Belize News Daily, 12/21/2019 to 12/31/2019, Ambergris Caye

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

Caye Caulker experiencing water and electricity outages
Residents on the island of Caye Caulker are experiencing a shortage of water and electricity, affecting thousands of residents and the business sector. At this time of posting, most of La Isla Cariñosa is in darkness with low pressure or no running water and many tourists are leaving the island. The problem with the water supply worsened after Belize Water Services’ (BWS) Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant shut down on Sunday, December 29th due to a broken main drive shaft. The island had 150,000-gallon water storage, but by Monday, December 30th, the reserve was depleted. To address the emergency, BWS dispatched 12,000 gallons of water via water trucks on barges from its headquarters in Belize City. This limited supply of water is expected to be rationed to customers in coordination with the Caye Caulker Village Council.

Ambergris Today

More Guns Off The Streets Of San Pedro
In keeping its word of having a safer community, San Pedro Police have been conducting more patrols throughout the island and have successfully been catching up with individuals who have firearms without proper licenses. On Saturday, December 28th, 2019, at about 2:55 p.m., while Police were conducting mobile patrol on Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro Town, their attention was drawn to a male person who was riding a red beach cruiser bicycle and acting suspiciously.

Caye Caulker In Water Crisis; Rationing Water; Tourists Leaving
Our neighbors in Caye Caulker Village are currently experiencing a water crisis as the island’s water supply plants has broken down. There are reports that guests are leaving hotels and the water shortage is gravely impacting everyone from restaurants, hotels, all businesses and consumers. Belize Water Services issued a press release stating that on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at about 11 am, the Caye Caulker Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant experienced a shut down due to a broken main drive shaft. This shaft had just been replaced on December 24, 2019, with the previous drive shaft having performed for 8 years before wearing out.

Various Belizean Sources

San Pedro NY Eve Countdown
The San Pedro Town Council and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. invites everyone to come out to the Central Park, tomorrow, December 31st to bring in the New Year 2020! All the way from Mérida, México, Grupo Montana Mérida will be performing your favorite hits to dance the night away! We will be having free party favors and a spectacular fireworks display! The event is free and everyone is invited. We would like to thank Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. for his sponsorship towards this event, as well as Hyper Soundz and LED Belize, who are providing the Sound and Lighting for the event. THANK YOU!

Court Ruling on Section 53 Case Appeal
The official Press release from earlier today of the Court ruling on the Section 53 case appeal. Belize Court of Appeal does not disturb 2016 ruling in Orozco case that section 53 is unconstitutional December 30, 2019 On Monday morning, December 30, 2019, the Belize Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Chief Justice in 2016 that section 53 contravenes sections 3, 6, 12, 14 and 16 of the Belize Constitution which are the rights to dignity, equality before the law, freedom of expression, privacy and non-discrimination. In 2016, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled in favour of Caleb Orozco, Executive Director of UNIBAM, and declared that section 53 of the Criminal Code, which criminalized “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”, violates these constitutional rights.

Leading Causes of Death in Belize
Leading causes of death in Belize according to the Director of Health Services.

Caye Caulker water interruption for an extended period
On Sunday, December 29, 2019, at about 11:00am, the Caye Caulker Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant experienced a shut down due a broken mad drive shaft. This shaft had just been replaced on December 24, 2019, with the previous drive shaft having performed for 8 years before wearing out. Unfortunately, the BWS team realized, at that time, that the replacement shaft was slightly out of alignment and prone to failure. Replacement shafts were immediately ordered, and are due for shipment out of the U.S. later this week. Unfortunately, by today, December 30, 2019, the 150,000 gallon water storage for the island has now been depleted. BWS is dispatching 12,000 gallons of water via water trucks on barges to help provide customers on the island with water.

BTIA Press Release on Caye Caulker Water Problems
THE BELIZE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION makes this urgent appeal to the government to rectify what appears to be negligence of legally mandated suppliers of electricity and water on the island of Caye Caulker. Potable water is a basic necessity for Belizeans and for the productivity of the economy. Belizeans and their livelihood deserve this basic resource and a reliable electrical supply. The patience of the Caye Caulker community is now at an end as the problem with these utilities is a chronic problem which has been worsening over this past year. The island has been left without water and electricity on an ongoing basis and, especially, at peak times of 2018 and 2019 including Christmases, Easters and Lobsterfests.

BEL Addresses Generation Issues on Caye Caulker
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is working to resolve power supply issues in Caye Caulker following failure of one of the generation units that supply ekctricity to customers on the island. Over the past five days, the Company has had to conduct load shedding during the evening peak hours to compensate for the loss in generation capacity.As a result, some customers on the island have been experiencing intermittent power outages when the demand for electricity is highest.

Coastal Xpress NYEve Schedule
This makes things easier if you are heading into town tomorrow night: From Coastal Xpress Water Taxi - New Year's Eve Special Runs!!!! We will be shuttling people from Fido's Dock to all areas north up to Sapphire Beach. Boats leave from 12:30-1:30am. ALL tickets are $10US. Passes accepted.

Water purification tablets available on Caye Caulker
Please feel free to pick up water purification tablets at the CCVC office or the health center to use in your vats and wells. Thank you

Balames - Nukux Tat
The Balames(Balamo'ob) are also known as Nukux Tat,Tata Duende , Tata Balam or El dueño del monte. Between the Yucatec Maya they are worshiped before you start planting and therefore they are considered a deity , but do not appear in the Maya pantheon. They are beings whose appearance resembles that of an elderly man, with a long beard . They are the guardians of the earth from the four cardinal points.

Huay Balam
For the ancient Maya, the Maya word "Huay" was used to refer to an animal - real or chimeric - that shared its essence with each person; a kind of "accompanying spirit." In its original meaning, the way could also be an object or phenomenon (star, fire, comet, rainbow) or a combination of all the previous elements. For example, a Ceibal Ajaw had a "Water Jaguar". Linguistically, the "way" particle seems to have a root related to sleep or mystical transfiguration, since its meaning persists among the various Maya languages.

Channel 7

17 Year Old Shot 7 Times Succumbs
On the 24th of November, 17-year-old Chanteuse Martinez was shot 7 times in an act of senseless violence that caught the young woman and her boyfriend completely off guard. You'll remember that Chanteuse's boyfriend Mervin and his 1-year-old baby niece Melanie were also shot during the incident. They were treated and released, but Chanteuse remained critically injured. Her youth may have given her the strength to make it through a month with very serious injuries, but, she couldn't hold on any longer and died this weekend. She succumbed to her injuries on Saturday evening. Cherisse Halsall spoke to her family today:

Police Haven't Upgraded Charges on Chanteuse's Teenaged Shooter
Last month, Police arrested and charged a 16-year old for three counts of attempted murder, three counts of use of deadly means of harm, 2 counts of dangerous harm, and one count of wounding in the shooting that has ultimately led to Chanteuse Martinez's death. While you might expect to be upgraded to murder, Superintendent Alejandro Cowo told us first they need to see the result of the postmortem examination of Chanteuse Martinez's body.

Rake Of The Year: "2020", Belizeans Hit the Jackpot En Mass
It's a superstition and a cultural practice in Belize: The numbers to buy in the Sunday Jackpot before the new year are: the year to come, and the year that's ending, and maybe even those numbers in reverse. Well, Yesterday that superstition paid off, like never before, and buyers came up bigtime. Cherisse Halsall went out to talk to the people that had the rake, and Brad's who has to pay all those winnings which amount to millions of dollars:

Is Police Checkpoint Directive Unconstitutional?
Social media was raging this weekend after a police directive about vehicular checkpoints was leaked out. Dated 27th December, it directs all commanders that, quote, "whenever they stop and search vehicles in which a group of persons are traveling, a full description and photograph of the vehicle is taken and documents; likewise all particulars and photographs of occupants in the vehicle gotten." For many, that sounded sinister, and smacked of a violation of constitutional rights of privacy and freedom of movement. Today, in Belmopan the commissioner first said that directive had an error, which was corrected, but defended enhanced surveillance at police checkpoints. He citied a number of crimes that were committed with criminals using the highways, and said it must be stopped:

COMPOL Says Privacy Is An Illusion
Of course, it's unclear what exactly constitutes reasonable cause, but Commissioner Williams stressed his belief that privacy is an illusion: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police "May I say on the checkpoints, for the most part what I see police officers doing is that they are taking pictures of your driver's licensed and not you the individual. Now, the question is: is your driver's licensed private? The answer is no, because whenever you are asked to produce, you must produce it. Police take pictures of your vehicle, the question is: is your vehicle private? The answer is no. Some of the people I see complaining about privacy and picture taking - I see them post some compromising pictures of themselves on Facebook every day. Some of the pictures they post should be private, but they put it on social media. I don't know if they are aware that Facebook have a policy that whatever you post on Facebook that the company can use it in whatever way they wish and you can't do them nothing. So at the end of the day when you move around in the public a camera is always watching you either a video camera or someone with a phone, so there is no privacy in public and I've always said to my attorney friends, my colleagues at the bar, if you all believe that what the police is doing is wrong, then take us to court and let the court make a pronouncement on it. If the court says that we are wrong then we have to adjust our measures." Williams added that the police and the BDF will be launching composite patrols on January 15th on the highways.

Court of Appeal Upholds Section 53
The Court of Appeal has handed down a judgment re-affirming that consensual same-sex acts between adults is now legal. This is the second court that has vindicated the position of the local gay rights activist, Caleb Orozco. You'll remember that he successfully convinced Chief Justice Kenneth to rule in August 2016 that Section 53 of the Belize Criminal Code was unconstitutional and that it violated his rights to human dignity and privacy. Before Chief Justice's ruling just over 3 years ago, Section 53 made it illegal for same-sex couples to engage in sexual acts. The law said that "every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for 10 years." The Chief Justice found that this did violate Orozco's constitutional rights and ruled that the sentence, "This section shall not apply to consensual sexual acts between adults in private" should be added.

Caye Caulker Without Water Or Electricity
Caye Caulker residents and visitors are taking a lick tonight - they have been without running water for most of the day - and the outage continues at this hour. BWS says a drive shaft on the village's reverse osmosis plant broke unexpectedly; it had just been replaced on Christmas eve. The previous one lasted 8 years, but BWS says this one was "out of alignment and prone to failure." A replacement is due for shipment out of the U.S. later this week. In the meantime, BWS is improvising with what it calls a customized shaft in an effort to get the plant operational today.

Another Vehicle Stolen in Bze Found in Guat
A week ago, we told you about the recovery of the Toyota Hilux Pickup truck, which belongs to Alvaro Gongora, the deputy mayor of Benque Viejo Town. That vehicle, which was stolen in the remote areas of the Hydro Road, was seen racing into Arenal, Guatemala. Well, police are reporting tonight that another of Gongora's stolen vehicles was discovered in Guatemala by the police authorities on that side. This one is a red Ford explorer, and it was also discovered intact. Here's what police had to say this morning about this discovery, and the steps being taken to hand it over to them:

Homeowner Finds Burglary in Progress
There was a burglary at a residence in Corozal Town on Friday night, and - when her neighbors called her to see what was happening - Nancy Chable rushed home only to find thieves inside. Police told her how her common law husband started firing warning shots to scare the thieves out of the house: ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch "She entered and observed three dark complexion male persons inside her home ransacking her house. As a result, she shouted for help and in so doing, her common-law husband came around and observed those persons and fired several warning shots into the air in order to alert those persons that they were home. As a result, those persons fled the scene, making good their escape..."

Did Cops Use Justifiable Force in Shooting Alleged Teen Robbers?
Police have also arrested the knife-wielding teens who they encountered on the upper flat of Nina's store on Christmas Day. But there are questions about the use of excessive force by police in shooting of the minors. The 16 and 17 year old allegedly had knives, the cops had guns.

COMPOL: Alcohol Abuse Drove Crime in 2019
Today, police commissioner Chester Williams discussed the downturn in major crimes overall for 2019 - even though the decrease in murders will be negligible. He also spoke about the main drivers of crime this year - alcohol being chief among them:...

COMPOL Not Joking with Jumoke
And, one new type of crime that Williams is trying to find a way to prosecute is cyberbullying, specifically in the case of Jumoke Castro. The ugly text of his menacing tirade against Luis Wade and his wife Shasta are now well known, but the Commissioner told us that making a threat of rape is not an offence.

Retired UDP Politician Passes
Today, an official funeral was held for Onesimo Pech, the former one term UDP Area Representative for Orange Walk South. The former schoolteacher served as a member and deputy speaker of the house between 1984 and 1989. An official funeral was held for him today at St. John's Cathedral in Belize City where the official remembrance was given by acting Prime Minister Patrick Faber.

He Won A Wingle
A businessman from Santa Cruz in south Stann Creek won a Wingle 7 pickup this weekend. It was a raffle sponsored by Digi - and since November thew 12th. Hundreds of thousands of entries were made. That's why Ma told us he wasn't expecting any call:

Chopping In Bullett Tree Involved Alcohol
Tonight, San Ignacio Police are trying to get to the bottom of a chopping incident that has left 2 men from Bullet Tree Falls injured. At this time, it appears that they were attacked by fellow villagers with whom they have had prior disagreements. According to police, 32-years-old Henario Martinez and 36-year-old Patricio Kuylen were enjoying their Saturday night at a party.

88 Year Old Man Drowns After Family Feud
And from that chopping in Cayo, we turn now to the apparent drowning of an 88-year-old man from the Toledo village of San Antonio. Police say that at around 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, they discovered the body of Ponciano Coy, who was found dead near a creek in the village. He was last seen alive on Friday night, and according to police, reports are that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

PM On Leave
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country on Saturday. A government press release says that he is on personal leave with his family. He will return to Belize on January 4th.

Channel 5

Court of Appeal Upholds Chief Justice’s Decision on Section 53
The Court of Appeal today handed down a ruling, upholding the Chief Justice’s 2016 ruling on Section Fifty-Three. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled that Section Fifty-Three of the Belize Criminal [...]

UNIBAM Exec. Dir. Says ‘Sex’ Does Include ‘Sexual Orientation’
According to Orozco, Section Fifty-Three of the Criminal Code is a law which discriminates on the basis of sex and is void to that extent. He says that the ruling [...]

What’s Next? Marriage Equality? Gender Identity?
With Section Fifty-Three being struck down by the Supreme Court and with the Court of Appeals reaffirming the Chief Justice’s ruling, what other LGBT issues are there? Well, there is [...]

Trial Begins for Sensational Drug Bust Back in September 2018 involving a Top Cop
Trial finally began today for the group of men accused of participating in the September ninth, 2018 landing of a drug plane in Tres Leguas, near Blue Creek in the [...]

Shooting Victim Chantuse Martinez Succumbs
Sixteen-year-old Chantuse Martinez died on Saturday night after being hospitalized for more than a month for gunshot injuries. Martinez and her boyfriend Mervin Martin were shot while near the entrance [...]

The Police Department Introducing New Measures for Vehicle Checkpoints
Social media was abuzz over the weekend, following a leaked memo from within the Belize Police Department. It prompted commentary from various sectors that the department was ramping up its [...]

New Measures at Police Checkpoints to Catch Transient Criminals
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says that it’s a strategy being implemented by the department in the wake of a number of missing persons being abducted and taken to isolated [...]

Law-Abiding Citizens Should Not Be Affected by New VCP Measures
ComPol Chester Williams says that law-abiding citizens do not have to concern themselves with the procedure because the department knows who the transient criminals are. Chester Williams, Commissioner of [...]

2020 Sunday Lottery Draw Expected to Break the Bank
A new decade begins on January first, and while many are preparing to bid 2019 adieu, many more are looking ahead to the start of a new year. On Sunday [...]

An Unexpected Gift from Brads to Belize
While the exact number of winners and total payout are still being calculated, it is not likely that any tax will be applied to individual earnings, unless, of course, you’ve [...]

Water Shortage on La Isla Cariñosa, BWS Explains Why
Residents of Caye Caulker continue to experience an extended water shortage, following a shutdown of the island’s reverse osmosis water treatment plant on Sunday morning. As a result, the hundred [...]

Sandhill Man to Welcome New Year in Broken Down House
While many of you are rejoicing with Sunday’s lottery draw, there is one man who is struggling to keep a smile on his face. Tonight, we bring you the story [...]

Are Charges Pending for Jumoke Castro?
Will charges be levied against Jumoke Castro, the son of Transport Minister Edmond Castro, for a vile social media post made against the News Director of Plus TV in Belmopan? [...]

Belize City Teens Arraigned for Xmas Day Burglary
Police have arrested and charged a pair of minors for the crime of burglary; one was additionally charged with aggravated assault against a police officer. Both teenagers were shot on [...]

A Pair of Friends is Attacked and Chopped in Bullet Tree
A pair of friends is recovering at the San Ignacio Community Hospital from multiple chop wounds they received on Sunday morning as they left a bar in Bullet Tree Village. [...]

A Belize City Resident & a Hattieville Minor are Charged for Home Invasion in Corozal
Two of three alleged burglars, including a minor from Hattieville Village, have been charged in connection with the burglary of a house in Santa Rita Layout, Corozal District. Police say [...]

San Mateo Resident is Caught with Gun and Bullets
Two San Pedro Town residents are in trouble with the law tonight after they were caught in possession of drugs, as well as firearm and ammunition. On Saturday afternoon, a [...]

San Pedro Resident Charged for Drug Trafficking Offense
A San Juan resident has also been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another. Carlos Castillo was taken into custody and searched; on him [...]

