annual migrating flock of Tree Swallows migrating in the hundreds, if not thousands. For Belizean birders? The tell-tale sign is the annual Christmas Bird Count. Rooted in bird conservation, the Christmas Bird Count is an annual early-winter bird census that relies on the participation of community volunteers. First started by the National Audubon Society in the USA as their longest-standing citizen-science program 120 years ago, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was adapted in Belize by the founding members of the Belize Audubon Society in 1969 for the Belize City CBC.

    International Sourcesizz

    Ninety Percent Of Predatory Fish Gone From Caribbean Coral Reefs Due To Overfishing
    Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that up to 90 percent of predatory fish are gone from Caribbean coral reefs, straining the ocean ecosystem and coastal economy. The good news? They identified reefs, known as supersites, which can support large numbers of predator fishes that if reintroduced, can help restore the environmental and economic setback inflicted by overfishing. The team surveyed 39 reefs across the Bahamas, Cuba, Florida, Mexico and Belize, both inside and outside , to determine how much fish had been lost by comparing on pristine sites to fish biomass on a typical reef. They estimated the biomass in each location and found that 90 percent of were gone due to overfishing.

    Happy feet: Priyanka Chopra is partnering with Crocs to donate 50,000 clogs to school children
    Footwear major Crocs announced today that it is partnering with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra-Jonas to donate 50,000 pairs of the company’s classic clogs to school children in Belize. The charitable contribution is a part of the actor’s mission to help children around the world - those particularly from underserved backgrounds and discriminated communities - by providing them opportunities to advance academically and raise their standard of living.

    Indigenous groups rally to protect Latin America's threatened forests
    Central American countries are teaming up to conserve the region’s five great forests as part of a regional climate action plan released at U.N. climate talks in Madrid this week, the alliance behind the effort said. The coalition of governments, indigenous people, green groups and others announced a plan to protect 10 million hectares of forests and degraded land inside those forests - an area roughly the size of Guatemala - by 2030. In the last 15 years, three of the forests have been reduced by almost one-quarter in size, with illegal cattle ranching responsible for more than 90% of recent deforestation, it said.

    Belize’s low property prices lure US buyers
    Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email [email protected] to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. https://www.ft.com/content/165d1fc0-174f-11ea-b869-0971bffac109 It will be turkey with trimmings at David Green and Elaine Thwaite’s house this Christmas — cooked by Elaine’s son Jack, previously a chef at Scott’s in Mayfair, London. This traditionally English-sounding affair, however, will take place deep in the Mayan jungle in Belize, where Green and Thwaite run the Hidden Haven resort in the Cayo district’s San Ignacio. They paid $300,000 for the 15-acre resort, which includes two main houses and cabanas for holiday lets. “The hardest elements have been opening a bank account, due to money-laundering checks, finding good workmen and learning to be more laid-back, because most people here are,” says Green.

    Videos

  • Love FM's 12 Days of Christmas - "Christmas is for Children", 2hr30min. Love FM's 12 Days of Christmas Night 1 "Christmas is for Children"

  • Christmas Hamper Drive, 1/2min. BEL employees have contributed to our Christmas Hamper Drive and are preparing to make deliveries to deserving families countrywide. We are grateful to our team for continuing this annual tradition for the 21st consecutive year!

  • BIFF 2019 Winners Video, min. The Belize International Film Festival created a video of all this year's winners. Tecuani & the Duende won twice, and the Belikin video about the Chiquibul also won an award.

  • Belize with some friends, 15min. We are in Belize for a month and we welcomed many friends from France. We had enough time to explore all the atolls and to make some nice scuba diving. Navigation is so stressful into the reef and the atolls because it’s so shallow and charts are not so accurate.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - CAROL BERNADETTE BOWMAN NEE MEDINA, 3.5min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - MARIE VERONICA BELLINI, 2min.

  • Channel 5 Obituaries - KIMBERLY PHILLIPA NADO, 2.5min.

  • The Association for Protected Areas Management Organization - Update, 21min. How much do you know about The Association for Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO)? Here's some interesting facts: 1.They currently manage 1.13 million acres of Belize's protected areas. 2. 14 of the 17 protected areas are members of APAMO. 3. They complete their programs through grant funding. Representatives of APAMO talked with us about their work and upcoming events.

  • Grove House Restaurant / Grove House at Sleeping Giant Lodge, 43min. The Belize Collection Resorts, Restaurants & Residences is a stunning collection of world class Resorts, Restaurants and Residences in Belize. We invited them to share a recipe from the Grove House Restaurant - a two time winner of Restaurant of the Year. The chefs prepared a tangerine and pineapple duck breast with a side of coconut Yampi topped with wilted Spinach. If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional meal for this Christmas this is a succulent dish you can prepare at home.

  • Preventative Checks - Dr. Fernando Cuellar, 33min. Dr. Fernando Cuellar, Internist at the Belize Medical Associates gave us timely reminders of the preventative checks we should take to stay on top of our health.

  • My Brother's Keeper, 45min. My Brother's Keeper is a program that seeks to give school-aged children mentors that can help them to see potential in life and to pursue positive changes. It's the brainchild of two existing community groups who work in the Southside of Belize. Today they shared a bit about the objectives of the program.

  • The Pilgrimage Foundation, 43min. Ambassador Atallah Shabazz is the eldest daughter of Malcom X and the Founder of The Pilgrimage Foundation. She has been visiting Belize over the past 17 years working with various populations doing philanthropic work. Today she talked with us about her latest seminar on balancing the scales between wisdom, wellness and work.

  • 10th edition of the Habinahan Wanaragua Competition, 26min. This year marks the 10th edition of the Habinahan Wanaragua Competition. We invited the organizers to tell us about the plans to mark this milestone and to talk about the cultural impact and connection to Belizean Christmas. We were also treated to some performances for the reigning junior champions.

  • Jason Ramos New Punta music, 12min. In our new artist feature we heard music from Jason Ramos who is hoping to make his mark on Punta music.

  • Travellers Cocktails, 14min. Travellers Cocktails gave us two recipes that you can try for your Christmas parties. Jordan Ramclam, Travellers Mixologist, made the drinks featuring Blackberry Wine and Rum Popo.

  • Musical guest - 501 Genesis a band from Belmopan, 37min. Today's musical guest is a band from Belmopan called 501 Genesis. They are releasing their first project entitled "Time Fi Di Youth." We chatted with them about the project and work they put into creating inspirational music for today's youth.

  • CENTAUR'S COUNTDOWN TO MEGA CHRISTMAS BRAM 2019, 2hr.

  • Wake up Belize Dec 13 2019, 2hr.

  • 12 days of Christmas, 2hr45min.

  • Krem Krismus Night 5, 2hr.

  • Don & Bill’s Belize Dives Family Version, 23min.

  • Flight from Belize City to San Pedro, 3min.

  • Belize Dec 2019 Our 25th anniversary, 18min.

  • Cristo Rey Youth Group Video Cayo, Belize, 8.5min. Creating a society in which all young people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We envision the Cristo Rey Youth Center to be the center of the community and a tool for creating a stronger community through access to education, sports and counselling.

  • December 2019 Ambergris Caye sargasso free!!!!, 15sec. The beaches on the island are beautiful no signs of sargasso!!!!

  • Christmas In Town 2019 | Live At The Falcon Field, San Ignacio, 50min.

  • Christmas In Town 2019 | Live At The Falcon Field, San Ignacio, 20min.

    December 13, 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 Police officers prepare for bike patrol
    Officers attached to the San Pedro Police Formation are being trained for bicycle patrol. Members of the Tourism Police Unit are currently on bike patrol and to have more personnel available when needed, four police constables received training on Tuesday, December 10th. This took place at the Boca del Rio Park and was conducted by Sergeant and Head of the Operational Unit Samuel Gladden, along with police constable Harris Gabourel.

    GOB turns down financial package for gill net transition, sets new regulation for fishing licenses
    The Government of Belize (GOB) announced on Thursday, December 5th its intention to control and eventually phase out the use of gill nets in Belizean waters over the course of two years. This mechanism includes a moratorium on gill net licenses, restrictions on its importation based on licenses and usage in the southernmost waters of the country. Such a move by GOB was not well received by marine conservation organization entities like Oceana Belize, who believe the decision will allow for the continued practice of the destructive fishing method.

    Tropic Air celebrates its most senior employees!
    40 years of providing air service to Belize can only be achieved by having loyal, hard-working employees. Tropic Air Belize is happy to acknowledge its longest-standing staff members who have been an integral part of the growth of the company. John E. Greif III, President, and Steve Schulte, CEO, were pleased to join five of six employees who have worked at Tropic for well over 30 years for a quick photo op in preparation for their grand celebration!

    Ambergris Today

    San Pedro Boasts Second Largest Fire Truck Fleet In Country
    The San Pedro Fire Department can now boast the second largest fleet of fire trucks in the country as a donation of twin trucks boosted its fleet to four fire trucks. The donation took place today, Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the San Pedro Fire Station where Hon. Edmund Castro, Hon. Manuel Heredia and Mayor Daniel Guerrero officially accepted the donation from Casa de la Caye Villas.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    COROZAL ESSAY COMPETITION
    Topic is "The true meaning of Christmas" - Must attend High School in the Corozal District. 1st Prize $60 and 2nd Prize $40. Please read rules on the below flyer. Winners will be announced December 23rd, 2019. Email your submission to [email protected] by midday on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 or drop off entries in envelope marked "The Bay Pulse" at Mama Lowes's on 4th Avenue (next to the public library) by midday December 21st, 2019.

    First Form students from Belmopan Comprehensive High School visit the Olmec Roundabout
    Today, First Form students from Belmopan Comprehensive High School visited the Olmec Roundabout to observe and learn more about the colossal Olmec head donated to Belize by the Embassy of Mexico in Belize. Many thanks to Amb. Carlos Quesnel for joining us and to his team, Ms. Paulina and Ms. Montserrat, for engaging with the students.

    New Fire Trucks in San Pedro
    On Thursday, December 12, 2019, The San Pedro Fire Station increased its fleet from two fire trucks to FOUR fire trucks, making it the second largest fleet in the country, since it received TWO fire trucks today that was donated by Mr. Brad Campbell and Mr. Mark Brakken from Casas de la Caye Villas. In a short ceremony, Pastor Clive Welsh offered an inspirational invocation, followed by Mayor Daniel Guerrero who welcomed everyone to the Handing Over event and expressed his sincere gratitude to Casas De La Caye Villas for their contribution towards the community.In his speech, the Mayor emphasized on the importance of these vehicles as one will be stationed in North Ambergris Caye and the other in South Ambergris Caye.

    The Construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters Building in Belmopan
    Today, December 12, 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs received the second and final tranche of payment for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in the City of Belmopan. The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has partnered with the Government of Belize to provide the necessary funding for the construction of the 20,000 gross square footage modern and sustainable facility which is now 70% complete. It is anticipated that the building will be completed by June 2020.

    Historic Launch - The Joint UH-UWI Center for Sustainable Development at the University of Havana, Cuba
    The week of activity for the 47th Anniversary of Cuba-CARICOM Relations culminated with the opening of the Joint University of Havana - University of the West Indies Center for Sustainable Development of the Caribbean at the University of Havana. A similar center is intended for the Mona Campus in Jamaica. The joint campus initiative is the first of its kind for the University of Havana. Its significance is that it is with a Caribbean institution. The 291-year-old University of Havana is highly respected and has research links with many of the world’s leading institutions.

    Quality Poultry Products Adopts Corozal Intersection Park
    Release from QPP - "Quality Poultry Products is excited to present to you the newly transformed intersection park in Corozal Town. As a social partner we wanted to give back to the community of Corozal, as well as to demonstrate our commitment that we are here to stay! We thank the Corozal Town Council for allowing us the opportunity to adopt the intersection park".

    Channel 7

    Police Officer Is Wanted Man
    Tonight police are looking for one of their own - reportedly after a few guns went missing from the precinct three station.   22 year old Police constable Nadir Mendoza from Santa Elena town is the subject of a wanted poster that went out this morning.   According to reports, he is a person of interest in relation to at least two guns which went missing from the Queen Street station.   The guns went missing over the weekend - and initial reports are that the constable was detained.

