February 19, 2020

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Papo Alamilla Art Exhibition at Belizean Arts
Belizean Arts, in collaboration with the extremely talented Eduardo “Papo” Alamilla, held an art from February 14th through the 16th. People had the opportunity to visit Belizean Arts and browse Papo’s latest works. He was not present at the exhibition but his art spoke for itself. Milton Chan who is Papo’s nephew (and an artist himself), shared the goal of the exhibition with The San Pedro Sun. He said his uncle wanted to showcase his interpretation of the Belizean lifestyle. He did this by painting what he sees daily and what he grew up with. There were paintings showing off gorgeous marine life, the lush jungles, and scenes of San Pedro in its early days.

San Pedro Pirates record 2-1 victory over BDF
On Sunday, February 16th, the San Pedro Pirates landed a 2-1 win over the BDF Football Club at the MCC Grounds in Belize City. The island boys broke their winless streak and are now among the top five teams in the Premier League of Belize’s (PLB) standings, while BDF slides to last place. Week 7 of the closing season continues this weekend and San Pedro Pirates will be hosting the Belmopan Bandits on Saturday, February 22nd starting at 7:30PM at the Ambergris Stadium.

Another big home win for the San Pedro Tiger Sharks!
With a 93-56 blowout over Dangriga Dream Ballers, San Pedro Tiger Sharks once again defended their home turf and are 4-1 in the 2020 season of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The defending champions will fight for the top spot against 4-1 Belize City Defenders, who along with Orange Walk Running Rebels emerged victorious during the fifth week of basketball action. Friday, February 21 at 8:45 PM – Belize City Defenders vs. San Pedro Tiger Sharks at the Belize Civic Center

Various Belizean Sources

Boca del Rio Beach rehabilitation project
As part of the San Pedro Town Council’s Beach Reclamation Project, the SPTC introduces Phase 1 to the general public which will take effect on Monday, March 15th, 2020. PHASE 1 of the project will include new traffic regulations for Boca del Rio Drive between the sections from Sand Piper Street and Spider Lily Street. A portion of the beach has been reserved for ONE-WAY golf cart traffic passage and parallel parking for one golf cart on the east side of the street.

Corozal Community Public Meeting by the Belize Police Department
Important Corozal Community Public Meeting by the Belize Police Department will be held this Friday, February 21st, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at the Corozal Town Hall on 1st Street South. The Belize Police Department and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Chester Williams invite all members of our Corozal Community to this very important meeting.

U.S. Citizens: Passport and Notary Services in San Pedro!
Message to U.S. Citizens: Passport and Notary Services in San Pedro! Representatives from U.S. Embassy Belmopan will be offering passport renewal and notary services in San Pedro, Belize. Date: Tuesday, February 27th, 2020 Place: Blue Water Grill, Sunbreeze Hotel, San Pedro Town Time: 10:30 am to Noon We will provide the following passport services on a first-come, first-served basis.

2020 Chocolate Festival of Belize
14th annual Chocolate festival of Belize, kicking off with Wine and Chocolate Friday May 22nd followed by Taste of Toledo street fair Saturday May 23rd.

Belmopan Humane Society Cleanup & Paint Party
The Belmopan Humane Society is having a Cleanup and Paint party this Saturday. Anyone wanting to help them out is welcome, and appreciated.

Belize Raptor Center Music for the Birds 2 Benefit
The Belize Raptor Center's Music for the Birds 2 benefit is Sunday at 3:00pm at The Bluffs. Come out and enjoy an afternoon full of music with Captain Coconut and the Sand Crab Blues Band Featuring Mr. Downchild on harmonica plus special surprise guest. This is a Band of world class musicians that you'll be kicking yourself if you miss ~ mark my words, this is 100% worth the trip! $20 cover per person and ALL proceeds go towards the Raptor Centers none releasable Common Black Hawk, Zion's, new enclosure building. Additionally there will be auction items and a door prize raffle! It will be a fun filled afternoon all the while supporting the Belize Raptor Center.

Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020
Our final post highlighting the incredible skills of the main attraction- graffiti artists from Belize, Mexico and Cuba at Corozal Graffiti Festival 2020. This year's theme was "Ancient Chactemal" as we honoured our ancestors. We graciously thank all of the graffiti artists who participated; simply for the joy of creating art! In order, beginning from the south end of Miami Beach, each artwork has the artist's name/tag name, you are kindly invited to follow their work on facebook. Mark the date for the last Sunday in January, (Sunday, January 31) for Corozal Graffiti Festival 2021!!

Corozal Town Historical Walk FEb. 24
Join us for a day of celebration as we mark our 8th anniversary with tours of the Corozal Town Historical Walk. We are delighted to partner with Corozal Junior College's 2nd year Tourism students who are excited about giving you a tour! Tours begin at 9am.

February 2020's Art in the Park
Wonderful turn out for February 2020's edition of Art in the Park! Thanking all of our artists, artisans, culinary artists and singers who came together once again, offering our beloved community a place to congregate with family and friends. A gracious thank you to this month's sponsor - Serenity Sands Bed & Breakfast for supporting this community initiative. See you all on March 14th for the next edition of Art in the Park!

BHA at the 16th Annual Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
The Belize Hotel Association, represented by President Teodoro Tejada and Director Sherry Constantino attended the 16th Annual Chicago Travel and Adventure Show, on February 8 and 9, 2020 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. The BHA booth, which was conveniently located near one of the main theaters, remained constantly busy throughout the two-day exhibition. Many of the visitors to our booth had a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker or other family members who were from Belize and were therefore seeking more information about all the amazing activities and recommendations on places to stay.

Cabinet Announces New UDP Senator
The Prime Minister will advise the Governor General that Ms. Payal Ghanwani, Attorney-at-Law, be appointed as the new senator for the United Democratic Party. This is consequent to Senator Steve Duncan who, for personal reasons, recently resigned as senator.

Ministry of Health Clarifies Rumored Case of COVID-19 in Dangriga
The Ministry of Health hereby clarifies the rumors circulating on social media of a ‘suspected case of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Dangriga Town.’ Belize remains free of any case of COVID-19 (formerly known as novel coronavirus) and there is no suspected case at this time in the country. As part of our routine investigation, three Belizeans were investigated based on specific epidemiological information shared upon re-entry into Belize and they are being checked on by the Health Department on a daily basis. One of the individuals was swabbed and the laboratory test was positive for a specific strain of the common flu viruses (rhinovirus) that is currently in circulation in Belize.

Belize is removed from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union released the results of its recently concluded meeting held in Brussels on February 18, 2020. The Government of Belize has been informed that the recent amendments to both the Income and Business Tax Act and Tax Administrative and Procedure Act on December 23rd have been positively assessed and the ECOFIN Council has agreed to remove Belize from the EU list of harmful preferential tax regimes (Annex II). This is a significant outcome as Belize is now deemed to be compliant with all the recent regulatory changes set out by the EU over the last two years. For many months the Ministry of Finance has been working closely with the European Union to meet its requirements regarding both economic substance and its assessment as harmful preferential tax regime.

Office the Prime Minister Announces Changes to the Cabinet
Cabinet at its meeting today, February 18th, announced that the Prime Minister will advise the Governor General that: (a) The Attorney General Senator Hon. Michael Peyrefitte be appointed as the substantive Minister of National Security to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. John Saldivar as Minister of National Security. The Minister of State for the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Elodio Aragon Jr. be responsible for the supervision of the Ministry’s day-to-day management.

Leader of the Opposition Responds to PM
Dear Prime Minister: I refer to your letter dated the 17th February 2020. Most of your letter was, as usual, full of personal attacks and big words which by now I would have thought you would have realized impresses no one but the person you see in the mirror. Your response for a man who holds the office of Prime Minister is a disservice to the people of Belize. In your letter, you deliberately sought to paint a picture that is divorced from reality. Let me remind you of historical facts rather than fantasy. First, the People's United Party did not support your 21 Supplementary Appropriation Bills. They were passed with the votes of the Government side only.

KOKO KING OUTDOOR CINEMA MOVIES FOR THIS WEEK
ADULT WEDNESDAYS: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Rated PG) - Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel. Actors: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper. FAMILY FRIDAYS: JUMANJI 2: THE NEXT LEVEL (Rated PG-13) - In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world's most dangerous game. Free snacks for the kids!

Cleanup and Paint party hosted by Belmopan Humane Society
The Belmopan Humane Society is having a Cleanup and Paint party this Saturday. Anyone wanting to help them out is welcome, and appreciated. Volunteers needed to spruce up the Belmopan Humane Society food and beverages available. Donations toward paint, food and beverages appreciated.

Caye Caulker Water Outage Today
Belize Water Services informs its customers in Caye Caulker that there will be low pressure in the water supply which will affect the entire Caye Caulker distribution system as follows: • Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 11:00 pm to Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 5:00 am This low pressure is necessary to build storage after repairing the leak and to accommodate planned maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.

HUAY POOP
Huay poop or Uay poop: black butcher bird in whose body is the spirit of Kakasbal. He falls on his victims and takes them away forever. This being of the Mayab we refer to the Huay Poop, a sorcerer who on certain nights takes the form of a horrible and gigantic black bird, but there are also many more who claim that this evil creature is one more the transmutations of the Genius of Evil, the "Kakasbal".

Channel 7

Saldivar's Pop-Up Interview Fail
Finally today, embattled UDP area rep John Saldivar appeared for an extended media interview.  He chose to do so on the LOVE FM Morning Show - and we'll have highlights of that shortly. But, while Saldivar was on air for over two hours fielding all questions from the hosts and callers, the wider media was gathering outside.  Every media house saw his appearance as the first opportunity in months to ask their questions - questions which are burning hotter than ever after the revelation of text messages last week.

Saldivar Speaks Boldly
So, while he wouldn't answer our questions, as we said, Saldivar did speak at length on the Morning Show -  in a no holds barred interview that covered the entire scandal ending in his double resignation as party leader and cabinet minister.   The politician who has gone from a powerful minister to an area representative without portfolio clearly is not throwing in the towel.  Saldivar spoke like a man eager to get his story out - and he made clear that he's in the mix of whatever the future holds for the UDP. 

Mike P, UDP's Super Minister?
And while Saldivar is trying to clear his name - he's been replaced in Cabinet.   It was rumored a week ago and confirmed today: Michael Peyrefitte is the new Minister of National Security -  taking Saldivar's place after he resigned under pressure last week.  That new portfolio for Peyrefitte is now combined with his existing portfolio of Attorney General -  making Peyrefitte the government's head of all security forces and the chief legal officer - a double serving of powerful portfolios not jointly held since Dean Barrow did so in the 90's.   But Peyrefitte won't be handling it alone.  A release from the Office of the Prime Minister say the Minister of State for the Ministry of National Security, Elodio Aragon Jr. be responsible for the supervision of the Ministry's day-to-day management. 

New Face For The Senate
And there are also changes in the senate lineup.  And this one introduces a new face.   Attorney Payal Ghanwani, will be appointed as the new UDP senator, taking the place of Steve Duncan - who resigned immediately after the UDP convention.  It is somewhat of a surprise because Ghanwani is not well known in UDP circles, but is a talented new face.

Ashcroft Edges Into Redistricting Suit
Last night, we told you about the Supreme Court application from Michael Ashcroft to join in the redistricting lawsuit that the Belize Peace Movement brought against the Government of Belize.
The Peace Movement is seeking to trigger a redistricting exercise because Belize's 31 electoral constituencies are not proportional - some are way too big, other way too small.  The effect of this is that a vote in the Fort George division in Belize City, for example, carries more weight than a vote in Belmopan or Stann Creek West.  That's not what the constitution dictates and the Peace Movement says that it undermines the spirit of true democracy and equal representation. 

Teachers will Join NTUCB March
Last night, we told you how National Trade Union Congress of Belize and its 10 member unions announced that on Thursday, they are going to protest in Belize City against corruption and in the name of good governance.  Well, the Belize National Trade Union has out a memo to the Ministry of Education, and the management of schools countrywide informing them that they will be participating. The memo is dated February 18th, and it is directed to the Minister of Education; the Ministry of Education officials; and Boards of Managements, managers and principals of primary, secondary and tertiary schools.

Seine Byte Barracks Up In Smoke
30 people are homeless after a long barracks burnt down today in Seine Byte village.   The long barracks which had 14 low income units caught on fire at around 2:15 this afternoon.   Villagers rushed to put out the flames creating a bucket brigade to assist the fire truck.  In the thick of the crowd was Village vice Chairman Kirwin Ramirez. We spoke to him by phone and he told us that the destruction of the 14 rooms has left a number of villagers homeless. Kirwin Ramirez - Vice Chairman, Seine Bight Village: "I was coming from Placencia when I saw a little bit of smoke in the air. I ran over there as fast as I could and we started to use bucket and we started to break the pipe to see in the fire was gonna out and we ran over there we have a lot of young people that were around at that time and everybody getting buckets and trying to out the fire and stuff and so I was trying my best and my people were trying their best to out the fire..."

The Boots Challenge
Campaign finance reform is one of the hot button issues right now - we're hearing it almost nightly from the opposition and the social partners.  But, here at 7News we've been trying to push our head behind the red and blue curtains to get to the mystery of politicians money for many years now.   Jules Vasquez has a short history of broken bank dates and introduces the Boots Challenge: A politician's bank account, it's the stuff of a journalist's dreams - and once upon a time, back in October of 2008, I got to see one:

UDP Personality: Thursday Protest is Cause for Anxiety
And while that's our faint stab at campaign finance reform - the social partners seems much more serious about it.  The NTUCB has included it as the very first demand in its six point list of demands.   They will take that message to the city streets on Thursday and we asked one UDP senior personality if this heightened pressure is a cause for anxiety:

UDP Will Have a Convention
And while the ruling UDP tries to remain in control of the political timeline - the movements by social partners could create some discomfort in Belmopan.  That would accelerate the timeline for finding a new leader, and, quietly, we are told Patrick Faber has been canvassing support of colleagues he has alienated in the past. Yesterday, Tracey Taegar Panton told us Faber called her - and so did Boots Martinez.  He says the UDP has got go through a new convention process:..

Three Alleged Killers Free and Clear
And, turning now from politics.to court news, 3 accused killers are free of charges after many years on remand.   For just over 7 years, 30-year-old Cassian Bennett/Gentle, 33-year-old Jermaine "Horse" Garnett, and 43-year-old Kenneth Barrow have all been jointly charged for the 2012 murder of 19-year-old Raheem Requena. But tonight, all 3 men are home free because the DPP's Office has decided to discontinue its prosecution against them. Viewers may remember the tragic and senseless murder of Raheem Requena. On the night of December 19th, 2012. The 4th form student who was attended Excelsior High School, was riding his bicycle on Kut Avenue. He was on the way to his grandmother's house when a gunman ambushed him and shot him 8 times.

Restore Belize Streamlining All Anti-crime Initiatives
As viewers are aware, crime continues to be a major challenge for successive government administrations to address in a meaningful way. Last year's murder rate caused Belize be ranked as the 6th deadliest country in Latin American and the Caribbean. But, things go in cycles.  You'll have noticed the over the years, violent crime spikes. Then, there is a period of uneasy calm, before the nation is jolted back to reality with yet another crime wave.  And no matter which color is at the helm in Belmopan, they are only able to take short-term measures against this complex problem. 

The Real Deal Tells Cops To Keep It Real
Last week we told you how Dijon Dawson's Grandma, Carolette "Real Deal" Gideon, started an impassioned campaign to ensure that the 8-year-old boy got all the help he needed after he was knocked down while crossing the road.  Those efforts resulted in her case being taken on by attorney Steve Perrera who invoked the underutilized "no fault' clause to get the driver's insurance company to pay up to five thousand dollars worth of Dijon's medical bills.  It seemed that The Real Deal's story would have ended there but, this afternoon there is an update in the case.  Wanting justice, Carolette's lawyer advised her to visit the DPP's office to follow up on criminal charges.

COVID-19 Story in Dangriga Bogus
A rumoured case of COVID-19 in Dangriga Town, is just that, a rumour. And this afternoon the Ministry of Health made the clarification that Belize remains free of COVID19 formerly known as novel Coronavirus. Three Belizeans who had recently re-entered the country were indeed checked on by the Health Department.

EU Removes Belize From List
After months of special house sittings and shuttle diplomacy between Brussels and Belmopan, the European Union has removed Belize from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes.  

Channel 5

John Saldivar Opens Up on the Talk Show Circuit
In his first media appearance since being stripped of the spot of leader elect of the U.D.P. and resigning from Cabinet, last Thursday, Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar today spoke [...]

To John Saldivar – How Did That Money Get into Belize?
In the Utah court, Jacob Kingston testified that he saw Dermen hand bundles of cash to Saldivar during a visit to Belize. This morning, Saldivar admitted to accepting monies from [...]

Mike Peyrefitte is New National Security Minister
There’s a new political boss at the Ministry of National Security where Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte has been appointed as its substantive minister. As you know, Peyrefitte is also a [...]

The Supreme Court Allows Lord Ashcroft to Join Redistricting Challenge
The Supreme Court this afternoon, granted the application put forth on Monday by Senior Counsel, Andrew Marshalleck, on behalf of Lord Michael Ashcroft.  Ashcroft will now be included as an [...]

G.O.B. is Prepared to Go the Distance in Redistricting Challenge
Minister Peyrefitte also spoke about the Supreme Court decision to grant Lord Michael Ashcroft’s application to join the Belize Peace Movement in its legal challenge to have the Government of [...]

What’s John Saldivar’s Political Future with U.D.P.?
A planned event for this weekend in the Belmopan constituency has been postponed. And Saldivar is no longer in cabinet and is neither the newly elected leader of the United [...]

Saldivar Remains Circumspect on Campaign Explanation
In John Saldivar’s attempt at explaining why he chose to lie about receiving the monies from Dermen, he stopped short of divulging the details of that Cabinet meeting on January [...]

G.O.B. to Appeal Supreme Court Ruling on Petrocaribe Challenge
Prime Minister Barrow, in a terse response to a letter written by Opposition Leader John Briceño, has indicated that government will appeal the decision of the Supreme Court where Chief [...]

Opposition Leader to Prime Minister: “The ugly truth is that yuh name stink dah road”
There has been a back and forth between PM Barrow and the Leader of the Opposition. The last salvo today came from John Briceño in response to Monday’s letter from [...]

AG Peyrefitte: “N.T.U.C.B. March is Not Necessary”
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize, as well as the People’s United Party, is holding separate demonstrations in Belize City in the days ahead.  The N.T.U.C.B. will be mobilizing [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Gets Permission to Protest on Thursday
The N.T.U.C.B. has made six demands for the government to meet before the general elections are called. One of those demands is an immediate launch of an independent investigation into [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Survives Shooting; Was It a Case of Mistaken Identity?
Turning to crime, Wayne Perry was days away from starting his career as a soldier in the Belize Defence Force. But on Monday afternoon, he was shot multiple times as [...]

Fire Destroys Three Structures in Hattieville
There was a fire around two-thirty this afternoon in Hattieville. The blaze destroyed three small wooden structures. Fire officials managed to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby homes.  [...]

Fire Destroys Home in Seine Bight
There was another fire earlier today, this time in Seine Bight village in southern Belize and as many as twelve persons were displaced.  Reports are that a fire broke out [...]

Filling the Void in the Public Health Sector for Affordable Eye Care
Over the weekend, a visiting team from U.S. treated hundreds in need of eye care. Now, the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired has been filling the void in the [...]

MOH Says Case of COVID-19 in Dangriga is Fake News!
The Ministry of Health says that the reports circulating on Facebook about a suspected case of COVID-19 in Belize is not true. Today, the ministry clarified the rumors of a [...]

Restoring Citizen Security
RESTORE Belize today unveiled its blue print to deal with crime and violence and restore citizen security. According to the organization, the plan was devised after consultations with the relevant [...]

Amandala

Barrow in trouble!
General elections are scheduled for later this year, and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is now embarking on a pre-election agenda aimed at tackling corruption in order to ensure more transparency in governance. Seated at the head table were the National President of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), Senator Elena Smith; NTUCB president, Marvin Mora; and Southern Christian Workers Union executive, Hubert Enriquez. Apart from the trade union leaders at the head table, all members of the NTUCB were present for today’s launch.

CWU, PSU call for investigation of Saldivar and Belisle
The Dean Barrow-led government and United Democratic Party have come under sustained fire for the scandal that emerged from the Salt Lake City, Utah, trial of the alleged fraudster, Lev Dermen, whom the former Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, had recommended for Belize consular and ambassadorial postings and who holds a Belizean nationality certificate for which the Auditor General was unable to locate the file. Prime Minister Barrow, whose government was swept into power in 2008 on an anti-corruption and transparency platform, has been shaken by this internationally embarrassing scandal.

Kyla Young, 17, murdered in the city
Kyla Young, 17, of Freetown Road, lost her life at about 9:00 last night while she was playing cards with two others in a yard on Glynn Street. The card game was interrupted when a gunman entered the yard and opened fire on the group. A man who was socializing with the group tried to escape, but was shot in his shoulder. As the persons in the yard scattered for cover, the shooter escaped out of the yard and disappeared.

Barrow’s letter is disgraceful and disgusting, says Opposition Leader Briceño
Today, Prime Minister Dean Barrow penned a reply to a letter sent to him by the Leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP), Hon. John Briceño, on Friday, February 14, 2020, which said, “As you are aware, on the 31st January 2020 the Hon. Chief Justice ruled that all the Supplementary Appropriations Acts which you told to the National Assembly, covering the period 2004 -2018 were unconstitutional. This confirmed the view long held by the People’s United Party that the profligate spending under your leadership was illegal and most likely corrupt.

Two murders in Hattieville
Two men were killed in Hattieville over the weekend. At about 9:30 on Saturday morning, Ronnie Anderson, 25, was riding his bicycle on a back road in the New Site area of Hattieville when a man rode up behind him and shot him several times in the head and back. Anderson died almost immediately. Police went to the scene of the shooting, but the shooter could not be found. Presently, the motive for the murder is not known. Ronnie Anderson was a popular basketball player.

Cop arraigned for firearm and ammo
Police Constable Darwin Hernandez, who is from Corozal but is stationed in Belize City , has been arrested and charged with keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license and handling stolen goods, after the gun found with him was found to be stolen. He was arraigned at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was remanded until March 25. Magistrate’s Court cannot consider bail for firearm offences until after 3 months. However they can hire the services of an attorney who can apply for Supreme Court Bail for his release.

Brother stabs brother
Two brothers, Kurston and Kirk Howard of Fabers Road, were admitted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in a serious but stable condition after they stabbed each other. The incident occurred at about 9:30 Saturday night at a house on Fabers Road, where the brothers were drinking. They later got into an argument which escalated, and, police say, Kirk took out a knife and stabbed Kurson, and a struggle ensued between them, during which Kurson was able to take away the knife from Kirk, then he stabbed him in the abdomen.

Roy Grinage, 29, drowns while swimming across the Belize River
Roy Grinage, 29, an employee of Santander who was a tractor operator of St. Matthews, Cayo District, drowned while swimming across the Belize River at about 12:30 Saturday afternoon to go home after work. ACP Joseph Myvett said that while swimming across the river, Grinage suffered problems, causing him to go under, and he began to struggle, but he disappeared underwater.

Fugitive Rodwell Arzu remanded for murder
The search for Rodwell Arzu, 38, a mechanic of Independence, Stann Creek District, who was wanted for the murder of his common-law wife, Geraldine Flowers, 43, of Dangriga, has ended. Arzu was captured in Puerto Cortes, Honduras. The announcement was made today by Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero.

Cop and brother, released on bail for firearm and ammo
Constable Darwin Hernandez, 28, a police officer from Corozal who, jointly with his brother, Rony Hernandez, 34, a construction worker of Altamira, Corozal Town , was arraigned at the Corozal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, on charges of keeping a firearm and ammunition without a gun license and keeping stolen goods. They were remanded until April 21, 2020.

Editorial: VIP insistence on campaign financing laws, vindicated!
We can never know how far the political party, VIP (Vision Inspired by the People), would have gone in electoral politics if Belize had laws to control how political parties and their candidates get financing for elections, but it is for sure that the party would have done better at the polls had such laws existed, even though it is very unlikely they would have won, because of the great advantage the two major parties — PUP (People’s United Party) and UDP (United Democratic Party), enjoy through our First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system. The VIP was spot-on when it demanded and gave no quarter about the necessity for campaign financing laws in Belize.

Main suspect in San Pedro Lagoon murders killed in Guatemala
The main suspect in the double murder of San Pedrano, Mario Graniel, Jr., 53, a tour guide of San Pedro, and American doctor, Gary Paul Swank, a tourist visiting San Pedro, which occurred in the San Pedro Lagoon at about 11:00 Sunday morning on June 23, 2019, has been killed in Guatemala. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Police Commissioner Chester Williams. Williams said that an ongoing investigation into the shocking double murder led to a man in Benque Viejo who was suspected of being the killer, but as they were about to move in on him, the suspect went on the run.

Disgraced John Saldivar apologizes to Cabinet and to the general public for his “poor judgment.”
Five days after he won the United Democratic Party (UDP) race for leadership of the party (a post —as party leader— from which he would resign in less than 72 hours), the disgraced Belmopan area representative who resigned from Cabinet yesterday, Thursday, issued a lengthy press statement late this evening, in which he admitted to accepting “campaign contributions” from Lev Dermen, but claimed to have done nothing wrong. In the wake of the emergence of text messages that were exchanged between John Saldivar and Jacob Kingston, a convicted fraudster who is testifying in the trial of Lev Dermen in a US district court in Salt Lake City, Utah, Saldivar is now advancing the claim that the text messages that were shown to the jury hearing the fraud case were manufactured.

Deputy Police Commissioner Miguel Segura acquitted of manslaughter by negligence
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura, knocked down and killed Yolanda Consuelo Valencia, in the early morning hours of August 16, 2014, on the George Price Highway near Mile 71. The 55-year-old Valencia was travelling as a passenger in a taxi when a government-owned Nissan Pathfinder that was being driven by Segura slammed into the taxi, killing Valencia on the spot.

Barrow silent on court judgment of unconstitutional spending of 1.3 billion
The Leader of the Opposition (PUP), Hon. John Briceño, and the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, PUP area representative, Julius Espat, succeeded in a lawsuit against Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and the Attorney General of Belize regarding the government’s spending of funds without parliamentary approval. In his judgment, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled that the government had spent $1.3 billion unconstitutionally without the approval of Parliament.

Top 2 teams face off Friday at Civic for #1 spot as Defenders host Tiger Sharks
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) bounced into its fifth weekend with 3 games on the schedule. All scores, standings, schedule and player stats can be found on our website at neblbelize.com. All games can also be followed live online on our webpage by clicking on the game at the top of the website. On Saturday night, the defending champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted Griga Dream Ballers, who are coming off their first win of the season.

Extreme are champions of 2019 San Pedro Town Council Co-ed Softball Tournament
The championship finals of the San Pedro Town Council Co-ed Softball Tournament 2019, which began on November 10, 2019, were played yesterday, Sunday, at the Hon. Louis “Cuz” Sylvester Sports Complex in San Pedro. One of the 5 participating teams, Beer League, did not make the playoffs. The Finals involved a two-game series, while the third place consolation match was played in the interval between the two Finals games. In the championship Match 1, Extreme defeated RCGO, 13-7. Winning pitcher was Christian Logan; and the losing pitcher was Konrad Gonzalez.

Altitude tied with Bandits at top of PLB Closing Season Week 6 standings
In a low scoring weekend of football in Week 6 of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Closing Season, Altitude FC of Independence Village emerged as co-standings leader, tied at 10 points with Bandits Sport, 1 point ahead of defending champion, Verdes FC. (See standings below.) Despite only scoring 6 goals in 6 games played so far, Altitude is still undefeated, having drawn 4 times and racked up its second victory yesterday against fellow Mid-South team, Placencia Assassins FC. All three Week 6 games this past weekend were played yesterday afternoon, Sunday.

A noh deh wid no republican system
KREM Radio’s JC Arzu, and Ms. Sandra Coye, I’ve heard them trumpet the virtues of the republican system over the Queen’s parliamentary democracy one time too many, so I have to put a few stones in their path, to slow them down before dehn tek dehn head like big king fish an we can’t reel them in on regular fishing line. I would love the republican system, if I da mi di president. Parliamentary democracy is like a ship – you can mutiny and take it over. You can stop a ship any time. The republican system is like a plane – the pilot has total control over you. When you’re in a plane, you hold on to your seat until the pilot decides to put down his wheels and land. I don’t want anyone to have so much control over my life.

Trouble in the surgical ward …
Things had calmed down during the first part of the following year, with Gertrude’s forced absence from all extra-curricular activity, and the seeming turning over of a new leaf. Sonia and Jewel had kept to a regular routine of work and caring for Emerson, who thrived well and celebrated his first birthday with a cake I had baked and sent as a present from his other godfather and our family, and Jerome’s opening a bank account in his name with a generous deposit.

AFRICAN AND INDIAN STUDIES
32 years ago, on February 9, 1969, a group of Black British Hondurans came together, sincerely and spontaneously, and formed an organization called the Untied Black Association for Development (UBAD). On February 10, 2001, the same UBAD process which gave birth to Amandala the newspaper (1969) and KREM the radio (1989), will formally institute the Library of African and Indian Studies. Now this library seems like a small and simple thing to us sufferers from daily economic pressure, but the opening of the Library of African and Indian Studies is a sinister and alarming thing for the white supremacists amongst us who wear their various and deceptive guises.

For many years there have been wars in different forms
For many years there have been wars in different forms. We humans have been trying to find a way of bettering our living conditions, but there has always been another power above us that oppresses and exterminates our activists for human rights. It is assumed and well-published in documents elaborated by the Secretariat of the United Nations, including the World Bank system, that by 2030 all the needs of the suffering people of the world will be addressed.

Wants information on Don Richardson, American expat
Dear Editor, How can I find out if someone I know in Belize, an American expat, had died? I am told that he recently died. His name is Don Richardson. Can you or anyone send any information that you or they might have, to me?

The Reporter

New Appointments For National Security Were Done Today
The Attorney General Senator Hon. Michael Peyrefitte be appointed as the substantive Minister of National Security to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. John Saldivar as Minister of National Security.

Ashcroft Allowed To Join Case: B.P.M Challenge For Re-districting
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruled a short while ago that Lord Michael Ashcroft’s application to join the claimants – the Belize Peace Movement – in the Re-districting case against the Elections and Boundaries Department has been allowed.

A Political Letter-Writing War: Briceno Pen’s Another Letter To The PM
The Leader of the Opposition, John Briceno, has responded to the Prime Minister with a letter of his own this afternoon. While not so eloquent, the letter makes mention of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill and Petro-Caribe Loans Act, claiming that the PM is doing the nation a disservice.

LOVE FM

Parties continue to lobby for the Equal Opportunities Bill
The lobbying for the Equal Opportunities Bill (EOB) continues following countrywide consultations held earlier this year. The Bill is still receiving opposition from various groups including the Churches. Appearing on the BCCI segment of The Morning Show today were Attorney/Consultant Richard Brathwaite and CEO Judith Alpuche.

John Saldivar is in support of Campaign Financing laws
On the heels of being accused of corruption and bribery, John Saldivar says that he has no issue with campaign financing legislation. He did note, however, that unless the public is willing to see the Government fund the political campaigns, then further thought should be given on this legislation.

Lion’s Club raises awareness about cancer
The Lion’s Club of Belmopan is bringing more awareness to cancer by hosting a forum for the community. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has this story.

Ashcroft as a claimant in the redistricting case
Lord Michael Ashcroft is now legally dubbed one of the claimants in the redistricting case that was originally brought about by the Belize Peace Movement (BPM). The Chief Justice ruled on the application this afternoon in Belize City. Representing Ashcroft was Attorney Andrew Marshalleck.