Elderly Man Drowns in San Antonio, Toledo
An elderly man lost his life over the weekend in San Antonio Village in the Toledo District. Police do not suspect foul play in the death eighty-eight-year-old Ponciano Coy, who [...]

Several Stolen Vehicles from Benque are Recovered in Guatemala
The police have been cracking down on the number of vehicles which have been stolen and taken across the western border into Guatemala. While there has been progress, today, Assistant [...]

PM Barrow Departs on Personal Leave
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country on Saturday on personal leave with his family. He is expected to return on Saturday January fourth 2010. In his absence, Deputy Prime [...]

Santa Cruz Businessman Drives Off in Brand New 2020 Wingle
Businessman Kenny Ma is the lucky winner of a 2020 Great Wall Wingle pickup after participating in a Christmas raffle organized and promoted by Digi and Caribbean Tire Limited. With [...]

James Adderly with the Final Sportscast for 2019
Good evening, I’m James Adderly and this is Sports Monday. [Highlights of the weekend in sports...]

The Reporter

Court Of Appeals Uphold Ruling: Says ‘Law Targeting Gays’ Unconstitutional
The Belize Court of Appeal today upheld a 2016 decision made by Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, who found that Section 53 of the Criminal Code violates Sections 3, 6, 12, 14 and 16 of the Belize Constitution which promotes people’s rights to dignity, equality before the law, freedom of expression, privacy and non-discrimination.

B.W.S Water Problem On Caye Caulker: May Be Fixed By Morning
Although no-one from the company would go on record, the technicians have privately said that they will have the water problem fixed by the morning of December 31st.

Breaking Belize News

The Orozco Appeal: Identity, marriage, and equality – the next frontier?
From the moment Caleb Orozco filed his case in 2013, he and his attorneys have […]

BEL: Tonight is the final power outage for Caye Caulker
Over the past five days, residents in Caye Caulker have been suffering from a string […]

Belize bids farewell to Onesimo Pech
Today, the nation bid farewell to former area representative, Onesimo Pech. Pech served the people […]

Water crisis in Caye Caulker affects tourism sector
The village of Caye Caulker is currently experiencing a water crisis. The Belize Water Services […]

THE OROZCO APPEAL: Judgment of the Court of Appeal
Justices of Appeal Samuel Awich, Murrio Ducille, and Lennox Campbell confirmed that the August 2016 decision […]

Burglars caught in the act up north!
On Friday night before 9 o’clock, Nancy Chable and her common-law husband encountered three men […]

Police: Elderly citizen inebriated hours before death
On Saturday afternoon we reported that a senior citizen was found dead in a creek […]

“Heart disease killed more people in 2018 than violence,” says Ministry of Health
Today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) released the cause of death statistics for the year 2018, […]

Appeal Court upholds expansion of discrimination in Constitution to include sexual orientation
A Court of Appeal panel has upheld the August 2016 ruling of Chief Justice Kenneth […]

One Love; UDP aspirants united at Castro’s end of year event
“One Love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright….” Bob Marley This weekend, Belize […]

Caye Caulker Village experiences extended water interruption
Belize Water Services (BWS) today issued a statement saying that on Sunday, December 29, at about 11:00 a.m. the Caye Caulker Reverse Osmosis Water ...

Minors remanded for Belize City burglary
Two minors have been remanded to the Wagner's Youth Facility at the Belize Central Prison.

Shyne Barrow hosts New Year's Day Football Youth Cup in Mesopotamia
The UDP Mesopotamia Sports Council upgrade project is what lead Shyne to launch the 1st annual New Year's Day Youth Cup for U18 & U12 teams in Mesopotamia.

Police strategy 2020: More checkpoints
In commenting on his new crime-fighting strategy, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams shared a bit of what we can expect from the Belize ...

Chester Williams: Criminals shouldn't feel comfortable
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, today provided details of a leaked memo indicating that persons driving on the country's highways would be stopped and photographed...

UNIBAM/ UWI Rights Advocacy Project issues statement
The United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) and the University of the West Indies' (UWI) Rights Advocacy Project issued a statement ...

Belize Territorial Volunteers present 2019 report
Today, Will Maheia, founder of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), gave his overview of 2019 and the organization's efforts to advocate for ...

Belize ranks 135 on World Bank Doing Business 2020 report
Belize has ranked 135 out of a total 190 on the World Bank's 'Doing Business 2020' report, which assesses the regulations that enhance business ...

Cancer warrior Ian Skeen needs your help to stay in the fight
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so through Belize bank account 130622010220000 to Stephanie A Milan on behalf of Ian Skeen, or through the ...

Carlos Castillo busted with cocaine
Carlos Castillo, 31, has been caught by the long arm of the law...

Appeal Court delivers decision on Section 53
A Court of Appeal panel has given its decision on the appeal of the August […]

Cuban media shows love to the late great Andy Palacio
Today the Havana Times, an independent Cuban blog and online magazine, featured “Amunegu” (In Times […]

Belize’s Karime Rosado is new Miss Culture International Maya Ambassador
Seventeen-year-old Belizean beauty ambassador, Karime Rosado has garnered the title of new ambassador of the […]

Gymnast Simone Biles named 2019 Female Athlete of the Year
Star athlete, Simone Biles, has been named the 2019 Female Athlete of the Year. The […]

Chopping incident in Bullet Tree leaves 2 men injured
Authorities are investigating a chopping incident that occurred on Sunday morning in Bullet Tree, Cayo. […]

Blogs

A Fisherman's Perspective
There is a growing movement in the fishing community in Placencia. Fishers, for the most part, have abandoned unsustainable fishing practices. They’ve had to unlearn a lot of what they knew about fishing. That’s because for decades they have overfished; used destructive fishing gear and engaged in other bad fishing practices. And in the last ten to fifteen years they have been feeling the effects of those practices. So, they have had to learn to fish in ways that ensure Belizeans will have fish to eat for years to come and they will always be able to provide for their families doing what they love - fishing. Lowell ‘Japs’ Godfrey has been fishing for more than forty years in the waters of Placencia but a few years ago he transitioned some of his strong traditional fishing habits into sustainable fishing practices. This is his take on fishing in Belize.

Discovering a hidden sense of adventure
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a sea/caye person. Give me the sea, the sun and little spot to relax, and I’m the happiest person in this world. As such, a Waterfall Cave Expedition via Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch Jungle Lodge was definitely something out of my comfort zone. However, I don’t regret it one bit! After almost 45 minutes of trekking, it was time to get wet! Our hike took us up, up, and all the way to the top of various waterfalls where the true fun began. Our hike included plunging into refreshing pools, and the higher we went, the more breathtaking the stalactites and stalagmites were. Their sparkle motivated me even more to continue, as I wanted to see what was next.

Camping Half Moon Caye: Luxe vs. Less
The island houses a gift shop, ranger quarters, bathrooms, campground showers, newly-renovated pavilion, shared campground kitchen, bbq pit, and picnic tables; all amenities are environmentally low-impact with solar-power, compost toilets, and a strict trash in-trash out policy. Waking up to the sound of the ebb and flow of Half Moon Caye’s coral-ridden shoreline is a priceless experience found no place else. Co-managed by the non-profit NGO Belize Audubon Society, your soon-to-be camping trip to this protected area supports the day-to-day operations and sustainable management of the site, including infrastructure, enforcement, research, outreach, and education.

Black Dinna, A Belizean Favorite!
The most popular dish to consume on New Year’s Eve or Day is the traditional Black Relleno. Black Relleno, also known as “black dinna”, is a famous dish originated by the Mestizos which is a savory black soup that features chicken, pork balls, boiled eggs, and of course… spices! What makes the soup stand out is its color. The distinctive black color comes from the use of the black recado, a paste made of local chili peppers that are roasted until they are black. This soup is enjoyed by all in Belize, and we hope you’ll enjoy it too. Don’t judge it until you’ve tried it

International Sources

7 Caribbean Countries Are Banning Single-Use Plastic Starting Jan. 1
Slowly but surely, more and more cities, states, and countries are enacting bans on single-use plastic and polystyrene (aka Styrofoam) all around the world. And beginning Jan. 1, 2020, there will be a ban on the use and import of single-use plastic and polystyrene in seven Caribbean countries: the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the Yucatan Times reported. Each of those countries are coastal, located all around the Caribbean sea. Ocean plastic is a mounting issue, negatively impacting marine life, underwater ecosystems, the climate, and more — so these nations reducing single-use plastic could make a significant difference on ocean pollution.

World Bank says Caribbean economies lagging in reforms
The World Bank says economies in Latin America and the Caribbean continue to lag in terms of reforms as it relates to doing business in the region. In its flagship publication 'Doing Business 2020', in which the World Bank Group assesses the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it, it noted that of the 294 regulatory reforms implemented between May 2018 and May 2019 worldwide, 115 economies made it easier to do business. “Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean continue to lag in terms of reforms. Only two Sub-Saharan African economies rank in the top 50 on the ease of doing business; no Latin American economies rank in this group,” the World Bank noted.

Videos

Blue Hole - Belize, 12min.

Birds watching in Hopkins, Belize-Travel To carribean Side, 3.5min. Flight from Belize Airport to the close airport near Hopkins, Belize.

Porcupinefish Night Belize, 1/2min. An adorable little Porcupinefish (Diodon Holocanthus) just swimming in lazy circles during a night dive.

CAYE CAULKER OUT IN THE DARK AND WITHOUT WATER, 1min. Tonight, the situation on the island of Caye Caulker is that of total desperation after they were plunged into complete darkness and without water. Separate press releases from the two utility companies outlined the dilemma they are facing in trying to get the much-needed services up and running. As it relates to water supply from Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), water could take days to be restored due to a part that is being shipped from abroad.

501 Genesis Belize Album launch 2019, 69min.

INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER OF TOURISM, 12min. Speaking with Honourable Manuel Heredia via phone call in regards to the water and power crisis.

December 30, 2019

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.

Various Belizean Sources

Help get Cayo animals spayed and neutered
The Cayo Animal Welfare Society is passionate about improving the lives of animals in the western communities of Belize. We are a group of volunteers doing our best with limited resources to compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals. Right now, we have the exciting opportunity to host a group of visiting veterinarians and vet techs from Canada through the wonderful Foundation for Veterinary Aid International for four days in January in San Ignacio and Santa Elena as well as some mini mobile spay and neuter clinics lead by two vets from the US in February and March. With your help, we'll be able to get to animals in need in both the twin towns and in those the smaller, outer villages in Cayo.

HISTORICAL GROUND BREAKING EVENT OF COROZAL'S MASALA PARK
A well attended historical ground breaking ceremony took place this evening at the Park infront of Copper Horse Inn for Corozal's Masala Park. The message: "To the glory of God, in the presence of this audience, I now direct that ground be broken for the name of Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage COEICH's Masala Park. The responsibility and privilege rest upon us to to cause the Masala Park to rise and flourish". The new Masala Park will be an eco-friendly and family oriented green for all to enjoy.

Corozal's New Year Countdown
Dec. 31, Corozal Civic Center Grounds

Graffiti Art Workshop in Corozal
Graffiti Art Workshop today at the House of Culture as we continue to develop skills for creative expression! Thank you to our Corozal artists for participating and thank you to our Mexican instructor Diego Armando Poot Naal for instilling his knowledge. We are ready for Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020 which is just under one month away!!

Dzulúm
Is a creature which roams in the Maya world . The Dzulúm is discribe as a white jaguar with long peace of hair which runs from the head to his back . A mysterious creature which makes the Indigenous women to have a desirable attracted to follow the Dzulúm . Those who follow it are not seen again .

2019 San Pedro Lighted Boat Parade
Better late than never. lol

The Reporter

Another Tragic Ending Due To Senseless Gun Violence
The Reporter has confirmed with Police sources that Chanteuse Martinez, 16, who was shot several times late last month in Belize City, has died.

Breaking Belize News

Chantouse Martinez succumbs weeks after Antelope Street shooting
Police informed that Chantouse Martinez, 16, succumbed to her injuries yesterday while receiving treatment at […]

Elderly San Antonio resident drowns
An 88-year-old resident of San Antonio, Toledo lost his life yesterday afternoon. Police reports indicate […]

New Year 2020 is today’s first place lottery jackpot – did you win?
The old year has already given way to the new – at least as far […]

Young man busted with gun and ammo in San Pedro
Police have arrested and charged Justin Shamir Velasquez, 21, of San Pedro for keeping firearm […]

Blogs

New Years Eve on Ambergris Caye 2019
Many people go out to a late dinner (think Blue Water Grill, Las Terrazas, Elvi’s Kitchen, Red Ginger – make sure you get a reservation!)…and then head into San Pedro town where the bars, clubs and street front will be bustling with revelers. There will be music and a light show in the park starting at 10pm. Here’s the pre-flyer. All leading up to the big FIREWORKS display over the water in the center of town. Many people sit on docks – or head to the center of town to enjoy it.

Cruise Ports in Belize
Harvest Caye Port: This docking port has recently opened in the Stann Creek District in Southern Belize. However, this port was built by Norwegian Cruise Lines so therefore they only cater to their cruise passengers. Passengers aren’t obligated to go to this port as they can book a tour on the mainland and experience the Belizean life. Fort Street Tourism Village: This is the first cruise port in Belize, located on North Front Street hence the name “Fort Street”. Passengers can take a tender from the ship to shore which takes about fifteen minutes. This little seaside village is colorful and blissfully Belizean as it offers many stores/gift shops, several courtyards, snack bars, and actual bars that serves refreshing local and Caribbean inspired drinks.

Tikal Is an Easy Day Trip From San Ignacio, Belize
The Maya ruins at Tikal in Flores, Guatemala are awe-inspiring, and they’re an easy day trip from Belize. If you’re staying in San Ignacio, you can head out there in the morning and be back by the afternoon. The trip to Tikal is wonderfully scenic. The ruins are located in Tikal National Park, which encompasses 220 square miles of protected rainforest. The park is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. In the midst of dense, lush jungle, you’ll spot a huge variety of wildlife and exotic birds. You’ll experience the same amazement felt by ancient travelers who journeyed through the jungle to the great city. Climbing to the top of a pyramid gives you an incomparable view of the area.

Belize with Kids: Ancient Ruins and Jungle Adventures in a Caribbean Paradise
If you’ve ever needed confirmation that good things come in small countries, Belize is living tropical proof. Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea to its east and dense jungles in the west, Belize checks all the boxes for a thrill-and- chill-out family vacation chockablock with a spellbinding combo of things to see, learn and do. “Belize’s small size makes it ideal for family trips because you aren’t spending a ton of time traveling between its diverse landscapes,” says Moon Belize travel guide author Lebawit Girma. “Not to mention the ancient Maya, Caribbean, Latin and Afro-indigenous cultures all in one place make it a great learning vacation, too.”

International Sources

Worldwide Epidemic: A Closer Look at the Diabetes Disaster
In Belize, where diabetes is rampant, patients need insulin every day to maintain proper blood sugar levels. But if people lack electricity or a refrigerator, they cannot store insulin at home. Medical advice pamphlets encourage such patients to keep their insulin in the refrigerators at small corner grocery stores instead. And so, in some cases, there the insulin sits — right next to soft drinks which, in good measure, have helped cause the growing diabetes epidemic in the first place. “That one image, of soda bottles and the insulin side by side, has stuck with me,” says Amy Moran-Thomas, an MIT professor and cultural anthropologist who has spent over 10 years researching and writing about the global diabetes epidemic. “It’s emblematic of the larger problem, a robust infrastructure even in rural areas to deliver foods that are contributing to diabetes, and the huge gaps in global infrastructure for treating the same conditions.”

Videos

San Pedro, La isla bonita, the island that inspired madonna, 3min.

Blue Hole - Belize, 12min.

Tiburon Canyon Dive, Ambergris Caye, Belize 2019-12-26, 15min. Great dive to "Tiburon Canyon" dive site off the shore of Ambergris Caye in Belize. Nurse sharks, Reef sharks, a Sea Turtle, and more, all in one dive.

Altun Ha Belize, 8min.

Jankunu 2019 in Belize, Dangrigra, 1min.

2017 Airboating in Belize, 23min.

Belize Wedding | Brett + Carol, 5min. This amazing Kansas couple travels to beautiful Belize to get hitched and start their lives together as husband and wife.

Bird grabs fish from hand. Belize, 4sec.

Belize - into the jungle, 4min. Belize travel video where we head from the coast inland to the jungle with a stop to see the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, cave tubing, zip lining, and rappelling while ending up at the Cave Branch Jungle Lodge.

December 29, 2019

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.

Various Belizean Sources

Prime Minister Departs the Country on Personal Leave
The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow departed the country today, December 28, 2019 on personal leave with his family. The Prime Minister will return to Belize on January 4, 2020. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber will act as Prime Minister.

GROUND BREAKING EVENT of MAGALA CULTURAL PARK IN COROZAL
Today Sunday, December 29th sponsored by our Corozal Organization of East Indian Cultural Heritage at 3:00 p.m. at the Park across Copper Horse Inn.

Corozal Football Association
1ST DIVISION SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019. GAMES WILL BE PLAYED AT CAROLINA FOOTBALL FIELD.

Amandala

Elderly man found dead in creek in Toledo
The body of Ponciani Coy, 88, was found face down in a creek in San Antonio Village, Toledo. Police does not suspect foul play.

The Reporter

Clarification To Police Photographing Directive Issued
The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams has clarified a document that was circulated and then redistributed after a correction was made. The document gives specific instruction that photographs of passengers and vehicles must be taken and forwarded to the Police Whatsapp groups and it raised the concern of many who questioned the legality of such a decision as they see it as a violation of their right to privacy.