    COMPOL Putting Out Citizen Security Fires On The Western Front
    For the past two weeks we've been reporting on carjackings in the west - led most likely by cross border bandits pressing into border communities.   Well, police hope to put a stop to it.   This morning, a convoy of Police and BDF left Benque's police station and headed down the Arenal road.  Cherisse Halsall traveled to Benque and beyond to see what the cops are doing to thwart trans-national crime. It's been an intense two weeks for the people of Benque, Succotz, and the surrounding areas. 

    COMPOL, Yes to Succotzeños Aggressive Neighborhood Watch
    And what police are battling in Arenal - they are also fighting in Succotz.  The bandits have been operating between the two western villages and the town of Benque Viejo. As we told you last night, Succotz residents organized and armed themselves to expel bandits from their area. Now, some facebook accounts portrayed this in an exaggerated narrative, with clear racist undertones.  Compol Williams said he lent that no credence, but underscored his support of that kind of concerted community action:

    Cop Who Choked Tillett On Interdiction
    Compol Williams also commented on the story that's been much in the news recently.  It's the case of the police officer seen choking Anthony Tillett.  Williams says he's seen the video and action has been taken: Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police: "I did saw that video, and I will say it is disturbing and I have given instructions to professional standard's branch to move expeditiously with that matter. I know the officer has been placed on disciplinary charge and will be interdicted from duty. The complaint that Mr. Tillett, does not wish to proceed with criminal charges against the officer, so we're only proceeding internally against him and whenever that matter is disposed to the tribunal, then we will see where it goes from there..."

    Civilian Complaint Review Committee Looking At Choking Complaint
    And, another non-police oversight body has also been reviewing the case.  This morning, the rarely - heard - from Civilian Complaint Review Committee posted on its Facebook page that it yesterday reviewed complaints against the Police for November 2019. They looked at complaints from Jordy Usher of Georgeville, and the video of Anthony Tillett being assaulted. 

    Fiery Traffic Fatality In Trinidad Village
    A man on a motorcycle lost his life early this morning on the Trinidad/August Pine Ridge Road in the Orange Walk District. He is 25-year-old Leonardo Velasquez, and he crashed head-on into a trailer that was attached to a tractor. At today's police press briefing, the Deputy Head of the National Criminal Investigation's Branch discussed the deadly accident: Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Thursday, the 12th day of December 2019, at around 5:30 a.m., there was a fatal road traffic accident on the Trinidad/August Pine Ridge Road in Orange Walk..."

    Fog Was A Factor In Fatality
    But there was one significant factor that did contribute to the accident. And that is fog. An eyewitness told CTV-3 that at 5:00 this morning, the fog caused limited visibility. Ronald Castaneda's father was driving the tractor and he was on the trailer behind it: Ronald Castaneda - Eyewitness: "We came early this morning and the mist was thick and heavy, it was like about 5:00 in the morning and we came illuminating the area with our headlights and the tractor also had its lights to see the road but the mist was very strong. My dad was driving and I was coming in the trailer with the workers and we stopped to enter but we did not see any lights that were coming and my dad tried to enter to go to the cane field and the motorcycle crashed into the tractor and the unfortunately the man died."

    Belama Burglars Came Across River
    So, while the cops are trying to decide if they will bring charges for this morning's fatal accident, they continue to look for suspects for Monday afternoon's aggravated burglary in the Belama Phase 1 area of Belize City. As we reported, two females, a 22-year-old housekeeper and a 17-year-old minor were at a home on Samuel Haynes Street when armed burglars broke in and tied them up.  They also robbed a male employee on the way out.   What they didn't count on was that a vigilant neighbor was armed, and he opened fire on them as they tried to escape. They fired 2 shots back, dropped a suitcase full of stolen liquor in the process. 

    Police Looking For Big H Robbers
    The string of Christmas Holiday crimes continued yesterday in Belize City. A delivery man from Big H and his helpers were robbed of over a thousand dollars in company cash while they were on the job.  Police told us this morning, that the attackers pounced while the delivery man was make a sale to a grocery shop on Lacroix Boulevard:

    Compol: Unreported Threats Leads to Deaths
    Tonight both Densmore Bowman and Tariq Devon Lopez remain on the missing persons list. They are among a host of persons reported missing in recent weeks. Also among those were 18 year old, Micheal Cobo and 42-year-old Elito Puc, those men were found dead and terribly mutilated.  Indeed, it's getting to the point that the public presumes the missing to be dead within a week.  We spoke to Commissioner of police Chester Willams today after his Arenal Road tour to ask him about police strategies to locate missing persons. He told us that people are dying senselessly because they refuse to inform police of threats to their lives. 

    Jasmin Was Killed By Stab Wounds
    The family of 36 year old Jasmin Garcia finally got the results of the post mortem examination today. It found that Garcia received head trauma from multiple stab wounds. The family also says Garcia was not sexually assaulted. As we reported, Garcia was killed and her body dumped in the sea in Dangriga.

    Belize Federation of Fishers Rejects Gillnet Regs
    OCEANA, Will Maheai and NGO senator Osmany Salas have spoken out against the Government's position on gill nets, because it is not the full ban that conservationists were expecting. Well, the Belize Federation of Fishers has joined the chorus, stating quote, "Most fishers are of the view that the proposed changes do not go far enough and that the enforcement measures being taken will not be effective. We feel that a total ban is needed". It continues by saying, quote, "more than a dozen gill net fishers have indicated to the BFF that they are prepared to immediately give up their nets providing that alternatives are made available." 

    Costly To Be Caught Fishing At a National Monument
    And while illegal and unregulated fishing in Belize's waters - outside of gill nets - continues to happen to this day many fishers, both local and foreign get away with it.  But one Cowpen Village fisherman didn't. Diogines Gomez pleaded guilty to charges of illegal entry into a natural monument and illegal fishing when he appeared today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts Anderson. 

    SPU Boss Gets Big Extra Payment For September Special Duties
    Our next story is about police overtime.  Well, not overtime, because cops don't make that. But during Easter, September celebrations and December, they do get paid for what's called payment "extraneous hours."  Basically, it's extra hours the cops work to keep criminals at bay while you celebrate.   But, tonight, there is scrutiny surrounding the Police Special Patrol Unit, and particularly its commander Superintendent of Police Aaron Gamboa. The so called "extraneous payments" made to him and his unit for September have been raising eyebrows.  In Gamboa's case - as commander he's claiming 211 "extraneous hours" in September.

    Making Caribbean Sugar A Market Priority
    For several months now, we've been telling you about the important meeting of the Caribbean Ministers of Trade at the Council for Trade and Economic Development or COTED for short. 
    It is an important decision-making arm of CARICOM that specifically oversees the Caribbean trade market, and the major players in Belize's sugar industry were eagerly anticipating that it would take the necessary steps to promote the trade of regionally produced sugar within the Caribbean.  Well, a press release from the Sugar Association of Caribbean, of which Belize is a member, says that last month's COTED meeting saw positive developments.

    Two More Firetrucks For San Pedro
    If you watch the news with regularity, you will know that San Pedro has seen the most deadly fire disasters in Belize with multiple persons perishing in house fires over the years.   Well, finally, there is some relief.  2 Firetrucks were donated today by the owners of Casa de la Caye Villas.  At today's ceremony, Brad Campbell and Mark Bakken, who represented the donors, officially handed over the two fire trucks to a contingent of Government representatives.

    Tropic Boss Opposes An Air Monopoly
    And while San Pedro has two more Firetrucks - it's unlikely that they will have a new air carrier any time soon. And they don't need one.  The island is serviced very regularly by Tropic Air and Maya with dozens of flights a day.  Some say that the competition isn't sustainable - and there have been rumors for years that the two companies may have to consider a merger.  Tropic's CEO says it's not a good idea:… Jules Vasquez
    "Are the air route, air ways, or skies in Belize, is it large enough for two major carriers like Tropic and Maya Island?"

    Allegedly Tried To Rob Cop
    Last week Tuesday, we told you about 31-year-old Dillon Diamond. The cops say that he's the parolee who tried to rob an off-duty police officer, and tonight, the man who was reportedly his accomplice is out on bail. He's 28-year-old Orlando Salazar, and he was arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson the offense of attempted robbery. He pleaded not guilty to the offense, and he was released on bail of $5,000. He must return to court on February 13th, 2020.

    Lights, Camera, Selfies?
    If you are a selfie queen like many of us are - (and I won't call any names) you will know that lighting is everything. Well, it goes beyond lighting in photography. Mexican photographer Esdras Castillo is in Belize offering training for Belizean photographers. He is showing the participants all the camera tips and tricks to capture the best photos. The workshop started this afternoon at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. Here is more. Diego Sapien - Director, Mexican Cultural Institute: "It is going to be a two-day workshop for Belizean photographers in general people who are interested in photographic arts, to understand it a bit more and to do it in little tricks and manoeuvres of the camera to do it in a professional level."

    IDB VP In Bze
    The Inter American-Development Bank's Vice President, Alexandre Meira De Rosa, visited Belize this week to meet with top government officials and members of the private sector. He was here to discuss how the bank's partnership and cooperation with the Government and the private sector could be strengthened to ensure the country's continued sustainable development. 
    The IDB Vice President was accompanied by Cassandra Rogers, the IDB Country Representative, and he paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Dean Barrow. The IDB executive also met with Joy Grant, the Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, to discuss the current macroeconomic and fiscal conditions in Belize. They also had meetings with key private sector partners to discuss collaboration opportunities.

    Channel 5

    Putting an End to the Guatemalan Bandits in the West
    A surge in the theft of vehicles, mostly S.U.V.s, in the communities along the western border, has put the police and residents on high alert.  In the past few days, [...]

    A Crime Fighting Strategy for the West
    Forming part of today’s tour was Operations Commander, Senior Superintendent Marco Vidal. Vidal spoke to the leaders of representatives of the communities to get a better feel of things and [...]

    A twenty-five year old dies when his motorcycle collided into a tractor
    A horrible traffic accident early this morning claimed one life on a main thoroughfare. It happened in the village of Trinidad up north where a twenty-five year old resident on [...]

    BDF Salaries to be Adjusted, Despite Delays
    A salary adjustment for members of the Belize Defense Force has been long in the making, bringing up to par the wages of all three arms of the national security [...]

    GOB Seeking to Recover Excess Monies Paid to BDF Soldiers
    While some officers benefited from the initial payout resulting from the salary adjustment, many of them were overpaid and government is now seeking to recover the extras.   Isani Cayetano [...]

    Ministry of Education says the BNTU has no lease or title to a parcel of land in Corozal
    This evening, the Ministry of Education issued a lengthy statement in respect of a parcel of land in Corozal Town where it intends to build a pre-school. The land in [...]

    ComPol holds public meeting in San Jose Succotz
    Commissioner Chester Williams met with residents of Succotz on Wednesday night at a public meeting to discuss safety and security in the village. As we reported, villagers were frustrated and [...]

    Officer Caught on Video Beating Man Placed on Interdiction
    An internal investigation is underway into the brutal beat down of Anthony Tillett at the hands of police officers. Tillett was purchasing at a store on Faber’s Road, not too [...]

    Cpl Darrel Usher Withdraws Challenge to Transfer
    Well-known Corporal Darrel “Tutsi” Usher, of Belize City, has withdrawn his challenge regarding his transfer. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams directed the transfer of Usher from the Hattieville sub-station to [...]

    Home Invasions in Belama on the Rise?
    Armed thieves, believed to be residents of St. Martin’s area of Belize City, are said to be operating in a ring that has been involved in a number of aggravated [...]

    Police Say They Are Seeking Two Suspects
    The most recent incident was preceded by a similar home invasion a week ago on the same street, leading investigators to believe that a band of thieves may be targeting [...]

    ComPol Williams Comments on Anisha Young
    It’s been one year since twenty-two-year-old Anisha Young vanished without a trace. Her family has given up hope that she is alive and has been doing all they can to [...]

    ComPol speaks on missing persons trend
    In recent weeks there has been a number of persons reported missing – some of those men, the likes of Elito Puc, Michael Cobo and Jaswant Brooks, have been found [...]