No Coronavirus in Dangriga, Family of three self-isolated
Tonight there are reports of a suspected case of the COVID-19 in Dangriga. Love News has received multiple calls in this regard but we have verified that they are not true. The Ministry of Health, however, had indicated that they are presently monitoring a family of three since their return to Belize from China on February twelve

Saldivar, despite scandals and lies, continues to seek victory in the next general election
John Saldivar – he is the UDP member who will go down in history for having retained the seat of Party Leader for less than 72 hours. Allegations of corruption have been written in Belize’s history annals against Saldivar which subsequently led to his resignation as a Government Minister.

PM makes changes to Cabinet
Five days ago we reported that the new Minister of National Security would be the Attorney General, Michael Peyrefitte. Earlier today the Government of Belize confirmed this report saying that Peyrefitte who is also a UDP Senator is filling the vacancy created by John Saldivar when he resigned from Cabinet.

Minister Boots proclaims innocence in the allegations made by the so-called ACB
Yesterday, Minister Tracy Panton issued a statement denying having received any campaign monies from Saldivar or by extension, Lev Dermen. Today we bring you a byte from Minister Anthony Boots Martinez who says he too did not receive any money.

Three men walk free from the murder of Raheem Requena
Keshawn Gentle, Kenneth Barrow and Jermaine Garnette walked free from a murder charge after being on remand for seven years. They appeared before Justice Marilyn Williams in the Supreme Court this morning.

Belize taken off EU list of harmful preferential tax regimes
Belize has officially been removed from the European Union’s list of harmful preferential tax regimes. This is a result of the recent amendments to both the Income and Business Tax Act and the Tax Administrative and Procedure Act.

Breaking Belize News

One man murdered in Corozal Town shooting
A man was murdered minutes ago in northern Belize. He hasn’t yet been identified. Information […]

Belizean Coast Guard officer to train at Taiwanese Naval Academy
Belize Coast Guard Officer Cadet, Tyler Reyes, has been accepted into the Republic of China […]

John Saldivar focused on securing Belmopan stronghold for the UDP
This morning, Former UDP Leader-elect and Minister of National Security, John Saldivar appeared on The […]

San Ignacio man reported missing
Robert Nunez, 24, of San Ignacio Town has been reported missing by his mother. He […]

John Saldivar: “I took a certain strategy to win the convention”
Former Minister of National Security, John Saldivar, told hosts on Love FM’s morning show today […]

Ashcroft joins redistricting case
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin has agreed to join Michael Ashcroft to the Belize PEACE Movement’s […]

Saldivar says he’s “Waiting for my party to decide way forward”
This morning, former Minister of National Security and UDP Leader elect, John Saldivar appeared on […]

Belize is removed from the EU List of Harmful Preferential Tax Regimes
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union released the results of […]

Ministry of Health clarifies rumored case of COVID-19 in Dangriga
The Ministry of Health issued a statement a short while ago clarifying the rumors circulating […]

Payal Ghanwani appointed UDP Senator
A release from the Government of Belize says that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will advise […]

Decision this afternoon on joining of Lord Ashcroft to redistricting case
Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin is to decide this afternoon whether Michael Ashcroft will be joined […]

Opposition Leader hits back at Prime Minister: “The ugly truth is that ‘yuh name stink dah road.”
Belize’s most powerful men are at each other’s throats after Prime Minister Dean Barrow refused to […]

Corozal police find ammunition
Authorities conducting searches in San Andres, Corozal found a plastic bag with a box with […]

BDF soldier shot in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred around 2:44 yesterday afternoon. Wayne Perry, 18, […]

Ella Baron awarded Environmental Conservation Award from Belize Audubon Society
Every year, the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) honors deserving Belizeans with the James A. Waight […]

Blogs

Paint or Be Painted: Carnaval In San Pedro Starts this Weekend
Mardi Gras or Carnival, the holiday is celebrated around the world. The festivus of eating, drinking and naughtiness before the beginning of Lent. Different places do different things…we all know about the celebration in New Orleans or in Rio (Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists during this week alone!) but in San Pedro, it’s been going on for decades and it is totally unique. Carnaval is at the top of this list. This is a festival that’s been held for decades – before San Pedro had tourists. Get covered in paint with local kids, dance in the park, drink Belikin beers on a dock and then take a dip in ocean. Everyone is involved. Even our traffic guys.

Belikin Stores around Belize
Belikin stores can be found in the Philip Goldson Int’l Airport. If you’re a little thirsty when you land then you can pick up a refreshingly cold Belikin beer or stout at the store. The other store is located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye across from Tropic Air’s terminal so you can stop by and look through all their various products or just get a cold beer to kick start your trip. Let’s not forget the most important ones of all: Belikin beer and Belikin stout! At different times of the year, they offer seasonal flavors like the Verano beer, sorrel stout, chocolate stout, and black & tan.

Make Your Trip To Belize Memorable With A Monkey River Tour
Monkey River is one of the principal rivers in southern Belize. It is an inland waterway that stretches from Placencia to the aptly named Monkey River Village. The best way to take this tour is to arrange a boat excursion from Placencia Village. A knowledgeable local guide can guide you through the most scenic areas of the river and point out plants and wildlife. The river ride is wonderfully scenic. You’ll pass through mangroves and stretches of rainforest densely populated with colorful birds and exotic wildlife. Watch out for turtles, egrets, toucans, macaws, and even jaguars. You’ll definitely see and hear the black howler monkeys that hang around the trees and the shoreline. Black howler monkeys are the loudest mammal, and you’ll hear them from miles away. Howler monkeys are endangered in other parts of the world, but in Belize, they have a safe home.

International Sources

Did you know that there was going to be an International AA convention in San Pedro this year? Probably not...because it's an anonymous group. But very cool... The first Annual Meeting in Paradise is supported by the local home groups in San Pedro. It is bilingual (English and Spanish) and welcomes attendees from many nations. We invite you to enjoy the place we call home less than a quarter mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, with our great fishing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing and more. You will have the opportunity to meet those that pioneered AA here, along with those that continue to carry the message today. Check out our website for more information, registration, and lodging and excursion recommendations. We look forward to meeting you in La Isla Bonita!!

Videos

February 18, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

Various Belizean Sources

Corozal Football Association Meeting
Corozal Football Association takes this opportunity to invite all current club owners/managers for a special meeting that will be held at our located at the Andres Campos Civic Center on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 6:00pm sharp. The meeting is aimed at discussing the start of the CFA Closing Season Youth Tournament 2019-2020. Gentle reminder that all players NEED to be duly registered via the FIFA Connect platform in order to participate in the upcoming tournament.

SSB Belmopan needs a Legal Services Manager

FCD EYG, MHH, BBA Cleanup Campaign Benque to Succotz
FCD Environmental Youth Group, Benque Basketball Academy, Mormon Helping Hands, community members and the relevant authorities conducted a cleanup campaign from Benque to Succotz Village where a total of 68 bags of garbage were collected.

FCD Leadership and Teambuilding Training
Chamberlain Consulting Limited conducted a Leadership and Teambuilding training for 20 members of the FCD Environmental Youth Group and Todos Por Un Mundo Verde with the support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Taste of Belize 2020!
Time to mark your calendars for BTB's signature culinary event, Taste of Belize 2020! An event where you can savor our culture and enjoy Belize's traditional flavors, while cheering on your favorite chefs/bartenders is one you don't want to miss.

Yuum Kaax
Yuum Kaax the representation of nature. Today Yuum Kaax continues to be very important between the Yucatec Maya specially for the ritual known as Wahil Kool done in the Maya village of Patchakan.

Portion of Hicaco Street blocked Feb 26 & 27 on Caye Caulker
The Caye Caulker Traffic Control Committee and the Caye Caulker Village Council are hereby informing the general public that the portion of Avenida Hicaco Street: between the basketball court and the police station, will be blocked for the entire day on February 26th and February 27th, 2020.

Letter from PM Barrow to the Leader of the Opposition
Dear Sir, Your letter to me of February 14th, 2020, is additional confirmation of what all right thinking Belizeans already know: you and your Party are the most outrageous hypocrites and frauds ever known in the modern politics and governance of our country. One of the principal points in your screed of a letter, is the unbelievably self-righteous rant about the so-called illegality of Supplementary Appropriations. I point out that all Supplementary Appropriations were fully debated and overwhelmingly approved by Parliament during my tenure as Minister of Finance. Your pretend anger in this regard is a nauseating example of the patent and knowing falsity of your position. The history of Supplementary Appropriations started under our Independence Constitution with the People’s United Party.

Belize is one of the First Countries to Support New Global Alliance “30by30”
In 2019, Belize joined nine other countries in supporting the United Kingdom-led initiative “30by30” aimed at safeguarding the world’s ocean and protecting its precious wildlife. The 30by30 initiative is a call to action for at least a 30% target of the global ocean to be under protected status as marine protected areas by the year 2030. This call was first made by the Government of the United Kingdom at the United Nations General Assembly last year, at which Belize was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Wilfred Elrington. Belize currently has approximately over 20% of its marine territory under some form of protected status, which includes marine reserves and spawning aggregation sites.

Miss Doris passes away on Caye Caulker
I wish to inform the Caye Caulker Community of the untimely passing of the owner of Tree Top's Hotel. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

List of Pharmaceutical retail establishments
The Ministry of Health shares the most recent list of Pharmaceutical retail establishments and Licensed Import/Wholesale establishments as of January 31st, 2020.

Corozal Tourism Police on bicycle patrol
CTC Release - "Mayor Rigo Vellos and the Corozal Town Council, meeting another committment to the people of Corozal. Preparations underway to have our Tourism Police on bicycle patrol for the benefit and safety of our local and international visitors. Furthermore, they will be there to protect our municipality - especially our bay from littering and for the protection and conservation of our recreational areas. We will keep you updated as these will be sworn in as Special Constables in order to carry out their duties in accordance to the law".

Juan Carnaval in Cayo
On Saturday, March 7th, the Juan Carnaval is coming to Cayo. They'll have a parade from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Juan Carnaval is a Mestizo Cultural parade that involves music,dance and folklore characters.

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: FEBRUARY 9, 2020 THROUGH FEBRUARY 16, 2020
Last week, fishing was mixed with an average bag of bonefish, a variety of Snapper species, and one Tarpon and three Permit landed. A fair amount of wind made conditions challenging.

Maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant in San Pedro
Belize Water Services informs its customers in San Pedro that there will be low pressure in the water supply which will affect the entire San Pedro distribution system as follows: • Monday, February 17, 2020 from 11:00 pm to Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 5:00am • Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 11:00 pm to Wednesday, February 19,2020 at 5:00 am • Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 11:00 pm to Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 5:00 am This low pressure is necessary to build storage to accommodate planned maintenance of the Water Treatment Plant. Customers may experience discoloration when water is restored.

Carnaval Photographic Exhibition in San Pedro
Coming Soon! Carnaval Photographic Exhibition @ the San Pedro House of Culture. Friday, February 21st, 2020 @ 7 pm.

Massive Demonstration Sunday Feb 23
All roads lead to Belize City.

Channel 7

NTUCB Makes Six Demands
On Friday's news, we told showed you what the leaders of several unions had to say in response to the PUP's call for a demonstration against corruption in public life. 
The PUP turning up the public pressure on the Barrow Administration after the fall of senior Minister and leader-elect John Saldivar.  But, the opposition won't get any direct support from the unions, who want to steer clear of any accusation that they are showing favorites and behaving in a partisan political manner.  The National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the umbrella union, has decided, however, that they want to protest in the name of good governance - and they plan to do so before the PUP hits the streets.

Min. Panton Says GOB Needs To Listen to NTUCB
As you saw those six demands are being squarely made to the Barrow Administration. And it's an administration that's on the ropes right now.  Its party leader elect was forced to step down last week as leader and to resign as minister in a cloud of scandal.  And in the next 7 days, the party faces double protests: one from the National Trade Union Congress, and the other from the opposition PUP. Today, UDP Area Rep Tracey Taegar Panton told us the NTUCB demands loom very large on the government's agenda: Hon. Tracey Taegar-Panton - Albert Area Rep: "I think we have reason to be concerned. And I think that as a mass party we need to certainly listen to the concerns of our social partners. If there are ways to address those concerns than I think we're ought to..."

Boots Unfazed by PUP Protest
We also spoke to her colleague, Senior Minister Boots Martinez - and he kind of said, "we'll see" - but wanted to spend more time talking about the PUP:.. Jules Vasquez
"On Thursday the NTUCB will protest, the BNTU decide if it will join them and then on Sunday, the PUP will protest."

Ashcroft Wants Into Peace Movement Redistricting Lawsuit
So, while the unions are preparing to demonstrate on behalf of good governance, the Belize Peace Movement, a sister organization of the Belize Progressive Party is proceeding with its lawsuit against the Government.  They say that the country is long overdue for a re-districting exercise because the disparity in the sizes of the different electoral constituencies is becoming more pronounced.  They make the point that according to the constitution, these divisions should be as equal in size as possible, to ensure that each vote has the same value in an election.

They Killed Kyla
Another teenaged girl has been killed - the third such death recorded this year.   On Sunday evening 17-year-old Kyla Young was at a friend's home on Glynn Street, hanging out.  They had no clue that a killer was lurking.  And, without them even knowing, Kyla along with 24-year-old Anselma Flores and 25-year-old John Peters became targets in a ruthless gang rivalry.   Here is Kyla's story.  On Sunday night Belize City saw the murder of another teenaged girl. 17-year-old Kyla Young was hanging out with friends in a yard on Glynn Street near the Salvation Army school when at least two gunmen entered the yard and shot them. Her mother thought she was off on a weekend trip she spoke to us today but remains uncertain about the sequence of events that lead to Kyla's death.

Two Mur-dur's In 10 Minutes
There were also two murders in the village of Hattieville on Saturday morning - but this one followed a different pattern, where weed vendors, or as they are known, "dur's", are targeted for turf.  And so it was on Saturday, when Two men who worked as handymen-gardeners but moonlighted as weed vendors - were seemingly executed in an organized fashion within 10 minutes of one another. Cherisse Halsall went to Hattieville to speak with the families. The mayhem started at 9:50. 26-year-old Ronnie Anderson was riding his bike in the new site area when he was shot. We spoke to Anderson's pregnant girlfriend this morning and asked her if she believes Anderson was targeted:

Testy Exchange
The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are sparring tonight, but not in the House of Representatives, they've gone old school, with a war of words in long letters that they have exchanged.
The Leader of the Opposition threw the first salvo with his four page letter on Friday, which is over a thousand words long. He points to, quote, "Unconstitutional and Criminal Public Spending" end quote.  Her's referring to the January judgement of the Chief Justice on Supplementary Appropriations Acts which eh said were unconstitutional.  Briceno says, quote, "This confirmed the view long held by the People's United Party that the profligate spending under your leadership was illegal and most likely corrupt."

Can Tracey T Lead The UDP?
And while the PM showed he is in fighting form with that combative and dismissive response, he will need to stay sharp because there are many battles ahead for his administration limping into its final few months in office.

Boots Denies Facebook Fake News
We spoke to Taegar - Panton today because she wanted to clear her name after a fake news facebook post which went viral this weekend.   It alleged that John Saldivar had supposedly snitched on his colleagues and disclosed which of them he was funneling Lev Dermen's campaign financing to.  It named Tracey Panton, Boots Martinez and Edmond Castro - as having received proceeds.  It further alleged that their names and text messages also came out in that Utah courtroom - which we can confirm is bogus and baseless.   Since then, Saldivar and Tear Panton have put up their own posts dismissing the fake news story.

Tracey Says Fake News Post "Vexed"� Her
There was an even more emphatic denial from Tracey Taegar Panton.  In a statement, she said, quote, "Few things vexor move me to a point of anger.  The deliberate, vicious, malicious attack on my  character, reputation and integrity merely for political or personal  gain is certainly one of them." Today she said it is all made up - and that she never received money from John Saldivar: Hon. Tracey Taegar-Panton - Albert Area Rep: "Absolutely categorically unequivocally untrue. I have never met these characters that are now in the court of Utah and I have never had the opportunity to share not even a bank account with my predecessor, the honourable Herman Longsworth. Not for cheap political gain, not because of some cowardly act by someone who wanted to target me for whatever reason will I sit back and allow it to happen. It cannot happen. It will not happen. I will certainly, I can defend my character and I can defend my reputation."

Teenage Solider Shot in City
A BDF recruit from January's intake was shot this afternoon.  18-year-old Wayne Perry was a part of the BDF pass out ceremony two weeks ago, but tonight he is in the hospital with serious gunshot injuries - and it wasn't friendly fire.

Manslaughter for Patricide
In 2010 he was charged for killing his own elderly father, but today Belize City resident, Glenford Grant. Pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, in the advice of his attorney, Audrey Matura. On May 14, 2010 Glenford Grant was at home #15 Oleander Street, Belize City along with his father, 80-year-old Clifton Grant and his niece when Grant attacked his father, beating him up in his face and head.

He Allegedly Killed His Neighbour Over Barking Dog
Another big case is in court this week. In June of 2018, 58-year-old Manuel Pacheco, a well-known jeweler from Belize City, made headline news after he was charged with murder for the shooting death of his next-door neighbor, 50-year-old Jose Villanueva. His trial without jury started today, and the prosecution called one of their main witnesses to testify against him. Villanueva owned property right next to Pacheco's business place, known as Pacheco's and Son's Jewelry, which located on East Collet Canal. The two had a history of disputes. Well, evidence from this witness today is that the two began to argue over Villanueva's dog.

Peace Movement Calls Dibs On Campaign Finance Reform
At the top of the news, we showed you how the National Trade Union Congress of Belize has decided that it will demonstrate on behalf of good governance. It's an important issue at this time due to the public unraveling of the UDP's John Saldivar in the wake of the Lev Dermen scandal.  One of the demands that the NTUCB is making is that the Barrow Administration enact campaign finance legislation. If passed, campaign financing laws would strictly regulate politicians, and their ability to raise money to fund election campaigns.  One school of thought is that campaign financing reform in Belize could address corruption in a meaningful way.

Domestic Stabbing Leads To Chopping
A domestic dispute in Belmopan resulted in a chopping last night. It happened when Oren Nunez, a man barred by a restraining order from going near to his ex-wife, violated that order by stabbing her and her boyfriend in her home. And when the chaos of the altercation was over Nunez had been chopped. Police told us more, earlier today.   ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Last night, sometime around 8:30 PM, Belmopan police responded to information of a misunderstanding or a dispute at Custard Appel Street, Belmopan City at the home of one Curless Nunez. Upon the police's arrival, one Oren Nunez was outside of the fenced yard with apparent chop wounds and was bleeding. What the police know so far is that Oren Newness, who is separated from Curless Newness..."

Like Cain And Able
And there was also knife action in Belize City - and, this one was an interfamily dispute.  On Friday night, two brothers Kurson 19, and Kirk Howard, 26, were at a residence on Neal's Penn Road when they got into an argument.  Kurson allegedly pulled a knife and stabbing his older brother Kirk. Kirk  then got hold of the knife.    Police told us more: Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero - Deputy, NCIB: "On Friday the 14th day of February 2020 around 9:25 PM police visited the KHMH where they found Kurson Howard and Kirk Howard with stabbing injuries. They are brothers. Information reveal that they were at an area when they got into a fight. One stopped the other one. Afterwards, the other person took the knife away and inflicted the stabbings to the other one. Both are in stable condition at this time."

Santander Worker Sinks to His Death
A Santander tractor operator drowned yesterday in the Valley of Peace area. 29-year-old Kenrick Grinage went off duty at midday and headed to the riverside. His intention was to cross the river but the boat to ferry workers across wasn't there. That's when Grinage attempted to swim across, he wouldn't make it. And today police told us what they've been able to find out about his drowning. ACP Joseph Myvett - Head, NCIB: "Shortly after midday, Mr Grinage reported off duty from Santander where he is a tractor operator where he proceeded to the riverside..."

Channel 5

PM Barrow Unleashes on the Leader of the Opposition
Reeling from the Saldivar scandal, PM Barrow has unleashed on the leader of the Opposition in a lengthy and stinging letter, calling John Briceño and the P.U.P. the most outrageous [...]

Powerful N.T.U.C.B Prepares for National Demonstration
Two demonstrations are take place in the next few days against the government. The People’s United Party will take to the City streets on Sunday but before that the unions [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Says No Elections until Demands are Met
The N.T.U.C.B. is making urgent six demands on the government to address before any elections are called.  The Congress wants campaign financing laws to be implemented and is also clamouring [...]

N.T.U.C.B. Demands Independent Investigation of John Saldivar
The last time the unions collectively took to the streets was in 2005 when the P.U.P. was in government.  The Saldivar scandal has stirred widespread anti-corruption calls and prompted the [...]

A Call to Join the N.T.U.C.B.
As we said, the theme of Thursday’s demonstration by the N.T.U.C.B. is “Only the People Can Save the People” and as such union leaders, today made a call for members [...]

John Saldivar Tells His Side of the Story
On February fourteenth, John Saldivar finally admitted that he received monies from fraudster Lev Dermen, just as Jacob Kingston had testified in the U.S. District Court of Utah. Days earlier, [...]

Kyla Young, Minor, Murdered in Gang-Related Shooting
A seventeen-year-old girl was murdered on Sunday night as she played cards along with friends at a house on Glenn Street in Belize City.  Kyla Young is the second person [...]

Ronny Anderson is Gunned Down in New Site Area, Hattieville
Police in Hattieville are investigating two murders. The first happened a little before ten o’clock on Saturday morning and the victim is Ronny Anderson of the New Site Area. Anderson [...]

Kenroy Danderson is Murdered at Bus Stop Near Police Station in Hattieville
The second murder in Hattieville on Saturday morning was execution style. Police were called out to an area about one hundred yards away from the village’s bus stop, near the [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Injured in Shooting
Just after three o’clock this afternoon, the violence continued on the south side of the city. One man was shot in the vicinity of Violet Lane in the Saint Martin [...]

CJ Hears Lord Ashcroft’s Redistricting Application
The redistricting case before Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin entered a new stage today when attorney for Lord Michael Ashcroft, Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck was allowed to present an application.  That [...]

Peace Movement Has No Issue with Lord Ashcroft Joining Case as Interested Party
Meanwhile, attorney for the Belize Peace Movement, Arthur Saldivar told the media that should the court determine that Lord Ashcroft joins in the case, it would not delay trial, as [...]

Popular Jeweler on Trial For Murder
The case of popular Belize City jeweler, Manuel Pacheco started this morning before Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams.  Pacheco, who lived on Cockburn Lane, is on trial for the murder of [...]

Argument Ends with Brothers Stabbing Each Other in Belize City
A confrontation between two brothers in Belize City ended in their stabbing over the weekend.  The Howard brothers, Kurson and Kirk Junior, are now recuperating after the unfortunate incident during [...]

Man is Robbed and Stabbed on Newtown Barracks
There is a second stabbing incident to report on tonight which also occurred on Valentine’s Day in Belize City. Rene Ranguy was walking on Newtown Barracks when he was accosted [...]

3 Injured in Vehicular Accident in Corozal
Three persons were injured in a traffic accident in Corozal Town. It happened this morning at around five-thirty at the northern entrance in the area of Santa Rita. A vehicle [...]

Samadhi Owner in Contact with Belize over Grounding at Reef
The Department of Environment continues to investigate the damages to the barrier reef on February ninth, when a yacht owned by U.S. billionaire investor, Daniel Loeb dropped anchor on the [...]

Is There Foul Play in the Apparent Drowning Death of Roy Grinage?
A Saint Matthews resident is dead after he apparently drowned while attempting to cross the Belize River. Roy Grinage, an employee of Santander, was heading home on Saturday afternoon and [...]

Chopping-Stabbing in the Capital City
Police are also investigating a domestic stabbing-turn-chopping that happened in Belmopan on Sunday night. Sometime around eight-thirty that night, police were called to a house on Custard Apple Street, where [...]

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

The Reporter

Michael Ashcroft Pushes His Way Into Belize’s Politics
Attorney for Lord Michael Ashcroft, Senior Counsel Andrew Marshalleck today presented the grounds for an application to have the Court allow Lord Ashcroft to join in the redistricting case which the Belize Peace Movement has brought against the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

LOVE FM

Man drowns in Cayo
A resident of Saint Matthew’s Village drowned over the weekend, but his relatives believe that foul play was involved. 28-year-old Roy Kenrick Grinage went swimming in the Belize Old River on Saturday afternoon, just after one o’clock.

NTUCB dissatisfaction with the government
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is preparing to demonstrate this week against their dissatisfaction in the way the government is handling certain matters. The demonstration is planned for Thursday in Belize City and will have the participation of the majority of the unions.

Two brothers stab each other while arguing
Two brothers, 26-year-old Kirk Howard and 19-year-old Kurson Howard were hospitalized over the weekend after they inflicted stab wounds on each other. The incident occurred in Belize City on Friday night when they were both socializing at their house. An argument reportedly unfolded which escalated to Kurson pulling out a knife and stabbing Kirk in the leg.

Government Minister threatened to sue media houses and anyone who tarnishes her reputation
A Government Minister has threatened to “take appropriate action” against any person or entity that seeks to assassinate her reputation. Minister of State in the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce, Tracy Panton issued a statement this morning categorically denying any allegations of corruption levied against her. In her statement she wrote, quote, “Few things vex me or moves me to a point of anger. The deliberate, vicious, malicious attack on my character, reputation, and integrity merely for political or personal gain is certainly one of them.

Daylight shooting leaves teenage boy hospitalized
A recent graduate of the Belize Defence Force Intake 65, Wayne Perry was the victim of a daylight shooting that occurred just before 3 o’clock this afternoon. The 18-year-old was riding his bicycle home when he was shot on Violet Lane, Belize City.

PM calls the PUP ‘outrageous hypocrites and frauds’
The Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister are engaged in a war with words over the impending amendments to the constitution as was ruled by the Chief Justice. The People’s United Party indicated via a letter to the Prime Minister on Friday, February 14 that, quote, “You should be in no doubt, that PUP will vigorously oppose any proposed amendment to validate your Government’s illegality.

NTUCB declares their 6 demands from government
It’s the year of a general election and while we anticipated the heavy campaign ads to begin within the first quarter of 2020, what we did not foresee was the depth of scandals and allegations rocking the United Democratic Party and the Barrow administration. Ordinarily, the unions are on the sidelines looking and keeping quiet. Tonight, however, we can tell you that the silence is over.

Man stabs ex-wife and new boyfriend
Three people were stabbed on Custard Apple Street in Belmopan around 8:30 last night. The dispute which led to the chopping occurred between Oren Nunez, his ex-wife Curlis Nunez, and her common-law husband Eric Mejia.

Two men murdered ten minutes apart in Hattieville
The weekend violence started with a double murder in Hattieville Village on Saturday morning. Two men were shot minutes apart, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not they were connected.

Founder of ACB does not know who runs organization
The Association for Concerned Belizeans (ACB) was a group that aided in the bringing down of the PUP Government back in 2005. At the time it was made up of known UDPs including Jeremy Spooner, David Vasquez, Lois Young Barrow and Karim Berges, to name a few.

Breaking Belize News

P.M. confirms appeal of supplementary allocation decision and attacks P.U.P. for “hypocrisy”
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dean Barrow, says the Government plans to appeal the […]

PAHO hosts design launch of 3 of Belize’s health facilities to be safer and greener
On Wednesday, February 12th, 2020, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) hosted the […]

Belize among first countries to support new Global Alliance “30by30”
In 2019, Belize joined nine other countries in supporting the United Kingdom-led initiative “30by30” aimed […]

Man on a bicycle attacked by a gunman
Belize City police have confirmed a shooting in the old capital. Shortly before 3 p.m. […]

Ex-husband attacks woman and her new spouse
Curles Nunez and her new common-law husband, Eric Mejia, were attacked last night at their […]

Police launch criminal investigation in death of Roy Grinage
On Saturday, shortly after midday a man drowned out west. He has been identified as Roy […]

Brothers who stabbed each other recovering, stable conditions
Two brothers are listed in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital after reportedly […]

Motor Solutions Limited keeps you moving
Celebrating 15 years of service, Motor Solutions Limited (formerly Belmopan Motors) is committed to providing an […]

Police: No one charged for two murders in Hattieville on Saturday
On Saturday morning, two men were gunned down in Hattieville, Belize. The first to die […]

Police: Teenager’s murder caused by George Street-Pregnant Alley beef
Police say that the death of Kyla Young, 17, is as a result of the […]

American billionaire’s yacht damages Belize coral reef; owner pledges to work with Belize Audubon Society
A yacht belonging to American billionaire investor, Daniel Loeb, is being investigated by Belizean authorities […]

Belizean Devon Ramos earns Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics from Taiwan’s top university
Belizean student Devon Trop Ramos of Dangriga has earned a Masters Degree in Agricultural Economics […]

Shooting in Belize City: One dead, two injured
Authorities are investigating a shooting incident that claimed the life of Kyla Young,17 and injured […]

Calling all nature lovers: Tropic Air now offering Lamanai river tour
Tropic Air, the company that brought you the serene aerial Blue Hole Tour and the adrenaline-pumping […]

Blogs

Where do our Lobster Fishermen go during Closed Season?
Every February 15th, I get to wondering what lobster fishermen get up to during the closed season. Lobsters need to go on honeymoon for a bit, so they can make more delicious babies for years to come. That means no lobster fishing, and it means my mind wonders what these fishermen are up to during the off season. I mean, I think I have an idea: *cleaning, fixing and upgrading their traps *sorting their gear *meeting with clients and figuring out their next season’s requests

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest: June 26 – June 28, 2020
Held annually on the island, June is the perfect time to visit the island. You not only get to enjoy beautiful weather but you also get to devour the fresh, tasty lobsters! Not only that but also to enjoy the company of friendly locals and visitors as they all come together to celebrate and share culture. The days at each location are filled with exciting activities and contests for everyone to enjoy. Lobsters can definitely be considered as one of the most delicious foods on earth. You also get to choose lobster in a variety of ways to eat.

Solo Getaway Trip to Belize
Going solo might be a scary and lonely idea for some, but it is an experience that can also empower you and bring a fresh perspective of yourself you never knew existed. Solo traveling means freedom, independence and a chance at an unforgettable adventure. Traveling solo allows you to create your schedule when and where and how you want it to be, however you like, with no compromises. Belize is the ideal location for a solo getaway.

Belize’s National Agriculture and Trade Show 2020
Festivals, fairs, and various events are a very important part of Belizean society. It’s either go big or go home for these things, and the National Agriculture and Trade Show is nothing less than that. Come celebrate the abundant agriculture and farmers who provide rich provisions for us every day! This event first began in 1970 and has been getting bigger and better ever since. It will be on May 1, 2 & 3, 2020, and is definitely the most popular and attended event in the country. It lasts for a total of three days which is filled with excitement and many different experiences. It is held in the capital of Belize – Belmopan, this is located about an hour from Belize City. The location is at the National Agriculture Show Grounds.

How to Spend Five Amazing Days in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Belize
Previously, we posted a blog about spending 5 Days in Cayo, Belize; and, it's only fair that we do the same for those who love the sand, sun and sea. It's time to pull out those beach towels and flip flops and spend 5 Days in San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Here are 5 days in San Pedro and Caye Caulker in Belize: Snorkel/Diving/Snuba Diving, Caye Caulker Catamaran Sail, The Great Blue Hole, Fishing, Barbecue Catamaran & Sunset Sail.

International Sources

Concentration of Saharan dust haze
People with respiratory ailments are being asked to take precautions this week. The Barbados Meteorological Services is monitoring the progress of a thick concentration of Saharan dust haze located in the central Atlantic. The Model data indicates that the plume of dust haze is forecast to affect Barbados as early as Wednesday morning, with an improvement expected around Friday.

CARICOM staff tribunal launched
A new CARICOM institution was launched here today to act as a referee for the Community’s own public servants, spread out among organs and agencies across the 15-member bloc. The Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal (CCAT), to be based in Port of Spain, was inaugurated at the headquarters of another regional institution – the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) at Prince Road, Pine. The tribunal is intended to provide an avenue for open ventilation and final resolution of employment grievances between CARICOM’s institutions and staff.