New Police Measure Raises Concern Among Motorists
The Reporter has confirmed with Police sources that a document with specific instructions to all Police Commanders and which has raised concern among the populace is a legitimate document that came from the hierarchy of the Police Department.

“Old But Nuh Cold”
There is that popular term “old but nuh cold” that befits Francisco Marquez – an 86 year-old man who moved from his home country in neighbouring El Salvador 30 years ago, looking for a better life in Belize – and whose occupation requires that he has physical strength to get the job done.

Police Charge Youth For Munnings’ Murder
Police have arrested and charged Eric Frazer, 18, of Police Street Extension, Belize City for the shooting murder of Brindel Munnings, 44.

More Details About Boat Collision On Boxing Day
Mario Rosales, 36, the boat captain who was rescued some four hours after his boat and another vessel collided on Boxing Day offshore Caye Caulker, is said to be recovering well.

Boat Accident Victim Found Dead
The search for Oscar Cornel ended earlier today after his body was found in the sea a few miles from where the boat accident occurred.

Breaking Belize News

Former Government ministers, “Stone Jam” among Belizeans listed for New Year Honors 2020
Eight Belizeans have been recognized by the Crown for lifetime services to the country in the […]

Social Security Board calling again for contributions to scheme
Payday is coming for many across the country in the next few days. But the first […]

Body found in Toledo; Police are investigating
Minutes ago a body was found in San Antonio, Toledo. It appears to be the […]

Police Commissioner makes clarification on vehicle checkpoint rules
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has clarified the initial directive sent to his subordinates on Friday […]

San Pedro man busted with crack-cocaine
A San Pedro man has been arrested for attempting to sell drugs. Police say that […]

Police nab burglary suspects
Police say that they have caught the suspects involved in a burglary that happened yesterday […]

Corozal resident reported missing
Police are asking the public’s assistance in locating Guadalupe Marian Pech, 37, a vendor from […]

Police Department reportedly issues invasive new checkpoint directive
The Police Department has reportedly issued a new directive to regional commanders which is sure […]

Prime Minister Departs the Country on Personal Leave
Prime Minister Dean Barrow left the country today on personal leave. The Office of the […]

Man charged for hit and run that killed Manuel Ye
Just before Christmas, a man was charged for the fatal hit and run that claimed […]

Blogs

2019’s Tourism Site of the Year
As a site frequently visited for both its inherent natural and cultural value, historical value, and natural beauty, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument took home the Belize Tourism Board’s 2019 Tourism Site of the Year at the 17th Annual Tourism Awards in late October. Fifty-five miles from Belize City is Belize’s easternmost territory, where visitors can be the first in the country to see the sunrise at Half Moon Caye Natural Monument (HMCNM). Designated a Crown Reserve (1928) and the 1st Protected Area (1982), HMCNM is Belize’s oldest site for wildlife protection. The token lighthouse on the island is nearly 90 years old (dated from 1930), built on the base of the previous 1848 structure, which itself replaced the first one built-in 1820. Today, the historic lighthouse has given way to age and the elements, with remnants amongst coral rubble on its coastline. There are also a number of shipwrecks in the caye’s vicinity – the most prominent of which is a large freighter that can be seen on approach.

Terryl Godoy/Artist
Terryl Godoy is a gentle, soft-spoken gentleman who lives in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. He is both Musician and Painter, turning out art for 23 years. In his early career as a painter, Terryl was known as “Man at Work.” He could be seen on the streets of Belize carrying his easel and tools, painting in the open air to capture the light and atmosphere of the city. He painted streets and old buildings. The streets were his office for what he considered to be his full-time job. Terryl goes straight to his subject. He has no studio/no gallery uses no palette, preferring instead to mix his paints in his hand. He doesn’t do portraits, and all his paintings are first drafts, no sketching, just going straight to his subject with paints. His goal is to preserve the culture and look of Belize City. Indeed his street scenes give the sense that one could step right into them.

International Sources

How Jay-Z and Diddy’s careers almost collapsed in 1999
The six-week Club New York trial, which kicked off in January 2001, became a national media obsession. Combs was represented by Benjamin Brafman and Johnnie Cochran, the biggest-name lawyers money could buy. It paid off when he was acquitted. Barrow, 21, however, was convicted of two counts of assault as well as reckless endangerment and gun possession. Some conspiracy theorists speculate Barrow was a fall guy. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, serving nine before being deported to Belize, where his father is the prime minister. Although he released a mixtape in 2001, his career never recovered.

Videos

Belize - December 2019, 8min.

A Week in BELIZE, 18min. Sharks, Turtles, Yahtzee, Mosquitoes, Family Feud, and Monster Truck Golf Carts....gotta love Belize!

Youth group singing in San Ignacio Belize, 2min.

Belize Diving 2019, 3.5min. Dive trip in San Pedro Belize 2019. Dive shop: Ambergris Divers. Locations: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Paradise Canyon, Mermaid’s Lair.

UnBELIZEable last minute Christmas Shopping downtown Belize City, 2.5min. Take a peek of how our Belize City looks like, during Christmas time. We want to give a big thank you to our Police for giving our shoppers safety to purchase their gifts.

Belize 2019 Trip, 13min. Belize Ambergris Key December 2019 trip.

December 28, 2019

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

Boat collision near Caye Caulker, Oscar Cornel missing at sea
A councilor from the Trial Farm Village Council identified as Oscar Cornel, remains missing at sea after the boat he was on collided with another boat in an accident five miles southwest of Caye Caulker on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26th. The incident reportedly took place around 7:30PM, when a vessel with five tourists en route to Ambergris Caye collided with another boat heading in the opposite direction. The vessel with the five tourists sustained damages to the left front side of the boat but no one was injured. However, all passengers were escorted to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic for medical attention.

Ambergris Today

Meet The Early Settlers Of San Pedro
Adrian "Danny" Vasquez was born in San Pedro on September 7, 1902, to his parents Roman Vasquez and Escolastica Manrique de Vasquez. Danny's grandparents lived in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico when the Mayas revolted against the Spaniards and Mestizos in what was known as the Caste War. Whenever a village or town fell it was sacked and burnt; those captured were tortured, stabbed, shot and burnt. A few of the survivors would leave everything behind and became refugees. Thousands of refugees fled south to British Honduras, now Belize. This whole grim story was repeated and it went on for some 60 years. It was in this setting in the1950's that Danny's grandparents escaped due south and came to the island of Ambergris Caye and to the small village of San Pedro. They had two children and thereafter had two more born in San Pedro, one of them Roman Vasquez who was Danny's father.

Groundbreaking For Three School Buildings In San Pedro
The Ministry of Education has embarked on constructing thirty-five schools across the country in an effort to improve the quality of education in Belize. And on Thursday, December 19, 2019, two separate ground breaking ceremonies took place in Caye Caulker and in San Pedro. Caye Caulker will get a new pre-school and Ocean Academy High School will receive expansion with a state of the art facility. While San Pedro will see the construction of three (3) state of the art school buildings which will house Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary High School to be located 7 miles North of San Pedro Town.

Various Belizean Sources

SHYNE BARROW HOST ANNUAL MESOPOTAMIA CHILDREN’s HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Over one thousand children and their parents gathered at the Football field next to the Racoon Street Police station in Mesopotamia to enjoy hotdogs, cotton candy, cup cakes, popcorn and even ice cream sticks from the palatas man. All courtesy of Shyne Barrow, their UDP Representative, who has been distributing toys during the holiday every year for the last 6 years. This year Barrow decided to raise the bar by transforming the Albert Hoy Football field into the Children’s Holiday Festival grounds!!! Barrow brought out the full works with Trampoline, bouncy house, face painting, Mickey & Minnie Mouse plus an all star line up of performances from Supa G, Ernestine, Cocunu Bwai, TR Shine, Positive Vibes and the Legendary Titti Man Flores.

The Maya Ritual of Supplication
With a new year fast approaching it is important to connect with the ancestors and ask for blessings in the new 365 days of life. Mr. Silverio Canto is hereby inviting everyone from near and far to join him in the Maya ritual of supplication. He states: “Let us start the new year with prayers and asking our creator to provide needs, to help us complete our aspirations, and give us health in 2020.”

Domingo Perez Passes Away
As one of the first family to have moved to Cinderella Street in Orange Walk Town, he has left a lasting impression on all of us. A true man for all seasons, his journey in life has led him to be a successful farmer, businessman, trade unionist and an activist for the Masewal community. When our family moved to 10 Cinderella Street, the Perez family lived directly in front of us. His father Don Joaquin, had a small shop that sold vegetables and corn. My mother use to send us to buy an almud of corn as we had some local chickens that provided eggs and meat for the family. His mother Doña Eluteria (Doña Elut) also lived at the same residence. Don Domingo use to travel a lot and on one trip to Cayo he offered to take me to Roaring Creek to viait my grandmother and would have picked me up on his way back.

Pibil $15 a pound Rotaract in Corozal Town
Dec. 28, 11am-12:30pm in Central Park Corozal.

Channel 7

Boat Collision Leads To Fatality
Good evening, and welcome back to 7News; we trust that your Christmas holiday was enjoyable. For the most part, the two-day, midweek break was peaceful all around the country, and, tonight, we are glad to say there are no murders to report. But there are two traumatic deaths to report. We start first with our coverage of the drowning at sea of 30-year-old Oscar Cornel Jr., who was a sitting councilor on the Trial Farm Village Council. Information is still being gathered, but what we've been able to learn so far is that last night at around 7:15, the boat he was in, named ""Baby Gisselle" crashed into another vessel, named sir Alex about 5 miles southwest of Caye Caulker Village.

Cornel Was a Village Councillor
And while Oscar Cornel's family couldn't speak with us today, CTV3 in Orange Walk did speak to his colleague Patti Witzil. Witzil is the Chairlady of the village council of which Cornell was an elected member. She knew him well, as they had worked on many community projects together. This afternoon she lamented the many plans for the future of the village that the council must now carry out without a vital member of their team. Here's the translation of her interview: Patty Witzel, Chairlady Trial Farm Village Council "Yesterday around midnight his father called me and he gave me the sad news that Oscar had disappeared in the sea because he works out there but we didn't have any news from him yet. And this morning the same they were still looking for him, we were hopeful that we'd find him alive but unfortunately, it couldn't be that way. They found him dead."

Coast Guard Did Save One Man
We also spoke with both the Belize Coast Guard and Police about this boat accident and the ensuing search-and-rescue effort. Although the story has ended in tragedy, there was one positive outcome. The Coast Guard managed to rescue the boat captain who was also flung into the sea with Oscar Cornel Jr. Here's what their operations officer told us today about their quick response to this marine accident: Lt. Roque Canul - Operations Officer, Belize Coast Guard: "Around 7:10 last night, we got information about a boat collision in an area West of Caye Caulker. We did our best to get as much information as possible, and from then on, we launched operations."

Five Tourists Aged 14 - 46 Were In Collision
We also asked police to fill-in a few blanks about his accident off Caye Caulker, and here's what the police spokesperson had to say at today's press briefing: Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "Yesterday at about 7:30 pm Caye Caulker Police visited an area about 5 miles southwest of Caye Caulker where they were notified of a boat accident, as a result, they spoke to one of the boat captains Mr Jermaine Williams 37-years-old and he stated that he was coming from Ladyville towards Caye Caulker and upon reaching at that location he had an accident with another boat that was travelling towards their location..."

Another Hummingbird Bicycle Death
And, in the weekend's other traumatic death. 54-year-old cyclist Ricardo Oh was knocked down and killed by a truck driver on Christmas Eve. It happened at mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway - not far from Bertha's Tamales. Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero told us a little more: Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Information was that he was riding his bicycle when he was hit from behind by the truck. Thereafter he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival..."

Other Serious Accidents Were Fortunate Not Fatal
And while that accident was fatal - luckily, a few others were not. Members of a popular band who had just played a Christmas night gig in Punta Gorda Town almost lost their lives when their vehicle flipped on the Southern Highway early on Boxing Day. It happened at around 4:00 am near Red Bank village. Taxi driver Lloyd Alexander Savery was driving a Kia Sedona van with 8 members of the band when he lost control and overturned in a ditch.

Recaptured After Running For 7 Months
He's been on the run for 7 months, but tonight, the escaped prison inmate, 28-year-old Christian Neal is in police custody. Prison authorities are preparing to transport him from Benque Viejo Town, where he was caught today. On the afternoon of May 7th, Neal and fellow inmates Wilser Echeveria, and Rafael Mencias managed to escape from the compound of the Belize Central Prison. The CEO told us that just after midday, all 3 prisoners somehow managed to slip out of the prison industrial zone. That's the area of the prison which is where all the production, such as block making, woodwork, and farming, happens.

Luis Wade And Wife Still Want Apology
PLUS TV personality Luis Wade and his wife Shasta say they still haven't gotten an apology from Jumoke Castro after his wildly offensive Facebook post last week. Wade told the media today that he is, quote, "not satisfied with Compol comments on not finding relevant charges. Our lawyers are saying differently and that will be ventilated in the new year." End quote. Here again is what the COMPOL had to say when we spoke to him a week ago:

OW Family Left Homeless on Christmas Night
An Orange Walk family got the worst news for the holidays when their home burned down on Christmas night. It happened at around 8:30 on Santa Familia Street, in Orange Walk Town. 41 year old Daniel Novelo was at his mother in law's house for a family bar-b-que when he saw smoke near his 20 x 20 house. He rode his bicycle over, only to get the worst news: Daniel Novelo, Fire Victim: "By the time I was coming half way, I met the neighbor riding to meet us and says that my house is unde fire. I took the bicycle and I rode through the alley and by the time I reach there the house was completely engulfed in flames. We weren't at home on the 24th night. We came about 10am to bathe so we can go to the hospital to see my brother-in-law and by the time we came we just lost everything..."

Shot to Mouth on Mopan
Tonight, 23-year-old shooting victim Daniel Bennet is slowly recovering after the Christmas Day shooting that has left him unable to speak. Bennet had been socializing on Mopan Street when he was shot to the mouth. He then made his way to a nearby police checkpoint where he was assisted and rushed to the KHMH. Today Superintendent Alejandro Cowo told us that while police are seeking one suspect, investigations are somewhat stalled until Bennet regains his speech. Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "What police have gathered so far is that Mr Bennet was walking on Mopan Street when he heard a gunshot and realized he was injured he ran toward the police checkpoint. He was assisted and taken to the KHMH he was admitted on that date and he was discharged yesterday and police are conducting an investigation into this matter."

Knife Wielding Teens Shot In Robbery
And while Bennet was being rushed to the KHMH, a burglary was in progress a stone's throw away from where he was shot. Today police wouldn't tell us how they were alerted to the crime in progress but Superintendent Alejandro Cowo said that the cops shot at two minors who were threatening them with knives. Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB: "Upon police's arrival they observed that one of the doors to the upper flat of the building was damaged and upon police gaining entrance to the building they observed three male persons inside of the building..."

The Getaway Cars Crash
And violence refused to take a holiday on Christmas or Boxing Day. At 1:00 yesterday morning, 42-year-old Darren Ramclam was walking on Newton Barracks when he was approached by a gunman who fired shots at him. He ducked and dodged while Police pursued Ramclam's assailant. He escaped, but he didn't get away clean, because his getaway car, a maroon ford explorer, was involved in an accident with an Immigration Department van. Police gave us more details in the dramatic series of events that led to the arrest of one suspect.

Two Suspects In Murder Of PG Teacher
On Monday we told you that Police investigators in Punta Gorda were investigating the violent and puzzling murder of Anthony Brown Jr., a retired educator who was living alone near the Elridgeville Community in the Toledo District. You'll remember that first responder allegedly found Brown in a crouching position in the living room area of the house. His hands and feet were tied and it appears that he was stabbed to his neck and upper body. And today, four days after Brown's vicious murder Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero could only tell us that police are searching for two suspects in what he calls an ongoing investigation.

Minor Turned Adult In Time For Murder Charge
Back in October we told you that shooting victim Brindel Munnings died in his living room after weeks of struggling to recover from a gunshot wound. At the time a minor was charged for his attempted murder. Well know that minor is an 18-year-old adult - and his name is Eric Frazer. Today, he was charge upgraded to murder. He will be arraigned and remanded next week.

Jankunu On Boxing Day
So what did you do on boxing day? Chill with the family? Continue to eat those yummy leftovers? Maybe go to horse racing in Boommaybe even recover from a food and drink hangover! Well, in Dangriga they were dancing! But, not any dance, they were dancing JANKUNU! It's the annual Habinahan competition - and we spoke to the winner via phone:

A Dancing Close
And, we close tonight with a little more of that hypnotic footwork from the top three dance troupes Enjoy, have a great weekend and join Indira Craig back here on Monday.

Channel 5

Trial Farm Village Councillor Dies in Boat Collision at Sea
The body of Oscar Cornel, a councillor with the Trial Farm Village Council in Orange Walk, was discovered floating after midday today. Cornel was missing at sea since Thursday evening [...]

Marillin Cornel on Fatal Boat Accident; Mario Rosales Survives
Cornel’s sister, Marillin Cornel told News Five that Oscar was with her common-law-husband, Mario Rosales, who captained the small boat. Marillin says she became worried when hours had passed and [...]

A Marine Casualty Investigation Underway in Wake of Fatal Boat Accident
A marine casualty investigation team is on the ground to determine what transpired in the fatal collision at sea. But even as that investigation is ongoing, Operations Officer at the [...]

Teen Burglars Shot by Police on Christmas Day
There was an officer-involved shooting in Belize City on Christmas Day which resulted in two sixteen-year-old boys receiving varying degrees of injuries to their lower extremities. Lionel Gordon and Denver [...]

