Belize News Daily, 6/11/2020 to 6/20/2020, Ambergris Caye

Flood forecast for June 19, 2020, 12:00 p.m.

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

The San Pedro Sun

Island businesses taking measures to deter crime during the pandemic
The COVID-19 global situation has crushed the tourism industry in Belize and with it, thousands of jobs have disappeared. As a result, a spike in crime, particularly armed robberies, has been registered on the mainland. A number of grocery stores and supermarkets have been robbed by masked men, who are taking advantage of the mandatory requirement to use a mask under the current State of Emergency. To deter any potential robberies, businesses on the mainland and on the island are now requiring customers to remove any face covering, including caps before entering the establishments.

Letter the the Editor: Open Letter to the Minister of Tourism
"I write to register my deep concern that as you are the Area Representative for Belize Rural South and the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, there has been no public address by you, the Director of Tourism and the Director of Civil Aviation on the most devastating tourism crisis to hit Belize. After 3 months, at minimum, one should have heard from your Ministry on what plans, procedures or processes are being worked on to help with a slow restart of the industry, to guide the industry on preparing for the coming difficult months and since you are the current Area Representative, to help the residents of Belize Rural South for which tourism is the core of the revenue generation for the community."

San Pedro High School graduates 139 over two days
The 2020 graduation season in San Pedro Town has so far seen brief celebrations, with only immediate family members attending the scheduled ceremonies. This was the case of the graduating class of San Pedro High School (SPHS), who were hosted via a virtual ceremony under the theme ‘Through Adversity We Strive,’ at 6PM on Thursday, June 18th on Reef TV. All 139 graduates received their diplomas and certificates earlier across a span of two days, starting on Wednesday, June 17th at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium.

Ambergris Today

Belize Prepares To Reopen - Sets New Accommodation Sector Protocols And Guidelines
As Belize's tourism industry prepares for reopening, the health, safety, and well-being of the industry, its employees, the wider Belizean community, and visitors are more important than ever, as we mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and adopt to new travel norms. Earlier today, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially released the new operating protocols for Hotels & Restaurants which will be required for Hoteliers to prepare their properties and employees as the country readies to welcome back international travelers.

US Donates Two Ambulances For San Ignacio And Santa Elena
On June 19, the United States Government delivered two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program, a U.S. non-governmental organization, to the Belize Fire Department in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The shipment was transported by the U.S. Department of Defense under the U.S. Department of Defense Humanitarian Assistance Program. On their arrival to Belize, the ambulances were immediately handed over to Fire Chief Collin Gillett by U.S. Embassy Belmopan Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Keith Gilges.

Open Letter To Minister Of Tourism: "People Need Answers"
By Andre Perez PUP Standard Bearer/Belize Rural South. Dear Minister Heredia, Since the end of March, the overnight tourism sector has had no business with the airport and land borders closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As has been reported, the tourism industry accounts for 1 in 4 jobs and contributes approximately 40% of the GDP. The residents of Belize Rural South which includes Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye can attest to the devastating and direct impact this has had on the livelihoods of thousands since March. It is getting worse with each passing week and a possible humanitarian crisis is developing.

Various Belizean Sources

Attention all San Pedro Contractors!
Please help us keep our community clean. Be proud of where you live!

Virtual Exhibition of the Gran Fiesta of San Pedro
The month of June is very special to the island residents of San Pedro. It is the month when we celebrate the patron saint of the town. Join us for a Virtual Exhibition of the Gran Fiesta of San Pedro.

Artist of the Day - Althea Sealy
Althea Sealy is first a daughter and mother. She continues to be a mother to her two daughters and a grandmother to their three children. Althea has always fulfilled her familial duties simultaneously with her employment responsibilities in the business world. She is now the manager of the downtown supermarket of James Brodie & Co. where she has worked for the past thirty-six years. During the last forty-nine years, Althea Claudia Sealy also fulfills an additional third set of duties. In the sixties, when she was eight years old, she commenced the study of Dance with the legendary modern and folk dance instructor Bob Reneau. After 'Mr. Bob' migrated to the US when she was in her early teens, she joined the Leo-Mar Dance Co. As a young adult at the beginning of the nineteen-eighties, she became a founding member of the Belize Creative Dancers.

ReefTV Father's Day Winners
Congratulations to all our Father's Day winners and sponsors!

Ambulances Donated to Santa Elena and San Ignacio
We were honored today to deliver two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program, a U.S. NGO, to the Fire Chief Collin Gillett on behalf of the Belize Fire Department. The new ambulances provide the 20,000 residents of Santa Elena and San Ignacio with access to life-saving medical care. “The United States is committed to protecting the health and safety of the Belizean people, which includes providing improved access to life-saving medical care,” said Keith Gilges, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. “Whether Belizeans face dangers from natural disasters, pandemics like COVID-19, or everyday health emergencies, the length of time that it takes to get proper medical care can mean the difference between life and death. These two new ambulances will help expand access to critical health resources for tens of thousands of people in Western Belize, saving lives in the process.”

COVID-19 UPDATE
A further 41 samples were processed today, all negative. The samples processed included those who were on the 1st flight that brought back Belizeans - they have thus been released from the quarantine facility after completing their 14 day quarantine period.

St. Francis Xavier School, Class of 2020 Graduation pictures

St. Francis Xavier Preschool Promotion 2020

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION ON COLLEGE ROAD IN COROZAL
Ground breaking has taken place for what appears to be the footprint of a pretty large construction along College Road. We were unable to verify the exact use of this new construction development in Corozal. At any rate, our blog welcomes the developers' plans and the opportunities this development will create for local employment. All the best of luck and success.

Job opportunity at Caves Branch
They need a Guest Services/Front Desk Agent.

Bullet Tree Falls River Rising
Photos...

Belize Releases New Protocols & Guidelines for the Accommodation Sector
As Belize's tourism industry prepares for reopening, the health, safety, and well-being of the industry, its employees, the wider Belizean community, and visitors are more important than ever, as we mitigate the risk of Covid-19 and adopt to new travel norms. Earlier today, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officially released the new operating protocols for Hotels & Restaurants which will be required for Hoteliers to prepare their properties and employees as the country readies to welcome back international travellers. These enhanced health and safety protocols for hotels have been approved by the Honourable Jose Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and will serve as the foundation for addressing the new health and safety challenges presented by Covid-19.

US EMBASSY CHIEF PRAISES GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE RESPONSE TO COVID19
Chargé d'affaires, US Embassy to Belize who returned to Belize 14 days ago. He left the country for non-life-threatening but urgent medical care in the United States of America. On his return he praised the government’s and the people of Belize for our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In commenting on the subject Gilges said: “It was ironic for me that I had to go back to the States to the city where the number of cases was still increasing, rather than stay in Belize. So absolutely, I was excited to get back here because the risk was far less. So, I think we can really applaud the government and the people for how they've responded, really responsibly, to the point that I think there are fewer cases here than, I think, anywhere else in the hemisphere.”

Belize Legend : Nukuch Tat
One of the most important Guardian spirits for the Yucatec Maya of Belize is the Nukuch Tat(singular) Nukuch Taato'ob(Plural). It is believe the Yuumstilo'ob created them to maintain the balance between humanity and Nature. The Nukuch Taato'ob are the earth guardian spirits of four cardinal points. The Nukuch Tat is the Maya guardian spirit of the forest,animals and humans. The Nukuch Tat is also known as Balam(Báalamo'ob), Tata Duende, El Dueño del Monte and Nukuch Yuum. Some Yucatec Maya continue asking the Nukuch Taato'ob permission before enter the forest with a prayer. For better crops the Yucatec Maya of Belize during agricultural rituals do Ch'ookob (Maya holy food),Balche (Maya holy wine) and prayers which are given as offerings to the Nukuch Tato'ob.

BELIZEAN YUCATEC MAYA LEGEND: El DUEÑO DEL AGUA
Between our Northern Yucatec Maya communities of Belize there is the legend of a water Guardian known as El dueño del agua or Tzukan. This spirit is discribed as a huge snake mostly seen in the Noh Ucum(Rio Hondo). Some say the Tzukan guard the rivers,Cenotes,Swamps and even wells. Some have discribe them to have wings also.

El Dueño del Agua and los Dueños Dueño del Monte
The Yucatec Maya of Belize believe the Yuumstilo'ob created the world and that every aspect of life happens because of them. Also that they created spirits to be guardianes. For example the los dueños del Monte Nukuch Taato'ob (Tata Duendes) also known as Balames are earth guard spirits. The Nukuch Taato'ob (Balames) protect the forest, animals and Humans. One of the least known spirits is El dueño del Agua also known as Tzukan which is described as a huge snake which is responsable of bringing water to the swamps and rivers. Want to know more of these guardian spirits ? Follow us tonight.

GarinaJahz Band Concert
Adrian "The Doc" Martinez invites you to view, sing, and dance with the GarinaJahz Band on 21st, June 2020. The concert will be televised on Belize's Channel 7, "The Nation's Station" at 6:00 pm. Lots of great music and DYNAMIC featured artists. DON'T MISS IT!

Channel 7

Can A French Drain Save Beaver Dam?
When we left you last night, the Cayo District was an island, cut off from Central Belize after the approach to the Beaver Dam Bridge was washed out, and cut off form the south due to multiple flooding events on the Hummingbird. Well, much to the relief of dozens of commuters and busloads of westbound travelers, the Western Highway was reopened at about 10:00 last night. This afternoon we caught up with Ministry of Works engineer Lennox Bradley and Zone Engineer Irving Thimbrel for a recap of what they're calling an extreme event that crippled one of Belize's major roadways. This was the scene today as rush hour traffic moved across the one-lane makeshift crossing leading to the Beaver Dam Bridge. It's an uneasy balance, rock and rushing waters, and it's being maintained by constant vigilance with the hope that it will hold for as long as it's needed. This afternoon we made the crossing to travel to Belmopan where the Ministry of Works chief engineer told us how we got here:

Cops Controlling Commuters, Swimmers And Paparazzi
And while Bradley and Thimbrel may be the heroes of the hour, they are singing the praises of the police without whom they could never have worked so quickly. Yesterday at the scene, we heard from Western Regional commander Linden Flowers who spent the day on the road putting limits on commuters, swimmers and paparazzi. "The police role is to preserve law and order and preservation of property that's what we're doing out here this morning is to ensure that no citizen is harmed in this situation that arose where the road collapsed. Our patrols were here very early this morning because we had the experience of the night rain so Roaring Creek police responded."

Roadways Turned Into Riverways
That Police presence was needed throughout the flood zones where frustration was high and traffic was extremely slow. And in our conversation with the Ministry's zone engineer, we got an overview of yesterday's desperate situation across the George Price, Hummingbird, and Coastal Highways. Irving Thimbrel, Senior Executive Engineer, Central Zone Engineer, MOW: "Spanish Lookout is because of the swelling of the river. That bridge was built as a bridge that can function even though water go over it. It's not something that we want to encourage, but it was design that way and I think it was done in collaboration with the Mennonite community, so I think it was a project that brought together the Mennonite community and the ministry of works. So from time to time that bridge would flood, but we have 2 bridges, up and down stream that will allow people to still access the Spanish Lookout area. We have the Pino Cawich bridge in Roaring Creek and we have the bridge at Bullet Tree Falls, so when we had that 100 year flood some years ago, people were still able to access Spanish Lookout..."

A River Runs Through It - Every 20 Years
Now, as you heard, the engineers don't know if this is a one in 25 year flood, or a one in 100 year flood - or something in-between. Well, how about, one in 18 years? Our archive shows that the last time the bridge washed away was on June 21, 2002 - and, almost exactly eighteen years later, the approach washed away on Thursday 18th June, 2020. After that epic washout, a completely new, 200 foot bridge was installed in September, 2003. It was designed and built here in Belize at a cost of 2.4 million dollars, and, at the time they said, it was designed to last a century. The quote from the then engineer was that it was "designed to be above the highest recorded flood level..." And the bridge does remain intact, and the eastern approach is what was undermined in Thursday's floods.

BDF Boat Unit Saves Stranded On Sibun
And the floodwaters didn't only undermine the approach to the bridge, they also caused server flooding in nearby communities, extending from Frank's Eddy to Belmopan. Franks Eddy is where the BDF's Special Boat Unit was deployed today on a search and rescue mission. They had to rescue tow civilians who were stranded across the flooded Sibun River. Across turbid waters with strong currents, the rescue went seamlessly and the SBU personnel brought the stranded men safe to shore.

Repatriates Return In Numbers
The most packed flight since March 23rd touched down at the P.G.I.A. this morning. It was a United Airlines flight out of Houston, the state from which patient 21 returned on Saturday. So, officials from the Ministry of Health had to be fully engaged and in effect, setting up screening booths to process all 44 repatriates. The new protocol is that samples are taken on arrival, before they are whisked off to mandatory 14 day quarantine.

Tomza Got Taken, Twice
On Wednesday, we told you about that armed robbery at the Gas Tomza Butane depot, located at mile 1 and a half on the George Price Highway. The men stole $185 in cash, and all snatched two cell phones. Police captured them as they were fleeing, and recovered the stolen loot. Those 2 men have been identified as 24-year-old Robert Michael Spain, a fisherman of Coral Grove in Belize City, and 39-year-old Clive Gerald Hendrix, a resident of Pickstock Street who has had numerous run-ins with the law.

65 Complaints From BDF Intake 65
As we told you three weeks ago, the investigation into allegations of misconduct in the BDF Training Company has concluded. The Special Investigative team looked into allegations of misconduct, extortion, maltreatment sexual assault and sexual advances in the BDF's training company. They found a long list of complaints and irregularities in the training of Intake #65 - including 65 written complaints. And today at Price Barracks, the BDF's Senior Command discussed lessons learned from the report and what happens next with actionable complaints of a disciplinary nature:

BDF Searching For Sexual Harassment Solution
And so while there is now a sexual harassment policy in place, and internal disciplinary charges will follow for the complaints, does the BDF need a more thorough probe to unearth a long history of anecdotal reports which point to a culture that abetted of sexual harassment? Reporter: "Isnt it in the best interest of the BDF to make an inquiry based on what this investigation suggested?" BDF: "I think what we can do in order to gain that information is to find a mechanism to actually attract the data, so whether it's by survey or we going individually to these camps like when we do these presentations to highlight some of these issues to try to get that information. That may be a possible course of action that is something that we are willing to do, a venture we are going to undertake eventually."

Creating A Culture Of Accountability
And, one of the changes that will be made is reinforcing the concept that abuses by senior officers can be reported without penalty, and that those officers are accountable. It's called week Zero - to focus on the first week that recruits will be in training. We asked the General about it today: Brigadier General Steven Ortega: "In my point of view there is no place for abuse of any form. So the week zero is a sign so that the initial recruits coming in as soldiers will actually have a chance to understand the culture of the reporting process, so if they believe they've been abused, aggrieved in whatever manner, they understand the process all the way up to my level and beyond and so they know that they have a way out in terms lodging a complain."

Soldiers Scolded For Quarantine Escapees
We also asked the BDF Commander about those escapes that happened at 2 quarantine centers: 1 in Corozal and the other in Dangriga. Last month, the Belize Coast Guard caught 3 Mexicans illegally fishing in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. They were supposed to have been quarantined for 14 days at the ITVET building in Corozal, but somehow, all 3 escaped. Then as we told you, 4 Belizean border jumpers escaped a few days ago from the Chiste Garcia Stadium in Dangriga. Fingers were being pointed at the BDF, and so, we asked the commander to address those cases dereliction. Here's that conversation:

Soldiers Locked Down After COVID Contact
The press also took the opportunity to ask the head of the BDF about reports that soldiers recently had to be placed recently placed in quarantine. He confirmed today that 4 soldiers have been in isolation for over a week now. That's after they came in contact with patient # 20, down in Toledo. That's the female, Belizean border jumper, and there was concern that maybe, the soldiers were exposed to the virus through this patient. The General said that it was done out of an abundance of caution:

COVID And The American Mind
And as that story shows, the fear of COVID is real and far reaching - and that "abundance of caution" dictates almost every move by public officials in Belize. But, not so in the US. In many states, that caution has been thrown to the wind, and many businesses, beaches and bars have re-opened, despite still rising COVID cases in more than 21 states. 121 thousand Americans have died, and some projections say that by September, that figure could be a shocking two hundred thousand dead. It's a staggering figure, and, yesterday, we asked the US ChargÃ© d'Affaires how that scale of loss messes with the American national psyche:

US Didn’t Stop The Swabs
And what hit many Belizeans personally is the report in late April that a shipment of specialised swabs for COVID testing had been held back by US customs. This kind of dovetailed with reports that the US government was seizing exports of personal protective equipment, respirators, surgical masks, and surgical gloves.

Will US Send Deportees In Time Of COVID?
Another aspect of US public policy that could interfere with Belize's COVID status is its policy on deportation. For example, if the US sends back Belizeans from US Deportation centers and they have COVID, it could cause chaos. If it sounds far-fetched - it might not be. That's what Guatemala says happened over there with what is being called the "vuelo maldito" which deported sick migrants to Guatemala from the U.S. on March 26. Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei has blamed the US for deporting people knowing they were sick.

Shared Culpability For Brutality?
And, finally, we had a tough question for the ChargÃ©. Yesterday he spoke about how the Black Lives Matter matter movement has informed his policy direction at the US Embassy in Belize. He also said he wants to have a talk with Belizean interests who have input on this polarising issue. But, what about the role the US has played in enabling the Belize Police Department - which faces many allegation of brutality?

An Ambulance From Heroes
Earlier we told you about the 45 repatriates who came back into the country, but that wasn't the only thing coming out of the airport today. A special flight by a a C17 military aircraft from Charleston Air Force Base in the US barrelled down the runway at the PGIA this morning. Onboard were two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program to the Belize Fire Department for deployment in San Ignacio and Santa Elena.

Refugees In Cultural Context
Tomorrow will be celebrated as World Refugee Day. In its annual commemoration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is asking Belizeans for a little more compassion towards the Central American Immigrants. The UNHCR says that in the Americas, quote, "Hundreds of thousands of people from the north of Central America have fled their homes in search of safety, a number that has soared in the past five years now reaching 720,000 worldwide. Thousands of them have fled to Belize in search of safety and a place to rebuild their lives away from violence and persecution." End Quote.

The Meaning of Garina Jahz
Sunday is Father's Day, and a group of Belizean musicians from the Garina Jahz Band has organized a concert to celebrate Belizean dads. They say that they want to do something pleasant for honorable men, whose sacrifices to look after their children can sometimes go unnoticed. This evening, the organizer and one of his fellow musicians told us via zoom why you'll be able to enjoy the music, even if you aren't a dad. Here's that conversation: "My name is Richard Pitts, and I am the founder of the Garina Jahz Band. The band plays music that's a fusion between Garifuna genres, whether it be paranda, punta, along with jazz. We'll be doing a show this Sunday, on Channel 7, starting at 6 p.m."

A Warning From A Ras
It's been a minute since Belize has heard new music from Ras Indio, but the Reggae star is back this time with his brother Nkrumah Obi to bring us a new single that's as ominous as it is upbeat. This week Indio released the lyric video for Warning, a song inspired by what he says are the perils of the times we're in. We caught up with the Ras in Belmopan where he sang us a few lines from the track.

This Weekend's Flood Forecast
At the top of the new we told you about flooding and the highways. Well, the National Hydrological Service reports that many riverways are still rising and a flood warning remains in effect. Flood levels on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas are rising. The New River at Tower Hill and Caledonia is above normal and rising. On the Macal River, reservoir levels remain above the spillway at the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca facilities. At San Ignacio, water levels are above the low-level bridge.

A Safe Future For Hospitality
The Belize Tourism Board has a new list of Guidelines which it hopes that Hoteliers and restauranteurs will abide by. This new protocol is for when the Airport eventually opens up, and tourists start coming back to Belize. It has the stamp of approval from Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., just in time to respond to his political opponent, who sent him a letter accusing him of having no plan for the recovery of the tourism industry. We'll tell you about that letter shortly, but we start first with the protocol.

Andre Vs. Manuel
And while that provides some leadership to the tourism sector, Andre Perez, the PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South, is calling out Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia for appearing to have no economic recovery plan for his San Pedro and Caye Caulker voters. Today, Perez sent an open letter to Heredia to remind him that the residents of these communities and the rest of the tourism sector are waiting for details on how the industry's recovery will work.

Channel 5

Third Flight Arrives with Belizean Repatriates
Belizeans trapped overseas are returning home in a trickle via the ongoing repatriation exercise being led by the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and National Security. This afternoon, a United [...]

Belizean Remains in Custody Pending Charges for Smuggling Guats into the Country
So far, there have been twenty-two confirmed cases of COVID 19 in the country. The latest case involves one of three Guatemalans, who was busted for illegal entry into Belize, [...]

Why were Guatemalan border jumpers released and sent back?
As we said, patient twenty-two is a Guatemalan border jumper. He and two other Guatemalan men and a Belizean were detained over the weekend at a checkpoint in Unitedville Village, [...]

Broken Highway Repaired
Waters have now receded and traffic is flowing on both the George Price and Hummingbird Highways. Incessant rains and the force of flood waters damaged the highways, rendering them impassable [...]

House of Representative to meet in Belmopan this coming Friday
The House of Representatives meets this coming Friday in Belmopan; at its last sitting in March the House dealt with legislating the State of Emergency which now expires at the [...]

Construction of Controversial PG Service Station is Halted
In the south, a stop order has brought to a screeching halt the construction of a service station at the entrance of Punta Gorda Town that is the subject of [...]

Opposition Leader Explains Resignation from National Oversight Committee
Last week on June tenth, Opposition Leader John Briceño officially resigned from the COVID Nineteen National Oversight Committee. The committee was formed when the novel coronavirus pandemic broke and was [...]

BDF to implement Sexual Harassment Policy
The Belize Defence Force says that plans are already in place to address some of the internal wrongdoings outlined in the investigation into the allegations at the training company. Today [...]

BDF says there is no rape culture; but will further investigation be conducted among other units to determine this?
Now this plan, comes on the heels of a number of allegations in the training school and more recently following an allegation of rape for which Sergeant Margarito Pop was [...]

BDF General says the Force wants to recruit more women
During today’s interview, the Commander also spoke about the direction the B.D.F. is moving. He acknowledges that times are evolving and things need to change, now that may sound like [...]

BDF investigating escape from quarantine facility in the south!
And finally on the topic of B.D.F for tonight, the press also took the opportunity to ask General Ortega about the issue of the border jumpers escaping from quarantine facilities. [...]

Bar Prepares to Challenge JLSC Over Legality of Decisions
The Supreme Court has been operating with a chronic shortages of puisne judges but an attempt to fill the void through new appointments is meeting challenges. That is because recent [...]

Tape Boss Wants His Reputation Back After Social Media Faux Pas
You may know him on social media as Tape Boss, but tonight Roderick Wade is trying to clear his name after a crude joke on Facebook backfired on him. Several [...]

Rasheed Coffin On Bail After He Was Remanded For Having Sexual Intercourse With A Minor
An eighteen year old youth is out on bail two days after he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison for having sexual intercourse with a minor. Attorney, Oscar Selgado [...]

Kenroy Gomez fined for Stealing Pork Chops
A man who was caught walking out of 88 Shopping Centre on Central American Boulevard on Thursday with three pounds of pork chops which he ordered and did not pay [...]

Alleged Tomza Robbers appear in court
Two men were arraigned today for the brazen Wednesday evening robbery of Gaz Tomza on the George Price Highway. It is alleged that Robert Spain and Clive Hendricks, armed with a weapon, [...]

National Met Service says some sun but also rains to come!
As you heard earlier, flooding has affected the western and southern parts of the country and it is anticipated that up north, flood levels on the Rio Hondo at Blue [...]

Fire Service gets ambulance for EMT service!
The National Fire Service is getting ready to pilot its emergency medical technician services in the west. As a part of its preparation, the Fire Service received two ambulances; a [...]

Happy Father’s Day from Opposition Leader
This coming Sunday, fathers will be honoured in a number of ways with cook-outs, cards, gifts and other forms. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June and [...]

Amandala

Floods cause crisis on George Price Highway!
The heavy rainfalls over the last few days have led to serious flooding on the George Price Highway, in the vicinity of St. Matthews Village, and on the Hummingbird Highway, in the vicinity of St. Margaret’s Village. The flood waters have brought travel between Belize City and Belmopan to a halt, as water has eroded a part of the George Price Highway — causing an “uncrossable” split; and travel to Dangriga from Belmopan has also been affected, due to a broken culvert in St. Margaret’s Village.

Terminated NICH staffers are alleging victimization
On Tuesday, June 16, the National Institute of History and Culture (NICH) issued a press release confirming that it has terminated 6 percent of its work force. Citing the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the NICH release explained that the organization would try to retain most of its staff. Yesterday, however, another picture began to emerge in relation to the terminations at NICH. Four of the terminated NICH staffers penned a press release detailing how their termination came about. They alleged that their termination has nothing to do with the financial difficulties facing the institution, but is as a consequence of more sinister motives by the NICH president, Sapna Budhrani, against whom they made blistering criticisms, describing her management style as “autocratic,” and their termination as a “farce.”

Family of 4 escapes from Dangriga quarantine center
Today on the government podcast Ask the Experts, Dr. Marvin Manzanero shared the disturbing news that a family of four had escaped from the quarantine center in Dangriga. The family returned to the country from Honduras and they were expected to be swabbed and were to remain under the mandatory 14-day quarantine at the Russell Chiste Garcia Stadium that is being used as a quarantine center in that municipality.

Citco collaborates with Public Health to combat dengue
Mayor Bernard Wagner and the City Council, in collaboration with the Public Health Department, have stepped up to conduct city-wide spraying in an effort to combat the anticipated spread of dengue fever, due to an increase of mosquitoes in the city because of the rains. Councillor Delthrude Hylton, Councillor responsible for Public Health, said that she was disturbed by the amount of mosquitoes in the city, especially in the mornings and evenings, and she noticed that there was no spraying to deal with the mosquitoes.

Guatemalan illegally in Belize is 22nd case of COVID-19
The 22nd case of COVID-19 has been detected in Belize, and the infected person has been identified as a Guatemalan national, who came into the country illegally. He was found by police at a roadblock in Unitedville on Saturday. Police handed him over to the Ministry of Health in San Ignacio, where he was swabbed, after which he was taken into quarantine in San Ignacio.

Butane prices higher than necessary?
he ongoing feud between former gas importers, Gas Tomza, Z Gas and BWEL and the Government of Belize has been heightened by Monday’s announcement of an increase in the price of butane. The Belize Bureau of Standards sent out a press release noting the thirty-eight cents increase, which has now brought the price of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) to $2.64 per wholesale gallon, $4.24 per retail gallon in urban areas and $4.34 per retail gallon in rural areas. Subsequent to this announcement, the disgruntled former importers quickly issued a joint statement classifying the act as an “exploitation of the Belizean consumers by the monopoly importer, NGCL (National Gas Company Limited), with connivance and concurrence of the Government of Belize.”

CJ Benjamin and JLSC violated Bar president’s constitutional rights
Last Friday, Acting Chief Justice Michelle Arana handed down a ruling in the civil claim brought by the former president of the Bar Association of Belize against former Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, and the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC). In the oral ruling that was issued virtually, the Acting Chief Justice ruled that the constitutional rights of the then president of the Bar Association, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, S.C., were violated when she was barred from attending meetings of the JLSC.

CCJ hears DPP’s appeal of Calaney Flowers murder acquittal
This morning, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) heard oral arguments in the Crown’s appeal of the murder acquittal of Calaney Flowers and will deliver its judgment at a later date. The hearing was done virtually via Skype. Appearing on behalf of the Crown was Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, S.C. Attorney Anthony Sylvestre from the law firm of Musa and Balderamos represented Flowers. Belize is the only country in the Commonwealth jurisdiction which mandates that murder trials be conducted with a judge sitting alone. Murder trials by a judge sitting alone are optional throughout the rest of the Commonwealth.

Two Chunox men charged for kidnapping, raping girl, 14
A 14-year-old girl was raped in Chunox. Yesterday, two men from Chunox were charged in connection with the offense. Manuel Yacab, 28, a laborer, was charged with rape and kidnapping, while Ergil Josemar Pat, 18, also a laborer of Chunox, was charged with abetment to rape and kidnapping. The men were charged after police concluded their investigation into the rape of the girl, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 9.

Boy, 10, fatally hit by butane truck
Steven Torres, a 10-year-old Libertad student, was knocked down by a butane gas truck this morning while he was riding his bicycle, in the course of doing an errand for his family. As a result, he suffered massive head injuries and died immediately after being knocked down. Yuri Arnold Lucas, 39, the driver of the truck, who is a resident of San Joaquin, Corozal District, told police that he saw the little boy riding his bicycle in front of the truck, and he pulled to the left side of the road to overtake the boy, but the boy also pulled to the left side of the road to avoid a pool of water on the roadside, and that was when the truck hit him.

Editorial: Something isn’t right at the Port
Most businesses in Belize and the world have been suffering financial losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so no one would be surprised if Port of Belize Ltd. is seeing lowered profits or is operating in the red. The company, which was taken over by the Belize Bank in 2012, and has been in receivership since, recently told its employees that business is down and as a consequence it would be reducing their salaries. The employees of the company who are members of the Christian Workers Union (CWU) responded that before accepting a reduction in salary they needed Port of Belize Ltd. to open its books and show the managers of the CWU its financial statements.

Black lives matter
Dear Publisher, My daughter Melody, letting her voice be heard and showing respect, including, on her poster, a picture of your book cover and quote. The struggle continues.

A doctor talks about being sick with COVID-19 — as told to Amandala columnist, Colin Hyde
I am a 58-year-old doctor, black, with underlying conditions, and for the last two weeks gong on three, I’ve been fighting the COVID-19 virus. I don’t know exactly where I caught it, if it was at work or while socializing with members of my community. Theories abound, but all I know is, for the last two weeks I’ve thought about nothing but life and death. In a way I thought it was inevitable that I would catch this virus, partly because my profession leads to a lot of exposure; and I’m in a high-risk group. I can’t say that I had great fear of the disease. I’ve always been pretty daring, and I thought inwardly about getting over with it, once and for all. Present data suggests it’s here to stay, and it was in my mind that it might be good to gain immunity. Present data on immunity notwithstanding, the bottom line is that I caught it.

“The system is not broken; it was constructed to marginalize black people.”
The notion of a post-racial America with the election and the selection of Barack Obama to the presidency was always a lie. Yet, because of the powerful allure of hope among black folks, many of us salivated at the symbolic image of power. As the mass protests continue across the nation, Los Angeles and the state of California is exhibit A in how much the black community has taken two steps forward and three backward in all spheres of economic, political, and social progress. As I have pointed out in the previous commentary, Los Angeles illuminates the receding black political, social, and economic influence within the city.

A Boom Here; a Boom There
I recently heard a snippet of instruction in the virtual education classrooms that opened after the traditional ones closed due to COVID-19. The presenter was explaining the origin of the word “Boom,” the name of a village in the Belize District. As I’ve said, I got just a bit of the lesson and may have missed out on some preliminary information, like the source of the narrative, and whether it was a history lesson or an English lesson. The way the word “boom” was drawn out made me think it might have been a lesson in phonics. That no mention was made of the other chain booms (at St. James’ or at Haulover), further reduces the likelihood that this was a lesson in history.

Independence for Belize in the midst of disputes ….
The very busy year of our Lord, Nineteen hundred and eighty, had ended with the marriage of Jewel’s brother Alvin to Julia Sabal on Saturday, December 20th, in the Anglican parish church, although the bride had been christened Roman Catholic, like her father and uncle before her, the small wedding reception taking place in Lucille and Abel’s flat, followed by a two-week honeymoon at a hotel in the capital of the Western District, compliments of Nurse Pauline and her husband.