Mormon in $470m fraud bought homes and supercars
A California businessman teamed up with a senior member of a secretive polygamist sect to defraud the US government of $470 million which he then used to buy fast cars and luxury homes, a court was told. Lev Dermen, the owner of a chain of Californian truck stops, and Jacob Kingston, who belongs to a breakaway Mormon sect called the Order, went on a four-year spending spree in which they bought properties in the US and Turkey, and cars including a $1.7 million Bugatti and a golden Ferrari. Lev Dermen is alleged to have bribed the prime minister-elect of Belize in the fraud.

Videos

February 17, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: How to Fly
“Close the windows before you come to bed,” Sherry said. “That thunderstorm is going to break any minute.” “I’ll close them when I finish taking a shower,” I told her. When I hurried out of the shower lightning was flashing and thunder was already booming. I rushed around closing windows and from the front window […]

Doctor Love: A Guy
"You ask the age-old question of whether or not girls/women are as capable as men are at having casual sex. Do women form attachments easier than guys and can they separate the part of themselves that equates sex with emotional love? There isn’t really a standard answer, except to say, probably not, with some exceptions."

Various Belizean Sources

Stephen Andy Kuylen Sr. passes away
We join in extending our deepest condolences to all family and friends of the late Stephen Andy Kuylen Sr. May he rest in everlasting peace and rise in glory. The late Stephen Andy Kuyylen Sr. was born 22nd March 1954 - and passed away 15th February 2020. A wake will be held this Sunday, 16th February 2020 at his residence on #17 Marigold Street, Altamira Corozal Town. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, 17th February 2020 at the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church at 3:00 p.m.

CAWS Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic
CAWS' low cost clinics in San Ignacio will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The address is 56 Burns, right next to the Western Guesthouse.

For the Children Fundraiser Concert
with Hoodigenous at Belize Soul project, space for the arts & productions.

Team at Caves Branch receives James A. Waight Conservation Award
Our team at Caves Branch received the James A. Waight Conservation Award. On the first picture we are pointing out at the missing from the event collaborators( Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, ERI), colleagues and co-team members who were not able to attend today's event: Bruce K. Holst, Elma Kay, Carlos Hernandes, Chico Ramírez, Jason Miller, Thelma Garcia, Marvin Martinez, Marvin Paredes, Elizabeth Torres, Sayuri Tzul, Steven W. Brewer, Elma Kay, Darrel Smith, Steven W. Brewer, Jeannie Perales, Kelvin Cooper ,Carlitto, Esperanza and many others!

Youth Ambassadors return
Our 2020 Youth Ambassadors returned yesterday after spending 3 weeks in Denver, Colorado, Pensacola, Florida and Washington DC. They were fortunate to bump into US Embassy Belize’s Chargé de Affaires, Keith Gilges. Stay tuned as we will be providing updates of their trip.

KAKASBAL
Kakasbal or k'aak'as ba'al ( ka = twice, káas= bad, damn, baal = hidden) is a being of a evil nature belonging to Maya culture . It was said that Kakasbal confused people by speaking to them, because those who listened to him thought that his internal voice was the one who addressed them, and Kakasbal was actually the one who sought ruin, suffering, and separation from unity. This voice made men turn bad, violent, greedy, ambitious and ultimately impossible to satisfy. His only purpose on earth was to overshadow the hearts of mortals.

Amandala

MURDER IN BELIZE CITY
Reports reaching our newsroom is that Kyla Young, a17 year old Belizean hairbraider of a Freetown Road, address in Belize City was fatally shot. John Peters, a 25-year-old Belizean laborer of a Central American Boulevard address in Belize City and Anselma Flores, a 24-year-old babysitter of Sunset Avenue also in Belize City also received gunshot wounds during the same shooting incident.

The Reporter

Making His Mark in the Upholstery Business
From this small workshop located at #69 Vernon Street in Belize City, Ladyville resident Alexander Garbutt, 38, along with his five dedicated employees including a special needs helper, labor with love to create custom-built furniture and sofa sets to meet the needs of their customers.

Samadhi Damages Reef And Rolls Out
Since the weekend, Belizeans,\ and environmental groups have been up in arms after images and video footage showed a private million-dollar yacht anchored inside the Lighthouse Reef Atoll had caused major devastation to the reef system.

PUP to Barrow – STEP DOWN!
The People’s United Party has called on PM Barrow to put the country before his party and to step down. Opposition leader John Briceño threw down the gauntlet when the PUP presented its manifesto to eliminate corruption and ensure public accountability at a press conference at the Princess Hotel in Belize City on Thursday morning, February 13.

GAME OVER! Saldivar Resigns – Vows to Clear Name
Just four days after what must have been the greatest day of his political life, John Saldivar has reached what is likely the end of his political career. A release issued by the Office of the Prime Minister this afternoon revealed that Saldivar has resigned from Cabinet and is no longer Minister of National Security.

ACP, Miguel Segura, found Not Guilty of Manslaughter by Negligence
Interdicted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Miguel Segura, 53, who was charged with six different traffic offences in 2014, including Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Driving with Alcohol Concentration Beyond the Prescribed Limit, was found not guilty of all six charges on Thursday.

Attitude Of Gratitude
Attitude Of Gratitude By: Dr. Abigail Joseph - Culture is very important to society. Each society is made up of a variety of cultures and at times our cultures intertwine and are expressed as societal traditions.

Editorial: 16th. February 2020
By Wednesday afternoon, Minister John Saldivar had reportedly offered to give up his newly acquired position as Party Leader (elect) if Prime Minister Dean Barrow would refrain from firing him as Minister of Defence and National Security.

Hattiville Police Investigate 2 Separate Murders In That Municipality
Hattieville Police are investigating whether the murders of two men that happened Saturday morning in that municipality, just minutes apart, are related to each other. The first murder scene that Police processed in the New Site area of the village was that of Ronnie Anderson.

Breaking Belize News

NTUCB plans meeting with members to organize demonstration
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has scheduled a meeting of its members […]

Meighan brothers out on bail
After 10 days on remand at the Belize Central Prison, the Meighan brothers, Tyrone, Ellis and […]

Cop and his brother granted bail for a stolen gun belonging to the police
Corozal Town police officer Erwin Hernandez and his brother Rony are out on bail in relation […]

High school football: Corozal Community girls, Mount Carmel boys take national titles
The girls’ football team of Corozal Community College in Corozal Town and their male counterparts […]

El Clasico finishes scoreless as Bandits retain top spot in PLB
Verdes was not able to make up ground at home this afternoon as they welcomed […]

Seventeen-year-old Kyla Young latest Belize City murder victim
A female teenager, Kyla Young, 17, was reportedly killed in the latest shooting incident that […]

Defenders, Tiger Sharks win to set up big-time rematch at Civic
A three-game set this week for the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) has set up […]

Teen girl reportedly killed in latest Belize City shooting
A female teenager was reportedly killed in the latest shooting incident that took place in […]

Award-winning Belizean product, Truly Tumeric, named 2020 finalist for Expo West
h wrld’ frt mnufturr f frh turmr t, Nld lz’s Truly Tumeric, has been named […]

First COVID019 death in Europe, second death outside of Asia as confirmed cases continue to skyrocket
CNN is reporting that the second death outside of the Asian continent due to the […]

Blogs

Where To Go In Belize For Spring Break 2020?
With Spring Break 2020 right around the corner, you may be wondering where to go to cut loose. Going through your list of locations, have you considered Belize? Not only does Belize offer all the warm sandy beaches and hot nights of other locations in Central America, but it does it while featuring English as its official language. If you are curious as to what Belize has to offer the spring break crowd, consider these four locales in particular.

Visit Honey Camp Lagoon in Belize
Honey Camp Lagoon is tucked away in the northern district of Orange Walk, also known as “Shuga city”. This quiet retreat is well known amongst locals who have experienced the soothing powers of this lagoon, still undiscovered by tourists. This destination is located 9 miles from Orange Walk Town, which is approximately a 45-minute drive. There’s not much to do here, as it’s just a place to simply relax. You can swim in the calm lagoon which is said to ease tensions and rejuvenate your mind and body. The lagoon is also bordered by a small community with a nice beach called ‘Playa Coral’ so you can take a walk and relax under the shady coconut trees. There is also a hidden hot spring that can serve as your own personal spa.

Art with Purpose, Love, and Community
I’ve been illustrating the Caribbean since before I ever started traveling to San Pedro—researching the landscape and the wildlife, studying and painting intricate maps of the numerous archipelagos… I created a space of tropical beauty within my uptown Dallas studio. If you believe in the power of manifestation, then this story will inspire you because it wasn’t more than a year of diving into my Caribbean inspired art that I start traveling to Belize on a regular basis and, as I write this, I’m sitting at my drafting table in my Boca del Rio condo looking out upon the turquoise water as it shimmers beneath the tropical sun.

Belize
Over 200 pristine cayes (islands) are scattered along Belize’s coastline—each surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawater that teems with brilliant fish, coral, and sponges. A favorite pastime on the cayes is to relax in a hammock, under a gently swaying coconut palm, while sipping an icy Belikin beer, or a pina colada… It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the frothy white waves wash against the Mesoamerican barrier reef… For those who live on a caye, the living reef is so close it’s a visible touchstone, a reminder of its many wonders. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing are pleasant activities in the shallow waters inside the protection of the reef…

SNORKELING SHARK RAY ALLEY FROM SAN PEDRO, BELIZE
San Pedro gave me my first impressions of Belize, ahead of spending almost 2 months in the country. I didn’t intend it to be the first place I visited, but things conspired that we ended up on a hugely overpriced boat from Chetumal, and spent our first 2 Belizean nights in the city of San Pedro. I had few expectations of San Pedro, and Ambergris Caye in general, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I only spent 2 days there, which is enough, but I did enjoy them. The main reason I came here was to snorkel in Shark Ray Alley. This is a small part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and is frequented by nurse sharks, rays and lots of colourful fish.

Discover St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park On Your Belize Vacation
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is found within Belize's Cayo District, just a short jaunt away from Belmopan, the country's capital city. This is a massive park that sprawls more than 500 acres, or 2 square kilometers for the Metric-minded. Notably, the region is home to two cave complexes: St. Herman's and the Crystal Cave and contains dozens of nature trails. While St. Herman's Cave is accessible to the general public, the Crystal Cave, also known as the Mountain Cow Cave, requires a trained guide, rappelling equipment and a decent level of physical fitness to fully explore. While both caves are considered sacred vistas, the Crystal Cave ends with several beautiful crystalline growths and contains the remains of multiple ritual sacrifices; The Crystal Cave was regarded by the ancient Maya as a bridge between the mortal world and the world of the divine.

The San Ignacio, Belize Market
Located on the banks of the Macal River, the market in San Ignacio is a truly unique opportunity to experience Belizean life. Farmers, traders, and vendors from all walks of Belizean life gather together to sell their wares. Don’t be surprised to hear a blend of German, English, Spanish, Creole and the Mayan tongue as everyone from Mennonite farmers to indigenous craftsmen use the San Ignacio Market to sell their delicious local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and handmade clothing. Just beyond the market lies the heart of San Ignacio town, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. A trip to the market followed by additional shopping or a coffee in town is the perfect way to experience local color and to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and delicious local foods.

Calling All “Bird Nerds” – Forbes Magazine Recommends Belize For Birding
For serious birders, few places evoke the sort of excitement that the Amazon Rainforest, the Galapagos, Everglades, Brazil, and New Zealand do. And now a relative newcomer has joined the ranks to complete what Forbes magazine recently hailed as “The Top Five Birding Destinations For 2020.” Belize, step into the light and take a bow.

International Sources

The Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2020
The best place to reinvent your life overseas in retirement depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Some people dream of long walks on the sand, while others would prefer regular nights out at the theater in a thriving city. Here are the most appealing places to call home based on the cost of living versus the quality of life on offer... Ambergris Caye is a small haven in the Caribbean that is surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters. The island is skirted on its eastern side by the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. About 26 miles long and one mile wide at its widest point, most residents use golf carts to get where they want to go.

Sharks cause scuba divers to nearly wet their wet suits
Sharks are among the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. They are the subject of myths and sensational media reports. They feature in gruesome and terrifying stories from around the world. Even Hollywood fiction movies have contributed to the villainization of sharks. In the first clip, a dive master from Belize is finishing a dive with his group. In the middle of their safety stop and planned ascent to the surface, a large reef shark makes an unexpected appearance below him and angles suddenly upward to inspect his fins. This approach is driven by curiosity and the shark appears to recognize that the diver is not food and quickly leaves him alone.

Tropical snake diversity collapses after widespread amphibian loss
The global pandemic caused by the amphibian fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has decimated frog populations around the world. This decline has been called out as a potential catastrophe for amphibian species. What has been less explored are the impacts of amphibian declines on other members of their ecological communities. Using survey data collected over 13 years, Zipkin et al. looked at diversity and body condition of a tropical snake community after amphibians were decimated by chytridiomycosis. They found that the snake community was less diverse and most species were in decline, except for a few “winning” species.

Videos

February 16, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Lobster season closes February 15th
San Pedro resident and fisherman Billy Melgar has been actively fishing for three years and said he felt this season wasn’t as good as the previous one. He told The San Pedro Sun that his catches were not as abundant as in previous seasons and believes this is a result of illegal fishing done during the closed season. He further stated that the closed season should be longer as a proposed solution. Jair, another fisherman, said he experienced a similar decrease in the catch, but he personally felt like enforcement was strict, as he and his colleagues have seen the consequences imposed rather quickly on lawbreakers. They said they adhere to the regulations as it’s beneficial for the entire fishing community. The San Pedro Sun will follow up with this story when the Fisheries Department issues its official numbers at the closing of the season.

Various Belizean Sources

Taxi crashes near Benque
Accident at the entrance of Benque Viejo. Drive with caution....

San Pedro Carnaval 2020!
CARNAVAL FUN! is just around the corner! Are you guys ready?! Kicking off the Carnaval celebrations is our Annual Carnaval Fiesta at the Central Park with bouncy houses, face painting, booths, San Pedro Dance Academy, Titans Mas Band, DJ Strikah and Island Sensations. Beginning on Sunday, the comparsas will dance and serenade the streets of San Pedro Town and painters will be having fun on Barrier Reef Drive, all throughout Tuesday, where we will celebrate at the Central Park with a DJ playing the latest hits.

Pueblo Nuevo Ferry Closing for four days
The Ministry of Works would like to announce that the "Pueblo Nuevo Ferry" or "New River Ferry" in Corozal will be closed on Wednesday, February 19th 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to Sunday February 23rd at 5:00 p.m.. The objective is to repair leakages that the Ferry has suffered due to damages received from a solid object at the bottom surface of the structure and also to take advantage to address issues that the ferry requires. We apologize for any inconveniences caused by this situation but repairs are necessary to have this ferry back to safety standards, as it will bring much relief to motorists that use the ferry on a daily basis. Ministry of Works

2020 Women in Art Fair
The SISE HoC is having their 2020 Women in Art Fair on Saturday, March 14th, at the Cayo Welcome Center. Just a month away. If you're a female artist and want to participate, contact the HoC.

CAWS Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic
If you missed the Bullet Tree clinic on Saturday, there is another one today. There are clinics coming up in Cayo, Benque, and many other villages in the area.

Gilly's Landing in Cayo opens in just 1 week
We're finally down to the finishing touches at Gilly's Landing! It has taken a year but where almost ready to open the doors now. The river is lookin' awesome, the view is the best, the beer is going on ice, Big Show planned for the 22nd, and La Ruta Maya paddlers are up and down. Stop by and check us out!

THE MAYA WARRIOR CODE
In order to understand the Maya warrior code, it is helpful to first understand that their military was actually much more complex than most people may realize. Each city-state had its own army, but the structure and hierarchy in each city was fairly similar. At the head of each war band was a chief, known as a nacom, who was elected to a three year term by the other warriors. Most of the warriors were holcans, who were full-time, professionals. Besides the actual system, and more important than it, were the actual values and beliefs that the average Maya warrior followed.

Back To Prom is NEXT Saturday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar
Show us your old prom pics...to get in the mood!!!! We will have a DJ all night. Free shots. And we will crown a Prom King and Queen!

Amandala

Two lives snuffed out from gun violence in Hattieville, minutes apart
The first incident occurred in the New Site area around 9:50 a.m. Reports are that Rony Anderson was riding a bicycle, when an assailant shot him multiple times to the body from behind. Ten minutes later, around 10:00 a.m. someone fired several shots at Kenroy Danderson, who was sitting at the bus stop that is a stone’s throw away from the Hattieville Police Station.

Breaking Belize News

Hattieville murders under investigation
Authorities are investigating the shooting death of Ronnie Anderson that occurred this morning in Belize […]

SUV valued at $45,000 stolen in Belize City
Authorities are investigating a report of a stolen vehicle in Belize City. Kimberly Soberanis Lopez […]

Man, 33, stabbed and robbed in Belize City last night
Rene Ranguy,33, reported that about 10:15 last night he was walking on Newtown Barracks, Belize […]

Brothers fight, stab each other in Belize City last night
Authorities are investigating a double stabbing that occurred last night in Belize City. Around 9:25 […]

Two murders reported in Hattieville minutes apart
BBN has received information that an incident in Hattieville a while ago was actually two […]

Blogs

Corozal House of Culture, held their "Art In The Park" on February 15Th, 2020
Corozal House Of Culture held its monthly Art In The Park on Saturday, February 15TH, 2020 at the Corozal Central Park. Corozal Art In The Park is an event, that provides visitors the opportunity to meet 230+ artists and purchase their works. Live entertainment and food booths make this a great family one night only experience! This month's theme was Valentine's. Countless, people from across Belize attended Art In The Park to witness the display's each booth had such as, Art displayed that included paintings, pottery, Miss Deb's food Truck, plants, kids jumper, pieces of jewelry, pastries, Mama Belize Chips, food, Rotary of Corozal, El Dorado, Chill's Creation, Corozal Artists By The Bay, and woodworking from across of the country’s finest artists.

Fantastic Location, Friendly and Comfortable: White Sands Cove Resort
A turn at the sign and down a long sandy driveway – this is a big property and a hotel that has been around for about 20 years. I stepped into the office – and found the next thing I really like in an Ambergris Caye hotel – super friendly staff who really care about the spot. We went out to sit by the pool bar and restaurant – so I could hear about the amenities and tours as well as get a feel for the area. There are actually quite a few restaurants and bars within easy walking distance like Aji Restaurant and the new Capricorn.

Chan Chich Lodge – A Unique Jungle Lodge In Belize
Chan Chich (Little Bird in Mayan), is a prime example of private conservation efforts in Belize, as far back as the 80’s. It is different because, although privately owned, it serves the purpose of preserving the ecology and wildlife of the northwestern part of the country. It boggles the mind that a modern jungle resort sits smack in the middle of 30,000 acres of wilderness, surrounded by half a million acres of conservation lands. Here the wildlife opportunity is believed to be the best in the Americas. Chan Chich has a fascinating back story, with the late Sir Barry Bowen at its center. He had a vision without which Chan Chich would not exist. In the decades before our Independence of 1981, the Belize Estate and Produce Company had been exploiting Belize’s valuable chicle and hardwood for export. Sir Barry Manfield Bowen K.CM.G., a seventh-generation Belizean entrepreneur, purchased the holdings of the B.E.P. Company. In order to survey his purchase, Sir Barry led an expedition into the then remote, practically inaccessible jungle of northwest Belize.

International Sources

Cast Mesoamerican Coral Reef’s Health Index Declines After Years of Improvement
The health of the world’s second-largest coral system, the Mesoamerican Reef spreading from Mexico to Central America, has taken a turn for the more severe and faces additional threats from climate change, based on a report by a group of scientists. The Reef Health Index (RHI), which incorporates ecological data into a “Dow Jones”-style index, confirmed that the coral’s rating had fallen to 2.5 in 2018 from 2.8 in its earlier rating report in 2016. The Mesoamerican Reef’s health had been enhancing since 2006 when scientists first started giving ratings to measure its general condition and awarded it a 2.3 rating that year. The largest drop in reef health was due to significant decreases in commercial and herbivorous fish on the back of unsustainable fishing activities, particularly in Honduras, the report’s authors stated.

Authorities in Belize believe top suspect in Roanoke doctor's killing is dead
Authorities in Belize say the top suspect in last summer’s killing of a Carilion Clinic doctor is believed to be dead. Dr. Gary Swank was on vacation when he and his Belize guide, Mario Graniel , were found fatally shot on a lagoon while fishing in the town of San Pedro on June 23. On Feb. 6, Commissioner Chester Williams of the Belize Police Department told The San Pedro Sun the unnamed prime suspect in the case had been killed in Guatemala.

Police officer forms basketball team for at-risk kids, transforming their lives
It all started when Los Angeles police officer Ivan Lombard-Jackson was out on patrol and started playing basketball with a 7-year-old. "After awhile, I asked him if he would like to join a basketball team," Lombard-Jackson said. "He told me at the time, 'Hell yeah!' And at that point, I was like, 'Well, we'll work on your language later.'" Because there wasn't a team, the officer gathered donations, created one and signed up with a park league. "We ended up going undefeated," he said. Lombard-Jackson played basketball in college and eventually played professionally in Belize, Central America.

Videos

February 15, 2020

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Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Exhibition of Papo Alamilla's latest creations
Belizean Arts is hosting an exhibition of Papo Alamilla's latest creations. They are stunning!!! The exhibit runs from 11AM until closing time, through Sunday, February 16th at the gallery inside Fido's. Don't miss your chance to check these beauties out in person!!

MSNBC’S Kendis Gibson hosts training session for Belizean media
The media training session operated under the theme, “Best practices for reporting during a crisis situation”, which was organized through the Belize Tourism Board. Journalists from Love FM, 7 News Live, News 5, The Reporter, and The Amandala were in attendance, among others. Other notable guests included Mr. Stewart Krohn, acclaimed journalist and founder of News 5, Mrs. Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism, Director of Marketing and Industry Relations Mrs. Misty Michael and several members of the BTB public relations team.

Tour Operator oversaturation discussed at monthly San Pedro Tour Operators Association meeting
The San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) held its general meeting on Tuesday, February 11th inside the Hol Chan Marine Reserve conference room to address the issue of tour operator oversaturation on the island. The discussion included recommendations on how the organization can work hand in hand with the local authorities when granting trade licenses to new tour operators and what can be the best mechanism to mitigate the saturation that is beginning to affect stakeholders.

San Pedro Co-Ed Softball Tournament prepares SPHS team for an upcoming competition
To better prepare the San Pedro High School (SPHS) softball team for the upcoming National Secondary Schools Sports Association (NSSSA) tournament, each year The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) hosts an annual softball competition. The competition saw several teams participating, and after weeks of softball action, three teams claimed the top spots on Sunday, February 9th. In first place was Team Extreme, followed by RCGO in second place, and SPHS rounding third.

Columbus University School of Medicine hosts media in response to de-listing by Medical Council of India
The joint owners of the Washington University of Health and Science in San Pedro Town and Columbus Central University School of Medicine held a media open day at Columbus University’s Ladyville campus on Monday, showing the world that they are fully equipped to teach medicine. Soudah was optimistic that the school would soon be listed by the Medical Council once again and said that his lawyers were working on the case.

Ambergris Today

Anchor Damage In Lighthouse Reef Atoll By 'Samadhi' Yacht
Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020, the Belize Audubon Society, along with other relevant government agencies, was alerted of possible coral reef damage (via video footage) by the anchor of a large yacht within the popular dive site “The Aquarium” at Long Caye in Lighthouse Reef Atoll. BAS Rangers were then deployed from Half Moon Caye along with officers of the Belize Coast Guard in a joint action to respond to the situation and intercept the vessel. Unfortunately, the vessel had already departed the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

Various Belizean Sources

River Bank and Roadside Cleanup
The FCD Environmental Youth Group, Calla Creek Village Council, Mornon Helping Hands, and the Benque Basketball Academy are teaming up to do a major highway and riverside clean-up Saturday morning. Lots of loser litterbugs out there have been doing what they do best, and everyone is tired of seeing their crap everywhere. If you can lend a hand, they'd be much appreciative.

Statement by Hon. John Saldivar
Yesterday I tendered my resignation from Cabinet. The actual text messages of conversations purportedly between Jacob Kingston and myself have now been published in the local media. I categorically state that those messages do not appear to accurately reflect my recollection of any conversation with Jacob Kingston. Mr. Kingston's credibility as a witness is highly questionable and expert scrutiny of the text messages reveal serious discrepancies that creates high suspicion of being deliberately manufactured. Be that as it may, I feel it is time to tell my story.

Corozal Town Council Municipal Bazaar at the Corozal Central Park
This months theme is all about the Love. Since, it’s valentines Day, mostly booths are selling items for Valentines Items, flowers, watches, perfumes, Valentines sweats, teddy bears, Balloons, clothing, sprite, Smart booth, NBB booths, Courts, jewelry booth and lots more various booths happening right now.

Corozal Love Fair
Every year in the month of February, the Corozal Love Fair is held in Corozal Central Park. Today, I headed to the Central Park and caught up with the event and see what they had on display. Since, I was present at the scene, I posted the event at the same time it was happening. One of the groups I spoke to today is the Rotary of Corozal, selling shave Ice and brownies. Come support them, and see what they have on sale. Also, I saw lots of decorations on display about valentines. Meanwhile, I was taking photos I heard the DJ playing music.

Letter of Invitation – Lake Independence Special Development Area Second Government Building

Changes in the Pump Price of Fuel Effective February 15, 2020
The Ministry of Finance announces that on February 15, 2020, the pump price for diesel will decrease by 45 cents from $10.29 to $ 9.84 per gallon. The prices for premium gasoline, regular gasoline and kerosene will remain unchanged at $10.99, $9.73 and $7.36 per gallon, respectively.

BNN calls on GOB to introduce campaign financing legislation immediately
In the context of this week’s political fallout in the wake of testimony given in Utah courtrooms, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) calls on the Government of Belize to take all necessary steps to immediately introduce campaign finance legislation to set out transparency and parameters on how funds are provided to political parties and candidates vying for public office. We believe the new campaign finance laws should include limits on the size of contributions to political parties and political candidates, require that all campaign contributions be declared, that spending in elections be regulated, and that election expenses be made publicly available and subject to limits for candidates and registered political parties, among other provisions. We urge the Government to introduce such campaign finance legislation before the passage of the budget for the new fiscal year.

92nd Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta
The 92nd Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The Baron Bliss Harbour Regatta attracts sailors from across the country. Sailing clubs now exist in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Belize City, Gales Point, and Placencia. The young sailors that are a part of these clubs gain valuable experience in sailing as well as sportsmanship. The BTB is pleased to support this initiative.

The Belizean Yucatec Maya NGO To'one Masehualo'on present today at the Corozal park
Presenting artifacts and more about the Yucatec Maya Culture of Belize. To'one Masehualoon NGO groups Thanks Mr Ryan Givara from Oceana Belize for the opportunity to participate in The Love Festival 2020 in beautiful Corozal Central Park. Valentine day is the day selected because it is a great time to reflect on the concept that we must be in love with self, our families and the environment. We throughly enjoy the time engaging with all the wonderful students and the community as we made strides in cultural preservation of the Yucatec maya culture in northern Belize. It was very refreshing to see that many of the students has remembered some of the maya language they have learned from this group some 4 years sgo. Seguimos adelante.

Channel 7

Will Unions Join PUP In Protest?
Yesterday, the PUP announced that it planned to mobilize a massive national protest. Politically, the timing is opportune, but to lend it legitimacy and muscle from civil society - the opposition would wish to have the support of the Unions and the NGO's. Today, at an event for the BNTU we asked the leaders of the PSU, and the BNTU as well as the NGO Senator who told us how they feel about a national protest: Gerald Henry Jr. - President, PSU: "As with everything that we do, all actions that we take, it must come from membership. Membership has to mandate the council and me to take action on their behalf or announce that there will be acting on their behalf. If we don't get that, we can't just jump up and do it. We're driven by what is called a bottom, up sort of structure, where members are the ones who actually run the union. And then, they will direct the council and me what they want us to do."

BNTU Says Saldivar Not Enough, "Run Di Rest"�
So, while the unions will decide, the president clearly is not inclined to just jump on the blue bandwagon. But, all the major unions: the PSU, the CWU and the BNTU are joined in saying that the matter is not finished with Saldivar's resignation. Senator Elena Smith asked what about the four other UDP colleagues that Saldivar told Lev Dermen he was co financing?: Hon. Elena Smith - President, BNTU: "It's appalling, to say the least, and you are well aware that BNTU, from 2016, had called for the resignation of the said minister because of the Mason matter. And, we are now in 2020, and we have reached that point again."

BNN Backs Up BNTU
The CWU also calls for, quote, "immediate laws on campaign finance, there is an urgent need for effective and enforceable campaign finance laws." End quote. The Belize Network of NGO's echoed that yesterday in a press release, saying quote, "The Belize Network of NGOs calls on the Government to immediately introduce campaign finance legislation to set out transparency and parameters on how funds are provided to political parties and candidates vying for public office. We believe the new campaign finance laws should include limits on the size of contributions to political parties and political candidates, require that all campaign contributions be declared, that spending in elections be regulated, and that election expenses be made publicly available and subject to limits for candidates and registered political parties, among other provisions."

Saldivar: From Victor To Vapor
And all this pressure is coming down on John Saldivar and the UDP even after he resigned from Cabinet. Indeed, he told the Prime Minister he was resigning, quote, "to give himself an opportunity to get out from under the cloud of suspicion.." But, that's the thing: it's not a cloud; it's a full out storm raining down on Saldivar and the UDP. And that's because no politician has ever been caught as exquisitely as he has, on text messages, soliciting large donations. It's no crime, but in the public mind, it confirms many long held misgivings about politicians. Tonight, in a commentary on recent events, Jules Vasquez looks at the rapid rise and fall on John Saldivar, and asks if he can have a political rebirth:

Saldivar Says He Did Nothing Wrong
Just 5 minutes ago, Saldivar issued a statement which we will quote at length. It says, "The actual text messages of conversations purportedly between Jacob Kingston and myself have now been published in the local media. I categorically state that those messages do not appear to accurately reflect my recollection of any conversation with Jacob Kingston. Mr. Kingston's credibility as a witness is highly questionable and expert scrutiny of the text messages reveal serious discrepancies that creates high suspicion of being deliberately manufactured. Be that as it may, I feel it is time to tell my story. I have always maintained that I was never, ever bribed by Lev Dermen, I was never a part of any discussion to move any money from the United States to Belize, and I never involved myself in any act of corruption or wrongdoing.

Mira Seizes On Saldivar's Demise
If Saldivar is to ever make a comeback as an elected politician, he has to convince the voters of Belmopan to re-elect him in a general election despite all they have seen and heard. He's still the incumbent area representative of that division going to 2003, and there have not been any indications that he will not be allowed to contest it as a UDP. But, seizing on the political moment, his opponent, PUP's Oscar Mira, has come forward saying that Saldivar has lost the confidence of his constituents in Belmopan. Here's what he had to say yesterday at the PUP's press conference:

Cop Gets For Possession of Stolen Firearm
On February 6th, Police Constable Darwin Hernandez and his brother Rony were drinking and behaving disorderly at the Northern border. Border security attempted to calm them down, but when that didn't work Corozal Police were called. When the cops searched them they found a 9mm pistol on PC Hernandez. Turns out the pistol had been stolen from Belize City's Precinct 3.

From Puerto Cortez to Prison
Yesterday we told you that 39 -year-old, Rodwell Arzu, who was wanted by Belize Police in connection with the 2019 fatal stabbing and shooting of 41 year-old Geraldine Flowers, had been captured in Puerto Cortes, Honduras. And a video taken yesterday of Arzu in the custody of Honduran police has surfaced. He can be seen here restrained and being guided to the pan of a pick-up-truck likely for transport to the Belizean border.