    A hefty fine for illegal fishing
    A fisherman charged with illegal fishing took a guilty plea in court today. Forty-one- year-old Diogenes Murillo Gomez was caught fishing in a forbidden area and will have to pay [...]

    Pizza driver is accused of robbery
    A driver for Pizza Express, twenty-year-old Orlando Salazar, was arraigned on a charge of robbery before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson. He pleaded not guilty and was offered bail in the [...]

    Big H Deliverymen Robbed on La Croix Boulevard
    One more item on the crime blotter; a trio of deliverymen was held at gunpoint on Wednesday morning as they were delivering Big H products at a shop on La [...]

    Saldivar believes there should be a ban on Gillnets
    The decision by the government not to ban the use of gill nets is being defended by Minister John Saldivar. In a social media post on his page, Saldivar writes [...]

    BFF Seeks Gillnet Ban Despite GOB’s Position
    The Belize Federation of Fishers is the latest organization to come out against government’s decision not to discontinue the use of gillnets, despite a concerted effort by several stakeholder groups [...]

    IDB conducts high level visit to Belize
    There was a high level visit by representatives of the International Development Bank this week. Vice President Alexandre Meira da Rosa accompanied by Country Representative Cassandra, met with top government [...]

    DFC treats Youth Hostel for Xmas!
    Every year the D.F.C. spreads cheer for the Christmas season and today the Belize City branch office went to the Youth Hostel to spread some good tidings. They provided lunch [...]

    Healthy Living looks at the serious problem of obesity among children
    Obesity is listed as a chronic illness. Genetics, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle all contribute to being overweight and obese. But obesity can also lead to common diseases: diabetes, hypertension, heart [...]

    The Reporter

    Early Morning RTA In Orange Walk: Motorcyclist Died
    There was a fatal traffic accident on the outskirts of Trinidad Village in the Orange Walk District at approximately 6am. this morning (Thursday, Dec. 12).

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Late night murder in Roaring Creek
    Breaking Belize News (BBN) has confirmed that there was a late night murder that occurred […]

    San Pedro/Ambergris Caye receives 2 more Fire Trucks
    Today San Pedro and Caye Caulker received two more fire trucks. On hand to receive […]

    Accused truck thief charged; Yohnny Rosado wants payback
    By Aaron Hume: Twenty-three-year-old Armando Medina, former supervisor at Transparent BPO, is accused of the theft of a […]

    Conservatives forecast to win UK general election and proceed with Brexit
    Exit polls released at 10 p.m. UK time (4 p.m. Belize time) have predicted a […]

    New Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Belmopan almost complete
    Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington received the second and final tranche of […]

    Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries calls on gillnet fishers to voice their concerns
    The Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries issued a statement today adding to the ongoing and controversial […]

    The Annual Christmas Bird Count
    By Carolee Chanona: Rooted in bird conservation, the annual bird census brings participants of all ages and experiences […]

    Case dropped against one of two men accused of murder
    Justice Colin Williams released Lenford Harris Jr., 22, one of two brothers charged with the murder […]

    Commissioner discusses crime-fighting strategies with residents in Western Belize
    Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams hosted a community meeting last night in San Jose Succotz […]

    Belize Federation of Fishers pressure for gillnet ban
    The Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF) issued a statement today informing that it held an […]

    Short Term Financial Solutions From A Focused Customer Company
    With regulatory bodies and international monetary agencies tightening the noose of compliance on traditional finance companies, short term […]

    Blogs

    A Peek at Tropic Air’s New Caye Caulker Terminal on Their 40th Anniversary
    The flight between the islands is maybe my favorite “tour” in Belize. Couple the view with the excitement of being back in Belize? There is no better way to get to your destination. You can see the old terminal in the forefront of this picture. And behind it…THE NEW! Modern and sleek but low-key and natural. I’m a giant fan and, if you know me, I don’t like change! This change, I like. Big windows to watch the planes and enjoy the view. Inside is not 100% ready yet – really just some finishing touches and finishing the bathrooms. Spoiler alert: these might be the nicest bathrooms in the country. Seriously.

    10 Reasons To Retire In Belize
    If you’re from North America or Europe, you may be looking for a nice place to retire that offers features that you can’t get in your home country. Belize is becoming an increasingly popular place to retire for people from North America and Europe due to several factors. Here are the top ten reasons to choose Belize as a retirement destination:

    Bicycles In Belize
    Belize conjures up images of sand, sea, rainforests, and Maya pyramids. While this is true, have you ever stopped to contemplate how we get around or what sports we enjoy? What about cars and other modes of transport? The bicycle has been a staple in the daily life of Belizeans since colonial times. Many years ago, they were used because they were cheaper than cars and distances were short. Even children used to ride to school, as adults rode to work. Today, the bicycle is a vital aspect of our lives, and has different meanings and uses to everyone.

    The Final Holiday Boat Parade
    Celebrating its 13th Anniversary in 2019, the annual Holiday Boat Parade is a popular tradition amongst tourists and San Pedranos alike, usually held in the first weekend of December. As the evening reveals its picturesque sunsets, guests begin to position themselves for a front-row into darkness on the island’s waterfront while pre-registered boats ‘line up’ behind the leading jet-ski for the 2-hour display. Boats are free to decorate as they please in an effort to vie for over $10,000 BZD in cash prizes, thanks to numerous local donors and sponsors that have ensured the event’s continuation.

    International Sourcesizz

    BELIZEANS TAKE NOTE - TRAVEL ADVISORY MEXICO - UPDATED: 11 December, 2019
    This Advisory includes the following sections: A. IMMIGRATION B. CUSTOMS C. VEHICLE IMPORTATION D. VEHICLE INSURANCE E. DRIVING IN MEXICO F. PERSONAL SAFETY G. CONSULAR ASSISTANCE H. BELIZEAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN MEXICO

    Explore these pristine, little-known Maya ruins
    National Geographic features Belize's Maya history in video! "Deep in the jungles of Belize you'll find the largest Maya city in the region.

    Belize’s low property prices lure US buyers
    It will be turkey with trimmings at David Green and Elaine Thwaite’s house this Christmas — cooked by Elaine’s son Jack, previously a chef at Scott’s in Mayfair, London. This traditionally English-sounding affair, however, will take place deep in the Mayan jungle in Belize, where Green and Thwaite run the Hidden Haven resort in the Cayo district’s San Ignacio. They paid $300,000 for the 15-acre resort, which includes two main houses and cabanas for holiday lets. “The hardest elements have been opening a bank account, due to money-laundering checks, finding good workmen and learning to be more laid-back, because most people here are,” says Green. “But we live just 20 minutes from the capital, Belmopan, we have hundreds of Mayan ruins to explore, wonderful beaches and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.”

    Tiffany Trump returns to snowy New York after Belize trip
    ‘The cold never bothered me anyway!‘ Tiffany Trump returns to snowy New York after spending two weeks on a romantic spring break trip in Belize with boyfriend Ross Mechanic. While New Yorkers were experiencing the last few weeks of winter, Tiffany spent the past two weeks exploring the jungles of Belize. The couple filled their days with adventurous activities, including zip-lining and snorkeling, and Tiffany happily shared photos and videos throughout their trip. One underwater photo sees Tiffany wearing her snorkeling gear while swimming up to the camera, which was presumably being held by Ross. The two also posed for a picture while swimming in the ocean, and the image sees them with their arms wrapped around each other, smiling from ear to ear.

    Videos

  • Test run of the fire trucks in San Pedro, 11min.

  • On Thursday, December 12th, the San Pedro Fire Department received two additional fire trucks!, 15sec.

  • Two More Fire Trucks for San Pedo, Ambergris Caye, 1min.

  • A week with Reef Ci in Belize, 8min. Marshall University's Tropical Ecology 2019 spent two weeks in Belize. After a quick trip to Tikal the class went to BFREE (www.bfreebz.org) for a rain forest experience. The coral reef portion of the trip was spent with ReefCi on Tom Owens Caye. The island is less than 100 m long and is surrounded by reef.

  • CENTAUR'S COUNTDOWN TO MEGA CHRISTMAS BRAM 2019, 2hr.

  • 12 Days of Christmas, 2.5hrmin.

  • Krem Krismus Night 4, 2hr.

  • San Pedro Residents Participate in Procession in Honor of Virgin of Guadalupe, 3min.

  • Belize, The Sleeping Giant and Itza Resort Diving, November 2019, 21min.

  • Green Iguana Project - Belize, 5.5min. Inside the San Ignacio Hotel in the Cayo district of Belize, is the Green Iguana Conservation Project. We took the tour and learned a lot about the conservation efforts of the Green Iguana which is endangered in Belize.

  • BELIZE. TOUR FROM COROZAL TO CAYO, 15min.

  • Lool-Ha at El Festival del Pueblo in San Lazaro, 1/2min. Lool-Ha is a dance group from the village of San Pablo.

    December 13, 2019


    FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

    Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

    Specials and Events

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

    Tropic Air celebrates 40 years of service; new Caye Caulker terminal welcomes guests
    Tropic Air is celebrating 40 years of service in Belize, and to make the occasion extra special they showcased their new terminal in Caye Caulker. The terminal is not fully complete, yet, but it is operational, and on Wednesday, December 11th the first passengers checked in and enjoyed the new building’s airy ambiance and comfort. When the terminal is completed, it will count with an expanded arrival- departure and cargo areas, reflecting the airline’s growth and future goals to continue expanding.

    BTIA CELEBRATES 34th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
    The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) celebrated its 34th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 5th December 2019 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. In addition to presenting their main accomplishments for 2018/19, the BTIA also highlighted the targeted accomplishments for 2019/20 to its members and other invited guests. In the President’s Remarks, Ms. Melanie Paz stated, “In November of this year, the Executive Committee attended a strategic planning workshop, which focused on membership needs and the direction BTIA will take for 2020 and forward.

    Two San Pedro women featured in Belikin 2020 Calendar

    The San Pedro Dance Academy’s Annual Christmas Show features classics
    Under the theme ‘Blast from the Past,’ the San Pedro Dance Academy held its annual Christmas Show on Saturday, December 7th at the San Pedro Lions Den. The event, which saw a packed den of happy parents and relatives, featured several dance numbers to the beat of classic Christmas songs and hits from the ’90s and ‘80s performed by the Academy’s beginner and advanced dancers. The annual show raises funds for the Dance Academy. Organizers thank all their sponsors who continue to support the event. Special thanks also go out to the performers, parents, and friends for attending the event.

    Island Athletes excel at first CaribeMan Triathlon Tournament in southern Belize
    Kent ‘Bob’ Gabourel, Keian Trejo, and brothers Brandon and Jordan Santos shone at the first ever 2019 CaribeMan Triathlon competition in Hopkins, Stann Creek District in southern Belize. The tournament took place on Saturday, December 7th and competitors from Belize, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, and as far as Italy tried to best each other in both the female and male divisions. At the end of a gruelling day of competition, two Belizeans emerged victorious in each category: Shalini Zabaneh took first place in the female category while Gabourel beat everyone in the male division, taking the top prize.

    Ambergris Today

    Focus On Today
    Live one day at a time and set your priorities straight. It is good to have plans and set goals, but do not allow this to absorb you; because time passes and your happiness matters. As you read this I am pretty sure you have loved ones that surrounding you, maybe far away or waiting for you at home. Many might have their spouse and even children and other may just have their parents, so we must appreciate that each day that passes children grow, our spouse’s age and our parents become weak.

    Permanent Residents No Longer Eligible For Fishing Licenses
    The public is advised that via Gazette of Statutory Instrument 81 of 2019, permanent residents are no longer eligible for fishing licenses. Only applicants who are Belizean, at least 18 years of age, and who provide evidence of residing in Belize for a continuous period of at least six months are eligible.

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    SPTC 2020 Celebration on New Year's Eve!
    Come bring in the New Year with us at the Central Park! Celebrate with friends, family or that special someone. We will have Dj's, a Live Band, Party Favors and a spectacular fireworks display for all to enjoy!

    Apples for Kids Belize
    Here's a change to support local businesses and children of Belize! A Belize Camping Experience!