The Sky Whispers
It is truly an encouragement to behold how quickly the nation, Belize, has submitted itself to the necessary saving restrictions on personal freedom required by Corona. All around us, thousands have been plagued by the deadly virus. We have had only twenty confirmed cases, with merely two deaths. The nation, the people of Belize, has really proved to this world that we treasure our existence and life in this temporary time… and we are capable of submitting ourselves to the discipline that is obligatory for future triumph.

The apathy of the Belizean people
As I put to paper my thoughts, there is a downpour outside as rain washes away the filth over the old capital city and simultaneously washes away accessibility to the roads going west and south of the country. The floods are here, and the multi-million-dollar George Price Highway and Hummingbird Highway are caving in with just one heavy rainfall. The southern part of the country is inaccessible to the northern half from Cotton Tree Village, in the Cayo District, upwards. A culvert at Saint Matthews Village has collapsed and a portion of the road is being washed away.

Musings by the Curious Nonconformist
Maya Angelou performed her adapted version of Paul Lawrence’s poem, “We Wear the Mask.” Her rendition is named ‘The Mask’: We wear the mask that grins and lies. It shades our cheeks and hides our eyes. This debt we pay to human guile With torn and bleeding hearts…

Until a person is not superior and another inferior, it is war! – Bob Marley
Dear Editor, The Belize National Security Strategy 2018 – 2020, states: “Our national vision is for a Belize of peace and tranquility, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life”. This is definitely a political goal. I will focus on Belize’s murder rate as the predominant index of living in harmony and a high quality of life of the Belizean populace. I view the security force, in particular the police, as an agent and a reflection of the political leaders’ demeanor.

Better to be safe than sorry
Dear Editor, The more we study the virus, the more we are convinced that the face masks are most important, plus washing of hands and social distancing, to avoid the pandemic. In the beginning, I blamed the WHO and CDC for discouraging people from using the masks because they were fearful that there would not be enough for the frontline workers.

Alejandro Vernon asks questions
Dear Editor, A gas station is being constructed within Punta Gorda (PG) Town limits. The private property belongs to Augusto Mak, a resident and holder of other properties within Punta Gorda. We do not know whether the builders complied with the following: a) submission of an application to the Punta Gorda Town Council; b) submission of an application to the Public Works Dept.; c) submission as well of an application or paperwork to the Ministry attending to gas stations; and d) the undertaking of a process to bury the tanks (as is required within the town limits).

What speaking to my daughter about George Floyd taught me about my race privilege as an African
Editor’s note: Stephanie Busari is a Supervising Producer at CNN. She is based in Lagos, Nigeria where she leads multi-platform coverage. LAGOS, Nigeria, Sat. June 13, 2020 (CNN)– “Why didn’t you tell me, mummy? I’m so upset!” “Tell you what?” “About George Floyd.” My heart skipped a beat. My daughter is nine, and I had hoped to shield her from the brutality of that video.

Breaking Belize News

Hurricane season “paused” by Saharan dust from Africa
After a frenetic start to what is expected to be an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, […]

Belize Defence Force engages in search and rescue
The Belize Defence Force today engaged in a search and rescue operation in the Frank’s […]

Belize Assembly for Persons With Diverse Abilities pleads with Central Prison for urgent medical care to save paraplegic inmate’s life
The Belize Assembly for Persons With Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) is pleading with the Kolbe Foundation, […]

Belize creditors organize as government requests Superbond deferral
According to Reuters, Belize’s bondholders led by Grantham, Mayo, van Otterloo & Co. LLC and […]

U.S. Government delivers two ambulances to Twin Towns for emergency response
Today, the United States Government delivered two ambulances donated by the Virginia Emergency Services Program, […]

Reservoir level remains above spillway at dams; Flood warning remains in effect
The National Hydrological Service has issued a flood warning for flood-prone areas. A decrease in […]

Educators and historians speak of returning Black history to U.S. classrooms
An African proverb quoted by Dr. Assad Shoman in his seminal “13 Chapters of a […]

Sitting of House of Representative to be held next week
The Government of Belize has informed that there will be a sitting of the House […]

Police Association’s new board pledges to promote unity
A total of 1,032 police officers cast their votes yesterday to elect a new managing […]

George Price Highway between Belmopan and Belize City reopens
Authorities have informed that the George Price Highway between Belmopan and Belize City is now […]

Blogs

Mini Shipwreck Adventure
When it comes to world-class snorkeling, Belize ranks high. The Caribbean Sea and barrier reef offer blue crystal waters home to a large variety of different species of fish, coral, and other marine life. There are many great tour companies to book your snorkel trips and a wide variety of boat options. Everything from catamaran, pontoon, and speed boat. However, sometimes you just want a simple fun free option especially if you are on a COVID-19 budget. Also a fun easy option for families. This self-guided snorkeling tour lets you enjoy the underwater world without a boat. All it takes is a dock walk and your imagination to enjoy this amazing underwater world.

How to Explore the best of San Ignacio, Cayo
Most people who visit Belize head straight for the offshore cayes or even to the coast of the Placencia Peninsula. It’s easy to see why, but Belize offers much more than beautiful beaches. For those who enjoy wandering off the beaten path, here’s how to explore the best of Western Belize with the lively San Ignacio town. Being an inland region known for its rolling mountains, acres of lush forest and colonial-style neighbourhoods, the Cayo District is well familiar with eco-tourism. Meanwhile, San Ignacio has become the favourite starting point for anyone who wants to explore the wilder side of Belize. Here are the top recommended things to see and do in San Ignacio.

WHY COROZAL BAY BE SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT TRIP VACATION
There isn't much to see or do in Corozal Town. It's mostly just a stopping point for weary travelers. However, it sits on the shores of a pretty, quiet bay with amazing turquoise-blue water that is officially the Bay of Corozal Bay. If you want to split hairs, the small bay just off Corozal Town could be considered a separate entity from the larger Bay of Chetumal that it sits in. If you've just come from Mexico, you can take a day or two to walk around town and marvel at the difference between Mexican culture and Belizean culture.

Must-Do Water Activities in Belize
Sometimes you want to spend your holiday flopped on the beach. Sometimes you want to get fired up with adrenaline and spend your holiday adventuring. Whilst Belize offers both, if you’re looking to rev up your water activities, then this is for you. Belize is home to the second largest Barrier Reef, which stretches 185 miles along the coastline. This reef is the perfect playground for the underwater adventure lovers. Diving and snorkelling, sailing and kayaking, kitesurfing and parasailing; many of Belize’s biggest thrills can be found under and on the water. Here are some of our favourite aquatic adventures to get the heart-rate up.

Belize introduces Gold Standard Recognition Program for Tourism
As Belize’s tourism industry prepares to reopen for tourism, the health and safety of the country is more important than ever to mitigate risk of COVID-19. To meet these challenges and expectations, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is launching its Gold Standard Recognition Program for the hotels alongside the country’s national tourism guidelines. These new protocols are focused on enhanced hotel and restaurant cleaning practices, social interactions, workplace policies, and standard operating procedures while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience. Furthermore, the 9-Point Program will enhance tourism industry health and safety standards by adopting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both travellers and employees are confident in the safety of Belize’s hotels and restaurants.

International Sources

The Guardian: The end of tourism?
The pandemic has devastated global tourism, and many will say ‘good riddance’ to overcrowded cities and rubbish-strewn natural wonders. Is there any way to reinvent an industry that does so much damage? By Christopher de Bellaigue. This is a very interesting article from the UK Guardian newspaper, basically concluding that it’s time to re-invent tourism. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Large plume of Saharan Dust heading for Florida
Something big is brewing in the tropics. Thankfully, it has nothing to do with tropical development, but instead, a big cloud of dust! This large plume of dust, often referred to as African dust or the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), will engulf much of the Atlantic basin in the coming days as it heads east toward the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and eventually Florida. The highest concentration of Saharan dust is now over the eastern Atlantic after originating from the Sahara Desert a few days ago.

Airlines ban alcohol on planes in response to Covid-19
Alcohol sales may have boomed during lockdown, but our return to air travel will be an altogether more sobering experience. Airlines including Easyjet and KLM in Europe, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in the United States, and Asia's Virgin Australia, are suspending all or part of their alcoholic drinks service in response to Covid-19. It's part of a widespread revision of the industry's food and drink service to minimize interaction between crew and passengers and to ensure a safer journey for all. With face masks already mandatory on pretty much all flights around the world, and new legislation introduced in January 2020 to curb anti-social behavior on flights, it's another in a line of barriers -- literal and legal -- to getting high in the sky. Many airlines are limiting drink options to water only.

Simone Biles Casually Nails Another Astonishing Move In Training
Blink and you may miss Simone Biles’ latest astonishing move in training. The greatest gymnast of all time nailed a triple-twisting double back off the balance beam in a video she shared online this week. “Sometimes I flip and what not,” she casually captioned the clip.

Videos

CAYE CAULKER ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION CERRMONY, 69min.

SECOND HALF OF THE CAYE CAULKER ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION CEREMONY, 71min.

Without Belize's three dams flooding could have been a lot worse says BECOL CEO, 3min. Aside from causing the rise of water levels downstream near San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Becol’s flood alert also spoke of the watersheds on the northern and eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. According to Becol’s CEO without the dams the flooding could have been a lot worse.

Hand Line Fishing, 2min. The Video features fishing in the nearby mangrove formations and shallows. Onboard is our dedicated team who have all the tips on how to enjoy a good day of fishing .First to hunt sardines using throw nets and then heading out to our favourite spots to pull in some fresh snappers for dinner.

Webinar “Emergency Planning for Tour Operators”, 48min.

Uncovering COVID-19: A Channel 5 Special (Episode 11), 90min. Tonight's Guest is Lord Michael Ashcroft

Running W Meats - Fathers Day Specials, 12min. If you're having a cook-out this weekend Running W Meats has some great packages to satisfy all the meat lovers in your life. Terrence Rhaburn, Marketing & Sales Representative, talked with us about combo package, "The Griller's Delight." The packages are being sold at $85.00 each and consists of choice cuts of steak and ribs.

The University of the West Indies Open Campus Belize, 29min. The University of the West Indies Open Campus Belize has new leadership and she's a Belizean woman! Dr. Sharmayne Saunders has been appointed as Head of the UWI Open Campus Belize. We talked with her about her vision for the institution.

The National Gas Company - Update, 41min. The National Gas Company is an initiative to operate a state-of-the-art Liquefied Petroleum Gas facility in Belize. Gilbert Canton is the Managing Director of the National Gas Company. We invited him to our show to discuss the objectives of the company and the resulting issues for the wider local industry.

Despierta Belice June 19 2020, 90min.

Scuba divers find themselves being checked out by curious sharks, .5min. These sharks have come to check out some divers on Lighthouse reef, near the Great Blue Hole in Belize. They venture close, giving an intimidating look into their eyes and at their menacing teeth, but they don't consider the humans a source of food and they are in no danger.

Public Consultation for Port of Magical Belize, 3hrs. New Cruise Ship Port known as Port of Magical Belize discussion. Cruise Terminal 6km south of the Sibun River

Backpacking Belize | Caye Caulker, 2.5min. Wer als Backpacker in Belize unterwegs ist landet fast zwangsläufig auf der Insel Caye Caulker, die im karibischen Meer vor Belize liegt. Caye Caulker gilt als das Backpackerparadies und hat einige Highlights und Sehenswürdigkeiten zu Land und auch zu Wasser zu bieten. Aber auch abseits dieser Trauminsel ohne Strand hat Belize einiges zu bieten. Mayatempel, wirklich entspannte Menschen & tolle Tauch-Spots haben uns auf unserer Reise durch das kleine lateinamerikanische Land fasziniert.

Guava Limb Restaurant and Cafe - San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, 2min.

June 19, 2020

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

Taiwan Donates Medical Equipment to Belize as the Fight against COVID-19 Continues
As the world is still struggling with the severe repercussions of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan continues to demonstrate its good will and friendship to the Belizean people by donating 200,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N-95 Masks, 500 infrared forehead thermometers, 2,000 protective clothing, 4,000 isolation gowns, 2 automatic nucleic acid (PCR) analyzers, 720 PCR testing kits, and 10,000 nasal swabs to support the Government of Belize in its endeavors to contain COVID-19. This donation is valued at BZ$1 million.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Friday, June 19th Meal Pick ups. Location: Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Ambergris Caye Fishing Guide Association meets
THE AMBERGRIS CAYE FISHING GUIDE ASSOCIATION committee met yesterday and have decided to help out its members who are currently in a dire situation due to the pandemic which we are experiencing at the moment and have been without work for the past three months! So through this medium and also we will be calling personally all of our 85 active members aswell , we are notifying all our members that there will be a general meeting at the hol chan assembly hall at 6:30 pm on Friday 26th of June, which at the same time we will be handing out food packages to all our members!

Public Consultation on the Upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway
Join the Belize Department of the Environment - DOE for a live stream of a Public Consultation on the Upgrade of the Philip Goldson Highway. Questions can be submitted during the live stream via the Belize Department of the Environment - DOE and Government of Belize Press Office Facebook pages, Zoom https://zoom.us/j/97666916410 or Whatsapp 628-9052. Rules will be announced before and during the public consultation.

Release by four NICH staffers that were laid off
The “protection and promotion of all forms of tangible and intangible culture” is vital to our country and a major contributor to the lives of Belizeans and our foreign visitors. Our country is experiencing an unprecedented health and financial crisis due to COVID19 and many Belizeans have lost their jobs while some are struggling to meet daily needs under greatly reduced wages. We were not under the illusion that NICH would be spared, but to ensure that the Arts and Culture remain a vital part of our economy, we were prepared to endure the financial storm.

Commercial garbage waste pickup changes in Corozal Town
Special Notice to all our Business Operators in Corozal Town. Kindly be informed in the change of schedule for the collection of commercial garbage and waste.

Notice by the Corozal Town Council
The CTC is offering a 20% Discount on Property Tax payment this Monday 22nd June and Tuesday 23 June, 2020 Take advantage of the savings you can make my making your payments on these dates. Online payments can also be made. Our Offices are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. visit us or call 480-20772 for more information.

Artist of the Day - Alex Jordon Howard
Presently Alex offers his service as a fitness trainer however, he plans to become an entrepreneur, owning his own business. He has been dancing since he was a young teen and has gained dance and stage experience over the years. He pulls on these honed skills and is now a trained dancer always willing to share and motivate others. Alex's dancing roots was with the Nu Generation Dance Company (NGDC), which was Belize’s premiere Hip Hop company. There, he quickly became a lead dancer. Alex was with the NGDC for over 5 years...

Multi talented artist Beverly Orio
Our Art & Soul series showcases another talented Corozal artist. We are literally brimming with talent! This week we are delighted to feature multi talented artist Beverly Orio. Beverly arrived to Belize in 1982 and like many others, never left. She is a jeweler, painter, seamstress, hat maker, sculptress and the list goes on... Married to Corozaleno Fred Orio; Beverly continues to create beautiful one of a kind peices, always challenging herself to come up with new designs.

Flood Report & Forecast June 18, 2020
REGION 7 -Flood levels on the Blue Creek Sub catchment of the RIO HONDO at Blue Creek, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas continues to fall slowly. The NEW RIVER at Tower Hill and Caledonia is above normal and steady. REGION 9 - On the MACAL RIVER, reservoir levels remain below the spillways at Chalillo, Mollejon and Vaca facilities. At San Ignacio, levels are below the low-level bridge and slowly rising. The MOPAN RIVER at Benque Viejo Town is above normal and slowly falling. On the BELIZE RIVER, levels at Banana Bank and Double Run are normal and steady. The CROOKED TREE LAGOON is below the causeway and falling.

Dams open spillways
With the consistent rains over the country in the past 24 hours, the spillways at the dams on the Macal River became active today. Chalillo started mid-morning followed by Vaca just after midday and then Mollejon a short while ago. BECOL continues to update the National Emergency Management Organization and the National Meteorological Service of the water levels at all three facilities and encourages downstream communities to listen to official advisories from the relevant authorities.

Update on Flooding in St. Matthew’s Village
The George Price Highway at Mile 38 1/2 in St. Matthew’s Village is now open to vehicular traffic. Vehicles can now safely traverse between Belize City and Belmopan.

Channel 7

Approach To Beaver Dam Bridge Washed Out, Western Belize an Island
It's a disaster, the likes of which hasn't been seen in 18 years, a washout of mile 38 on the George Price Highway - that undermined the approach to the Beaver Dam bridge and severed a main vein in Belize's transport infrastructure, cutting off east from west, and stranding commuters traveling between the old capital and the new. Work to reconstruct the split started just after 10 this morning with engineers from the Ministry of works racing to salvage the material that raging floodwaters were carrying away. Cherisse Halsall was on the scene.

Fighting Floodwaters In South And West
And while busloads of commuters wait to find out when they'll be able to return home, they're still better off than many flood victims who've had to be evacuated from theirs. That's according to the Minister of Transport and N.E.M.O. Edmond Castro who this afternoon gave us the rundown on the areas currently fighting floodwaters. Hon. Edmond Castro - Minister of Transport: "N.E.M.O. We already got the pre-assessment in terms of people that need to be, vacate their homes. This time it's a little bit worse than two weeks ago. So, we have flooding in the St. Matthews area, we have flooding in Cotton Tree, We have flooding below, We have flooding out in the South on the Hummingbird Highway...."

Tropical Depression Caused Torrential Rains
So, now that we've given you a snapshot of how the torrential rains from 2 days have affected the country, we also went seeking answers from the weather experts about what caused it and how long the rains will last. This evening, the Deputy Chief Meteorologist from the National Met Service told us via telephone that all this rain was mostly caused by a tropical depression, which passed over Central Belize late on Tuesday night. Here are his comments on that unnamed storm, which is now causing all this headache:

Fisheries Admin. Explains Lobster Price
Earlier this week we told you how lobster fishermen are hurting. That's because the season opened on Monday - but the Co-op is only paying $15 dollars or less per pound for the prized shellfish. That's less than half of the $30+ dollars that they got last year. And what accounts for the vast difference? Well, you don't need to look any further than COVID-19. The global pandemic has caused the global price for this luxury food to take a nosedive. Basically, there's low demand for lobster in New York, and that's hurting suppliers from Caye Caulker to Glover's Reef.

Police Association Elects Female-Centric Exec.
Last night we showed you footage from the elections from the police association. In what may be a record turnout, over one thousand cops voted at precincts and stations throughout the country for the 7 person executive to head their welfare body. And, by 09:30, the winner was apparent. The slate led by Sergeant Jane Usher had won any a landslide. Usher and her slate were elected with almost three quarter of the total votes. It's and impressive win, and today, the two who topped the polls, Usher - who was second with 729 votes and Sergeant Jermaine Hyde who was first with 734 votes spoke to the media about their mandate, and the job they've been tasked to do:

US Chargé d'Affaires Speaks About His Trip For Urgent Medical Care
13 days ago, US Charge d'Affaires Keith Gilges returned to Belize. That's one month after he had left for non life-threatening but urgent medical care. Today, in his first interview since returning the US's most senior diplomat in Belize told us why left, and what it's been like since his return. He spoke via zoom video conference from the Embassy compound in Belmopan where he is finishing up a 14 day quarantine:

When Will consular Services Resume? Sounds Like…No Time Soon
Gilges is scheduled to end his quarantine tomorrow with his first public and official appearance, which will be an ambulance donation at the PGIA - assuming the western highway is passable by then. And while he's eager to get out of quarantine, most Belizeans are just eager to know when the embassy will re-open for routine consular services. Students who plan to study in the US and are hoping to get there in time for the fall semester, and those who need to travel are among the many who are waiting for the embassy to open. Gilges did not have any good news for them:

Chargé Says Americans Inquiring About Belize Tourism Re-opening
And "as soon as possible" is how soon some US citizens are wanting to get back to Belize. Gilges discussed the tourism inquiries his embassy has been getting: Jules Vasquez: "What do you think is the appetite for tourism in the US market? Because opening the airport and opening it to flights is one thing but having people willing to fly at this fragile and unpredictable time in the world is another thing altogether.

Chargé Welcomes Deep Dialogue About
And, many of those Americans are eager to take a break from what has become a very stressful time in the states. Between COVID-19 - whose first wave still isn't even near ending in the US - and the George Floyd protests, the US of A is like a pressure cooker right now. And, of course, the long history of racial oppression, and police violence against black Americans in that country keeps the pressure going up. Gilges said he sees this as an opportunity for real change:

Fired NICH Staff Stikes Back
On Monday, NICH laid off 12 of its staffers, 6% of the total staff. In a release the Institute explained that its government subvention for June was cut by 40% - and, with that, it had to commence layoffs, which include prominent senior staffers such as former Theatre Director, Karen Vernon, former Coordinator of NICH's Film and Media Arts Unit Suzette Zayden, and former Creative Industry Development Officer. Jackie Castillo. Now, the former staffers say that their disappointment at the handling of their terminations is an understatement.

UDP Looking At a July Convention
COVID may have overtaken national life, but this is still an election year - and the UDP still hasn't picked a leader to lead it into the next election. WE don't have to remind you about the ruling party's abortive leadership convention at the start of this year. Reports now are suggesting that the Party has decided on a date for its next leadership convention.

Drug Plane Hovered Near Hondo
Earlier this week we told you about the drug jet that landed in Mexico, close to the Rio Hondo, and very close to Belizean territory. It had been trying to land in Belize, but turned up in Mexico. By the time the Mexican law enforcement got there, all the drugs were gone, and they only found another of those old HS-125 jets. Yesterday the police commissioner told us that they are aware that the planes keep tracking over Belizean airspace:

FFB Fight Continues
Two days ago, we showed you the press conference held by Earl Jones, the General Secretary of the Football Federation of Belize. He was responding to a group of football stakeholders who are trying to remove FFB President Sergio Chuc and his executive members from office. They say that he isn't doing a good job as the top football executive. As we've told you, Chuc and his executive team will be seeking re-election at the next FFB Congress, which is scheduled for July 4th. During his 1st term in office as President, we've heard very little complaints about Chuc's leadership.

Cop Commits Suicide
We don't often report on suicides, but tonight is one of those exceptions. 27 year old Police Constable Jerman Millian was found hanging in his room early this morning. He is attached to San Ignacio Police Station - and was on interdiction for 8 counts of carnal knowledge going back to September of last year when he was accused of having unlawful sexual relations with a 13 year old. He was to have appeared in court today for the Preliminary inquiry into this case - we are told.

Flood Warnings in Effect
As we showed you at the top of the news, flooding and highway washouts on the Hummingbird and George Price highways have cut off the west and left it like an island. Tonight, NEMO's latest advisory says Flood warnings remain in effect for Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek and parts of Toledo district. The public is being advised to avoid travel on secondary roads in the rural areas, and in particular, on the George Price Highway between Belize City and Belmopan, which is projected to be opened between 10:00 p.m. and midnight.

Channel 5

A Portion of the George Price Highway Caves Due to Pressure of Flood Water
Staggering rainfall that lasted for some twelve hours caused intense flooding overnight in the western and southern parts of the country. By this morning, sections of the George Price Highway [...]

Families Displaced by Flood Waters
The water levels at the Macal River and Mopan River rose significantly; while the Belize and Sibun River was beginning to rise this afternoon. A number of families were displaced [...]

Flooding Disrupts Traffic on Hummingbird Highway
Heading south, on the Hummingbird Highway, the water levels rose to dangerous levels. Construction work had to be halted and commuters heading into the Belmopan area could not make their [...]

Accident & Emergency Wing of the Western Regional Hospital Flooded
The Accident and Emergency Wing of the Western Regional Hospital was also flooded today in the capital. This morning, images surfaced on social media of water flushing through that portion [...]

Flash Flood Affects Buena Vista Villagers
In the west, flash floods also affected the area near Iguana Creek where the water was rising. Near the village of Buena Vista Village, roads there were rendered impassable by [...]

Opposition Leader Says Dean Barrow’s Signature Accomplishments Breaking Apart
This afternoon, Opposition Leader John Briceño said that his party is reaching out to all affected families in order to provide some sort of assistance to get them back on [...]

John Briceño Questions PM’s Wisdom on Treasury Notes Offer
On Wednesday, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight confirmed to News Five that Belize applied for a loan through the IMF at the eleventh hour and is at number eighty-eight on the [...]

John Briceño Says G.O.B. Kicking the Can Down the Road
Opposition Leader John Briceño also criticized the government’s move to request from bondholders to defer and capitalize the August interest payment of the superbond. If the bondholders agree to the capitalization, [...]

Four Terminated NICH Workers Respond to the Firings!
Four of the recently laid off employees of NICH are tonight responding to their firings announced on Tuesday of this week. NICH laid off twelve members of staff on the [...]

U.D.P. Leadership Convention Will Take Place on July 12th
In political news, there is now word that the U.D.P. leadership convention will take place on Sunday, July twelfth, less than a month away. The previous, very lavish convention in [...]

NEMO & Village Council Sound Off on Bella Vista Flooding!
Back to the flooding…another community further south also experienced heavy flooding. Reports coming out Bella Vista on the Southern Highway are that several homes began to experience flooding as early [...]

Flooding Continues in Northern Villages!
So, as you heard so far there is flooding along the George Price, Hummingbird and Southern Highways. But moving north, there has been flooding for over two weeks. Several villages [...]

A Tropical Wave Caused the Heavy Rains!
If you’re wondering what pushed all the rains over Belize in the past twenty-four hours, the National Met Service says it is just a tropical wave. These usually cross the [...]

National Met Service Says Some Sun But Also More Rains to Come!
If you’re wondering if that is it for the floods, the Deputy Chief Meteorologist says you may want to be vigilant and keep informed with the latest weather updates. But [...]

Jane Usher is New President of Police Association
At nine-thirty on Wednesday night, the final ballot was counted and Sergeant Jane Usher emerged victorious as the new president of the Belize Police Association. Her slate of fellow officers [...]

Jermaine Hyde Tops the Polls to Become Vice President
Newly-elected vice president, Sergeant Jermaine Hyde, topped the polls with the most votes garnered. Despite the accomplishment, he says that it was all team work and described the campaign effort [...]

P.L.B. and F.F.B. Candidates Come Forward with Football Concerns
The Premier League of Belize is holding elections for a new executive committee this Saturday in Belize City and, much like any other form of electoral politics; allegations are being [...]

New Blood at F.F.B. or Same Ol’ Same Ol’?
Former financial officer Doctor Eugene Cleland is offering himself as a candidate for vice president of F.F.B. He is Onan McLean’s running mate. He too admits that there have been [...]

Healthy Living: Helping Students Cope with Back to School
Two weeks ago, we reported the increased anxiety levels recorded by mental health and medical professionals in Belize. This week, our senior students have all reason to be anxious as [...]

LOVE FM

Floods affect various areas of the Cayo District
Going even further west, our Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz went to find out how the residents were being impacted. Here is his report.

Major flooding damages George Price Highway
The rains and the spillover of the dams – it is the perfect recipe for the floods out west and parts of the south. As we noted the flooding scenario began as early as six to seven o’clock this morning.

Cops burglarize woman’s home
A woman of Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District reported that her house was broken into and ransacked by police officers. According to Maude Blancaneaux the incident occurred at around 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon when she left her house to go out with her two children.

Breaking Belize News

Dam spillways active as flood threat continues
For what may be the first time ever, spillways above the three hydroelectric dams on the […]

NEMO says George Price Highway may be open to traffic around 10:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Astrum Helicopters The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) informs that a flood warning remains […]

Belize Electricity Limited prepares for possible hurricane season power disruptions
Today, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) assured customers that the company is taking all steps possible to […]

Major highways affected by heavy rains
The Ministry of Works has issued a notice to the general […]

Inter-American Development Bank rolls out Beyond Tourism Innovation Challenge
In response to the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic has done to tourism within Latin […]

World Health Organization welcomes preliminary results on using dexamethasone to critically COVID-19 patients
Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it welcomes clinical trial results from the […]

National Hydrological Service issues flood warning advisory; levels at Vaca and Chalillo dams above spillway
The National Hydrological Service issued a flood warning advisory today. Moist and unstable weather conditions […]

National Institute of Culture and History responds to terminated staff release, wishes them well
The National Institute for Culture and History (NICH) has responded to accusations made by four […]

Ministry of Works advises that access to portions of George Price and Hummingbird highways have been cut off
The Ministry of Works issued an advisory that due to the heavy rains during the […]

UDP leadership convention set for July
The United Democratic Party’s (UDP) disrupted and delayed convention to elect a new leader to […]

NEMO issues flooding advisory, urges citizens to stay home
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) informs the nation that due to excessive rainfall occurring […]

Worldwide Crocodile Day commemorated
Annually, June 17 is celebrated as World Wide Crocodile Day. The day is set aside […]

Santa Martha bridge impassable
Several sources have confirmed to BBN that the Santa Martha bridge in Cayo is currently […]

George Price Highway caves in near St. Matthews
Reports to Breaking Belize News (BBN) are that a portion of the George Price Highway […]

Blogs

When will Cruise Tourism return to Belize?
Though August 1 was previously announced by Carnival, hopeful passengers are still on standby to book their next cruise. “I wish I could give you a date (for a resumption of cruising), but we can’t, because it’s a regulatory matter,” says Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald. “I learned a long time ago not to try to forecast regulatory dates.” The CDC has issued a no-sail order for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters that will expire on July 24, but is expected to be extended. Meanwhile, authorities in many other countries from Canada to Australia have put cruise tourism on hold for the time being. Additionally, capacity restrictions, deep cleaning, social distancing and other preventive measures are just a few actions expected.

10 Reef Safe Sunscreens you should be using while in Belize
Your flights are booked and you cannot wait for your Belizean adventure. And as you begin to pack, there is one thing you will definitely need for your Caribbean escape – sunscreen! But which should you buy? The seemingly harmless, often white and milky liquid that you apply on your face for sun protection isn’t actually all that good for the environment—especially the ocean. Sunscreens containing the ingredients oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene are believed by marine scientists to contribute to coral bleaching, a phenomenon that causes coral polyps to expel algae that live inside their tissues.

International Sources

Belize creditors organize committee to address payment moratorium request
Investors holding Belize's sovereign US dollar-denominated 2034 bonds said in a statement late Thursday they formed a creditor committee to address the government's request for a six-month interest payment deferral due to the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acknowledging the impact of the pandemic on its tourism-led economy, the committee said that it looks forward to discussing the situation and the economic pressures that are constraining its capacity to "service full coupon payments in the near term."

Videos

Flooding damage around the country Wednesday, 7.5min. A portion of the George Price Highway caves in near Saint Matthew's Village.

Flood waters under Sibun Bridge, .5min. Footage sent to us by a viewer shows flood waters rushing under the Sibun Bridge.

Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School Graduation Mass, 60min.

Hummingbird Highway near the Sleeping Giant, .5min. As the rains continue countrywide, floods prevail and have covered certain parts of the highway. Travelers are asked to drive carefully during this time.

Work on George Price Highway where road caved in, 7.5min.

Adorable baby puffer fish drifts over the coral in Belize, 40sec. Puffer fish come in many shapes and sizes. Some, as in this case, are tiny little creatures that are no bigger than a quarter.

The First Yucatec Maya museum in the Corozal District, 8min. U Kúuchil Maaya Úuchben Ba'alob (A place for old things Maya) in Cristo Rey Village. A little Chat with Nojoch Mak Faustino who Yam is a retired educator and a member/spiritual advisor for the NGO To'one Masehualoon.

June 18, 2020

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

Mosquito situation on the island prompts residents to consider aerial spraying of malathion
As the rainy season continues, islanders are now battling the issue of mosquitoes, which has been worsening over the past weeks. Although the Department of Health on the island began fumigating malathion a few weeks ago, the continuous rains have not helped the situation. Residents are concerned about the potential outbreak of vector-borne diseases like Dengue, Zika, or Malaria, and a group of them have pitched the idea of aerial spraying over the island to tackle the mosquito problem.