Too Much Colombian Cocaine
Drug planes make the news almost weekly, and Belizeans say they feel these illicit flights are way too frequent. Of course, thee same can be said in Quintana Roo and the Peten. Yesterday the Commissioner of Police said it's because there's an excess of cocaine in Colombia. We asked him about the patterns of these planes which now seem to be heading to southern Belize. Reporter: "In terms of the entire issue with drug transshipment we know that it heated up again recently. We saw number of planes land in the South and we know that, we believe, that from Monkey river and Payne's Creek they were conveyed by boat. Are the drug cartels changing up the game on the police and continuing to make it impossible for them to make interdictions?"

Is Faber Out Of the Fight?
Switching back now to politics, the hottest news right now is the statement coming from John Saldivar a few minutes ago. It's the first thing we've heard from him since his text exchange with Jacob Kingston was revealed. Somewhat surprisingly, he says, quote "those messages do not appear to accurately reflect my recollection of any conversation with Jacob Kingston...expert scrutiny of the text messages reveal serious discrepancies that creates high suspicion of being deliberately manufactured."

Faber Humbler?
And if he does wheel and come again, Faber says he will do so with more humility. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education: "I think the results were telling in many ways, taught me serval lessons. Lessons about what can come in a convention of that nature but also lessons that forces me to do some great introspection and to determine how it is if I intent to continue in this business of politics and certainly my aspirations for leadership it has taught me that I may need indeed to do things a bit differently..."

PSU Not Over The Hilltop
10 days ago, we told you how the Public Service Union's fight for their Hilltop Headquarters in Belmopan landed in the Supreme Court before Justice Courtney Abel. Through its lawsuit, the union is attempting to reverse the transaction where that the Belmopan City Council has sold the property to the company, Simplex Design. As we told you, however, the union's claim suffered an early setback, when Simplex, a key defendant in the PSU's claim, convinced the court to strike the matter against them. Simplex was able to show that the union has no cause of action against them.

Updates on BNTU MOE Compromises
Another Union whose recent disputes with the government made the evening news is the Belize National Teachers Union. You'll remember that days before last Sunday's now-infamous UDP convention, Education Minister Patrick Faber and senior staffers met with the BNTU's council of management to de-escalate talks of industrial action. That's after the teachers complained about several amendments that the Ministry of Education had proposed to make to the Education rules. The teachers' concerns included the length of their Christmas vacation, their employment contracts as educators, and the hiring of emergency administrators and teachers.

MOH Investigating All Corona Rumors
Last night we told you about the situation with the Corona virus in Belize, or the COVID-19, as it is now known. It has not been detected in Belize, but the surveillance team keeps responding on a daily basis to cases of interest. They told us about a recent one yesterday: Lorna Perez, Surveillance Officer MOH: "Actually as you rightly mentioned, there are Belizeans coming back home. I mean, we have public officers coming from duty leave, we have people who were on vacation, we have different people travelling back and definitely, if there is a person who resides in Belize, we get that information and the follow up we do is basically just to monitor there health status..."

The Groupthink Behind Travel Ban
And, the constant succession of scares is what prompted the Ministry of Health to suggest a travel ban. That went into effect last weekend and it stipulates that all travelers who have been in China within 14 days immediately prior to arrival in Belize be denied entry. The Director of Health Services explained the justification. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services: "You know, we have made that travel recommendation I think 10 days before the recommendation we did on Saturday..."

Flowers Bloom, Businesses Boom
Valentine's day is almost over but if you were trying to get that last-minute bouquet you might still be suffering from the whiplash of hearing "too late," "good luck," and flat out "no." That's because Belize City florists say that this year's demand for Valentine's day flowers was unusually high.

106 Years Of Wisdom
Miriam Tate has lived an exceptionally long life. A nurturing figure, she loves to dance and talk about her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tate celebrated her 106th birthday today, making her one of Belize's oldest residents.

Teachers' Union: 50 Years Strong
With the ability to mobilize thousands of Belizeans for protests and strikes, the Belize National Teachers Union has long since established itself as a force that no Government administration of the day can ignore. They have rightfully earned a reputation as an activist union that is not only concerned about the welfare of the teachers but also public affairs, with an emphasis on matters of good governance, transparency and accountability. Possibly the biggest success that the BNTU can boast to date is their 11-day protests from October 2016, which forced the Prime Minister to agree its demands for the Senate Hearings on Immigration, the signing of the UNCAC, the accession to the 13th Senator, and the reactivation of the Integrity Commission.

John Saldivar, One Last Word
And, to recap the biggest news tonight - it's the late evening statement from John Saldivar - which arrived via Whatsapp at about 6:45 PM. The statement is 840 words and it's his first comment since the revelation that he did receive substantial funds from Lev Dermen and Jacob Kingston. The key statements in the long explanation, are, quote: "I was always careful not to say that I did not receive any cash because I knew that I did receive campaign contributions from Lev Dermen just like many other politicians on both sides of the aisle who knew Lev Dermen.

Channel 5

Confesses to Receiving “Campaign Contributions” from Lev Dermen
The embattled John Saldivar has just released a three page release on those text messages that have left him exposed.  He has not taken questions from the media since Sunday [...]

Hugo Patt is Content Being Deputy Prime Minister
In four short days, the internal chaos in the Barrow administration and the United Democratic Party has brought embarrassment and humiliation.   With the resignation of John Saldivar from Cabinet on [...]

A Renewed Call for Campaign Financing
While his stock went up on Sunday, Patt had a very bad day on Wednesday with the press. Today, he admits that the situation that befell former Cabinet colleague John [...]

Will Patt Support Faber for Party Leader?
So with Patt not willing to offer himself for party leader, is he prepared to lend his support to Patrick Faber or any other interested candidate?  Here’s what Patt had [...]

Patrick Faber Contemplates a Second Candidacy
With the post of leadership now wide open, Former Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber who was defeated by John Saldivar on Sunday, is considering whether tossing his hat in the [...]

Text Messages Reveal John Saldivar Received Monies from Lev Dermen
Tonight we revisit those text exchanges between John Saldivar and Jacob Kingston that were presented as exhibits in a Utah court on Tuesday. The texts that went viral and have [...]

B.N.T.U. Demanded Saldivar’s Resignation Since 2016
The national president of the powerful Belize National Teachers Union Senator Elena Smith says that it is time to take action against corruption.  The B.N.T.U. is the latest body to [...]

B.N.N. Calls for Campaign Finance Legislation
In the face of those damning text messages, the Belize Network of N.G.O.s is also calling on the Barrow Administration to take all necessary steps to immediately introduce campaign finance [...]

C.W.U. Stands with P.S.U.
N.G.O.’s, the private sector and unions are calling for an investigation of John Saldivar.  The Christian Workers Union said today it supports the call by the Public Service for an [...]

Patrick Faber Reflects on Chaotic Convention Aftermath
There is a renewed call for unity within the fractured United Democratic Party following a week of turmoil that has seen its elected party leader ousted from the post less [...]

A Lesson Learned for Patrick Faber
While we had Faber, we also asked him about this poor performance in the convention results.  In reflecting on Sunday’s turnout, Faber acknowledges that throngs of supporters came out to [...]

B.N.T.U. on Negotiations with M.O.E.
Earlier this month representatives of the Belize National Teaches Union met with the Ministry of Education in Belize in an effort to find common grounds over disagreements regarding amendments to [...]

Bitcoin Businessman on Trial in the U.S. owns property in Belize
Fraudsters have made Belize their haven. Even as the fallout from the Lev Dermen saga continues, new reports in the U.S. say a bitcoin businessman from Bath, Ohio, U.S.A. was [...]

Meighan Brothers Get Bail
The Meighan brothers—namely: Ellis, Tyrone and Shaquille—all got bail today when their attorney, Dickie Bradley successfully argued before Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore that someone being accused of being a [...]

Rodwell Arzu to be Charged for Murder
He was captured in Puerto Cortes, Honduras on February twelfth and will be handed over to Belizean authorities in the days to come. But today, the police obtained a warrant [...]

30-Year Sentence for Valentine Baptist
In the Supreme Court, Justice Colin Williams also handed down sentencing for Valentine Baptist who was convicted for the murder of Devin Parham. Valentine was sentenced to thirty years with [...]

P.S.U. President Explains Union’s Position on Jumoke Castro
Jumoke Castro, son of U.D.P. Cabinet Minister Edmond Castro was in the hot seat after he made vile comments on social media against Plus TV’s Shasta Wade.  Jumoke, who is [...]

P.S.U. President Comments on Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court has struck out the claim by the Public Service Union against Simplex Design Limited. The union had filed a lawsuit against the Belmopan City Council, the Ministry of [...]

PC Erwin & Ronny Hernandez Get Bail
Police Constable Erwin Hernandez of Corozal Town, charged with Keeping a Firearm and Ammunition Without a Gun License, was also lucky to get bail today when he appeared before Justice [...]

Daron Gonzalez Gets Bail for Manslaughter
Daron Gonzalez, who was originally charged with Murder, was today granted bail after the charge was reduced to manslaughter.  Gonzalez, the man wearing locks in the video, is accused of setting [...]

Elderly Man Drowns in the South
The body of an elderly man was discovered this morning on the beach in Placencia. Seventy-seven year old fisherman, Enrique Castellanos was reported missing on Thursday and less than twenty-four [...]

REDD+ Builds Awareness Among Youth in the West
Forests across the world are disappearing at an alarming rate and because deforestation causes almost twenty percent of global emissions, the preservation of trees is important to slow down climate [...]

BNCF Awards over $100K in Grants
Three protected areas within the Belize National Protected Areas System received funds today to strengthen the management of their sites. A brief ceremony was held today to hand over the [...]

Super Babies & Super Parents at B.F.L.A.
A group of proud parents received gifts today for ensuring that their newborns receive the necessary vaccines in the first years of their lives. Dubbed as supers, the mums and [...]

The Fifth Annual Cocktails for Manatees
The fifth annual Cocktails for the Manatees fundraiser, organized by Programme Coordinator Jamal Galvez of the Clear Water Marine Aquarium Research Institute, is ongoing at this time at Kukumba Beach [...]

Amandala

PUP plans massive demonstration
The Opposition People’s United Party held a press conference this morning at the Princess Ramada Hotel, and several policy positions were put forward ahead of the party’s general election manifesto. The major announcement coming out of today’s press briefing, however, is that the PUP is planning to mobilize in the streets in a massive show of force. While the date for the planned demonstration has not yet been announced, PUP Leader John Briceño said that yesterday he directed all PUP standard bearers to mobilize citizens for a massive demonstration. The PUP leader said that on Monday, the date for the protest will be announced.

John Saldivar resigns from PM Barrow’s Cabinet
Yesterday, at a special Cabinet meeting in Belmopan that was attended by all 31 United Democratic Party representatives and standard bearers, Prime Minister Dean Barrow asked Hon. John Saldivar to resign from his position as leader-elect of the party. Saldivar had been elected by the majority of UDP delegates to be the next UDP leader at the party’s national convention on Sunday, just three days ago. Saldivar complied and submitted his resignation as UDP leader-elect.

US fraud trial ends John Saldivar’s UDP leadership
On Sunday, February 9, following the balloting in the United Democratic Party (UDP) national convention, it was announced that Hon. John Saldivar had defeated Hon. Patrick Faber, and he was sworn in as the new UDP leader. On Wednesday, Saldivar went to an “emergency Cabinet meeting” and complied with Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s request that he resign as UDP Leader-Elect. A legal opinion to us from the Opposition the People’s United Party, however, is that Saldivar was not the “UDP leader-elect” when he agreed to resign, as has been asserted; rather, he was the new UDP leader who had been duly sworn in.

Valentine Baptist, 30, gets 30 years for murder
Valentine Baptist, 30, who was convicted of the murder of Devin Parham, 19, was given a fixed sentence today by Justice Colin Williams. Baptist was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the sentence to take effect from December 11, 2019, when he was found guilty. Justice Williams subtracted 3 years and 5 months from the sentence, which is the time Baptist has spent on remand, so Baptist will serve 26 years and 7 months.

Editorial: Patrick defeated; then John steps down
Hon. Patrick Faber and Hon. John Saldivar, the two political leaders who contended for leadership of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) last Sunday, have been hostile to the Kremandala organization for most of their political careers. As human beings, we pray for the best for both of these leaders, but the fact that they don’t reciprocate has naturally been a concern, because both of them are powerful government politicians who aspire to lead our country.

Fugitive Rodwell Arzu, 38, captured in Honduras
The search for a fugitive from Belize law enforcement, Rodwell Arzu, 38, a laborer of Independence, Stann Creek District, who has been wanted for the murder of his common-law wife, Geraldine Flowers, 43, of Dangriga, has ended. Arzu was captured in Puerto Cortes, Honduras. The announcement was made today by Senior Superintendent Hilberto Romero. Romero said that Arzu is in police custody in Honduras and arrangements are being made to return him to Belize to face the murder charge for Flowers after he has been on the run for 7 months.

Police investigators botch drug plane case; charges dismissed
Two police officers and two Mexican nationals who were charged in connection with the landing of a drug plane that was loaded with cocaine on September 9, 2018, Tres Leguas, Orange Walk District, were freed of the charges after their attorneys made no case to answer submissions this morning in the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court. Senior Magistrate Patricia Arana upheld the no case submission, bringing an end to the case against David Chi, Norman Anthony, Eli Figueroa Nunez and Azarias Manzano.

UDP Leader-Elect, John Saldivar, exposed in Utah fraud case
The testimony of convict and prosecution witness, Jacob Kingston, continued today in the Utah fraud and money laundering trial of Lev Dermen. What Kingston testified to, and the evidence led by the prosecutor, have had a rollercoaster effect on the politics of the governing United Democratic Party, which elected a new party leader this past Sunday. In the two-way race for the party leader post, Hon. John Saldivar (Belmopan) defeated Hon. Patrick Faber (Collet) and was sworn in as the new UDP leader.

GOB senator Steven Duncan resigns
In the wake of the controversy surrounding Hon. John Saldivar, which peaked after evidence from the fraud and money laundering trial of Lev Dermen in Salt Lake City, Utah, hit Belize, government-appointed senator Steven Duncan announced his resignation from the Senate. Duncan, who is the manager of Heritage Bank, is considered to be a politically exposed person (PEP), and Amandala has learned that it was probably ill-advised for him to agree to serve in the Senate, because being in such a position as a banker puts more scrutiny on his banking business.

Edwin Rodriguez, 18, dies in traffic accident
Edwin Rodriguez, 18, a farmer of St. Matthews, lost his life on Friday afternoon after being involved in a traffic accident that occurred while he was traveling on his motorcycle on the George Price Highway. Rodriguez had left the farm where he was working, and was going home when he collided with another motorcycle that was coming from the opposite direction. Rodriguez suffered massive head and body injuries and was rushed in a critical condition to the Western Regional Hospital, where he died shortly after.

Javan Moody, 23, remanded for the murder of American girlfriend
Javan Moody, 23, a laborer of Lords Bank, Belize District, has been remanded until May 13, for the murder of his girlfriend, American national Ariana Jones Bejerano, 31. He was arraigned at the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday, before Magistrate Ladonna John. His attorney was Hurl Hamilton and the prosecutor was Corporal Joseph Parham. No plea was taken from him because the matter is indictable and can only be tried at the Supreme Court.

Government soon to decide on boledo contract
The boledo and Sunday lottery contract which Brads Gaming Company signed with the Government of Belize in 2009 expires on 31st March, 2020. This lucrative contract, worth millions of dollars, but from which the government only gets an estimated two million dollars per annum, has become a subject of interest in recent months. Recent reports suggested that Brads owns sixty percent of the entity which holds the soon-expiring contract, while the rest is owned by Good Lee Limited, an IBC company which is registered in Saint Lucia.

Political clientelism: fleecing the people
Entire dissertations have been written about political clientelism, so I won’t pretend to be an expert on the topic. In his dissertation, “Big Game, Small Town Clientelism and Democracy in the Modern Politics of Belize (1954 to 2011)”, Dylan Vernon defines political clientelism as “an informal and dynamic political exchange between individual or collective clients, who provide or promise political support, and patrons, who provide or promise a variety of targeted and divisible resources and favours”.

Hon. Hugo Patt sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister
On Sunday, at the United Democratic Party’s national convention, delegates swept Team Saldivar into the United Democratic Party (UDP) executive. Yesterday, Monday, Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Patrick Faber, who lost his bid for UDP leader, resigned from the Cabinet of Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Today in Belmopan, Hon. Hugo Patt (Corozal North area representative) was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister by Governor General Sir Colville Young. The signing ceremony took place at Belize House.

“Enough is enough!” “A shame and a travesty!” say 3 Belize District champion football clubs
Things have been dicey all this week in national/party politics; but also in football politics, and some clubs are so hurt and frustrated, they have opted to seek help outside our borders from the football parent bodies of Concacaf and FIFA. Three Belize District champion clubs – Caesar Ridge FC, FC Elite and Barrack Road FC have shared their letters with us. Caesar Ridge FC wrote their own letter, an open letter “To whom it may concern,” and copied to “Concacaf Club Licensing Administration”; and FC Elite and Barrack Road FC sent a joint letter to FFB, FIFA and Concacaf. Below we share portions of both letters, both dated February 8, the date when the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) Extraordinary Congress was held at Princess Ramada Hotel in Belize City:

MSNBC’s Kendis Gibson tells media to “cool off” on negative news
Belizean-American Kendis Gibson, news anchor at MSNBC, a prominent news network in the United States, hosted a short workshop with the media yesterday at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board. The workshop’s purpose was to sensitize the media on how the news on crime impacts the tourism industry, bearing in mind that tourism is one of the greatest money-earners for the country. Gibson said that negative news has ramifications, and that the media must always be mindful of these ramifications, and consider carefully how news stories are presented, and the tone of these stories.

Corozal F.A. hosts international games
The Corozal Football Association (CFA) management took the opportunity to invest in international friendly games. Through our continuous commitment and partnership, we were able to partner a good relationship with Club Leones Negros De Chetumal. This was possible, thanks to Mr. Ernesto Alpuche Briceño, Director of Club Leones. We were able to put up 5 categories, i.e. U10, U13, U15, U17 and U17F. On Sunday, February 9, our day started at 9:00 a.m. at the Ricalde Stadium with a warm welcome to Club Leones Director, committee, players and, foremost, it’s very supportive parents. We are grateful to our club managers, players and parents.

Orange Walk F.A. 1st Division Week #4 results
The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) Amateur 1st Division 2019-2020 Closing Season continued over the weekend with Week 4 games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 7-8-9, at the Louisiana Football Field. Below are the results and standings. In the opener on Friday night, Trinidad FC bombed Carmelita Young Stars FC, 8-0, with goals from Israel Dias (17’ & 45’), Alexis Tosh (25’), David Solorzano (29’), Traveyon Martinez (66’, 67’ & 73’) and Rodolfo Argueta (86’). And in the nightcap it was San Felipe FC with the 3-1 win over Yo Creek La Ceiba FC. Shaking the net for San Felipe were Eliazar Itza (59’ & 63’) and Cesar Martinez (61’), while Leonardo Canul (78’) scored for Yo Creek.

Belize District football games; “strike two” on BDFA Extraordinary Congress
After its attempted Extraordinary Congress of December 18, 2019, with only 5 member clubs was declared null and void by the FFB, the recently quite inactive Belize District Football Association (BDFA), with assistance from representatives of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) and the National Sports Council (NSC), held a reconciliatory meeting last Tuesday night, February 4, at the Princess Ramada Hotel in Belize City. The new FIFA/FFB approved BDFA 2019 Statutes were presented, and as had been previously announced, all current and prospective members who were in the process of completing the FFB prescribed registration procedures, were invited to attend the Extraordinary Congress, set to take place at 9:30 on Saturday morning, February 8, at the same venue, Princess Ramada Hotel conference room.

Cornelius Dueck says Spanish Lookout leadership is repressive

You can walk our way
I have to start this Friday’s piece with the great news in Camalote’s world that the government is once again putting in some work on our pathway. If you put in a plug at the MoW for us, thank you, thank you Brother Ramon Witz. As I write this piece, work is being done. A truck is dumping a load of white marl, there is a backhoe carrying stuff, there is a small crawler tractor clearing the path, there is a small roller compacting the marl, and there are a number of workers directing traffic. What a glorious sight!

“I Go to Seek the Great Perhaps…”
I have big dreams for my country, dreams that I hope to make a reality by using myself as a tool for their realization. Dreams, they are beautiful things, I think, because they give us control in fashioning the great possibilities, but they can also be crushing. Crushing because of the sheer intensity that those possibilities wield. That magic can be too powerful, too forceful for some mortals.

EOB: Tyranny or Freedom
Out of the seventy-three pages of verbiage that has been titled the Equal Opportunity Bill, there are one or two sections that should get to the heart of the matter to tell you what or who will cure the social ill(s) that need to be corrected or disciplined. This, I think, every student of jurisprudence, the science or art, and philosophy of lawmaking, will tell you. To my surprise, none of our practitioners of the legal profession have zeroed in on the section, or sections of EOB, to analyse and measure the proposed remedy or solution.

More Jewel and Jerome
Nothing more had been heard of Mr. Hendricks for a while until Christmas, when Jerome had asked Alida, who had been treated to a brief holiday home as a gift from her loving father, to assist him in shopping for a suitable present for a patient’s grand-daughter,(presumed to be Jewel), on his behalf. Alida had taken great pleasure in performing this errand and had been tickled by Jerome’s answer, when asked if he had any suggestions, that she would probably appreciate a wrist-watch, since she had not been wearing one for some time now.

Corruption by government officials amounts to treason
Dear Editor, Your editorial in the January 28, 2020 edition which stated that corruption is the greatest threat to a nation, was impressive and made me think. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, treason is the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign’s family. 2. the betrayal of a trust; treachery.

Belize will become a republic, with a military junta!
Dear Editor, Greetings. May you kindly give space for the following: Belizeans!!! Sisters and brothers. The architects of the triangle of Central American military dictatorships are nearing completion of their plan. At last Belize will become a republic managed by a military junta. The only problem we will have is that all of us who voice for the respect of human rights shall be considered Communists, and as such we automatically become terrorists and a threat to Washington. Washington doesn’t care that leaders of a country are the worst criminals on earth, as long as they obey orders and serve its interests.

The massive importance of the “common good”
Dear Editor, The “common good” consists of those facilities — material, cultural or institutional—that the members of a community provide to all members in order to fulfill a relational obligation they all have to care for certain interests that they have in common. The most cogent examples of the common good are water and air, which are essential for life. Water and air can be polluted or, as is the case in Belize, some communities have a problem accessing clean drinking water.

Chinese hospitals discharge 1,153 recovered patients of coronavirus infection
A total of 1,153 patients infected with the novel coronavirus had been discharged from the hospital after recovery by the end of Wednesday, Chinese health authorities announced Thursday. Wednesday saw 261 people walk out of the hospital after recovery, the National Health Commission said in its daily report. By the end of Wednesday, a total of 563 people had died of the disease and 28,018 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection had been reported in 31 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in China.

The Reporter

John Saldivar tells his side of the story
Yesterday I tendered my resignation from Cabinet. The actual text messages of conversations purportedly between Jacob Kingston and myself have now been published in the local media.

Billionaire’s Yacht Tears Up The Reef – Will Pay Fines
The Reporter has confirmed that Hedge Fund billionaire Daniel Loeb has agreed to pay BZD$150,000 in fines, for damages that his yacht the Samadhi caused to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

Missing Elderly Fisherman Found Dead
The search for Enrique Castellanos ended early this morning with the discovery of his body, which was found floating in the sea near the Placencia Hotel.

All About The People
At 10:45pm on November 9th, 1989 the Berlin Wall which was the physical separation that divided East and West Germany came crumbling down.

Lobster Season Closed: Don’t Harvest Lobsters, The Fines Are Huge
The Fisheries Department has informed fishers and the public that the lobster season will be closed on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2020.

LOVE FM

Belize Nature Conservation Foundation issues grants
The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation issued grants to several organizations today. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz told us more about the recipients of the grants and what it will be used for.

BNTU upcoming 50th anniversary
The Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) launched the anniversary activities leading up to their 50th-anniversary on July 20. The activities commenced today at their Headquarters in Belize City

Super babies celebrated by BFLA
Super babies were celebrated today at the Belize Family Life Association. What is a super baby you ask? It’s an infant or toddler who has gotten all their vaccination shots.

PSU in the process of negotiation
The Belize Public Service Union is in negotiation with Simplex Design Company Limited, the legal owners of the Hilltop property in Belmopan to grant them time to evacuate the building

Will the Government enact Campaign finance legislation
The main opposition party, the PUP is promising to bring about legislation on campaign financing if they are elected into Government later this year.

Continue investigation into John Saldivar
From early January when the allegations against John Saldivar began surfacing, several sectors were clamoring for an investigation. The Prime Minster, at the time, felt that there was nothing much to go on as there were only allegations and nothing more.

CWU & PSU call for an investigation
The Christian Workers Union (CWU) has answered the call from the Public Service Union (PSU) to investigate not only John Saldivar and his dealings with Armenian national, Lev Dermen but also Belmopan’s Mayor, Khalid Belisle and any other minister or official who was involved.

15 persons currently under surveillance for Coronavirus
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health, along with immigration officers and representatives from PAHO, held their first press conference on the novel Coronavirus or “COVID-19.” The virus has affected various industries around the world particularly tourism.

Jumoke did not breach disciplinary code
President of the Public Service Union, Gerald Henry admits that Jumoke Castro could have sued the Union if they had not represented him during his Facebook scandal

Price of diesel decreases
Fuel prices have changed again, but not by much. There is a decrease of 45 cents in the price of Diesel; this means that diesel has gone from $10.29 to $9.84. Premium, regular, and kerosene remain the same at $10.99, $9.73, $7.36 respectively.

Police officer David Chi walks away a free man
Police Superintendent David Chi, Police Constable Norman Anthony and two Mexican nationals, Eli Figueroa Nunez and Azarias Manzano were freed this morning after Justice Michelle Arana upheld a no-case submission from the men’s attorneys.

Another UDP Convention
When all is said and done, the UDP now has to find a new party leader. As the Prime Minister indicated yesterday they will be going back to a convention and Faber is welcome to run again. The question is whether he has any interest in going at it again. Faber says he is not so sure but he also says that Patt would be a good candidate too.

Opposition leader says he will resign if PUP loses next election
Amid all the policy papers and manifesto promises by the PUP, what stood out today was John Briceno’s commitment to resign as the PUP’s Party Leader if they lose the next general elections. It is an explosive statement made, much like counting chickens. Here is how that statement went.

Briceno says the media is always welcomed
It is no secret that the media is not respected by many politicians and even by some public officers including law enforcement. Over the past few weeks, you have seen the ways in which the media has been mishandled in the process of doing their job.

PUP declares its manifesto
It is an election year and one of the surest things in this season is the party manifesto launch. Today, at the People’s United Party (PUP) conference, the party stated that their focus should they become the ruling party, is to eliminate corruption and aiding the people of Belize amongst others.

Healthy Reefs for Healthy People
Today, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRI) released its 2020 Reef Report Card. The report card reflects the collected marine data of reed health from the Mesoamerica region which consists of Mexico, Belize Guatemala, and Honduras. The report also includes suggestions for the government as it relates to conserving and preserving the reefs.

Breaking Belize News

Man stabbed on Raccoon Street and rushed to hospital
Sometime tonight a man was stabbed in Belize City. We will withhold his identity until […]

PUP announces date for ‘Save Belize’ demonstration
Belize Times, the People’s United Party propaganda organ has just announced the date for the […]

Saldivar confesses to receiving campaign contributions from Lev Dermen; denies bribery allegations
After initially denying receiving any funds from Lev Dermen, ex-Minister of National Security John B. […]

John Saldivar: ‘Politicians in my party are pretending sanctimoniously that they don’t do the same’
Former UDP Leader-elect and Minister of National Security, John Saldivar issued a statement today confessing […]

Trinidadian born soca superstar Machel Montano ties the knot on Valentine’s day
Picture: Yaisa Tangwell Photography rnddn  uperstar, tr, rrd rdur nd ng wrtr, Machel Montano […]

Rodwell Arzu charged for July 2019 murder of Geraldine Flowers
Rodwell Arzu, 39, has been charged for the murder of Geraldine Flowers, 41. Flowers was […]

“Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in Belize not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when,'” says Ministry of Health
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health held a press conference to update the nation on what […]

NEWS ANALYSIS: John Saldivar’s abrupt fall leaves Belize on edge
In the end, Minister of National Security John Saldivar fell on his own sword. Prime […]

Price of diesel goes down
The Ministry of Finance announced that midnight tonight, the pump price for diesel will decrease […]

BNTU announces list of events marking 50th anniversary
The Belize National Teacher’s Union (BNTU) is turning 50 this year, and today the union […]

Riversdale fisherman’s body found floating in sea
Reports to BBN is that the body of Enrique Castellanos, a fisherman from Riversdale, was […]

Lisa Shoman receives historic Caricom Tribunal appointment
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has established a Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal (CCAT). Belizean attorney and […]

Blogs

Adventurous firsts: Exploring Santa Rita
A single ancient Maya temple rises along the Corozal Bay in the outskirts of Belize’s northern-most town of Corozal. Known as Santa Rita, this archaeological site may not be large, but it does not lack in splendour. Believed to once have been part of the great coastal Maya city of Chetumal, occupied from 2000 BC to 1530 AD, Santa Rita is, in my opinion, the perfect site for my toddler’s first exploration into the ancient Maya world.

Things to Do With Your Partner in Belize
Sometimes we may find ourselves so absorbed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we can hardly find time for ourselves, much less to spend quality time with our significant other. An important part of every relationship is spending time together, so if work and your busy life are getting in the way then you’ll need to find a way to reconnect with your partner and rekindle the spark that you have. What better way to do so than taking a romantic trip to Belize? Here is a list of fun and romantic activities for you to consider.

Pueblo Nuevo Ferry Closing For Four Days
Notice To All Public was released today February 14TH, 2020, advising the general public in Corozal, about the four days closure, of the Pueblo Nuevo Ferry. The Ministry of works would like to announce that "Pueblo Nuevo Ferry" will be closed on Wednesday, 19TH February of 2020, from 8:00AM to Sunday, 23RD February of 2020, at 5PM, the objective is to repair a leakage that the ferry has suffered due to damages and also to take advantage to address minor issues that the ferry requires.

Swim with Whale Sharks in Belize
Whale Sharks are not only the largest type of shark but the largest fish in the world. They can grow as large as 18 to 32.8 feet in length and weigh over 20.6 tons. The enormity of their size can be a little intimidating at a first, however, these majestic animals are filter feeders with a gentle temperament. They swim the Caribbean Sea in search of food, coming to the surface at times to fill their bellies on plankton before heading back down to roam. They can reach extraordinary depths of over 3,000ft (1,000 m).

Is Belize Worth Visiting?
When it comes to picking a new vacation destination, you don’t have time or money to waste. If you’re wondering if Belize is worth a visit, consider the following. You might think of beaches when you think of Belize. It’s true that Belize has some of the most exquisite beaches in the world, with turquoise waters, hundreds of offshore islands and the diverse marine life that gathers around the pristine Belize Barrier Reef. Belize also has untamed jungles, green mountains, rolling hills, waterfalls, lagoons, cultivated farmland, wetlands and expanses of pine forest. Our incredible ecological diversity means you’ll see stunning scenery everywhere you go.

Romantic Belize Vacation at Victoria House San Pedro
Nothing says romance more than staying in your beachfront villa, complete with a private infinity-edge pool. Our Casa Playa Blanca is a single-story villa featuring two spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, each with a luxurious king bed and a large walk-in shower. The bedrooms are separated by a comfortable living room, kitchenette, and dining area. You get the privacy of a private villa rental combined with the perks of a luxury Belize resort.