    Belize Police Department Public Auction
    Friday, December 13, 2019

    Caye Caulker Village Council Notes
    This week was filled with great news for the Caye Caulker Community. The SIF team was here on the ground assessing the proposed property for the new upgrade health center. Later in the day, a meeting was held with the chairlady of the Caye Caulker Village Council and various stake holders of the community. A project management committee was selected and we will keep the community up to date with this new project. We are still currently in the planning stages, but excited for the new health center.

    The Vision Serpent
    The Vision Serpent is an important creature in Pre-Columbian Maya . The serpent was a very important social and religious symbol, revered by the Maya. Maya mythology describes serpents as being the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, cross the heavens. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal. They were so revered, that one of the main Mesoamerican deities, Quetzalcoatl(Kukulkan), was represented as a feathered serpent. The name means "beautiful serpent" (From Nahuatl, 'Quetzalli' means beautiful and 'coatl' meaning snake or serpent.).

    Water pumps and hoses for fighting fires donated to Caye Caulker
    Today Belize Water Service Limited handed over to Caye Caulker Village Council 2 water pumps and 2 sets of hose. The pumps will be housed at the fire station for quicker access in the case of emergency. The pumps will be used only for fire emergencies to assist the fire department have better access to water. The Caye Caulker Village Council extends gratitude to Belize Water Service Limited for the donation to the Caye Caulker Community.

    Ground Breaking for Masala Cultural Park in Corozal
    The Corozal Organization of East Indian and Cultural Heritage (COEICH) is to set up an East Indian Park for everyone to enjoy. The Masala Cultural Park will have its ground breaking ceremony on Sunday, December 29th 2019 at 3:00 p.m. on 1st Avenue across Copper Horse Inn. All are invited to attend and support the preservation of our East Indian cultural heritage.

    Corozal Football Association 1st Division Amateur Opening Season Youth Tournament Weekend Schedule
    Sunday, December 15, 2019 @ the Carolina Football Field Starting at 9:00 a.m.

    The Belize Krismus Brukdong Bram Festival
    In exactly ten days the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project will be conducting its fourth edition of the Christmas Brukdong Bram Festival. We conducted our first event in 2016 and we have been conducting it every year under different names with various partners. A couple years we partnered with Krem Christmas and a couple we partnered with NICH to commemorate Mr. Peters' Legacy. The Christmas Bram has always been one of our project's signature initiatives and the reason why we have been trying to preserve this historic cultural event is because it is one of the more festive and enjoyable events within the Creole culture.

    Channel 7

    Village Vigilantes in Succotz?
    In July 2011, a mob of Succotz villagers attacked accused child molester Roy Cumberbatch, they beat him within inches of his life and handed him over to police. Then, in August 2014, another band of angry Succotz villagers protested and burnt tires on the road in response to the death of Yolanda Consuelo Valencia, and her taxi driver Yannie Evan Cu - both victims of an accident allegedly caused by the former Deputy Police Commissioner Miguel Segura. Those stories made headlines and, tonight, Succtoz villagers are in the headlines again. Last night, in the truly unified, spirited and "no-nonsense" Succotz fashion, a mob of villagers combed the Nazarene area in search of thieves who they believe have been terrorizing the community over the last couple weeks. Courtney Weatherburne went to Succotz to find out more about the recent robberies and what is being done to keep residents safe.

    Succotzeno Says Criminals Coming In
    The media also spoke to another Succotz resident who expressed concern about the recent robberies and said that these thieves are not from the village. Wilson Patt, Succotz Resident: "The entire village got mad about what's happening in the community, so we all decided to get together and do like a patrol for the safety of our own village. There were rumors that people are going there taking photographs of some houses where some fancy vehicles are, especially the pickups and so are planning to get ready. We don't want anyone else to get hurt, so we went and the entire village got ready..."

    Did Trapp Go to Toledo To Kill?
    A Belize City resident has been charged for Sunday night's murder and shooting in Punta Gorda Town. Akeem Trapp, who just came off a murder in October is going back to jail, to be remanded for the murder of Glenford Hines Jr. and the shooting of Albert Valentine. The 22 year old from Flowers Bank will be arraigned in Punta Gorda for murder, Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm. Trapp is alleged to be the gunman who chased Hines into Valentine's yard, killing Valentine, and injuring Hinds. He was then seen riding off on bicycle.

    Man Found Guilty of Murder
    And because those "nolle pros" outcomes are so common, the next story is something different. A man was convicted of murder today. 30 year old Valentine Baptist was found guilty of the 2016 murder of 19 year old Devin Parham. It happened today in a trial without jury before Justice Colin Williams. On July 6, 2016, Parham and his cousin, Victor Parham, were walking on Cemetery Road near to First Choice Pharmacy when a gunman on bicycle opened fire. Victor ran while Devin was shot multiple times and died on the spot.

    Killer Pleads Down to Manslaughter
    And there was another conviction in the Supreme Court yesterday. 25 year old Lloyd King charged with the murder of 28 year old Ronald Rivers pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. That was in a trial without a jury yesterday before Justice Marilyn Williams. Rivers, a well known basketball player, was shot and killed in March of 2013. He had stopped on Youth for The Future Drive to fix his car when King rode up on a bicycle and fired a single fatal shot.

    Youth Apprenticeship Program - 10 Years Strong
    Today, 60 young men and women graduated from the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Belize City. The second - chance program is in its 10th year of working with these youths who have dropped out of school. It gives them a second chance to get an education, and, more importantly, to get a job by connecting them to a network of employers. Today, the program's director, Dianne Finnegan said the promise of her youths is undeniable:

    Praises For PSE Prisoners
    And while Faber wasn't at the Radisson with the youth apprentices today, he was at the Belize Central Prison yesterday. He was there for a small ceremony yesterday to recognize 9 inmates who sat and passed the PSE this year. They received certificates for their performance at yesterday's ceremony. As Minister of Education, Faber was the guest speaker, and here's what he had to say after listening to the prepared remarks from the top inmate, Ismael Burgos:

    Tropic Air, 40 Years, What Next?
    Belize's biggest airline, Tropic Air celebrated its 40th anniversary today. Hard to believe, but the transport powerhouse which now flies 200 flights a day to 15 destinations on 19 aircraft, started out as a mom, pop and son operation back in December of 1979. It's been 40 years of strong growth, but what's next for Tropic Air? Today we went to their birthday party in Caye Caulker to find out: Tropic Air says it s was will carry over 300,000 passengers and 425,000 items of freight this year. It employs 360 persons.

    Is Caye Caulker Airstrip Sinking?
    We also got a chance to ask Greif about the state of the Caye Caulker airstrip. The airstrip was recently re-surfaced and inaugurated in September of 2018. But, darned if we didn't feel a pronounced dip when we landed on it today. We asked Greif about it today - and he didn't seem too concerned: "I think there is a dip, but that's why we built runway out of asphalt so it can follow the contours of the earth, so if places rise, if places go down, it doesn't break up. That's why we use asphalt as a medium. The other medium is still reinforce cement which drives your cost up ten times. My guess is there are dips in it, is it in the same place it was before? I couldn't tell you. It's not a concern of Tropic's."

    Weed Bust On a Bus
    And from planes to buses.Yesterday, police found over three pounds of weed stowed on a bus. Police stopped a bus coming out of Benque Viejo at mile 70 and found an unclaimed knapsack stuffed with 1.46 kilos of weed. It was deposited as found property.

    Cayo Deliverymen Held Up In City
    Three deliverymen for Big H Juice - all from Cayo - were held up and robbed in the city today. It happened at Martha's Shop in the Lake Independence area on LaCroix Boulevard. At 11:20, they were making deliveries when three men - one on motorbike and two on foot - coordinated to simultaneously hold up one man in the cooler area of the delivery truck and another in the cab.

    Nourishment for Kids Bodies and Habits
    Healthy eating - we hear a lot about it - but it's not easy to maintain because most affordable and available food choices are fatty, greasy, and carb-y - which also makes them, NICE. But one PUP politician is trying to get the school kids in his area attend to heather eating choices. Paul Thompson invited us to James Garbutt Seventh Day Adventist to share the program that he's had in effect at area primary schools for the past few months:

    Alex and The Apples
    And, to keep his program going, perhaps Thompson needs to reach out to Alex Perez at the Belize Camping Experience. He's got tens of thousands of apples and he needs to offload them quickly. Perez is selling the apples at a discount as a fundraiser for his program. The apples were donated and we met him today at Westrac in Belize City where he was trying to get them sold ASAP: "There are 1,200 and something cases. That's a lot of apples. I have an apple for every Belizean [laughs]. So, we need help. We need people to purchase these apples. We partnered with marketing board and they are selling apples...." If you would like to buy as apples for as low as one hundred dollars per box, you can call Perez at 6145541.

    Jingle Box Rocks
    Bowen and Bowen was in the giving mood today for its annual jingle box donation. They prepared over 200 care packages with about $80 worth of product to hand over to worthy organizations and needy customers. We found out more at their King Street Headquarters today: As you heard, each organization got ten boxes.

    Channel 5

    B.N.T.U. Upset with M.O.E. over Corozal Property
    The Belize National Teachers Union is gearing up for round of battle with the Ministry of Education over a property in Corozal Town. The property is known as ‘teachers’ site’ [...]

    M.O.E. Says that B.N.T.U. Does Not Have Lease, Title to the Land
    According to Palacio, several efforts were made to rectify the situation involving the plot of land but the union was given the turnaround. Palacio says the union will not give [...]

    Is Belize in the Throes of a Recession?
    News of an economic downturn caused tremors in the private sector today.  Despite government borrowing and spending, for the second and third quarter of the year, there has been a [...]

    Residents Say They Are Feeling the Pinch in their Pockets
    As we reported, a contraction in economic activity in the previous two quarters is spelling bad news.  As the private sector crunches the numbers, a News Five crew took to [...]

    2019 Sugar Crop Delayed Until January
    Earlier you heard about the economic downturn, and now up north there the start of the 2019 sugar crop has been postponed until mid-January 2020 and it is expected that [...]

    Belizeans Robbed in Chetumal by Taxi Driver & Accomplices
    If you are traveling to Chetumal anytime soon you are being advised to be alert of your surroundings and especially so of taxi drivers. That’s because a group of Belizeans [...]

    Succotz Villager Says Armed Guatemalan Bandits Stole His Truck
    A man and his family say that they are lucky to be alive after they were targeted by three armed men.  The Chi family was at home last week Saturday [...]

    Succotz Villagers Band Together to Root Out Criminals
    The Succotz residents are up in arms about criminals targeting vehicle owners. They say that several strangers, reportedly Guatemalans, are moving about freely in their community conducting surveillance at different [...]

    Keemo Charged for Deadly PG Attack
    Twenty-two-year-old Akeem Trapp, a resident of Flowers Bank, has been arrested and charged for the murder of Glenford Hines Jr. and the attempted murder of Albert Valentine which took place [...]

    Valentine Baptist is Found Guilty of 2016 Murder of Devin Parham
    The court handed down a guilty verdict today against Valentine Baptist; the decision was delivered by Justice Colin Williams who found Baptist guilty of the murder of nineteen-year-old Devin Parham.  [...]

    Gilberto Chanek Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
    Twenty-four year old Gilberto Chanek also appeared in the Supreme Court this morning. He was originally charged with the murder of fifty-year-old Carlitos Valdez; but today he pleaded guilty to [...]

    Apples for Kids; Keeping the Belize Camping Experience Alive
    As they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Red, sweet delicious apples have been imported by the Belize Camping Experience as part of their activities to raise [...]

    The Youth Apprenticeship Program Turns 10; 60 Graduate
    The popular Youth Apprenticeship Programme concluded today with a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel. The group of young men and women will be knocking on doors and hopefully get the [...]

    Why Was Minister a No-Show at Youth Apprentices’ Graduation?
    The Youth Apprenticeship Programme is a programme through the Ministry of Education. This year, coordinator Dianne Finnegan says that the polo shirts used by the graduates at today’s ceremony were [...]