Local tour operator is beautifying San Pedro Town during lockdown
The team from Xsite Belize Sailing and Adventures, a tour company on Ambergris Caye, has been busy beautifying different areas of San Pedro Town. While the island and country have gone into slow mode, the team has been painting the side of easements/alleys, streets, and public buildings with the sole purpose to keep San Pedro fresh, beautiful, and welcoming. The beautifying initiative is headed by Tammy Lemus of Xsite Belize Sailing and Adventures, who along with members of her staff and other volunteers have managed to transform several areas of the town core that seemed abandoned and needed some polishing. Lemus said that since the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the tourism business, they thought this project would keep them busy, and make the island look more beautiful for locals and visitors in the meantime.

Real Estate group joins San Pedro Roman Catholic Church in assisting islanders with food
The San Pedro Roman Catholic Church on Ambergris Caye has taken it upon themselves to assist families affected by COVID-19 with essential food items. The church has been doing so every Saturday through their facilities in the San Pablo Subdivision and at the Lions Den in the downtown area. This assistance has been possible thanks to many organizations that continue to donate towards the cause. One of them is the RE/MAX Real Estate Group and RE/MAX Belize, who recently gave 4,000lbs of rice and beans.

Ambergris Today

Dengue And Malaria Concerns Increase Alongside COVID-19 In Belize
Although Dengue deaths have not climbed to alarming numbers in Belize, last year there were 10 reported deaths in the country. With the astonishing rise in the number of mosquitos in Ambergris Caye and the country, Belizeans are calling the Ministry of Health to provide relief through the spraying of malathion. As if the COVID-19 pandemic and the active hurricane season are not alarming enough, there are other issues that Belize is looking at, including malaria and dengue. Health specialists in Yucatan, Mexico just indicated there there are now cases of COVID-19 patients also infected with dengue. They are calling the condition ‘Covidengue’. Both viruses can coexist in a single patient and when presenting some similar symptoms, they can be confused and pose a more serious health risk and death rate.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Thursday, June 18th Meal pick ups. Location: Hibisca. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Heavy Mosquitos on Ambergris Caye
I finally figured out why the mosquitoes are so bad. It’s been bugging me! (Pun intended) She thought it might be because all the resorts are not spraying. I think she’s 100% correct. We used to spray all the time at Capricorn to control them. The coast line is basically all resorts. I’ve been here 14 years and never have I seen mosquitoes like this. At least now it makes sense.

Appliance Disposal
When disposing of washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, coolers etc., please remove the doors to avoid any accidents with children.

Vol 6. of Dive Into Tourism
Vol. 6 of “Dive Into Tourism” is now available!

Way Back Wednesdays! East Frieze of El Castillo
Take a look at the a portion of the East Frieze of El Castillo Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve during excavation and conservation. Located in the San Jose Succotz Village, in the Cayo District, "The Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Lady" is just a ferry ride across the Mopan river. After crossing the ferry and trekking up the steep hill, sitting at a looming 130 feet in height, you will encounter Structure A6, also known as "El Castillo", housing the stucco frieze on the eastern side of the building. This stucco frieze is believed to describe stories about Maya gods and details about Maya creationists stories.

OAS internship Program
Great Opportunity! Closing Date July 12th, 2020

Raffle June 26 for Relief for Belizean Families
Here is a great cause on the island... @Yamilett Tzib has been working very hard to raise money for the many needy families on the island. Recently she is helping victims of a recent flood on the mainland, and she is having a raffle on June 26th, at 6:00 p.m., with a huge list of great prizes - but best of all - your donations go right to the hands of families in Belize.

Artist of the Day - David Matus
David A. Matus is a carnival costume designer who has been in the Belize Carnival scene for over 23 years. He has created countless costume designs to represent Belize both locally and internationally, in carnivals, and in pageantry. David has taken part in several international carnivals. In 2014 and 2018, he was named Senior Designer of the year for Belize carnival. He is presently the Vice President and one of the lead costume designers for the Titans Mas Band.

Belize Hotel Association – Philip Goldson International Airport Re-Opening Survey
On Friday, June 12, 2020, the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) conducted an online survey where all 69 BHA hotel members and an additional 71 hotels were asked about the re-opening date of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). Please note that these 140 hotels produced 80% of the entire accommodation revenue for the country of Belize. The survey also asked about their view on having precautionary policies and procedures prior to the opening of the PGIA, to identify potential Covid-19 carriers and prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Belize. Of the 140 hotels requested to complete the survey, 68% responded. The survey has confirmed that 98% of the respondents are of the opinion that the PGIA should be re-opened, provided that a specific set of protocols and policies can be obtained and put in place.

Belizean to be Charged for Immigration Offense
On Friday, June 12, 2020, a team of police officers intercepted a vehicle with four persons, three of whom were Guatemalan nationals and the other a Belizean, at a routine checkpoint on the George Price Highway near Unitedville Village. The men were taken to the San Ignacio Community Hospital to be swabbed for COVID-19 per the Ministry of Health's protocol. The Guatemalans were taken to the Western Border where Immigration issued them an Order to Leave and ensured they went across the border. The results were made available late in the evening of June 16th and yielded a positive case for one of the Guatemalan nationals. The Guatemalan authorities were notified of the one positive result.

Belize Announces Request for Interest Capitalization
The Government of Belize today announced its intention to seek the consent of holders of Belize’s U.S. Dollar Bonds due 2034 (the “Bonds”) to the capitalization of interest payments falling due on the Bonds through February 20, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Belize’s economy. In recent years, Belize’s tourism industry accounted for approximately 60% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings; however, tourism has collapsed due to the rapid deterioration of worldwide economic conditions and the lockdown measures imposed by many countries, including Belize, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Preliminary indications are that Belize’s real gross domestic product will contract by as much as 18% in 2020.

Flood Report & Forecast - June 17, 2020
On the Macal River, reservoir levels remain below the spillways at the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca Facilities. In San Ignacio, water levels are below the low-level bridge, but they are slowly rising. The Mopan River at Benque Viejo is above normal and slowly falling. On the Belize River, water levels at Banana Bank and Double Run are normal and steady.

Belize Real Estate Firm Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
Congratulations Ambergris Seaside Real Estate on your 20th anniversary! Ambergris Seaside Real Estate is a renowned real estate agency in the town of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, dedicated to offering its clients unparalleled support. Ambergris Seaside Real Estate has been in business since 2000 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. "We are excited to announce our 20th anniversary as the island’s most dependable and trusted real estate firm. We have seen a lot of changes in the 20 years we have lived on the island, yet through it all we have remained committed to excellent client service. We are sure that you will love Belize as much as we do. We offer professional and personal service to help you find the home, condominium, or property of your dreams and we can also help with various real estate services including surveys, inspections, property listings, closing services, and more," said Joshua Buettner, owner and broker for Ambergris Seaside Real Estate.

National Institute of Culture and History - Cost-Saving Measures
The economic fall-out caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic has drastically reduced the revenue streams of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) to almost none. The current primary source of Income is the subvention by the Government of Belize. NICH instituted cost-saving measures as early as March 2020. During that phase, NICH commenced reducing all expenditures that may have been considered non-essential, and in April and May NICH reduced Programmatic and Strategic Expenditures by approximately 95% of previous periods. Even though we were at reduced expenditures, we still managed to assist over (14) fourteen artists (including bands) with an honorarium for their performances during that period.

NOTICE FROM ATLANTIC BANK - CAYE CAULKER BRANCH
Attention All Customers. Atlantic Bank- Caye Caulkrer Branch advises that effective Wednesday June 17th, 2020 the Bank's opening hours to the public will be amended to 8am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. We WILL REMAIN CLOSED ON SATURDAYS until further advised. Thank you.

BTB Introduces: Official protocols and guidelines for the Accommodation Sector
As Belize's tourism industry prepares to re-open, the health, safety, and well-being of the industry, it's employees, the wider Belizean community, and our guests are more important than ever, as we mitigate the risk of Covid-19. To address the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by Covid-19, the Belize Tour-ism Board (BTB) is launching its Gold Standard Recognition Program for hotels alongside the country's national tourism guidelines. These new protocols are focused on enhanced hotel & restaurant cleaning practices, social interactions, workplace policies and standard operating procedures, while ensuring minimal impact on the guest cope hence. Join us as we outline this 9-Point Program which seeks to enhance the tourism industry's health and safety standards, by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure both employees and travelers are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize's hotels, restaurants and other amenities.

The Maya Mopan Resource Center got a touch-up
The Maya Mopan Resource Center received a touch of love from volunteers! BAY would like to thank all those who came and gave a helping hand. At this resource center, we offer services of printing, tutoring, and a comfortable area to complete assignments. Feel free to stop by and see how you can utilize the services provided. We look forward to meeting you!

Current opening hours for libraries
Opening Hours for Branch Libraries: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on Saturdays. Patrons are asked to kindly practice social distancing, Sanitize hands before entering the libraries and wear a face mask at all times or entry will be denied. Thank you.

The Freed Permit South of Punta Gorda
Written By: Wil Maheia to the supporters of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV). Organized fly fishing came to Punta Gorda (PG) about twenty years ago. At that time, it was not yet a major industry or a major sport in PG. The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) had just been established around this time. Together, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and TIDE worked hard to conserve one of the most biodiverse marine areas known today as the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR). Located north of PG, the PHMR was heavily hunted for manatees and was overfished with gillnets, a destructive weapon that harvested and killed a lot of fish and by-catch. To find a more sustainable alternative to the gillnets, TNC and TIDE worked hand-in-hand with the fisherfolks in search for a better solution.

The Inspiring Story of Zahvia by Ronelli
Meet and greet the talented Ronelli Requena, 26 years old from San Ignacio Town, Belize. A self-taught designer and has been designing custom pieces for the past five years. After pursuing her degree in Biology and taking a few more "serious" jobs, I realized that an 8-5 just wasn't for me. I wanted to build something for myself, and make room in my life for more creativity and imagination. I took a huge pay cut and made the decision to become my own boss. I started off sewing on the dining table in my mom's kitchen, and have grown into now having my little studio area, where I get to create and bring pieces into life for both my clients and for fun.

Art Class with Hilberto Trujillo: Landscape using Perspective Drawing
Inviting children ages 10 -15 years who would like to improve their art skills. Program begins Friday July 3rd. Kindly message, call 422-0071 or visit us for more information and registration.

Channel 7

10 Year Old Run Over By Butane Truck
A family in the north is destroyed tonight after their ten-year-old son and nephew was crushed to death in a terrible traffic accident. It happened on a quiet village street when Steven Torres was running an errand, but he never got home. Cherisse Halsall tells us why. This morning just before 10:00 in Libertad Village, 10 year old Steven Torres was riding this bicycle on one of the village streets, when he was run over. The culprit is this Lucas Butane truck, driving by 39 year old Yuri Lucas from San Joaquin. The driver says he was overtaking the bicycle just as Torres swerved to dodge a pool of water in the road.

COVID Case #22, A Guatemalan Border Jumper
Belize now has confirmed case #22 of the coronavirus in Belize - and this time it's a Guatemalan border jumper out west. He was caught entering the country illegally - through the western border on Saturday. He was swabbed as soon as he was taken into the quarantine centre at the Victor Galvez stadium. That quarantine centre was holding the most persons; up to yesterday there were 32 in total, and 22 of them are Guatemalans. So, that's a lot of people who could have been exposed and the contact tracing exercise has started. The facility was full to above capacity and only got some breathing room yesterday when police took 15 of them to court.

Cops say BDF To Blame For Those Who Slipped Out of Southern Quarantine
As you heard, there are concerns at the Western Quarantine facility. But there are also concerns about the south where four Belizean border jumpers escaped from custody at the Chiste Garcia Stadium. They arrived in the country form Honduras last Wednesday and went missing shortly after that. Yesterday, the Director of Health Services, pointed to law enforcement, saying it is the job of the BDF and the police to secure those facilities. Today, the commissioner said it is not:

Tall Task Of Keeping Border Jumpers Out of Belize
And while keeping border jumpers in facilities is proving to be its now kind of challenge - after all, we have seen escaped in the north and the south - what about keeping them out of Belize altogether. The land, sea and river borders are vast and porous - but the commissioner says they are making strides in keeping the jumpers out: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Well I don't think that there is anything that we can do to fully stop them. I know you would know that I have made visits to the various points and we had put things in place with a few to deter these borders jumpers from coming in to our country..."

Belizean Facing "Harboring" Charges For Smuggling Guats
At the top of the news, we told you about the situation out west, where three Guatemalans were intercepted, and they were being driven by a Belizean. The Commissioner said the driver would also face charges, and now a press release has been issued to confirm that. It came out minutes ago and says, quote, "On Friday...a team of police officers intercepted a vehicle with four persons, three of whom were Guatemalan nationals and the other a Belizean..."

BHA Asks For August Airport Re-Opening
Two weeks ago we told you about the BTIA's support seeking poll for the re-opening of the PGIA. It got them nowhere in terms of a consensus and in fact, served drive a deep rift in the organization - with many big members resigning. Tonight, we have the results of a new but similar poll, this one from the Belize Hotel Association. And over the weekend they asked their 69 members and an additional 71 hotels whether the PGIA should be re-opened provided that a specific set of protocols and policies can be obtained and put in place. Their results were overwhelmingly positive with 97% of respondents supporting an August 1st reopening with the provisions that rapid testing be available and protocols in place. This evening BHA President Ted Tejada advocated for that re-opening but with a limited number of flights.

Belizean Zacahary Knox Killed By Brother in Memphis Murder/Suicide
Last night we told you about reports that 23 year old Zachary Knox was killed in the US. Knox made the news in Belize as a 19 year old back in 2016, when he was convicted of shooting after then assonant commissioner of police Chester Williams. But, after serving 6 months, he apologised to the Commissioner and he went back to the states, where he was from. And that's where he met his demise in Memphis, Tennessee on Monday night in a murder - suicide where his own step brother pulled the trigger. His sister told us about the young man's terrible end today. She said he had gone home:

Cops Catch Tomza Robbers
There was a robbery this evening at the Gas Tomza compound in Belize City, located at mile 1 and a half on the George Price Highway. Fortunately, police were quick to respond, and the thieves were caught shortly after they targeted the Butane depot. The cops are still gathering the details, and so, they have not shared any official information on it as yet. But, we understand that two thieves barged in and held up the business place. The cops were in the area, and they quickly set chase after the fleeing criminals. The responding officers had to fire warning shots, but they were able to intercept and apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen items.

Another Robbers With Bandana Masks Struck Again
And while that is one foiled robbery.over the past 2 and a half weeks, we've been showing you many successful ones, where brazen armed robbers have been entering grocery stores and pretending to be innocent customers. They have been taking advantage of the State of Emergency Regulations, which requires everyone to wear face masks as a public health strategy. Well, 7News has once again obtained footage of a robbery that occurred at around 1 p.m. last Sunday in Hattieville Village. The Q&B Store, located on Sylvestre Boulevard, was a bit busy at around that time with customers doing their shopping. All that activity allowed 3 robbers to sneak in, and catch the owner, 36-year-old Peng An Zhou, off guard.

Cops Urge Threatened Storeowners To Limit Use of Caps
The topic of thieves using the abundance of mask wearers to their advantage came up in our conversation this evening with the Police Commissioner. He told the press that police have come up with advice that they think will help to protect the business community from the criminal opportunists. Here are his comments: "You would know that the wearing of face mask really and truly help the criminal elements, but we do understand the reason why people have to wear it and so we have to look at strategies that we can implement and one such thing that we are doing is to work with the business sector with a view to see how they can monitor more closely persons who visit their establishment..."

Police Association Election Has Good Turnout
We met the commissioner while we were at the Raccoon Street Police station to get some footage of the elections for a new police association executive. Over 2,200 police officers with the rank of constable to sergeant were eligible to vote for the new executive. They had the choice of two slates, one led by the incumbent Corporal Eldon Arzu, the other led by Sergeant Jane Usher. We will have the results for you by tomorrow night, but, today, we saw brisk voting at a number of police stations and precinct offices. We asked the commissioner about the integrity of the vote:

More Thanks To Taiwan
The Taiwanese Government is once again making a very generous donation to the Belize Government in the fight against the Coronavirus. They have handed over a million dollars worth of personal protective equipment for the frontline medical workers. In his remarks at the Embassy in Belize City, the Ambassador listed the items being donated and the Minister of Health says the donation demonstrates what a will partner Taiwan is:

Police Driver Not Charged For Knocking Down "Little Feet"
Last month we told you about the tragic end of Camalote resident Roy Lincoln Vansen who was knocked down by a police mobile shortly after midnight. Vansen who suffered from a congenital deformity had led a hard life making a living by doing odd jobs for market vendors in Belmopan and often having to make what, for him, was a painful journey to work, by foot. And when he died there seemed to be no one to speak for him. No one except the commissioner and while he consoled the family he seemed to view the accident as an inconvenience.

Arenal Villagers Being Threatened by Cattle Interests
We also asked the commissioner about reports we have received that Arenal villagers are coming under threat from business interests who are determined to smuggle cattle through that border village. As we have told you - the illegal cattle trade between Belize and Guatemala - which flourished for years - has been halted because of COVID 19. There are pressures on both sides to keep pushing it through. Police have sworn to stop it - and now the villagers are coming under threat. We asked the compol about it: Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "While we have no issue with cattle or livestock moving within the country when it comes to going to the Arenal or Calla Creek area we are going to stop you..."

Compol on Sleeping Policeman
We also asked the commissioner about the footage we showed you last night of the police man caught on camera in Punta Gorda asleep on his feet. Constable Santiago Choco seems to be out of it as he stands outside a town grocery store.

Real Estate’s Reaction To COVID Crisis
Switching subjects now.earlier we told you about the Hotel Association's vote for an August first airport opening, well Belize's Real Estate brokers are also calling for that. Today their President Hugo Moguel sat in solidarity with BHA President Ted Tejada claiming that creative and practical preparations for a return to business, as usual, must be made. And while Real Estate transactions continued during the lockdown they were minimal leaving the industry like their counterparts in tourism on life support. Nevertheless, Moguel says that when it comes to real estate there's plenty of international interest in Belize.

Torrents of Rain
Viewers will have noticed the intermittent rains countrywide, which have been taking place over the last few days. Well, the bouts of bad weather are causing flooding in different parts of the country. Reports reaching 7News this evening are that the Coastal Road is inundated in areas near the Gales Point Junction, the White Ridge area, and the Hope Creek Area. In the north, residents of Guinea Grass Village are being forced to wade through ankle-deep floodwaters which are covering their roads. We were also sent images of the minor flooding happening on the road leading to Santa Martha Village, which located on the Old Northern Highway.

Filling In The COVID Contributory Gaps in Toledo
The economic hardship, caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues, with no immediate end in sight. And so, organizations and persons around the country have been engaging in humanitarian efforts to try and ease some of the sufferings of some of the poorer Belizean families. The Ya'axche Conservation Trust recently rolled out a food assistance program for Toledo families living in the Indigenous Maya Communities located in the Maya Golden Landscape. With funds provided by the European Union and the ICCO Cooperation Forest Governance Project, they distributed food baskets to 150 needy families in that part of the country.

The Butane Ware of Words Continues
Last night, we showed you the press conference that attorney Audrey Matura hosted on behalf of her clients, the Central American LPG companies: Gas Tomza, BWEL, and Zeta. She took the opportunity to harshly criticize the Barrow Government and the National Gas Company about the two recent price increases for cooking gas. Well, the National Gas Company, which is the only licensed importer of butane has sent out yet another release calling out the 3 Central American companies on the points made by their attorney yesterday. Matura is demanding transparency on behalf of Belizean customers about how exactly the importer and the government regulator come up with the prices that you have to pay for your BUTANE.

Woman Caught With Five Pounds Weed
Tonight, 44-year-old Maria Antonia Ramirez, a Naturalized Belizean of San Joaquin Village in the Corozal District, is facing the prospect of a drug trafficking charge. That's after the cops caught her trying to board a water taxi with over 5 pounds of marijuana. At around 9:24 a.m. yesterday, police acted on Special Branch intelligence and conducted a search a water taxi vessel belonging to the San Pedro Belize Express. All passengers and their luggage were searched for illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition.

Woman Charged For Gun Possession
And while that woman was caught with drugs, in Camalote a woman has been arrested for possession of an unlicensed weapon. The discovery was made earlier today when Police searched the home of Cordia Hernandez. And there inside one of the bedrooms they found a black 9mm pistol loaded with one magazine containing eight live 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition.

Channel 5

Belize Seeks Relief on Payment of Super Bond
It is no secret that the Government of Belize is in dire financial straits due to the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. On June fourth, government, in an [...]

Belize’s Tardy Application for IMF Loan in COVID Times
A number of countries, including Jamaica, have received loans from the IMF at significantly low interest rates. Belize is on a lengthy waiting list for a loan of thirty-eight million [...]

Disbursement of COVID Relief Funds are Only Trickling in
The payout of loans applied for by government from various international financing institutions, including the Inter-American Development Bank, I.D.B., has been sluggish owing to the many processes that are undertaken [...]

Guatemalan Caught Illegally Entering the Country Test Positive for COVID-19
On Tuesday, the twenty-second case of COVID-19 was detected in Belize. While this is a new case, patient nineteen has recovered. Now, patient twenty-two is a Guatemalan border jumper, who [...]

Guatemalans Ordered to Leave the Country, But Who Gave the Order?
The Guatemalans, however, did not remain in the quarantine facility because on Sunday they were whisked away to the western border. Reports surfaced that the Belizean, who was caught with [...]

Belizean Charged for Immigration Offense
A few minutes ago the Government issued a press release on the matter of the three Guatemalans who entered Belize illegal. It confirms that the men were arrested at a [...]

B.H.A. Releases Results of Airport Reopening Survey
The Belize Hotel Association has released the results of a poll it conducted over the weekend and as much as ninety-seven percent of those who participated in the poll are [...]

Airline Arrivals Down to 15 Per Week Upon Reopening of P.G.I.A.
In order to reach the largest number of its membership, B.H.A. began its survey on June twelfth. The hotels, based on the results, are willing to take necessary measures to [...]

B.H.A.’s Survey is Different from B.T.I.A.’s
Is there an overlap between the recent poll conducted by the B.T.I.A. and the hotel association’s survey? According to Tejada, only the core membership of B.H.A., those businesses that are [...]

NICH Terminations: How Will It Impact the Creative Arts Industry?
Everywhere the financial crunch is being felt; at the National Institute for Culture and History, termination letters, dated June twelfth, were issued to eleven persons, including two directors as part [...]

G.O.B. Sees 50% Drop in Revenue from Tourism Shutdown
Fifty percent of government’s revenue which came from tourism has disappeared because of the COVID-19 crisis and it has been forced to streamline its expenditure in order to make up [...]

FinSec Says G.O.B. Will Meet June’s Wage Bill
Government has been struggling to meet its monthly wage bill as a result of the economic meltdown left in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The months of April and [...]

The LPG Perspective from the National Gas Company Limited
The new prices for liquid petroleum gas took effect on Monday and consumers are now paying thirty-eight cents more per gallon of butane. The former importers, Gas Tomza, Zeta Gas, [...]

Ten-Year-Old Boy Knocked Down, Killed in Libertad Village
A ten-year-old boy lost his life this afternoon after he was knocked down by a butane truck. Steven Torres was riding his red beach cruiser bicycle in Libertad Village, Corozal [...]

Robbery at Gas Tomza; Shots Fired!
Quick police response to a robbery led officers to the detention of two suspects. It happened just before four o’clock this evening at Gas Tomza Limited, which is located on [...]

Barge Remains Submerged near Caye Caulker
Last week we told you about a tugboat called “Pulla” whose barge sank somewhere between Caye Caulker and Caye Chapel. That barge, which departed Belize City last Tuesday morning en [...]

Reviving Hetzmek, a Mayan Baptism Ritual
Over the weekend a ritual steeped in ancient tradition was performed in Yo Creek, in the Orange Walk District. A Hetzmek, which is a baptismal ceremony, was held for a [...]

Scarlet Macaw, the Prized Bird in the Illegal Pet Trade
The poaching of Scarlet Macaws for the illegal pet trade isn’t new. It’s something we’ve been reporting on for about ten years – but this illicit activity may have been [...]

Preparing for CSEC 2020; Fourth Formers Return to the Classrooms
Fourth form students are preparing to sit the 2020 CSEC examinations. They have been away from school since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown and the exams had to be [...]

A Call for Nominations for Ocean Heroes
Are you the next Ocean Hero? OCEANA Belize wants you to apply today! The call for submission for the annual Ocean Hero Award is now open. The award recognizes those [...]

Police Association Elects a New President
At news time, the votes are still being counted to determine who will be the new president of the Police Association. As many as fourteen officers put their names on [...]

Taiwan Gifts Belize $1 Million Dollars in Medical Equipment!
Taiwan is stepping up big time for Belize with another COVID-19 medical equipment donation. In its latest gift, Taiwan donated a million Belize dollars in equipment and materials for hospitals [...]

LOVE FM

Young Scarlet Macaws recovering well
Five out of seven young scarlet macaws that were found with a poacher last week have survived the incident and are well on their way to being reintroduced into the wild. Reporter Courtney Menzies found out more about how their recovery is coming along.

Hotels want PGIA to reopen
Hotels in Belize are calling for the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) to be reopened on August 1, with the condition that certain protocols be in place. The Belize Hotel Association conducted a survey which polled 140 hoteliers.

Gas Tomza robbed again
Quick response from Police Officers in Belize City led to two men being detained following a robbery on the George Price Highway. Sometime after four o’clock this evening two armed men entered Gas Tomza and assaulted two workers in search of money.

Taiwan donates to Belize
Belize received a donation of Medical Equipment valued at $1 million from Republic of China (Taiwan). The donation included 200,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N-95 Masks, 500 infrared forehead thermometers, 2,000 protective clothing, 4,000 isolation gowns, 2 automatic nucleic acid (PCR) analyzers, 720 PCR testing kits, and 10,000 nasal swabs to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Breaking Belize News

Quick police work leads to arrest of alleged Gas Tomza robbers
Quick police response led to the capture of two men that robbed the Gas Tomza […]

Missing Belize City teen found
Michael McKenzie, 19, who was reported missing earlier has been found. McKenzie’s mother had asked […]

BDF soldier beaten up and robbed
A Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldier, Oscar Barahona, 19, reported to police that on Wednesday […]

Belizean to be charged for Immigration offense; Guatemalans issued with order to leave
On Friday, June 12, 2020, a team of police officers intercepted a vehicle with four […]

Mother seeks help in locating mentally challenged son
A mother from Belize City is seeking the public’s assistance in locating her mentally challenged […]

National Gas Company puts butane prices ‘in perspective’
The National Gas Company Limited ( NGC) points to an ‘apples to apples’ comparison with […]

Cayo teen reported missing
Police are asking the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Brenda Anaya from Fran’s Eddy Village […]

US actor/activist starts petition to nominate Cuban Medical Brigade for Nobel Peace Prize
American actor and activist, Danny Glover, has started a petition in the United States to […]

Belize City gas depot robbed, shots fired in police pursuit
Reports are reaching our newsroom that officers of the Belize Police department fired their weapons […]

National Hydrological Service says flood levels at Rio Hondo continue to fall slowly
The National Hydrological Service of Belize issued a report today informing that flood levels on […]

Taiwan donates $1 Million worth of medical equipment to Belize as the fight against COVID-19 continues
s the world is still struggling with the severe repercussions of the unprecedented pandemic of […]

Blogs

Lebeha Drumming Center: Learning Garifuna Culture & Art
The mystery and history of Belize’s Garifuna people are subtle reminders of the impression a small society can make within a much larger one. Belize, a robust community of cultures, continues to celebrate this alluring diversity through art. For example, the Toledo District is associated with the Maya, while Stann Creek District continues to host its thriving population of the Garifuna. While in Stann Creek, be sure to visit Hopkins for the Lebeha Drumming Center – an immersive and educational experience into Garifuna culture and art.

Belize Medical Associates San Pedro Clinic proudly celebrates its first Anniversary (June 17th, 2020)!
Although The official Grand Opening and Inauguration of the Belize Medical Associates San Pedro Clinic happened on Saturday the 7th of September 2019, our doors opened on June 17th 2019. We would like to now take this opportunity to inform you of the Medical services available at the Belize Medical Associates San Pedro Clinic. We cannot believe that a year has already passed, and we look forward to continuing to provide the best healthcare services on the island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye/ la Isla Bonita!

Belize Business Barter Exchange proposes cashless transactions on Ambergris Caye
Island resident Glenn Schwendinger, head organizer of the Belize Business Barter Exchange, mention that he wants to challenge this newly trading system as many trading system with the business without cash. He also, mentioned that in the future this newly Barter Exchanged can work by which it can be used on local goods, skills, services, and products to reach and attract new customers, move surplus inventory, and unnecessary or unneeded item. This is an opportunity to collect as much goods and assitance services in exchange. For example, a hotel or individual needs a boat mechanic service, an arrangement is made, and the work gets done.

International Sources

NY Times: House Hunting in Belize: A Private Island for Less Than $2 Million
The tiny Central American nation, which has avoided the worst of the global pandemic, is luring foreign investors with its agreeable prices.

'I Discovered a 200-Year-Old Shipwreck Off the Coast of Mexico'
live in Quintana Roo, Mexico and as I am 81-years-old, I am now retired. I was born on December 10, 1938 in the Port of Xcalak, a village around six miles from where Mexico meets Belize. It was a typical small fishing port with just a few sandy streets. You had mangrove trees behind and the Caribbean Sea in front of you, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System close by, with excellent diving. I grew up there, but had to leave due to Hurricane Janet in 1955—which destroyed a huge amount of buildings and killed many people. First I went to San Pedro, Belize for a few months and then to the island of Cozumel, Mexico. On Cozumel I continued working as a fisherman and after five years I returned to Xcalak and dedicated myself to lobster fishing.

Stunning 'priceless' Maya wall paintings reveal their secrets
Stunning Maya wall paintings have been discovered during the renovation of a house in Guatemala. Found on the walls of a house in Chajul, experts say that the paintings are from the colonial period between A.D. 1524 and 1821. The paintings, which were discovered in 2003 by the house’s owner, have been conserved by a team of experts. “The priceless paintings may represent a revival of local culture as Spanish authority waned,” researchers explain in a statement emailed to Fox News, noting that they combine indigenous techniques and motifs of Spanish origin.

Honduras sees strong demand on rare dollar bond
Honduras (B1/BB-) enjoyed strong demand on its first US dollar bond in over three years Wednesday when it raised US$600m to repay electric sector debt as part of ongoing energy reforms. Books were some seven times oversubscribed, allowing leads to land the 10-year bond at par to yield 5.625%, well inside initial price thoughts of 6.25% area. Unlike neighboring Belize, which announced an interest moratorium today, Honduras is seen better able to weather the economic fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Videos

Peter Lawrence on ReefTV, 2hr.

San Pedro High School 2-Day Graduation, 8min. Congratulations to all the graduates.

Benque Rotary Food Deliveries, 2min. Rotary International has been doing many things to serve needs during this pandemic. Each district and club around the world were encouraged to serve their communities. Here's a video on the food delieveries the Rotaractors in Benque did for Benque, Succotz, Calla Creek and Arenal. Service above self.

TZUKAN - YUCATEC MAYA LEGEND, 4min. The Yucatec Maya of northern Belize also know the Tzukan as el Dueño del agua . Our grandparents told us stories of seeing them in rivers ,swamps and Savannahs .

Don Octaviano Pott, .5min. has been instrumental in promoting the Juan Carnaval festivities that begin on a Sunday and ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. His involvement began as a young boy when his uncle was the accordionist for the carnival and his dream was to one day play the accordion at said festivities, a dream he fulfilled in later life. One upon a time, in the 1960s and 1970s, carnival was a big thing in the calendar when boys went out on the streets to paint with talcum powder any girls on the streets. Mr. Pott continues to collaborate with existing comparsas to ensure the continuity of traditional music.

Channel 5 Daily Obituaries - EARLETH THERESE ELIZABETH LINO, 2min.