International Sources

Women Taking the Hospitality Industry by Storm
Global Traveler, a resource publication highlighting tourism industry news, reviews, and travel guides for luxury business explorers, has highlighted San Ignacio’s Bedran Sisters and resort owners in their article titled “Women Taking the Hospitality Industry by Storm” which emphasizes how women have changed the hospitality industry's dynamics worldwide!

This Couple Thought They’d Retired; Instead, They Built One Of The Best Boutique Properties In Belize
Last week, I got to talk to Brian and Brenda Montgomery, the owners of Sirenian Bay Resort and Villas, a resort property in Placencia, Belize, that gives “unexpected” a new meaning when it comes to vacation destinations. This is their story, and why time in Belize belongs on your bucket list. As the Montgomerys debated where to invest in shorefront property, Florida crept toward the top of the list. But the fates had other plans for them. A rep at a travel show convinced them to visit Belize. Both San Pedro, which Brian calls “more touristy -- more hustle-bustle,” and Placencia, a quaint and not-so-commercial town in Southern Belize, were on their itinerary.

Health of coral reef off Yucatan declines after 12 years of improvement
The condition of the world’s second-largest coral system, the Mesoamerican Reef stretching from the Yucatan Peninsula to Central America, has taken a turn for the worse and faces further threats from climate change, according to a report by a group of scientists. Extending nearly 1,000 km / 620 miles from the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula toward the Bay Islands in northern Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is second in size only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, according to Reuters, which reported the study.

Videos

February 14, 2020

Happy Valentine's Day!

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Gabriela Varela returns from participating in the Miss Reina Hispanoamericana pageant
San Pedro resident Gabriela Varela returned to Belize on Tuesday, February 11th via Tropic Air to San Pedro Town from the Philip Goldson International Airport. She participated in the 2019 Miss Reina Hispanoamericana pageant on Friday, February 8th, held in Bolivia. Reina Hispanoamericana is an annual beauty pageant celebrating Hispanic heritage, language, and culture, which started in 1991 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Originally restricted to the ten countries in South America, it now sees participation from more than 20 countries.

Belize Cybercrime law to secure credit card payments
The Belize tourism industry stands to benefit greatly by having its electronic payments infrastructure secured by Belize’s first cybercrime law. The Council of Europe and the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Assemblies (FOPREL) of Central America and the Caribbean are helping to draft the law at a four-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of National Security at the Best Western Biltmore Plaza Hotel from Monday through Thursday, February 13th.

Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge celebrates women with Ladies Night event
On Saturday, February 8th, the Ambergris Caye Masonic Lodge hosted a Ladies Night event at the Dirty Martini, a cocktail bar located at Mahogany Bay Village south of San Pedro Town. For a fee, part of which was a contribution to the Lodge, attendees enjoyed a hearty buffet with refreshments while mingling and participating in an auction at the end of the evening.

Belize Hosts First Mesoamerica Project Executive Commissioners Meeting
Belize hosted the First Meeting of the Executive Commission of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project under its Co-Presidency Pro-tempore of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project. During the meeting, Presidential Commissioners of the Project received Belize’s Work Plan and Calendar of Activities of its Co-Pro-Tempore Presidency. Mexico serves as a Permanent Pro-tempore Presidency of the Project.

Ambergris Today

Hon. John Saldivar Resigns From Cabinet
On Thursday, February 13, 2020, The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced that the Hon. John Saldivar submitted to the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow his letter of resignation from the Cabinet of Belize. Hon. Saldivar’s resignation is with immediate effect and is done, Hon Saldivar explained, to give himself an opportunity to get out from under the cloud of suspicion resulting from the barrage of accusations leveled against him. He expressed the hope of regaining the confidence of the public and the support of Cabinet once he has cleared his name.

Lobster Season Closure Announcement
The Fisheries Department has informed fishers and the public that the lobster season will be closed on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2020. Anyone found in possession of lobster during the said period will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 3(1) (b) of the Fisheries Regulation, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000-2003.

BEL Installs New Generation Unit For Caye Caulker
Customers of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in Caye Caulker will soon benefit from a new 1705kW capacity generation unit that arrived on the island early Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The unit was sourced from Panama in January to provide increased generation capacity and reliability of power supply.

Various Belizean Sources

Job opportunity at the U.S. Embassy. They need a chauffeur
Closing date: February 20, 2020

World Water Day 2020 Poster Competition
Deadline March 4th.

2020 World Water Day Award
This award recognizes and encourages greater contributions to the advancement of water resources management in Belize.

BNN calls on GOB to introduce campaign financing legislation immediately
In the context of this week’s political fallout in the wake of testimony given in Utah courtrooms, the Belize Network of NGOs (BNN) calls on the Government of Belize to take all necessary steps to immediately introduce campaign finance legislation to set out transparency and parameters on how funds are provided to political parties and candidates vying for public office. We believe the new campaign finance laws should include limits on the size of contributions to political parties and political candidates, require that all campaign contributions be declared, that spending in elections be regulated, and that election expenses be made publicly available and subject to limits for candidates and registered political parties, among other provisions. We urge the Government to introduce such campaign finance legislation before the passage of the budget for the new fiscal year.

Closure of the Lobster Fishing Season
The Fisheries Department takes this opportunity to inform fishers and the public that the lobster season will be closed on February 15th and it will remain closed until midnight of June 14th, 2020. Any person found in possession of lobster during the said closed season will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 3(1) (b) of the Fisheries Regulation, Chapter 210 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2000-2003.

John Saldivar officially resigns from Cabinet
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announces that the Hon. John Saldivar this afternoon submitted to the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow his letter of resignation from the Cabinet of Belize. Hon. Saldivar’s resignation is with immediate effect and is done, Hon Saldivar explained, to give himself an opportunity to get out from under the cloud of suspicion resulting from the barrage of accusations leveled against him. He expressed the hope of regaining the confidence of the public and the support of Cabinet once he has cleared his name.

National meeting of the Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition
Under Belize’s current Co-Presidency Pro Tempore of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project, a national meeting of the Parliamentary Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was held today, February 13th, in Belmopan. Speaker of the House of Representative Honourable Laura Tucker-Longsworth and President of the Senate Honourable Darrell Bradley chaired the meeting.

Barbecue sale for the Corozal Bay Sailing Club
As you all know we are the largest sailing club in Belize and are very active, as such there is always the need to improve/fix our equipment for the kids. We will be having our delicious annual Barbecue fund raiser on 28th February between 10:00am and 1:00pm at Frank’s Meat Products. We thank you in advance for your support! N.B. Tickets will be available at Frank’s

COMMUNITY RESTORE BELIZE - FOOD SALE - MARCH 13TH IN COROZAL
PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR THIS WORTHY CAUSE !

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL ANNUAL FAIR
Come for a spectacular evening of family fun and entertainment. Lots of Games of Chance - Great prizes - Presentations - Dances - Food - Drinks Saturday, February 29th, at the St. Francis School Auditorium from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come out and support a worthy cause!

Books in Bags is a great initiative
SHOUT OUT the Belize Resorts & Lodges that have already signed up for our NEW "BOOKS in BAGS" program . The program is open to all Belize accommodations - all they have to do is invite their guests to bring children's books in their luggage for the Tek Time fi Read project.

Paradise Theater playing this weekend
Knives Outdated, Come to Daddy, Charlie's Angels, Dolittle.

Channel 7

Text Messages Big Reveal! Saldivar Asked Kingston For 50K USD
Today in Utah, Jacob Kingston's testimony finished his testimony after the defence retired.  And, tonight, Jill Parrish, Judge for the US District Court for Utah has released the transcripts of text messages exchanges between John Saldivar and Jacob Kingston.  And we know it is John Saldivar because the cell phone number in the text messages is the number we have for him form many years, up to the present day.   We will present everything that was entered into evidence.  It begins at 3:10 pm on February second, 2011, Saldivar opens saying "Hey Jacob".

Saldivar's Seppuku
And so, there it is, we can say with certainty now that John Saldivar's consistent denials, right up until Sunday at the UDP convention were false.  Here is proof he positioned himself to get money from Lev Dermen through Jacob Kingston, and he confirmed he received it.  As we said, the number in the messages is known to be his number.   This text transcript was released from the Utah courthouse at 5:10 PM, and it surely would be enough to force the Prime Minister to fire Saldivar who he suspended indefinitely yesterday.  

Faber Says Saldivar Can Still Make A Comeback
And we also got a chance to speak with Patrick Faber - who Saldivar defeated in a leadership race a few days ago. Again, this was before we got the text message transcript, but here's what Faber said about Saldivar's resignation: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "Well as I've often maintained, John and I are friends, so it does bother me to see what has now become his faith but as you have pointed time and time again on your now extended news cast, Saldivar is a fighter and he's one who keeps coming back. I think they had said that about Clint, so I wouldn't count him out altogether just yet. I believe he is the kind of person who will do whatever kind of introspection he needs to do and he will come back. I mean, I should know, I have been his opponent several times and I know that he doesn't give up."

COMPOL Says Police Continue Work Without Saldivar
But, right now the priority for the Prime Minister is to find a new Minister of National Security.  Today's release says he has, quote, "immediately embarked on consultations with his Cabinet colleagues and expects shortly to designate a new Minister of National Security." End quote. Today we asked the new commissioner if he knows who it is: Jules Vasquez: "Sir now how this affect the functioning of the police department? We live in a state where citizen security is a major issue. How does the transition affect you all in terms of Mr. Saldivar had one leadership style and suddenly he's vaporized politically and now you all are back Elodio Aaragon, a former colleague of yours is holding the portfolio. How does it affect the function and direction of the police department?" Ches

Faber Talks About The UDP Tangle
So, as you heard, in the meantime, Minister of State Hon. Elodio Aragon, Jr. will oversee the affairs of the Ministry. And who will take over the UDP?  Last night we told you that the new favorite to do so is the unassuming Hugo Patt.   But, Patrick Faber might have something to say about that.  Today he met with the Prime Minister at his Belize City office.  He didn't tell us what the meeting was about - but we did discuss who should lead the UDP:..

Will Faber Run for Leader Again?
So, with all that said, will Patrick Faber run again when the UDP has a convention to elect another new leader?  Today, he wasn't sure:
Jules Vasquez: "Saldivar's fall was foretold. Did the convention just exist as a battering-ram to get you out of the way because you no gwen lead fi we party, that's how some people felt right?" Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education: "That's certainly how you felt; I've heard you repeat that over and over in your extended newscast. Anybody who was a standard bearer and all of my colleagues..."

PUP Go On the Offensive
At the top of the news, we showed you the text messages exchanged between Jacob Kingston and the UDP's John Saldivar. The text messages imply that Saldivar traveled to Miami in February 2014 to pick up $50,000 US dollars in cash, a payment which Kingston says he made to Saldivar on behalf of Lev Dermen.  Saldivar continues to assert that he is innocent and that he will be able to clear his name of any wrongdoing. In the wake of this scandal. - and before the test messages were received, he has resigned from the Cabinet, and he has also stepped down as the UDP's Party Leader Elect. 

PUP Plan Major Protest
So, to show that the PUP has the weight of the general public's support to bring pressure against the Barrow Government, they are organizing a grand protest in the next coming days. Here are the details that the Opposition Leader shared on that demonstration at today's press conference: Hon. John Briceno - Leader of the Opposition: "Yesterday I directed all our standard bearers to begin intense efforts to culminate with a massive mobilization through the streets of Belize. (Applause) And on Monday, we are going to announce that date, so that we could get all citizens, PUP, UDP, social partners, private sector to join together, to join as Belizeans and to ensure to tell Barrow in one word, enough is enough, end of the corruption."

PSU Calls For Saldivar to Resign, He Did
Ahead of Minister Saldivar's resignation came the Public Service Union's assertion that Prime Minister Dean Barrow had not responded proportionately in the wake of yet another corruption scandal. 

Deputy Compol Segura Acquitted, Can He Make A Police Comeback
Turning now to police matters, Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura was acquitted today in the Belmopan Supreme Court.  His trial for various traffic offences resulting from the death of a 54 year-old woman, and the serious injury of her taxi driver in a 2014 accident, started last week before Justice Cumberbatch.

Drug Case Dropped Against Supt Chi and Constable Norman Anthony
In other news of a cop getting off a serious charge. The high-profile drug trial of Police Superintendent David Chi and Constable Norman Anthony concluded in a rather abrupt manner today. All charges against the two police officers, as well as the two alleged Mexican drug runners, Eli Figueroa Nunez and Azariaz Manzano have been dismissed. That's because the state couldn't produce enough evidence to prove that they committed any crime.

COMPOL Laments Absence of Witness
So, now that the case has fallen by the wayside - what will the commissioner of police do about it?  For sure, it's a major embarrassment after all the fanfare that accompanied the arrest of two police officers. Today, Chester Williams was matter of fact about it:

Wanted Man in Belize Arrested in Honduras
News reports out of Honduras are that the 38-year-old Belizean, Rodwell Arzu, who was wanted by Belize Police in connection with the 2019 murder of 41 year-old Geraldine Flowers, has been captured in Puerto Cortes.  Viewers may remember the disturbing murder of Geraldine Flowers. On the morning of July 28, 2019, Flowers reportedly allowed Arzu to enter her home in the New Site area of Dangriga Town. He has been identified as her ex-common-law husband, and the two reportedly had a protracted history of domestic violence. She decided to speak with him, and somehow, that discussion escalated into a quarrel, and later to her murder.

Police Look For Suspects In City Shooting
Belize City police are looking for suspects in a shooting incident from yesterday evening which landed 2 men and a 17-year-old minor in the hospital. Sometime before 4 p.m. yesterday, 25-year-old Kelvin Oliver, a resident of Jane Usher; 25-year-old Errol Brown, a resident, JR Street; and a 17-year-old male minor were walking on Water Lane, heading into Baghdad Street.

Baptist Found Guilty Of Murder
For just about 3 and a half years, 30-year-old Valentine Baptist, has been on remand for the murder of 19-year-old Devin Parham. Tonight, he is back at the Belize Central Prison after Justice Colin Williams today found him guilty and gave him a fixed sentence of 26 years and 7 months for Parham's murder. 

Suspended Sentence For Hospital Bully
35-year-old John Burke has received a suspended sentence of 18 months in a case of dangerous harm.  On August 1, 2016, Burke and another man, Kareem Egan, beat one Mario Zelaya unconscious.  Zelaya was walking in the corridor of the KHMH, heading to the emergency section of the hospital when he was brutally attacked by Burke and Egan. 

MOH: Like It Or Not, Corona's Coming
The World Health Organization is reporting that there are almost 47,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide, with fewer than 1 percent outside mainland China.  8,200 are severe cases, and there have been 1,114 deaths in china.  It has been transmitted to 24 countries, with 441 cases outside of China.   The human body has no immunity to the novel strain which has now been officially labelled COVID-19.   It has not reached Belize, but today the Ministry of Health held a press briefing to say, that inevitably, it will:

The Surveillance Rumor Response
And the ones doing the mobilization right now is the Ministry's Surveillance Response Team.  A part of that means responding to rumours, and they told us about that today: Lorna Perez - Surveillance Officer MOH: "In the event that we detect a suspected case that requires that level of screening because we must understand that there is case definition, there is certain criteria that has to be met for this screening to actually happen..."

Asian Travelers Suffered A Humiliating Night on Airport Floor
And, this weekend, that response had to go to the Phillip Goldson International Airport where 12 persons of Chinese descent arrived on an American Airlines flight form Los Angeles - a few of them exhibiting cold symptoms.   This triggered a response form the Ministry, but also from the Immigration Department, which led to a kind of push and pull. We heard both sides of it today:

Influenza Kills Belizeans Annually
And while the COVID-19 has caused the care, the regular flue kills Belizeans every year.  Today, we got a review of the numbers over the last 10 years: Dr. Russell Manzanero - National Epidemiologist, MOH: "The amount of admissions that have been in hospitals, have been over almost a thousand every year. Of these we've had, for example from 2008 to date, we've had over 900 related deaths to severe Influenza in Belize. I guess what I am trying to get at, is that for Influenza for us, the seasonal Influenzas, the viruses that are out there, is killing our own individuals in our own population. So, we have over 900 deaths related to severe, acute respiratory infections in Belize." The mortality rate for the regular seasonal influenza is just below 2%, while the COVID-19 is just above 2%.

The Reef Report Card
The Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative has put together the latest Reef Report Card. It's the annual assessment of the entire Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System - which passes through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. 
To measure the comparative health of the entire system, marine biologists have sampled 319 different sites along the reef, looking for indicators of a healthy reef system. After collecting all that data, they can then determine which part of the reef system has improved, and which parts are in danger. Well, this year's report card is ready, and according to the experts, at this point, the health of Belize's reef, unlike its mesoamerican neighbors, has improved. And initiative director Melanie McField told us that on this report card day Belize is at top of the class:

Assessment For Super Yacht Damage Super Small
This week we've told you how a superyacht owned by hedge fund billionaire Daniel Loeb ripped up a portion of Belize's reef. 
It caused major damage to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll area after the luxury yacht threw its anchor right unto it.    And, the 75-foot chain of the "Samadhi's" anchor was seen to break off pieces of the reef as it tracked along. And after that the Samadhi just rolled out, leaving the costly, irreparable damage in its wake.  Luckily for Belize, international arms of OCEANA were able to use their networks to reach out to Loeb and the company that manages his yacht. 

A Moment For The Manatees
Belize is the last stronghold of the endangered Antillean Manatees in the world and this Friday, we have the chance to support our gentle herbivores, cocktail in hand.  The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research institute is having its fifth annual "Cocktails for the Manatees" event tomorrow night at Old Belize KUKUMBA Beach. Jamal Galvez told us why you should buy in: Jamal Galvez - Program director, Clear Water Marine Aquarium Research Institute&: "It's the fifth annual Cocktail for Manatees. This event is for Belize and it is to promote and protect an endangered species of Belize. Literally, Cocktails and those things don't go together but I ensure you they do once you come to the event. ."

BEL's Big Unit On The Small Island
Belize Electricity Limited is reporting tonight that its generating unit, which was purchased from Panama to improve Caye Caulker's Electricity grid, has arrived, and they are already in the process of installing it. Their press release form yesterday says quote, "Customers in Caye Caulker will soon benefit from a new 1705kW capacity generation unit that arrived on the island early this morning. BEL teams have commenced preparations to connect the unit to the power system and conduct testing for 48 hours with the island's load.

Channel 5

Messages Between John Saldivar and Jacob Kingston Revealed
We have heard about the text messages between John Saldivar and Jacob Kingston; well tonight we will share them with you.  The string of texts were presented in the Utah [...]

Saldivar’s Fall from Grace in 72 Hours
John Saldivar was elected as the next leader of the U.D.P. on Sunday at a convention with all the bells and whistles and he portrayed himself as the future of [...]

Kareem Musa Takes on PM Barrow, John Saldivar
The People’s United Party today called a press conference to discuss the state of the nation and called out the Prime Minister to deliver his promise that he would fire [...]

P.U.P. Pledges to Put an End to Corruption
Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his cabinet in 2008 were elected on the platform that they would eradicate corruption. PM Barrow himself had gone on record to say that he [...]

P.U.P. Gets Battle Ready; National Demonstration to be Held
The People’s United Party is mobilizing to hold a national demonstration against corruption in government and others ills.  Leader John Briceño sounded the clarion this morning as the fallout from [...]

P.U.P. Unveils Policies
Along with a national demonstration, the People’s United Party also unveiled its strategic plan to effectively deal with corruption in government.  Leader John Briceño says that policies will be implemented [...]

Decomposing Body Found in Corozal
There is news from Corozal, that the body of a man has been found inside a van on a property located on the Santa Elena Road.  According to the reports, [...]

Charges are Dismissed Against David Chi and Co-Accused Men in Drug Plane Land Case
The case involving two cops and two Mexican nationals accused of landing a drug plane in the Orange Walk District crumbled today in the Orange Walk Court. David Chi, Norman [...]

Former Deputy ComPol Acquitted of Manslaughter by Negligence Charge
In the Belmopan Supreme Court, another former high ranking cop was freed of charges.  Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura was acquitted of the charge of manslaughter by negligence [...]

Wanted for Murder, Rodwell Arzu is Captured in Honduras
A man wanted for murder in Belize was captured in Puerto Cortes, Honduras. Rodwell Arzu, a resident of Independence Village has been on the run since July of 2019; police [...]

Ministry of Health Prepares for COVID 19
This morning, the Ministry of Health held its first press conference to discuss COVID 19, formerly known as the corona virus.  Health officials in Belize have been working diligently to [...]

Where is NEMO on Coronavirus?
According to Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero, the Ministry of Health has been working closely with NEMO in coming up with a course of action to combat an [...]

Immigration Officials Explain Recent Corona Virus Scare
From an immigration and border management perspective, Horace Guzman described the incident that happened at the Phillip Goldson International Airport over the weekend.  He says that while the twelve Asian [...]

P.U.P. Standard Bearer Says Belmopan Constituents are Rejecting Saldivar
In the constituency of Belmopan, the P.U.P.’s Standard Bearer Oscar Mira says that the constituents have had enough of John Saldivar. The embattled U.D.P. Area Representative has resigned his ministerial [...]

Opposition Leader Demands Forensic Audit of Petro Funds
In his statement this morning, John Briceño spoke of the Chief Justice’s latest ruling against Dean Barrow and his government. In January C.J. Kenneth Benjamin ruled that over one billion dollars [...]

Toledo West Area Rep Condemns Million-Dollar Contracts Awarded at Julian Cho Tech
Julian Cho Technical High School remains without a principal tonight. It has been months since the school has been thrown into disruption and word to News Five is that three [...]

P.S.U. Issues Statement on John Saldivar
As we told you John Saldivar has resigned from Cabinet as Minister of National Security which means that he now is without a ministry and only holds the title of [...]

Good Indicators for Belize on the Health of the Barrier Reef
While the health of the Meso-America Barrier Reef system is not in the best shape, in Belize it is showing significant improvements. A report card was released today which shows [...]

3 Persons, Including a Minor, are Injured in City Shooting
Three persons, including a seventeen-year-old minor, were injured in a shooting on Baghdad Street in Belize City on February twelfth. Around four p.m., Errol Brown, Kelvin Casimiro and the minor [...]

Teen Escapes Gunfire in Corozal
There was also a shooting in Corozal Town and fortunately, the intended target escaped unhurt. On Wednesday night, a gunman waylaid Michael Franklin and as he exited his house, the [...]

Healthy Living – Demystifying the Novel Coronavirus
Earlier, you saw the Ministry of Health’s first press conference on the new coronavirus or COVID Nineteen. They used the opportunity to update the public on the latest discoveries of [...]

The Reporter

John Saldivar Offers Full Resignation: Gone From Cabinet
Just four days after he was victorious at the U.D.P. National Convention and assumed the post of U.D.P. leader elect, John Saldivar has offered his full resignation from the Cabinet of Belize.

Rodwell Arzu Apprehended In Puerto Cortes, Honduras
A Puerto Cortes, Honduras media house is reporting the capture of Rodwell Arzu, 38. Arzu has been on the run from Police since July 30, 2019, when he shot and killed Geraldine Flowers at her home in the New Site area of Dangriga.

LOVE FM

PUP responds to the PM’s decision to suspend John Saldivar
The Opposition Party (PUP) was to address the media this afternoon in a formal press conference but that was moved to tomorrow. They did, however, ask the media to meet with them briefly following a meeting at Independence Hall. According to the PUP Chairman Henry Charles Usher, their meeting was mostly to discuss party policies. We’ll get to that later.

What’s next for the UDP ?
The suspense of what would be John Saldivar’s fate was all over by early afternoon. After what we were told was an intense meeting among the UDPs and after failing to get an interview with the Party Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, the UDP’s Facebook Page went live with a statement from Peyrefitte.

Hugo Patt loses his cool with the media
A few days before the convention we told you of the allegations that delegates were receiving land in exchange for their votes. Minister of Lands, Hugo Patt was asked about this as exited today’s emergency Cabinet meeting.

BCCI urges PM to investigate the Dermen and Saldivar scandal
As if things were not bad enough for John Saldivar, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry is now asking the Prime Minister that a criminal investigation be launched into the Dermen and Saldivar transactions. The Chamber has joined the Opposition Party in suggesting that the Government puts the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty into effect where the Government could request any and all documents and information including testimonies to carry out their investigation.

Saldivar Career ended?
53-year-old John Saldivar may be seeing the end of his political career and may just go down as the shortest-serving Party Leader Elect for the United Democratic Party. Party Leader Dean Barrow has asked for his resignation as the UDP’s Party Leader Elect and has suspended him from Cabinet.

Tarrus Riley concert 2020
Tarrus Riley is the first international artist to arrive in Belize for 2020. Riley is a Jamaican-American Reggae singer. He is here with Dean Fraser and the Black Soil Band for a concert to be held on Valentine’s Day at the Belize City Civic Center. Riley is known for his tops hits such as “She’s Royal” and “Gimmi Likkle One Drop.” This afternoon, Love News went to meet him as he touched down at the Philip Goldson International Airport.

Kendis Gibson gives tips to Belize’s media
We often report on workshops, but today the media had a training of its own. The Belize Tourism Board organized a “Best practices for media reporting during a crisis situation” featuring Kendis Gibson, a reporter from MSNBC Live.

No is no
46-year-old Ervin Pitts was convicted for raping a 34- year-old woman back in April 2016

Noewellin Williams sentenced
46-year-old Noewellin Williams is serving eighteen years in prison for the murder of his common-law wife. This morning in the courtroom of Justice Colin Williams a mitigation plea was heard from, Williams. Allegations are that Williams stabbed 33-year-old Roxanne Pop on Central American Boulevard in Belize City August 2017.

Man drowns in Southern Belize
Yesterday around 5pm, police officers went to a farm along the Swasey River in the Independence area of Stann Creek District where they saw the body of a man. The man was lying face up on a small island in the middle of the river.

Breaking Belize News

Yacht owner cooperating with authorities after dropping anchor on reef,” says Audubon Society
Photo Credit: Bloomberg The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) updated the nation on the status of […]

Belize hosts Mesoamerica Hunger-Free Program
Under Belize’s current Co-Presidency Pro Tempore of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project, a national […]

Lobster Fishing Season closed
The Fisheries Department informs all fishers and the public that the lobster season will be […]

Text messages between John Saldivar and Kingston released
The Salt Lake Tribune and the U.S. District Court of Utah have released to us […]

Belize outpaces region but overall reef health down
The overall Reef Health Index (RHI) is down for the first time since measurements began […]

Richard Harrison being laid to rest
Belizean businessman, writer, analyst, politician, environmental champion, Richard Harrison is being laid to rest today. […]

Belize Network of NGO’s calls on Government to take steps to introduce campaign finance legislation
The Belize Network of NGO’s (BNN) issued a statement today calling on the Government of […]

John Saldivar formally resigns from Cabinet
In light of mounting allegations and calls for his resignation from cabinet, John Saldivar, who […]

Public Service Union tells Saldivar “Fi God sake just goh!”
The Public Service Union (PSU) issued a statement today, joining the public outcry for the […]

New laboratory inaugurated to help cane farmers fight froghopper pest
This week, the Government of Belize (GOB) and the European Union (EU) inaugurated the first […]

Belize hosts 1st Mesoamerica Project Executive Commissioners Meeting
Belize hosted the first meeting of the Executive Commission of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development […]

Miguel Segura walks free
Almost six years after the fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of 54-year-old Succotz […]

Irvin Pitts convicted of rape
A jury of 6 women and 3 men deliberated for about 90 minutes Wednesday before […]

Noewellyn Williams sentenced to 18 years on manslaughter charge
Noewellyn Williams, 44, charged with murder and who later pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced […]

NICH and Cultural Stakeholders launch Belize Living Heritage Website
Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute for Social and […]

Opposition leader says he will resign if PUP loses next election
Following a press conference this morning, Opposition leader, John Briceño fielded a host of questions […]

PUP calls for massive demonstration
The People’s United Party (PUP) hosted a press conference this morning in Belize City addressing […]

Johnny Briceno to Belizeans: New PUP Government will implement UNCAC and campaign finance legislation
The People’s United Party (PUP) is currently hosting a press conference this morning. PUP Party […]

Opposition leader proposes new policy measures to hinder corruption
Opposition leader, John Briceño, is currently having a press conference in Belize City, addressing the […]

Blogs

Visiting Tikal Maya Ruins from Belize
Since 1979 Tikal has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is very important to Guatemala’s tourism. And being that Guatemala borders Belize, it’s easy to visit these ruins in a day from Belize. So not only can you experience the wonderful world of the ancient Mayas in Belize, but you can also experience them in Guatemala. In order to fully plan your trip here’s some information about the Tikal Maya Ruins: Tikal is located in the northern district of El Peten at the Tikal National Park. The location is set in very dense jungle areas so that when you’re walking from one plaza to the next there is an entire jungle canopy covering you. However, the temples themselves are cleared from the growing vines and trees.

Teens and Travel in Belize
Every parent is aware that a teenager while on vacation can either break or make your family trip. Here are some activities sure to make even a teen happy and satisfied while visiting Belize. Teens are some of the most enthusiastic travelers filled with energy and expectations. However, their interests and schedules don’t always align with younger siblings or parents. This makes traveling a bit tricky and challenging. This guide will help give some ideas of places and activities Belize has to offer which will make the trip enjoyable for your teens based on their personality and interests.

How To Spend One Perfect Day In Orange Walk, Belize
Most people don’t put Orange Walk Town on the top of their list when they’re planning a Belize vacation. That’s a mistake. This charming, bustling town is a great place to spend a day soaking up history, sunshine and awesome delicious food. Where Is Orange Walk Town? Orange Walk Town is the capital of the Orange Walk District. It is 53 miles north of Belize City. The district has a population of about 40,000. Start at Banquita’s House of Culture. This lovely museum sits at the mouth of the New River. It’s the perfect launching post for your Orange Walk explorations. Learn about the history of this town that was central to Belize’s trade in sugar. Fortify yourself with a snack before heading out to your next stop.

Artist Meet Up was held on Thursday February 13, 2020
A wonderful afternoon was spent at the coconut hut here in Corozal at the meeting of the Corozal Artists By the Bay was held Today at 2PM. Many artists attending along with Debra Wilkes and Judy Wilson and Craig Courtright and Hassan Artiste. Formal elections were held and the artist's group is on its way to putting Corozal art on the map. You can visit them this Saturday at Art in the Park or at their next meeting on March 26TH, 2020 inside the Coconut Hust, at 2PM.

Romantic Belize Resort: Portofino, San Pedro
Explore Belize’s romantic side with Portofino Resort! Subtly nestled on an intimate stretch of white sugar sand beach and dotted with tropical palm trees, Portofino is the best place for a romantic escape! Its charming cabana-style rooms, stunning Caribbean views, and friendly staff define barefoot luxury and guarantees an experience of a lifetime! If romance is the question, Portofino is the answer! Whether it’s time to rekindle romance or to celebrate your love for each other, this hidden gem will certainly not disappoint!

International Sources

Mesoamerican Reef's declining health alarms scientists
The condition of the world's second-largest coral system, the Mesoamerican Reef stretching from Mexico to Central America, has taken a turn for the worse and faces further threats from climate change, according to a new report. Extending nearly 1000 kilometres from the northern tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula towards the Bay Islands in northern Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Daniel Loeb's Yacht Damages Belize Coral Reef
A luxury yacht owned by hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb damaged a pristine reef atoll in Belize near the famous Great Blue Hole, a popular diving site. The 200-foot (61 meter) Samadhi, owned by Third Point founder Loeb, was filmed last Sunday anchored at Belize’s Lighthouse Reef Atoll. A spokesperson said Loeb was not in the vessel at the time. The Financial Times first reported the incident and said there would be an official investigation.