Daniel Bennett is Shot in the Mouth on Christmas Day
Twenty-three-year-old Daniel Bennett was also injured on Christmas Day around midday. The resident of Ramos Street was shot in the left side of the mouth while socializing on Mopan Street. [...]

Shooting Leads to Police Chase
Just after midnight on Thursday, Belize City police were called to a bar on Newtown Barracks where they met forty-two-year-old Darrell Ramclam who reported that he was shot at. According [...]

Why was UB Lecturer Murdered?
Fifty-seven-year-old Anthony Edward Brown was found murdered inside his home in Eldridgeville, Toledo on Monday. He was stabbed to death the day prior. Investigators have so far uncovered that Brown [...]

Ricardo Oh Knocked Down and Killed on the Hummingbird Highway
Fifty-four-year-old Ricardo Oh lost his life on Christmas Eve while riding his bicycle near mile twenty-five on the Hummingbird Highway. At around six o’clock in the evening, Oh was hit [...]

A Repeat Offender is Arraigned for Drug Possession
Thirty-seven-year-old Leon Soberanis is no stranger to the law. This morning, the Belize City resident he found himself yet again before the lower court. While he was granted bail for [...]

Fires in Orange Walk and Dangriga Leave 2 Families Homeless
Tragedy struck two families over the Christmas holidays in Orange Walk and Dangriga when their homes were destroyed by fire. Just before nine p.m. on Christmas Day, police responded to [...]

A Call for Interested Writers to Enter Belize Literary Prize 2019-2020
The annual Belize Literary Prize is a writing competition that is open for Belizeans living at home and abroad. The winners are subsequently published in the Belize Literary Prize Series, [...]

Electricity Rates to Remain the Same
There will be no adjustments to the electricity rate as had been requested by Belize Electricity Limited. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Public Utilities Commission which said [...]

Amandala

Accident on La Loma Luz Boulevard
Road traffic accident reported on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena Town.

Oscar Cornel found dead after boat accident
Reports are that Oscar Cornel better known as Oshki Ojc was found a short while ago floating near Caye Caulker.

Boat accident near Caye Caulker
Reports are that a Boat accident occurred a little before seven tonight. Information are that the incident occurred a short distance from Caye Caulker. All occupants are not accounted for but the Coast Guards are assisting in the search.

Shooting on Ebony Street leaves man injured
Daniel Bennett, 23, was shot to the left side of his mouth today around noon. After being shot he went to the Vernon Street checkpoint where officers assisted him and took him to the KHMH where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Two minors shot on Banak Street
Burglary attempt led to two minors being shot in their legs on Banak Street in Belize City earlier today.

Fatal traffic accident on the Hummingbird Highway
Reports are of a fatal traffic accident near mile 25 on the Humming bird highway earlier tonight. The victim was identified as Ricardo Oh.

Minor shot while climbing orange tree
A 13 year old boy was shot while climbing a tree to pick orange from an orchard about a mile from his home. He was climbing the tree when he felt a burning and realize he was shot to the right calf. He is currently receiving treatment at the Western Regional Hospital. Police are investigating.

Retired teacher found dead inside his home in Toledo District
Information reaching our newsroom is that the body of Anthony Brown Jr a retired teacher was found at his house located on Cero Road near Elridgeville Community in Toledo District. Preliminary reports is, that when police arrived at the house, they found Brown in a crouch position in the living of the bungalow house. Brown was found with his hands tied behind his back with a black cloth belt and his feet were tied together with red orange colored string.

The Reporter

All But One Person Accounted For Following Boating Collision
The man, whose only identity at this time is “Jose”, was in a boat being captained by Mario Rosales. That boat and another vessel carrying five tourists and captained by Jermaine Williams collided into each other about five miles south west of Caye Caulker Village sometime around 5:30 yesterday evening.

Fire In Orange Walk: Man Loses Everything in Christmas Night Fire
A man lost his house on Christmas night in Orange Walk Town. Police say that they were summoned around 8:45 p.m., to Santa Familia Street where a 20 by 20 wooden house was already completely engulfed in flames.

LOVE FM

AG addresses concerns on UNCAC
On Tuesday, we told you that the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) had written a letter to the Attorney General’s office about the apparent stall in the implementation of UNCAC. The Prime Minsiter had stated that he had yet to see the letter, but was sure the AG’s office would handle the matter.

Oscar Cornel dies in boat collision
The victim of the boat accident, 30-year-old Oscar Cornel, was an active member of his community. He was the Trial Farm Village Councillor responsible for sporting activities.

Boat accident on Boxing Day
A man from the Orange Walk District was killed in a boat accident on Boxing Day. The accident occurred off the coast of Caye Caulker, and our Correspondent Jorge Aldana has the details in the following report.

Jose Santos to be deported back to Honduras
23-year-old Jose Alberto Santos, a Honduran national, will have to pay a hefty fine of one thousand dollars for breaching Immigration laws. Today, Santos was arraigned on a charge of failure to produce a visitor’s permit, to which he pleaded guilty.

Band members involved in car accident after attending gig in Punta Gorda
One person is left hospitalized after a road traffic incident that occurred on the Southern Highway near Red bank, Stann Creek District. The Sweet Pain band was at a party in Punta Gorda Christmas night and didn’t leave until after one o’clock in the morning.

Minors shot after committing burglary
Shortly after that shooting, there was another one on Banak Street, Belize City at around noon. Two minors received gunshot wounds to the leg during a robbery that was in progress.

Wade family awaits apology from Jumoke Castro
Over a week ago, a comment made by the Transport Minister’s son, Jumoke Castro, caught the attention of the public and he was condemned for the things he said. The Belmopan Church of the Nazarene has joined in on expressing their concerns about the comments made against their pastor’s wife, media personnel Shasta Wade.

Police chase ends in car accident
There was a road traffic incident on Saint Thomas Street, Belize City yesterday morning. A van belonging to the Immigration Department crashed into the back of KHMH's fence.

Breaking Belize News

Road traffic accident reported on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena
Reports to BBN are that just after 8 tonight there was a road traffic accident […]

Nazarenes demand Castro be charged for “rape threat”
The regional and Belmopan Nazarene Churches are demanding formal criminal charges against Jumoke Castro for […]

Two teens shot and detained during burglary, police seek one other suspect
Earlier this week two minors were shot by police. According to police, the minors and […]

Police seek two suspects for retired teacher’s murder
Police are seeking two persons in connection with the murder of retired teacher, Anthony Brown, […]

Shot in the mouth, Daniel Bennett unable to talk to police
Daniel Bennett, 23, is at this time unable to speak to police. On Christmas Day […]

BelizeOn: Changing the Belizean shopping experience
The online marketplace, BelizeOn, is taking shopping in Belize to the next level with more […]

Authorities retrieve body of Oscar Cornel
BBN has confirmed with relatives that authorities have retrieved the body of missing Trial Farm […]

Trial Farm Village Councilor missing at sea
Trial Farm Village councilor, Oscar Cornel is reportedly missing at sea. Cornel was traveling with […]

San Pedro community mourns passing of Domingo Perez
The San Pedro Community is mourning the passing of former councilor, Domingo Perez. Perez is […]

One missing after boat collision in Caye Caulker
One man is missing after two boats reportedly collided around 5:30 p.m. yesterday near the […]

The best place to see fireworks on New Year’s Eve
The Christmas tradition and festivities in Belize each year are not complete without firecrackers and […]

Blogs

The Three Seasons of Belize
Seasons are based on the annual climatic trends of a region, mainly air temperature and rainfall (precipitation to be technically accurate). Different regions across the globe have their own set of seasons based on their annual cycles.The seasons in Belize are dry – March through May, rainy – June through October, and Norte – November through February. Nortes are strong cold northern winds that blow in from Mexico along the Gulf of California. Sure, it might rain during the dry season, be dry in the rainy season or blow Nortes during the other seasons, but the seasons are defined by long-term trends. It allows us to expect a certain kind of weather during each season.

GORGEOUS Cool Holiday Weather On Ambergris Caye
The few days leading up to the Christmas rush had us all a bit worried. A big cold front blew in on December 18th and with it…grey and rainy and blustery weather. Rain for one of the biggest weeks for tourism on Ambergris Caye and throughout the country?!?!? No. Thankfully. Things started to die down around the 22nd and the holidays…have been ridiculously gorgeous. Still on the cool side – maybe a light sweater at night if you are visiting or, if you are a local, a heavy jacket and wool hat.

5 Things to Know When Visiting Belize
When going on a trip there’s always someone asking “what this would be like” or “what that would be like”; even during and after your trip you find yourself wishing there were things you had already known about a place. For other people, they search the internet to find out things they want to know in order to prepare themselves. So here’s a guide with a few things you should know when planning your trips to Belize.

Where to be on New Year’s Eve!
2019 has flown by, but where will you spend the end of it? Plan your last 2019 hurrah in style at some of the must-be places in Belize for New Year’s Eve. Watch fireworks at midnight, pop champagne with your family and friends, kiss your lover at midnight, and dance the night away. Find a spot to toast to a new decade among some of the best Belizean New Year’s Eve events and parties. San Pedro Town is located in the south part of Ambergris Caye in Northern Belize. It is twenty-five miles long and parallels Belize’s, Barrier Reef. The town is made up of white sandy beaches and clear turquoise sea. Coconut palms sway in the cool sea breeze, which makes it the ideal location for tourists to escape to.

International Sources

The Best Caribbean Destinations for an Easy Beach Getaway
We asked our network of world travelers to tell us about their favorite Caribbean beach spots they return to again and again and can't shake from their brains. The escape from your dreary job and the chills of winter starts with a daydream. Pick one of these Caribbean getaways and make it a reality. The first settlers came to Hopkins -- located about two hours drive south of Belize City -- in 1937, a Caribbean Afro-indigenous Garifuna community escaping persecution in Honduras. The secluded fishing village gained about 200 more people when a hurricane devastated northern Belize in 1941. Now, Hopkins is still a laid-back fishing village of about 1,500, lightly touched by resorts and tourists. That means uncrowded beaches where a hammock is always waiting for you.

Videos

Spotted Eagle Ray Belize, 1min. A graceful Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus Narinari) out for a leisurely swim. Dive site; Sayanara, Turneffe Atoll, Belize.

Rebuilding The Music Industry, 12min. The Number One Selling Artist In The History Of Belize Reveals How He Has Been Able To Tour Many Countries And Live The Fabulous Life Without Compromising His Principles Or Selling Out To The Industry.

Garifuna dance workshop taught by Mtra. Cynthia Calletano and Wabagari Dance Group of Belize, 12min. Within the framework of the Regional Meeting of the Mayan Culture.

Rolling jaguar, 11sec. Big cats like to roll around like... cats and ... dogs. La Milpa, Belize.

News 5 2019 in Review, 34min.

Christmas Celebration on OYE Part 1, 1hr10min.

Christmas Celebration on OYE Part 2, 15min.

Channel 5 Obituaries - YVONNE MARIE HARRIS PALACIO, 2min.

Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef and Mayan Ruins!!, 9min. -Belize City -Monkey Bay Research Station -The Sibun River -Xunantunich Mayan Ruin -The Belize Zoo -Dangriga -Tobacco Caye Marine Station/Island -The Belize Barrier Reef

Scuba Dive Belize Glover's Reef, 6min.

Ambergris Caye: BELIZE TRIP, 7min.

Sailing Caye Caulker, Belize, 9min. When in Caye Caulker, sailing is a must. They have dozens of different people offering tours. We ended up finding a local and decided to sail with a friend instead of on a commercial tour. Miguel sails his Hoby Cat alone and blessed us with the opportunity to join him.

Belize 2nd Dive 2019, 8min. Second Tank dive in Belize on the Playground, 28Nov2019. This was an excursion that was part of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Moray Eel Belize, 1min. This seemingly curious Moray kept coming up and getting right in my camera. Dive site; Secret Spot, Turneffe Atoll, Belize.

December 27, 2019

The Gallery of San Pedro Ltd Earns 2019 Tripadvisor “Hall of Fame” Award

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

Boat accident off Caye Caulker
A tourist family of five was brought to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II after being involved in a boat accident off Caye Caulker. No injuries have been reported. According to unofficial reports, two boats collided around 7PM. The boat with the tourist family sustained minimal damage but the second boat, which is believed to be smaller and more damaged, has yet to be located. A search headed by the Belize Coast Guard is currently underway. We will continue following this report.

Various Belizean Sources

2 dead crocs floating in New River
Our Christmas Eve included receiving an early morning call from a tour guide expressing concerns about 2 dead crocs floating on New River between BSI and Orange Walk Town. CRC Community Researcher Jonathan Triminio responded by collecting tissue samples for future heavy metal, pesticide and other chemical analysis by our colleagues in France and the United States.

Her Majesty prison in Corozal Town
During the Caste War , villages like Xaibe and Patchakan in the Corozal district were well known Cruzo'ob Maya (Máasewal) villages. The Icaiche Maya and Cruzo'ob Maya were the name of two Yucatec Maya (Máasewal) freedom fighter groups . Note: There was no establish border in northern Belize until the 1893 treaty which was finalized in 1897 . A treaty which devastated the Máasewal army because it was agreed that the British will sell no more weapons to the Maya Máasewal .

LOVE FM

SECOND CAPTAIN FOUND
The captain of the second boat was found on a pier by Cayo Rosario which is on the West Side of Ambergis Caye. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the captain might have fallen out of the boat when the incident occured. The other missing person is Oscar Eorell.

BOAT ACCIDENT
There was a boat accident outside of Caye Caulker. Police have indicated that the occupants of one of the boats involved cannot be located. A search and rescue operation is ongoing. The boat accident occurred at around seven o'clock on the Coastline of Caye Caulker. One boat captain has been located along with six tourists. It cannot be established at this time. how many tourists were onboard the two vessels. Two coast guard vessels are currently in the area

RTA IN THE SOUTH
There are reports of a Road Traffic Incident on the Southern Highway pass Georgetown, Stann Creek District. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a member of the X Band received grave injuries and was transported to the Independence Poly Clinic.

RTA IN CITY
There was a road traffic incident on Saint Thomas Street,Belize City just after three o'clock this morning. Am Immigration Van belonging to the Government Of Belize crashed into the Health Department's fence. Unconfirmed reports indicate that four men were in the van but unknown at this time if anyone was injured.

MISSING PERSON
A family in Unitedville,Cayo District is pleading for assistance in locating their loved one. 28-year-old Alexander Garbutt who is also known as "Paps" was last seen on December twentieth. His last known location was at his workplace in Belmopan and he was wearing a blk hrt, n pants nd a wht tnn. Grbutt but six ft tll.

Breaking Belize News

Former teacher and Government Minister, Onesimo Pech, dies at 72
News has been received of the passing this morning of Onesimo Pech, 72, an […]

Police investigate Christmas Eve house fire in Dangriga
Authorities are investigating a house fire that occurred on Christmas Eve in Dangriga. Domingo Cal […]

Orange Walk home destroyed by fire on Christmas night
A house on Santa Familia Street in Orange Walk was destroyed by fire last night. […]

Two underage thieves shot during Christmas day burglary
Police are investigating an armed burglary that occurred around 1:05 p.m. on Christmas day. Police […]

Daniel Bennett shot on Christmas day
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident on Christmas day. Around 11:00 a.m. yesterday, Bennett arrived […]

MESOPOTAMIA CHILDREN’s HOLIDAY FESTIVAL BRINGS TOYS, MUSIC STARS & FAMILY FUN!!!
The Mesopotamia Children’s Holiday Festival brought out a galaxy of Music stars like Supa G, Ernestine, Cocunu Bwai, […]

Cyclist dies in Hummingbird Highway traffic accident on Christmas Eve
Authorities are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of Ricardo Oh, 54, […]

“Fighting crime requires collective action,” says National Security Minister
In his Christmas message to Belize, Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, called on society […]

Immigration Department vehicle crashes into Health Department fence
There was a road traffic accident early this morning in which a van owned by […]

Unitedville resident reported missing
The family of 28-year-old Alexander Garbutt also known as ‘Paps’ of Unitedville, Cayo is concerned about his whereabouts […]

Blogs

4 Recipes for leftover Rum Popo
After the holidays, you’re likely to find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers, including Rum Popo. And while each family has its own unique recipe, the festive holiday drink’s core ingredients are sugar, eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and rum. Acting as the perfect dairy base to spice up your baking and breakfast recipes, here’s a few ways to repurpose your leftover rum popo before its short shelf life in the fridge. Don’t forget the extra nutmeg! Delicious hot or cold, this latte is the best of both worlds – strong, fragrant coffee balances the sweet richness of rum popo. To make it hot, heat 2 parts rum popo and 2 parts milk to a simmer, then add 1 part extra strong coffee; sweeten to taste! To make it cold, fill a tall glass with 6-8 frozen rum popo ice cubes and pour over cold coffee to taste.

An Introduction to Caribbean Cuisine
Culinary historians credit the Caribs with spicing their meals with chili peppers, still a necessity at most tables. Arawaks are believed to have developed the barbecuing of foods by roasting on native sticks called barbacoa. Spaniards introduced coconut, chickpeas, cilantro, eggplants, onion, and garlic. Mexicans contributed papaya, avocado, chayote or choc ho and cocoa. The Europeans brought oranges, limes, mangoes, rice, and coffee. Africans shared their love for okra, plantains, callaloo, and breadfruit. It’s no wonder food, and its preparation is a primary focus at family events and festivals throughout the Caribbean. Drawing upon traditional favorites and newly discovered sensations, accomplished cooks even enjoy a certain amount of local celebrity. In addition to seafood specialties, with tropical fruits and vegetables as accents, you can find Caribbean favorites made with lamb, pork, chicken, or beef in virtually every town across Belize.