International Day of Yoga 2020, 15min. International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21st, 2020. This year Michelle Williams will be a presenter at an online Alternative Yoga seminar being organized to celebrate International Day of Yoga. We spoke with her about the objectives of the seminar and the local activities being planned for Belizean yogis.

The Social Security Board (SSB) - scholarships through their an online process, 20min. The Social Security Board (SSB) is accepting scholarships through their an online process. This year they are offering 56 scholarships to qualifying students. You have to be a first year student, have the financial need and demonstrate the academic ability to complete your studies. We spoke with their representatives about the process. Chandra Cansino - General Manager Corporate Customer Relations Services, SSB. Mowava Garcia - Corporate Relations Officer, SSB.

Continuing search for a COVID-19 vaccine, 35min. What would cause a test to give a false negative? We invited Dr. Jorge Hidalgo to educate us on the science of rapid tests for COVID-19 and the progress being made to create reliable tests. He also updated us about the continuing search for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Major Eric Neal - Master's Degree Royal Military College of Canada, 20min. Major Eric Neal is making history as the only Belizean to graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Masters Degree. We had a chat with him about his success and how he sees himself contributing to the future of the military in Belize.

The Belize Tourism Industry Association of Belize (BTIA) - Update, 42min. The Belize Tourism Industry Association of Belize (BTIA) has released the results of a survey of tourism stakeholders on the issue of re-opening the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). We talked with the executives about what this means for the industry and how they are preparing for any eventualities. John Burgos - Executive Director, BTIA. Stewart Krohn - 2nd Vice President, BTIA.

World Blood Donors Day 2020, 34min. "Safe Blood Saves Lives, Give Blood and make the World A Healthier Place." This is the theme for this year's celebration of World Blood Donors Day. We talked with health officials about the importance of donating blood and the activities planned for this year's commemoration. Dr. Jorge Polanco - NCD Focal Point, PAHO. Adrian Martinez - Supervisor, Belize National Blood Transfusion Service "Blood Bank". Ronald Stuart - President, Executive Committee, Belize Volunteer Blood Donors Association.

Corozal Community College Commencement Exercises 2020, 1hr35min.

RB'S KARAOKE FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL, 2hr15min.

Mayan Ruins in Guatemala Could Become a U.S.-Funded Tourist Attraction, 15min. Deep in a dense, tropical Guatemalan forest lies the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador. It is more than 2,000 years old, but the site at the center of a current debate over who gets to dictate its future, as well as that of the surrounding jungle: local communities, or foreign scientists. On one side of the battle is Dr. Richard Hansen. An American archeologist who's dedicated much of his life to El Mirador, Hansen has been trying to build a privately-managed park in the area for the last 20 years. He says it would protect the ruins and jungle -- a UNESCO-designated forest called the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) -- more effectively than the Guatemalan state is willing or able to.

Reviving Hetzmek- A Mayan Baptism Ritual, 7min. Over the weekend a ritual steeped in ancient tradition was performed in Yo Creek, in the Orange Walk District. A Hetzmek, which is a baptismal ceremony, was held for a three-month baby girl. These Mayan ceremonies have been disappearing so the Cantun family is attempting to revive Mayan cultural practices. The Hetzmek included the presentation of items that symbolize the activities and responsibilities that the child will experience in life.

Escuela Secundaria Técnica México Graduating Class of 2020, 43min.

Video of San Ignacio in 1995 by Daniel Velazquez, 7min. VHS footage i shot in 1995, before i had any idea i would become a documentary film maker, i was in US Peace Corps San Ignacio Town, when tourism was beginning, and before wooden bridge, also my first house i rented and some of my art and architectural drawings, holy shit this was 25 years ago. 25 years ago. Before the market. Before the wooden bridge, and when the Hawkesworth was loud.

The Belize Zoo is doing night tours again!, 1min. The Belize Zoo night tours are back! Meet our nocturnal animals, including Fuzzy the kinkajou, with an informative guided tour led by a zookeeper. Available on Friday and Saturday nights by reservation only (minimum 24 hours notice). Price: $20BZ per person for 1-5 persons, and $10BZ for every additional. Contact 625-3604, or [email protected] for more information!

Blackbird Caye Resort - Turneffe Atoll, Belize, 2.5min. See the resort, view the cabanas, the beach and the dining experience. Then go diving to see the reefs, sharks, rays, turtles and more.

A little Lobster Fishing and Deep Drop Belize, 11min. A Deep Drop Day showing new Technology against old Technology catching Fish from the Deep. Also a little Lobster catching.

June 17, 2020

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

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Wednesday, June 17th Meal pick ups. Location: Happy Lobster Restaurant & Bar. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

DEATH BETWEEN THE YUCATEC MAYA OF BELIZE
The Yucatec Maya of Belize also known as Mayero or Masewal see death as a phase of human life . Death is represented by Yuum Cimil "lord of death". The Yucatec Maya believe that the soul is bound to the body at birth. Only death or sickness can part the body and soul, with death being the permanent parting. There is the believe of a place where the soul reaches after death. Before Spanish influence, the Maya may not have been a common idea of the afterlife. The Yucatec Maya believed that there were different routes after death. The Maya had several forms of ancestor worship. They built images containing ashes of the dead and brought them food on festival days.

Artist of the Day - Ernestine Carballo
Ernestine Carballo was born in Belize City, Belize on November 19th (one of the biggest national celebrations in Belize, Garifuna Settlement Day) to her beautiful parents, Ernesto and Therese Lightburn Carballo. Starting at the age of four (4) her mom would take her to ‘brams’ and ‘drumming’, it was at this young and impressionable age that the little princess learned to sing and dance on her toes. Ernestine’s dad was a popular DJ in the 70s and 80s. In 1997 Ernestine Carballo hit the stage with the first Belizean Artist Group called Young Artist Association (YAA) led by William Neal. She took training with Mrs. Brenda Armstrong in the Wesley College Choir in 1999. Ernestine was never the same after these experiences, as she always led her choir with high hitting soprano keys. Then in July 2003 Ernestine swept the entire audience all over the globe with her beautiful voice and charisma on KTV, where she won for three weeks in a row with her Alicia Keys renditions.

Ministry of Health Confirms 22nd Case of COVID-19
A further 45 samples were processed today for SARS-CoV2 as part of our ongoing surveillance. These tested samples have identified a further case of COVID-19, case #22. The case is that of a male caught entering the country illegally this past weekend and who was swabbed as part of the established protocol, in the Cayo District. Contact tracing for this particular case is currently underway and as soon as further details are known, they will be shared through the official sources of information. The samples tested also have rendered a second negative result for case #19, he is now considered as a recovered case and is being released from quarantine.

Paint N Splash
See you this week at from 2-4pm Thursday to paint Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.

San Pedro Blood Drive June 20
Be someone's hero! A single pint of blood can save up to three lives, therefore it is important to come together as a community and provide this important resource. Potential donors are reminded that they should eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, and rest well the night before.

Message from the BTIA President, Board of Directors and Secretariat to all our current and past members
Dear Members and Corporate Sponsors, The past few months have been the most challenging we have faced in our lifetime. Our tourism industry, which was once the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, is on its knees. The crisis wrought by COVID-19 has affected everyone – none of our members have been spared. BTIA is integrally involved in preparing for a post-COVID-19 future and lobbying for the best interests of members in the short, medium, and long-term. Some of the positions we have taken will please some members and displease others. Already, we have received both words of support and appreciation, as well as disappointment from others. We cannot please everyone, but we hold our heads up high that we are lobbying for the best interests of our general membership and the tourism industry.

Belize Music Industry- DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
BELTRAIDE and the Office of the Music Ambassador are teaming up to have a webinar on Digital Transformation this Thursday at 7:30pm. Date: June 18, 2020. Time: 7:30pm-9:00pm. Register: https://bit.ly/3hn8a2w. Music is evolving, but the music industry has been hit hard by Covid-19. It is fighting back with new ways to monetize music consumption and creating innovative modules via online platforms. BELTRAIDE in partnership with the Office of the Music Ambassador, the MIAB Info Page, Sector 9 Studio, and Emilio Thomas (Music Consultant) from Leo Belize Issa Rep are hosting a webinar on how artists can generate income during this current pandemic and beyond.

Virtual Exhibition of the Symbols of San Pedro
The month of June is very special to the island residents of San Pedro. It is the month when we celebrate the patron saint of the town. Join us for a Virtual Exhibition of the Symbols of San Pedro.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Oceana Ocean Hero Award
Oceana Belize is pleased to announce nominations are now open for the 2020 Oceana Ocean Hero Award. This award recognizes and celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to ensure the protection of our oceans. The award is open to individuals throughout Belize with interests in the ocean including: • Teaching and education • On-ground conservation, restoration and rehabilitation work • Project work • Private or individual research We accept Ocean Hero nominees from 13 years or older. Want to nominate someone? Click here: https://bit.ly/OceanHero2020 DEADLINE: July 31st, 2020

Channel 7

No Tourism Revenue, NICH Forced To Make Layoffs
As June ends, the financial crunch is really starting to bite, and this is apparent at NICH, the National Institute of Culture and History where layoffs have commenced. 7News has confirmed that NICH yesterday paid off and sent home 12 persons, including three senior managers from the Institute of Creative Arts. A late evening release from NICH says, quote "The Board of Directors and Management of NICH have been forced to make this decision of separating with approximately 6% of our entire staff"

Four B’zeans Escaped Quarantine in Dangriga
Last night we told you about 6 Belizeans who were unaccounted for after they arrived in Dangriga on Wednesday by boat from Honduras. They should have been swabbed and quarantined for the mandatory 14 days, but no one could find them. Well, tonight, we have confirmed that they escaped quarantine at the Chiste Garcia Stadium in Dangriga. Today on Ask The Experts, the Director Of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero announced it: "What about the 4 people who came from Honduras? We are following that up. I believe that would be the family that was reported to us that came in and apparently had escaped the quarantine facility. We got that note late yesterday and I passed it on to the management team to go back and review to see whether in point of fact that is what has transpired."

Biggest Repatriation Flight Yet Arrives On Friday
But, the number of quarantined persons is about to go up sharply. That's because 45 persons are arriving on a flight this Friday. It's a part of an incremental plan to repatriate the close to 600 resident Belizeans who have applied to return home. The first flight with repatriates carried 5 who arrived on Friday June 5th, then 12 who arrived last Friday, June 12th, and now 45 expected this Friday. Dr. Manzanero said they will set up testing booths at the PGIA: "It seems that we will have 45 people arriving on the flight this Friday. One person just arrived at the western border a little bit earlier today. That person went to a quarantine facility in the Cayo District..."

Another Drug Jet, This One Lands In Mex, Near Bze Border
A drug plane was circling the northern Corozal District last night - but it ended up landing in Quintana Roo, Mexico, not far from the Rio Hondo boundary with Belize. A report from Quintana Roo News says the plane landed on a sugar cane road near the town of "Javier Rojo GÃ³mez" in the municipality of OthÃ³n P. Blanco - which is the same municipality as Chetumal. We note that the aircraft is anotherHS-125 which is the same kind of jet that landed just outside Chunox village, Corozal almost three weeks ago.

Man Who Once Shot At Chester Reportedly Killed In US
The name Zachary Knox made big news in 2016 when the then 19 year old was accused of shooting at then Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams. He was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to 6 months in jail. Tonight, unconfirmed reports say he was fatally shot in the United States.

PG Gas Station, Seafront Saga Continues
Over the last few days, we've been telling you about contention in Punta Gorda town over a planned gas station currently under construction on prime seafront real estate. It all came to a head last Friday when a group of stakeholders came together to voice their concerns. It was a meeting that the town's Mayor Ashton Mckenzie says he didn't authorize. He informed townspeople that he preferred to postpone that meeting until all relevant authorities could be included.

The Row Over LPG, As CA Companies Stay on Offensive
Last night, we told you how the retail price of LPG, also known as butane, would be increasing by 38 cents per gallon. Well, the Opposition, People's United Party, and the major Central American LPG companies are accusing the Government and the National Gas Company of taking advantage of the Belizean customer, in these very trying economic times. The Opposition was among the first to condemn the price increase. In a scathing release, the party says, quote, "The increase in butane cost is insane and tantamount to rape." End quote.

Checkpoints In Transition
Ahead of March's Southside state of Emergency Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that the cops would abandon fixed checkpoints in hotspot neighborhoods. It's a decision that was made in light of the fact that those static checkpoints seemed to be providing a safe haven for criminals. And as we moved into the nationwide state of emergency, checkpoints have gone mobile, literally. Yesterday Superintendent Alejandro Cowo told us how. "We have checkpoints in the two main entrances to the city. The one by Manattee Lookout, we have also crossing Haulover Bridge and we have at the four miles on the George Price Highway..."

When Dengue and COVID 19 Appear Simultaneously
So far, COVID 19 has claimed two lives in Belize, but last year Dengue claimed 10. And, this year, the number of dengue infections is expected to be very high again. So, with both COVID and Dengue in circulation - and mosquitoes swarming - how will frontline health workers know whether they should test sick persons for Dengue or COIVD first? The Director of Health Services took on that question today: "The mosquito situation? We have noted the particular increase in numbers that are being reported to us. Vector Control is aware and Vector Control is monitoring the situation not only in Belize City where most of the concerns initially were from, but across the country..."

Cpl Eldon Challenges Compol Chester
Tomorrow is a big day for the police department, as it conducts its annual Election for the Police Association Central Board. And, today, the attorney for aspiring president, Cpl Eldon Arzu issued a statement saying that he quote, "has been the subject, mainly through the media, of an unfolding apparent attack to his good name and reputation as a Corporal of Police and Public Officer by the newly appointed Commissioner of PoliceOur client is accused of failing to present the Commissioner with an Audit of the Association funds but it must be told that there is no Statute, Act or Rule governing the request.

FFB, Fighting Detractors In Silly Season
Back in December of 2017, Sergio Chuc, the President of the Football Federation of Belize and his current executive were elected into office after a period of strife and controversy. You'll remember that Chuc and the most senior members of the administration were part of the executive under the former President, Ruperto Vicente. But, these executives began to strongly disagree with the direction that Vicente was leading the development of local football. So, Chuc and his team ran against Vicente and won; since that those elections, there has been a period of stability and the restoration of confidence in the FFB. Our newsroom has been getting regular updates from football insiders, who, for the most part, were satisfied with Chuc's first term in office as President.

FIFA’s COVID Relief Can’t Come Yet
And while the FFB could not spend those monies on salaries to keep those employees employed during the pandemic, they are waiting for COVID relief funds that FIFA will make available. At the end of April, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino announced that they were releasing all operational funding to the member associations for the year 2019 and 2020. That would directly translate to 150 million US dollars, which was to be distributed among 211 national football governing bodies around the world.

FFB Says It Did Not Misappropriate
Another important topic, which the critics have put forward is an allegation that they mismanaged $400,000 that should have gone to the development of football. This allegation was penned in a letter from the Belmopan Football Association, and in it, the members squarely asked the FFB quote, "Is it true that $400,000 BZ or $400,000 US was misallocated by the FFB in 2018? Please state [the] sum miss-allocated in 2018, and kindly substantiate this with a copy of the FIFA Forward Project 1.0 Report."

FFB Calls Out Mischief Making
According to the FFB General Secretary, he and other members of the Football Federation of Belize have already addressed these questions internally. So, from their perspective, these documents were leaked to the press to make political mischief during the election season: Earl Jones - General Secretary, FFB: "As you all know we are going into our electoral congress, the election fever is high and people would try to discredit one over the other. Most of what is pushed out to the press right now I would say is to create mischief..."

Wesley Finds A Way
In the last few weeks, many primary and high school seniors have found out what graduations are like in a pandemic. For many they're non-existent but others are pulling them off with a little planning and a whole lot of ingenuity. And this morning as "Pomp and Circumstance" blared out of Wesley Methodist church, four groups of high school seniors got to celebrate their graduation. We peeked in and asked the principal how they managed to hold the celebration while social distancing: Joan Tillett, Principal, Wesley: "We decided to divide our students into groups and then allow them to invite two parents. The first group we did all our honor students, the top students in the class, and then the other groups thereafter based on where they lived. Those in rural Belize went second and then we mixed up the others."

The Case Of The Sleeping Policeman
The older population will know that a sleeping policeman refers to a speedbump. But, in Punta Gorda, a police constable may have given that new meaning. Constable Santiago Choco is seen here in this cell phone video in uniform, literally sleeping on his feet outside a Chinese grocery store as passers-by capture him on camera.

Roman’s Choice
It's back to school in August but with many families reeling from the COVID-19 financial crisis it could be a struggle to afford tuition. And while corporate and bank scholarships forthcoming one Belizean expatriate is giving back by investing in education. Roman Palma, a Belizean businessman living in the state of Illinois, says he's been supporting students for years currently providing full scholarships for several at Mopan Technical High School. This year he's taking on 10 new scholars in an effort to give back to Belizeans who need the help. This afternoon he spoke to Krem news with details of how to apply.

Yoga For The Future
Belize will participate in the International Day of Yoga Global events leading up to International Day of Yoga on Sunday, June 21. The event is organised by the state of India, which is also the cradle of the Yoga disciplines. And the week of activities has already started. Tomorrow, local Yoga trainer Michelle Williams will be representing Belize in an online seminar at the ICCR Mexico facebook page.

Channel 5

The Rise of LPG Prices
The increase in the price of LPG, which was announced on Monday, is not sitting well for consumers and three former LPG importers as the country battles with the impact [...]

Attorney Audrey Matura Writes to B.B.S. Director Jose Trejo
Attorney Audrey Matura, on behalf of Gas Tomza, BWEL and Z Gas, has written to the Director of the Belize Bureau of Standards, Jose Trejo. In a letter dated June [...]

P.U.P. Says G.O.B. Merciless in Time of Crisis
The increase of prices for LPG came on the same day of a hike in the price of regular fuel. It was not lost on the People’s United Party, which [...]

Former LPG Imports Vs G.O.B.
The license of the three importers expired months ago and there was no possibility to renew or extend. Their position is that the government’s move to box them out is [...]

Narco Plane Lands in Mexican City near Rio Hondo River
Last week, reports of a narco plane landing in southern Belize surfaced, the police confirmed it had deployed a team in search of the plane but there was no find. [...]

Belize’s COVID-19 Test Quota Limited to 1050 Persons
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, appeared on today’s episode of Ask the Expert where he responded to a number of questions put forward by members of the public. [...]

Family of Four Escapes Mandatory Quarantine in Dangriga
Border jumpers and repatriates present the only external threats of a second wave of COVID-19 in Belize, as the country’s borders and airport remain closed indefinitely. Dangriga is one of [...]

At Least 9 Employees Fired from NICH
As we have reported, the National Institute of Culture and History had been running on financial trouble for months. The Minister of Education Patrick Faber had raised the alarm on [...]

Set U.D.P. Leadership Convention Set for July 18th?
In political news, there is word tonight that at its sitting today, Cabinet discussed the matter of the U.D.P. leadership. As you know, in February, John Saldivar was elected as [...]

Calaney’s Case Goes Before the C.C.J.
Calaney Flowers was acquitted of the murder of ex-boyfriend Lyndon Morrison in March 2017 after five years on remand at the Belize Central Prison. Despite the acquittal, the former bank [...]

RTA on the Philip Goldson Highway
Six people were involved in a road traffic accident today on the Philip Goldson Highway. Fortunately, no one was critically injured but they were all taken to the hospital for [...]

COVID-19 and Mental Health
Back to COVID-19; Belize has been able to abate a so-called first wave of the corona virus by implementing strict measures under a state of emergency. Those regulations are only [...]

Hotels for Mandatory Quarantine
Across Belize, various hotels have been designated as facilities for persons facing a mandatory fourteen-day quarantine upon re-entering the country. The western border at Benque Viejo has seen considerable traffic, [...]

Are Face Masks and Social Distancing Here to Stay?
The Ministry of Health is also preparing a proposal regarding the continued use of face masks after the State of Emergency expires at the end of the month. The proposal [...]

University of Belize Experiencing a Financial Crunch
Earlier we told that the NICH has started layoffs of staff, including long serving members. There are also tough times ahead for the national university and there are growing concerns [...]

What Does the UB Faculty and Staff Union Has to Say…
But according to the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union, they are seeking greater involvement in the process of mitigating the impact of COVID-19. In a response letter to [...]

Still No Official Certification for UB Faculty and Staff Union
But the UB Faculty and Staff Union is faced with another dilemma. Even as it has been in existence for twenty years and has represented its members, the union has [...]

F.F.B. Explains the Kent Gabourel Situation
Kent Gabourel, a former coach with the Football Federation of Belize, was sent home on May twenty-first after being informed that his contract with the organization had been expired and [...]

Rescued from Poachers; Scarlet Macaws Get Help to Return to the Wild!
Over a week ago we reported on the two poachers discovered in the Chiquibul National Park about one point two kilometers east of the border in the area of Caracol. [...]

Online Learning at Universities
The coronavirus pandemic is changing education; from primary schools to universities, online learning is becoming the new norm. But the transition takes some getting used to for both students and instructors. [...]

Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, the New head of the UWI Open Campus
While at the UWI, we caught up with Doctor Sharmayne Saunders, who has been elevated as the Head of the University of the West Indies, Open Campus in Belize City. [...]

Amandala

Belizeans in solidarity against racism and police violence
The cold-blooded murder of black American George Floyd by a white Minnesota police officer that was captured on video (which enabled all the world to see a white man killing with impunity while his colleagues just stood there) is writing a new chapter in race relations, because it hit a raw nerve—unleashing a global protest movement under the banner “Black Lives Matter”. UBAD Education Foundation chairperson, YaYa Marin-Coleman, who has been in the forefront where the global struggle against racism and oppression is concerned, attempted to organize a protest in Belize, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement that has gained global traction.

Violent crime and robberies on the increase
A spike in aggravated robberies and burglaries has been noted. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, in speaking to the media, said that many Belizeans are now out of work due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have families to take care of and will thus take opportunities to rob others. On Wednesday, June 3, Estell Airport Hotel owner Dudley Estell, 89, was held up and shot during a robbery that was carried out by three Belize City men, who got away with $1,500.

Belize reports 21st case of COVID-19 infection
Belize registered its 21st case of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has reported. The Ministry said that a repatriated Belizean man who was in the Houston area of the United States and arrived on a flight on Friday, has tested positive, and that brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the country to 21. The person is asymptomatic and will remain in strict quarantine for the next 14 days, during which new samples will be processed.

CWU refuses PBL’s 10% pay cut proposal
There is another stand-off between the Christian Workers Union (CWU) ), whose president is Evan “Mose” Hyde and the Port of Belize Limited (PBL)), whose CEO is Arturo “Tux” Vasquez. This time, the stand-off is over a proposal by PBL to reduce the salaries of CWU members in order to offset the company’s COVID-19 financial difficulties. The stand-off began last week when the CWU rejected the PBL’s salary deduction proposal. PBL was asking the CWU members to share the economic pain that the company is presently experiencing.

Laborer’s hand chopped off by other laborer
During an argument at about 12:30 this morning at a house on Meduggi Street in Esperanza, the right hand of Isaiah Estrada, 31, a laborer of Esperanza, was amputated at the wrist, by a man known to him as Shane Leal, 32, who also inflicted chop wounds to his (Estrada’s) head. Estrada had chopped Leal on his arm, but the wounds he inflicted on Leal were relatively minor compared to what he had suffered. Estrada was taken to the Western Regional Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious but stable condition.

Cabinet uncertain about PGIA reopening date
Although government moved yesterday to relax more of the State of Emergency measures to make way for the further re-opening of the economy, prior to the ending of the Governor General’s Emergency Proclamation at the end of the month, the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) remains an uncertainty in a world still gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The re-opening of the PGIA is directly linked to restarting the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the global lockdown that wiped out the industry’s entire workforce in Belize.

Barge carrying excavator truck and steel beams sinks near Caye Chapel
A barge carrying a truck, an excavator and steel beams for a construction site in Caye Chapel sank in the seas on Tuesday morning not far from Caye Caulker. Luckily, no one was hurt. The tugboat that was pulling the barge was being driven at the time by boat captain Alex Underwood of Belize City. The Port Authority of Belize said that the truck and the excavator have been recovered from the sea, but the barge remains under water, and it will not be removed until after an investigation is conducted.

Editorial: Failing in our responsibility to the next generation
In the Holy Bible, in the Book of Genesis, we are told that on the fifth day God created the great whales, all the fishes of the sea, and all the birds of the air. On the sixth day, He made the animals —the cattle and the other creatures of the earth — and on that same day He made man and gave him “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” In the story of evolution, scientists say that after the earth was formed, certain special conditions on it allowed life to spring up. BBC Earth says that in 2016 scientists updated their version of the tree of life. Scientists said that “almost all of the branches are bacteria”, and that “the shape of the tree suggests that a bacterium was the common ancestor of all life.”

Leader of the Opposition leaves National Oversight Committee
The People’s United Party (PUP) held a virtual press conference on Wednesday, June 10, and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño, remarked, “I am fully satisfied that the People’s United Party’s presentation on the National Oversight Committee and on the other committees contributed significantly to our country’s successful efforts to contain the coronavirus. I am proud of my party’s participation in this national effort, and I thank all those who gave so selflessly of their time, energy and ideas.” Those remarks, in retrospect, turned out to be Hon. Briceño’s swan song. What Hon. Briceño did not reveal, however, was that he had resigned as co-chair of the National Oversight Committee.

Highlights from Summary Report of COVID-19 unemployment relief
The COVID-19 Economic Oversight Team has released a “Summary Report of the government’s unemployment relief program, which was designed to assist persons who lost their employment due to the pandemic.” The team was headed by Dr. Carla Barnett, representing Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the governing United Democratic Party, while Chris Coye represented the Leader of the Opposition, the People’s United Party.

Filling the gaps; down memory lane with football great, Charlie Gardiner
The 1960s era of football in Belize has been a most difficult period to pin down, where the particular champions are concerned. Records are not available, so we have to keep trying to “pick the brains” of veteran players from those years who can give us the pieces to put together. We have also been researching the names of notable players from the different periods, and we were extremely pleased to get a glimpse into the Late-1950s to Mid-1960s period from one of the best goalkeepers of that era, Mr. Charles Gardiner, known to fans as Charlie Gardiner.

Plaza lays one of their heroes, Eian “Coco” Henry to rest
Funeral services for football great, Eian Dwight “Coco” Henry were held yesterday morning at Ebenezer Methodist Church on Barrack Road in Belize City, where relatives and friends were joined by a number of Coco’s long time teammates and fans from the Plaza area, where he grew up. The mass celebrant, Bishop A. Moses Benguche likened Kelly Street, which has had troubling times recently, to the biblical Nazareth, when the question was asked, “What good could come out of Nazareth”? Eian “Coco” Henry, along with Norman “Tilliman” Nunez and Charlie Slusher, who both sat in the congregation, were three very close childhood friends and teammates from the Kelly Street area that went on to football greatness in Belize.

Palma’s weak spot
Legendary Landivar goalie from the 1950s and 60s, Charlie Gardiner revealed a prize piece of information, if you were one still in the business of scoring goals, and the one Wilfred “Palma” Davis were still active between the sticks; which of course is no longer the case. But if yours truly had chanced upon that bit of football intelligence two generations ago, a certain play might have gone differently. Of course, I was never a powerful shooter or a great goal scorer. But I had goal scoring instincts, and, like many footballers, I have scored a few in my time.

From the Publisher
There were things I did not understand about what happened on the night of May 29, 1972, in the streets of Belize City, and there were things I understood but never discussed in these pages because the implications for our organization (UBAD – the United Black Association for Development) would have been divisive and confusing. Today I want to say that I am firmly convinced that Wilfred Nicholas, Sr., lost his job at the Ismael Gomez company on Mosul Street based on an untruth. There was a police officer by the name of George Heusner assigned to take photographs of the UBAD march that night, and when the march became a riot and then an insurrection, Heusner was attacked by a mob and someone stole his camera.

BLACK LIVES MATTER
I am going to write about a topic that is absolutely sensitive and one that needs to be openly discussed once and for all. There is so much to say about racism, discrimination, colourism, oppression and slavery and the decimation of our indigenous ancestors here in Belize. It’s a topic so close to my heart for many reasons, yet it’s one I shy away from too because too many people just can’t bear the discussion and get defensive and dismissive and in DENIAL… I call it the 3-D’s! But I too must break my silence and stop worrying about who is in denial, or who would get uncomfortable and/or wants to keep believing the lie that racism does not exist in Belize. I have been discriminated against, and I know the reality of it.

Save foreign exchange: produce our own milk
I haven’t collected all the data on dairy possibilities in Belize, but I have enough information to ask, what are we waiting for? We don’t have the foreign exchange, definitely not enough to buy goods that we can produce for ourselves. Anyone who thinks that our economy is performing swimmingly must have failed to notice that we just gave out the fattest offer you can find anywhere in the world to try and corral US$30 million. Anyone who read Mr. Brian Plummer’s latest contribution to the Amandala will have the sense of what is going on with our money. Mr. Plummer, who uses his excellent knowledge of economics to forecast what will happen in the world of politics and finance, and to offer solutions so that we don’t stay da back, explained that because of the recession and travel restrictions...

“As I recollect…” — Reclaiming our Story in the Best of Times: On the 1918 Spanish Flu in Benque Viejo del Carmen
6 June 2020– “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” wrote Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities amidst the disquietude preceding the French Revolution. Belize, like the rest of the world, is experiencing a “worst of times,” which, if we see it in the context of traversing through a tunnel rather than falling into a pit, could end up being the “best of times”. Professors Grant D. Jones and Joel Wainwright in “The 1918-1919 Influenza Pandemic in Corozal, Belize: An Unclaimed Letter Rediscovered” published in the Amandala on April 24, 2020, speak about historical reflection as a “tonic” against disquietude in this worst of times.

A just cause
The first Africans were brought to North America as slaves in ships way back in 1619. They did not choose to come here; they did not want to come here. What became known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade was undoubtedly the most horrific era of human history. Ships set sail from Europe with rum, guns, and other merchandise to Africa. From Africa, human cargo was loaded and transported to the Americas. Finally, from America, sugar, tobacco, cotton, and other raw materials were transported back to Europe. This vicious cycle of human trafficking and looting was repeated for almost 200 years.

Nurse Pauline and Chairman Coburn tie the knot …
The building expansion had gone at a fast pace once it got started and by the end of July Cap’n had been confident that all would be in place for the opening of school on the last Monday in August, except for “finishing” like partitions and painting of the downstairs area, which would continue in the evenings after school and on weekends. At the same time, repairs and renovation of Uncle Lito’s house had been completed by Jewel’s birthday, which we celebrated with a gathering of the members of the extended family, but excluding some of the older heads who had not been up to making the trip on the weekend of August 16th.

Don’t trust the OAS
Dear Editor, In November 2019, Evo Morales, the recently elected president of Bolivia, fled to Mexico because of the Bolivian police and military. The justification used was a November 10, 2019 preliminary report by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the final report one month after, which alleged widespread fraud in the election. The United States and the current rulers of Bolivia used the report to justify the coup…

Minnesota cops “trained by Israeli forces in restraint techniques”
Officers from the US police force responsible for the killing of George Floyd received training in restraint techniques and anti-terror tactics from Israeli law-enforcement officers. Mr. Floyd’s death in custody last Monday, the latest in a succession of police killings of African Americans, has sparked continuing protests and rioting in US cities. At least 100 Minnesota police officers attended a 2012 conference hosted by the Israeli consulate in Chicago, the second time such an event had been held.

LOVE FM

Belize confirms COVID-19 case #22
PRESS RELEASE: A further 45 samples were processed today for SARS-CoV2 as part of our ongoing surveillance. These tested samples have identified a further case of COVID-19, case #22. The case is that of a male caught entering the country illegally this past weekend and who was swabbed as part of the established protocol, in […]

Mosquitos on the rise; fearing dengue and malaria
As if the Covid-19 endemic is not alarming enough, there are other issues that Belize is looking at including malaria and dengue. Recent days have seen an increase in mosquitoes with many residents calling for the Ministry of Health to provide some relief through the spraying of malathion. According to Dr Manzanero the Vector Control Unit is assessing the situation around the country.