Videos

February 13, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

BEL Installs New Generation Unit for Caye Caulker
Customers of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in Caye Caulker will soon benefit from a new 1705kW capacity generation unit that arrived on the island early this morning. The unit was sourced from Panama in January to provide increased generation capacity and reliability of power supply.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks nets another home win
With a 91-75 sweep over Orange Walk Running Rebels, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks move to the top of the standings in the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL). The NEBL also saw three other games across the country, with teams beginning to make their mark as they compete to lead in the 2020 basketball season. Saturday, February 15th at 9:15PM – San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs. Dangriga Dream Ballers at San Pedro’s Angel Nuñez Auditorium.

Coronavirus continues to spread; Belize issues travel ban for China
On Saturday, February 8th, the government of Belize via a press release issued a travel ban for travelers that have recently visited China. Specifically, all travelers who have been in China within 14 days before arrival in Belize will be denied entry. This measure is being taken to prevent the introduction of coronavirus in Belize and will remain in effect until further notice.

San Pedro Pirates lose at home to the Placencia Assassins
The Premier League of Belize witnessed its fifth week of the 2019-2020 Closing Season with three games. The San Pedro Pirates hosted the Placencia Assassins on Saturday, February 8th at the Ambergris Stadium. The island squad was not able to secure a home victory and fell 2-1 to the visiting team from southern Belize.

Kelly McGuire Birthday Concert and Saga Fundraiser at Palapa Bar and Grill
Musician Kelly McGuire brought in his birthday, Saga style, when on Thursday February 6th, he hosted his annual birthday concert and Saga fundraiser. McGuire has a long-standing relationship with the Saga Humane Society, and this year’s concert saw over $8,000 being raised for them. The money was raised through Saga’s raffle and auction, prizes were generously donated to them. Even the merchandise on sale at their booth, ranging from leashes, animal treats, and T-shirts were donations.

Ambergris Today

Hon. Hugo Patt Sworn In As Deputy Prime Minister
On Tuesday, Febraury 11, 2020, The Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young swore in Hon. Hugo Patt as Deputy Prime Minister. Hon. Hugo Patt has been serving as the Minister of Natural Resources since June 2018 and has represented Corozal North in the National Assembly since 2012.

Various Belizean Sources

"The Rights of The Indigenous Peoples" Workshop in Corozal
You are invited to attend a powerful workshop on "The Rights of The Indigenous Peoples" brought to you by To'one Mashualo'on NGO. Venue: Corozal Coconut Hut in front of A & R on 4th Avenue. Date: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020, Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Caye Caulker Food Handlers Notice
All Individuals that are interested in obtaining a Food Handlers Certificate, please note that the next class will be on Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., Caye Caulker Community Center. Please bring along your Social Security card and (1) one passport size picture if you're applying for the first time. Renewals will need to bring the expired Food Handler ID or (1) passport size picture if applicant don't have the Food Handler ID and bring along your Social Security Card. A fee of $20.00 bz dollars will be charged on applying.

Benque Fiesta Basketball Tournament
They are gearing up for the Benque Fiesta Basketball Tournament. Registration is open for the next month. Contact the BBA for more information.

Camp Joy Belize Annual 5K Fundraiser
For all the runners out there: Camp Joy is having their annual 5K fundraiser, and this year, it's on February 29th.

"OAS Promoting a Culture of Peace Program"
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Museum of Belize and the Benque Viejo House of Culture, invites interested young persons to visit the Benque House of Culture and register to join and enjoy the “OAS Promoting a Culture of Peace Program”. The program will begin on the 17th of February until December 2020, and will encompass various after school classes in the Arts. This initiative is geared towards the promotion and development of a generation of understanding and a shared culture of peace.

SBDC Workshop: BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
February 20th, 2020 9am to 12pm, BTEC Building (Innovation Room) ITVet compound. Cost: $30.00, Includes snacks and refreshments. The importance of planning should never be overlooked. For a business to be successful and profitable, the owners and the managing directors must have a clear understanding of the business' customers, strengths and competition. They must also have the foresight to plan for future expansion. Whether yours is a new business or an existing business in the process of expanding, money is often an issue. Taking time to create an extensive business plan provides you with insight into your business. This document can serve as a powerful financing proposal. This workshop will take you through the step-by-step process of developing a business plan. At the completion of this workshop, you should be able to:

BEL Installs New Generation Unit for Caye Caulker
Customers of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) in Caye Caulker will soon benefit from a new 1705kW capacity generation unit that arrived on the island early this morning. The unit was sourced from Panama in January to provide increased generation capacity and reliability of power supply. BEL teams have commenced preparations to connect the unit to the power system and conduct testing for 48 hours with the island's load. During testing.

CANE FARMERS BETTER EQUIPPED TO MITIGATE OUTBREAK OF FROGHOPPER IN NORTHERN BELIZE
The Government of Belize and the European Union today inaugurated the first Metarhizium laboratory valued at BZ$1.7 million for the biological control of the froghopper pest in the sugar industry. The laboratory is located on the same compound as the Sugar Industry Control Board Headquarters located at mile 66.5 Philip Goldson Highway, Buena Vista Village, Corozal. The froghopper pest is considered one of the major pests in the sugarcane industry. The pest affects cane farmers by increasing cost of production due to the constant application of chemical controls resulting in the decrease of sugarcane production. Of equal importance are the negative effects of chemicals on the environment and human health.

Community Restore Program in Corozal
Thank you Mrs. Loraine Zuniga of Corozal for your gracious, tireless and unselfish effort to keep this program going. COMMUNITY RESTORE BELIZE is very grateful to Francis & Sharon Nesta for all the help and support they give to us. Let's keep our Community Restore Program going.

Local Media Forum with Kendis Gibson
at Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza.

CommUNITY Yoga in San Pedro
Join your community for yoga Thursday nights to relax and unwind, stretch, move, breathe and find a peaceful state of mind. Use this time to take care of yourself, so that you can better take care of others in your life. Show up, slow down and feel good in your body, mind and soul. This all-levels class is donation based (pay what you can) and open to ALL, from beginner to experienced practitioner! Beginning February 13, CommUNITY Yoga will be held every Thursday night from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Hope Haven Children's Home and Community Center.

Channel 7

Saldivar Gets the Executive Axe, Steps Down As Leader-Elect
Tonight, Belize's political landscape has been completely re-mapped: John Saldivar has stepped down as UDP Party Leader Elect - less than 72 hours after he was elected by a large margin in a lavish national convention. And, he has been suspended indefinitely from Cabinet. It is a stunning reversal of fortune and a precipitous fall from grace; two days ago he had reached the political pinnacle, sworn in as party leader, and said he would be in discussions to take over as Prime Minister after the budget presentation in March. But, tonight, Saldivar is on the political equivalent of life support after a meeting in the Cabinet room where Prime Minister Dean Barrow used the full weight of his office to force him to step down.

PM On Why He Moved Against Saldivar
And an hour later we learned what that tightly guarded decision was. The Prime Minister issued a statement which laid out the penalties for Saldivar, who he concluded had misled him and the Cabinet. The PM referred to Jacob Kingston's testimony in a Utah Federal Courthouse. As we told you testified on Monday that he saw John Saldivar receive packs of cash valuing $10,000 dollars each from Lev Dermen at a Turkish businessman's residence in Belize. And yesterday, he also testified that in 2014 he sat in a meeting with Saldivar and Lev Dermen who promised to pay for John Saldivar's re-election campaign in cash disbursements. Kingston also discussed text messages he exchanged with Saldivar a 50 thousand US dollar donation in cash which was to be picked up in Miami.

Hon. Hugo Will Lead UDP?
In a statement published on his Facebook page this afternoon, Saldivar says, quote: "I informed the Prime Minister and colleagues of my decision to resign as the Leader-elect of the United Democratic Party. I have come to this decision after careful consideration and consultation with colleagues. While I maintain my innocence of any wrongdoing, bribery, or corruption and the testimony in Utah has confirmed that their was no bribery, I feel that the negative attention being generated by this trial is overtaking my Party and can hurt our chances in the upcoming general elections. I have therefore stepped aside to allow a new leader to be chosen. I thank all those who supported me during the recently concluded Leadership Convention..."

Patt Cautious On Leadership
So, thanks for that insight Jules. The days ahead are sure to be interesting. And much of the talk will focus on Hugo Patt, the humble and soft spoken representative from Corozal North. Right now, he's looking like the man who would be the UDP's next leader - and, yesterday at his swearing in as Deputy Prime Minister, having a sense of how things were heading, Jules Vasquez asked him if he's ready to lead. We wouldn't say he was chomping at the bit: Jules Vasquez: "Is it unforeseeable that you may have to for whatever period assume the leadership of the UDP."

PUP Says It's A Slap On the Wrist
Before our commercial break, we gave you a blow-by-blow account of the current crisis that Barrow Government and the UDP face, following this week's big reveals in the Lev Dermen Trial in Utah. Jacob Kingston has testified under oath that he sent $50,000 US dollars in cash to John Saldivar in Miami, back in early 2014. The context of this evidence is that the prosecution in that US court is attempting to show that Lev Dermen had an "umbrella" of powerful people in Belize, the US, and Turkey, who would protect him from the scrutiny of law enforcement.

PUP Distances Itself From Ralph's 1.5M Wire Transfer
So, while the PUP stands to gain some political mileage out of the Lev Dermen scandal, observers have not missed the fact that they could take some blows because of it. As we told you, Ralph Fonseca's name has also been called, as one of Dermen's business associates, while he was in Belize. As we told you, Kingston has testified that back in 2013, he and Dermen were looking at properties for a casino, which was to be named Lion's Casino. According to the evidence, Dermen and another Turkish businessman were in talks with Ralph Fonseca, known him as the minister of finance. They settled on a property and instructed Kingston to buy it. Kingston said that on June 24, 2013, he wired 1.5 million Belize dollars to Fonseca to purchase the property. Kingston said, quote, "He was the minister I was working with," he said. "He got the license for the casino business."

PUP. In No Mood To Compromise With PM
And, the PUP is asserting that the Prime Minister is avoiding a conversation about the Supreme Court judgment which says that he did not get prior parliamentary approval to spend over a billion dollars in public funds. You'll remember that case where the PUP's John Briceno and Julius Espat insisted to Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin that the Prime Minister violated the constitution when he was spending these public monies. And after deliberations, the Chief Justice agreed. He has ordered the government to amend the constitution to retroactively approve 1.5 billion dollars in unauthorized spending.

The Streets Say On Saldivar
And while the PUP is using the UDP situation to leverage for position, what are the streets saying? This morning, while that fateful UDP conclave was happening in Belmopan, we took to the Alberts to ask regular folks what they think Saldivar should have done in light of the Salt Lake City revelations. Some of them were right on the money with what was about to happen, others not so much.

Village Fire Claims Castro Home
A farm house burnt down yesterday morning in St. Matthew's Village. At 6:00 am, Caretaker 54-year-old Rigoberto Perez left the property and when returned, he saw the house burning to ashes. Neighbours captured the devastating spectacle on their phones. The Fire Department concluded the fire was caused by a tabletop stove which was left unattended and the explosion of the attached Butane tank.

Pitts Guilty of Rape
Kraal Road resident Irvin Pitts was found guilty of rape today in the court of Justice Colin Williams. That's after A 37-year old housewife told police that Pitts, forced her to perform oral sex on him at his home in April of 2016. The woman testified that Pitts had tricked her into his home under the pretence of offering her and a family member a ride home from the club.

18 Years for Killing Wife
44-year-old Noewellyn Williams, the man who was charged with murder, but who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. That was the sentence that Justice Colin Williams handed him today after hearing his mitigation plea. As we told you, Williams was charged for killing his ex-common-law wife, 33-year-old Roxanne Pop in August of 2018, at Boulevard Plaza on Central American Boulevard. Williams and Pop had agreed to meet at that location. While they were there, Williams allegedly pleaded to Pop to take him back, but she refused.

Water Lane Shooting
A man and a teenaged male were injured in a shooting near Water Lane in downtown Belize City around 3:45 this afternoon. 25-year old Errol Bowen and 17-year-old Naim Belgrave were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Kendis Tells Media Take It Easy On tourism
Kendis Gibson has been featured on this newscast many times before. He's the Belize City boy who's made a name for himself in the American media as a co-Anchor of ABC's America This Morning and World News Now. Well, today Kendis was once again in Belize and this time he was here at the invitation of the BTB to provide a workshop on international journalism best practices in the interest of protecting Belize's image as a tourism destination. And Gibson told us that the international media is depending on our local media houses to accurately report what goes on in Belize.

CDB's Life Saving Project
Last night, we showed you this Caribbean Development Bank's Annual News Conference, where the executives discussed how the economies of the Caribbean Nations performed in 2019. Dorian Pakenman of the Government Press Office traveled to Barbados to attend the conference, and he spoke with the Bank's Director of Projects about some of the big CDB initiatives in Belize. One of them is the Road Safety project, which has had a measurable impact on the traffic fatalities on the western corridor, from Belize to Belmopan. With video provided by the Press Office, Here's the CDB's Director fo Project's assessment of the success of that project:

Coastal Highway Coming
And, as you probably know, the CDB will now fund the upgrades to the 36-mile Coastal Road, which will cost 132 million dollars. That was approved in December, and the CDB's Director of Projects said yesterday that construction should start very soon: Daniel Best - Director of Projects, CDB: "That project was approved toward the end of last year by our Board of Directors. I've been moving through the procurement process as it is. We would have engaged - I'm sorry, the Government of Belize would have gone through the procurement for contractors, I believe..."

Taurrus In Town
Reggae Superstar Tarrus Riley is back in Belize for a mega concert that is scheduled for this coming Friday night at the Belize City Civic Center. You'll remember that in 2015, Riley first performed in Belize, and he was well-received by his Belizean fans. He arrived this afternoon, and we met him at the airport. Here's what he had to say what he has planned for concert-goers at his encore performance:

Channel 5

PM Barrow Benches Teflon John from Cabinet
On Monday and Tuesday, explosive details including text messages between Jacob Kingston and John Saldivar were revealed in a Utah court. Saldivar agreed to go to Miami to receive fifty [...]

U.D.P. Chairman Speaks on Saldivar’s Resignation
This afternoon, U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte responded to the events of the day by saying that Prime Minister Barrow was duty-bound to request Saldivar’s resignation, but that the beleaguered Belmopan [...]

Peyrefitte Describes Tone of Emergency U.D.P. Meeting
The Attorney General also responded to a question about the atmosphere of the subsequent session held with all thirty-one standard bearers of the ruling party this afternoon in Belmopan.  He [...]

Attorney General Peyrefitte Discusses MLAT and Saldivar Investigation
In carrying out a complete and thorough investigation, the question of invoking the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty was put to Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte.  He explains the mechanism behind requesting [...]

Can John Saldivar Still Enter the Next U.D.P. Leadership Race?
Former Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, who resigned on Monday, following defeat during the February ninth leadership convention, is contemplating a return to the race whenever a subsequent date is [...]

Opposition Leader says U.D.P. Administration is in Crisis
Turning to the Opposition….the People’s United Party postponed its press conference originally scheduled for today to allow the party’s executive to meet at its headquarters on Queen Street. There, the [...]

Is John Saldivar’s Suspension Enough?
At the end of the Prime Minister’s emergency meeting, John Saldivar was vanished as Leader Elect of the U.D.P. and was placed on an indefinite suspension.  Saldivar will be given [...]

Patrick Faber Considering Going At it Again?
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of the United Democratic Party, Patrick Faber told News Five as he left the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan that he supports [...]

More from Lev Dermen Trial in Utah
Attorneys for Lev Dermen trial are cross examining Jacob Kingston in the Salt Lake Court and the defense has been carrying on about Kingston’s participation in past frauds and schemes.  [...]

The Church Weighs In on Debacle
The Council of Churches today chimed in on the debacle of the last seventy-two hours that has resulted in a sense of uncertainty in the political leadership of the government.  [...]

Shooting in the City; 2 Men Injured!
A shooting has left two persons injured in Belize City. Sometime after four this evening, several shots were fired on Baghdad Street. Those bullets hit Raheem Belgrave and Errol Bowen. [...]

U.D.P. Ministers, Standard Bearers Mum on John Saldivar
As you heard John Saldivar has been suspended indefinitely from cabinet and will step down as leader elect, merely three days after he was elected.  On Sunday he had the [...]

P.U.P. Chairman Comments on Ralph Fonseca’s Connection to Lev Dermen
Ralph Fonseca’s name was also called by Jacob Kingston in the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, Utah. Now Fonseca has not in government for years. According to Kingston, [...]

Did U.D.P. Delegates Get Lands?
The recently elected Deputy Leader of the U.D.P. and newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Hugo Patt, today lost his cool at a reporter. Patt was exiting the Prime [...]

Steve Duncan Resigns from the Senate
On Tuesday, as the testimony of Jacob Kingston indicated that Saldivar had travelled to Miami to pick up fifty thousand U.S. dollars in cash reverberated across Belize, there was word [...]

Council of Churches Cannot Support Equal Opportunities Bill in Present Form
The Council of Churches is taken a position on the Equal Opportunities Bill. It Council is of the view that having now had the opportunity to review and discuss the [...]

The Council of Churches Offers Options
According to Bishop Philip Wright, the Council of Churches is open to further discussion on the Bill. The Council would be willing to consider if by way of a referendum, [...]

Cane Farmers Better Equipped to Mitigate Outbreak of Froghopper in Northern Belize
The Government of Belize, the European Union and Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute officially opened the Integrated Pest and Disease laboratory. The one point seven million Belize dollars lab [...]

Kendis Gibson in Belize for Local Media Forum
The Belize Tourism Board hosted a media forum earlier this week at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza. With assistance from its North American marketing agency, ICF Next, MSNBC Live [...]

Tarrus Riley Arrives in Belize for Valentine’s Day Concert
This Friday at the Belize City Civic Centre, a concert for lovers takes place, featuring Jamaican artist Tarrus Riley. Today, he arrived in Belize as final preparations are being made [...]

Amandala

John Saldivar fired from PM Barrow cabinet
A report out of the emergency cabinet meeting indicates that John Saldivar has been fired as Minister of National Security. This has not yet been confirmed. PM Barrow will issue a recorded statement, according to Attorney General Michael Peyerifitte, who came out of the cabinet meeting.

John Saldivar steps down as UDP leader, suspended from cabinet indefinitely
A reliable source has confirmed that Hon. John Saldivar has stepped down as United Democratic Party Leader. PM Barrow has suspended Saldivar from cabinet indefinitely. PM Barrow will issue a recorded statement shortly.

The Reporter

Belize Drafting New Laws To Combat Cyber Crime
Belize is drafting its first law to fight cybercrime, with the help of the Council of Europe and the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Assemblies (FOPREL) of Central America and the Caribbean.

Chamber Of Commerce Calls For Investigation
The BCCI is calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations of bribery of UDP Ministers and officials by Lev Dermen and Jacob Kingston.

Emergency Meeting In Belmopan: Cabinet & Standard Bearers
The media is camped outside the Administration Building in Belmopan where all area representatives and standard bearers of the UDP are gathered in an emergency session.

Breaking Belize News

“Prime Minister’s response to Saldivar saga is insulting,” says John Briceño
Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) John Briceño, this evening said that Prime Minister […]

Man and minor injured in Water Lane shooting in Belize City
Moments ago, a man and a minor were injured in a shooting in the vicinity […]

Miguel Segura traffic accident case in danger of falling through
Breaking Belize News (BBN) has confirmed that the Supreme Court trial of former Deputy Commissioner […]

Prime Minister Dean Barrow: John Saldivar resigns as UDP Leader elect and suspended indefinitely as Minister of National Security
Belmopan. February 12, 2020. Like all Belizeans, the Office of the Prime Minister has been closely following developments […]

Caribbean Development Bank predicts regional comeback after sluggish 2019
On Tuesday the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) hosted its annual news conference. The CDB takes […]

US Embassy highlights Alumna Yvette Mazariegos
The United States Embassy in Belize commenced a new segment to highlight the work of […]

John Saldivar resigns as UDP Leader-elect; Is he still Minister of National Security?
A statement issued minutes ago by John Saldivar to some of his supporters indicates that […]

OAS Promoting a Culture of Peace Program invites participants to 2020 Season at the Benque Viejo House of Culture
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Museum of Belize and the […]

John Saldivar resigns as party leader elect
BBN has confirmed that John Saldivar has resigned as the leader of the United Democratic […]

ohn Saldivar fired from Cabinet; still hanging on as party leader elect
BBN has confirmed that John Saldivar has been stripped of his portfolio as Minister of […]

UDP standard-bearers summoned to an emergency cabinet meeting in Belmopan
With the bombshell allegations made this week in a Utah Court against Belize’s National Security […]

Court stops murder trial for San Pedro killing; accused will be deported
Two brothers, Sabelo Marroquin, 26, and Jose Marroquin, 23, both of them Salvadoran nationals charged […]

Mom turns in son wanted for escape, police assault and robbery
After being on the lam for three months, 18-year-old Dennis Lamb on Monday turned himself […]

Police Association Trial set tentatively for May 12
The case of the Belize Police Association president Eldon Arzu vs Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) […]

Cops charge accuser and accused in separate cases
Police have separately charged the man accused of robbing a Belize City man on February […]

UDP Senator, Stephen Duncan resigns
Only 1 day after the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber, UDP appointed Senator […]

Blogs

Where Can You Spot Sea Turtles In Belize?
Belize has many protected areas where wildlife and sea creatures find safety. Sea turtles are among those protected animals, and visitors are thrilled when they see these rare, endangered mammals in our waters. Here are the best places to spot sea turtles in Belize.

Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area in Belize
This nature reserve is located in the Orange Walk District. It is about 360 square miles and occupies about 4% of Belize’s total land area. This is said to be one of the largest nature reserves in the country of Belize and protects many of the wildlife habitats found here. It was first established in 1988 by the nonprofit Programme for Belize and has been thriving ever since. The biodiversity is impeccable and is something you have to experience! There are three ecosystems which include broadleaf forests, pine savannah formations, and wetland and aquatic ecosystems. There are approximately 70 species of mammals which include bats, Mexican black howler monkey, Yucatan spider monkey, river otters, jaguars, Baird’s tapir and so much more. The reserve is also home to 350 species of birds that have been spotted and this includes the great curassow, ocellated turkey and many more.

McNab Visual Introduces The Caribbean Lifestyle: Belize, GOLD BOOK
The Gold Book is an offshoot of the popular print and online resource Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle (CC+L). The publication debuts this summer with a modest goal: Being the leading authority on Belize hotels, tour operators, service providers, restaurants and businesses that serve as the backbone of Belize’s thriving tourism industry. The Caribbean Lifestyle Gold Book will feature all manner of Belize tourism-related businesses and topics, from legends in the industry to rising stars. Start-ups will be profiled to increase their visibility and Belize tourism will have a reference they can turn to that promotes businesses big and small.

International Sources

Corn husks replace Styrofoam in San Miguel de Allende
A ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam took effect in the municipality on January 1. Anyone looking to snack on esquites — corn prepared with mayonnaise, cheese, chili and lime — in San Miguel de Allende can do so Styrofoam-free: vendors have replaced the plastic cups with corn husks. Mayor Luis Alberto Villareal boasted that his city was the first, even before Mexico City, to work to eradicate the use of polluting single-use materials.

Daniel Loeb’s Yacht Damages Belize Coral Reef, FT Says
A luxury yacht owned by hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb was filmed anchored on a pristine reef atoll in Belize, sparking an official investigation and concerns over potential damage, the Financial Times reported. The 200 foot (61 meter) Samadhi, owned by Third Point founder Loeb, was filmed last Sunday anchored at Belize’s Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a popular diving site right by a famous sinkhole known as the Great Blue Hole. The incident was revealed by a man who posted a video online, the FT reported. A spokesperson for Belize’s Department of the Environment told the publication that the vessel had damaged the area and that authorities were investigating the incident. The yacht was rented to a third party at the time of the accident, the FT said.

Verdant jungles, Mayan history and amazing marine life – a Cruise port guide to Belize
Bite-size Belize has long been overshadowed by its neighbours, Mexico to the north and the Caribbean to the east. Fast forward to the twenties and Belize is finally roaring as a tourist destination, wooing visitors with its diverse culinary scene, Caribbean charm and ancient American history. Belize City cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village. Due to the shallow waters of the harbour, cruise ships drop anchor a few miles outside and passengers are taken ashore in speedy tenders in around 20 minutes. Cruise lines that call at Belize City cruise port include Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.

Jacob Kingston says $30 million from his biofuels fraud went to his Utah polygamous sect
Geragos has contended that Jacob Kingston and his family were the real fraudsters and money launderers. Geragos also has asked Jacob Kingston questions about interfamily marriages in The Order. Jacob Kingston acknowledged Wednesday he and Isaiah Kingston both married cousins. To recoup the government’s losses, federal prosecutors have moved to seize all of Washakie’s assets as well as the homes and businesses of other people, who apparently have connections to the Kingston Group but did not participate in the fraud. Real estate records show that these people received fraud proceeds via a financial firm. This seizure includes 25 homes and businesses and lots in Salt Lake County that the assessor says has a combined market value of $14.4 million.

Aiming to spend a year as a digital nomad in Central and South America, a Daily Maverick subeditor gets into the biggest game in town
La vida loca baby. The crazy life. Here on Caye Caulker, the little island off Belize where I’m living. (My intended stay of two days has stretched into three weeks. It’s hard to leave paradise.) Wake up at 6.30. Have a smoke on the balcony and check out the tequila sunrise splotching the sky. There’s always a lone great white egret standing – Masai-like – on one leg in the sea. It hangs around the same spot all day, and I wonder what its story is. Waiting for its long-lost mate? Scrounging fish from the nearby boats? Nothing better to do and nowhere better to go?

Antillean manatee
The Antillean manatee is among the more mysterious of the manatees—slow-moving yet graceful swimmers that are lovingly nicknamed "sea cows." It's a subspecies of American manatee, which also includes the better known Florida manatee that resides along the eastern coast of the United States. Unlike its sister subspecies, the Antillean manatee primarily lives in the tropical and subtropical zone from the Bahamas to Brazil. Its dwindling numbers have led to its endangered designation on IUCN's Red List. Conservation groups say that this manatee is particularly difficult to protect because relatively little is known about it.

Videos

February 12, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Amidst controversy and fraud allegations, John Saldivar is elected leader of the United Democratic Party
Minister of National Security, Honourable John Saldivar was elected leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Sunday, February 9th at a leadership convention held at the Belize City Civic Center. Saldivar’s slate also grabbed the contested posts of First and Second Deputy Party Leader via Honourable Hugo Patt and Honourable Beverly Williams. Saldivar will replace Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow, who is stepping down as leader of the UDP which he has led for over 21 years.

Jacob Kingston says UDP leader-elect John Saldivar received monies from accused fraudster Lev Dermen
According to a report from News 5 Live, Kingston told the court that United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader-elect, Honourable John Saldivar was said to have received money from Lev Dermen in 2012. Kingston’s testimony indicates that Dermen gave Saldivar ‘stacks of cash’ of $10,000US during a trip to Belize in 2012.

Commissioner’s Country Tour reveals a 30% decrease in major crime in San Pedro Town
During the 2020 Commissioner's Country Tour, ComPol Chester Williams reported that in 2019, major crime in San Pedro Town decreased by over 30%. The meeting unveiled plans to keep improving the services of the police department, clarified the laws regarding liquor licenses, and saw the presence of Crime Stoppers Belize.

2020 Taipei Lantern Festival “Together We Glow” – Embassy of Belize, Taiwan hosts Press Conference
The Embassy of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted a Press Conference today to unveil lanterns depicting elements of Belize's Maya-Mestizo Heritage: the Lamanai Mask Temple, Deer Dance Festival, and Marimba.

Belize Signs Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
On February 6, 2020, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, H.E. Lois M. Young, acting on behalf of the Government of Belize, signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Ambergris Today

Belize Working To Legislate Cybercrime And Electronic Evidence
Advisory Mission on Harmonization of Legislation on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence The Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, hosted the opening ceremony for the Advisory Mission on Harmonization of Legislation on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence in Belize City, Belize.

Various Belizean Sources

KOKO KING OUTDOOR CINEMA
ADULT WEDNESDAYS - JOKER (RATED R): In Gotham City, mentally troubled comedian Arthur Fleck is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. FAMILY FRIDAYS - THE ADDAMS FAMILY (RATED PG): The eccentrically macabre family moves to a bland suburb where Wednesday Addams' friendship with the daughter of a hostile and conformist local reality show host exacerbates conflict between the families. FREE SNACKS & JUICE FOR KIDS!! MOVIES START AT 7PM.

Calling Belize Tour Guides
Great opportunity for tour guides. Learn the edible, useful and medicinal plants of Belize in this one-time-only workshop with Dr. Rosita Arvigo. It takes place just outside of San Ignacio, Cayo District. lize with Dr Rosita Arvigo, DN. Saturday, March 18th is the date

Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science!
Ya’axché joins the United Nations in celebrating the great scientific achievements and continuous contributions of women and girls in Belize and all over the world. Science Director Elizabeth Dorgay leads Ya’axché's Science program with passion and dedication. She oversees biodiversity research and monitoring; and leads the first native bee inventory in southern Belize. The work of her team helps to make science based decisions for improved management of the Maya Golden Landscape.

BHA attended the 50th Edition of Vakantiebuers, Utrecht
The Belize Hotel Association, represented by Director, Sandra van Noord, attended the 50th Edition of the Vakantiebeurs Show, held at the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, Netherlands from January 15 to 19, 2020. The Vakantiebeurs is the largest and major leisure and tourism event in the Netherlands visited by over 100,000 persons seeking information and making plans for their next vacations. The show constituted of travel agencies, theaters, and cultural associations from across the world who gathered to present their countries and market their traveling agencies.

BHA Participated in the 17th Annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival
On February 8 and 9, 2020, the Belize Hotel Association represented by Vice-President Barbara Hall and Membership & Marketing Executive, Penny Bonilla participated in the 17th Annual Sidewalk Arts & Music Festival. The festivities began at 10:00 a.m. along the 4,000-foot-long central sidewalk which was filled with a total of 61 booths ranging from paintings, crafts, photographs, vendors, clothing, stained-glass, wood carving, sculptures, NGO’s, and homemade jewelry. Local cuisine, live cultural music, and poetry readings were also available to depict the best of the Belizean art and culture.

BHA Hosts Networking Event in Caye Caulker
The Belize Hotel Association hosted a networking event at Island Magic Beach Resort in Caye Caulker on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Over thirty guests attended the mixer, including Members and Non-Members. BHA’s Allied Members were also present showcasing their product and services and each had tabletop displays of brochures, products, and giveaways. The Board of Directors and Office team, connected and mingled with the guests over light refreshments and meeting one-to-one with other hoteliers and tour operators. Before the event, the Board of Directors held their monthly Board meeting, discussing several plans and projects that were in the conduit for the 2020 year to market and promote our members and also discussion of issues affecting the industry.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint this gorgeous “Floral Turtle”.

Hon. Hugo Patt Sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister
The Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young today swore in Hon. Hugo Patt as Deputy Prime Minister. Hon. Hugo Patt has been serving as the Minister of Natural Resources since June 2018 and has represented Corozal North in the National Assembly since 2012.

Second Annual Corozal Coconut Fest 2020
Corozal Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) to host the Second Annual Corozal Coconut Fest 2020. It’s going to be a 2 days event. The first day will be the grand Re-enactment of the Maya Wedding at the Santa Rita Archaeological Wedding site on Friday, March 27th from 7:00 p.m. and the second day, Saturday , March 28th will be the main event of our Coconut Beach Festival commencing at 9:00 a.m.

Education and Enforcement exercise in Corozal
OnTuesday, an Education and Enforcement exercise is underway in the Corozal District as Municipal Traffic Wardens distribute fliers with road safety messages to road users. The MTW are also encouraging drivers to do the right thing when using the road system focusing on “asking” drivers and passengers of vehicles to wear seat belts at all times, once they are in a vehicle. This is to promote safety because of the importance of saving and protecting lives from road traffic crashes.