    210 Families to Benefit from Bowen & Bowen’s Jingle Box
    It’s the season to be giving. Going into the Christmas holidays, a number of initiatives are springing up to make the season festive for deserving families. Now, the Jingle Box [...]

    A Feeding Program for Alberts
    Albert Standard Bearer Paul Thompson is spearheading a feeding program in his constituency where for two weeks out of the month his office is providing fruits and healthy juices to [...]

    For All Your Chickens & Turkeys this Christmas, Go to Quality Poultry
    At dinner tables across the country, turkey is a key part of the holiday meal. In other areas, it would not feel like Christmas without chicken in relleńo or escabeche.  [...]

    Belizean Nationalist Hipolito Bautista Passes Away
    And this news, well-known Belizean nationalist and playwright Hipolito Bautista passed away earlier today after battling a stroke.  Bautista is remembered for his role as Acting Chief Broadcasting Officer at [...]

    The Reporter

    Stand-Your-Ground: Santa Cruz Villagers Protest New Water Board
    Chairman of Santa Cruz in Stann Creek West, Vincent Scott, told the Reporter this morning that the villagers have decided that they will not pay another water bill until their voices are heard.

    LOVE FM

    Students provided with healthy snacks
    The PUP Standard Bearer for the Albert Division, Paul Thompson, in collaboration with the Belize City Council, has started an initiative called Healthy Eats. This initiative aims to provide students in the Albert Division with fruits as snacks as opposed to junk food.

    Bowen and Bowen provides a Christmas meal to needy families
    Bowen and Bowen (B&B) is giving back to the community this Christmas season by providing over 200 needy families with a Christmas meal. Everything a family needs for this meal is placed in a box, which is then distributed to organizations in order for them to further distribute it to a family of their choosing.

    Hipolito Bautista dies at 69
    Businessman and former politician, Hipolito Bautista Senior passed away this morning. The 69-year-old resident of Belmopan suffered a stroke and had experienced several complications.

    BCE FUNDRAISER
    The Belize Camping Experience (BCE) was selling apples today at Westrac Limited in Belize City. In the aftermath of the drought, their main fundraising project, Harvest For kids, had a major setback.

    San Jose Succotz Villagers fight crime in their community
    There has been a recent increase in crime in area of San Jose Succotz Village and Benque Viejo Del Carmen Town, both in the Cayo District. As a result, some the villagers and townspeople have taken it upon themselves to patrol the area in order to keep it safe.

    Spreading the joy of Christmas, Secret Santa in Orange Walk
    Secret Santa continues as police officers chose unsuspecting citizens from buses in Orange Walk Town. Reporter Naim Borges went up north to capture this wholesome initiative.

    Suspected cannabis found on bus
    Yesterday afternoon, around 1:15, police and other law enforcement officials were conducting a vehicle check point at mile 70 on George Price Highway.

    BNN calls on GOB to revisit decision made about the Gill net Ban
    Despite the lobbying by Oceana Belize and other NGO’s for a phase out of gillnets, the Government has yet to make a move in either direction. Today, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN), via a press release, called on the Government to reconsider its decision and immediately convene a conversation to reconsider the coalition’s proposal. As you may recall, a $2 million alternative livelihood program was proposed to the Government to financially support registered fishermen transitioning away from Gillnets.

    Man charged for murder of Punta Gorda resident
    One man has been charged for the murder of Glenford Hines Jr and the shooting of Albert Valentine. 22-year-old Akeem Trapp, a resident of Flowers Bank, was the murder along with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm.

    Valentine Baptist, Guilty of Murder
    Valentine Baptist sat in the dock as Justice Colin Williams read his almost thirty-minute decision finding Baptist guilty of the murder of 19-year-old Devin Parham. In arriving at his decision, Justice Williams said that he was not persuaded by the accused statement from the dock claiming that someone whom he knew only by face handed him a firearm.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Commissioner of Police hosts community meeting in Succotz village
    The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, is presently holding a community meeting with villagers in […]

    Belize represented at regional business summit
    EXPORTBelize, a technical unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), is representing […]

    Tropic Air marks 40th anniversary, opens new Caye Caulker office
    From one three-seater charter plane to a full fleet of caravans, with routes across Belize […]

    Belize and Belice: What’s in a name?
    This week controversy erupted over the latest use of a name some Belizeans refuse to […]

    NICH shares Christmas cheer in Orange Walk and Corozal
    President of the National Institute of Culture and History, Sapna Budhrani, went spreading Christmas cheer […]

    Blogs

    Luxury Beachfront Villas to Jungle Eco-Lodges
    When you think of traveling to somewhere in the Caribbean, you automatically think of luxury, relaxation, white sandy beaches, and crisp blue oceans. But luxury doesn’t only mean being near a beach; staying in the Belize jungle offers an alternative experience of what we know as luxury. Luxury beachfront villas can normally be found in Southern Belize – Placencia & Hopkins have the most beautiful, white sugar-like sand that just warms your toes. Some of the islands in the North – Turneffe Island and Ambergris Caye also boast beautiful luxury resorts. The Cayo District in Western Belize is well known for its many eco-lodges and jungle resorts. However, some can be found in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts as they are all in close proximity to the Belize jungle.

    End of the World Marathon
    The 1st End of the World Marathon was established in 2012 to cover the 26 miles of beach-side terrain along the Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize and celebrated its 8th Annual on December 8th, 2019. A scenic drive down the Hummingbird into the fully paved 27-mile road off the Southern Highway lands you on the Placencia Peninsula; the laid-back coastal destination hosts diverse dining options, accommodations, and quick access to inland and offshore adventures. Registered runners are recommended to arrive the day before for packet pick-up and dinner before the 5:30 am race start time.

    Wintering Wahoo in Belize
    Wahoo! The simple term can simultaneously describe a pelagic game fish and an expression of excitement for their ferocious run on the reel. Best known to sports fishermen for its high-speed chase and high-quality flesh, the Wahoo is a prized game fish species most concentrated in Belize during the cooler months of October – February. Belize brags some of the best Wahoo fishing in the Caribbean with landings often in high numbers; it’s high reproductive output and fast growth rate have buffered it from overfishing. And, it’s delicious.

    International Sourcesizz

    Ninety percent of predatory fish gone from Caribbean coral reefs due to overfishing
    Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that up to 90 percent of predatory fish are gone from Caribbean coral reefs, straining the ocean ecosystem and coastal economy. The good news? They identified reefs, known as supersites, which can support large numbers of predator fishes that if reintroduced, can help restore the environmental and economic setback inflicted by overfishing. The work, led by former UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student Abel Valdivia working with John Bruno, a marine biologist at UNC College of Arts & Sciences, suggests that these supersites – reefs with many nooks and crannies on its surface that act as hiding places for prey (and attract predators) – should be prioritized for protection and could serve as regional models showcasing the value of biodiversity for tourism and other uses. Other features that make a supersite are amount of available food, size of reef and proximity to mangroves.

    The Great Barrier Grief — and countless other marine disasters
    In the last, wrenching episode of BBC’s Blue Planet 2, there’s a distressing moment when a young Australian diver, expert in his patch of the Great Barrier Reef, admits ‘I cried in my mask’ as he swam over an ossuary of recently bleached-out coral bones. Professor Callum Roberts’s memoir of a life devoted to the study of our oceans, and in particular their coral reefs, is a ravishing, alarming account of these underwater palaces of wonder, and the existential threat they face from humanity and our warming climate. Reefs take up just 0.1 per cent of our planet’s surface, yet provide home and breeding grounds for more than a quarter of all sea life. They are also the canaries in the carbon dioxide coal mine. As ocean temperatures rise, corals bleach and die, the tiny organisms that feed them (zooxanthellae) expelled from their chalky hosts. Further, the acidification of the seas weakens the very structures the coral relies on for support and reduces the amount of calcium carbonate available in the seawater to make new coralline homes.

    Belize Real Estate Scam Defendant Denied Joint Defense Privilege
    A defendant in an overseas real estate scam case who is representing himself has ten days to hand over documents to the Federal Trade Commission after a federal district court ruled that none of his communications with two other defendants are privileged. Andris Pukke’s arguments in favor of privilege are “novel” but “doubtful,” Judge Peter J. Messitte of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland wrote in a Dec. 10 opinion.

    Videos

  • Snorkeling Trip / San Pedro / Belize, 3.5min.

  • Belize - Volunteering at ReefCI, 2min. ReefCI offers a hands-on marine conservation program: Education, Marine Research and - of course - hunting Lionfish! Thanks to ReefCI for an unbelizable time!

  • Krem Krismus Night 3, 2hr.

  • Belize City Hard Rock vs Solar Roots Brotherhood, finals game 1, 24min. This is what great bball is made of: Two powerhouse teams with determination, skill and that don't quit attitude come face to face.

  • Birding at Ambergris Caye, Belize, February 2016, 28min. The third of three videos from a holiday to Belize in February 2016, covering a stay at the luxurious Matachica Resort on Ambergris Caye from 16th-21st February. It focuses mainly on the birding there (which was surprisingly good) as well as a snorkelling session at Shark Ray Alley.

    December 11, 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

    Ministry of Education Moves to Expand Inquiry Based Pedagogy and STEAM
    The Government of Belize has secured assistance through the Inter-American Development Bank to execute Education Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) II. The program comes at a cost of US$10,000,000. The EQIP II is designed mainly to improve the quality and gender equity of education at the primary and secondary levels, with a special focus on innovation in Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education at the secondary level.

    The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Continues to Contribute to the Infrastructure Development of Belize
    Today in Belize City, H.E. Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, presented a bilateral cooperation grant to the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Belize. The grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize is for the year 2019 under the Bilateral Cooperation Program between the two countries.

    Ambergris Today

    Tropic Air Acknowledges Senior Employees During 40th Anniversary
    In commemoration of Tropic Air’s 40th Birthday, the airline is marking it by celebrating with customers. And is also thankful to its staff who have been with them for over 30 years. Steven Schulte, Tropic’s CEO and John Grief III – President of Tropic Air were present to thank senior employees for their hard work and dedication to the company. Senior Staff members include: John E. Greif III – President of Tropic Air – 40 years Aida Lucy Marin – Accounts Clerk – San Pedro - 35 years Flora Ancona – Operations Manager – San Pedro – 34 years Maria Icela Graniel – Financial Comptlr – San Pedro – 34 years Michael Estell – Pilot – San Pedro – 33 years Averaldo Badillo – Senior Mechanic – San Pedro - 32 years Elroy Vernon – Ramp Agent – Belize City – 32 years

    Various Belizean Sources

    mzz

    Monthly Weather Summary, November 2019
    November is the last month of the Atlantic basin hurricane season. For Belize it is a month in which the climate of the country transitions gradually from the rainy season to the cooler transition period between December and January. Therefore, it is a month in which the country is affected from both tropical systems such as tropical waves and possible tropical cyclones as well as frontal systems.

    Caye Caulker Public Consultation
    The Caye Caulker Local Tourism Committe along with representatives from GITEC Contracted under the STP II project, held a public consultation with stake holders, the local tourism committee and villagers of the island. Mr.Yagmur Karabulut who is the consultant team representative of GITEC along with Keisha Rodriguez, Ann Gordon, and Safira Vasquez acquired information on the islands environmental and tourism stance in order to formalize proactive plans for both the island itself and the tourism sector. The discussion was based on potential hazards that can negatively impact the village, and it was identified that the two main threats are hurricanes and climate change I.e, change in temperature.

    San Pedro RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE!
    Saturday, December 14, the San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross will hold its quarterly blood drive at the Polyclinic from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Be someone’s hero! Give the Gift of Life during this Christmas season. Tourists and San Pedranos are welcome! Donors should be be 18-65 years of age and should eat breakfast or lunch before donating.

    Fraudulent Activity on Hon. Hugo Patt’s Facebook Account
    It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Natural Resources that the Minister, Hon. Hugo Patt’s Facebook account has been hacked and the compromised perpetrator(s) has been using his account to solicit funds for land transactions and other financial aids. The public is advised that Hon. Hugo Patt does not engage in communication via Facebook Messenger or any other social media platforms and these messages are in no way associated with him.

    Tour of the West
    December 12 & 22, bicycle race.