MOH taking Mexico and Guatemala as examples for re-opening
Belize is geographically smacked in the middle of countries that are having a hard time lowering the number of cases of Covid-19. Our eyes have been on Mexico and Guatemala that are just outside our borders and are continuing to see spikes in cases and deaths. Despite the reality, some countries including Mexico are already reopening its tourism industry. Belize reportedly is looking at these countries to see if and how it works.

No assistance for woman whose house collapsed
A single mother who lost her home in Belize City due to heavy rains is asking for assistance from the public and government in rebuilding. Thalia Westby explained to Love News that she visited the Women’s Commission but was frustrated at the response that she received.

Dexa-meth-sone, breakthrough drug to fight Covid-19?
International news have reported the use of dexa-meth-sone as a major breakthrough drug to fight Covid-19. The BBC News noted two days ago that the the, “drug is part of the world's biggest trial testing existing treatments to see if they also work for coronavirus.” Reports are that it could cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and for those on oxygen, by a fifth. In today’s session of Ask the Experts, Dr Manzanero spoke on this report.

MOH looking to expand their testing capabilities
Belize has increased its Covid-19 testing in recent weeks. While the Ministry of Health has been using the Central Medical Lab to the PCR testing, the Director of Health Services noted today that they are looking at expanding their testing capabilities.

PUP calls government merciless for hike in butane and fuel prices
Audrey Matura and the former LPG importers are not the only ones concerned about the hike in prices of butane. The People’s United Party (PUP) has issued a press release calling the current government merciless.

Minor kidnapped and raped in Chunox
There is a story coming out of Chunox Village, Corozal District, of a kidnapping and rape. The reports are that a 28-year-old man abducted a 14-year-old girl from her home and took her to another location where another man raped her.

NICH lays off staff
Twelve men and women were sent home from the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) after the organization could no longer meet their salaries. It is another fallout due to Covid-19 and according to a source the move has come as a last resort.

PUP Councillor holds her Party Leader Accountable
PUP’s City Councilor Candice Pitts has written to Party Leader, John Briceno holding him accountable for a commitment made for inclusion of women in Parliament. Councillor Pitts reminded Briceno of remarks he made in 2007 that spoke of political reform that would include a thirty percent representation of women in Parliament. Fast forward thirteen years later and Briceno who has been serving as the PUP’s Party Leader from 2008 to 2011 and from 2016 to present, still has not fulfilled this commitment.

LPG attorney condemns price increase
Over the course of one month, the prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have risen by sixty-nine cents for the gallon. This was highlighted today during a press conference held by Audrey Matura.

Cayo family claims they are victims of arson
A family in western Belize lost their home to a fire. According to one of the victims, they believe it was a case of arson. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz has the details.

DHS gives an update on the COVID-19 endemic
Belize is into its 86th day since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in the country. Since then we have seen twenty cases, two deaths, sixteen recovered patients and three active cases.

Breaking Belize News

Three Guatemalans busted entering Belize illegally
Reports reaching BBN is that three (3) Guatemalan nationals, who entered Belize illegally were busted […]

Belize confirms 22nd case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health tonight confirmed the 22nd case of COVID-19 in Belize. According to […]

Belize can receive $1 million Canadian dollars for climate change disaster risk management
Today, the Commission of Canada to Belize announced that Belize is eligible to receive CDN$1 […]

University in Israel develops 1-minute coronavirus breath test
As countries around the world continue to innovate ways of dealing with […]

National Institute of Culture and History forced to lay off staff due to COVID-19 economic fallout
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) confirmed today that it had to lay […]

National Gas Company hits back: “Addressing and Clarifying Misinformation”
The National Gas Company Limited (NGC), sole importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Belize, […]

Ex-importers ‘denounce butane price increase’
A 17 percent or 38-cent increase per gallon in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas […]

Football Federation of Belize clarifies misconceptions ahead of July election
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is moving ahead to its July 4 Congress for […]

Waiting for ‘the beautiful game’ to resume in Belize
At present, sporting competitions remain restricted by the State of Emergency regulations which expire on […]

Belize eyes regional countries tourism responses
Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia and Jamaica have reopened to international tourists this week. And […]

“Beach erosion a more pressing problem than sargassum,” says Belize Tourism Industry Association
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Road traffic accident reported near Boom
Reports to BBN is that a road traffic accident near the Burrell Boom junction has […]

Blogs

A Dreamy Sunday Stop at Mata Chica Resort
Mata Chica is a DREAMY resort about 5 miles north on Ambergris Caye. A long stretch of beautiful beach dotted with fruit colored (and fruit named) cabanas and what I think is the prettiest dock on the island. Just last weekend, Mata Chica re-opened for the first time since the Pandemic and State of Emergency in Belize (end of March). They are now offering local discounts and deals for overnight stays on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday. OR…day passes. Where the price of admission allows you to use the pool and the dock, the water sports equipment. The restaurant is open with local prices and drinks are 25% as part of the special. You can find more information by contacting them directly.

Aggressor Travel Poll shows Caribbean as Priority Destination
To maintain a clear understanding of how travelers are feeling as destinations begin to ease travel restrictions due to COVID-19, leading adventure travel brand, Aggressor Adventures® asked consumers to weigh in on their anticipated travel plans in the coming months. Aggressor utilized consumer engagement platform, 1Q, to capture traveler sentiment across the United States, targeting travellers ages 30 and above, with a household income of USD$60,000 plus. Respondents received the questions via text message or directly through the 1Q mobile app.

Will You Need to Wear a Face Mask on Vacation in Belize?
Essentially, yes. While Belize’s close proximity to North America makes it a poised destination to visit once travel reopens, the country continues to enforce measures against the spread of COVID-19. That includes the required use of face masks in Belize. With tourism being a primary market, Belize aims to communicate to guests who want to come and have fun also need to be as safe as possible. For those looking to spend future holiday time in Belize for fresh air and sunshine, be sure to pack a face mask alongside your flip-flops. While Belize has seen a gradual relaxation of restrictions during COVID-19, the country continues to implement social distancing and face masks.

Track Turtles Online this World Sea Turtle Day, June 16!
Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) is encouraging the public to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day on June 16 by logging on to www.tourdeturtles.org and tracking the migrations of six endangered leatherback turtles! In partnership with Florida Leatherbacks, Inc., STC applied satellite transmitters to six nesting leatherback turtles from Palm Beach County, FL as part of their annual Tour de Turtles “migration marathon” education program. The Tour de Turtles is a fun, educational journey that follows the migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their foraging ground. Through the use of satellite telemetry, STC will track leatherbacks Jessie, Nevada, Freckles, Hope, Tamarind, and SweetTarte – named by their corporate sponsors – to determine how far the sea turtles swim. The one to swim the furthest distance by October 31 wins.

Off-the-Grid Living in Belize with Carmelita Gardens
If you’re looking to embrace the self-sufficient life, look no further than the Cayo District of Belize. And just seven miles out from San Ignacio lies the off-grid community of Carmelita Gardens. Founded in 2010, Carmelita Gardens is a self-sufficient village community as a 98-acre development on the banks of the Belize River. Besides boasting sustainability in action alongside the natural wealth of Belize, what really makes Carmelita Gardens tick is the community you’ll find. Offering vacation rentals or long-term lots, discover how this tiny home communities redefining green urbanism in Belize.

International Sources

Honduran president says he is infected with coronavirus
Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, is receiving treatment and will work remotely and through his aides, he said late on Tuesday. “As president of the nation and a responsible citizen, I want to communicate that during the weekend I started to feel some discomfort and today I was diagnosed as having been infected with COVID-19,” Hernandez said in a televised speech. “They have recommended rest but I will continue working remotely and through my aides.”

Campaign to Award Nobel Peace Prize to Cuban Doctors
The US campaign to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade will be launched this June 16th, 2020. The campaign has been endorsed by prominent intellectuals, artists, politicians and ordinary citizens from around the world who recognize the outstanding contribution of the Brigade to human health and life. It will be announced during a June 16 webinar with Danny Glover and Cuban Ambassador Jose Cabañas about Cuba and Covid-19.

Belizean and American Artists Honor George Floyd with Mural
Belizean Cadex Herrera, originally from Benque, was one of the handful of artists who created and painted the beautiful mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and he was interviewed by CBS.

Videos

Tuesday's "Ask the Experts", 47min. We were joined by Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services.below.

Beautiful Bountiful Belize 2020, 3min. Highlights from a 2020 liveaboard tour through Belize.

Obituary: Everyl Dianthe Meyers, 2min.

Caye Caulker R. C. School class of 2019-2020, 3.5min. Caye Caulker R. C. School principal and staff proudly congratulate the class of 2019-2020. It was a year of had work and perseverance. Dedication and hard work lead to success. Congratulations to the class of 2019-2020.

This morning the Peccaries seemed to be confident enough to bring the whole family, .5min. 3 or 4 adults and 2 young ones. The peclets were kept behind the palms most of the time Monkey River - Belize

Ten foot shark sticks its nose where it doesn't belong, .5min. These scuba divers were returning from an ordinary dive in Belize, preparing to complete their three minute safety stop before climbing back into the boat, when some unexpected visitors arrived. Reef sharks are very new to these waters near San Pedro Belize.

Food Drive 2020, 2min. A collaboration between JDB Ltd., Rude Boy Belize & Rotarac Benque. Thank you for all the support and help to make this day possible.

The Most Beautiful Place on Earth: The Island of Caye Caulker, Belize | Best Snorkeling in the World, 9min. The most beautiful place in the world (Caye Caulker, Belize), some manatees, turtles, sea horses, stingrays, eagle rays, sharks, and another awesome adventure traveling around the world.

Snorkeling in Half Moon Caye, Belize, 1.5min. Turneffe, Belize.

POPPER FISHING, BARRACUDA UNDER A MINUTE | TEAM JRUBIO, 3min. I HAND MADE THE LURE GUYS AFTER SEEING HOW IT WORKS I BAPTIZED IT WITH THE NAME THE RED DEVIL.

Destination Show: Bromance in Belize, 25min. Within the tropics of Belize, Todd and Glenn test the limits of their relationship.

June 16, 2020

The new Westline Bus schedule

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 officially opens; Fishermen at odds with Fishing Cooperatives for proposed low prices
While the lobster fishing season has begun, fishermen are at odds with the market price being set by cooperatives. For now, lobster is going for as low as $15 a pound. In previous seasons, a pound of lobster can cost as much as $30BZ per pound, but because of the current pandemic, prices were reduced. Also, noticeable this year is the absence of the annual Lobster Festival. The annual island celebration attracts thousands of tourists during this time of the year, and usually begins one week before the main festivities, with the popular Lobster Passport Crawl. But as the country continues under the State of Emergency, and with the borders and international airport closed, organizers hope to bring back the lobster party in 2021.

BTB’s Staff Teams Up with the Belize Red Cross to Assist Families in Punta Gorda
The staff of the Belize Tourism Board has once again come together to reach out to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. This week BTB’s staff made a financial contribution to the Belize Red Cross to assist families in Punta Gorda, Toledo. This is the third community outreach initiative facilitated by BTB’s employees who have made a commitment to provide assistance in several different areas of the country. So far the contributions made by BTB’s staff have benefitted close to 200 families in Calla Creek, Belize City and Punta Gorda.

Letter to the Editor: Atlantic Bank credit card spending limits
Dear Editor, I have a US$ Atlantic Bank Credit Card with spending limit of $3000USD. To ensure I have that spending limit I gave the Atlantic Bank $3000USD to hold in a Collateral Account. I collect a wee bit of interest on that Collateral Account but cannot touch it if I want my spending limit. So, it is not really a Credit Card (credit gifted from the bank – based on my income and other regulations), it is a Collateral Card. Now, Atlantic Bank (via Central Bank) has reduced my spending limit to $1000USD because of COVID-19 and the government needs access to US Dollars. They tell me it was a unilateral reduction of spending limits – meaning it was done to everyone. Well, they have my money.

Ambergris Today

Belize Re-Opens National Parks, Nature Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries
The National Biodiversity Office under the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development announces the re-opening of protected areas under its management, including national parks, nature reserves, natural monuments and wildlife sanctuaries. All visitors to these protected areas are advised that social distancing and other measures required under the state of emergency regulations must always be observed to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Belize.

Isla Bonita Elementary Holds Graduation Ceremony
In a short, small, but meaningful ceremony, the Isla Bonita Elementary School held its graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2020. It was a memorable day for the class of Standard 6; the senior graduating class consisted of 26 students. They received their certificate of completion as witnessed by the school staff and immediate family. This year, the students could not have a huge graduation ceremony but the school ensured that the students are celebrated under the theme: "Be Bold, Be Courageous, Be Your Best!”

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Tuesday, June 16th Meal pick ups. Location: Food Republic. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45qm - 12:30 pm.

Handicap golf cart license plate in San Pedro
Saw my first handicap golf cart license plate but wondering what privileges it comes with. I’ve never seen handicapped parking.

The webinar “Emergency Planning for Tour Operators”
Scheduled for June 19 at 10:30 a.m. Register here: https://bit.ly/2UzXUdb

June 15 marks the opening of the 2020 Spiny lobster season
Lobster is one of the most economically important seafood products for Belizean fishermen. As the season kicks off, don't forget there are still regulations to follow! - Minimum carapace length is 3 inches. - Minimum tail weight is 4 ounces. - No person or establishment should have in possession fillet or diced lobster tail. - It is illegal to have in possession any soft shell lobster or females with eggs (berried). - It is illegal to remove from any female lobster any eggs or spawn or the setae or fibre to which any eggs or spawn are or have been attached.

YUUMTSILO'OB
The Yuumstilo'ob which guide us ,bless us and protect us. "The Christians say their God is 3 in one. Ours is 10 in one " Julio Saque (Belizean Maya ) Note: For the Maya the Yuumstilo'ob which is the Yucatec Maya name for the different manifestations of the same energy force of the Great Spirit which makes the world and the universe to exist .

The Artist of the Day, Joanna Magana
Born in Corozal Town in 1980, an only child, Joanna enjoyed the attention and care of her mother and grandparents. From very early in her life, Joanna showed interest in the expressive arts. During her years at primary school, she was very much involved in drama and dance presentations. She met an outstanding educator by the name of Mr. Sotero Cruz who became a mentor and an inspiring force behind Joanna’s artistic and academic abilities. Enrolled at Corozal Community College, Joanna continued being involved in different art-related activities. During that time she was a member of a delegation of artists who participated in artistic exchanges between Corozal Town and neighbouring Chetumal.

The Maya Colors
The Maya knew that planet earth was round and not flat. In the Popul Vuh, the Maya speak of the round face of the earth and about the four corners of the earth, the cardinal points: north, south, east and west. North was at the top and south was at the bottom. The Maya associated the cardinal points with colours. North (xaman in Maya, pronounced as shaman was white (sac in Maya); south (nohol) was yellow (kan); east (lakin) was red (chac) and west (chikin) was black (ek).

Online Public Discussion of the Belize Open Government Action Plan Development
Date: Wednesday June 24, 2020 @3:00PM-5:00PM (BZE-CST) Duration: 2 hrs (presentations and conversation with members of the Open Gov Steering Committee). Venue: Online. The Transformation to an Open Public Administration in Belize project in coordination with the Belize Open Government Steering Committee invites you to participate in this session, intended to launch the co-creation phase of the Belize open Government Action Plan with a COVID-19 scope, where all participants will have the opportunity to contribute to that process according to the following agenda.

Re-opening of Protected Areas
The National Biodiversity Office under the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development announces the re-opening of protected areas under its management, including national parks, nature reserves, natural monuments and wildlife sanctuaries. All visitors to these protected areas are advised that social distancing and other measures required under the state of emergency regulations must always be observed to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Belize. These sites will be open to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Belizeans are invited to come out and enjoy the beauty of these areas and are asked to be good stewards by abiding by all park rules.

Change in the Pump Price of Fuel Effective June 16, 2020
The Ministry of Finance announces that on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by $0.76 from $8.08 to $ 8.84 per gallon. The prices for premium gasoline, kerosene and diesel will remain unchanged at $10.92, $5.43 and $7.28 per gallon, respectively.

Flood Report and Forecast - June 15, 2020

New Controlled Prices for Liquefied Petroleum Gas
The Supplies Control Unit (SCU) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce is hereby informing the general public that effective Monday, June 15111. 2020 new fixed controlled prices will be introduced for the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This change now reflects the sale by wholesale volume and retail sale by volume in both urban and rural areas.

Summer 2020 Online Schedule
SHJC's Summer schedule is purely online

SHC Honor Roll students

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month webinar
The National Caribbean-American Heritage Month webinar series begins on Tuesday, June 16 at 2:00 pm EST. Join us via zoom as our esteemed panelists discuss "Caribbean – American cultural connections: cultural forms, cultural industries and social justice"

K’inich Ajaw - Sun God Deity
The sun faced one has several aspects - symbolizing the period of the sun’s life in its daily journey across the sky, hence all life as well as the jaguar sun in its nightly journey through the underworld and death. K’inich Ajaw can be recognized by his crossed eyes, T shaped upper incisors and snakelike curls on the corners of his mouth. His face and body is also usually adorned with four petaled k’in (sun/day) glyphs. The sun god was closely associated to Maya rulers, because Maya rulers promoted the belief of being an actual manifestation of the sun god. One of the most famous pieces of jade found in the ancient Maya land is a jade head bearing the appearance of K’inich Ajaw.

Chilam Balam: The Creation
"in the reign of Ahua 13 and Ahua 1 were the days and nights that fell without order and pain was felt throughout the land because of this Oxlahun ti ku(13 Yuumstilo'ob) and Bolon ti ku(9 Yuumstilo'ob) created the world and life "

Channel 7

COVID Case #21 Came From Houston With a Negative Rapid Test
Belize now has 21 confirmed cases of COVID 19, after patient 21 appeared in tests done on Saturday night. He is a middle aged male who arrived on a flight from Houston on Friday - and is in quarantine at the Princess Hotel. He is not showing any symptoms - but, interestingly, arrived with a negative result from a rapid tests he had done in Houston. The PCR test done in Belize, proved that to be a false negative. Director of Health Services, Dr Marvin Manzanero told us more about patient 21, and the recovered patient 19 via zoom video conference:

Belize “Winning Against COVID-19”
This latest patient will remain in strict quarantine for the next 14 days when a new sample will be processed. We note that persons under quarantine must stay in their rooms - and BDF soldiers are at every hotel and quarantine centre to make sure they do. And Belize's robust protocols have gained this country positive attention as one of the countries that is beating COVID-19. A website named "endcoronavirus.org" has Belize as one of the 46 countries that is "winning" against COVID 19.

Border Jumpers Pose The Major Threat
And, as Manzanero sees it, the greatest threat to Belize's management of the coronaries are those borders jumpers. They come by land in the south and the west, by river and sea in the north. And tonight, there is also a report of six Belizeans coming by sea last week Wednesday from Honduras. As we have reported, COVID cases 19, 20, and 21 are Belizeans returning home: one by cruise ship, one by border jumping, and, now. one by air. Manzanero says Belize will need a community effort to make sure that all border jumpers are reported to the authorities:

Can Repatriation Model Be Used At Airports?
We are told reliably that those 6 who arrived by boat were not put in quarantine and there is an effort now to find them. The Dangriga residents reportedly came by boat from Honduras. And while the problem of border jumping is complex and manifold, Dr. Manzanero sees orderly repatriation as manageable and necessary. Because of the mandatory quarantine - even if there is a positive test, the risk of infection would be low. So, could the model used with these repatriates, also be used to re-open the airport to tourist arrivals? Manzanero met with the National Oversight Committee today and we asked what his advice was:

From Where The Wave Will Come
We note that this was the first meeting of the National Oversight Committee without co-chair John Briceno, who resigned last week Wednesday. Manzanero says that when the second wave comes - it will not come from the airport, but from the jumpers:... "I think the eventual wave is going to be 2 waves we are thinking of now. One one is the illegal entry points, thats a little bit more scary because those are uncontrolled undetected..."

CWU "Bex" At Port
During last week's news cycle, we told you about the simmering tensions between the management of the Port of Belize and the Christian Workers Union. The Port is in the process of implementing austerity measures to survive the financial crisis brought on by COVID-19. The Port's management has started to implement pay cuts of 20% for its executives, 15% for middle management, and 10% for full-time staff members. CWU says that they are only willing to support that 10% pay cut to its members if the receiver discloses the Port's financials, which has to justify that the pain is truly shared and that the Port's economic viability is at risk.

Fire Victim Says Dimples Better Than Wrinkles
There was a fire over the weekend - and an elderly man lost his home. 76-year-old retiree Luis Belisle went from enjoying a weekend lie-in to running for his life. This morning he returned to the charred home to see what, if anything, he'll be able to salvage. Cherisse Halsall has the story. This man is lucky to be alive after a fire engulfed his home and devoured all his worldly possessions. And this morning while surveying the damage he took a moment to recount his terrible ordeal.

Crackhouse Burns On Mex Avenue
And while Belisle lost his home, others have lost what was at best their primary means of shelter and at worst a hangout spot. Neighbors in the area say it was a spot for drug addicts, one that they're glad to see go. Here's what the authorities had to say about the fire that finally rendered it unlivable. "On Saturday at about 11:00 pm police visited number 19 Cut Avenue to extinguish the fire but at the conclusion, most of the mobile home was destroyed. Police investigations showed that the house didn't have any source of electricity. So it's being looked at to see if it was arson or if it was something else that had caused the fire. The house is occupied by a person of special needs. It's something similar to what happened some time ago at that same location."

Another Armed Robbery Of Chinese Grocery Store
There has been another armed robbery of a Chinese grocery store. It happened on Sunday afternoon in Hattieville. Three men entered the store wearing caps and masks - and left with the owners loaded 9 mm pistol. "Yesterday at about 1:00 pm police visited Q&B store located on Sylvestre boulevard, Hattieville village where they spoke to the proprietor who reported that whilst he was inside of the store three male persons entered the said store one of them armed with a firearm. He was held at gunpoint and stolen from him was about $1000 in cash and a license 9mm pistol. The three persons that entered the store had masks on their faces."

"They Used Masks..."
Again, masks and caps were used in that robbery. Indeed, as we have shown you, the requirement to were a mask in public, has become a useful foil for criminals. And after more weekend robberies, we put the same question to Superintendent Cowo. This afternoon he told us about the small encouragement that the cops are offering to store owners worried about men behind the masks.

Shot For Weed He Didn’t Have
And, there was a shooting in San Ignacio last night. It happened at around 8:00 in the Kontiki area of the town where two men pulled up at Isiah Azueta's home and asked to buy five dollars weed. Police reports say that told them he didn't sell that, and they shot him. "On Sunday the fourteenth day of June 2020 San Ignacio police visited the San Ignacio community hospital where they found Is--- Azueta with a gunshot to the right thigh..."

Fishermen Furious About Low Lobster Price
Lobster season opened today - but, of course, this year, there's not going to be any lobster fest. That's partly because of the limitation on social gatherings, but it's also because the process for lobster are so low - that fishermen say it';s not worthwhile to fish. The world price for lobster has plummeted form $33 dollars last year to $12 dollars this year due to weak international demand. That's because restaurants have been closed for months - and they have lobster stored in their freezers.

COMPOL Says Not Playing Favourites
The Police Association elections is coming up in a few days - and many have accused the police commissioner of playing favourites with one slate over the other. He has publicly clashed with aspirant for president Corporal Eldon Arzu many times.

Butane Goes Up
There is a new, increased price for the sale of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is better known locally as butane. In all 6 districts, butane will wholesale for $2.64 per gallon. In all the urban areas of Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda, the cooking gas will retail for 96 cents per pound and $4.24 per gallon. Last month, the retail prices in these same areas were 88 cents per pound and $3.86 per gallon.

Almost 10% Spike In Price For Regular Gas
And while butane is up, so is regular gas. Effective at midnight tonight, the pump price for regular gasoline will increase by 76 cents. It will go from 8 dollars and 8 cents per gallon to $8.84 per gallon.

Man Lost A Hand
Earlier we told you about a shooting in San Ignacio,. But there was also a case of maim. 31 year old Isais Estrada lost a hand. It happened on Saturday at around 12:15 in the village of Esperanza. Here's what police had to say about the western maiming claimed to be carried out in self-defense. "Around 12:52 am San Ignacio police visited the San Ignacio community hospital where they found Estrada 31 years with chop wounds to the head and an amputated left wrist. Investigation revealed that Estrada was at home when he heard someone calling for him..."

PG Mayor Strikes Back
On Friday we showed you a meeting of concerned citizens in Belize's Southernmost town. They had gathered in protest of a planned seaside gas station which they believed would threaten their livelihoods, the environment, and the first impression visitors have become accustomed to on reaching the picturesque town. They were also largely upset at the absence of Mayor Ashton Mckenzie at last week's meeting. He spoke to KREM News via zoom this afternoon about what he believes the owner of the disputed parcel can and cannot do. "As it pertains to the new development at the Y area, that parcel of land had been owned by well over a decade by one of the first prominent Chinese businessman to come here in Punta Gorda and everybody in this municipality especially those who are older than I am know very well who Mr. Augosto Mak is..."

Split Decision in Bar Assoc Vs. JLSC
Back in February, before the coronavirus inflicted the world's populations, it was big news when the Bar Association of Belize sued the now-retired Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. For almost 2 years, the Chief Justice, as the Chair of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, refused to allow the DPP to take her seat on the Commission as the duly-elected President of the Bar Association. His position was that while she is the president of the Bar, she cannot sit on the Commission because she is also a public servant.

Dr. Candice Scolds Party Leader
City councillor and Mesopotamia aspirant Candice Pitts raised many eyebrows with a scolding letter she sent to her party leader John Bricneo. The Letter says, "As you may recall, you were a member of the team in 2007, whose internal political reform led to the party's mandate to ensure there is a 30 percent representation of women in parliament. To date, there seems to be more lipservice done by the PUP rather than serious efforts to realize and actualize this mandate..

Hideous Child Rape In Chunox
Tonight, a horrifying story of child abduction and rape from the northern village of Chunox. It's a disturbing crime for which two men 28-year-old Josimar Patt and 18-year-old Manuel Yacab have been arrested and charged, Yacab for rape of child and Patt for one count of kidnapping and another count of abetment to commit rape.

Channel 5

Another Confirmed Case of COVID-19 – Patient #21
Belize and Uruguay are the two countries in this side of the world that are battling the novel coronavirus with success. On the other hand, Brazil has been experiencing an [...]

Rapid Tests, False Negatives
The quarantine process of persons entering Belize is working to contain the spread of the virus, but there is growing concern over the effectiveness of rapid tests, especially as it [...]

American Nationals Also in Mandatory Quarantine
Fifteen persons were on the manifest of the United Airlines flight that landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport on June twelfth. Among them were twelve repatriated Belizeans; the other [...]

Five Belizeans on Cruise Ship Repatriated to the Country
Another group of Belizeans returned to the country early this morning via a cruise ship. The vessel docked at around seven o’clock off the coast of the Old Capital. The [...]

Belize’s Health System Continuously Preparing for COVID-19
The three recent positive cases of the coronavirus have all been imported and health authorities say the country is not experiencing a second wave. But during a one-on-one interview today [...]

Esperanza Resident Charged for Maiming Another
A man from Esperanza Village in western Belize remains hospitalized after he came under attack by someone he knew. Isaias Estrada’s hand was severed in a confrontation with Shane Jeal. [...]

New Service Station in PG is being Built near Calvary Chapel Church
In the south, the construction of a gas station at a prime location in Punta Gorda is coming into fierce opposition with every passing day. Objection to building of the [...]

Summary Report of G.O.B.’s US$75 COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Programme Released
There is some consideration that the Unemployment Relief Programme will re-open as joblessness is on the increase. The initiative closed in April but since then hundreds others feeling the pain [...]

Why Didn’t Belize Try to Access IMF’S RFI Programme?
The Prime Minister has said that Belize will get in the range of one hundred million dollars from the international financial institutions to assist with COVID-19. The funding, however, is [...]

Brace Yourself for a Price Hike on LPG
Households across the country are bracing for a price hike that is coming their way. The Central American importers, such as Gas Tomza, Zeta Gas and Belize Western Energy Limited [...]

Regular Gas Goes Up at the Pumps
Aside from having to paying more for LPG, consumers will also get hit with a jump in the prices for gasoline. Regular fuel will increase by seventy-six cents per gallon [...]

Weed Seller is Shot at Home in San Ignacio
There was a shooting incident in San Ignacio on Sunday night that has left a local marijuana dealer hospitalized with an injury to the upper leg. Sometime after eight o’clock [...]

Two Robberies Reported Over the Weekend
A businessman and a woman were robbed this past weekend in separate incidents that occurred in Hattieville and Belize City, respectively. Thea Gillett was making her way on foot along [...]

Early Morning Fire Destroys Undertaker’s Property!
A fire has left Louis Belisle – an undertaker in Belize City – homeless, but he says he is lucky to be alive today. Belisle’s house, in which he lived [...]

Fire Destroys a Mobile Home!
There was another fire in the city; this one happened after eleven on Saturday night on Kut Avenue. Fire officials say the fire wiped out a mobile home where a [...]

Fishermen Meet to Discuss Price of Lobster!
It’s June fifteenth, an important date on the calendar for fishermen. It means it is the start of the lobster season. But this year, fishermen are not happy about the [...]

C.W.U. and Port of Belize at Odds, Again
The Christian Workers Union and the Port of Belize Limited are battling over salary cuts. In every sector, businesses have had to take cuts to survive. So the P.B.L. on [...]

An Explosion of Mosquitoes
An explosion of mosquitoes was felt everywhere on Friday evening and the rest of the weekend. Somehow, the mosquitoes felt more aggressive and seemed to be more intense. So today, [...]

Relief on the Way; Spraying for Mosquitoes Commences
But there is soon to be some relief because starting today, spraying by the vector control unit began across the country. Kim Bautista, Head, Vector Control Unit, Ministry of [...]

Nuisance Mosquitoes Are Not Disease-Borne Vectors
These mosquitoes are not to be confused with the aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector for dengue or Chikungunya. Head of Vector Control Unit, Kim Bautista says that the [...]

BHA Educates Hoteliers on How to Prepare for Reopening of the Industry!
The borders and the P.G.I.A. remain closed, but the tourism stakeholders are getting the industry ready to receive guests when that changes. As a part of the preparation for the [...]

B.T.B. and Red Cross Join Forces for COVID Relief in Toledo
The partnership between the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize Red Cross has resulted in the distribution of thirty-five food hampers among tour guides in southern Belize. Over the weekend, [...]

LOVE FM

MOH comments on repatriated Belizeans
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received an estimated seven hundred applications from Belizeans who want to be repatriated. To date ninety eight persons have made it back home either via the airport, the northern border or the cruise ships.

Fishermen hold meeting over proposed lobster prices
June 14 marked the beginning of the Lobster season and already there are problems mounting. As we reported last week, the fishermen are dissatisfied that there is a significant decrease in the price of lobster.

Horizon Academy holds drive through graduation
The Month of June marks Graduation season and schools have gotten creative due to the social distancing protocols. Horizon Academy, for instance, held a Drive Through Graduation over the weekend.

PG residents still in uproar about the gas station
Several residents in Punta Gorda Town continue their rejection of the new fuel station being constructed at the entrance of that municipality. We first reported this story last Thursday when our Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung brought us interviews with Activist Wil Maheia; a current fuel station owner and an environmentalist.

CWU calls out PBL for misleading the public
The Port of Belize (PBL) and the Christian Workers Union (CWU) have engaged in a battle of “he said, she said” stemming from a proposal to reduce staff salaries by 10%. The union believes that PBL is essentially telling lies to give the impression that the company is working in the best interest of its workers while the union is being unfair and unreasonable.