International Sources

Ancient Mayan palace found near modern-day Cancun was used by the society's elite more than 1,000 years ago, archaeologists claim
Archaeologists have discovered a large Mayan palace in an ancient city that was likely used by the society's elite more than 1,000 years ago. Excavations at the site of the ancient city of Kuluba, near the modern-day city of Cancun, revealed the relics. Early analysis of the palatial remains reveal it was vast - measuring 180ft (55m) long, 50ft (15m) wide and 20ft (six metres) high. The Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) claims it was inhabited for two long periods between 600-1050 AD.

Videos

Dive on Mini Elbow 28Nov2019, 10min.

Belize 2019 Our Adventure on Coco Plum Island Part 4, 38min. Part 4 of our Adventure in Belize on Coco Plum Island. We see some amazing Maya Ruins, explore the Belize Barrier Reef again, and more during our last days on the Island.

Biking around Caye Caulker, Belize, 5min. One of the best things to do in Caye Caulker is to rent a bike (~$7 USD for the day) and cruise around the island. You can definitely visit the entire island in a couple of hours and that includes stopping at places to check things out. If you'd rather have a tour guide to give you some really cool history of the island and answer any questions you may have, I suggest doing a free bike tour with AJ. You can visit him at Salt Life Eco Tours twhere he's usually working the front desk to confirm that he's offering the bike tour that day.

Belize Zoo | Belize Travel Vlog, 5min. Is it worth a visit? We think so! Check out this little video overview of the Belize Zoo. It features animals such as the Central American Tapir (the national animal of Belize), the Jaguar, Puma, Harpy Eagle, and more.

2019 Belize Vacation, 26min. We traveled to Belize with the charity, CHAIR THE LOVE, to distribute wheelchairs to the disabled who cannot afford to purchase their own. We partnered with the Belize Rotarians to identify those in need of a wheelchair. We also enjoyed the tourist aspects of Belize such as Ambergris Caye, zip lining, snorkeling, cave tubing and paddle-boarding.

December 26, 2019

Happy Boxing Day!

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.

Various Belizean Sources

Passing of Mr. Domingo Perez
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council would like to extend its sincere condolences to the Perez friends and family on the sadly passing of Mr. Domingo Perez. Mr. Domingo Perez was a former councilor of the San Pedro Town Council and helped in the development of the town. We hope his family and friends find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr gives monetary assistance
The continuous christmas cheer has been a blessing for the civilians of Caye Caulker as Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr sent a hundred envelopes with monetary assistance to help make Christmas a little more pleasant for the people. The envelopes were distributed by the UDP Committee of Caye Caulker and members of the village council. Civilians were greatful to have received such gift. The Minister wishes a happy holidays to the people of Caye Caulker, and he hopes for a new year of prosperity and good fortune.

Free-tailed Bats
These guys are Free-tailed Bats – Molossidae they are insect eaters. We need more of them to combat dengue. They also eat moths, beetles, dragonflies, flies, true bugs, wasps, and ants. Very high-speed bats.

Scrooge at Wildfire
Scrooge will be performed at the Wildfire Artzmosphere for the season. Thursday and Friday, December 26th and 27th, and the first Friday and Saturday in the new year, January 3rd and 4th. You can get your advanced tickets at Back to My Roots.

R.I.P. warrior Domingo Perez
You will be alive in the memory of us Maya Máasewal of Belize. Nojoch Mak Domingo Perez was a Yucatec Maya(Máasewal) of Belize . For years he took a wreath on September 1 to the battle of Orange walk monument for the Maya hero Marcos Canul and the Maya who fought . Nojoch Mak Perez started the celebration of Marcos Canul .

The Reporter

Man Critical Following Gunshot Injury To Mouth
Daniel Bennett, who was shot earlier today on Vernon Street, is in a critical but stable condition following surgery.

Belize Nurses Excel in Regional RN Exams
The Belize healthcare community has gained 30 Registered Nurses, who successfully passed the Caribbean Regional Nurse Registration Examination (RENR) in October this year.

2nd. Person Charged For Murder Of Jose Hilario Diaz
In July of 2019, the owner of a small business shop was senselessly murdered and at the time police had little or no clue of the motives of the crime. After investigating they have so far arrested and charged 2 men for the crime.

LOVE FM

UPDATE ON TODAY'S SHOOTING
Sometime around midday today, 23-year-old Daniel Bennett made his way to the Vernon Street police checkpoint, where officers saw him bleeding. Bennett told them he had been socializing on Ebony Street when he was shot to the left side of his mouth. He was rushed to the KHMH where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

FIRE IN OW
There is a reported fire on Santa Familia Road in Orange Walk Town. There are no reports of injuries.

ROAD TRAFFIC INCIDENT
The victim of yesterday's fatal road traffic incident was identified as Ricardo Oh. Oh was reportedly knocked off his bicycle around 6pm near mile 25 on the Hummingbird Highway.

Breaking Belize News

Man shot on Christmas Day
A man was shot in Belize City’s southside earlier today. He has been identified as […]

Mesopotamia Children’s Holiday Festival brings toys, music stars, and family fun
The Mesopotamia Children’s Holiday Festival brought out a galaxy of Music stars like Supa G, Ernestine, Cocunu Bwai, […]

The Queen: ‘Small steps can make a difference’
In her annual Christmas message to the Kingdom and Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II said […]

Leroy Haulze remanded for Christmas in vendor’s murder
Leroy Haulze, 23, a food vendor of Gaulin Street, Ladyville, Belize District, was charged with the […]

Belize awaits UNCAC recommendations; A.G. counsels patience
The states of Tuvalu and Haiti continue to assess Belize’s governance structure to address compliance with […]

Councilor Micah Goodin hosts successful football marathon
Belize City Councilor, Micah Goodin, held the Micah Goodin Christmas Cup over the weekend. After a […]

Merry Christmas: light bill stable for New Year
At this time last year, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a rate hike of […]

Blogs

Old Belize Museum
Coming to Belize is always a fruitful experience; seeing and learning about different cultures, the food, meeting locals, experiencing all that is this beautiful country. But have you ever wondered what Belize was like in the past? Well, there’s no need to wonder because the Old Belize Museum gives you a firsthand look at what Belize used to be. Old Belize not only serves as a museum, but it also has a restaurant, gift shop, beach, and serves as a port where catamarans and boats are docked. Upon entering you will first notice the numerous amounts of catamarans and boats docked near the pier. When walking down the pier you will see rustic, historical souvenirs of the “Old Belize” – from gasoline lanterns to gasoline irons (because electrical irons weren’t invented as yet).

A Seafood Lover’s Dream
One of the most popular attractions of visiting Belize is having the opportunity to indulge in a variety of seafood options. It is no surprise that the Jewel is highly known for its many authentic seafood cuisines as the country is close to 200 miles of shoreline on the mainland and its offshore islands. Whether it be fish, conch (when in season), lobster (when in season), shrimp, or crab, there is no doubt that your meal will be fresh! Seafood is a diet staple in Belize. There’s just something about the taste of eating the freshest catch of the day – the undeniable flavor of the sea, that indescribable taste of heaven in every spoonful, the succulence and flavor of the meat – that just can’t be beaten!

International Sources

Wine Me Dine Me: Experience the ultimate chocolate adventure in Belize
Last year I told you all about a wonderful trip to Belize organized by Enna Grazier of Enna Chocolate in Epping, New Hampshire, in which you would have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of cacao farming, processing and chocolate making as well as experience all sorts of cultural and jungle adventures. I went on that Cacao Origins Adventure trip myself last February and it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on – and I’ve been to some very interesting places in the world!

Videos

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2019, 8min.

Going back to Belize after 3 years, 40min.

Snorkeling at the Hol Chan Reserve - Belize, 1min. December 23rd, 2019 - Caye Caulker, Belize With Caveman Snorkeling Tours.

Following schools of fish at the Coral Gardens - Belize, 2min.

Snorkeling around a Sunken Barge - Belize, .5min.

Caye Caulker - Belize - Nad Arisum Manida - Senior BKSA Kite Instructor, 2.5min. Marry Christmas to all kiters! Wanna be, beginners, advanced, pro's and crazy ones. So blessed to be here on this little Caribbean Island, turning my passion into teaching and riding surrounded by super friendly Mantharays with such a rich wildlife.

Belize, Beat of 2019, 5min. Just a few of the many highlights from our adventures this year in Belize.

Belize Trip, 4min. GoPro around Belize

Experiencing Belize 2019, 12.5min. A Travel log of all that went happened within my time in Belize! A great and wonderful trip Beware for the Chicken Killing. Skip to 7:07 to avoid it!

Good Morning Miss Lady, 5min. An old time Belizean favourite at Christmas . I was looking for the song for years on you tube but could not find it so i collaborated with Kent Pandy (kekekeke) to do the video so that all Belizeans can enjoy during the Christmas season.

December 25, 2019

Merry Christmas, enjoy the holiday season!

BTB Kiosks - Christmas Festivities

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

LIV Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System (SICA)
The representatives of the heads of state and government of Central American countries assembled in San Salvador, El Salvador for the LIV Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Under the Presidency of El Salvador, the representatives of the heads of state and government discussed the progress made under the region’s integration agenda on areas including migration, sustainable development, regional security, social and economic development, and climate change.

U.S. Embassy Belmopan’s Toys for Tots Delivery to Marla’s House of Hope
The U.S. Embassy Belmopan hosted a Toys for Tots delivery to Marla’s House of Hope Children’s Home this afternoon to provide toys to children staying at the home, organized by the U.S. Embassy’s Marine Security Detachment. The toys were provided to Marla’s House of Hope, which provides safe and nurturing care to girls from infancy to 18 years who have been removed from abusive or unsafe home environments by the Department of Human Services.

BEL and Employees Gift Christmas Hampers to Families and Senior Citizens Countrywide
Employees of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) continued an annual tradition of delivering Christmas hampers to 90 deserving families and 60 senior citizens countrywide on December 19 and 20, 2019. The hampers are valued at over $300 each and contain ingredients for a traditional Christmas dinner, groceries and toiletries. Employees and the Company donate towards the hampers throughout the year.

Anke Doehm’s court trial remains unsettled; Court hearing adjourned to January 2020
Another year goes by, and the criminal court case against American National Anke Doehm, who is facing a charge of ‘Cruelty to a Child,’ remains pending after it was adjourned to January 16, 2020. Doehm was in court in October of this year, but no new developments came out from that hearing, and the case continues to be adjourned. She has been spotted in coffee shops in Belize City, where she moved in July 2017, following Faye’s suspicious death.

Ambergris Today

Castillo’s Hardware Grand Christmas Raffle
It’s the season of giving and that is exactly what many businesses have been doing this Holiday Season in San Pedro. Castillo’s Hardware held its grand Christmas Raffle on Monday, December 23, 2019, as a show of appreciation to their customers. The Lucky Winners of Castillo’s Grand Christmas Raffle are: First Prize : Caye Management (Headline Picture). Second Prize: Chris Gorosica. Third Prize: Ernesto Gomez. Fourth Prize : Jason & Hayke Caperton. Fifth Prize: Saul Nuñez.

Mexican Embassy Posts Travel Advisory For Visitors
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 This information is published by the EMBASSY OF BELIZE in Mexico as a service to Belizeans to inform travellers as to Mexican laws and regulations so that they can adequately prepare for their travel to Mexico and avoid unnecessary difficulties.

Various Belizean Sources

Children's Day Initiative Christmas Day Get together
Great news for the kids! The San Pedro Town Council as part of the Child Friendly Initiative invites parents to bring their children on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019, since we will be closing the entire length of Barrier Reef Drive (front street; Esmeralda Park to Polo’s Golf Cart Rentals) from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for all children to enjoy a traffic-free day to have fun with their Christmas gifts.

Northern Bus Schedule for December 25th and 26th
Merry Christmas and safe travels.

Channel 7

Esperanza Woman Fights off Would-Be Abductors
A 21 year old woman from Esperanza Village in the Cayo District has reported to San Ignacio Police that an abductor tried to take her today. It allegedly happened in Esperanza village not far from her home. She says she was walking to a nearby cousin's house when she saw a white Ford Econoline style van pulling up beside her. She thought nothing of it because her uncle has a similar van. But then, suddenly, she says two brown skinned men, one of them about five feet ten inches tall hopped out of the van and grabbed her, trying to push her into the back of the van.

Man Charged For Knocking Down And Killing Park Ranger
Christmas is anything but merry for the family of Manuel Ye tonight as they continue to mourn the father and husband lost last week to an alleged hit and run. And today, the man who allegedly ran him over, Ernesto Urbina was arraigned in Benque Viejo Magistrate's Court on 5 charges including two counts of grievous harm, manslaughter, driving without due care and attention, failure to provide a specimen, and failure to render aid. No plea was taken because it is an indictable offence.

Guinea Grass Robber Was Wanted For Murder
Viewers may remember the very senseless killing of 53-year-old Jose Hilario Diaz in July of this year. He was the clothes vendor who was shot and killed while he was at his business place in Belize City. Well, police have charged a second man with the offense of murder. The second defendant is Leroy Haulze, a 23-year-old food vendor of Gaulin Street in Ladyville, who was initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder. When he was brought to court today, that offense was withdrawn against him, and he was informed that he was now being prosecuted for the crime of murder instead. Due to the nature of the offenses, Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer didn't take any plea from him, and she remanded him to the Belize Central Prison to a later date.

A Deadly December
There still a week left in December and the last month of the year is turning out to be one of the deadliest. So far we have reported on 17 murders this month - which is the highest number of murders recorded in any December going back to 2009. For example, December 2016, 2017, and 2018 all reported fewer than 12 murders. And so far for 2019, only June recorded more murders in a month with 19.

Bollywood Star Bringing Crocs to Belize
25,000 Belizean children are wearing brand new Crocs sandals courtesy UNICEF, Crocs, and Indian born American actress Priyanka Chopra. The actress took to Twitter to announce the good news. And Crocs vice president Heidi Cooley says that basic necessities like shoes, "will play a role in getting these kids to school."

PUC Says BEL Rates Remain At Status Quo
The Public Utilities Commission today announced that it has completed the final draft for the Belize Electricity Limited's 2019 Annual Review Proceeding. The Electricity company wants your electricity rates to remain as they currently are, and the PUC has agreed with them. In a press release from the PUC, the regulator notes that on December 10th, BEL made a submission to them that there should be no amendments to the currently-approved mean electricity rate of 41.51 cents per kilowatt-hour.

QPP Going Solar To Beat The High Bills
In 2019, electricity rates were pegged at the highest in years. And, one of the main complaints from the bill-paying public is that their bills showed that - especially during the long, hot drought. And that's part of the reason, one poultry producer has taken energy costs into their own hands. Quality Poultry Products has staked out with a plan to not only provide their own energy but to hopefully feed some of it back into the community grid. We learned more about the company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and cue power costs.

Whale Sharks No Show
On Friday we told you about the first reading of the comprehensive fisheries reform law at the House meeting. It is the first significant revision to the 70 year old fisheries act that covers management of protected sites, illegal fishing among many other themes. Well, if only there was a bill or law that would summon all the whale sharks at the Gladden Spit Silk Cayes Marine Reserve during March and June â€“ now that would certainly make tour guides happy. Tour guide Brian Young Sr. from Seahorse Dive Shop in Placencia says his whale shark tour is on the brink of shutting down because the whale sharks are not coming around anymore. And no whale sharks means no tourists. First Young talks about the good ole' days when he started the tour and the tourists would be surrounded by these gentle beasts.

Will The British Gov't Apologize?
Back in September, a revealing article was published online at a site called Open Democracy. The article was named "Death of a double agent: British torture and betrayal in 1980s Belize." It details how in 1983, the British military, working secretly with the Guatemalan government â€” used the Belize police department to detain and interrogate an informant from the Belize side of Arenal named Pedro Barrera. He was expected to lead the British forces to a hideout on the Belize side of the border border where the Guatemalan guerrillas were stashing weapons. Those guerrillas were engaged in a civil war against the murderous Efrain Rios Montt regime which was decimating the indigenous population.

Imagine A 10k Shopping Spree On Christmas Eve
A family from Benque Viejo Town in the Cayo District got an early Christmas present this morning from both Courts, and the phone company, Smart. These two companies have decided to sponsor them with a ten-thousand-dollar shopping spree at courts for the holiday. This morning, Courts and Smart invited the press to observe that moment when they made the announcement to the family. So, we attended to find out what one buys when you suddenly have ten grand to spend as you please. Daniel Ortiz has that story: Benque resident Adita Albeño, and her family visited Courts' Belize City Headquarters today to go on a $10,000 Shopping spree. She won this opportunity in a raffle that Smart ran for its customers as a holiday promotion.

The Christmas Eve Vibe On the Alberts Is Like
The last shopping day before Christmas is almost at an end, and today shoppers scurried up and down Albert street trying to run those final errands and pick up that last great gift that will make Christmas for a loved one. Our studio is at the end of the Albert Street main drag and Cherisse Halsall went jaywalking to find out what's going on, on the Alberts.

"Windcuttaz" Kid Comes Up Again
And you can bet that the boy called "Windcuttaz" is gonna be making his rounds up until that time. Last week we showed you the awesome week that Johnathan "Windcuttaz" Coleman was having after the Channel 7 interview that made him a national sensation. Well, thing just keep looking up for the kid - and on Sunday, he secured at least one gift. He told a street camera how he came up once again.