    Institute of Archaeology Catalogue Tuesday
    Catalogue Tuesday is on its way. Below, you can see a ceramic plate being reconstructed to be catalogued. This plate was found broken at San Juan in San Pedro Town circa 2015

    LOVE FM Christmas Parade 2019
    The San Pedro Town Council presents the Love FM Christmas Parade! Don't miss it! This Sunday, December 15, 2019, starting at Boca del Rio Park at 5:30 p.m.

    8 Festival del Pueblo
    XMaya Ko'olel Mujer Maya dedicated to our women. Women have rights! Dedicado a la Mujer. Las mujeres tienen derecho! Respect them! Respetenlas! Thank you! Gracias!

    Tourism Talk – Micro-Moments: Purpose is the word for 2020
    Travel has never been so well-positioned for success — if done right! Micro-moments: Purpose is the word for 2020. While buzz words like transformational floated above the tundra in 2018 and 2019 we soon realized it was really about making meaning. People bought experiences and used travel as a platform to make meaning in their life. And while this is still happening, we find “meaning” as a driver amplifying into self-realization

    BELIZE HOTEL ASSOCIATION HOSTS 2019 BIANNUAL MEETING
    The Belize Hotel Association held its 2019 Biannual Meeting on Tuesday, December 3, from 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel located in Western Belize. Attendance consisted with the presence of the BHA Board of Directors, Association Members, CEO Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Yashin Dujon, Ministry of Tourism officers, Belize Tourism Board representatives, other tourism stakeholders and invited guests. Prior to the Biannual Meeting, the Belize Hotel Association hosted an informative morning seminar themed “Being in the Micro-Moment” from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM which highlighted how to maximize intent-driven moments that have taken over the customer journey.

    2019 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT THE CENTRAL PARK
    It was a night filled with joy and love as children from all the schools in San Pedro performed for all to see! We also had entertainment by Pandemonium Steel Band which has become a town favorite for this event.

    Moonrise over Corozal

    Corozal Town Council Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
    It’s beginning to look a Lot like Christmas, the Corozal Town Council held its official lighting ceremony of the Town’s Christmas Tree on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Central Park at 7pm.It was fun-filled event enjoyed by Corozal residents and tourists alike. After the formalities, students from different schools performed songs and dances for the festive occasion. The fireworks was one of the main attraction that everyone enjoyed the event. Awards were given to certain people. Corozal Town Council always held their best Christmas Tree every year. If you missed the Christmas Tree Lightning Show 2019, here’s are some pictures.

    Paint N Splash
    See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint “The Boat Parade.”

    Éek'uneil - Yucatec Maya Legend
    The Éek'uneil known as "Cola Negra" is a Maya creature ; It is not included in the mythological item because it lacks divine character. Popular beliefs describe it with a length of two to four meters, skin with various shades of gray and black tail. Some know it as the Queen of the snakes because it is believed it devours other snakes . An element that distinguishes it from other offices is the fact that it feeds on human milk . The Éek'uneil - as it is also known - when it detects a woman who is breastfeeding, immediately goes home. To prevent stopping it, it releases a highly toxic poison-which causes immediate death- as it moves towards the place.

    Channel 7

    GDP Revised, Recession Is Real
    When we reported on the GDP, or Gross Domestic Product two weeks ago - the figures showed modest but stable growth of 1.8% in the third quarter - which is fair, especially coming off a drought. But, the bottom just fell out of that picture because, tonight, that number has been revised sharply downward. The new revised figure shows that the GDP contracted by 0.4% in the third quarter. The Statistical Institute of Belize says there was, quote, "an error in one piece of data obtained from one of the SIB's data providers." End quote.

    Accused of Stealing Yohny's Truck
    Today, police charged the 23 year old man accused of stealing tour operator Yohny Rosado's pickup truck. As we've shown you, early on Sunday morning, a man walked into Rosado's yard at the Faber's Road junciton, jumped into a parked van, hopped out, and then jumped into Rosado's 2014 Isuzu D-Max and drove off. It all happened within seconds, and, within minutes, he had crashed the pickup into a ditch on the George Price Highway. He ran off the road and significantly damaged the pickup's front end.

    Yohny Says Guilty or Not, His Truck Is Gone
    Of course, it's no consolation for Rosado whether he's charged or not - because he's lost a customized pickup truck valued at 45,000 dollars. Today he told us that the system has failed him - even when he played by all the rules - starting with the moment he woke up to see his stolen truck racing down the road - away form his home: Yohny Rosado: "At the moment when it happened I went berserk but thank god I did the right thing. My wife was by my side with my child. So, I stayed back and I did what a civilized person would do..."

    Tillett's Tale of Police Abuse
    Last night we told you about what can only be called "brute force and ignorance" exhibited by a police officer in a security video from Southside Grocery on Faber's Road. The video was captured on Sunday night just after 8:00 when Anthony Tillett went to the store to pick up some items for his mother. And that's when the cop - as can be seen on the video starts choking Tillett roughly and then starts punching him while another officer restrains the youth. Today we spoke to the 24 year old Tillett, who told us that from the moment the officers arrived, he was alert to their movements. It seems that one of the cops interpreted that as aggression.

    Mother Says Same Cop Beat Her Teenaged Son
    Tonight another mother is complaining about police beating her son - and she says it's the same cop seen in that video! Anacelia Castillo says the cop she saw on TV last night with the brutality against Anthony Tillett looked very familiar. On Sunday, a team of police including Ramirez went looking for her 14 year old son after a cop's motorbike was stolen in the George and West Street area. She says police went to her yard, and beat down her son - and she's upset because her son is the one who ended up being charged for assaulting officer #2326 Francis Ramirez:

    One Year Later, Anisha's Family No Closer To Closure
    23 year old Anisha Young went missing exactly a year ago - and despite several leads - tonight, her family is no closer to closure. They held a press conference just a short while ago led by their investigator Jose Uk Espat to say that all best efforts have amounted to naught: Jose UK Espat, Family Representative: "Today I believe that we have reached to the legal or a dead end I terms of what can be done through the system; the forensic system, justice system, the police department - we have reached sadly an abrupt and unjust, unfortunate end to what can be done if given the fact that if we dont find anymore remains, there is nothing else we can do."

    Deon Badillo Died and Police Said, Did Nothing
    A Hattieville mother is calling on the police as well as the KHMH for answers in her son's death. Josephine Badillo told us that her son, 27 year old Deon Badillo was knocked down off his bicycle on the morning of Thursday November 21st. Badillo was heading to work when a man driving a motorcycle hit him from behind at mile 15 on the Western Highway. Badillo survived the initial hit. He didn't have any visible life-threatening injuries. Still, he was taken to the KHMH but his mom says Badillo was discharged from the hospital the same day of the accident. Well, at the moment Badillo seemed fine and he and his mother went to the police station to make a report on the accident. But days later Badillo began complaining about pain to the head and neck. Badillo was later taken back to the KHMH where he died last week Tuesday morning - a week and half after the accident. Here is her story.

    The Secret Santa Story
    Christmas is fast approaching and for many, the cost of the traditional feast is enough to make you at least consider forfeiting the entire celebration. Well, things just became a bit easier for a few Belizeans because of a "Secret Santa", who today partnered with police to surprise a few lucky commuters with a Christmas ham. Cherisse Halsall was there: It's something you get used to seeing every year, increased and more vigilant checkpoints along the highway, to snag smugglers, outlaws, and drivers whose papers aren't in order.

    BDF Gets Its Chopper Back
    They burst unto the scene three and a half years ago: two used UH -1H helicopters donated by the Taiwanese to the BDF. Well, for three weeks now, both choppers had been down - awaiting parts for repairs. But we can confirm tonight that one of them was seen in the air today taking a test flight. We are told that it will take another test tomorrow - and if all goes as planned one of them should be back to being fully operational by tomorrow evening. And, as for the Facebook story put out by a politician that a solider had been bitten by a snake.

    Hon. Figueroa Scolds Developing Nations At COP In Madrid
    The the 25th Conference of Parties is being held this week in Madrid, Spain. Delegates have gathered to discuss policy amidst what many have called a global climate emergency. Today in Madrid, Belize Minister of State our the Environment Dr Figurao spoke in what is known as the high level segment. He is the chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States and laid out what's at stake in stark terms:

    Belize's Ranking on Human Development Report
    The UNDP has released its annual human development global report. It utilizes an index to measure human development. In the report it states " The HDI is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. A long and healthy life is measured by life expectancy. Knowledge level is measured by mean years of schooling among the adult population," so according to the report Belize is not doing so bad, it states, quote, "The country shows a pattern of slow but consistent improvement in its HDI ranking since 1990. Belize ranks 103 out of 189 countries which puts Belize in the high human development category.

    Man Gets Off Murder Charge, His Brother Remains Accused
    A man has gotten off a murder charge while his brother, who was a minor when the crime was committed, remains on trial 22-year-old Lenford Harris was charged with the murder of 27-year-old Nelson Zelaya, but today Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell entered a nolle pros motion in the court of Justice Colin Williams.

    Forget Hallmark, NICH Hires The Pro's
    This Morning Central Christian School's Khloe Landero was recognized, during a very lively school assembly for her Christmas Card creation in NICH's Christmas Card Cover Contest. IT was a surprise for the standard four student and who is one of the budding young artists that NICH wants to encourage: Landero was given a five-hundred-dollar cheque and a tablet courtesy of the Ministry of Education.

    Hope For Lady Cricketers in Costa Rica
    In April, Belize's male cricketers were crowned the central American Champions, and now the Cricket Association is hoping the females can do the same. On Thursday, they're heading out to play in the Mid-Season International Tour (Women) in Costa Rica. They are expected to play six games against three teams from Costa Rica. It's their first international outing and the president of the Belize National Cricket Association told us why he's full of hope and expectation:

    Computers For The Kids
    Two years ago, we told you about the Charlie Burton Park on Gibnut Street in Belize City. It's the brainchild of community activist G. Michael Reid who designed it as an outlet for the kids in his neighborhood. But, the need for productive outlets has increased and that's why G. Mike reached to corporate sponsors for a few old computers and a printer to help the kids with their schoolwork.

    More On Haynes Home Invasion
    Police have made no arrests after the second home invasion on Samuel Haynes Street in the Belama Phase One area in two weeks. As we told you, it happened yesterday afternoon around 2:00. The men pried their way into the home, open of them had a gun, and they tied up a 22 year old housekeeper and a 17 year old minor. They stole a number of items from the home and held up another male employee as they were leaving.

    Channel 5

    Victim of Police Brutality Speaks Out!
    In this newscast we have reported on countless cases of police brutality. The most recent was caught on camera prompting a long list of questions over the behaviour of the [...]

    Another Home Invasion in Belama Phase One
    As the season gets underway, criminals are on the loose. Tonight, there is yet another home invasion to report in the Belama Phase One area of Belize City. For the [...]

    Former Belmopan Mayor Tony Chanona Victim of Armed Attack
    Former Belmopan Mayor and businessman Anthony Chanona was held at gunpoint on Monday night near Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on the Ring Road.  He had just exited the church [...]

    Police and Business Community Discuss Citizen Security in Belmopan
    ComPol Williams also addressed the media following this evening’s meeting and spoke of increased measures that will be put in place to ramp up police presence in the Garden City, [...]

    One Man Detained, Still No Charges for Deadly PG Shooting
    Police are yet to levy any charges in respect of Sunday’s murder of Glenford Hines Junior in Punta Gorda though one person is in custody. Hines was gunned down on [...]

    Shane Jones is Charged for the Murder of Edwin Usher
    On December seventh, police formally arrested and charged Shane Jones for the murder of Edwin Usher. On December first, Usher was gravely beaten outside of a bar at the corner [...]

    Is Sydney Bucknor Jr. Guilty of Killing his Uncle?
    Also appearing in court today was twenty-six-year-old Sydney Bucknor Junior, who is charged with the murder of his uncle, sixty-one-year-old Michael Bucknor. Sydney gave the police a caution statement in [...]

    Belize City Tour Operator Victim of Carjacking
    Well-known Tour Operator, Yhony Rosado, is on the news tonight for a robbery at his home on the George Price Highway. Rosado and his family were in deep slumber when [...]