Man survives shooting incident
A San Ignacio resident survived an attempt on his life last night after two men went to buy weed from him. The incident occurred around eight o’clock at the home of 24-year-old Isiah Azueta in the Kontiki area.

Belize detects its 21st case of COVID-19
Within the last twelve weeks Belize has confirmed twenty one cases of Covid-19. The most recent was reported yesterday via a post on social media from the Director of Health Services, Dr Marvin Manzanero.

Man’s hand is severed during chopping incident
A man’s left hand was severed, and the accused attacker has been sent to the Belize Central Prison on remand. The violent bloodshed took place during curfew hours in the wee hours of Saturday morning just before one o’clock.

Two fires reported in Belize City
Two fires were reported in Belize City over the weekend. The first occurred around eleven o’clock on Saturday night on Kut Avenue. The occupant of the house, who is reportedly a mental patient, was not at home during the time.

LPG prices on the rise
The Supplies Control Unit (SCU) in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce has announced an increase of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Effective Monday June 15 wholesale LPG will be valued at $2.64 per gallon. Retailing price will be 0.96 per pound and $4.24 per gallon in the urban area and $0.99 per pound and $4.34 per gallon in the rural areas.

BPP getting ready for General Election
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) has announced that they will be placing nine standard bearers in the next general elections. The slate is being led by its Party Leader Patrick Rogers.

Breaking Belize News

Punta Gorda Town Mayor offers “facts” on proposed gas station development
Without signaling support either way, Mayor of Punta Gorda Town Ashton McKenzie said on social media […]

Protected areas and National Parks reopen
Today, the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development announced that protected areas […]

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 8-million mark, over 4 million have recovered
Now in its seventh month, the global COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 8 million […]

US Supreme Court makes landmark ruling in favor of LGBT workers rights
The United States Supreme Court, in a landmark 6-3 decision, ruled that prohibitions in the […]

Dr. Manzanero tells BBN: “No need to panic”
“I don’t know that we should be panicking…the panic should be that we have cases […]

Director of Health Services issues advice after new COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Belize
Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero has made the point that there are a […]

Regular gasoline increases by 76 cents
The Ministry of Finance announced that effective midnight, the pump price for regular gasoline will […]

Will stevedores support their union colleagues at the Port of Belize?
They have always been a vocal bunch – indeed they were recently on the march […]

Flooding persists on Rio Hondo
The National Hydrological Service informs that flooding persists on the Rio Hondo river. Communities within […]

National Aids commission assists with food supplies to people living with HIV
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) says that as part of its ‘Continuity of HIV Services […]

Jamaica outlines tourism return plans
According to Caribbean Business Report, Jamaica will welcome the first of 70 flights bringing 6,000 […]

CWU discusses plight of other members during COVID-19 crisis
As one of the three largest trade unions by membership in Belize, the Christian Worker’s […]

CWU ‘sets record straight’
The Christian Worker’s Union (CWU) describes as “fiction” the view of Port of Belize Limited […]

Prices of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) sees increase
The Belize Bureau of Standards informed that effective today, new fixed controlled prices will be […]

Forbes Magazine lists Belize as one of the best places for residency and a second passport
The iconic American business magazine, Forbes, has listed Belize as one of 11 countries for […]

Lobster season reopens today
Lobster lovers rejoice – the spiny crustacean delicacy returns to dinner plates today. Today, Monday, […]

Four Countries in Europe to pay US$843 million for COVID-19 vaccine
ABC News reports that Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are coming together to spend […]

Esperanza resident charged for chopping off neighbor’s wrist
Esperanza resident, Shane Leal was charged for the crime of maim. He was charged for […]

Burglars tie up teenage girl, steal shotgun
Police are looking for two burglars who broke into a home, tied up a teenage […]

San Ignacio man shot to the leg
Police are investigating a shooting incident that occured last night in the Kontiki area of […]

Police detain man and minor for Sunday night robbery
Police have detained a man, 24, and a minor, 17, for a robbery that took […]

Blogs

Belize on Seasonal Schedule for WestJet, Air Canada & Sun Country
Over the last few months, international travel has come to a screeching halt amidst the COVID-19 pandemic; as we venture further into the year, some airline companies have pledged to resume service. Notably, many of Belize’s neighbours like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas reopen their borders as early as June. While Southwest Airlines have confirmed all flights to Belize will remain suspended until January 2021, other airlines await a reopen date for the Philip Goldson International Airport. Until then, airlines like WestJet, Air Canada, United, and Sun Country continue to have Belize on their seasonal flight schedule. Seasonal flights typically range between fall and spring.

Is Belize City Worth Visiting?
Many tourists to Belize treat Belize City as merely a transit point. They fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) and immediately catch a flight, water taxi or bus to other destinations. That’s a shame, as Belize City is worth a visit. Currently Belize’s largest city, Belize City started in the 17th century as a simple logging camp exporting mahogany to Europe. Later, British pirates established a base here from which to loot Spanish ships. Culturally, Belize City is incredibly cosmopolitan. Not only are there descendants of the Maya here, but also Creoles, Garifuna, Mestizos and immigrants from other parts of Central and South America as well as from China, Lebanon, India and many other places. The Swing Bridge, the only manual swing bridge in the world, is located in the center of the city’s commercial activity.

International Sources

Caribbean countries to receive EU's aid in the face of climate threat
At least 16 Caribbean countries will receive aid from the European Union (EU) to better prepare for and respond to climate threats and strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems, highlighted Caricom Today website. According to that source, the EU via the European Development Fund and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will collaborate in the development of capacities and networks within agencies, centers and institutes of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) linked to healthcare services, climate change, meteorology and hydrology.

LA’s Only Restaurant Dedicated to Garifuna Cuisine Will Open Soon in Exposition Park
In 2015, Winston Miranda opened the city’s first-ever Garifuna food truck, Saraba, to help bring the community to light in greater LA. “Blacks here consider us foreigners, the Belizeans and other Central Americans act superior to us, and we sometimes experience the same racism from whites that African Americans go through because most of us are black,” says Miranda, who operates Saraba in Gardena and around South LA. Miranda learned how to make the traditional foods of the Garifuna and Belizeans from his great-grandmother and mother, then attended the Art institute of Seattle to study culinary arts.

Forbes: 11 Best Places For Residency And A Second Passport
Most countries make it possible to acquire citizenship through residency. After you’ve been a full-time resident of the country for a specific number of years, you can become eligible to apply for citizenship and a passport. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of residency permit you have and how long you’ve held it, but most countries require you to be a permanent resident for at least three to five years before you’re eligible to apply for citizenship, meaning that time in the country while you hold a temporary residency visa doesn’t typically count toward the years of residency required before you can be naturalized. Put five years of permanent residency under your belt (for a total of six years counting the year it takes to become a permanent resident), and you can apply to become a citizen of Belize.

Videos

Peter Lawrence on ReefTV, min.

Galenia Hospital: The Only Hospital in Mexico of High Specialty, 6min. With Belizeans allowed to cross the border to seek medical assistance in Mexico, there is one hospital that is getting a lot of attraction – the Galenia Hospital in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Galenia Hospital boasts state-of-the-art medical technology, advanced infrastructure, and a team of highly trained and well-accredited medical professionals. The hospital offers a wide range of services from routine procedures to treatment for life-threatening conditions. News Five takes a closer look at the services offered at the hospital.

Small Business Owner Gets Creative to Survive COVID-19 Impacts, 4min. Last week we told you about enterprising chocolatier Julio Saqui of Che’il Mayan Chocolate in Maya Center Village. Saqui shares his experience on the hardships COVID-19 has created for his chocolate brand and how he adjusts the way he conducts business to keep Che’il Mayan Chocolate afloat during this pandemic. Here’s the story.

Scuba diver swims through beautiful school of fish in Belize, 1min. Swimming through a large school of beautifully coloured fish is a very fun experience.

The webinar, “Marine Ecosystem for Tour Guides", 55min.

Business Editor of Nationwide News Network and Producer, 33min. There's a lot of talk about treasury bills as a result of the 30 million dollars treasury note being offered by the Government. If you're not sure what a treasury note today's segment explained what it is and how it works. Kalilah Reynolds is a Business Editor of Nationwide News Network and Producer of Taking Stock on YouTube. We invited her to explain treasury bills and what the current offer would mean for investors and our economy.

Schools - scheduled to reopen in August of this year, 28min. Schools are scheduled to reopen in August of this year. School administrators are currently preparing their schools and classrooms for the beginning of the academic year. We invited Fermin Olivera, Lecturer at the University of Belize, to share his thoughts on how the education system will have to adjust to the impact of COVID-19.

Patient #21 repatriated to Belize from Houston Texas, 30min. The Ministry of Health confirmed a new case of COVID-19 over the weekend. Patient #21 repatriated to Belize from Houston Texas on June 12th, 2020. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services, talked with us about the ongoing strategy to manage the process of bringing Belizeans home and how they are keeping the cases from spreading into the community.

Horizon Academy Drive Through Graduation, 3.5min. The Month of June marks Graduation season and schools have gotten creative due to the social distancing protocols. Horizon Academy, for instance, held a Drive Through Graduation over the weekend.

OPENING OF THE LOBSTER SEASON 2020, 4.5min. THE LOBSTER SEASON OPENED TODAY BUT FOR MOST FISHERS IT WILL NOT BE A GREAT SEASON AS THE DECREASE IN PRICE IS DOWN TO 50% COMPARING TO LAST YEAR PRICE.

Rare and endangered sea turtle calmly eats sponges as scuba diver watches, .5min. Scuba divers who truly want to get a close up look at animals in their habitat understand that patience will reward them with experiences like this one. The sea turtle accepted the diver's presence and continued to eat and ignore the diver while doing so. Even a large angelfish joined i, eating the scraps that floated free from the turtle's meal.

Freaking face bird part 2, 5.5min. HORROR MONDAYS: oral legends, ghosts, spirits and other chilling stories

Diving in Southern Belize with Reef CI - March 2015, 2min. Lionfish eradication thanks to the team at Reef Conservation International

Diving in Southern Belize with Reef CI - November 2014, 1.5min. Lionfish eradication thanks to the team at Reef Conservation International

San Antonio - Toledo - Belize - Drone, 1min.

Belize Chocolate Company chocolate class, 3min. We show this at the beginning of each chocolate class before we start making and tasting chocolate

The Alux, 2.5min. The Alux is a well known spirit between the Yucatec Maya people of Belize . They are seen as guardian spirits of the milpa . enjoy the video courtesy of LUNA DE PLATA TV

June 15, 2020

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

The San Pedro Sun

Belize Business Barter Exchange proposes cashless transactions
A new method of doing business is being introduced to the Cayes (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) under the name Belize Business Barter Exchange. Entrepreneurs struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are being encouraged to explore the ancient world of barter, which was once the primary way of business before cash was introduced. This new norm will allow people to ‘trade’ or ‘barter’ goods and services to others without the need to use cash, but rather ‘trade dollars’ for payment.

Doctor Love: The effect of quarantine on marriage
Dear Doctor Love, after nearly two months of being locked down together, my husband and I are heading for divorce. I cannot understand why this togetherness has strained our marriage to a breaking point but instead of bringing us closer all we do is argue about problems I didn’t even know we have. He starts going over stuff that happened years ago and I am reeling with the onslaught of accusations and condemnations. I am finding out that what I thought he enjoyed he has been secretly resenting, like my parent’s regular weekend visits which he now says kept us from doing things he would have liked to do. He also hates his job and being the primary breadwinner...

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Monday, June 15th Meal pick ups. Location: Belize Diving Services. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30 pm.

COVID-19 UPDATE
This is an updated infographic as we went ahead and ran samples for those who arrive on the flight on Friday and we have detected another case of COVID-19 - Case 21. The person is a male, asymptomatic who was in the Houston area and went into the mandatory quarantine upon arrival on Friday. The person is asymptomatic and will continue to remain in strict quarantine for the next 14 days when a new sample will be processed. The identification of the new case follows the established protocol of testing those upon arrival.

Mr. Jorge Castillo Madrid, Don Coco, passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Jorge Castillo Madrid, better known as Don Coco on his sad passing. He was a great friend to the community of San Pedro and everyone knew him for his delicious tacos, marquesitas and his larger than life personality. We will definitely miss having him at our events.

Belizeans need to demand land distribution with title expedited process
By Wellington C Ramos Belize is a country with a population of about 400,000 people. It is underpopulated and there is enough land in the 8,867 square miles, to give each Belizean land to build a home. Besides, Belizean families own farmland which can be subdivided to give all their members a plot of land or parcel of land owned or meant to be owned by Belizeans. There are hundreds of Belizeans at home and abroad, who are yearning to build their homes but cannot get land to do so. The reasons are; a selfish family member who has the title for the family land and refuse to share it with other family members who are entitled to some of it...

PADF Flood Reduction Project
As part of the Taiwan-funded 'Flood Risk Reduction Project for San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town,' the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is pleased to announce its support for the Town Council through excavation services in the upper San Ignacio area. This support will clear approximately 7,000 feet of drains, starting at the Santiago Juan Layout entrance to the Orchard Area leading into the Macal River. This intervention will reduce the probability of flooding in the Independence Square neighborhood during the imminent rainy season. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially critical that communities take proactive steps like this to mitigate the negative consequences of floods. Such interventions will reduce the need for evacuations and can slow the spread of the disease in the event of a major storm. This support is expected to positively impact approximately 6,520 residents in this municipality.

The Reporter

Fire on Kut Avenue in Belize City
A cream colored mobile home was gutted by fire around 11:00 pm last night on Kut Avenue in Belize City. It is reported that a mental patient lived in the home but was there during the fire. No one was hurt during the blaze and authorities are investigated the cause.

Fire on Raccoon Street Extention
A second fire was reported in the city early this morning. This time a wooden house on Raccoon Street Extention caught fire. Fire fighters caught the blaze early but the flames and water destroyed most of the home and belongings of coffin maker, Mr. Belisle. No one was hurt in the blaze.

Breaking Belize News

Testing continues; Belize monitors 3 active cases of COVID-19
Belize continues to monitor 3 active cases of COVID-19 and the country has now registered […]

Director of Health Services says quick detection and rapid isolation is key to Belize’s success in COVID-19 battle
The Office of the Director of Health Services (DHS) issued a statement minutes ago saying […]

Travellers Liquors honors founder’s birthday with Don Omario’s Vintage Rum
Keeping with a tradition started over a decade ago, Travellers Liquors is celebrating the birthday […]

Was incense the cause of early morning fire?
Authorities are investigating the cause of an early morning fire in Belize City this morning […]

Maya calendar was WRONG and world will end ‘next week’, bizarre conspiracy theorist warns
As the world approached the year 2012, speculations about a world-ending series of natural disasters […]

Ministry of Health confirms 21st case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health announced today that another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed, bringing […]

Mobile home goes up in flames in Belize City
A mobile home in Belize City was destroyed in a fire last night. Reports are […]

Blogs

A New Look & A DELICIOUS Meal at Rain Restaurant at Grand Caribe Resort
Yesterday we headed to Rain Restaurant at Grand Caribe Resort for a 5pm reservation. The rooftop restaurant had a new look – and we were invited to check it out. We took the elevator up to the top floor – the rooftop terrace. There is a new covering, an open roof – set high above the terrace to shield the sun but still give you a sweeping view around the restaurant. A view of Grand Caribe… We decided to order a bunch of things and share. Mexican Street Corn Soup – topped with Cotija cheese, cumin cream, slice jalapeno, cilantro and smoked bacon. We ordered two sushi rolls – a Voodoo Roll and a Ocean Roll and Black Bean Crusted Snook. Here are the pictures I took. The soup was DELICIOUS. With the warm sesame rolls with butter. Super chunky, a good amount of bacon and cheese…yum.

Travellers Liquors celebrates Founder’s Birthday with Vintage Rum
During the 1950’s in Belize, sugar was king and everyone with a plantation was rolling in money and making his own rum – or so it seemed. In 1953, Jaime Omario Perdomo Sr., a man from very humble beginnings, began a venture by opening a bar in Belize City which he called Travellers. It was a logical name since most of his clientele were traveling either in or out of the city. In June, the company celebrates the birthday of Don Omario and his Vintage Rum! During the 70’s, Don Omario’s sons – Romel and Mayito – joined him in the family business once they became of age. Their enthusiasm and youthful energy translated into a tremendous growth spurt for the company. In 1983, Don Omario decided to register Travellers as a limited company, naming his children as shareholders. When Mr. Espat decided to relinquish his interests in the distillery in 1989, Travellers bought his share of the company, gaining for the first time full control over all aspects of production.

The Best Beaches of Southern Belize
You may think coronavirus has cancelled your beach vacation for 2020. However, Belize’s blue skies and warm temperatures almost all year round make it an idyllic location with a seemingly endless summer. Although, Belize is not your ordinary beach destination. The 185-mile Belize Barrier Reef hugs the country, from north to south, and protects over 200 cayes dotting the coastline. And in Southern Belize, the most pristine and uncrowded beaches await. If you are looking for where sand meets sea, these small and undeveloped islands in the South make for the perfect day out. Get ready to pack your flippers and hit the sand at one of these stunning beaches of Southern Belize.

WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY IS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 14TH, 2020
Donating blood is not only a good cause but it also has some benefits on health. For example, donating blood can protect your heart as doing that at regular intervals can reduce the viscosity of your blood. Notably, increased viscosity can limit the blood flow to the heart and can cause organ failure or a heart attack. The other benefits include the reduction of bad cholesterol in your blood, regulates your blood pressure, and keeps iron level under control as too much iron accumulation can lead to a heart attack.

International Sources

Blue Crab invade Cancun
Blue crabs are native to Caye Caulker too. Please help to protect them if you see them. A significant number of blue crabs have appeared in various parts of Cancun after the passage of the tropical storm “Cristóbal” several days ago. After heavy rains flooded their burrows, these animals were forced to go out to look for a new home, thus surprising many inhabitants of the city, who upon seeing them seek to protect them until they can be located in areas where they are not at risk. “Cristóbal” not only affected the residents of Cancun but also these colorful crustaceans, who lost their home unexpectedly and now must face all the risks which entail the interaction with humans.

Videos

Diving is not a Hobby, 2min. Diving is Life

Independence High School Class of 2020 - A Virtual Celebration, 2hr20min.

Pause Power, 62min.

Lobster price decreasing,50min. Meeting with fishermen country wide voicing their concerns on the pricing of the lobster comparing from last season to this years opening. $30per pound for lobster verses $15 per pound is not a take. They are demanding for the Government to get involved and make an amendment to put control on their products.

The Belize Defence Force, 2min. Shoulder to shoulder

Recinos Bakery & Cafe, 1min. Vistro highlights Recinos Bakery & Cafe in this short video.

Solo Dance by Jeanna Alpuche, 2.5min. From En Croix School of Dance in Belmopan, 12 year old Jeanna Alpuche gives us a delightful solo dance "Flashlight"!

Outstanding performance from the Cayo Music School for last night's Belize National Festival Of Arts, 2.5min. Cayo Music School gives us a double Mozart treat tonight! Here is 13 year old Davina Sosa's solo performance of Sonata in C Major. Lots of classical feel-good vibes!!

Belize 4K HD, 3min. Here you will find highlights of the magnificent city of San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye. From the local food/drink stops to the immensely beautiful island scenery, Ambergris Caye has all you would ever need to get the rest and relaxation you are looking for.

Caye Caulker, Belize | DJI Spark, 2.5min. Went to Belize for my birthday with a couple potnas and decided to fly my DJI Spark drone.

Sunday Eucharist at Christ the King Anglican church, Diocese of Belize, 72min.

MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA WATERFALLS IN BELIZE, 9min.

June 14, 2020

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

Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) holds graduation ceremony for standard six students
In a brief ceremony under the theme ‘Be Bold, Be Courageous, Be Your Best’, the Isla Bonita Elementary School (IBES) held their graduation service on Friday, June 12th at their compound. The proud standard six graduates marched to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance before parents and friends, who attended the special occasion. The school decided to celebrate their students’ achievement following the further ease of lockdown restrictions by the Government of Belize after the country continues to register no significant increase in COVID-19 cases. One of those changes in the restrictions allows for social gatherings of up to 100 persons.

Wolfe’s Woofers – Honest Juan
“He calls himself Honest Juan Garcia,” Mary Rodriguez, the hardworking Sun editor said to me. “While you’re on the mainland this week could you do a San Pedro Sun interview with him?” “Sure,” I said. “What’s his story?” “He’s worked in government offices all his life. Now he’s planning to run for area representative in the next election.” Mary arranged for me to cover Mr. Garcia’s meeting at a village council on Tuesday. When he arrived he was ready for action.

Five of seven Scarlet Macaws survive after being confiscated from Guatemalan poachers
The future of Scarlet Macaws in Belize seems uncertain due to the ongoing illegal wildlife trade that threatens their survival even in the safety of the country’s dense forests. The illegal practice has become a common practice in the Chiquibul National Park in western Belize, where Guatemalan poachers raid nests for young birds to sell in the black market. This was the case on June 7th, when seven young Scarlet Macaws were saved from such a fate when two poachers were intercepted by rangers of the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). The chicks were taken to the Belize Wildlife Referral Clinic (BWRC), where they will be looked after until maturity, and based on recommendations released back into the wild.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
We are thankful for our newest restaurant partner, Chef Juan's Kitchen & Pastries! Sunday, June 14th, Meal Pick ups. Location: Chef Juan's ( on Crocodile Street, near Dirty McNasty's) Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Ms. Soila Rodriguez passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Rodriguez friends and family on the sad passing of Ms. Soila Rodriguez. Our hope is that you find the strength in each other to overcome this great loss. May her soul rest in peace.

Taiwan contributes masks to belize
Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen handed over 10,000 Made-in-Taiwan surgical masks and 25 infrared forehead thermometers to Mr. Colin Griffith, Comptroller of Belize Customs and Excise Department, witnessed by Mr. Gilbert Gordon, Deputy Comptroller and leaders from the Taiwanese community in Belize. The masks and forehead thermometers will better protect frontline customs officers while carrying out their duties at borders and PGIA.

Corpus Christi Procession
Today is the Corpus Christi Procession, and it starts at 3pm at Sacred Heart. Parishioners are reminded and invited to come out Sunday for the Corpus Christi Procession - motor vehicles only - begins at 3 pm from Sacred Heart Church. Come and participate in a much needed blessing for our Twin Towns. Procession with the blessed sacrament. Call now to register at 663 1958 with Mr. Mangar or parish office today at 664 2171, God bless you all.

BTB's Staff Assists Families in Punta Gorda
The staff of the Belize Tourism Board has once again come together to reach out to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. This week BTB's staff made a financial contribution to the Belize Red Cross to assist families in Punta Gorda, Toledo. This is the third community outreach initiative facilitated by BTB's employees who have made a commitment to provide assistance in several different areas of the country. So far the contributions made by BTB's staff have benefitted close to 200 families in Calla Creek, Belize City and Punta Gorda. This week's effort with the Belize Red Cross provided assistance to 35 families in Punta Gorda. Recipients of the grocery packages included the elderly, persons who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and single mothers. The packages included an assortment of grocery items such as oats, custard, milk, ovaltine, ensure, baking powder, flour, rice, beans, sugar, toilet paper, tea bags, tuna, peanut butter, salt, canned soup and cheese.

Belize Ma'alob k'iin
K Ki'ichkelem Yuumstil Itzamna creator of the universe and humans.

Tropic Air Amended Station Hours
Please note the amended hours for our stations. Our Orange Walk, Belmopan and San Ignacio Stations remain closed and we hope to reopen as soon as conditions allow. San Pedro: 7AM to 5PM Mon to Fri. San Pedro Cargo: 7AM to 5PM Mon to Fri. Caye Caulker: 7AM to 5:00PM Mon to Fri. Belize City Municipal: 7AM to 5PM Mon to Fri. Belize City Municipal Cargo: 7AM to 5PM Mon to Fri. Corozal: 7AM to 4:30PM on Mon, Wed, Fri. Dangriga: 7:30AM to 4:30PM on Mon, Wed, Fri. Placencia: 7AM to 4PM on Mon, Wed, Fri. Punta Gorda: 7AM to 5PM on Mon, Wed, Fri.

Breaking Belize News

Court rules Bar President removal from judicial commission ‘unconstitutional’ but does not overturn decisions
The Supreme Court called the actions of its former Chief Justice, Kenneth Benjamin, in side-lining […]

Belize trailing in murder count so far in 2020
Belize has had 50 murders to date countrywide, as opposed to 66 by the end […]

Going inside the Unemployment Relief Program (Part 3): Who made it, who didn’t and why
The Unemployment Relief Program (URP), according to a report for the Economic Oversight Committee, drew […]

Punta Gorda in an uproar but proposed gas station will be built on ‘Dollar Coin’ land
Will visitors to the southernmost town of Punta Gorda, Toledo District, be welcomed by a […]

Heated feud between neighbors escalates to chopping in Esperanza
San Ignacio police responded to a chopping incident around 12:50 a.m. today in Esperanza. According […]

San Ignacio home burglarized of over $3,000 in belongings
A caretaker of Santa Famila village, Cayo reported to San Ignacio police this week that […]

A Plan to Create Jobs for Belize City
By Bill Undo: PUP Research Committee, May 2020 Article Six of the Constitution of the People's United Party details its Aims and Objectives […]

Testing continues; no new case of COVID-19
The Director of Health Services informed that on Friday, June 12, 2020, a record number […]

Quo Vadis Briceño?
By Lisa Shoman:The post-COVID19 economic recovery is as critica' as our response before the outbreak, if not more so. […]

Blogs

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Belize
When Belize opens its doors to travelers again, it will have a great opportunity to focus on sustainable tourism. Travel writers and other experts predict that post-pandemic travellers will insist on travel experiences that are sustainable, good for the environment, and good for local communities. In Belize, conservation is nothing new. Belize has long had a commitment to conservation and eco-tourism. Almost half the country is protected; whether by a marine reserve, wildlife sanctuary, jungle preserve or national park. Belize has countless stories of successful community conservation efforts that benefit the ecosystem, the tourism industry, and the people in a particular location.

Top 3 Tropical Urban Escapes in Belize
Most people, even dedicated urbanites, need a break now and then from round-the-clock noise of city life. In Belize, tropical escapes in urban settings are seemingly effortless. And with the lowest population density in Latin America and one of the lowest in the world, crowds are one less thing to worry about in Belize. Enjoy the best of tropical and urban delights right at your doorstep with these 3 Belize escapes, offering recreation and natural beauty within reach. San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Ramon’s Village Resort, Copal Tree Lodge.

THE RAINY SEASON IS HERE IN BELIZE, WITH THAT BRINGS MOSQUITOES
When is the Mosquito Season in Belize? The mosquito season starts about the start of rainy season, say June 1 or so Until the end of November. When the rainy season is upon us, along with it comes showers of mosquitoes too! These annoying tiny blood suckers do not discriminate anyone as they bite anyone and everyone!

Belize Visa And Residence Information
As with many other countries, Belize requires visitors to have sufficient funds to support themselves, a return ticket, and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. As a citizen of the U.S. or Canada you can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa. If you want to stay longer you’ll need to go to the Immigration Department office in Belize City, Belmopan, or one of the outlying districts, for a visa extension. You can easily renew your visa monthly for up to six months, for a renewal fee of $25. At the end of a six-month stay you must leave the country, but after two weeks outside of Belize you can return and re-start the process.

The Ultimate Adventurer’s Guide to Belize
Bordering Guatemala’s verdant jungle landscape and sitting on the Caribbean Sea’s pristine coastline, Belize boasts miles of untouched protected rainforest, spectacular mountain ranges, idyllic tucked-away beaches and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Although relatively small in size, its unique positioning on the world map means that this pint-size Central American country is a fascinating blend of cultures, with an eclectic mix of landscapes and terrain. From exploring a precious ancient Maya ritual cave to stumbling across an eerie plane wreck deep in the jungle and snorkeling alongside stingrays, there’s truly nowhere better for thrill seekers. For a distinctly Belizean experience, this is the ultimate adventurer’s guide to Belize.

Wild Wonders of Western Belize
Western Belize is a must see for any adventurer. Being the smallest country in Central America, it may come as a surprise to find Belize as a treasure trove of biodiversity and wildlife. Traversed by meandering rivers and marked by it’s majestic Maya Mountains, Belize is also home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. These destinations, among many others, will suffice in themself to ignite your wanderlust and inspire a visit. When you think of Belize, you may think of Mayan temples, rainforest terrain, beautiful beaches, and drinking straight from fresh coconuts. Needless to say, Belize is so much more than meets the eye. Home to a wealth of natural wonders, it’s no wonder Belize was named “Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret”.

5 Most Unique Experiences In Belize
Considering Belize is so small, you’ll be surprised at the punch it packs when it comes to epic activities. You’ve got gorgeous Caribbean coastline, thick jungle, and important historical ruins – all mixed with friendly locals and laidback cities. It’s also home to the second-largest coral reef in the world. So, make sure to pack your snorkel and swimsuit! With everything on offer in Belize, it can be hard to put together an itinerary of what to do, but we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 of the most unique experiences in Belize. Hopefully, it’ll help you to plan your trip and really make the most of your time in Central America. So, let’s take a closer look!

International Sources

Coronavirus vaccine breakthrough: Researchers 'high five' after trial success on Brexiteer
RESEARCHERS were "high fiving each other" over the results of cornavirus vaccine tests on a former diplomat inovlved in some of the world's first trials. EU director of communications Andy Wigmore is among the first 500 “lab rats” to be tested by Oxford University’s multi million pound efforts to develop a vaccine to protect the population from the disease. Mr Wigmore, a former diplomat for Belize who represented the country in trap shooting in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, was one of the first trialled.

Price appointed CEO at CBC
Veteran journalist and talk show host, Sanka Price has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). His recommendation by the committee comprising members of the corporation’s Board of Directors after two interviews, was subsequently approved by the Cabinet.

Videos

SCA Class of 2020 - A Virtual Celebration, 2.5hr.

Independence High School Graduation Sunday, .5min. The graduation celebration continues and tomorrow we're hosting the 219 students of Independence High School. Join us for the 28th commencement virtual exercise beginning at 10:00 am. It will stream on our Facebook pages and it will be carried live on Channel 5.

Saturday morning from Corozal, 2.5min.

Ocean Academy High School Class of 2020 Graduation!, 3.5hr. On Graduation Day, Ocean Academy High School continues to be grateful to all the donors and sponsors who helped us to meet our fundraising goal for the 2019-2020 school year. The OA Class of 2020 thanks YOU for investing in THEIR FUTURE.

Howler, 1.5min. Field recording of Howler Monkeys in the tree canopy above Lamanai, Belize.

Sailing in Belize on a Bareboat Charter: Part 5, 2.5min. Sailing from the Moorings base in Placencia. I chartered a 42-foot monohull and acted as skipper with my good friends Michael as chef and Scott as first mate.

Beautiful Morning in Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo , Belize, 1min. Misty morning in Bullet Tree Falls Village and the great Mopan River that runs through the village.

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, 5min. Join me as I explore a real Mayan temple in the heart of the Belize jungles.

Capoeira In Placencia Beach - Belize, 1min. The beautiful art of capoeira in Placencia Belize

Placencia - Belize - Hyperlapse, .5min. Driving in Placencia Village

Ordination to the Diaconate of Mr. Marcos Rodriguez, 90min.

Recapping this week's events with the Downtown Rejuvenation Project., 1min.

WHO IS THE SHERRIFF IN TOWN ?, 1min. Here is another case of Negligence by Town Authorities. This is what innocent Belizeans, who do not know the Laws, suffer without any attention in place. According to witnesses on the spot, while riding on the street, this young man rode over a MAN HOLE which gave way, and caused hm injuries. The sad part is, that STREET OPINION is not versed on the Laws of Belize. - This young man has all rights to claim COMPENSATION, just as Mr Ackroyd had the right to sue the Belize City Council, and got a HEFTY FINANCIAL AWARD, some years ago.