Caye Caulker Lobster Fest Dates
June 26-28

Belize Hosts First Mesoamerica Project Executive Commissioners Meeting
Belize hosted the First Meeting of the Executive Commission of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project under its Co-Presidency Pro-tempore of the Mesoamerica Integration and Development Project. During the meeting, Presidential Commissioners of the Project received Belize’s Work Plan and Calendar of Activities of its Co-Pro-Tempore Presidency. Mexico serves as a Permanent Pro-tempore Presidency of the Project.

BelizeON's New Electronic Ticketing Service Brings Belize’s Events Online
Belize’s first multi-vendor, e-commerce marketplace, BelizeON.bz today launched the ticket sales for the first event in Belize to go entirely paperless for event access. Leo Matura, Owner of Mind & Me Music; the record label hosting the event "Lost at Tzatenaha," said of this new-to-Belize method of purchasing tickets, “Progressive music entails progressive movement on all platforms.” Event Manager Melanie Codd, the Mind & Me marketing team and the BelizeON developers worked as a team to ensure a seamless buying experience. Event-goers will be able to purchase their event passes online and download them to their smartphones for code scanning at the venue entrance.

Music for the Birds fundraiser
Come out and support the Belize Raptor Center on February 23rd. Proceeds from their Music for the Birds fundraiser are going to be used to build an ambassador enclosure. Great auction and raffle items to bid on or win, all for a very worthy cause!

Impressive yacht anchored in front of Ramon’s Village
Luxurious lifestyles visiting Ambergris Caye.

Candlelight Vigil, Stand Up Against Child Abuse
This Sunday there will be a candlelight vigil against child abuse. It'll start at the Macal River Park at 2:00pm.

Cleaning up the Mopan & Macal Rivers
FCD continues to support communities along the Mopan-Macal Rivers in their approach to reduce and remove garbage pollution which is a serious threat that affects the Watersheds. This approach is being led by community leaders who form part of the Binational Watershed Alliance. Activities were made possible with the support of the British High Commission in Belize and El Consejo Indigena Centro Americano.

Message to U.S. Citizens: Passport and Notary Services in Punta Gorda!
Representatives from U.S. Embassy Belmopan will be offering passport renewal and notary services in Punta Gorda. Date: Tuesday, February 18th, 2020. Place: Boneville Café, #4 Front Street, Punta Gorda . Time: 10:30 am to Noon. We will provide the following passport services on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring the items listed.

Dr. Elizabeth Graham receives the Society of American Archaeology Award
Congratulations are in order to Dr. Elizabeth Graham, of the UCL Institute of Archaeology on receiving the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) Award for Excellence in Latin American and Caribbean Archaeology. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made a lasting and significant contribution to the practice of archaeology and/or to the construction of archaeological knowledge in Latin America or the Caribbean. Dr. Liz Graham research focuses on Maya of Pre Columbian and early colonial Mesoamerica. Her work at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve has centered on lesser known periods of transition, such as the years of the Maya collapse, during which time Lamanai's population continued to thrive, and the transition to the colonial period. Her work on the coast reflects her interest in the environmental impact of human populations in these environments, particularly with regard to resource exploitation and the mitigation of the effects of rising sea levels.

NICH and Cultural Stakeholders Launch Belize Living Heritage Website
Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, in partnership with cultural stakeholders launched the Belize Living Heritage Website. The website is an online portal dedicated to promoting the cultural skills, traditions, and knowledge that are transmitted, continuously practiced and safeguarded in communities across Belize. The website highlights the community-based work that has been done in safeguarding Belize’s living heritage, provides access to the published inventory of Belize’s living heritage, acts as a repository for educational resources that have been developed by NICH and community partners, and provides the opportunity to grow the inventory through an information-gathering feature.

Channel 7

Kingston Testifies Saldivar Texted About and Collected 50K USD
Today in a Salt Lake City Courtroom, Jacob Kingston said he sent $50,000 US dollars to John Saldivar in Miami.  That is the most explosive allegation coming out of Utah where, this morning, testimony turned to Belize.
It started in early 2014, when Kingston and Lev Dermen travelled to Belize and Dermen promised to pay for John Saldivar's re-election campaign.  Kingston said there was a meeting between three of them where Saldivar said he and three or four members of his party all needed financial help getting reelected and wanted cash.  Now, very importantly, prosecutors didn't ask for any names of those party members.  But, the meeting ended with Dermen agreeing to pay for the campaigns, Kingston said. 

Inside Scoop: PM Moves Against Saldivar
So that's what he said he would do, but what will he really do, or what must he now do? In studio with us tonight to analyze all that is our news director Jules Vasquez - who's been in Belmopan all day, circling the Cabinet meeting and trying to get the download on what's next for the Barrow administration and the UDP. Jules, what's next?

UDP First Deputy Takes Executive Post More Powerful Than Party Leader, Saldivar
So, if John Saldivar will be forced to step down as Party Leader - who will take his place.  Well, the first Deputy is Hugo Patt from Corozal north. The unassuming Minister of Lands was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister today. Before all the late evening decision were made, we asked him, "what if": Jules Vasquez: "We know that the UDP right now, is in a fluid state. The power relationship can change very suddenly and surprisingly. It's an odd situation you find yourself in, where you have more political power than the party leader John Saldivar. As the deputy Prime Minister, you're the second in charge of the country."

UDP "Election Predictor" Sees Clear Skies Ahead, Despite Storm and Scandal
And, all the extreme decisions now being taken are being made because the UDP is aware that with all that has been said about him with Danny Mason, and now with Lev Dermen, John Saldivar is politically untenable.   Today, when UDP Ministers left the Cabinet, we asked them about the grim political prospect of him leading them into the next general election later this year: Jules Vasquez: "Since you are the election predictor, what do you predict for the next big one coming up this year?"

Tracey Circumspect About Following John
Minister of State Tracey Taegar Panton who was crushed on Sunday in the race to beat Saldivar's Deputy Hugo Patt, was a lot more circumspect about Saldivar's Leadership: Jules Vasquez
"From a political perspective, are you able to go into the next election being led by John Saldivar?" Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - UDP Area Rep: "I don't think that is for me to comment on." Jules Vasquez: "He's your party leader Tracy."

Deputy Patt's Support For Leader Saldivar Cautious
Now, before he took the oath as Deputy Leader, we did ask Hugo Patt how he felt about his party leader John Saldivar leading them into the next election.  He was cautiously supportive in his remarks Reporter: "Your party leader, the new party leader however, remains under fire. How do you feel as a member of that slate and as someone who's prepared to work with him closely?" Hon. Hugo Patt - Deputy Party Leader: "As I indicated, it is of concern what is happening, I will have to admit but I think that John will provide a press conference tomorrow and if there are any questions that might arise, then I think that is the occasion for us to answer that."

Scotiabank Drops Da Bomb On the UDP, Finnegan Seh No Sah
And amidst all this political upheaval - a letter emerged today that Scotiabank sent to UDP's Mesop Area Rep Michael Finnegan.  It informs him that the bank is closing his divisional account.  Here's what he said about it today:"

Boots Says Bank asked Him for Job Letter
They also shut down the account for Anthony Boots Martinez in Port Loyola.  He told us he thinks he was the first to get the call: But the whole bank business is really only of marginal interest tonight. The big news is that Prime Minister Dean Barrow is moving on John Saldivar at the cabinet level.

Billionaire's Mega Yacht Wrecked Part Of Lighthouse Reef
Yesterday we showed you how a billionaire's mega-yacht wrecked the reef. That's because major damage was caused to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll area after a luxury yacht belonging to American billionaire hedge funder Daniel Loeb threw its anchor right unto it. The 75-foot chain of the "Samadhi's" anchor was seen to break off pieces of the reef as it tracked along.   And after that the Samadhi just rolled out, leaving the costly, irreparable damage in its wake.  Fortunately divers were able to get the footage before it left.

Alleged Killer Arraigned
Police have charged Arianna Jones' boyfriend, 23-year-old Jahvan Moody with her murder. As we reported, Moody allegedly stabbed American national Jones to death and then covered her body with a mattress. As you saw in the story, Jones's neighbours heard screams coming from her apartment in the hours that preceded her death.  And today Moody was arraigned in Belmopan's magistrate court for the crime of murder. We spoke to his Attorney Hurl Hamilton and he told  PLUS TV that Moody is denying the allegations:

Patt is Proud
As we showed you earlier, Hugo Patt was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister today.  He was elected first deputy on Sunday - and won that post by the largest margin of any person elected to the executive.   Today, at Belize House in Belmopan, before Governor General Sir Colville Young, he took the oath of office as Deputy PM - which, we should note is really not required - but more of a show ceremony.   Except Hugo Patt is no show-man.  He's an unassuming rural representative who told us he is proud:

Tracey Says Convention Defeat Was A Tough Lesson
Tracey Taegar Panton is the candidate for first deputy who lost to Patt - by the widest margin in the convention.  Speaking outside cabinet today, She told us that it was a tough defeat, but a lesson.: Jules Vasquez
"On Sunday, understandably you looked like your dog or your best friend had died. You looked like you need some consolation." Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - UDP Area Rep: "Listen, nobody enters a race to lose, you enter a race to win. That was not going to be the case on Sunday for various reasons. I understood that I was climbing a steep hill but I was intent to ensure that we maintain some democracy and some integrity in the process..."

Teenager Dies in Motorbike Accident
18-year-old Edwin Rodriguez lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Friday. It happened when the teenager from St. Margaret's village collided with another motorcycle rider who was driving in the opposite direction.  That rider, 40-year-old Angel Espinoza survived the collision but Rodriguez was not so lucky. The boy died from his injuries after being transported to the KHMH, and today we spoke to his father who told us that after Edwin was hurt they couldn't do anything for him, nothing but pray.  

The Vegas Strip! Khalid, John and Dermen
Tonight, things continue to move fast in the UDP.  First, there is an emergency Cabinet meeting set for 10 AM tomorrow in Belize City.  7News has confirmed from multiple sources that the Prime Minister will strip John Saldivar of his National Security portfolio at that meeting.  It is unclear who could get that ministry - but Patrick Faber is not out of considerations - but it is too early to tell.  Faber could be in for an upgrade we are told - as now the whole leadership picture in the UDP is in flux.   And, as we told you earlier, amidst all this furor over Kingston and Saldivar a picture finally emerged of Saldivar Dermen and and four other men, among them Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle and Las Vegas businessman Ramon Desage.

CDB President Considers Region Wide Contraction
How did the economies of the Caribbean nations perform in 2019? That was the subject today at the Caribbean Development Bank's annual news conference. Every year, the CDB invites journalists from all of the bank's borrowing member countries to its headquarters in Barbados. It's an opportunity for the Bank to discuss trends that they've noticed emerging over the last few months within the economies of the region. They often what recommendations they would make to either improve on the gains or turn things around financially for the struggling member state. One of the important take-aways from today's news conference is that collectively, the region's economies only grew by 1% last year, which is less than the 1.6% growth in 2018.

Does Crime Cause Economic Contraction?
Today's conference ran for 80 minutes. The Bank's most senior executive presented snapshots of each country, the challenges they are facing, and how the respective governments are trying to manage external debts while trying to recover from natural disasters such as those destructive hurricanes that have devastated the island nations over the past 2 years. But, apart from natural disasters, the Caribbean is also struggling with high crime rates. Earlier this month, we told you how Belize, in particular, was ranked by insightcrime.org as the 6th deadliest country within Latin America and the Caribbean, with a murder rate of 33.5 per 100,000.

A Post Modern Website For Pre-Modern Knowledge
Viewers may know about the Institute of Social and Cultural Research. That's the unit within the National Institute of Culture and History that labors diligently to preserve important elements of Belize's cultural heritage. They are the local historians who document and carry out social, cultural and anthropological research about important elements of the Belizean identity.  They are now looking to refine their methods of preservation with the launch of a new online presence called the Belize Living Heritage Website. It is contemplated as an electronic library of all the traditional teachings of the different ethnicities that make up the Belizean society. For several months now, the researchers have been documenting volumes of cultural heritage that were previously passed down only through word of mouth from one generation to the next.

A Last Shot Of The State of Things
And, before we go, just a recap of all we've reported on night of the situation in the Barrow Administration, the ruling UDP and the Utah Courtroom. Let's start in Salt Lake where today in the Federal court building Jacob Kingston said he sent $50,000 US dollars to John Saldivar in Miami. This was based on an agreement arrived at in early 2014, when Kingston and Lev Dermen travelled to Belize and Dermen promised to pay for John Saldivar's re-election campaign.  They went to a February 11, 2014 text exchange that Kingston had with Saldivar to follow up on that meeting.

Kingston says Saldivar Received Packs of Cash from Dermen
Less than 24 hours after John Saldivar was elected leader of the UDP, his name was called in a Utah courtroom. Today, in his third day on the witness stand, Jacob Kingston testified that he witnessed Lev Dermen give John Saldivar large amounts of cash in "packs" that totaled $10,000 each. Kingston added that Dermen kept these packs in a bag and the handoff was made during a meeting at the home of a Turkish business associate who had also been involved in the meetings with Saldivar. Kingston said he met Saldivar on a trip to Belize with Dermen either in late 2013 or in 2014. He told the court he didn't know "which minister" Salvidar was, and added, quote, "I didn't know what benefit he (Saldivar) was going to get," end quote, from the money or his relationship with Dermen.

UDP Says Empathically, Saldivar For Leader!
So, there it is, Kingston has said John Saldivar received quote, "packs" of cash, in ten thousand dollar disbursements from Lev Dermen. 27 hours ago, we asked John Saldivar if he wasn't concerned about this very same type of revelation: Jules Vasquez- Reporter: "Do you look to Utah next week with anxiety?" Hon. John Saldivar- UDP Party Leader: "If I looked towards, I looked everyday with anxiety." Jules Vasquez: "Utah, Utah." Hon. John Saldivar "No, not at all. I know there is nothing that is going to come from that that is going to affect me in any negative way. I've always maintained my innocence."

Tight Spot For PM Barrow in Saldivar Quandary
Of course, all this political jostling is really just fresh paint on a political trainwreck. And tonight, the damage is mounting for the UDP. Their new leader - elected yesterday was a former business associate of Danny Mason, and now he has been named in the trial of Lev Dermen - two men in jail one conceited of murder, the other facing up to 180 year in prison. That's the ominous cloud that hung over the UDP National convention yesterday - even though the red band merrily played on. 7News was at the even from before it started until after it finished and Jules Vasquez has the whole story:

Faber resigns As DPM, Patt to Be Named
And, tonight, that new leader John Saldivar is making international news. He is on the front page of the Salt Lake Tribune. The headline in the Utah newspaper asks, "was he on the take?" It also calls him the next premier of Belize, which is the wrong term; he stands to be the next Prime Minister. As you heard him say in his interview just now about when he expects the Prime Minister to step aside, he said they will be in discussions timed around the budget. The budget, we have learned, is scheduled to be presented on March 5th.

Cops: American Woman Killed By Belizean Boyfriend
31-year-old American Arana Jones was stabbed multiple times and, tonight, her 23 year old Belizean boyfriend has been charged for it. And while Jones' story is tragic, a close friend says she often wasn't careful enough enough with the company she kept. Cherisse Halsall has the story. This serene almost picturesque apartment block became a crime scene over the weekend. That's because this was the home of 31-year-old American national Arianna Iris Jones. Jones was murdered in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Double Fatal on Southern Hwy
Two people were killed in a traffic accident on the Southern Highway this weekend. Sometime early on Saturday, 25-year-old Jose Cal was driving a pickup on the highway with passengers 46-year-old Evelyn Teul, 1-year-old Kylene Cal, 6-year-old Rashal Choco, and 75-year-old Marcus Teul. He also had two passengers in the pan of the pickup truck, who have been identified as 24-year-old Erlina Teul Cal, and 48-year-old Pashal Teul. This family was heading from their home village of Bella Vista in the direction of Indian Creek Village - when they ran off the road. At this time, police are investigating the possibility that Jose Cal fell asleep at the wheel, and in an area between miles 71 and 72. After that, everything went wrong.

Mother Turns in Dennis Lamb, Says She Hopes the Police Wolves Don't Get Him
Since November, Dennis Lamb has been wanted for robbery, burglary and escaping from police. But his Mother says police didn't show up to her house looking for him until January 20th. And since then, she said ti has been constant harassment. Today she told us she is turning her son is but doesn't want him brutalized:

Fire in St. Matthews
A home in St. Matthews Village was completely destroyed by fire yesterday. 33-year old Josue Urias Ambeliz was heading home from work when he was informed that his house was on fire. And, indeed he arrived to find the wooden and Zinc structure aflame. ACP Joseph Myvette - Head NCIB: "On yesterday's date, shortly after 5 pm, Roaring Creek police were called to St. Matthews Village at the home of one Jose Ambeliz, a Guatemalan national..."

Brothers Get Off Murder Charge
For over 2 and a half years, 26-year-old Sabelo Marroquin and his brother, 23-year-old Jose Marroquin, have been on remand for the island murder of 25-year-old Scott Charles. But tonight, they are no longer charged with that crime; that's because the DPP's Office has discontinued prosecution against them. On August 16th, 2017, Charles, a hard-working tour guide was inside his home, located in the Bay Side area of San Pedro Town. 2 gunmen knocked on his door, and when he opened it, they shot him multiple times. Those injuries claimed his life several hours later.

Columbus Medic University Goes On Offensive
A week ago, the Columbus Central University School of Medicine made the evening news after a bus carrying its medical students crashed on the Northern Highway. None of the students suffered any serious injuries, but tonight, the school's management is trying to put out a big public relations fire. That's after news emerged that they've been de-listed by the Medical Council in India.

How To Stop Cybercrimes
Viewers may remember the public outrage that was stirred exactly a year ago when a video went viral of a minor in her high school uniform engaging in a sex act. It was part of a disturbing trend that was starting to take form where females were being exposed and exploited in which is referred to as revenge porn. That incident sparked a conversation on how to successfully prosecute the person who maliciously leaks these types of videos. Since then, the government has partnered with civil society to come up with draft legislation to address such acts. The Government is now in possession of a draft cybercrime bill that it is trying to finalize. It is seeking the advice and expertise of the Council of Europe to make the bill as comprehensive as possible so that it can lead to the successful prosecution of cybercriminals.

Victimized By Robber, Exposed As Counterfeiter
27-year-old Darnell Puerto was robbed at the corner of Vernon and Mopan streets on Friday. Puerto was able to identify the robber as 19-year-old Kenyon Flores but while Flores was charged with robbery today, Darnell Puerto also received a charge, Not for robbery, but for possession of counterfeit US currency. twenty-nine twenty dollar bills to be exact.

BEL's Caye Caulker Coming
BEL is reporting tonight that it's new generator, which was to bolster its electrical grid for Caye Caulker is delayed due to the shipping process. A press release says that the generating unit, sourced from Panama is, quote, "currently at the port in Santo Tomas, Guatemala, awaiting Customs clearance before transportation by land to the Belize/Guatemala border at Benque Viejo, Cayo.

A Wreck on The Reef Caused By Billionaire's Super Yacht
There is major damage to the reef in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll area after a luxury yacht threw its anchor right unto the reef. This footage from OCEANA's Facebook page shows that the 200 foot yacht called Samadhi threw anchor directly unto the reef and a 75 foot chain is tracking along the reef.

12 Year Old Boy Shot In City
There was a shooting on Friday night in Belize City that has landed a 12-year-old boy in the hospital. He is a resident of the Belama Phase 1 area of the City. He was at the home with his family, and sometime after 11 o'clock that night, 2 gunmen barged in.

Dog Killed In City Shooting
No one was injured in another city shooting. A house on Faber's road was targeted and shot at yesterday.

Weekend Standoff at PGIA With Travelers of Chinese Descent
On Saturday an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles arrived carrying, among others, 12 persons of Chinese descent - two of them exhibiting symptoms consistent with a flu. That caused a scare which triggered widespread rumours about the arrival of the Coronavirus in Belize. And while the Ministry of Health announced late Saturday evening that they had cleared all passengers for entry, we are told that the Immigration Department - with some major executive backing - overruled decisions being made by the Ministry of Health.

Channel 5

Breaking News: Emergency Cabinet Meeting Called for Wednesday
News Five has confirmed that an emergency cabinet meeting has been called for Wednesday morning. That meeting will be held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Laing Building, in [...]

More Revelations from Utah Case on John Saldivar
At news time tonight, the government and the new leader of the U.D.P., John Saldivar have remained mum about the incriminating revelations coming out from a court in Utah in [...]

Another Photo Surfaces with Saldivar, Belmopan Mayor, Lev Dermen
Early this morning, a new photograph surfaced in the ongoing saga involving the new U.D.P. leader, John Saldivar.  Saldivar’s name has been ringing in the Salt Lake court where Lev [...]

U.D.P. Clarifies: Dean Barrow is Party Leader; John Saldivar is Party Leader-elect
There are two elected leaders of the U.D.P. following Sunday’s convention when John Saldivar took the oath as party leader.  Today, the party sent out a release asserting that Prime [...]

Hugo Patt Sworn in as New Deputy Prime Minister
After garnering the most votes from delegates during the National Party Convention on Sunday to become the new deputy leader of the U.D.P., Corozal North Area Representative and Minister of [...]

Hugo Patt: Public Outrage in Dermen/Saldivar Scandal is of Concern to U.D.P.
Ahead of Hugo Patt’s swearing-in this afternoon, we caught up with him following today’s cabinet meeting, the first gathering of the Barrow administration since the U.D.P. convention on Sunday.  We [...]

Will Patt Assume Leadership Sooner Rather Than Later?
Will the latest developments from Jacob Kingston’s testimony earlier today during which he provided the court with text messages of John Saldivar requesting fifty thousand U.S. dollars prompt an abrupt [...]

John McAfee’s Telling Video to John Saldivar
Remember John McAfee? He is the eccentric U.S. anti-virus software pioneer with a sordid history. Among other things, McAfee was a person of interest in the 2012 murder of his neighbor in [...]

Finnegan Responds to Viral Scotiabank Letter
Earlier today, a letter from the Scotiabank to Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan went into wide circulation on social media, since the sixty-day notice concerned the termination of his constituency’s [...]

Port Loyola Constituency Account was also Terminated, Say Boots Martinez
According to Port Loyola Area Representative, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez, he, too, received a letter from Scotiabank late in 2019 informing him of the pending termination of his constituency account.  He [...]

Javan Moody is Charged with Murder; Claims that He is Being Framed
Javan Moody says that he is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Moody, as we reported on Monday, was arrested and charged for the killing of his girlfriend, [...]

Corporal Arzu Vs ComPol to proceed to trial
The case of Corporal Eldon Arzu versus Commissioner of Police will proceed to trial. This morning the matter was before the court, but was adjourned until May twelfth, in order [...]

Counterclaim Against P.S.U. Goes Before the Court
On Monday, the parties involved in the P.S.U. land claim were back before the courts. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that Simplex Design Limited was the legitimate owner of [...]

Shooting on Euphrates Avenue, Belize City
There was a shooting incident this morning in Belize City. According to reports, multiple shots were fired on Euphrates Avenue just after ten o’clock. One report to News Five is [...]

D.O.E. and Port Authority Investigate Grounding at Long Caye
Officials from the Department of Environment, the Fisheries Department, the Belize Port Authority and the Belize Audubon Society today travelled to the site of a recent grounding on an aquarium [...]

Will Charges be Levied Against Negligent Party?
According to Ports Commissioner Merlene Bailey-Martinez, charges can be filed by both the Belize Port Authority and the Department of Environment in incidents like this, but the D.O.E. normally takes [...]

Council of Churches offers position on Equal Opportunities Bill
Last week, the Belize Council of Churches issued a press release to provide its position on the Equal Opportunities Bill. According to the Council of Churches, they are supportive of [...]

Tracy Disappointed from Sunday’s NPC Loss
Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton received the fewest number of votes in Sunday’s U.D.P. convention.  She had from the onset admitted to being at a disadvantage since only seventy-five percent [...]

Clear the Land Predicts Another U.D.P. Win in 2020
On Sunday, Belize Rural North Area Rep, Edmond ‘Clear the Land’ Castro predicted that John Saldivar would have defeated political opponent Patrick Faber handsomely to become the U.D.P.’s new party [...]

Influenza Patients on Cruise Ship at Harvest Caye Didn’t Disembark
The Ministry of Health says that a cruise ship that docked at Harvest Caye has been cleared. The ship was carrying three passengers who were exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Those passengers, [...]

Coronavirus is Now COVID-19; Belize Prepares
And in the Ministry’s preparation and prevention plans for the virus, Manzanero says that they are working with their partners to prepare because the way the virus has been spreading [...]

NICH Launches a Portal to Belize’s Cultural Heritage
Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, in partnership with cultural stakeholders released the Belize Living Heritage Website. The online [...]

Another Photo of Saldivar with Dermen, Kingston, and a Convicted Fraudster
The photo recently surfaced, showing Lev Dermen and Belizean officials. In the photo: L-R Mayor Khalid Belisle, Jacob Kingston, Ramon DeSage, Hon John Saldivar, Lev Dermen, and another unidentified man.

Amandala

Saldivar took stacks of US$10,000: court testimony
Yesterday was one of the most momentous days in the political career of Minister John Saldivar. That would have been hard to guess, however, from the way he sneaked into the Belize Civic Center from the rear entrance, and his continuing effort to avoid members of the media, who took up positions outside the Belize Civic Center at the front entrance, because the UDP, which was holding its national convention inside the facility, had banned the media from entering the grounds of the convention. Although Saldivar emerged as the newly elected leader of the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP), he could not hide from the torrent of evidence coming out of the Washakie fraud trial in Salt Lake City, Utah, today.

“Big Bad John” crushes Patrick!
The United Democratic Party (UDP) filled the Belize City Civic Center with its history-making national convention to elect a new leader and executive — an event from which the media was completely banned. The media was barred from entering the convention grounds (inside the Belize Civic Center) until the official convention business was finished. The UDP, however, allowed observers from the United States Embassy inside. When the results of the delegates’ voting were announced this afternoon, it became clear that Hon. Patrick Faber (Collet) and his team were demolished by Hon. John Saldivar (Belmopan) and his team, which won the day handily.

Patrick Faber resigns as Deputy Prime Minister
Yesterday at the United Democratic Party’s national convention, Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber and his team suffered a crushing defeat by National Security Minister John Saldivar and Team Saldivar. If the former UDP chairman, Alberto August, did not win the deputy chairman seat, it would have been a complete and total wipeout for Faber and his team. Notwithstanding Faber’s defeat, when Saldivar called him to the podium, Faber appeared magnanimous in defeat and pledged his support to the new UDP leader, Saldivar.

Ariana Bejerano, 31, murdered in her home
A 31-year-old American woman was murdered in her apartment in San Ignacio. American national Ariana Iris Jones Bejerano was found lying face-down on the floor of her apartment in pools of her blood. She had been stabbed multiple times in the chest and abdomen, and a mattress had been thrown on top of her. Her boyfriend, Jovan Moody, 23, a Ladyville resident, told police that at about 6:00 Saturday morning, he went to see Ariana at her apartment and on entering, he saw the bloody scene, and Bejerano’s nude body. He then immediately informed the police.

Father and daughter die in Southern Highway accident
A traffic accident which occurred between Miles 71 and 72 on the Southern Highway at about 6:20 this morning, claimed the lives of Erlina Teul Cal, 24, a domestic of Bella Vista, Toledo District, and her father, Pashal Teul, 48, a farmer of Bella Vista. They were thrown out of the pickup pan of the Ford Ranger in which they were riding when the driver, Cal’s husband, Jose Cal, lost control of the pickup, which flipped and landed on its right side.

Elena Reina, victim of Flamboyant Street fire, dies one month after severe burns
Elena Reina, 36, suffered severe burns to her body while sleeping on a bed in a house that was engulfed in flames during a fire that destroyed two houses on Flamboyant Street on Thursday, January 9. Reina, a mother of three children, was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where she was admitted in a critical condition and was given a slim chance of survival. She then slipped into a coma.

Lord Michael Ashcroft submits application to join re-districting case
The Belize Peace Movement, the Belize Progressive Party and Vision Inspired by the People have all teamed up and brought a lawsuit against the Government of Belize for its failure to conduct re-districting as is required by the Constitution of Belize. The lawsuit may have another claimant, because Lord Michael Ashcroft has filed an application asking to be allowed to join the redistricting lawsuit as an interested party. The disparity in the size of the constituencies makes redistricting a necessary exercise to bring the 31 constituencies as near as possible in size with each other.

Lockhart Bevans, 51, beaten severely after gambling bout
Lockhart Bevans, 51, a Belize City laborer, was beaten severely in his back, arms, head and body. Information to us is that Bevans was gambling with about 7 men, and he won most of their money. The men then became angry and attacked Bevans, beating him severely —punching, kicking and stomping him. They then took the money he had won away. Bevans’ attackers took him to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they abandoned him.

Man with counterfeit money robbed, then busted with counterfeit cash
On February 7, Darnell Puerto made a report to the police that on the same day, while he was going to visit his girlfriend at her house at the corner of Vernon Street and Mopan Street, he was held up at gunpoint and was robbed of $1,500, two gold chains and a Samsung cellular phone. Puerto said that the money and other items amounted to $7,750 in total value. He identified the robber as Kenyon Flores, 19.

Boy, 16, charged for La Popular Bakery robbery
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, pending arraignment at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. La Popular Bakery, located on Cemetery Road in front of the busy First Stop Taxi Stand, with a bus stop near it, was held up and robbed at about 7:30 Wednesday night by two thieves who got away with an undisclosed amount of money. The thieves escaped in a getaway vehicle.

Editorial: Betraying the people is a very bad thing
Since past behavior is a good gauge of what one will do in the future, it is a near given that when the United Democratic Party (UDP) is booted from office, which will happen at some time, late into election night they will be hollering about how dishonest, corrupt the People’s United Party (PUP) is. The UDP came to power in 2008 hollering about the dishonesty of the PUP, and they have never stopped. The UDP screams about dishonesty but is itself very dishonest, and the members know it. Most members of the UDP openly acknowledge that there are crooks in Cabinet. The UDP once said of itself that it was above corruption, but now it says that corruption will always be with us, and that they are corrupt because we, the humble people, are corrupt.

From the Publisher
Two beautiful young ladies who were students at St. John’s College Sixth Form visited us a couple times when the highly controversial baby UBAD, a black-conscious organization, opened its office at #45 Hyde’s Lane in Belize City in March/April of 1969. One of the young ladies was named Florence, and she was darker-skinned than the other young lady, whose name was Maxine. The light-skinned Maxine had a major problem dealing with UBAD’s blanket description of all complexions of Belizeans as “Black,” and it may be that wherever she is, more than a half century later, this may still be a problem for her, as it is for most Belizeans of mixed European and African descent.

Saldivar traveled to Miami to pick up $50,000, Jacob Kingston testified
Jacob Kingston is continuing his testimony in the Lev Dermen trial in Salt Lake City, Utah. Today marks the 4th day of Kingston’s testimony and once more, damning information has emerged involving the newly elected United Democratic Party leader, Minister John Saldivar. Information coming out of the trial is that Minister Saldivar had told Lev Dermen in 2014 that he needed money for a re-election campaign for him and three or four of his colleagues, whose names were not mentioned.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow call emergency cabinet meeting tomorrow
Prime Minister Dean Barrow has called an emergency cabinet meeting for tomorrow, Wednesday. The meeting will be held in Belize City. There are speculations in the air tonight that the cabinet will discuss the way forward for the Barrow Government, in the wake of allegations of impropriety made against Minister of National Security, John Saldivar. The allegations were made in court testimonies over the last two days, in US federal district court, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The search for my father was long and hard, but now it is over
On December 22, 1969, my mother, Marilyn Young, gave birth to me at Belize City Hospital in Belize City. Marilyn’s cousin was the great boat builder, Simeone Young. I was the second of what would be seven children that my mother would give birth to. My birth certificate has a blank space with a line through it where my father should have been listed. Starting at a young age, I would often ask my mother about my father. She would ignore me at first. If I asked too often, she would throw things at me and tell me to shut up. My deepest desire was to know my identity and who brought me into this world.