    Without a Trace; it’s been 1 Year since Annie Young Disappeared
    It’s been one year since Anisha Young vanished without a trace. The twenty-two-year-old went missing after a night out with her boyfriend at a local nightclub on Newtown Barracks in [...]

    Gathering the Families of Missing Persons
    At news time tonight, the family has organized an event at the Digi Park on Newtown Barracks in Belize City. They are encouraging family and friends of other missing persons [...]

    Jose Luis Espat Weighs in on Anny Young’s DNA Evidence
    Late this evening, the Young family, along with Jose Luis Espat, who has been working closely with them since Anisha’s disappearance last year, called a press brief to provide an [...]

    Where is Devon Lopez? His Mother Goes 1-on-1 with News Five
    There is another report of a missing person whose family is desperately looking for. It’s been nine days since Darlene Whitfield says she has seen her son, Devon Lopez and [...]

    Darlene Whitfield Believes her Son is Dead and Wants Closure
    The family has been working closely with investigators from the Belama precinct as information on his whereabouts is being reviewed.  In the one-on-one interview with News Five; an emotional Darlene [...]

    Kevin Jex Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
    Kevin Jex was back in court today for a mitigation hearing. He was originally accused of the murder of Desmond Miller but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter [...]

    Belize City Man Busted with .357 Revolver
    Twenty-five-year-old Travis Tyler Navarro is tonight in trouble with the law. He was reportedly busted with a loaded point three-fifty-seven revolver in the wee hours of Saturday morning. At around [...]

    Another Carjacking in the West
    There has been an alarming increase in carjacking in the west in recent days. The stolen vehicles are quickly transported over the border into Guatemala. Another such case occurred on [...]

    S.I.B. Sends Revised Notice of Retraction of Economy
    Revised figures have been released by the Statistical Institute of Belize. They show that there has been a contraction in the economy by point four percent in the third quarter [...]

    U.S. Experts Challenging Belize’s Proposed Hemp Bill
    Belize is in the process of establishing a hemp industry. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dean Barrow during his Independence Day speech this year. According to the PM, [...]

    Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries Weighs in G.O.B.’s Refusal to Ban Gillnets
    The Government of Belize remains under sustained fire from the N.G.O. community after announcing on December fifth that it will not ban the use of gillnets.  OCEANA was first to [...]

    PACT Gets Approval for 2 Climate Programmes in Belize
    Earlier today, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, PACT, announced that a pair of programmes under its Climate Finance Portfolio has been approved through international climate finance mechanisms.  Support for these [...]

    Khloe Landero Wins the NICH Xmas Card Competition
    In November, NICH launched its second annual Christmas Card Competition. Last year they received fewer than five submissions but this year a whopping eighty-five entries were submitted. A young student [...]

    The 11th Annual Stella Maris Xmas Party Hosted by Belize Bank
    The children of Stella Maris School headed to the Radisson today for their anticipated Christmas Party. Every year, the Belize Bank throws a party for them to celebrate the season. [...]

    El Festival Del Pueblo in San Lazaro, Orange Walk
    El Festival Del Pueblo or the people’s festival has gained momentum since it started eight years ago in San Lazaro, Orange Walk. It is the brainchild of Hugo Carrillo, a [...]

    M.O.E. Breaks Ground for 3 Schools in the South
    The Ministry of Education broke ground for three new schools in the south. Last week, Minister of Education Patrick Faber, ministry officials and village went to the villages of Bella [...]

    Amandala

    GoB response to cheaper butane shocks LPG importers
    In what has been described as a first of its kind, ever, the UDP leadership went to the House of Representatives and presented a bill declaring that butane cannot be sold BELOW the price set by the government. The latest prices for LPG were published by the Bureau of Standards in mid-November this year, and the main LPG importers — Belize Western Energy Limited, Gas Tomza, and Zeta Gas — had been selling the product significantly below the prices set by the local authority. The reduced price for butane was of course welcomed by consumers, households and commercial users, especially during this Christmas season when so much cooking and baking is done.

    Jasmine Garcia, 36, found floating in sea
    At about 7:00 Sunday morning, the body of Jasmine Garcia, 36, a domestic of Wagierale area of Dangriga, in the Stann Creek District, was found floating in the sea about 200 feet from the Dangriga Town Pier. She was seen with wounds on her head and on her neck, and she was semi-nude. Friends of Garcia told police that she was seen alive and well on Friday evening, socializing in the Back-a-Town area with others, and she left at about 9:00 p.m. for an unknown destination.

    Dominican Prime Minister wins unprecedented fifth term in office
    Before Dominicans went to the polls last Friday, December 6, to elect a new parliament, the island nation was awash with political violence and intrigue, as the security forces had to be reinforced from other islands to maintain order in an atmosphere of legal challenges and reform agendas. Election observers were sent from Commonwealth countries, including Belize, which sent its Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, and Ambassador Assad Shoman to the former French and British colony. The Dominica Labor Party (DLP), led by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, won 18 out of the 21 seats in parliament, for an unprecedented fifth term in office.

    Glenford Hinds, Jr., killed in his yard
    Two men were shot at about 10:00 last night in Punta Gorda. One was hit and died almost immediately, and the other is fighting for his life in the Southern Regional Hospital. Glenford Hinds, Jr., 36, of West Street, was shot in the lower back and armpit by stray shots fired at Albert Valentine, 25, a laborer of Punta Gorda who was walking on the street in front of Hinds’ yard. Valentine was struck in the back and arm. Both Hinds and Valentine were rushed to the Punta Gorda Community Hospital, but Hinds was declared dead on arrival.

    Gillnet fishing to continue in Belize
    The campaign to end the use of gill nets is seemingly not any closer to coming to a positive end, as the government still has not voted in favor of a complete ban on gillnet fishing. Following the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, December 3, the government issued a press release highlighting new measures that would be deployed to phase out, the use of gillnets gradually over a span of two years. For years, various NGOs and other organizations have been joining forces under the Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries and providing evidence to the government regarding the many dangers of gillnet fishing in the country.

    Anthony Tillett, 27, victim of police brutality
    Anthony George Tillett, 27, a vendor and businessman of Fabers Road, Belize City, is recovering from bruises and pain in his neck and abdomen after he was reportedly choked and punched in his abdomen and chest by police at about 7:30 last night while buying at a Chinese store on Fabers Road not far from his house. Tillett told us today that while he was at the store waiting to be served, a police vehicle appeared in front of the store and a policeman came towards him. He braced himself for the routine search and put his hands on his head as the police approached, he told us.

    BDF soldier bitten by snake in Cadenas
    A Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier is recovering at the BDF hospital in Price Barracks, Ladyville, Belize District, after he was bitten yesterday by a venomous snake while patrolling Belize’s border with Guatemala from the Cadenas operational base in Toledo. The soldier was quickly rushed to the medical facility in Ladyville by helicopter after he was bitten, and this prompt response saved his life. Cadenas, located on a hill, is a remote operations base in the southwest of the country, near the border, and can only be accessed by air or by the Sarstoon River.

    Prisoner serving 7-year sentence commits suicide at Central Prison
    A prisoner at the Kolbe Foundation-managed Belize Central Prison was found hanging in a cell in which he was alone, around 9:00 o’clock last night by a prison guard, Prison Superintendent, Virgilio Murillo told Amandala this morning in a telephone interview. Byron Alarcon Tello, a Guatemalan national, was put in a cell by himself after other inmates observed him acting strangely. Tello, who had not exhibited any signs of mental instability since he first entered the prison more than a year and a half ago, was seen yesterday by other inmates biting his knuckles until they began to bleed, Murillo said.

    Suspected drug plane found destroyed in Chan Chen
    The remnants of a suspected drug plane that was destroyed by fire was found this morning about a mile north of Chan Chen, the northernmost part of Belize, close to the Mexico-Belize Border, in the Corozal District. Police in Blue Creek, on their arrival, found the smoldering aircraft abandoned. There was no one near the remnants of the aircraft when police made the discovery, and there was no cargo inside the plane. Authorities believe that the destroyed plane is a Hawker Sidley 125, which is similar to the drug plane that was found abandoned in Blue Creek in October.

    Editorial: GoB didn’t have to close the valve on cheaper LPG
    Belize’s leaders said that the LPG (liquid petroleum gas, also known as butane) importers/distributors (call them monopoly), who recently lowered the price of the product, had a foul motive, which was to run small distributors out of business, hence the GoB’s move to halt the sales of the cheaper LPG. Let’s get this clear: the government could have protected small distributors without denying cheaper LPG to thousands of households and hundreds of businesses that use the product. The GoB panicked, but they deserve applause for wanting to protect small LPG retailers. It is not usual for them to show this kind of concern.

    Puppy Leslie presents: The Hub’s Christmas 3-on-3 Basketball Program!
    Basketball legend Darwin “Puppy” Leslie was guest on yesterday’s Krem Sports Show hosted by Gilroy “Press” Cadogan, and Puppy was there to announce the launching of a new sporting facility, The Hub, on Chetumal Street with the hosting of a week-long “3-on-3 Basketball Program” on the Hub’s basketball court, commencing on Monday, December 16, and continuing all week until Friday, December 20, when prizes and awards will be issued. Registration is free for the 8 Senior teams (ages 14-16 years) and 8 Junior teams (ages 10 – 13 years), with only one spot still available up to show time yesterday.

    Female football fireworks! Semifinals over; Rumberas vs Jewel Fury for NAWL Championship
    Women football is reaching a new level in Belize. And the completion of the semifinals of the National Amateur Women’s League (NAWL) 2019-2020 Opening Season this past weekend has set up a long anticipated and eagerly awaited clash between two powerful teams, featuring the two top goal scorers in recent competitions. Jewel Fury’s Mariela Morales was top goal scorer in this NAWL abbreviated Opening Season regular competition, eclipsing back-to-back top goal scorer, Kaite Jones, who had moved from Gladiators to Rumberas this past season. But in the playoff semifinals, Kaite has again asserted herself, scoring twice in their game 1 semifinals 3-2 win over Verdes Rebels in Cowpen; and early yesterday afternoon at the Norman Broaster Stadium, it was the visiting Rumberas taking the 2-0 victory with another brace from Kaite Jones (18’ & 72’), who now leads all scorers in the playoffs.

    Michael Sutherland, Belize’s “Maradona” passes
    The Belize football community lost one of its most passionate voices with the passing on Thursday last of former footballer, Michael Sutherland, a.k.a. “Diego Maradona,” who made his transition into the eternal arena after a long battle with cancer, that could not dampen his enthusiasm for the sport or his love for his Belizean people. “Blessed love” was his usual parting greeting with friends and associates in football circles and in his frequent calls to Krem’s Press Sports Show, his favorite on a Wednesday night or Sunday morning, as well as his occasional participation in Krem’s Morning Stew program, where he even once participated in a singing contest. Diego’s was an indomitable spirit of love and joy that impacted all he came in contact with, even in the midst of his tremendous struggles with disability in his battle with cancer.

    The bombshell robbery of Maya artefacts
    It had been nearly two years after their resumption of intimacy that Lucille had become pregnant again, and said it had been a strange feeling to be having marital relations with the sole objective of bearing a son, which she believed to be Neville’s motivation; and that the psychological effect on her may well have caused the long delay in her conceiving. She worried that in Neville’s persistence in his original gender preference he was setting himself up, once again, for another big disappointment.

    Brian Plummer says old economic models are outdated
    Brian Plummer’s letter to the Amandala, Friday edition (December 6, 2019), has to be considered as a first response to Bill Lindo’s call for Belize to dump any association we have with the British system of capitalism and adopt the American system. Mr. Lindo, in his article “The economy and independence” published in the November 22 and November 26 (2019) editions of the Amandala, says that the most successful countries in the world follow the version of the capitalist system practiced/developed by the Americans.