June 13, 2020

Statutory Instrument No. 85 of the Belize Constitution (Emergency Powers) Regulations, 2020

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

Government’s easing on SOE restrictions allows for more movement; clubs and bars to remain closed
On Friday, June 12th, a further relaxation to the restrictions under the current State of Emergency (SOE) took effect with adjustments on the curfew, restrictions on social gatherings and recreational events. The easing on the restrictions, however, still orders clubs, bars, and rum shops remain closed. The new changes in the SOE came after a meeting of the National Oversight Committee, where it was noted that Belize is nearing two months without any cases of community-spread COVID-19. This decision to further relax the restrictions, was also supported by Cabinet, thus it became official on Thursday, June 11th. Here are some of the new changes Belizeans can notice/enjoy as of Friday, June 12th:

Economic Oversight Team provide Summary Report of Unemployment Relief Program
Up to June 5, a total of 44,552 applications have been approved by the Economic Oversight Team and have been passed to CITO for transmission to SSB for payment. Of these, approximately: 45% were recently laid off persons; 24% were self-employed persons who lost their work; and 31% applied as long-term unemployed persons. About 94% of all approved applications have been successfully paid. The remaining 6% have been returned as “unpayable” due to bank information problems and attempts continue to obtain correct payment information from applicants. These approximately 3,000 applicants have been offered access to TopUp cards and they are sending in their acceptance of this offer.

Belize signs Revised Georgetown Agreement for the OACPS
Belize officially signed the Revised Georgetown Agreement on June 9, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium. The signing was done at the headquarters of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Signing on behalf of the Government of Belize was H.E. Dylan Vernon, Ambassador of Belize to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union and Belize’s Representative to the OACPS. The requisite number of signatures by Member States for the Agreement to enter into force was achieved in April 2020. Belize is now the 38th of the 79 Member States of the OACPS to have signed the Revised Georgetown Agreement.

Ministry of Food and Agriculture Imports Cabbage Due to National Shortage
With the recent drought and now the excessive rains experienced over the past few days, cabbage fields in the community of Valley of Peace were almost destroyed. This has further affected cabbage production, which according to the bi-weekly Food Stock Availability report, has been very low for the past five weeks and has not been meeting the market demand.

Various Belizean Sources

Summary of Statutory Instrument No. 85 of 2020
1. IS CURFEW STILL IN EFFECT? Yes, curfew is still imposed and in effect for the entire country for BOTH Adults and Minors, 16 years and under from: o Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. o Friday to Saturday from 12:00 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. However, minors, 16 years and under, MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian during: · The mornings from, o Sunday to Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. · The evenings from, o Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:59 p.m.

Statutory Instrument No. 84 of the Families and Children (Protection of Children) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations, 2020

Saturday Jam Session
To celebrate the re-allowing of live music, The Bluffs will be having a Saturday Jam Session with Barefoot Skinny, Eddie Allen, Aldo Pineda. It's free, and they only ask that you bring a food item to help the local feeding program. "In lieu of a cover charge we ask that you bring a donation ( dry goods) to be distributed by Libby's Soup Kitchen!"

THE YARBOROUGH FOOTBALL FIELD RESTORATION AND UPGRADE PROJECT
The Downtown Rejuvenation Project continues to work on the Yarborough Football Field and surrounding areas. The bleachers and restrooms including the restoration to the police station hut has been completed (in the distance). Currently, Bermuda sod grass is being planted and the field is being levelled. The concrete walkway around the field has been completed as well. The new walkway will be a great area for residents to run or walk around (1000 feet) to get exercise and stay in shape.

Artist of the Day - Vianay Bautista Vivas
Vianay was born in 1991 in Corozal Town. She began drawing at an early age, her mother took notice at about age eight of Vianay’s talent. During her years in primary school she mostly enjoyed drawing animals. It wasn’t until 2011, after falling ill and being housebound for a year, that Vianay began to experiment with her artistic talent in paint, pencil drawing, portraiture and poetry. In 2015 Vianay had her first exhibit - Healing Wonders of Art, at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where twelve pieces of her artwork were displayed. Life has been very busy for Vianay over the past few years, beginning with learning the skills of mural painting and graffiti art through workshops offered by the Corozal House of Culture.

The Change Dah Story Winners!!
Congratulations to our Belizean winners! We look forward to the creation and implementation of the Animation and Graphics Design Learning Center!

Creation of Humans
According to the Popol Vuh, the Sacred Book of Counsel of the Maya, the Maya gods tried to create humans three times. In the first creation, they tried to create humans out of wood but that did not work because they could not bend and they had no feelings. In the second creation, they tried to create humans out of clay but that did not work because when it rained on them they disintegrated and washed away. In the third creation, the Maya gods tried to create humans out of the kernel of the corn and that did work, so that the Maya consider themselves to be children of the corn. Corn is very important in the Maya diet; corn is very sacred in Maya culture.

COVID-19 update
A record number of SARS-CoV2 tests were completed earlier today - a total of 120! They were all negative and this batch included some repatriated Belizeans. Our work continues.

SACD would like to announce their latest opportunity!
Are you interested in increasing your career prospects and employability? Would you like to gain a greater insight into the inner workings of an NGO and conservation management? Are you dedicated and committed to making a difference with your career? SACD are now offer 1-3 month internships in any of our 4 core programs ('Natural resource management', 'Research and development', 'Education and outreach', and 'Communications and marketing').

Free Soup Project
On Saturday, June 6th, many people from around Cayo came together to cook soup for the Free Soup Project, a local feeding program. A huge thanks to everyone involved, and Running W, which provided the meat. It was delicious! They are still raising funds for more community feedings: https://www.gofundme.com/f/soul-project-soup-kitchen

The Belize Zoo will be open on weekends
Open hours will be Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9am to 4pm, with last admission at 3:15pm. We are closed Monday-Friday. Admission will be $7BZ for adults and $2BZ for children (ages 3-12) The Harpy Cafe will be open for both dining in and takeaway orders. All visitors must wear a mask and practice physical distancing of 6 feet at all times.

BWS to resume to normal working hours on Monday, June 15, 2020

Ya’axché is securing the services of a Business Management Consultant
The consultant will develop a cacao agroforestry and business management plan. The consultancy is for a period of 12 months for the project IDB-funded project entitled “Enhancing Conservation in Belize Protected Areas Through Disruptive Technologies”. The closing date for submission of your consultancy bid is extended to Friday, June 19, 2020.

Corozal Art Classes
We are looking forward to July in offering some summer programs for our community! First up is an art class by educator and artist Hilberto Trujillo. We invite intermediate level children to take part! Social distancing and masks will be mandatory.

Gilharry 7 Band Virtual Concert
Another great opportunity to attend the Gilharry 7 Bands's virtual concert, this one is dedicated to Fathers. Tune in this Sunday June 14th beginning at 2pm!

Ya’axché is securing the services of Farm Mapping (GIS) Consultant
The consultant will develop farm maps for farmers practicing climate-smart agriculture in the Maya Golden Landscape. The consultancy is for a period of 6 months for the project IDB-funded project entitled “Enhancing Conservation in Belize Protected Areas Through Disruptive Technologies”. The closing date for submission of your consultancy bid is extended to Friday, June 19, 2020.

Channel 7

Briceno Backs Off From Oversight Cmte.
PUP Leader John Briceno has resigned as co - chair of the National Oversight Committee. He did so on Wednesday in a letter to the Prime Minister. And he was supposed to announce it at a press conference that same day - but he never said in there that he was actually resigning! He opened the virtual press conference with a reflection on his service to the Committee, which he has co chaired along with the Prime Minister since it was formed in mid March. "I am fully satisfied that the People's United Party's presentation on the Nation al Oversight Committee and on the other committees contributed significantly to our country's successful efforts to contain the Corona virus..."

The Cattle-man/Cop Standoff At Arenal
For months, we've been reporting on the desperate situation with the cattle trade with Guatemala. For years, cattle had been going over to Guatemala illegally through Calla Creek and Bullet Tree in the Cayo District. But, the chairman of Bullett Tree shut that down once the COVID threat appeared - and so did the Guatemalan government. But, there's still a market for Belizean beef in Guatemala, and where there is demand, the supply will find a way in. So it seems, certain cattle interest have found another backdoor - this one in Arenal Village - half of which is in Belize, the other half in Guatemala.

Chester’s Westworld
Commissioner Williams also discussed the larger context of his tour of the west Wednesday. He went to see first hand the smuggling patterns and cross border movement patterns on the western border with Guatemala. He made this tour two weeks after his trip to border communities up north. Today, he told us that what he saw out west was more worrying than the north - where a river runs through the border: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "To me, there is a greater risk in the west."

BTS On the Road To Hell
We also asked the commissioner about the situation with the Belize Transit System bus operation. As we reported last night, that bus service is commissioned and subsidised by the police department to pick up and drop off police officers who live in the north. But, it's been causing chaos for other bus operators on the northern corridor. They say, BTS is sniping their passengers on what should be a police only run. Today, the commissioner of police said that it's a bad situation, but the police will have to live with it until they can do better:

Babylon Buys Bus
And, Commissioner Williams says that he will be doing better soon - when he gets the police their own bus. He told us about the plan to use police funds to buy a bus: "What I want to do for the north is to do something that we have on the west where I have said that I want to take $65 thousand from the police trust fund and $65 from the police reward fund. Put that together is $130 thousand and with that we buy a brand new bus for the north so that we will be able to bring our officers who come to work at the night time and take those who come off at midnight to the north."

Big Bucks Breakaway From BTIA
Earlier this week we told you about the position taken by the Belize Tourism Industry Association, that it would not demand that the government of Belize open the PGIA on July 1st. This came after the organization took a poll of its membership. The result was split 50/50 with half the members in favor and half opposed. That's why BTIA said it would leave the decision up to the government in its wisdom. Now, this decision has created a deep rift in the industry association. The BTIA today sent out a letter announcing that many of its large and powerful members had withdrawn. The BTIA sent them a letter today saying, quote: "Thank you very much for your past support. We will continue to do everything within our reach to ensure that our industry gets back on track for the benefit of our current members and, by extension, the entire industry, which includes you. You are always welcome at the BTIA." end quote.

Streets Remain Shut-In
Last night we told you about the further easing of the state of emergency regulations. Effective today, the weekday curfew has been extended to 10:00 pm and the weekend curfew to midnight, and social groupings of 100 persons are allowed; and you are allowed to go hang out at your friends' house. It's a relaxation that might actually allow for something like life as we knew it before the coronavirus changed the world.

COMPOL Breaks It Down On FB
But before you head out to revel in those four extra hours on a Friday night, we have a word of caution from the commissioner of Police. Williams reminded business owners, and parents that while rules have been relaxed they must continue to do their part to ensure that they and those they are responsible for are complying with the extended curfew. Williams posted a concise breakdown of the new regs in a Facebook post today - and he discussed it with us:

Managing The Rising Tide Of Lawlessness
We also asked the Commissioner how his department is policing this latest set of changes, and how it is managing the rising tide of lawlessness: "We will do what we can with a view to ensure that the citizenry are safe. But at the same time we want to ask the citizenry to do their best to ensure that they remain calm that they maintain law and order and try not to get too drunk to the extent that they do or say things that they may regret or that might antagonize somebody that may lead to a stabbing or a murder."

SOE Eases, School Rule Increases
New regulations are also coming into effect for schools. But, these have nothing to do with what's written in the state of emergency laws. The new rules for school are contained in a lengthy set of guidelines which was released today. They delineate the specific regulations for all schools countrywide. Jules Vasquez had a look today: The 27 page document provides detailed guidelines for school operation. It outlines what is called a hierarchy of controls, to create an education system that is safe, and where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.

Best Practices For Best Schools
This morning, we got a chance to speak with Dr. Carol Babb, the Chief Education Officer, about the guidelines to keep schoolchildren as safe as possible. She discussed the best practices that the Ministry is recommending for the opening of schools in the midst of a pandemic: Dr. Carol Babb - Chief Education Officer "We have a survey that we have sent out to all schools, and I can share that with you. We're asking schools about how many children are in a classroom because they need to bear in mind that social distancing must be 3 to 6 feet. We need to ensure that there are enough hand-wash basins in schools, that there is clean water for children to wash their hands, that there is soap, paper towel, or some kind of towel for children to wash their hands. We're advising schools to ensure that children wash their hands at like every 2 hours, 2 or 3 times for the morning, maybe as soon as they come in, before the break, after the break, and before going to lunch. So, we are going to provide training to teachers on how to properly prepare for the opening of school. They must sanitize. They must clean and mop regularly. They must use some kind of bleach."

Virtual Graduation, Real Fees
We also asked the Chief Education Officer for her thoughts on how high schools may now handle the graduation ceremonies for its students, in light of the amendment to the State of Emergency regulations which now allow for gatherings of 100 people. That change took effect today, and so, we wondered if the schools may adjust the scale of their plans for graduation. Dr. Babb told us that the schools may still follow through with their plans for virtual graduation ceremonies:

Gas Station By The Sea
If you're a regular visitor to Punta Gorda you'll know the joy and wonder of the salty sea breeze on your face as you roll through the curve to enter the town. It's a welcoming experience that could shift as seaside restaurants and quaint hotels are replaced by something a bit more practical. That's because Belize's southernmost town is set to receive a new gas station. The trouble is it's proposed location at a prized location. Cherisse Halsall has the story thanks to footage courtesy PGTV.

COMPOL Says No To Commercial Sex Work
All through the newscast we've been telling you about the easing in the state of emergency regulations which took effect today. The curfew comes into effect at midnight while bars, nightclubs and rum shops remain closed. But, what about commercial sex work? The statutory instrument laying out the regulations are silent on this - what is commonly called the world's oldest profession. And there has been a not so subtle lobby for working girls to get back to work. Today, the Commissioner said the law is silent, simply because commercial sex work is illegal:

Armed Robberies Rise
And so while it is a permanent speak-easy basis for commercial sex work, the robbers have been having their way with grocery stores owners. This week alone we have been telling you about multiple, armed violent assaults at grocery stores. The commissioner says they are doing what they can: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: "Again, it is difficult, for the simple fact that the law requires that people must wear a mask. Now we are seeing that some people are over doing it and every time we look at the cases of robbery, we are seeing that the perpetrator is wearing beyond a mask..."

No Knee On Neck Holds In Belize
Last night we showed you images of the Belizeans who participated in a virtual Black lives matter protest. It was an initiative spearheaded by activist Ya Ya Marin Coleman, a woman who maintains that Belizeans, who share a common ancestry with African Americans, must stand in solidarity with them. And while many support that move for solidarity others questioned whether it was misplaced noting that police civilian relations in Belize are of a different character.

Youth Changing The Story
For most of today, students from 6 high schools countrywide have been participating virtually in the Youth Innovation Challenge. This competition is part of the Peacework initiative from the international accounting firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which receives support from the Ministry of Education. Since 2007, PWC has been sending thousands of its employees to Belize to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The Youth Innovation Challenge was crafted 7 years ago to test the ingenuity and creativity of high school students. In this competition, students are given a real-world problem to tackle, and they must come up with the best ideas on how to address it.

PBL Rejects CWU
Last night, we told you how the Christian Workers Union rejected the pay cuts proposed by the management of the Port of Belize. As e told you, the Port is recommending pay cuts of 20% for executives, 15% for middle management, and 10% for full-time PBL staff. The Christian Workers Union responded saying that they cannot support any pay cuts for its membership unless the receivership management shows them the Ports accounts, to properly justify the pay cut. Well, the Port's management responded today that despite the CWU's objection, it is going to implement the pay cuts as planned.

A Gym For Heavy Cops
Earlier in the news, you heard how Police Commissioner Chester Williams wants to purchase a passenger bus. He is hoping to provide safer and more reliable transportation for police officers who have to travel between districts to go from their homes to the police stations that they are assigned to.

Channel 5

Opposition Leader Withdraws from National Oversight Committee
Opposition Leader John Briceño has written to Prime Minister Dean Barrow informing him of his immediate withdrawal from the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee. Briceño sent the letter on Wednesday, the [...]

Removal of Bar President from J.L.S.C. was Unconstitutional
Acting Chief Justice Michelle Arana rendered an oral decision this morning in a claim brought against the Judicial and Legal Services Commission by the Bar Association. During his tenure as [...]

Does No Consequence Means That It’s Okay to Flout the Law?
According to attorney Andrew Marshalleck, the notion that the timeliness of the complaint has a bearing on the consequence sends a wrong message to the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. [...]

P.G. Residents Concerned Over Construction of New Gas Station
Residents of P.G., along with business owners, met outside of the Punta Gorda Town Council building on Thursday evening to raise serious concerns over the construction of another gas station [...]

15 Repatriated Belizeans Arrive at the P.G.I.A. onboard United Airlines Flight
A number of repatriation flights on United Airlines are scheduled for the month of June. U.S. nationals board the United flights to return to the U.S., but Belizeans are also [...]

B.N.T.U. Expresses Concerns Regarding Reopening of Schools
The Ministry of Education has tentatively set August tenth as the date when schools are expected to reopen. With the current school year coming to an end this month, Minister [...]

B.N.T.U. President Questioning Legality of Reopening Schools
President Elena Smith is also questioning the legality of the reopening of schools. Smith contends that the recently enacted statutory instrument does not specifically address to the reopening of schools. [...]

Teachers Will Decide if They Feel Comfortable Returning to the Classrooms
According to Elena Smith, given the present conditions and unanswered questions, the decision to return to the classroom will be left for the individual teacher. Smith says that teachers should [...]

Belize City Man Charged for Rape of Minor
A man was arraigned before Magistrate Aretha Ford in Belize City today on a charge of rape upon a fifteen-year-old girl. The man is accused of forcibly having sexual intercourse [...]

Gregg Scott is Given Bail with Conditions for Unlawful Sex Charge
A man who is awaiting trial for unlawful sexual intercourse has been granted bail, provided that he abides by three conditions stipulated by the court. Gregg Scott was granted bail [...]

Belize Tax Service Employee Charged for Possession of Controlled Drug
A second class clerk of the Belize Tax Service, who is charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply and who is attached to [...]

Small Business Owner Gets Creative to Survive COVID-19 Impacts
Last week we told you about enterprising chocolatier Julio Saqui of Che’il Mayan Chocolate in Maya Center Village. Tonight, Saqui shares his experience on the hardships COVID-19 has created for [...]

Lobster Season Opens June 15th
Lobster season is set to open on Monday, June fifteenth and already fishermen are saying that the lobster will not fetch a good price on the market. We reached out [...]

Celebrating Fisherfolks in June
The lives of fisherfolks are usually celebrated with several events throughout the year, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fisherfolk Planning Committee was forced to scale down its activities. [...]

Visit the Blood Bank, Help Safe Lives
“Safe Blood Saves Lives” – it’s the theme used to celebrate this year’s World Blood Donor Day. In Belize, the National Blood Bank is encouraging residents to donate blood, which [...]

Galenia Hospital: The Only Hospital in Mexico of High Specialty
With Belizeans allowed to cross the border to seek medical assistance in Mexico, there is one hospital that is getting a lot of attraction – the Galenia Hospital in Cancun, [...]

Amandala

Ex-common-law murders new common-law
According to police reports, at about 1:00 this morning in San Ignacio, David Valencia, 44, the ex-common-law husband of Sheldeen Evans, killed Evans’ new common-law husband, Robert Hurley, 69. Valencia was working as a maintenance worker at Evans’ and Hurley’s house on the George Price Highway, located between San Ignacio and Benque Viejo. He lived in the lower flat, while Hurley and Evans lived upstairs, in what looked like an unfinished flat.

Two cops charged with extortion
Corporal Reymundo Carrillo and Constable Marlon Triminius were jointly charged with one count of extortion this afternoon at the Belmopan Magistrate’s Court. The two cops were each offered bail of $8,000 and two sureties of the same amount. They were able to meet bail and were ordered to return to court on October 28. Police said that the two officers extorted $100 ($50 each) from a man who was driving a motorcycle without his driver’s license, who they ordered to give them money so that they would not arrest and charge him.

GoB relaxes more State of Emergency restrictions
A government press release issued this morning announced a further lifting of State of Emergency restrictions. The release explained that Cabinet has supported the recommendations of the National Oversight Committee, which met on Monday and made the recommendations to further relax the measures that had been imposed under the State of Emergency. “Though there has been no sign of community transmission of COVID-19 for over 50 days, the Government continues to take a phased and balanced approach to reopening. The new relaxation measures will allow more people to return to work and more businesses to open,” the press release said.

Belize’s 20th case of COVID-19
A 22-year-old Belizean woman who entered Belize illegally somewhere in the south, on Sunday, June 7, tested positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Health announced today in a late afternoon press release. This brings to 20 the number of confirmed cases in Belize. The Ministry of Health press release, however, did not disclose the nationality of the young woman, who was said to have been found with a one-year-old child and a 63-year-old woman. Neither did the press release say in what village in the south the trio was found.

GOB ambivalent about Guatemalan students returning for new school year
Recently, the Government of Belize was paying keen attention to the spike of COVID-19 cases in the neighboring countries, particularly Mexico and Guatemala, with which Belize shares land borders. According to Reuters, as of today, June 10, Guatemala has 8,200 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and there have been 316 deaths, while Mexico has 129,184 confirmed cases and there have been 15,093 deaths. With the opening of pre-schools, and primary and secondary schools, scheduled for August 10, the Government of Belize is faced with a very real dilemma regarding the republic next door.

Ministry of Health revisits testing protocol, after experience with patient #19
A number of Belizeans who have been left stranded overseas due to the global lockdown are trying to get home. To do so, they must be willing to undergo processes which the government has mandated. That process begins with the filling out of an application that is available at the government’s COVID-19 website. Last Friday, the 53-day period that the country has enjoyed without anyone testing positive for the novel coronavirus was broken when a repatriated Belizean man who arrived on a cruise ship tested positive for the virus.

Two Guatemalans caught entering Belize illegally
Despite the fact that Belize’s borders with Guatemala and with Mexico are closed because of the COVID-19 virus, people are still coming into the country illegally. This evening, while officers of the Customs Department were conducting routine patrols along the western border, they saw two Guatemalans, whom they stopped, and they discovered that the men had come across into Belize illegally.

Mexican man, Abel Barron, busted crossing illegally into Belize
Mexican national Abel Galvan Barron, 45, a butcher of Subteniente Lopez, Chetumal, Mexico, who is now living in Calcutta, Corozal District, was caught crossing into Belize by a BDF/police patrol that is stationed in Santa Cruz to prevent illegal border crossings into Belize from Botes, Mexico, which is just 5 minutes away, across the Rio Hondo River. The incident occurred yesterday evening in Santa Cruz. Barron had just crossed the river in a boat into Santa Cruz when he was caught by the patrol.

After 2 years, DNA results say dismembered legs in river belonged to boy, 17
Gerardo Vasquez, 17, a resident of Ontario, Cayo District, was reported missing on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, and extensive searches were conducted in an effort to locate him. Late on Friday, September 28, a dismembered leg was found floating in the river that flows behind Ontario, Teakettle, and Blackman Eddy, in the Cayo District, and there was speculation that the leg could belong to Vasquez, but this was not confirmed.

Editorial: Belize supports Black Lives Matter protests in the USA
Despite the claims of the USA that it is a just democracy, police officers in that country, many white, systematically abuse and even kill unarmed black men with impunity. What is happening over there is intolerable, and after the recent death/murder of another unarmed Black American, George Floyd, by American police, there have been protests across the USA (United States of America), and in many countries in the world.

You can’t attack Petillo’s cause, says Hon. Cordel Hyde
Early Sunday morning, many supporters of land activist Nigel Petillo gathered by the George Price Highway, near Mile 44 in Cotton Tree Village, where Petillo had identified another parcel of land, located next to the land that is said to be owned by the Belmopan Land Development Corporation, represented by Glen Ysaguirre and his son Jarrad. The number of landless grassroots people who attempted to attend the meeting highlights once more the plight of landless Belizeans and the absence of a comprehensive policy to address their situation.

BPP announces its first 9 candidates for general elections
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) announced today, via a press release, that the party has nine candidates who will contest the general elections that are scheduled to be called this November. BPP made the announcement following what it referred to as a “very successful meeting” which lasted some six hours and was attended by “patriots from all across the jewel.” The meeting was held in Belmopan.

Spanish Lookout divided over Herrera
Spanish Lookout is one of the wealthiest and most peaceful communities in our country, but like everyone else, they have their share of problems. There is food aplenty in Spanish Lookout indeed, and there is peace, but many of the folks who live there are finding that some of the rules that govern the community are stifling. On 22 May, 2020, Mr. Lyndon Herrera, of lot # 350294, in Spanish Lookout, was accused of “illegally living in Spanish Lookout Community.” In a letter sent to him by the lawyer(s) of the leaders of the Spanish Lookout community, Herrera was advised that since his marriage to a Mennonite woman had been dissolved, he no longer satisfied the revised Membership Policies of November 2019, so he would have to leave. He was advised that legal proceedings would be brought against him if he did not move by June 23, 2020.

456 Belizeans registered for government’s repatriation program
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to lock down the world and Belize followed suit, closing its borders and then declaring on March 23 that not even Belizeans would be allowed entry, hundreds of citizens of the country were legally locked out under the national State of Emergency that was declared. Since the country had a lengthy respite from any active case of the novel coronavirus, the Government of Belize activated a repatriation program to allow Belizeans to return home.

30 million dollars? Chump change to Ashcroft
We were told that we should be unconcerned about devaluation because our foreign money position was strong, but that 30 million US dollar Treasury Note has to make us suspicious. Hmm, if it is really so that we have to shore up our foreign exchange position, then we have to do what we have to do, but we have to ask why we took the expensive route when we have Lord Ashcroft right here, right now. No less than the present PM, Mr. Dean Barrow, told us that that gentleman had the milk of the Good Samaritan flowing through his veins, and the proof of that is that he saved our exposed butts by buying BTL from an American philistine who couldn’t meet his IOU.

Mrs. Dora Webster, from the Brooklyn diaspora …
That month had been one of the busiest of the year, from confirmation of Jewel’s pregnancy to commencement of construction work on the school building expansion. The administration had applied to the government and received permission to close school a week earlier, Friday the 20th rather than the 27th, in order to maximize the time available to complete the major aspects of concrete foundation, floor, columns, sills, verandas and stairs of the ground floor of the building in the limited time before the official opening of the next school year.

Belize needs to adapt to the new reality
Dear Editor, There have been 14 global recessions since 1870: in 1870, 1876, 1885, 1893, 1908, 1914, 1917-21, 1930-32, 1938, 1945-46, 1975, 1982, 1991, 2009, and 2020. This present global recession will be more than 90% compared to 85% in the Great Depression of 1930-32, according to a recent World Bank report. What is troubling is a decline in global per capita income by 6.2%, which is unprecedented. This means millions will be pushed into extreme poverty globally, and thousands locally.

Belize’s Major Eric Neal excels
Dear Editor, Today, I had the honour and the pleasure of attending, virtually, the Canadian Military’s 46th Joint Command and Staff Programme Graduation at the invitation of Colonel J.A.P. Vien, A/Commandant, Canadian Forces College, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Several Canadian senior military personnel graduated, as well as some senior military officers of foreign countries, including Belize, who were selected to attend the 46th residential “Joint Command and Staff Programme (JCSP).”

For the US to get into a Cold War with China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela is unwise
Dear Editor, The United States’ national debt has reached 26 trillion dollars and is expected to reach 30 trillion in 2021. The US’s total tax revenue is 3.2 trillion. Interest rates on its debts are close to zero percent. If interest rates were to go up to 10%, the US will not be able to service its debt. In the 1970s, the US interest rate went to about 20%. This year, the US plans to create trillions more in US debt.

Yes, I know
Yes, I know who Dr. Harold Young is, and I like his idea of a national rainy-day fund. Like the one we could have created by saving a percentage of the BNE petroleum revenues. May I add the idea of returning to villages and the food security and special social strengths their existence gave to Belize. But it’s not like I think this return will be easy. Government may need to invest a ton of money to revitalise old villages and create new ones. I don’t know how to do it. However, Menonites and Israelis are experts, I believe.

LOVE FM

Court rules against former CJ
The former Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin was found to have acted unlawfully when he decided to exclude the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal from the Judicial Legal Services Commission which he (Benjamin) chaired. The commission is made up of several key persons in the judiciary including Vidal in her capacity as the President of the Belize Bar Association.

World Blood Donor Day celebrated at Blood Bank
Today, dozens of people volunteered to donate their blood to the blood bank in Belize City. The Blood Bank is celebrating World Blood Donor Day and gave donors a token of appreciation for their donation.

Ocean Academy wins Youth Innovative Challenge 2020
Ocean Academy High School in Caye Caulker is the 2020 Youth Innovation Challenge. They won first place with their project, Purchase with Purpose, a website where students can sell their products and services in order to raise funds to assist with school tuitions.

The Pink Tax explained
Women are faced with many injustices throughout their lifetimes, including wage gaps and inequality in the workforce. Another form of discrimination that they may not even be aware of is The Pink Tax.

PBL calls out CWU for being disingenuous
The Port of Belize has responded to the Christian Workers Union demand that their record be reviewed by a financial expert before salary deductions are made. The CWU stated in their press release yesterday that 64 out of the 85 members voted in a secret poll to not accept the 10% reduction.

Summary Update on the Relief Program
Up to the end of May, a total of $15.8 million including approximately $133,000 in bank charges were paid out to persons in the Unemployment Relief Programme. The Government of Belize issued an update on the unemployment relief programme stating that up to June 5, a total of 44,552 applications have been approved by the Economic Oversight Team.

Breaking Belize News

Leader of Opposition resigns from National Oversight Committee
In an unprecedented move at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Dean Barrow […]

Tourism Industry Association loses support from some members following split on decision to re-open airport
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) issued a letter to its members today, affirming its […]

National Hydrological Service informs of flooding on the Rio Hondo
The National Hydrological Service of Belize informed today that flooding is occurring on the Rio […]

Councillor Micah Goodin and the Belize City Council replacing fallen home for Lake I resident
This week Belize City Councilor Micah Goodin, backed by his council, laid the foundation for […]

Flood forecast for weekend
The National Hydrological Service of Belize informed today that flooding is occurring on the Rio […]

Going inside the Unemployment Relief Program (Part 1): Conclusions and what happens next
The Government of Belize appears to be giving strong consideration toward extending the Unemployment Relief […]

“I’m here because I can win,” says Allan Pollard
This week, the People’s United Party (PUP) announced that Allan Pollard, 25, an entrepreneur from […]

Going inside the Unemployment Relief Program (Part 2): Social Security hurting from the drop in employee contributions
The report by the Economic Oversight Team on the Unemployment Relief Program (URP) introduced in […]

Commissioner of Police tours Western communities
On June 10, 2020, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams toured the rural communities of Arenal, […]

No ferry operator at Baking Pot Ferry
On May 20, BBN reported on the inconveniences reported by many workers heading to Spanish […]

Lord Ashcroft Relief Fund makes $60,000 donation to Rotary Club and Kolbe Foundation
This week the Lord Ashcroft Relief Fund (LARF) donated $60,000 to the Rotary Club of […]

Blogs

Make new Thanksgiving Traditions in Belize
This year, by no stretch of the imagination, has been singular. Globally, many spent the better half of the year in isolation, away from both family and friends. With travel slowly starting to reopen across North America and the Caribbean, here’s why you should choose to make new Thanksgiving traditions in Belize. With a large expat population in Belize and 67% of Belize’s international visitors arriving from the U.S., there’s more than enough options for a Thanksgiving feast – without lifting a finger. Each year, resorts and restaurants across the country offer easy lunch options and 3-course dinner specials. Often, honouring the tried and true traditional dishes with fresh, local Belizean flair.