Brokdong For The Bram Mood
To get you in the traditional Bram mood, we leave you with some good ole brokdong songs from this weekend's festival in battlefield park.Enjoy, Be safe, and be blessed.join us back here on Friday night. Good night!

Channel 5

UB Lecturer Bound and Stabbed to Death in Eldridgeville
Fifty-seven-year-old Anthony Brown was found dead inside his home in Eldridgeville, Toledo District on Monday. The lecturer of the University of Belize in Punta Gorda had been bound at the [...]

Leroy Haulze is Arraigned for Murder of Clothing Vendor
A second person has been arraigned for the July sixteenth, 2019 murder of clothing vendor, Jose Diaz. Leroy Haulze, who was initially charged for abetment to murder in this homicide, [...]

G.O.B. Says No Redistricting Before 2020 General Elections
The Government of Belize is the defendant in a constitutional challenge bought before the Supreme Court by the Belize Peace Movement. The pending legal matter revolves around the need for [...]

Should Chamber Have Gone the Way of FOIA?
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry has formally requested a copy of the contract signed by Imer Hernandez who recently signed on to an agreement to pave the Coastal [...]

No Beef with Chamber, Says AG Peyrefitte
The Attorney General, despite being rather snappy when it comes to the chamber of commerce, says that it’s not about purposely being confrontational but that the business organization tends to [...]

AG’s Ministry Awaits Chamber Feedback on Cyber Bullying Legislation
The recent online attack aimed at Plus TV’s news director Shasta Wade has once again brought into focus a need for regulations to govern the social media space. Enacting legislation [...]

Claim Against J.L.S.C. is Before the Supreme Court
The Bar Association is challenging the suspension of President Cheryl-Lyn Vidal from meetings of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Vidal, who is also the Director of Public Prosecutions, had [...]

Cayo Northeast Area Rep., Says Bullet Tree Road Needs Upgrading
During Friday’s Sitting of the House of Representatives, Area representative for Cayo Northeast Orlando ‘Landy’ Habet brought up an issue regarding the Bullet Tree Road in his division. According to [...]

Works Minister Says Road Will Be Fixed
According to Habet, upgrading the portion of road leading to the San Ignacio Community Hospital should not cost local government a huge chunk of money. Minister of Works Rene Montero [...]

Ground Broken for Construction of Schools in Caye Caulker & San Pedro
In an effort to improve the quality of education in Belize, the Ministry of Education has embarked on constructing thirty-five schools across the country. Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker Village [...]

B.P.D.’s Crime Prevention Strategy during Christmas Holidays
Downtown Belize City and in all municipalities across the country, residents are out and about doing their last minute shopping in preparation for the Christmas holidays. As these shoppers go [...]

Safety Tips for Christmas Shoppers and Businesses
In the case of delivery trucks, ComPol Williams says that deliverymen can request assistance from police while doing deliveries in respective areas as an added security measure. Crime prevention, however, [...]

Christmas Messages from the PM and Opposition Leader
Annual Christmas messages from Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Leader of the Opposition John Briceño are currently being aired across the media but we take special time to focus on [...]

Belizeans on their Meaning of Xmas
A News Five crew was back on the streets of downtown Belize City to find out from shoppers just what Christmas means to them. While the holiday for some is [...]

Benque Viejo Housewife Wins $10,000 Shopping Spree
A family from Benque Viejo will be enjoying Christmas a little better this year because on Monday, Edita Albeno won a ten thousand-dollar shopping spree courtesy of Smart and Courts. [...]

The Reporter

Editorial December 29th 2019
While this newspaper welcomes the new Fisheries Reform Act approved last week by the National Assembly, we are disappointed that the government did not insist on a complete ban on the use of gill nets in all the waters of Belize.

How To Reduce Christmas Stress
By: Dr. Abigail Joseph - “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” – or at least that is what the song says. Christmas is often a very pleasant and memorable time for children, not so much for the adults that are busy making the time memorable for them.

Man Dies In Freak Accident
Benque Viejo resident William Orellana, 41, died over the weekend after he was involved in a freak accident at his workplace in Georgeville, Cayo. Cops say that around 9:00 p.m. on December 20th, they received a call that there had been an accident at a construction compound situated at mile 60 and 61 on the George Price Highway.

Redistricting Case to Resume in 2020
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin issued orders last week Friday regarding the filing of additional affidavits in the redistricting case brought by the Belize Peace Movement and Vision Inspired by the People, (VIP). There are 10 claimants who need to file affidavits to show the Court how the disparity in the number of voters in the various constituencies has breached their rights to equal representation.

Police Intervention Saves Man’s Life
A kidnapping operation with what sources say was murder as the intended result, was thwarted on Saturday by an anonymous tip and quick Police response which led to the successful apprehension of five suspects and the rescue of the victim near mile 3 1/2 on the George Price Highway.

Breaking Belize News

Woman almost kidnapped on Christmas Eve
Two hours ago there was an attempted abduction in Esperanza, Cayo. A woman in her early […]

Attorney General: No redistricting of divisions before 2020 general elections
“As far as I know, the Government is not intent on doing any redistricting before […]

Police investigating Anthony Brown’s stabbing murder
Authorities are investigating the murder of 57-year-old Anthony Brown of Elridgeville, Toledo. According to police reports, […]

Five months later; Leroy Haulze charged for murder of Jose Diaz
On Monday, December 23, Leroy Haulze,23, was charged for the murder of Jose Hilario Diaz. […]

Christmas Cheer and Belize’s culture of handouts: Over $8 Million given away in 8 years
The Government has allocated a total of $1,000,000 in the annual Christmas Cheer assistance program […]

Blogs

Drink of the Bram Season – Rumpopo
Christmas is always one of the best holidays to get together with family and friends. When everyone is together, we are able to sit and reminisce of the years gone by. What better way to do this than with a Belizean holiday tradition, Rumpopo! Rumpopo or rumpope, is an eggnog like– creamy and milky– drink made with RUM. While Rumpope, as it is known in other Latin and Central American countries, is not only found in Belize, it is a welcomed drink in any household. Found in Mexico, El, Salvador, and Honduras, this tasty drink is bound to brighten up the grumpiest of Scrooge’s this Christmas. Check out a recipe below for your best Rumpopo this season!

Videos

Octopus Night Belize, 1min. An encounter with a brave little Common Reef Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) on a night dive. Dive site; Permits Paradise, Turneffe Atoll, Belize.

Belize Day 10- Belize Zoo, 3min.

Holiday Message from San Pedro Mayor Daniel Guerrero, 2.5min.

Snorkeling in San Pedro, Belize - Nov, 2019, 5min.

DEPUTY MAYOR IAN CAL AND MAYOR RIGO VELLOS WISH BELIZE A MERRY CHRISTMAS, 3min.

I want to Belize 4 The Glover Files/ Glover Atoll/, 6min. This video is about our journey to Glover Atoll.

Vacation continues with snorkeling, jet skies, sharks and sea turtles in Belize!, 22min.

Zip line, Xunantunich, and Cave Tubing! 2019 Belize Vacation Trip, 6min. From San Ignacio to San Pedro, we did zip line, cave tubing, Belize Zoo, Old Belize, ATV (All-terrain Vehicle), Xunantunich, and Secret Beach (San Pedro)! We played giant Jenga, saw the national bird of Belize, Toucan, the national animal, Tapir, the jaguar, and the scarlet macaw. Cave tubing was so relaxing on the crystal clear water and it was a beautiful view from the top of the Xunantunich!

Caye Caulker, Belize, 5min. Go slow on La Isla Cariñosa, for sure a vacation you will never forget.

December 24, 2019

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 Lions Club hosts another fun children’s Christmas Bazaar
Hundreds of island children enjoyed the annual Christmas Bazaar held by the San Pedro Lions Club on Sunday, December 22nd. The special occasion was highlighted by the presence of Santa Claus, who distributed presents and goodies, posing happily with the children for memorable pictures. The Bazaar started as Santa parked his sled next to the Lions Den and strolled inside greeting everyone before taking his place on stage. With a mountain of presents behind him, Santa began distributing them one by one to each child as their name was called. This year, it seemed that many of the kids were not shy, as they were happy to pose with the big bearded man dressed in red.

2019 registers a decrease in murders on Ambergris Caye
A total of seven murders were recorded on Ambergris Caye as of press time for the year 2019, while three individuals remain missing. This figure reflects a decrease of 42% for the island murder count when compared to the 12 cases registered in 2018. The missing persons are 27-year-old Silverio Cal, 26-year-old Melvin Montesino, and 32-year-old Marvin Antonio Mendoza. In Caye Caulker Village, the island only registered on murder for 2019. The incident involved 28-year-old Jayme Marin stabbing his cousin 17-year-old Isaac Isiah Marin to death while injuring 25-year-old Carlos Marin on Tuesday, October 22nd. Jayme Marin was charged with the crime of Murder, Attempt Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm and Grievous Harm. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court trial on January 8, 2020.

Minister Heredia says fluctuations in tourism will not affect overall arrivals for 2019
The report on tourism arrivals for the first half of 2019 showed an overall increase, compared to the same period in 2018, but the following months showed numbers fluctuating. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Manuel Heredia believes this should not affect the overall arrival numbers at the end of the year. He indicated that 2019 will close with an increase in tourism compared to 2018.

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.

Christmas Message from Andre Perez, PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South
The 2019 Christmas Holidays are here and the year 2020 is just around the corner. Hello, I am Andre Perez your PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South. This is the season to be happy with family and friends around. But it is a time to reflect on what 2019 has been and what can be done for the New Year. This past year has been a difficult one, particularly seeing an unusual slow tourist season that has not been seen in years.

Ambergris Today

LIV Summit Of The Heads Of State And Government Of The Central American Integration System (SICA)
The representatives of the heads of state and government of Central American countries assembled in San Salvador, El Salvador for the LIV Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Under the Presidency of El Salvador, the representatives of the heads of state and government discussed the progress made under the region’s integration agenda on areas including migration, sustainable development, regional security, social and economic development, and climate change.

Various Belizean Sources

2019 Holy Cross Fundraising Appeal
Please No-one likes asking for money, but the truth is we cannot teach the children of San Mateo without your help. We need money to cover utilities - water to flush toilets and wash dishes. Electricity in classrooms for lights and fan cooling and air conditioning in our library and computer lab to combat humidity and dust. We need salaries for support staff, to repair classrooms, to offer a library and computer class, for maintenance and office support. If you donate now, before the end of the year, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar!

San Pedro Town Council Holiday Hours
Check out our Opening Hours for the rest of the year!

ATLANTIC BANK - CAYE CAULKER BRANCH HOURS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 24TH - 8AM TO 1PM - Reopening on December 27th with normal hours. DECEMBER 31ST - 8AM TO 1PM - Reopening on January 2nd with normal hours.

Belize Literary Prize 2019-20
The Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA) announces the Belize Literary Prize 2019-20. 1. Criteria • Original, non-published work of a novelette • Open to Belizean nationals in country or residing abroad, 18 years or older who have not won a BBIA prize in fiction 2. Format Length: 7,500 words to 17,000 words submitted in the following specifications: • One inch margins on all sides ...

International Hip Ball Game Tournament
Today crowds gathered at the Orange Walk Town Central Park for the official Opening Ceremony for the launch of the International Hip Ball Game Tournament that will take place at the Orange Walk Town Multi Complex today December 21st 2019 at 1:00 p.m. It is the first time that Belize is hosting this international tournament, and we are proud that they chose Northern Belize. The teams participating today include Belize, USA and Mexico.

Toys on Caye Caulker!
Christmas cheer is yet roaming around the island as a combined donation between the Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr and an anonymous donor from the U.S has brought these amazing toys for the children. Members of the council as well as the ChairLady are working feverishly to have these toys wrapped and ready to be given out TOMORROW upstairs at the community centre beginning at 5:00PM. Children between the ages of 1-12 are welcome and they will be able to take pictures with santa as well as infront of the decorations which were also an effort by the village council.

BEL Holiday Hours
BEL Offices will be opened 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2019. Customer Care at the Corporate Headquarters located at 2 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days.

OCEANA December E-Newsletter
2019 has been a busy year for us at Oceana, here’s a recap of what we’ve been up to over the last few months of the year. We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter and that it inspires you to join us on some of our upcoming initiatives!

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Launches Municipal Building Units Awareness Workshop Series
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through its Building Sector Reform Project, and in partnership with the Economic Development Council, the Ministry of Local Government, the Central Building Authority and the City and Town Councils across Belize, launched a two-week Municipal Building Units Awareness Workshop Series. The workshops kicked off in Dangriga Town on December 2 and concluded in the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena on December 12. The objective of this nation-wide workshop series was to raise awareness of the Building Units now housed within each municipality in an effort to improve speed, efficiency, and service delivery when applying for building permits.

Belize promotional items given to Victor Casanova
Choreographer, and Director of the Ultimate Sapphire Dance Company who was invited to participate in Carnival Calabar 2019 Nigeria. The Calabar Carnival is a yearly event that takes place from December 1st to the 30th.

Channel 7

Crossing the Line!: Contrabandists Shot Soldier and Cop
The contraband trade gets crazy at Christmas - and, in the north. it's a way of life. For customs, police and the BDF that means extra patrols and added danger - because, for the smugglers, those contraband cargoes are highly valuable. And last night, things escalated to a dangerous new level when smugglers shot two lawmen who had earlier seized two canoes loaded with contraband. A BDF soldier and a policeman were on the Santa Cruz, Belize side of the river when they were shot by unknown persons across the Rio Hondo in Botes, Mexico. Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head Of National Crimes Investigation Joseph Myette told us more this morning in Belmopan:

Teacher Killed In His Home Outside PG
Police investigators in Punta Gorda are investigating the violent and puzzling murder of Anthony Brown Jr., a retired educator who was living near the Elridgeville Community in the Toledo District. Police haven't released any official information on the case as yet, but multiple reports say that his body was discovered this morning inside his home. First responders allegedly found him in a crouching position in the living room area of the house. His hands and feet were tied and it appears that he was stabbed to his neck and upper body.

A Machete Murder At Dump
That is one of two murders to report in the Toledo District tonight. In the other... A 25 year old man was beaten and killed early on Saturday morning in the Dump area outside Punta Gorda. At 2:00 AM, Macario Ical's body was found mutilated and in a pool of blood for all to see, under a bus shed. This morning police told us that they re seeking three suspects: ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch: "Saturday last sometime around one a.m., Punta Gorda police responded to an information of an apparent burglary in the area of the PG San Antonio Road known as Dump area where under a bus shed, police observed the body of a male person, later identified as Macario Ical..."

Freetown Voters Claims OJ Chanced Her; Sister Says She's Wrong
Tonight, OJ Elrington, the UDP standard-bearer for the Freetown Division in Belize City is at the center of a land dispute with one of his would-be constituents. She is claiming that he is trying to use his influence as a politician to block her dream of becoming a first-time homeowner. Crystal Gillett Michael, who works as a healthcare professional, says she over the course of the last few months, she's been building her home on a property in the Belama Phase 4 area of Belize City. She says that in September of last year, she managed to get her finances in order to build her house, after going to the Lands Department to apply for a lease.

Senator Hulse Speaks As Caring Grandfather In House
A Senate meeting was held today in Belmopan - the first time in memory that the Senate has met two days before Christmas. And while it was all business - which we'll tell you about later - things took a turn towards the personal at the end, when the Leader of Government Business, Godwin Hulse, rose to speak on the adjournment. As you know, Hulse's adult son, Kenzel was recently charged for harm in a domestic dispute with the mother of his child. That raised a firestorm of commentary on Facebook - and in the middle of all that mess, is where Jumoke Castro - adult son of Minister Edmond Castro - chose to make the vile post threatening Shasta Wade with gang rape.

Cops Saved Dorian From An almost Certain Death
23-year-old Dorian August is lucky to be alive tonight after the cops rescued him from an abduction, 5 against one beatdown, and certain death. It happened behind Tapir & Bar Deck Hotel off the George Price Highway. The beatdown was in process when police came upon the scene and it is alleged that the five had prepared a hole for August to be buried in. Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero told us more: Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Saturday the 21st day of December 2019 around 10:00 pm police responded to a report that a male person was being beaten at around mile 3 and a half on the George Price highway...."

Robbers Hold Up Visitors On North Ambergris
They went to fish on the north end of Ambergris Caye, but what a family of American vacationers got was a terrifying encounter with four masked robbers. It happened 12.5 miles north of the town, and this morning Sr. Superintendent Romero told us that two sets of visitors were robbed on the north end. Additional personnel have been deployed to the area. Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, NCIB: "On Friday the 20th day of December 2019 around 10:00 am there were two robberies north of San Pedro town, about 13 miles up the coast where two tourists that were with other persons were on golf carts..."

Insurance For Depositors Debated
On Friday, we told you about the package of legislation that the government had to rush through the house. It's all related to the offshore banking sector - and the laws have to be changed to be brought in line with European Union requirements before the new year. In the house, both the ruling UDP and the opposition PUP supported it, and it was the same in the Senate. But, one less high profile piece of legislation did draw some debate. That's the Deposit Insurance Bill which will create a Deposit Insurance Corporation and fund for the protections of insured deposits up to twenty thousand dollars.

GOB Says Let Court Decide on Redistricitng
Outside the Senate we spoke to the Attorney General about a few matters including the constitutional challenge by the Belize Peace Movement and the smaller political parties. They say that the voter re-registration process which was completed several months ago has clearly demonstrated that the 31 electoral divisions are not nearly equal in size, as the Belize Constitution legally requires them to be.