    From the Publisher
    There was a group of young, educated, black Belizeans who at some point decided to target the Deputy Premier, Hon. C. L. B. Rogers of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP), in his Mesopotamia constituency. (As we have pointed out in previous columns focusing on Creole leadership in the second half of the twentieth century, Rogers may have been the most powerful Creole leader in Belize from the middle 1960s through the 1970s.) When precisely this organized decision to focus on defeating Rogers took place, I’m not sure, but I know that Wilfred Elrington, Diane Haylock, and a former UBAD Party vice-president were prominent in a group which supported the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate, Curl Thompson, contributing significantly to Thompson’s defeat of Rogers in the 1979 general election. (Rogers had defeated Thompson in Mesop in the 1974 general election.)

    Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa is Named Miss Universe
    Zozibini Tunzi, a 26-year-old model and beauty queen from South Africa, was chosen as Miss Universe 2019 during the contest’s Sunday night gala in the American city of Atlanta, becoming the third representative from that country to earn the prestigious title. Tunzi, who was born in Tsolo (Eastern Cape) and graduated in public relations from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, was crowned by her predecessor, Catriona Gray of the Philippines. Her Miss Universe biography describes her as a “passionate activist” who is “engaged in the fight against gender based violence.”

    The Reporter

    What If You Could No Longer Enjoy Belizean Conch Soup or Ceviche?
    The Queen conch is a well-loved delicacy; an important part of Belizean culture that has been around for generations. So, for many Belizeans, Golding’s quote above is not something they imagine or think about happening, particularly in a small country of 360,000 inhabitants; especially since the symbolism of the quote refers to the destruction of a people’s way of life.

    Minister: Hugo Patt’s Facebook Account Hacked
    Today December 10th. the Government of Belize issued an urgent alert that the minister’s Facebook account was hacked. The statement read as follows:

    Tricky Home Invasion In Belama Phase 1
    Police are on the hunt for two men who invaded a home in Belama Phase I Monday afternoon. According to reports the two men, both masked and one of them armed with a gun, entered the home and tied up two females who were inside.

    Breaking Belize NewsPJ

    Villagers in Succotz are in pursuit of alleged bandits
    Reports to BBN is that concerned villagers in San Jose Succotz village are chasing at […]

    One year later, no progress in Anny Young missing person case
    Today, December 10th marks one (1) year since the disappearance of Belize City resident, Anisha […]

    Statistical error reverses GDP growth in the third quarter
    Belize’s economy contracted slightly in the third quarter of 2019 as opposed to expansion after […]

    Francisco Rodriguez acquitted of arson of Kimmie’s Bar
    The man accused of arson and previously manslaughter in the death of Jacqueline Arteaga in […]

    Sugar crop season postponed to mid-January; farmers pray for rain
    Belize’s leading industry faces a delay to work and a race against time. The sugar […]

    Standard 4 student wins NICH Christmas Card Competition
    Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) honored the winner of its Christmas […]

    Crime Stoppers Belize launches P3 Tips app for confidential information
    On Tuesday, December 3, Crime Stoppers Belize launched its latest tool to assist in the […]

    Belize Women’s Cricket team plays international cricket
    The Belize National Cricket Association issued a statement today informing that 14 women from the […]

    Former Belmopan Mayor shaken up after armed robbery
    Former Belmopan Mayor, Anthony Chanona has been left shaken up after he was robbed and […]

    Home invasion reported in Belize City
    Authorities are investigating a burglary that occurred in Belize City. Argenize Caballero, 22; Nubia Banos, […]

    DFC launches Readiness III program to support climate-resiliency in Belize
    Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to […]

    Belizean businessman, Jorge Espat launches candidacy for PUP Cayo West
    Belizean businessman, Jorge Espat, has launched his candidacy to serve as standard-bearer for the People’s […]

    International Anti-Corruption Day: What will Belizeans do differently?
    More Belizeans are aware of, and condemning, various forms of corruption in Government and the […]

    Digi/ Becol basketball tournament
    9 December 2019 By Elvis ‘Tigre’ Usher SSBA President San Ignacio Town The DIGI / Becol Basketball […]

    Community and police meet to discuss crime fighting strategies
    In light of the recent increase in crimes in San Jose Succotz village, the community […]

    Gillnet find mocks Government’s ‘get-tough’ policy
    Not even 24 hours after the Government set out its path to managing and eventually […]

    International Anti-Corruption Day: Belize left off Transparency International list for the tenth year running
    The Belize PEACE Movement says it has confirmed that for the tenth year running, Transparency […]

    Op-Ed from Senior U.S. State Department Official on International Human Rights Day
    By Robert Destro Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. […]

    Blogs

    Christmas Church Services in Belize
    After all the festivities for Garifuna Settlement Day and Thanksgiving, it’s time to prepare for the Belizean Christmas holiday. During the Christmas season, many families make it their priority to attend church services and sing the beautiful Christmas hymns. The Christian faith is the main religion practiced by many; the Roman Catholicism is the most common religion followed by Belizeans. There are Methodists, Anglicans, Buddhists, and Jehovah Witnesses, just to name a few. But not all of these religions celebrate Christmas or have the same traditions as others.

    #WeBelizeInACure
    Wouldn’t it be incredible if floating in the Caribbean could help cure cancer? The Morgan Adams Foundation believed it was possible! A not-for-profit, Colorado-based organization, with a mission to raise funds for pediatric cancer research, hosted their 17th annual Concours d’Elegance in August this year. Their success was, impart, due to their brilliant idea to curate the travel section of their Live Auction. They launched a marketing campaign featuring a place their 1,700 elite guests were already looking to go- Belize!

    Belize’s International Yoga Fest
    Held annually by the non-profit organization Rhythm of Change Belize (ROC), the Belize International Yoga Fest (BIYF) is designed to bring together yoga and meditation practitioners, aspirants, and curious world citizens to enjoy soulful moments of wellness, healing, relaxation, and reflection in our very own Belize City. And while yoga may seem intimidating to us who can’t touch their toes, the ROC has worked hard to bring forth individual, social, and environmental changes in Belize through meditation, stress-relieving stretches, and gratitude practice that shows yoga’s effects are diversely positive, and not just physical.

    North Park Hotel Highlights Beautiful Historic Belize City
    I’m often asked this question: We hope to spend one night in Belize City before (or after) heading out to the Cayes – do you have any safe, nice suggestions? Or: We need to go into the city for the afternoon/evening and need a place to stay before returning to San Pedro. Do you have a recommendation? My answer is now a resounding yes! Not long ago I spent the afternoon and night at the North Park Hotel. Here is a photo of the main room – the dining area. Not only was it “nice” but the hotel is a beautifully kept historic home in my favorite part of Belize City. A view of the sea…an area where you feel safe and happy to walk around at dawn and take pictures.

    Creole Culture
    The colorful culture of Belize Creoles has been the result of the mixing of races and customs between the white slave master, their African slaves, and the other groups that interacted in the early logwood mahogany, and chicle camps. It also evolved out of constant contact among different groups who resided in the only main hub of the time: Belize Town. This was the period of slavery, and afterward in the era of British colonial administration.

    Belize and Tourism
    Over the past few years, Belize’s tourism industry has grown immensely! As a Caribbean/Central American country, visitors enjoy coming here for the amazing weather, scenery and various adventure activities. This little country has become a top destination for adventure travelers, eco-travelers, families, retirees, and newlyweds. All this over the span of about 15 years, but how did this industry get to where it is now? The tourism industry accounts for approximately 37.1% of the employment rate (61,500 jobs). These jobs include taxis, water taxis, car rentals, tour guides, farmers, fishermen, craftsmen/women, gift shop owners, hair braiders, hotel owners and much more.

    International Sourcesizz

    Mixed results for Caribbean nations on UN Human Development Index
    Several Caribbean islands saw their rankings rise and fall on the United Nations (UN) 2019 United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI). According to the UN, the HDI is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. Barbados and the Bahamas were the only two countries to be given the distinction of being on the list of states with a “Very High Human Development.”

    Belize launches Readiness III to facilitate climate-resilient projects
    The Belize Press Office in a release, on Monday, announced the launch of Readiness III to support the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) accreditation of the Green Climate Fund (GFC). Belize, since 2015, has engaged with the GCF to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programs to help the country adapt and mitigate climate change and its effects. Through GCF Readiness support, multinational professional services network Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) was selected to conduct a GAP Assessment and to develop an action plan for the DFC.

    Colin Dodgson's Deeper Green is a Thoughtful Visual Ode to Conservation Work in Belize
    “Growing up, I surfed all the time, so I have a built-in connection with nature,” says the photographer Colin Dodgson (who lensed W's current cover story, starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie). The launch of his new book, Deeper Green, took place yesterday (December 9) in London surrounded by the leafy tropical greenery of the Barbican Conservatory—a fitting backdrop given that natural connections the threads that link each photograph in this series. The book, a sensitive documentation of ten days spent shadowing park rangers in Belize in December 2018, was released in collaboration with the conservation charity World Land Trust. The WLT will receive 100% of the tome's profits.

    Mixed results for Caribbean nations on UN Human Development Index
    Several Caribbean islands saw their rankings rise and fall on the United Nations (UN) 2019 United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI). According to the UN, the HDI is a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. Barbados and the Bahamas were the only two countries to be given the distinction of being on the list of states with a “Very High Human Development.”

    Videos

  • Belize Stand Up Bote Paddleboard Fly Fishing for Bonefish, 1.5min. Cayo Frances Farm & Fly is a great little camp in Northern Belize. They have a handful of Bote boards for use as well. The food is excellent and the host Jeff is super accommodating.

  • Ice Business, Maya Beach, Belize, 2min.

  • Miss Universe 2019 || Miss Belize- Where the successful journey began, min. Lets get a look back from where Miss Belize's successful journey began

  • Channel 5 Daily Obituaries - JEFFREY RICHARD MEYERS, 2min.

  • Christmas in Belize - Brad Pattico, 26min. Legendary folklore singer, Brad Pattico was our guest to talk about his music and Christmas in Belize.

  • International Anti-Corruption Day Part 1, 25min. Today is International Anti-Corruption Day. We invited a few of the social sector partners to discuss the implementation of the United National Convention Against Corruption in B(UNCAC) in Belize.

  • International Anti-Corruption Day Part 2, 23min. International Anti-Corruption Day. We invited a few of the social sector partners to discuss the implementation of the United National Convention Against Corruption in B(UNCAC) in Belize. On our couch: Osmany Salas - Belize Network of NGOs. Giacomo Sanchez - Belize Chamber of Commerce, BCCI. Marvin Mora - President, NTUCB.

  • Courts Belize and Courts Optical - gadgets and eye wear, 22min. Courts Belize and Courts Optical has a variety of gadgets and eye wear that will make perfect gifts for your family this season. We got a sample of these and they shared the details of the sales and discounts now available. Stop by the store to get great deals on phones, speakers and transition lens and sunglasses.

  • Cojac's Sumptuous Rum Popo - New flavor now available for all your festivities, 18min. Looking to spice up your Rum Popo for this Christmas? Cojac Smith of Cojac's Sumptuous Rum Popo shared a new flavor now available for all your festivities. Today he shared his recipes for the Pumpkin Spice and Vegan blends.

  • The United Nations Development Program - 2019 Human Development Report, 34min. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has released the 2019 Human Development Report. Representatives of UNDP were our guests to unpack the data.

  • Krem Krismus Night 2, 2hr.

  • Belize Wedding, 4min. Venue: Grand Caribe Belize. Filmed & edited by: Rob G Films.

  • Belize 2019 Highlights, 4min. Ironmongers' trip to Belize with the Grenadier Guards, September 2019.

  • Ambergris Caye Belize Tradewinds Paradise Villas, 12min. Belize, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro town Tradewinds Paradise Villas November 2019, snorkeling to Hol Chan marine reserve, shark ray alley, and a visit to Caye Caulker

  • Caribbean Beach Cabanas in Placencia Belize Paradise Guy, 9min. In today's video, we are heading to the mainland of Belize to a Micro resort called Caribbean Beach Cabanas. This Placencia resort is a very popular place to stay for those vacationing on the mainland of Belize. It is right on the famous sidewalk with easy access to plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants. Come along as I give you a tour around the resort and introduce you to the General manager Randy.

  • Celebrate Belize!, 4min. A celebration in picture and words of one of the most unique, natural, friendly places on earth - Belize.


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