Bandits blast Wagiya, take over standings lead at Week 5 of PLB Closing Season
On the scoresheet totals of goals scored for and against, it looks like Belmopan’s Bandits Sport are in a class by themselves, with a whopping 21 goals scored versus only 1 given up, for a goal difference of +20, in 4 games played so far in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2019-2020 Closing Season. But they enjoy only a 1-point lead in the standings over their closest rival, defending champions, Verdes FC, who have only scored 5 goals so far and given up 3, for a mere +2 goal difference.

Primary basketball reg. season ends; quarterfinals on Wednesday
The regular competition of the Belize City Primary Schools Basketball Tournament 2019-2020 ended today with 5 games scheduled, 3 male (M) and 2 female (F), at Swift Hall Gym. Quarterfinals in the male category will take place on Wednesday.

Defenders and Tiger Sharks remain atop NEBL standings
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) hosted 4 games this weekend, as team standings are slowly stretching out to differentiate between the teams that are contenders and the few that are pretenders. All scores, standings, schedule and player stats can be found on our website at neblbelize.com. All games can also be followed live online on our webpage by clicking on the game at the top of the website. When fans click on the game, the live stats for that game will be accessible.

Dear John Saldivar – they keep falling out of the sky
The drug planes just keep falling out of the sky over Belize … and it is happening in an unprecedented number in the history of this country. I could surmise that we have never seen this phenomenon in Belize and it is incredible that not one of the occupants of these “suspected” narco-planes is ever caught and worse yet, the cargo is never found, in, or near, the aircraft. It is as if it is a well-coordinated exercise with local support and foreign agents and assets. Law enforcement authorities are absolutely clueless or helpless in bringing a stop to this criminality.

Brodies North commits to Belizean literature
Mr. Henry Young, a three-time area representative for the UDP (Port Loyola: 1984-1998) and two-time minister of government, loves to share the sea breeze and his hospitality at Big Bird’s Isle with his friends and guests, largely for camaraderie, but also to push agendas, some very tikilish, to forward our nation. I do get the honor sometimes, yes, humble me, and on my most recent visit, on Thursday last, while I enjoyed the invigorating sea breeze, which he doesn’t own but has access to, and cold Belikin and a super delicious fish burger, on the house, he told me about his latest initiative.

Chapter 31- More Jewel and Jerome …
On Sonia’s return to duty at the hospital in April, it appeared as if a benign administration confined her work schedule to the daytime hours, a cause for comment among her colleagues, led by Gertrude Atkins, of course, who attributed this to favouritism, declaring that she bet that if anybody else had tried a “stunt” like Sonia’s she would have been turned out a mile-a-minute; but that from long ago it could be seen that the powers-that-be showed preference to her. It had been quiet Miss Jewel who had responded to this accusation with the calm comment that maybe this had been because of her outstanding efficiency and willingness, marking the adoption on her part of a more visibly protective role towards Sonia.

China, Russia to defy US sanctions over support to Venezuela
The Russian government rejected on Monday the U.S. threats to impose new sanctions against several Russian companies for their cooperation with Venezuela in the oil sector. Last week, the United States special representative for Venezuela, Elliott Abrams, warned Russia that its support for Venezuela will cost them economically, as Washington is looking to sanction them.

The Reporter

Stephen Duncan Resign From Senate: Effective Immediately
The Reporter has confirmed that Stephen Duncan has resigned his position as a UDP Senator, effective immediately.

Belizean Honored by Historic Appointment
A Belizean has been chosen to be a member of an historic and prestigious Caribbean Tribunal. The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has announced the appointments of Mr. Patterson K. H. Cheltenham QC, Ms. Lisa M. Shoman SC, Mrs. Dancia Penn OBE, QC, Mr. J. Emile Ferdinand QC, and Mr. Westmin R. A. James, as Members of the newly established Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal (“CCAT”).

Tough Break For Finnegan, Scotia Bank Says, ‘Protecting It’s Reputation’
The Reporter has confirmed that Scotiabank Belize Limited is in the process of closing accounts held at its institution in the name of senior U.D.P. Minister Michael Finnegan and the U.D.P. Mesopotamia office.

OHHHH! Those Darn Photos, They Always Show Up
Late last week, a picture surfaced which showed known Belmopan affiliates of Minister John Saldivar, Mayor Khalid Belisle, Douglas Grant and Jason Neal along with Lev Dermen and Jacob Kingston posing on the tarmac of the PGIA beside a private jet.

LOVE FM

Family of five homeless
A family of five is homeless after their home was destroyed by fire. There is a possibility that this may have been an act of arson. Stann Creek Correspondent Harry Arzu has the details.

Lisa Shoman to sit on CCAT tribunal
Attorney-at-law, Lisa Shoman, is broadening her horizons as she will sit on the Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal (CCAT), established by CARICOM. She will be sworn in at the CXC headquarters in Barbados on Monday, February 17.

Scotiabank looks to close accounts of several UDP divisions
A letter from Scotiabank dated January 20, 2020, and addressed to Minister Michael Finnegan, the Area Representative for Mesopotamia came to our attention today. In the letter, Scotiabank is asking Finnegan to withdraw the monies he has in the account as the bank would no longer be able to service his account.

Javan Moody arraigned for murder of Ariana Jones
23-year-old Javan Moody was arraigned today in court for the murder of his girlfriend, 31-year-old Ariana Jones. Cayo Correspondent Pauline Soberanis Tillett has the details of what transpired in court today.

Belize Living Heritage
Today, the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH) launched its Belize Living Heritage website. It was developed by the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) and designed to spread awareness of Belize’s heritage.

Kingston testifies that John Saldivar requested fifty thousand dollars
Just when you think things couldn't get any worse for the Barrow administration and the United Democratic Party text messages emerged as evidence today in Utah. According to the Salt Lake Tribune publication, a series of text messages were presented as evidence showing that John Saldivar requested as much as fifty thousand dollars on one occasion from Lev Dermen.

Was there fair play in the UDP Convention?
Today’s Cabinet meeting got underway at ten o’clock this morning in Belmopan. Of course, the press wouldn’t be doing its job if we didn’t at least try to find out what was discussed and decided.

Breaking Belize News

Emergency Cabinet meeting called for tomorrow; Is John Saldivar’s fate on the line?
Breaking Belize News (BBN) has been reliably informed that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has scheduled an […]

Regional rivalries go to Defenders, Tigersharks, Griga and Verdes
Four exciting regional rivalry games played out in the National Elite Basketball League at the […]

The lesson of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ for Belizean politics
While this weekend Belizeans were closely watching the drama at the Belize Civic Center, half […]

Public Service Union, Belmopan CitCo in arbitration: Simplex wants rent for Hilltop
On Monday in the courtroom of Justice Courtney Abel, the case of the Public Service […]

Former cop jailed for unlicensed firearm and ammunition
Interdicted police officer, Carlisle Bol, was on Monday sent to Central Prison for concurrent terms […]

UDP: Dean is still our leader
Prime Minister Dean Barrow continues to lead the United Democratic Party despite Sunday’s leadership convention, […]

Is the Association of Concerned Belizeans (ACB) back?
Is the Association of Concerned Belizeans, commonly referred to as ACB, back for real? […]

Kingston claims Dermen offered Saldivar funds for political campaigns, moneys were to be collected in Miami
Jacob Kingston, testifying in the Washakie Renewable Energy-Lev Dermen trial ongoing in Salt Lake City, […]

UDP postpones press conference initially scheduled for tomorrow
The United Democratic Party (UDP) had initially invited the media for a press conference to […]

Hugo Patt sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister
On Sunday, Hugo Patt emerged victorious along with Team Saldivar at the leadership convention of […]

Jacob Kingston: John Saldivar and friends needed cash for campaign
In a Utah Court today, Jacob Kingston, an associate of the international fraudster, Lev Dermen […]

Gun and ammo found in abandoned house on the George Price Highway
Authorities conducted a search yesterday morning at an abandoned house at mile 4 ½ on […]

UDP leader-elect and PUP party leader to host conferences tomorrow
In light of the recent startling allegations made by Jacob Kingston, associate of international accused […]

National Security Minister; Belmopan Mayor photographed with accused international fraudsters
A picture surfaced today on social media showing Belize’s National Security Minister and Leader elect […]

Hopkins residents enjoy Calypso Rose video shoot for remake of ‘Watina’
Residents in Southern Belize are enjoying the shooting of the video for a […]

Blogs

A Visit to Our Island’s Green Iguana Sanctuary and A House That Is Art
An Easy Way To See Some BIG Green Iguanas right in San Pedro Town and…A House Straight out of Swiss Family Robinson! Here on Ambergris Caye, people see the green iguanas sunning in the mangroves when they are on a boat stopping at the gas station at the back side of town. It’s a frequent tour stop in the San Pedro lagoon. But now you can drive up in a golf cart or bike or even on foot. Head north on Back Street – until you get to the stop sign. (Hol Chan Marine Reserve Office will be on your right.) Go straight, thru the stop sign – the road is now a dirt road. Just around the bend and… Look for this gate… There were piles of fruit and even habaneros. Crazy to imagine…but iguanas LOVE hot peppers.

Cave Kayaking in Belize/ Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch
Cave tubing is the popular choice of activity done by tourists whenever they visit Belize, but few have experienced cave kayaking. It holds the advantage that you can use the kayaks to run the whole section of caves while with cave tubing the runs must be extremely short as this river (Caves Branch River) is too shallow to allow an unhampered float. The caves of Belize were sacred to the Mayans and Nohoch Cheen is one with exceptional Mayan artifacts inscribed into the cave formations along the river.

How To Spend Three Fun Days In Punta Gorda, Belize
Punta Gorda, also known as “PG” or “Peini,” is the major town in the Toledo District of southern Belize. Even if you do not plan to spend time in Punta Gorda, it is a major hub for domestic flights and traffic to Belize’s many natural attractions and offshore cayes. Now if you are interested in seeing what the beautiful town of the Toledo District has to offer, keep reading for an unforgettable three-day weekend.

Why Belize is Open for Business, Vacation, and Retirement
His Excellency, Daniel Gutierrez, the Belize ambassador to the United States of America, joins us in studio for a candid conversation about his role as ambassador and how his office in Washington D.C. serves to promote Belize as a place to vacation but also as a place to retire and invest. Daniel is the younger brother of Javier, our show host, and it was quite an honor to have him in studio with us.

A Different Kind of Birding in Placencia Belize – Parrothead Beach Bash 2020
This kind of birding is raising money for children’s education in Belize and more specifically in Seine Bight. If you are not familiar, Seine Bight is a village on the Placencia Peninsula. It is north of Placencia town and just over a couple of miles south of Maya Beach. First off if you are a bit unsure, a Parrothead is a fan of the popular “tropical” musician Jimmy Buffet. Typical Parrothead fashion includes a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, flip flops, and sunglasses. It is a “lifestyle” and one of the top activities is sipping margaritas on the beach often at sunset.

Renting a Car in Belize
Whether you’re in one of the six districts or at one of the main islands, there are always car rental companies to be found. After you land at the Philip Goldson Int’l Airport, there are three different car rental businesses outside of the airport. You can easily go over to one of them, check out their prices and the types of cars available, and take your pick. Bear in mind that you will come across others, both on the highway as you leave the airport, and there are definitely more businesses you can choose from as there are a couple on the highway when you are leaving the airport and many more in each district. Car rental businesses are easy to find – you just have to ask a local or check our good pal Google.

International Sources

Crocodiles in Belize: The fierce animals in need of protection
Crocodiles may have a fearsome reputation, but are worth protecting: They are threatened by pollution, illegal hunting and habitat loss. One organization is trying to provide a safe haven for injured animals. Project goal: The non-governmental organizationCrocodile Research Coalition (CRC) works in Belize to protect crocodiles and their habitats. They also raise awareness about peaceful coexistence between the animals and local communities.

Guatemalan Air Force Confiscates Drug Cartel’s Narco Jet – Watch Incredible Liftoff From Dirt Runway
Drug cartels have numerous methods to smuggle their illegal merchandise. Commercial vehicles, trains, boats, narco submarines, Los Pollos Hermanos batter buckets, and even medieval-style catapults. Another mode of transportation utilized by drug cartels are private narco jets, and we have a pretty impressive video as proof. The amazing part is that the pilot of the small Hawker Siddley 125 business jet landed the plane in the jungle on a narrow, dirt runway, at night, none-the-less. Local residents in Belize, about eight miles from the makeshift landing strip, heard the plane flying above their community around 11 at night.

Videos

February 11, 2020

FOR TODAY'S BELIZE WEATHER, CLICK HERE

Click for our Daily Tropical Weather Report.

Specials and Events

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

The San Pedro Sun

Authorities investigate coral destruction caused by luxury yacht Samadhi anchored at Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Tourism stakeholders and environmentalists are up in arms after a video surfaced on social media on Sunday, February 9th, depicting the alleged destruction of live corals by the anchor of luxury yacht Samadhi at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The footage taken by local divers shows a length of chain wrapped around corals along a popular dive site known as the Aquarium. According to environmental authorities, to safeguard the said area, mooring points were installed, thus, there was no need to drop the anchor. The Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Belize Port Authority were made aware of the situation and are currently investigating the incident.

Ambergris Today

Belize's Maya-Mestizo Heritage Highlighted At 2020 Taipei Lantern Festival
The Embassy of Belize to the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted a Press Conference on Friday, February 7, 2020, to unveil lanterns depicting elements of Belize's Maya-Mestizo Heritage: the Lamanai Mask Temple, Deer Dance Festival, and Marimba. For the second year in a row, Belize will be participating in the Taipei Lantern Festival on February 8-16, 2020 and the Taichung Lantern Festival on February 8-23, 2020. The lanterns on display in Taichung will be depicting the Great Blue Hole as well as an array of species of marine life found in the Belizean Barrier Reef.

John Saldivar Is The New Party Leader For The United Democratic Party
The United Democratic Party of Belize held its National Convention in Belize City at the Belize Civic Center on Sunday, February 9, 2020. A total of 570 UDP delegates were to cast their vote but only 569 did as one was absent due to illness. Coming out victorious was John Saldivar as new UDP Party leader with a total of 342 votes against Patrick Faber with 227 votes.

Government Of Belize Issues Travel Ban For Travelers Having Recently Visited China
The Government of Belize issued a press release on Saturday, February 8, 2020, stating that given the recent situations with travel history that have been documented upon arrival at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and other points of entry, both the Ministries of Health and Immigration are hereby directing that all travelers who have been in China within 14 days immediately prior to arrival in Belize be denied entry.

John Saldivar Is The New Party Leader For The United Democratic Party
The United Democratic Party of Belize held its National Convention in Belize City at the Belize Civic Center on Sunday, February 9, 2020. A total of 570 UDP delegates were to cast their vote but only 569 did as one was absent due to illness. Coming out victorious was John Saldivar as new UDP Party leader with a total of 342 votes against Patrick Faber with 227 votes. The First Deputy Leader post was won by Hugo Patt with a total of 390 votes against Tracey Taegar-Panton with 177 votes.

Various Belizean Sources

PUP says "Call the elections now"
Will it be John Vs. Johnny or Hugo Vs. Johny?

Many courses under the umbrella of the OAS Culture of Peace are coming to the Benque HoC
OAS Culture of Peace Program 2020 @ your Benque House of Culture, register to secure your spaces and learn more on details on how to apply!

BELIZE FISHING REPORT: FEBRUARY 2, 2020 THROUGH FEBRUARY 9, 2020
Last week fishing was mixed with an average bag of bonefish, a variety of Snapper species, and one large permit of 30 Lbs. Wind and cloud cover made conditions a bit tough at times.

BEL Prepares for Arrival of New Generation Unit for Caye Caulker
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises customers in Caye Caulker that the new 1705kW capacity generation unit sourced from Panama in early Janualy, is now scheduled for commissioning on the island by Tuesday, February 18 following delays at ports in neighboring countries. The unit is currently at the port in Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala, awaiting customs clearance before transportation by land to the Belize/Guatemala border at Benque Viejo, Cayo. It is expected that the unit will arrive in Belize by Wednesday, February 12 then taken to the Port of Belize for transshipment by sea to Caye Caulker.

Advisory Mission on Harmonization of Legislation on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence
The Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, hosted the opening ceremony for the Advisory Mission on Harmonization of Legislation on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence in Belize City, Belize. This mission is funded and supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe via the Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) Programme. The primary purpose of the mission is to facilitate a workshop to align Belize’s existing or draft legislation on cybercrime and electronic evidence with international standards.

BBQ Fundraiser for the Corozal Sailing Club
Corozal on February 28TH, 2020 infront of Frank’s Meat Shop. There will be a BBQ sale commencing at 10am. All funds goes towards the Corozal Bay Sailing Club. BBQ for will have available $8 chicken 10$ Pork. There will be Pre-sale on hats and t-shirts $20. Also, there will be a 50/ 50 Drawing. We will also have available Baked goods for sale. For more information about the fundraising pm Brenna Norman, Sandy & Rick Allen, Jessica Beckles or Susan Belize for pre sale tickets.

Corozal Town Council Monthly Bazaar
The Corozal Town Council will be hosting its monthly Bazaar this Friday, 14th February 2020. An invitation is extended to all entrepreneurs, business houses and our local vendors to join us to promote and support this venture to help in boosting our local economy. We invite the general public to come out and support this great initiative and take advantage of the great deals and specials on this day. We want to thank everyone who have been working with us and always welcome new business partners to the team.

Art Auction at Serenity Sands
You are cordially invited to an art and silent auction being held at Serenity Sands on Friday, February 14th. What a great way to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart and take part in all the fun. We will also be there to renew CAP (Corozal Animal Program) memberships or sign up new folks, so bring a friend. We sincerely appreciate your interest and support. Together we are making a difference.

Sarteneja Alliance hosts troop of scouts from Corozal District
On Saturday 9th February, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize were very pleased to host a troop of scouts from Corozal District. Whilst learning the important skill of survival fishing using hand-lines, we felt it was equally important that these young men and women learnt about conservation efforts being made in Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS). By educating these adventurous young men and women about conservation and protected species found in CBWS, we hope to inspire the next generation of citizens to continue to protect this beautiful country.

The SHPS PTA is having a BBQ fundraiser this Saturday
SHPS PTA is having a fundraising BBQ drive to assist the school this coming Saturday, $8.00 a plate of BBQ Chicken, Baked beans, coleslaw and flour tortilla. Contact any teacher/PTA member, pick up can be done starting 11am at the corner entrance of the welcome center.

Refurbishing Joseph Andrew's Park in Santa Elena Town
Next Tuesday night, the SISE Town Council will be meeting at Joseph Andrews' Park to discuss the refurbishing.

American Society of Travel Advisor Houston Chapter Tradeshow

BTB’s Cruise Stakeholder Networking Session

Gateway Trust Retreat Center Annual Open Day
The Gateway trust retreat center annual open day on February 9th 2020 was a great success. The perfect expression of connectivity and reverence to mother earth was the opening activity of The ritual of gratitude and acknowledgement to the Cardinal points, performed by To'one Masehualo'on NGO spiritual leader Mr Faustino Yam and Mr Andy Chuc. It was a day to experience joyfulness in brotherhood with fun times singing to live music and beautiful voices. There was an endless array of delicious treats and also some raffle prizes. The special activities for this year's event was Reiki healing sessions and a bird watching tour lead by expert birder Mr Raul Mansanilla.

Channel 5

John Saldivar is the New U.D.P. Party Leader
It is a fast moving news day with numerous developments with serious implications, but first, John Saldivar has emerged as the favourite to lead the United Democratic Party.  Of the [...]

John Saldivar’s First Interview Since Forever, Despite Limitations
Embattled area representative turned party leader elect, John Saldivar, has artfully dodged the media in the weeks leading up to Sunday’s convention by absenting himself from public events hosted by [...]

Saldivar Not Worried About Kingston’s Testimony
When asked if he was anxious about the testimony of Jacob Kingston whose sworn statement from the dock resumed today in the Utah courtroom, Saldivar essentially said that he was [...]

Jacob Kingston Testifies that Lev Dermen Gave John Saldivar Stacks of Cash
We will have more from the convention and the resignation of Patrick Faber as Deputy Prime Minister of United Democratic Party coming up.  But we go to Hipolito Novelo who [...]

How Will Jacob Kingston’s Testimony Affect the U.D.P.?
A dark cloud had been hanging over Sunday’s convention because of Jacob Kingston’s testimony. How this revelation will affect the U.D.P. is not known as the U.D.P. goes into gear [...]

Patrick Faber Concedes Defeat at NPC
This afternoon, shortly after three o’clock, Patrick Faber took to his social media account where he posted on his Facebook page a letter of resignation.  So Faber stepped down as [...]

PM Barrow’s Final Keynote Address at NPC
With the election of a new leader, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will be demitting office, as when, a date is not known.  In his final address before a massive gathering [...]

PM Addresses U.D.P. Unity Post Convention
While bidding farewell to the legions of U.D.P. supporters in the bleachers, the outgoing party leader reminded them that they are in good hands with his successor.  He also took [...]

P.U.P. Says: Fire John Saldivar, Call Elections Now
This morning, the People’s United Party issued its release on the convention results. It makes the point that new Leader of the United Democratic Party was elected with only three [...]

American Woman Murdered; Boyfriend Charged with Murder
Now to a murder, a woman was brutally killed in San Ignacio, Cayo over the weekend.  Javan Moody, a man she has been dating for a few months, has been [...]

Minor Shot in Belize City
A twelve-year-old-boy was shot on Friday night in Belize City. Police say that the minor was inside his home with family members when a man walked up and fired shots [...]

Shooting on Fabers Road; No One Injured
There was another shooting in the city, fortunately no one was injured, but a dog was killed. It happened around ten-fifteen on Saturday night. Police were called out to Fabers [...]

Fatal Accident Claims 2 Lives
A fatal accident in the south claimed two lives on Saturday morning just after six. Police say that Jose Cal, the driver of the pickup truck, may have fallen asleep [...]

G.O.B. Bans Travellers Who Recently Visited China
A number of countries have imposed a travel ban and over the weekend, Belize did the same putting in place a travel ban for travellers who recently visited China, was [...]

Group of Chinese Nationals Screened, Cleared at P.G.I.A.
So on Saturday, a News Five team camped outside the arrival section of the Philip Goldson International Airport after reports surfaced that a group of travellers from China arrived onboard [...]

Fire Destroys Home in Saint Matthews Village
Fire destroyed a home in Saint Matthews Village over the weekend. Police say that a wooden home and all its contents, valued at a total of twenty-thousand dollars, were wiped [...]

Anchor Grounded on Reef near Long Caye
News spread like wildfire on Sunday evening on social media as images surfaced of an anchor grounded near Long Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.  The area is known as [...]

Samadhi Vessel is Tracked to Honduras
Today, we did a search on the location of the vessel. According to the information, the Samadhi yacht, which was built back in 2006, is registered to the Cayman Island. [...]

A Workshop to Strengthen Cybercrime Legislation in Belize
Cybercrime relates to offenses committed on the internet or on social media platforms on a number of issues. In the country at this time, are representatives of a Cybercrime Programme [...]

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

Amandala

Police charge boyfriend for murder of American woman
This morning, police formally arrested and charged Javan Moody for the murder of Ariana Jones Bejerano. It is expected that Moody will be arraigned on the murder charge in the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court.

UDP Leader elect, John Saldivar got stacks of cash from Lev Dermen, Jacob Kingston testified
A report from Channel 5 News on the fraud trial in Salt Lake City, Utah, says that Lev Dermen gave Minister of National Security, John Saldivar stacks of cash, according to testimony in court this morning from Jacob Kingston.

Patrick Faber resign as Deputy Prime Minister
Dear Prime Minister: Thank you for the honor and privilege of having me serve as your Deputy Prime Minister for the last three and a half years. Please accept my resignation from this post.

The Reporter

Patrick Faber Resigns As Deputy Prime Minister
Patrick Faber has resigned as Deputy Prime Minister. At approximately 3pm this afternoon, via Facebook, he posted – “Thank you for the honor and privilege of having me serve as your Deputy Prime Minister for the last three and a half years. Please accept my resignation from this post.

LOVE FM

Santa Cruz villagers propose to boycott the Water board
Santa Cruz Villagers of Stann Creek District are not satisfied about the new water board executive appointed by the Government and are threatening to protest. Stann Creek correspondent, Harry Arzu spoke to the village chairman about their demands.

One house burns down while another is shot at
A fire erupted at a house in St Matthews Village, Cayo District yesterday. As of today, a cause has still not been ascertained and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Myvett, stated that there is no indication of arson.

Noise in the quiet Neighborhood
Shots rang out in the quiet neighborhood of Belama Phase One on Friday night just after eleven o’clock. Two dark complexion male persons kicked open the back door and fired several shots. Three persons were present at the home during the invasion, a minor, his mother 44-year-old Edalia Cordon, and his grandmother 84-year-old Helen Lord. The minor was the only person who was shot and received an injury to the right foot. The male persons fled the scene making a good escape via the river. Love News spoke to the neighbor who initiated the 911 call when the incident occurred.

Medical Schools say false reports led to them being delisted by the Medical Council of India
The Columbus Central University School of Medicine and the Washington University of Health and Science have been delisted by the Medical Council of India. According to the university owners the matter has to do with false reports, such as not having adequate facilities to teach medicine.

Special Olympics hold annual general meeting
The Special Olympics in Belize is not heard of very often, but they are an important organization for the special needs children when it comes to sports. On Saturday they held their annual general meeting, where they reviewed their past year and talked about the future of the organization.

Government Minister says he works hard for his money and not for stones
For decades voters have seen elected officials amass assets during their term in office. It is a complaint often made but never fully confronted and addressed. We met up with one elected official yesterday during UDP’s convention and asked him about the multiple properties he has acquired in the last ten years.

Man is victim of hit and run accident
A man was knocked down and left on the roadside in Belmopan. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz has the story.

Prime Minister’s final remarks to the party and its supporters
As we noted earlier, yesterday marked the end of the Dean Barrow era. Barrow came into power with a blaze of glory back in 2008 – yesterday, however, it could be described as a puff of smoke.

Father and his daughter dead after road accident in Southern Belize
A road traffic incident occurred in southern Belize and claimed the lives of two persons on Saturday. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung spoke to the driver who gave his account of what happened.

John Saldivar wins the race for UDP Leader
A new party leader for the UDP; a new executive and the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister. There is a lot on the political front to share with you in tonight’s newscast as the United Democratic Party closed off the Dean Barrow era yesterday.

Breaking Belize News

“Delisting means nothing,” says Columbus Central University of Medicine
Today, the owners of Columbus Central University of Medicine and the Washington University of Health Sciences, […]

Two dead in Southern Highway traffic accident
Sometime around 6 o’clock on Saturday morning there was a fatal road traffic accident on […]

Police share details in murder of American national
During a police press conference today in Belmopan, investigators commented on the murder of American […]

BEL prepares for the arrival of New Generation Unit for Caye Caulker
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) informed today that the new 1705kW capacity generation unit sourced from Panama […]

PUP calls on Prime Minister to fire John Saldivar
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement today saying that just one day after […]

International Space Station to orbit over Belize tonight
Today, the International Space Station (ISS), a habitable artificial satellite in low-Earth orbit, will be […]

“I was there when Levon gave him ( Saldivar) money,” Kingston testifies
A report published in The Salt Lake Tribune just minutes ago summarized the testimony of […]

5th annual cocktails for the manatees set for this Friday
Clear Water Aquarium Marine Research Institute is hosting the 5th annual Cocktails for the Manatees […]

New relaxed passport application process now in effect
The changes made to the application process for a Belizean passport, which were passed by […]

Deputy Prime Minister of Belize resigns
Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, Patrick Faber has just issued a statement informing of his […]

Special Envoy meets with Caribbean United Nations Population Fund to discuss technical assistance
On Thursday, February 6, Special Envoy for Women and Children, Kim Simplis Barrow met with […]

UDP NATIONAL CONVENTION: In first media scrum in months, Saldivar dismisses Dermen case
As he had promised a few days ago, John Saldivar faced the press Sunday evening […]

PUP: John Saldivar is bad for Belize
The People’s United Party (PUP) issued a statement this morning calling on the new UDP […]

What is the 2019 Novel coronavirus?
There have been many articles explaining the statistics surrounding the rapid spread of the 2019 […]

Javan Moody charged for murder of American girlfriend Ariana Jones
Ladyville resident, Javan Moody, 23, has been arrested and charged for the murder of American […]

Mayor Bernard Wagner meets Jamaican mayors and students
A delegation from the Belize City Council led by Mayor Bernard Wagner is in Kingston, […]

Blogs

Belizean Smiles: Sherlette Belisle
A veteran in the kitchen, it seems everyone knows Ms. Sherlette. If you haven’t tasted her cooking, then you have probably seen her dancing during San Pedro’s Carnaval or Independence Day Parades. Sherlette ia a beloved community member and also a great chef. For over twenty years, Sherlette has delighted visitors and locals with her tasty cuisine. Today, she holds the position of Deputy Chef at Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace, and is in charge of the most important meal of the day, breakfast!

Belize’s Annual Chocolate Festival 2020
Are you a chocolate lover? Yes? Well, this is the perfect event for you to experience! Come and indulge your taste buds in a magnitude of rich chocolate flavors at this year’s Chocolate (Cacao) Festival. This is a family-friendly event that we know you and your family and friends will enjoy immensely. Experience the indigenous cultures of Belize and learn about the processes used to make these amazing chocolate dishes. This year’s festival will be held on May 23rd and May 24th in the beautiful town of Punta Gorda. For the past thirteen years, this event has been consistently well-attended and has become a popular favorite over the years – making it one of the best festivals in Belize.

Belize Airport Authority Closure Of Placencia (PLJ) Airstrip
Keep in mind that the airstrip in Placencia (PLJ) will be temporarily closed for the period of May 1 to September 30, 2020. According to the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) this closure will be done to facilitate a revamp of the runway. Revamping, lengthening, widening and the installing of runway lighting will all be done. In addition to flight, you can also get to Placencia by road transfer. The drive is roughly three hours on the scenic Humming Bird Highway from Belize City. Many tour operators and hotels offer transfer services to and from Placencia with pick up and drop offs at your desired location.

Curious Corozal in Belize
Corozal is the northern-most district and the gateway to southern Mexico. Shoppers that flock to the border town of Chetumal, tourists on their way to catch flights in Cancun, Belizeans and foreigners alike passes through. Consequently, quaint Corozal is often ignored, even though it has a lot to offer. The name derives from the fruits of the special Corozo palm, the ‘zal’ part meaning ‘place of’, hence, place of Corozo. Corozal is clean and quiet, with a sense of a sleepy seaside town of yesteryear, but it has its attractions. Corozal is the hub of Mestizo culture. It was Corozal that first received the Mexicans who were fleeing the Caste War in Yucatan. Visit the Museo de la Cultura Maya.

International Sources

Was Belize’s next potential premier on the take?
Lev Aslan Dermen, who is on trial in a Utah-based biofuels fraud, paid bundles of cash to the Belize security minister, a former co-defendant testified Monday. In Jacob Kingston’s third day on the witness stand, he told a federal jury that he and Dermen, also known as Levon Termendzhyan, traveled to Belize in 2013 with plans to build a casino there. The casino never came to fruition. Kingston testified he saw Dermen meet with John Saldivar, the Central American country’s security minister.

Children’s Museum Employee Researches Crocodiles In Belize
Sara Horwitz, the research coordinator at the Children’s Museum in West Hartford, recently returned from a month-long trip to Belize, where she joined the Crocodile Research Coalition to research crocodiles. Horwitz worked with Dr. Marisa Tellez, the coalition’s executive director and founder, to further understand the crocodile, an experience she is bringing back to West Hartford through the museum’s new animal research club. The club, designed for students in first grade through fifth grade, begins on Feb. 26.

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