Chamber Says UNCAC Implementation Losing Momentum
We'll come back to our interview with Peyrefitte shortly, but, first, to his boss, the Prime Minister. On Friday, we asked him about a letter which the Chamber sent to him on December thirteenth complaining about the lag in progress with implementing the United National Convention Against Corruption, known as UNCAC. He said the only letter he knew about was one to Attorney General Peyrefitte:

AG Says Chamber Complains Seasonally, Chronically
So, since the Prime Minister apparently had not seen the letter which the Chamber sent to him, what does his point man, the Attorney General have to say about it? Well, a whole lot - including his assessment that the Chamber likes to whine on a seasonal basis:

PM Has No Problem Opening Up Coastal Road Contract
And, similarly, the Prime Minister and his attorney General hit slightly different notes when it came to the contract for the construction of the Coastal Road that the Chamber is requesting. As we told you the 36 mile road will cost 132 million dollars and be completed in six months. It was awarded to the joint venture firm of Imer Hernandez Development Co. Ltd. and a Mexican company, Construcciones y Carreteras.

AG Says Chamber Must Ask Properly For Contract
And, hitting a much more combative note, the Attorney General said they will get the contract, but they have to ask first:

Why AG Always Adversarial With Chamber?
As you heard, Peyrefitte was kind of mocking the Chamber, and we asked if it is a UDP position to always take a confrontational and not conciliatory approach with civil society and social partners:...

Deputy Mayor's Stolen Truck Found in Guatemala
On December 6th we told you about the pick-up truck stolen from deputy mayor of Benque Viejo Alvaro Gongora in the remote areas of the Hydro Road. It was last seen racing across into Arenal, Guatemala. Well, the news tonight is that the vehicle has been discovered.

Alleged Home Invader To Court
Tonight, 22-year-old Steven Mejia, a construction worker from Antelope Street Extension, is out on bail tonight after being taken to court for allegedly breaking into a family's home and threatening hurt her. The incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, December 12, at the Belize City home of Sherilyn Segura. She says that while she, her common-law husband, and her children were in their living room, Mejia barged into their home uninvited, and threatened her with bodily harm.

Orellana Crushed In Bizarre Accident
A man was crushed to death at a construction site in Georgeville when he was crushed between two pieces of heavy equipment. It's a bizarre accident that happened in a construction yard belonging to famed contractor Imer Hernandez. Assistant Commissioner Joseph Myvette gave us the details as police know it. ACP Joseph Myvett: "On Friday last sometime around 9:30 pm Police were called to a construction garage just outside of Georgville Village on the George Price Highway which is between mile 60 and 61..."

A Weekend Outing Ends in Bloodshed
A night out partying turned vicious this weekend. Police told us how 33-year-old Habias Tush ended up in the Southern Regional Hospital with machete inflicted chop wounds.

Chester The Enabler of Entitlement?
We turn back now to our interview on Friday with the Police Commissioner. We asked him about the case with Kenzel Hulse and why police decided not to charge the young man for a firearm offence after he was accused of assaulting the mother of his child with a weapon. Williams explained that there simply was not enough evidence. But we went further and asked him - if by the actions and inactions of his department - if he hasn't enabled Edmond Castro's sons.

Sergeant Awarded For Competence, Not Bravery
We also asked Commissioner Williams about Holly Vasquez. He's the police Sergeant who was the lead investigator in the Mason trial. The evidence he marshaled led to the conviction in the case of the decade. And, on Friday, in an award ceremony for bravery, he was awarded for competence.

Burglars Fail to Get Into Building, Jack Security
And, going back crime news, there was an attempted robbery at the Belize District Education Centre in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The security guard on the premises was held up for the keys with a knife but when the thieves failed to access the building they consoled themselves with $150.00 from his pocket. Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero gave us more details. Sr. Superintendent Hilberto Romero: "Denzel Halliday security guard reported that about 3 am on Saturday. The 21st of December 2019 he was approached by three male persons who asked for some keys and attempted to enter into the building he was guarding. They could not enter the building and he was robbed of $150.00 cash. Thereafter the male persons made their escape and they also stole some lengths of steel that were in the compound the time."

Tough Talk on LPG
Food is a big part of the Christmas holiday, and if you're been stocking up butane to cook your family's meals, you may have noticed an extreme disparity in prices you're paying for your butane or LPG from one company to the next. That's because there has been a quiet commercial war being the local Belizean distributors and the 3 mega butane companies from Central America that are owned by own by 3 brothers from one Mexican family. The best information on the industry suggests that ever since the government passed the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Project Law, the 3 big companies have been trying to re-establish their dominance on the LPG market. They used to control the importation of LPG, but with the Barrow Administration's change, starting next year, that's going to change.

Channel 5

Jalacte Resident Murdered near the Dump Site Area
Two murders were recorded in less than seventy-two hours in Toledo District. On Saturday morning, as Punta Gorda Police responded to a call of a burglary near the dump site [...]

Retired Teacher is Murdered in Eldridgeville
This afternoon, reports surfaced of yet another murder in the southernmost district of Toledo; this time, in Eldridgeville. Information to our newsroom is that police visited a house in that [...]

William Orellana is Crushed in a Freak Accident
There was also loss of life in the west over the weekend. In a freak accident, around nine-thirty p.m. on Friday, police were called to a work site just outside [...]

4 Men & a Minor are Arraigned for the Attempted Murder of Dorian August
Four men and a minor will be spending Christmas behind bars after they were arraigned late this afternoon for attempted murder. Delroy Flowers, Bernard Lynch, Oliver Solis, Clive Stanford and [...]

A Disturbing Report of the Rape of a Minor by a Taxi Driver
A most disturbing report of the rape of a minor was made over the weekend in Belize City. The sixteen-year-old girl says she was beaten and raped by a taxi [...]

A Bill for an Act to Amend the International Banking Act
The upper house met this morning in a final session for 2019, to vote on the passage of legislation having to do with a slew of motions, including international banking. [...]

A New Insurance Fund for Depositors is on the Horizon
The establishment of a Deposit Insurance Corporation, as well as a Deposit Insurance Fund, was also brought before parliament for second reading. The purpose of that piece of legislation is [...]

“Borrowers Should Keep an Eye on Interest Rates” – Dr. Zab
The issue of its effect, if any, on existing domestic interest rates was also raised by the opposition. Senator, Doctor Louis Zabaneh referred to interest rates from a decade ago [...]

Rear Admiral John Borland Eyed for Chief of Defense Staff
Since retiring from the Belize Coast Guard a few weeks ago, Rear Admiral John Borland has not returned to private life. In fact, he is preparing for a new post [...]

Chief of Defense Staff to Serve at PM Barrow’s Pleasure
In his capacity as Chief of Defense Staff, Rear Admiral Borland will serve at the satisfaction of Prime Minister Barrow, but he will not have a working mandate to oversee [...]

Godwin Hulse Addresses Gender-based Violence in Senate
Senator Godwin Hulse, whose son was arrested and charged last week for an alleged domestic violence offense, addressed the upper chamber on adjournment today. He spoke of the incident involving [...]

Law Enforcement Personnel Come under Gunfire by Alleged Contrabandistas
A police constable and a B.D.F. corporal were shot by suspected contrabandistas on the Rio Hondo River in Santa Cruz Village, Orange Walk District. Around eight-thirty p.m. on December twenty-second, [...]

U.S. Tourists are Targeted by Armed Robbers in North End of San Pedro
Two groups of U.S. nationals were robbed on the north end of San Pedro on Friday morning. Visitor Paul Maurl reported that around ten a.m., he and his family left [...]

A Security Guard is Mugged at his Worksite
In Belize City, security guard Denzel Halliday was also robbed of over a hundred and fifty dollars while on duty at the Belize District Education Centre on Mahogany Street Extension. [...]

What’s Up With UNCAC?
The ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption by Belize in 2016 was commemorated earlier this month, amid criticism that government hasn’t done much by moving the process forward. [...]

Sean Arnold Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Drug
Sean Arnold, who recently became a father, will have to find money for more than just pampers after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled drug. Today, before Chief Magistrate [...]

Steven Mejia on Bail for Burglary
Also in court was Steven Mejia. He recently pleaded guilty to being a member of a gang, but today he was hauled before Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser for a charge [...]

The Spirit of Christmas with B.E.L.
Throughout the year, Belize Electricity Limited contributes to several initiatives in which employees volunteer to assist schools, churches, and other organizations across the country. During the month of December, a [...]

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

The Reporter

Retired Teacher Found Dead In His Home: Eldridgeville, Toledo
The latest murder victim, whose body was discovered today in his home in Eldridgeville in the Toledo District today, has been identified as retired educator Anthony Brown Jr.

Breaking Belize News

Godwin Hulse pleads for understanding after Kenzle Hulse saga and denounces gender-based violence
A chastened Senator Godwin Hulse rose at the end of today’s Senate meeting to correct […]

Cayo residents clamor for upgrade to San Ignacio Hospital access road
With extensive infrastructural works ongoing on roads and highways across the country, the people of […]

Man accused of burglary for charging into family home
Steven Mejia, 22, a construction worker of Antelope Street Extension, was charged with burglary with […]

P.M. on handcuffing gas companies: We did the right thing
As the price war over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) continues, Prime Minister Dean Barrow issued […]

Support a young cancer warrior’s fight for survival
Cancer cases are difficult for the patient and their families. These situations are all the […]

Vehicle belonging to Heritage Bank burned
Sometime around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday police were called to a fire on Vernon Street […]

Underage girl raped by cab driver
A female minor was raped by a taxi man over the weekend. The minor told […]

Quintet charged with attempted murder and robbery
This past Saturday, Dorian August narrowly avoided death after being kidnapped, robbed and stabbed on […]

Three men sought for the murder of Macario Ical
Three men are currently being sought for murder in Punta Gorda, Toledo. Shortly after 1:00 a.m., […]

Four men wanted for robbing tourists in San Pedro
At around 10 a.m. on Friday there was a robbery north of San Pedro town, 13 […]

Man found dead inside home in Toledo
Reports to BBN is that a man was found dead inside a home on New […]

Society of St. Vincent De Paul gives out food hampers to the needy
The St. Ignatius Parish Conference of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SSVP) shared […]

Do we need deposit insurance?
The Deposit Insurance Bill, 2019, survived second reading in the House of Representatives despite a […]

PM touts transparency: UNCAC on the move, Coastal Road contract handed over
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), along with the National Trade Union Congress […]

National Assembly considers “black list” tax legislation
The House of Representatives passed on Friday, and the Senate considers today, several bills to […]

Prime Minister sticks with GOB plan on gill nets
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said that if there is more money available to ensure […]

Prime Minister updates timeline for election, retirement
2020 will be the last year of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s tenure in Government, but […]

DIGI/BECOL Basketball Tournament concluded with a bang on Friday night
Secretary SSBA The DIGI/BECOL Basketball Tournament bounced to an end on […]

Senate hosts final meeting of 2019
The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly will shortly meet this morning to consider multiple […]

Authorities increase security presence after shooting incident in Santa Cruz, Orange Walk
Authorities have increased the security presence at Santa Cruz Village after a shooting incident that left […]

Blogs

Celebrating the colorful palette of Belizean Artists: Rony Jovel
One artist extraordinaire who humbly shares his talent is Rony Israel Jovel. Rony’s passion for the natural world often shares the canvas with the sharp yet voluptuous features of his abstract portraits, celebrating the brilliant colors of Belize’s most flamboyant birds, butterflies, and flora. Magically, they intertwine as one entity, a Purple Gallinule bird frames the face of a full-lipped maiden, flowers, and vines lace the profile of a floral goddess, a female face emerges from the core of a Scarlet Macaw and butterfly wings fan from the back of a woman’s neck. As crazy as it all sounds, Rony’s talent for mingling the mundane with the fantastic transforms naturally as if the combination of these unlikely subjects were destined to collide into perfect harmony.

Sorrel & Christmas
In America, the spiked drink of choice for Christmas is always eggnog – richly made, spice-seasoned, and cream-colored. However, in Belize and the wider Caribbean, Rum Popo is just the beginning. During the numerous house visits and festive occasions, you’re almost always bound to be offered a glass of ‘Sorrel Drink, but what exactly is it? The refreshingly sweet, warmly-spiced drink is served cold, getting its distinctively red hue from steeped petals of the tropical hibiscus plant, Sorrel (flor de Jamaica).

Meet the National Bird of Belize: The Keel-Billed Toucan
The keel-billed toucan is instantly recognizable for its huge orange, red and green beak. With its bright yellow face and blue legs, this friendly, colorful bird is a beloved local icon and the national bird of Belize. In Belize, toucans are known as “bill birds.” Learn more about this fascinating fowl. You can see toucans all over Belize. Because they don’t migrate, they’re in the forests here year-round. Birders in Belize almost always spot keel-billed toucans here. You can also see them at the Belize Zoo and the many wildlife sanctuaries in Belize.

International Sources

International organizations facing the Latin American crisis
There are numerous international organizations today that aim to integrate, facilitate trade and generally bring together countries throughout the Ibero-American region. The most promising among them for a long time was the Organization of American States (the OAS). However, this organization has proven unable to resolve some of the critical conflicts in the region, and has repeatedly shown a preference for Anglo-Saxon interests, such as during the Falklands War in 1982. There are, however, several new inter-Iberian organizations trying to accomplish this goal, including CELAC, UNASUR and PROSUR, which only formed this year.

Videos

Corozal 2019 Christmas Parade, 19min. Showers of Blessings greeted onlookers at the end of last night's Corozal 2019 Christmas Parade. Here is a short video snippet of our beautiful parade.

Gray Anglefish Belize, 38sec. Some graceful Gray Angelfish put on a nice little ballet for me. Dive site; Black Beauty, Turneffe Atoll, Belize.

Kitesurfing in San Pedro - Belize with MJ Leslie, 2.5min. The best spot in the Caribbean for practicing Kitesurfing.

Belize with Zotter Chocolate, 2.5min. Julia Zotter and I explore Belize with Emily Stone of Uncommon Cacao to get an in-depth look at one of the worlds top cacao growing regions.

Special Sitting of The Senate 1, 2.5hr.

Special Sitting of The Senate 2, 25min.

Book Launch - encouraging critical thinking skills in today's classroom, 21min. Delmer Tzib is an Educator and Author who has released a new book on encouraging critical thinking skills in today's classroom. The eConscious book is a published record of consciousness building actions in the classroom. We invited him to talk with us about how teaching methodology needs to change to impact today's students.

Creative Shifts, 32min. Ronelli Requena of Creative Shifts helped us learn some new skills to wrap presents with a flare. She shared some easy tricks you can try at home to make your gift stand out. She used recyclable materials and wrapping and brown paper to achieve the unique looks.

The Belize Police Department the accomplishments and challenges of 2019, 37min. The Belize Police Department representatives were our guests to talk about the accomplishments and challenges of 2019. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, explained that there are measures underway to improve their capacity to protect citizens. These include increasing the staff compliment with new recruits and incorporating face recognition technology in the city's infrastructure. Our guests also shared tips on how to stay safe for the Christmas season. Chester W. Williams - Commissioner of Police Alden Dawson - Asst. Commissioner of Police (Regional Commander of Eastern Division)

Caye Caulker Children Receiving Toys & Presents from Sants, 27min. Parents and children at the Caye Caulker Community Centre receiving toys and presents from Santa.

Belize Birthdays, Snorkeling and Jet Skies!!, 22min. This is the 2nd half of our recent San Pedro, Belize vacation where Danika gets to check out some Sea Turtles and Sharks and goes Parasailing and rides the Jet Ski!!!

Étape 15 : de Palenque à la frontière du Belize, 8.5min. Dans cette vidéo on reprend enfin le vélo à travers le Guatemala.

Belize - Great Blue Hole Flyout, 5min.

BOYFRIEND DREAM SURPRISE VACATION ( BELIZE AND SAN PEDRO), 16min.

Belize Airport to Hopkins Flight, 12min. Flight from Belize Airport to the close airport near Hopkins, Belize.

Ambergris Caye Belize, 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, Manatee close encounter, night timelapse, and Belize sunsets.

So we went birding and Roni and Emily and Roni says let’s go down this road! And I ask what road?, 1min.

December 23, 2019

Ek' Balam poktapok team from Yo Creek Village Orange Walk

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

Street rehabilitation in San Juan Area on pause
In July of this year, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) embarked on a project to rehabilitate several streets on the Boca del Rio and San Juan Area. Three streets (Sea Gull, Spider Lily and Deer) were cemented and then works moved to the San Juan Sub-division. Works seemed to be going as planned, but then all labour came to an abrupt halt. All that was allegedly completed was a concrete side walk, and up to date, works are yet to resume. Mayor Daniel Guerrero had previously indicated that the rehabilitation on the main street of San Juan was part of phase two that followed the completion on the streets at Boca del Rio. The reason for cementing the said streets was due its heavy traffic and the fact that one of them leads to the high school and residential areas.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Who Is It?
“I don’t know what to do,” Father Michael said to me. “I usually teach religion here at the school but I also have to substitute for the history teacher until the end of the term. When they get into the history class, they no longer respond to me.” I said, “They’re probably just used to seeing you as a religion teacher. Why don’t you start the class with something about what’s going on right now in their lives?” “That’s a great idea,” he said. “Why don’t you come observe the class and I’ll talk about Christmas.”