Photos in Sleepy San Pedro Town with Belize Borders Still Closed
Almost a month ago, some of Belize’s Pandemic State of Emergency restrictions eased and while the borders and the International Airport remain closed, the internal economy has re-opened. Yesterday, June 11th, we saw further easing to allow spas and gyms to re-open, larger gatherings (up to 100) and the curfew was again eased though not removed completely. Daycare centers, bars and nightclubs will remain closed. (Newest press release at the bottom of this post from the GOB’s Press Office) I decided to head to town to take some photos on what was turning out to be a HOT GORGEOUS day. Internal economy and domestic tourism are the economic focus for the country right now. But Ambergris Caye’s economy is almost solely driven by international tourism.

Why Visit Orange Walk District, Belize
Only an hour north of Belize City, Orange Walk, affectionately known as “Shuga City”, for its sugar cane production, is home to the majority of the country’s Mestizo population. Beyond the tempting rum factories, Orange Walk is both rustic and authentic. This is a place where it is not far-fetched to go for a morning rainforest run and spot an ocelot stealthily crossing jungle trails. Traveling on the New River Lagoon-Belize’s largest freshwater body, at 28 miles long- is a veritable safari. You will be scrutinized by Morelet crocodiles, while above, drooping of the trees are bird nests, and gliding black vultures hunting from the sky.

HandMade Bags Sewed By: Chill's Creation in Corozal Town
I have been attending ''Corozal Art In The Park'' for quite some time in the past in Corozal Central Park. I chanced upon a booth called "Chill's Creation" that contained an array of colorful, eye-catching handmade purses and bags. From cell-phone carriers, wristlets, funky envelope-style bags, makeup bags, diaper bags, and pretty handbags. Owner of Chill’s Creations Cecelia Lanza showed me how she does her sewing bags when I last attend Corozal Art In Park.

Father’s Day Activities in Belize
Here’s your gentle reminder that Father’s Day is just around the corner! This special day, celebrated on June 21, gives us the opportunity to celebrate the special man in your life – whether that be Dad, Granddad, a friend or father figure. These men make us feel special every day, so it’s important to let them know how much we appreciate and love them. Here, we have rounded up all the ways to show the #1 guy in your life how much you care. Whether he loves outdoor adventures or a delicious Father’s Day brunch, these Belize activities are guaranteed to bring a day of fun and memories.

Clean Up The Cayes: Volun-tourism Trips to Belize
Clean up the Cayes is a a nonprofit based in Lake Tahoe and Belize. Its mission is to fight back against plastic and all forms of pollution in our global environment, both on land and under the surface, starting with Lake Tahoe and the Cayes in Belize. Belize is where the founder of Clean Up the Cayes was originally inspired to clean up plastic. They are currently working on the initial concept of voluntourism clean up trips with an estimated launch of 2022. You can spend 7 or 10 days at a beautiful, beachfront, extremely inclusive yoga get away. Includes daily yoga, meals, fun adventures and of course volunteer time cleaning up the beaches in Belize.

International Sources

It's time for Britain to think seriously about reparations for slavery
The Caribbean island where my ancestors were forced to work still bears the scars of slavery - they should be recognised. he fall of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol on Sunday has quickly become the defining image of the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests across Britain. These protests were initially prompted by the killing of George Floyd in the US and systemic racism everywhere, but they may finally force us into a thorough examination of the British empire and its role in slavery.

When Will Latin America Reopen For Air Travelers?
Currently, Latin America is the fourth epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, after China, Europe, and the US. Because of this, most of the countries in the region are entirely shut to international and domestic travelers. But, when will the borders open up in the area? Let’s find out. Today, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published an interactive coronavirus travel regulation map. In this map, IATA regularly updates the restrictions imposed by Governments worldwide.

Videos

Peter Lawrence on ReefTV, min.

The Voice Of Caye Caulker, 30min.

RESTORE BELIZE - Model Relationship Repair, 5.5min. Developing Safe Schools: Trauma Informed Practice in Schools. PILLAR 1: Creating Safe Classrooms Environments.

Channel 5 Daily Obituaries - EDGAR RENE YOUNG, 1.5min.

September without Carnival! No Money and No Time to Get Ready, 5.5min. In years past, the construction of carnival costumes and dance rehearsals would be in full swing at this time of the year. But the coronavirus has thrown a wrench into this year’s carnival season, which is one of the most followed events during the September celebrations. That bacchanal is normally held the second Saturday in September and even though, there is no telling what it will be like in September, bands have not been able to prepare. Even more compelling is the reality that the private sector will not be able to afford sponsorships. Organizers believe that Carnival 2020 is on hold for this year. Here is News Five’s Duane Moody.

National Virtual High School Innovation Challenge 2020!, min. Teams include: *Ecumenical College *Excelsior High *Ocean Academy High School *Belmopan Baptist High School *Sacred Heart College *Edward P. Yorke High School

The Cayo Music School performed a beautiful rendition of Pachebel's Canon last night for the Belize National Festival Of Art, 3min. And now to change the pace and switch up the vibe!! From Cayo Music School...a recorder ensemble performance of one of the most popular pieces of classical music, Pachelbel's "Canon in D". The ensemble is comprised of 12 year old Jayden Magana, 13 year old Davina Sosa and 17 year old Ranai Gonzales. A special note is made of Ranai who has performed ELEVEN consecutive years in the Festival of Arts...from primary through secondary school! Not even a worldwide pandemic broke her participation streak. We say "Bravo"!

Webinar, “Strategies to survive COVID-19 for tour guides”, min.

In It Together - Belize, min. Learning in the classroom is a thing of the past, at least for now. Thanks to technology, learning can take place ANYWHERE, and that's exactly what we'll do together. We're In It Together!

Healthy Living: Donate Blood, 4min. Across the world, blood is a precious resource. Even in modern medicine, there is no substitute for blood. By donating blood, you can save as many as three lives. Complications in pregnant women, anemic children, victims of traumatic injuries, and people getting surgeries are just some of the populations that regularly need blood.

AREA REPRESENTATIVE HONOURABLE MANUEL HEREDIA JR BRINGS RELIEF TO CAYE CAULKER DURING COVID 19, 1.5min.

UNCOVERING COVID-19 Pandemic - A Channel 5 Special. (Episode 10), 2hr.

Good live music from Caye Caulker, with Gregory Michael Musicman and friends., 3hr. Benefit for the Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen.

Solist Eladio in Belize, 5.5min.

Papa Churros - San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, 2min. Welcome to day ELEVEN of my 30 in 30 days challenge to explore San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize.

Mayan legend: The tragedy of lovers, 2min. A friendship of two children who over the years transforms into a passionate love story, and who, although forbidden, manage to be together even after death.

June 12, 2020

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

The San Pedro Sun

IDB and Compete Caribbean’s ‘Change Dah Story’ Social Innovation Challenge to fund three Belizean projects
Three Belizean initiatives to benefit the future of vulnerable youth will receive up to US$10,000 each to accomplish their plans and turn them into practical business models. The winners were among the 15 teams that participated in the ‘Change Dah Story Social Innovation Challenge,’ commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility along with its partners.

Importation license needed to bring in flour and toilet paper to Belize
The Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) has announced an amendment to its supplies control (import/export) regulations when it comes to flour and toilet paper. According to information shared by the BBS, importation of flour and toilet paper will now require an importation license from the Supplies Control Unit. The amendment gave life to the Statutory Instrument No. 79 of 2020 and was gazetted on June 6th; therefore, it is now a law. The new legislation repeals and replaces the first schedule that lists all the goods which require an importation license. That list includes products like grains, meats, and petroleum, among others, and now flour and toilet paper.

Ambergris Today

Curfew Hours Shortened And More Lockdown Restrictions Eased
Cabinet has supported recommendations resulting from a National Oversight Committee meeting held on Monday, June 8th, which will now see a further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Though there has been no sign of community transmission of COVID-19 for over 50 days, the Government continues to take a phased and balanced approach to reopening. The new relaxation measures will allow more people to return to work and more businesses to open.

Is July Too Early Or Too Late To Open Belize’s Intl. Airport?
The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) recently polled its members to gauge their views regarding the reopening of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The survey also asked members to share their views on the medical safeguards that should be in place once PGIA is reopened to minimize the importation and spread of Covid-19 from arrivals.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Friday, June 12th Meal Pick ups. Location: Barrier Reef Sport Bar & Grill. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Re-Opening the Airport
Dear friends, after much thought and consideration and with all due respect to the Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, as well as with the support of my colleagues, I believe and urge our fellow ministers to consider greatly in opening the international airport on July 1, 2020 or to at least set a fix date at its earliest as this has gravely affected our tourism industry, which is the bread and butter for most of the country. I am aware that opening the international airport puts our country at a high risk of contamination of COVID-19; however, our country is severely being affected economically and our people are crying out of desperation to maintain themselves and their families...

Government of Belize Announces Further Ease of Lockdown Restrictions
The Cabinet has supported the recommendations resulting from the meeting of the National Monitoring Committee on Monday, June 8, which will now see greater relaxation of lockdown restrictions established to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Although there has been no Community transmission of COVID-19 for more than 50 days, the Government continues to adopt reopening with a gradual and balanced approach. New relaxation measures will allow more people to return to work and open more businesses.

Webinar, “Marine Ecosystem for Tour Guides”
Reminder: The webinar, “Marine Ecosystem for Tour Guides,” is scheduled for June 15 at 1:30 p.m. Register here: https://bit.ly/2B1VKfr

Artist of the Day - Myrna Manzanares
Myrna Manzanares is a traditional storyteller, a published writer, poet, dramatist, educator and a trained counselor. She is the immediate past president of the National Kriol Council (NKC) and perceives herself as a culturist, concerned about the Culture, History, as well as inter-ethnic harmony of her Belizean people and by extension, the world. She serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal for Belizean studies and is one of the editors of the Kriol Language materials, including the Kriol /Inglish Dikshinari and the yearly Kriol Kalinda which is published by the Kriol Langwij Projek. This is the Language Arm of the NKC. Earlier this year she coordinated the completion of the New Testament in Kriol through the Wycliff Institute.

Sarteneja Village artist Chuy Carrillo
Our weekly Art & Soul series features Sarteneja Village artist Chuy Carrillo. We are delighted to showcase Chuy's work showing his range of painting styles. He is another self taught artist who knew very early on art was his calling. Chuy has made a 20 plus year career doing what he loves most. In 2012 he opened Chuy's Art Shop in the village, he also continues to sell his beautiful creations out of art gallery's in San Pedro. Chuy's days are filled with painting on canvas, creating commissioned murals and going back to his humble beginnings(but taking it to the next level)- painting names on the famous fishing boats of Sarteneja.

Tribute to Corn"
Raices Mexicanas-Retonos Belicenos is proudly presenting a dance entitled "Tribute to Corn". Ms Angelita Magana, from Corozal Town, choreographed this dance because of the significance and important role corn plays in our daily lives. Corn Dance Corn - Maiz - Maize is the most important natural food to the Mayas. The ancient Mayas believed that Maize apart from being their staple food had a spiritual and religious significance. According to Maya mythology, human beings were created from maize. White corn was used for the bones; yellow corn for the muscles; black corn for the eyes and hair; and red corn for the blood.

Summary Report of Unemployment Relief Program
The Unemployment Relief Program opened for online applications just over 2 months ago on April 3, 2020. A total of 81,052 applications were received up to April 24 when applications were closed, for the time being. Less than 5000 applications were submitted in hard copy and, of those, only 2000 or so had to be entered into the e-portal because applicants found a way to also apply online. That they were able to is a positive indicator for access to the internet.

CENTRAL BANK of BELIZE PRESS RELEASE: US$30.0MN FIXED RATE NOTES
The Central Bank of Belize advises prospective subscribers and the public that the Government of Belize's offer of a US dollar-denominated Fixed Rate Note has been enthusiastically received both in Belize and the wider region. As the independent banker for the Government of Belize, the Central Bank issues Treasury Bills and Notes in accordance with the Central Bank of Belize and the Treasury Bills Acts and always within its authorized borrowing limits.

Portion of Calle Al Sol blocked June 13 for Graduation
Please take note of a portion of Calle Al Sol will be block off on Saturday for Ocean Academy's graduation. Congratulations to OA's class of 2020.

Channel 7

The Great Easing: SOE Regulations Relaxed
Two days ago, we told you that a further relaxation in the state of emergency measures was coming - and those were formally announced today. Effective tomorrow, the curfew will be relaxed for adults and children, and the numbers allowed in social gatherings will be increased. So, these changes will allow for the closest thing to a return the pre-COVID lifestyles that was the norm up to April second when the first national 8:00 pm curfew went into effect. Now, these latest changes had been decided upon 11 days ago, before patients 19 and 20 had appeared.

Come Together For Relaxed Regulations
Another important change to the SOE regulations is that the maximum number of persons allowed to congregate at social gatherings has been increased from 40 to 100. It's just in time for all those primary school and high school graduations planned for June, but, face masks and social distancing rules must be strictly observed.

Still No Opening For Bars and Rumshops
Since the last amendment to the regulations, the majority of businesses were allowed to re-open their doors. But, there were still a few that were not being allowed to operate. And even after this new amendment, there are still some businesses that can't - and we mean bars and nightclubs. Today, the AG made the point that the very short list of still-prohibited businesses was easier to discuss than all the businesses that can open.

Relaxed Regulations, But Don't Relax Too Much
As we told you, the increased freedom for Belizeans comes with the expectation that everyone will maintain the use of masks, social distancing, and moving around with an important purpose. The Attorney General stressed today that public drinking and loitering will not be tolerated by police.

Will The SEO End in June?
In today's press release, it says, quote, "The state of emergency will expire on June 30th, 2020, and [it] is not expected to be extended." End Quote. Well, during the question and answer section of the webcast, one viewer was questioning the AG about the reason why competitive sports were not being allowed at this time, under what circumstances might the government reconsider that restriction. That's when the Attorney General reiterated the government's point that there is no plan to extend the SOE any further than the end of this month, provided that there is no sudden spike in positive COVID cases in Belize before then.

Inside Government’s Deliberations On Airport Opening
And while the AG seemed relatively sure that there will not be a need to extend the State of Emergency beyond the end of the month, he was less certain about a possible date for the reopening of the airport. There is still no planned date for when the country will start accepting visitors, which is directly connected to the rebooting of the tourism industry. Realizing that the topic would come up eventually, Peyrefitte shared some insight from the Government's deliberations as to why they are still undecided on this very important decision:

Valencia Charged For Murder of Ex’s Husband
Last night we told you about the cold blood murder of American national 60 year old Robert Hurley. Early on Wednesday morning, Hurley was stabbed to the chest by his common-law wife's ex boyfriend. It was a cruel conclusion to what may have been a bizarre love triangle played out over a few months on the grounds of Hurley's secluded San Ignacio home.

Grocer Ambushed, Beaten, Robbed In Sandhill
We've been reporting on an increasing number of armed grocery store robberies recently, and tonight there are two more. The first occurred last night at 8:35 in Sandhill. 57 year old Wang Yu Kung was leaving his business, Wong's Shop to go home when three men jumped him. He tried to fight them off, and he was stabbed multiple times.

Afternoon Robbery In City
And, this afternoon in Belize City, two men strode into Two Star Grocery Shop and robbed the cashier, 29 year old Nazrul Islam at gunpoint. They wore masks and stole $350.00 in cash, along with two cell phones.

Babylon Bus Causing Chaos
The Bus it's the mode of transportation for the many in this country who can't afford to make their daily commute in a car, and that includes the police. The northern commute should have become a bit easier for lower-ranking cops back in 2018 when a new bus line for police officers only was announced. The two buses dubbed the Belize Transit System have been running ever since, with departures from the Racoon and Queen Street police stations.

Cabbage Scarce Due To Rains Washing Out Crops
Cabbage has gone scarce because fields in Valley of Peace were almost destroyed by excessive rains. As a result, cabbage production has been very low for the past five weeks. How low? Well, there's 12,000 pounds of cabbage available locally starting next week, and the market demand is for 80,000 pounds weekly. So, government says that's why it will have to import to bridge the shortfall. The Ministry of agriculture has authorised the import of 25,000 pounds through the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation.

Sutherland: From Rum-soak To Rustic Redemption
He was the viral star of the COVID-19 lockdown, the man called Sutherland who said rum would repel the Coronavirus. But he ran into some trouble last week after an appearance in a lab coat and an endorsement by a licensed pharmacist. But where is he now?

Mica Working For Single Mom
And in another happy ending, a mother and her five children are getting a new home. That's after their old house collapsed, while they were inside. It's a tragedy no doubt, but one that's being eased by the City Council which has offered to re-build. We visited the building site this afternoon to catch up with Elizabeth Smith and City councillor Micah Goodin as they laid the foundation for the family's new home.

Kendall, Star Girl On the Court And In the Classroom
And, in other news of publicity seeking politicians. He's a UDP standard bearer trying to get elected as the next Area Representative for the Freetown Constituency in Belize City. But, a lesser-known fact is that OJ Elrington is also a scholarship donor. Annually, he provides a scholarship to the most promising student-athlete from Wesley College, his alma mater, and this year, he's chosen a recipient.

The Face Mask Public Safety Dilemma
In the last two weeks, we've shown you vivid security footage of 2 armed robberies at grocery stores: 1 in Cayo, and the other in Corozal. In both instances, the thieves employed makeshift face masks to pass themselves off as legitimate customers. And, true enough, it can be hard to tell the robbers from the customers when everyone is wearing a mask.

COMPOL On The Western Border
Even though Belize's neighbors are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases, border jumping is still an active threat. And that's why yesterday, Police Commissioner Chester Williams and several of his senior commanders visited the western villages of Arenal, Calla Creek, Succotz, and Bullet Tree Falls. He was accompanied by ACP Marco Vidal; the Western Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Lynden Flowers; Commander Benque Viejo, Supt. Diana Hall; and one of her Deputies, ASP Nazario Zib.

CWU Rejects PBL Pay Cuts
On Monday's news, we told you about the plan from the management of the Port of Belize to weather the harsh economic times being brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Port wanted to implement austerity measures, which included pay cuts of 20% for executives and 15% for middle management. These among other actions would allow the port to keep all of its 150- member staff employed. Well, the Port employees who are members of the Christian Workers Union are resisting that salary reduction strategy.

A Virtual Protest For BLM
Earlier in the week we spoke to activist YaYa Marin Coleman about her planned but canceled "Black Lives Matter" protest which she had hoped to hold in front of the US Embassy. The plan was to protest against systemic racial injustices in solidarity with the death of American citizen George Floyd. But no permits are being issued for protests during Belize's state of emergency.

Cleaning Gun, Man Accidentally Shoots Mom
A fisherman accidentally shot himself and his mother while he was cleaning his gun. It happened this morning in Belama Phase Two where 36 year old Jamal Tablada was cleaning his licensed 9 millimetre Beretta pistol, and accidentally pulled the trigger.

Is Allan Taking One For The Team?
Queen Square, statistically it may be the UDP's safest seat in the country. The incumbent Dean Barrow usually wins with 70 to 80+ percent of the vote. But now a brave soul for the PUP is stepping up to the plate as Barrow retires and his sister Denise takes the reins.

FCD Asseses May Fire Impact
We've been reporting on the massive fires in the Vaca and Chiquibul Forests in May. Well, a study conducted by the Friends for Conservation and Development titled, A Remote Sensing Damage Analysis of the Chiquibul Forest Impacted by the 2020 Forest Fires, reveals that alone in three protected areas, namely the Vaca Forest Reserve, Caracol Archaeological Reserve and Chiquibul National Park a total area coverage of 22,227.33 acres was engulfed and impacted by forest fires.

Channel 5

Further Ease of Lockdown Restrictions; Curfew Shortened, Social Gatherings Allowed
There was a national sigh of relief today when the lifting of additional restrictions was announced, though the state of emergency remains in place until the end of June. Cabinet [...]

Bars, Discos, Nightclubs Still Not Allowed to Operate
The shortened curfew hours means that businesses will be allowed to open for longer periods. But this only applies to business establishments that are allowed to operate under the State [...]

Philip Goldson International Airport Remains Closed
One of the most anticipated decisions involves the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport. That matter was discussed at length this week at the meeting of the National Oversight [...]

A Split Decision on Reopening the P.G.I.A.
So there is no decision yet on the reopening of the P.G.I.A. The results of a recent survey conducted by the Belize Tourism Industry Association indicate that fifty percent of [...]

Number of Persons at Social Gatherings Increased to 100
Prohibitions on the use of parks and playgrounds will be lifted and recreational contact sports such as volleyball, basketball and football will be allowed. Gymnasiums and spas will be allowed [...]

Public Servants to Return to Work for Normal Hours
According to the Attorney General, the S.I., which comes into effect on Friday, only imposes time restrictions for the curfew. As for public officers, who were reporting to work at [...]

David Valencia is Charged, Arraigned for Murder of U.S. National
One day after the vicious killing of U.S. national Robert Hurley, a man has been charged for his murder. Earlier this morning, the San Ignacio Police levelled the charge and [...]

B.B.O.C. Appeals for Intervention in Unlawful Bus Run!
There is dispute brewing between the B.B.O.C. and another bus line called the Belize Transit System. The B.B.O.C. operators are saying that the Ministry of Transport is turning a blind [...]

Daycare Centers Are Still Not Allowed to Reopen
There is a further relaxing of curfew hours and more business and sporting activity will be allowed beginning this Friday and for longer hours. Schools are set to reopen on [...]

Barge Sinks at Sea!
A barge carrying heavy equipment sank somewhere between Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker early Tuesday morning. The tug boat – called ‘Pulla’ – that departed Belize City for Caye Caulker [...]

A Remote Sensing Damage Analysis of the Chiquibul Forest Impacted by the 2020 Forest Fires
As much as twenty-two point two thousand acres of forests were affected by fires in three protected areas: Vaca Forest Reserve, Caracol Archaeological Reserve and the Chiquibul National Park this [...]

Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund Finances Mask Production Project of Rotary & Kolbe Foundation
Beginning this Friday, social gatherings of up to a hundred persons and other activities will be allowed as restrictions are further relaxed. The use of masks, however, during the COVID-19 [...]

AG Peyrefitte on Face Masks and Social Distancing
Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte says that wearing a face mask and social distancing become even more important with the lifting of restrictions. The two guidelines are considered major factors in [...]

Attorney General Comments on New Cases of COVID-19
Belize recorded two new cases of COVID-19 in less than a week. The nineteenth case was recorded on June fifth and the patient was identified as a twenty-seven-year-old Belizean man [...]

Selling of Dollar Coin Parcel in PG Raises Concerns
The sale of a private parcel of land near the entrance of Punta Gorda Town is raising serious concerns among residents in that southern municipality, not because it is a [...]

Stakeholders Meet to Discuss Proposed Development in PG
According to Mayor McKenzie, a meeting with residents, as well as technical personnel from various agencies, is being held this evening in Punta Gorda to discuss the issue of the [...]

Opposition Leader Calls for Land Reform
Still on the matter of lands, activist Nigel Petillo is calling on the government to issue lands to Belizeans who possess none. Last week, Petillo invited prospective land owners to [...]

An Update on the Petrocaribe Case
Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Opposition Leader John Briceño went at each other over the former Chief Justice’s ruling on public funds. CJ Kenneth Benjamin ruled [...]

September without Carnival! No Money and No Time to Get Ready
In years past, the construction of carnival costumes and dance rehearsals would be in full swing at this time of the year. But the coronavirus has thrown a wrench into [...]

Healthy Living: Donate Blood
Across the world, blood is a precious resource. Even in modern medicine, there is no substitute for blood. By donating blood, you can save as many as three lives. Complications [...]

The Reporter

A Remote Sensing Damage Analysis of the Chiquibul Forest Impacted by the 2020 Forest Fires
A study conducted by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) titled, A Remote Sensing Damage Analysis of the Chiquibul Forest Impacted by the 2020 Forest Fires, reveals that alone in three protected areas, namely the Vaca Forest Reserve, Caracol Archaeological Reserve and Chiquibul National Park a total area coverage of 22,227.33 acres was engulfed and impacted by forest fires. The extent of this damage on broadleaf forests had never been registered before in recent times.

LOVE FM

PSU fights for better shifts for nurses
The Public Service Union (PSU) is fighting on behalf of nurses at the Western Regional Hospital. The hospital is attempting to change the shifts of the nurses, but the union is lobbying to maintain the 12 hour shifts.

Blood Bank prepares for World Blood Donor Day
The Blood Bank in Belize City has begun making preparations for World Blood Donor Day which will be celebrated on June 12 and 15. Adrian Martinez, Blood Bank Supervisor, explained that things will be different this time around due to COVID-19

FCD analysis damages by wildfires
The Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) has released its damage analysis report of the wildfires in western Belize. The reports revealed that the Vaca, Chiquibul and Caracol Archeological Reserve were the three protected areas impacted by the fire.

Attorney calls out BDF for protecting accused rapist
Attorney and Activist Lisa Shoman is calling out the Belize Defence Force on what has been perceived as an attempt to protect an accused rapist rather than the victim. As we reported yesterday, Brigadier General Steven Ortega stated that 35-year-old Margarito Pop would be placed on paid leave for a month or until the Security Services Commission meets to decide the Pop’s disciplinary charges, particularly interdiction.

State of Emergency regulations further relaxed
Things are slowly returning to normal as the Government announced a further relaxation of the State of Emergency regulations. Rather than the usual press conference by the Prime Minister, a press release was issued, which was followed by an edition of Ask The Experts featuring Attorney General, Michael Peyrifitte.

CWU refuses salary cuts by PBL
The Christian Workers Union (CWU) is refusing to accept the 10% salary cut imposed on their members employed at the Port of Belize Limited (PBL). They are demanding that a financial expert designated by CWU review PBL’s accounts to be able to offer guidance on whether the option is fair and necessary.

Applications roll in for US Treasury Notes
While the Opposition Party has questioned the use of the US Treasury Notes, the proposal has been well received by Belizeans and others within the region. This is according to the Central Bank of Belize, who stated in a press release the number of applications and serious inquiries that they have received since the launch of the Note indicate strong interest and the likelihood of a highly successful offering.

Breaking Belize News

“Over 22,000 acres in Chiquibul damaged by forest fires,” says Friends of Conservation and Development
A new study from Friends of Conservation and Development (FCD), the NGO that co-manages the […]

Two Star grocery shop held up in Belize City armed robbery
Two Star grocery shop, located on New Road in Belize City was targeted by armed […]

Ministry of Agriculture has to import cabbages due to national shortage
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture announced today that cabbages will need to be imported to […]

Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action opposes re-opening airport too soon
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) says that it sympathizes with the plight of […]

Flood risk measures in Twin Towns underway with support from Pan American Development Foundation
As part of the Taiwan-funded “Flood Risk Reduction Project for San Ignacio and Santa Elena […]

Staff meals, transportation, toilet paper cuts ordered by Ministry of Health amid COVID-19 cost-saving
Leaked Ministry of Health memo: No more meals for hospital staff among other cost saving […]

Christian Workers Union to Port of Belize: “Show me the books”
The Christian Workers Union (CWU) announced today that it has rejected the austerity measures by […]

Armed robbery of Victor Valdez store in Santa Elena, Cayo
Authorities are investigating a robbery that occurred shortly after noon time in Santa Elena, Cayo. […]

Man and mother shot by gun during accidental discharge in stable condition
Earlier BBN reported that a man and his mother were wounded by a gun which, […]

US Embassy informs of repatriation flights from Belize
The United States Embassy in Belize informs that United Airlines and the Government of Belize […]

Man and mother shot as gun accidentally goes off in Belama
A man and his mother have reportedly been shot and are receiving medical treatment after […]

Curfew relaxed; clubs, gyms and spas to re-open in latest state of emergency changes
The government of Belize has approved further relaxation of the State of emergency Measures implemented […]

Agriculture: Tool for Mass Deforestation or Social and Environmental Well-being?
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

United Nations Secretary-General calls for resumption of global tourism
“Tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic,” United Nations Antonio Guterres said in […]

Said Musa-Fort George- Henry Charles and Kareem Musa
By Detroy Cuthkelvin: Let's state first of all that we wish the very best for the health and personal well-being of Rt Hon Said Musa. While all indications are that he is gradually recovering, running for office in the upcoming general elections is very unlikely. […]

Blogs

June Weather, Beach Pictures and Avocados
According to the National Meteorological Service of Belize general weather forecast, for coastal areas, we are about to get a shift and experience northeast winds over the weekend. Being that we just entered the start of the rainy season, we should be getting more showers and thunderstorms as well. I’m so grateful I found door slides at Castillos to help me waterproof in that direction. As for temperature, today it is partly cloudy with scattered showers, highs of 87°F/31°C and lows of 80°F or 27°C. We have also experienced recent high tides. As you can see in the picture below, the lagoon was definitely overlapping the road on Nurse Shark St. near the International Water Taxi area.

International Sources

Over 600 New Coronavirus Cases Reported In The Caribbean Wednesday
Six hundred and thirty news cases of the novel coronavirus were reported across the Caribbean Wednesday, a News Americas analysis has found. They include 393 in the Dominican Republic, which took the tally in the island – the epicenter of the pandemic in the region – past 20,000 to 20,808. The news comes as the DR gears up to reopen its borders to international travel beginning on July 1, 2020. The DR’s death toll reached 550 Wednesday as it upticked by 6.

United introduces New “Ready-to-Fly” Health Self-Assessment
The next time you check in for a flight you will see a "Ready-to-fly" checklist. Based on recommendations from Cleveland Clinic. , the self-assessment is one of many ways our CleanPlus program is prioritizing health and safety during travel.

These Easy 5-Ingredient Fry Jacks Taste Like Vacation on a Plate
Depending on where you are in the country, mornings in Belize may start with the sound of the waves crashing along the Caribbean coastline or the sound of howler monkeys playing in the dense jungle canopies. Regardless of location, all breakfast tables look the same in Belize…loaded up with piping hot piles of fry jacks. Fry jacks are a staple in Belize, where locals eat them dusted with powdered sugar for breakfast or topped with melted cheese for lunch.

Where Jaguars Are Killed, New Common Factor Emerges: Chinese Investment - The New York Times
In May 2019, a headless jaguar carcass turned up at a garbage dump in southern Belize. The killing, one in a series of similar incidents, added to local outrage and inspired authorities, private citizens and companies to offer a combined $8,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the jaguar killer. More than just a national issue, the graphic killing in Belize seemed indicative of a rise in jaguar poaching across the species’ range, from Mexico to Argentina. “I suspect for a long time it went unnoticed as authorities simply were not paying attention,” said Pauline Verheij, an independent wildlife crime specialist who has investigated the jaguar trade in Suriname and Bolivia in recent years. “Tackling wildlife crime in most if not all Latin American countries has had zero priority until only very recently.”

Videos

Thursday's "Ask the Experts", 1.5hr. The Attorney General Hon. Michael Peyrefitte joined us on 'Ask the Experts' to discuss the regulations under the new statutory instrument.

Educogym Interview Series Episode 4 - Marlowe Neal, CEO Belize Natural Energy, 64min. Hear the incredible story of how Belize Natural Energy used the Educo model to become the first company to find oil in Belize and quickly became the largest revenue producer in the country.

BU Marine Program in Calabash Caye, Belize, 3min.

RESTORE BELIZE - Activate Team Building Among Your Students, 2.5min. Developing Safe Schools: Trauma Informed Practice in Schools, PILLAR 1: Creating Safe Classrooms Environments. facilitator Alex P. Vega MSW, Pg.D.

Incredible footage from the middle of a shark feeding frenzy, 2min. Swimmers in Belize were invited to see what a shark feeding frenzy looked like from the inside. In an area where the sharks are protected and fed as part of conservation and education efforts, these ten foot animals were given fish scraps. With the camera right up close to the action, spectators actually found themselves surrounded by huge sharks, bumping and pushing each other for their share.

Belmopan Active Youths Mentorship Program., 5.5min. BAY Mentorship Program provides meaningful guidance to young persons through a teaching process. Trained mentors committed to the program’s success transfer knowledge, act as role models, and build positive relationships with younger persons leading them in becoming successful citizens in society.

Night Dive in Belize. Hamanasi Resort, 2.5min.

June 11, 2020