UDP Condemns Acts of Violence Against Women
The United Democratic Party strongly condemns any act of violence against women and girls and any threat of such violence whether done in private or in a public space. The UDP expresses grave concern over a despicable and outrageous post made on social media in which the wife of a media personality was threatened with sexual assault. The Party expects that the police will look urgently into this matter and will provide the required support if and when the family chooses to pursue the matter in the courts. There should be no place in our country for this kind of reprehensible behavior to find succor and there certainly is no place within our Party for this type of conduct.

Doctor Love: Leviticus Eighteen
Dear Doctor Love, I was listening to the kids play “wedding” in the yard and I was shocked to hear my four-year-old son say he didn’t want to marry the little girl—he wanted to marry his friend—a boy. They all started screaming and laughing and the wedding immediately turned into a game of tag of who wanted to marry who, so it was forgotten. This isn’t the first time he has made comments like that. He said he wants to wear his sisters’ uniform when he goes to school. I am a Christian woman and I believe that in the eyes of God, boys marry girls, not other boys. I don’t want my son thinking it is okay for boys to be with boys. How should I bring it up with him before it happens again? /s/Leviticus Eighteen

Various Belizean Sources

Gifts for the children of Caye Caulker
Gifts have been received for the children of Caye Caulker from our Area Representative, Mr. Manuel Heredia and a anonymous donor from the U.S.A. The Caye Caulker Village Council invite all children up to the age of 12 to come and receive a gift from Santa. Come out and take pictures with the big Christmas Tree or Gingerbread man tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Thank you.

Trash Barrels Installed in Corozal
It is truly amazing how a single effort of an idea to install decorated trash barrels in our Corozal Town has just blossomed so immensely and adopted by many of our major Corozal Communities. Progresso Village is the next major community in line to adopt the idea of installing trash barrels around its village. Through the efforts of the village council, villagers, and our own local artist Ney Carlos, these drums have been installed. If you are interested in donating a decorated trash barrel for the village of Progresso, please contact Ney Carlos at 668-1286. We take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry and Triumphant Christmas. Keep Progresso Village Safe & Clean. One Love!

Jewel Fury Threepeat
Congratulations, Jewel Fury! They've won 3 times in a row. "We present to you The back to back to back CHAMPIONS JEWEL fury NAWL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CONGRATULATIONS LADIES"

2019 Belize Krismus Bruckdong Bram Festival in commemoration of the life of Mr. Peters
Whew! I just got up from a 20hr day yesterday. Still in bed and Knocked out. My vacation starts today, so I will have some time to recover. The 2019 version of the Krismus Brudong Bram Festival is now in the history books. It was not supposed to have happened this year. Earlier in the year, I was told that the Project would be focussing mainly on the hard components, which are the buildings we are currently constructing. About six weeks ago, we got the green light to conduct this year's version. Last night was the culmination of a fire storm of planning and execution. We have conducted four of these Krismus Brams since 2016, but I believe the 2019 version was the best from my point of view. All of the performers executed their performances on cue for the most part. It was a live event and I am happy it went flawlessly thanks to Orson Picart and Dolores Aguilar, my Assistant Coordinators.

The Nukux Tat
The Nukux Tat is the Maya guardian spirit of the forest , animals and humans . They are also known as Tata Duende, Yuum Balam ,Tata Balam or Balames . They are a very important part of the spirituality between the Yucatec Maya of Belize .

The Reporter

Crime-Stoppers Sends Out Appeal To Catch Rapist Taximan
Crime Stoppers Belize has sent out a plea to taxi-drivers in Belize City to provide any information they can which would assist in the detention of a taxi-driver who has been accused by a minor of assault and rape.

MURDERED JOHN DOE IDENTIFIED
Police sources have told the Reporter that the man who was found murdered at a bus stop on the San Antonio Road in Toledo early Saturday morning has been officially identified.

Police Thwart Possible Murder
Five men are currently in Police custody, pending possible charges of Kidnapping and Attempted Murder, after Police responded to the scene of a brutal beating near Mile 3.5 on the George Price Highway around midday Saturday.

Cop Convicted of Sexual Assault of 8 yr. old Girl
A man whose job was to uphold the law finds himself facing a minimum of 12 years imprisonment after he was convicted on Tuesday of sexual assault upon an eight year-old girl.

Breaking Belize News

Two officers reportedly shot in Santa Cruz
Reports to BBN is that two officers, at least one of which is a BDF […]

Murder victim identified as Jalacte resident
Police have identified the victim who was found dead near the bus stop at the […]

Over $16,000 in cash and other items stolen from tourists in San Pedro
Authorities are investigating a report of armed robbery in San Pedro. Police reports indicate that […]

SUV belonging to Heritage Bank damaged by fire
Authorities are investigating the cause of a vehicle fire that occurred around 2:20 this morning. […]

Travelmyth says Belizean resort has one of the best pools in the world
Travelmyth, a hotel search engine dedicated to helping travelers find unique hotels for specific vacations, […]

Belize represented at LIV Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SICA
Last week, representatives of the heads of state and governments of Central American countries assembled […]

PM Barrow says absent Gaspar Vega still paid for not showing up to House, “impossible” to remove him
Representative for Orange Walk North, Gaspar Vega, will end 2019 having missed all meetings of the […]

San Ignacio family seeks assistance for anemic son
A San Ignacio family is desperate for public assistance for their three-year-old son, Jahziel Choj, […]

Police award officers for outstanding performance
On Friday, Minister of National Security, John Saldivar; Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Senior […]

Santa Elena teen found safe
Posted: Sunday, December 22, 2019. 8:31 am CST. By BBN Staff: The family of 16-year-old Corinth Petillo have informed Breaking Belize News that the minor ...

Blogs

Jungle Tours
Belize is a small country in Central America, well known for its vast jungle and pristine wildlife. This jungle covers most of the mainland and is home to various species of wildlife, birds, and many flowers/medicinal plants. There are many things for you to see and discover in this tropical wonderland; which means we have a variety of tours for you to choose from. Glide through the jungle on one of Belize’s most famous areas to zip line. Whether it is at Jaguar Paw, Mayflower National Park, or at Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch; each offers a range of zip lines that goes higher than the other. This gives you an amazing aerial view of the rainforest and waterfalls.

Happy Holidays from Belize!
If the water is not your thing, then get out your rented golf cart or grab a stool at the local bar to enjoy the festival of lights all on golf carts. You will see and hear parades of children making merry Christmas music as they stroll along the streets, following lit up golf carts. This extravaganza is filled with so much love from locals, local expats, and visitors from afar! Get down to Boca Del Rio early to grab a spot as this parade is one you won’t want to miss as you celebrate your Holiday time in Belize!

Your Ultimate Belize Packing List
I severely underestimated what I would need to pack for our trip to Belize. Unfamiliar with Central America, I naively assumed I could buy what I needed on the go. As a result, I loosely packed for our trip thinking mostly I would need light loose flowing dresses, t-shirts, and tank tops. I gave little thought to the cold snap that was about to hit, or to the insects that call Belize home that would soon gnaw on my exposed limbs. Learn from my mistakes with this comprehensive Belize packing list.

Belize:the perfect destination for a Girlfriend Getaway
When it comes to getting away with your friends, nothing sounds better in the middle of winter than a warm destination South of the border. But when it comes to you and your friends, you are looking for a little more than an “all-inclusive drunken debauchery long weekend away.” Enter Belize. Belize has absolutely everything you could want in an ideal girlfriend getaway: -Excellent Spas [check] -Comfortable accommodations with great common areas [check] -Great food [check] ...

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 Sources

The Most Magical Places in the World to Elope
The most refreshing thing about wedding trends and traditions these days is that they run the gamut from big, fat, and steeped in culture and religion to untraditional, small, and in far-flung locales, and everything in between. They’re all wonderful and special. When it comes to taking those experiences to a magical level and discovering unique destinations that will make you audibly gasp, Mahla Pourshamsa, founder of The Eventeur, is the one to have on speed dial. Here we asked her to flip through her secret black book of destinations around the world that are perfect for you and your S.O. to elope and make it official official. “I often say if I had any amount of money to go anywhere in the world, I’d choose Belize over and over again. X’tan Ha, specifically, is located on some of the best strip of the beach in Ambergris Caye, where you can walk for what feels like miles before the water barely goes above your ankles. Ever dreamed of an elopement mid-water with your toes in warm Caribbean sand? This is it.”

Belize PM confident economy will grow
The Belize government says it remains optimistic that the country will record economic growth during the fourth quarter of this year. Revised figures released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) show that there was a contraction in the third quarter. The SIB said that the percent change within the secondary sector, within which electricity production falls, was adjusted from a 4.5 per cent rate of growth to a decrease 10.8 per cent.

A Partnership Between VIU and Belize
Vancouver Island University is assisting with the development of programs to help students in Belize in forestry and adapting to climate change. V-I-U, along with other institutions in Canada, will be working over the next three and a half years with post-secondary institutions in Belize. The goal is to create tailor-made programs in agro-forestry, fisheries, and related preparatory programs to assist student entry to higher levels of education. VIU is leading an 825-thousand Institutional Partnership to assist the University of Belize and a technical institute deliver skills training programs that meet economic and environmental needs in the region.

Videos

Wait for it... Jaguar #2!!!, 11sec. Videos sometimes pick up more that still photos. From La Milpa, Belize

The first Custard Apples are ripe on this tree in San Antonio and the Collared Aracaris came to feed yesterday, 1/2min.

Season's Greetings from the Special Envoy for Women and Children!, 1.5min. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Scuba Diving in Belize, 4min. Ambergris Caye, Belize in December 2019

CLP Leadership Impact Series - Belize, 15min.

Christmas play St. John's Cathedral Belize City., 5min. December 21, 2019 Fr. Lloyd Taylor Service.

Scuba Adventures 2019 - You Better Belize It!, 4min. A short reel of my scuba dives in Belize.

Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays! 2019 Belize Vacation - Caye Caulker, 4.5min. Snorkeling tour at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark and Sting Ray Alley, and colorful coral gardens. Swam with nurse sharks, southern stingrays, and many coral reefs! Also fed tarpons and saw some seahorses!

Vacation in Belize - IncrediBelizable!, 26min. Vacation in Belize and Guatemala, November 26 - December 5, 2019. We stayed at Singing Sands Inn in Maya Beach, Belize where we snorkeled at Silk Caye and Glover's Reef. Traveled to San Ignacio, Belize for a night where we stayed at Martha's Guesthouse. Overnight trip to Tikal, Guatemala. Two nights at Pook's Hill, Belize. Not shown in this video is a tour of the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave.

From Punta Gorda Belize to Belize City Belize, 4min. We didn't have cell phones service our phones only worked with WIFI. Driving through the Belizean Rain Forest. I was so nervous.

Belize 2019, 7min.

December 22, 2019

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

A record $43,500 raised for Living Word Church’s 2019 Toy Drive
Once again, Living Word Church’s (LWC) annual toy distribution event promises to be a huge success and reach more children than ever before. Attorney Joel Nagel, who is a long-time Belizean citizen and the chairman of the board of LWC, challenged several companies to raise $BZ35,000. Nagel & Associates, Caye International Bank, ECI Development, Georgetown Trust, and Escape Artist rose to the challenge. They not only met their collective goal but exceeded it by more than $BZ8,500! The toy distribution event, which will include dolls, trucks, balls, and games, will be held at 6PM on December 23, 2019, at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex in downtown San Pedro. The evening promises to be one of good spirit, joy, and the smiling faces of many children. The toys were purchased from the Mirab Department Store in Belize City as well as from local stores in San Pedro, including A&R and Caye Supplies.

Unemployment rate on a rise: SIB reports 10.4% of Belize’s labour force without jobs
As the year winds down, The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) is reporting that the national unemployment rate continues to grow. According to their most recent Labour Force Survey (LFS) in September of 2019, the national unemployment rate grew from 7.7% in April 2019 to 10.4% in September 2019. SIB goes on to report that Belize’s labour force is growing faster than the rate at which new jobs are being created. Belize is approximate to have a national labour force of around 190,307 with 56% being male while 42% are women. Astoundingly close to half, 44% of those in the labour force have nothing more than a primary level education, while 25% have a secondary level education and only about 17% have tertiary or high level studies.

Belize on an Economic Activity Decline
As of the third quarter of 2019, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) is reporting a decline in economic activity for the county of Belize. A 0.4% decline rate was observed in the country’s total level of economic activity in the period of July to September 2019 when compared to the same time bracket in 2018. This decline in revenue has left economist wondering if Belize can possibly fall into recession. According to SIB, “the total value of goods and services produced within Belize during this period was estimated at $649.2 million dollars, a decrease of $2.4 million from the $651.6 million produced in the third quarter of 2018.” Both the primary and secondary industry sectors experienced a decrease in production.

Statement by the Special Envoy of Women and Children on ongoing reports of Gender-Based Violence in Belize
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.

Police investigate armed robbery of tourists in northern Ambergris Caye
The island’s police department is investigating an armed robbery, involving at least three tourists some 12.5 miles north of San Pedro Town. The incident reportedly took place around midday on Friday, December 20th, when the victims were robbed at gunpoint of their personal belongings and an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was hurt and police have since increased their patrol in the area to make an arrest soon. There are no official details about the incident, but according to a witness, the robbers shot their guns into the air and made the persons lay on the ground.

Various Belizean Sources

Corozal welcome signs are currently being installed!
These and many other directional tourist signs are planned to help boost our district and its tourism products. Thank you to all members of the local tourism Committee the Ministry of Tourism and STP 2 team for this project. Lets take care of our signs to have them last for a long time!

Corozal Football Games Cancelled
NOTICE TO FOOTBALLERS: ALL GAMES SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 22, 2019 HAVE BEEN POSTPONED FOR JANUARY 2020. Date to be announced later.

LOVE FM

JOHN DOE FOUND
This morning at around two o'clock the motionless body of an unknown male was found. The body was found at a bus stop near San Antonio Village, Toledo District lying in a pool of blood with large chop wounds to the face and right hand. He was wearing a white t-shirt, black long pants and a black tennis shoe. The body is currently at the hospital awaiting a post mortem examination.

MISSING TEEN
A teenager of Santa Elena, Cayo District is missing. 16-year-old Corinth Petillo left home on Friday wearing a pink blouse, long pants and carrying a MK backpack. The Petillo family is pleading to the public for assistance in locating her. If anyone has any information regarding her whereabouts kindly contact the nearest police station.

ASSAULT BY FIVE MEN
One male person was assaulted behind Tapir and Bar Hotel on the George Price Highway. Police responded to the said area where they encountered a Blue Saturn parked and found five male persons assaulting one male person. The five assaulters were 20-year-old Delroy Flowers, 31-year-old Bernard Lynch, 28-year-old Oliver Solis, 20-year-old Clive Stanford, and a minor. The victim was identified as Dorian August other particulars are unknown at this time. August was escorted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while all suspects are detained pending an investigation of Kidnapping.

Breaking Belize News

Final winter solstice of the decade happens tonight
A special global phenomenon will happen for the last time this decade at 11:19 p.m., […]

Police rescue kidnapping/assault victim
Police arrived in time today to save a man that was being beaten by five […]

Cool and moist weather to continue through weekend, expected to decrease on Monday
The latest weather update from the National Meteorological Service of Belize says that cool and moist conditions will […]

Christmas Cheer and Belize’s handout culture
The Government has allocated a total of $1,000,000 in the annual Christmas Cheer assistance program to […]

Benque Viejo resident Wuillian Orellana crushed to death last night in freak accident
Last night, Breaking Belize News (BBN) broke the story that a man was accidentally crushed […]

Police constable found guilty of sexually assaulting 8-year-old girl
This week, Police Constable Darren Martinez was found guilty at the Supreme Court for sexually […]

Police: Toledo man chopped to death; Investigation ongoing
Reports are that a man was found dead in the Toledo district today with wounds that […]

Former Senator calls for “rising chorus” against societal violence
Ahead of Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, a former member of the upper […]

Carlos Matura jailed for bail violations
A standard condition of the court granting bail on a criminal charge is to show […]

Blogs

Christmas Ham – It’s The True Hallmark Of The Holiday Season
A Christmas ham is one of those old school Christmas traditions that has stayed around for a reason. Anyone who has had it knows how great the baked dish tastes. It’s the true hallmark of the holiday season. It is a holiday favorite that’s great for slicing and serving to a crowd. No matter how you decide to prepare it, what you decide to add on it, family and friends will love the combination of the sweet and salty taste of your ham. When you take your first bite of the juicy, tender, mouthwatering meat, your taste buds will go HAM over it! Hosting Christmas dinner this year? Take your holiday ham game to the next level with Flavor of Belize’s Christmas Ham recipe. This recipe uses only three ingredients. It’s quite easy to follow, simply delicious, and will look beautiful in the center of the Christmas table!

Videos

The Belize Krismus Brukdong Bram Festival 2019, 5.5hr.

CENTAUR'S MEGA CHRISTMAS BRAM 2019 - FINAL NIGHT, 2hr.

12 Days of Christmas continues..., 2hr30min.

A Christmas Wish on LOVEFM, 2hr30min.

Diving in Belize 2019 Reef Shark, .5min.

Belize diving 2019 Beautiful Reef, 1min.

FOTOS Hermosa cueva BELIZE..BEAUTIFUL CAVE PICS, 2.5min.

Feeding the Baboons at a Tropical Rainforest in Belize, 3min.

Monkey Business in Belize 2019, 1.5min.

NAWL Finals | Jewel Fury vs Rumberas | Live at The Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Belmopan, 2hr30min.

Allan M McCoy bringing it at the Brukdong Bram Festival!, 1min.

Kicking off things with the Burrell Boom Marching Band!, 1min.

December 21, 2019