Belize News Daily, 6/21/2020 to 6/30/2020, Ambergris Caye

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

The San Pedro Sun

Religious activities to honour Dia de San Pedro!
To continue honouring the island’s Patron Saint, the day closed with an outdoor mass, presentation of new sponsored paintings for the Catholic Church, and a procession!

San Pedro Town and other municipalities receive assistance from Taiwanese Embassy
San Pedro Town was one of the municipalities to receive humanitarian relief from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize on Friday, June 26th, in the Capital City of Belmopan. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, along with the other Mayors from across the country, were on hand to receive the relief presented to the Belize Mayor’s Association, which included medical materials totalling $350, 000BZ.

Do All Black Lives Matter in Belize?
To those Belizeans that participated in well-meaning social media campaigns to signal their acknowledgment of systemic racism; and the others that wear t-shirts emblazoned with “BLACK LIVES MATTER”; and to all who were swollen with pride when discovering that a Belizean was among a group of artists that painted a now-famous mural in Minneapolis to honor George Floyd and other black Americans killed by police officers: when you say “Black Lives Matter,” do you mean just the straight, heterosexual black lives?

Roman Catholics on Ambergris Caye celebrate Dia de San Pedro 2020
Honoring the island’s Patron Saint St. Peter, Catholic residents observed ‘El Dia de San Pedro’ on Monday, June 29th with holy mass, a boat and street procession plus the blessing of fishermen’s vessels that asks for a successful fishing season. The annual festivities will be different this year, without the usual extravaganza held at the Honourable Louis Sylvestre Sporting Complex often featuring local and international entertainment.

Xsite Belize Sailing crew and volunteers continue beautifying San Pedro Town
The beautification project spearheaded by the team at Xsite Belize Sailing and Adventures continues to give different areas of San Pedro Town a much-needed facelift. The dedicated group has been painting alleys, streets, public buildings, and is appealing to every islander to join in the cause by keeping their areas clean and welcoming to visitors. With the news that tourists will be welcomed back into the country on August 15th, keeping La Isla Bonita fresh and clean is even more imperative to ensure our visitors get a beautiful welcome.

Belize ranked Tier Two in annual Trafficking in Persons Report
Efforts in Belize to tackle the issue of human trafficking have not satisfied the U.S. State Department, as its Trafficking in Persons Report ranked the Jewel for the second consecutive as a Tier Two country. The report was released on Thursday, June 25th, and lists over 40 other countries around the region ranking the same as Belize.

Ambergris Today

Belize's Plan For Tourism As International Airport Opens Aug 15
Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Belize made the official announcement that Belize’s international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport will be opened on August 15, 2020, as part of the country’s five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism. The opening of the international airport will kick-off Belize’s third phase of re-opening, allowing for further travel relaxation and open entry for chartered flights, private aviation and limited re-opening of international leisure travel with approved hotels only.

Various Belizean Sources

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

List of Licensed Pharmaceutical Establishments
The Ministry of Health is pleased to share the most recent list of approved Licensed pharmaceutical establishments as of June 25th, 2020. For more information contact the Licensing and Accreditation Unit, Ministry of Health, 822-2325.

Placencia BTIA/Tourism Center Opens
Good Morning, the Placencia BTIA/Tourism Center is open to serve you! We ask that while visiting the Placencia BTIA/Tourism Center you kindly wear your mask and heed to all COVID 19 rules and regulations. Our hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursdays. We look forward to seeing and serving you.

BTB Inventory of Tourism Assets in Belize
The Belize Tourism Board is engaging in the collection of all tourism sites to develop an inventory of tourism assets in Belize. The inventory will allow a platform for stakeholders to know what is available in each region and tourists to be linked to tour operators who can execute tours to respective sites.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the newly renovated Yarborough Basketball Court
This morning the Belize City House of Culture and Downtown Rejuvenation Project conducted its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the newly renovated Yarborough Basketball Court. The ribbon was cut by the Honourable Tracy Taegar Panton, ICDF Secretary General, Timothy T.Y. Hsiang and Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation's CEO, Mr. Yashin Dujon. The renovation was the first part of a two-part project to rehabilitate the entire Yarborough Water Front Area. The second part will be to rehabilitate the football field and water front.

Flood Forecast June 29, 2020
REGION 7 - FLOOD LEVELS on the Blue Creek sub-catchment of the RIO HONDO at Blue Creek and downstream at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas continue to recede. The NEW RIVER at Tower Hill and Caledonia are above normal and falling. REGION 9 - On the MACAL RIVER, reservoir levels are below the spillways at Chalillo, Mollejon and Vaca facilities. At San Ignacio, levels are below the low-level bridge. The MOPAN RIVER at Benque Viejo Town is normal and steady. On the BELIZE RIVER, above normal levels exists at Banana Bank and levels at Double Run are above the banks and falling. The CROOKED TREE LAGOON remains below the spillway and steady.

Meet Our New Corozal Rotary Board Members 2020-21
The new rotary year kicks off on July 1st. Our club is very excited to work with our lovely community of Corozal. It is such a proud feeling to be a rotarian and I'm humbled and honored to be elected president of the rotary club of corozal 2020-2021. I am very fortunate to be a part of a club with such dedicated Rotarians. I would like to congratulate and welcome all the new board members.

Phase 3 Details
The Attorney General just clarified that during phase 3 (the reopening of airport on Aug 15 to international travelers), those presenting a negative PCR test within 72 hours (prior to) arrival will be allowed to "roam freely." Those who don't have one will do the (less reliable) rapid test and will need to stay at one of the approved full-service resorts and are not able to "roam freely". The Belize Tourism Board will be providing more clarification on Thursday

Virtual Training on GCF Project Requirements – Capacity Building for the National Designated Authority and Belize National Climate Change Committee (Sub-Committees)
Since 2015, Belize has engaged with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to improve access to international funds and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that enable the country to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economic Development and Petroleum (MEDP), as the National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF, is currently implementing Belize GCF Readiness Support 2 (Building Capacity for Direct Access to Climate Finance) with support from the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) as the Delivery Partner.

Mystery of the Rose Bouquet
The Wildfire Artzmosphere has another play coming up this weekend and next weekend. The Mystery of the Rose Bouquet will be performed July 3rd through the 5th, and July 9th through the 11th.

Belmopan YMCA Classes
The YWCA in Belmopan will have many different classes this Summer, and they start next Monday.

Steelpan Summer Camp
The Panerrifix Steel Band is having a Steelpan Summer Camp. It starts on Monday the 13th. Calling out OLOG Primary students to enroll in our annual Summer camp. We are inviting especially incoming Std 2 to Std 5 students. Reach out and register to secure a spot.

Safely Resuming Ground Transportation Operations in the Tourism Sector
Two sessions today.

U K'iinil San Pablo(San Pablo day)
Today San Pablo Village(Orange walk) celebrated 105 Years since it's fundation . Sharing To'one Masehualoon NGO participation of San Pablo Day from June 29,2019 . That year Villagers from San Pablo and surrounding Villages including visitors from Mexico and U.S.A converged at the San Pablo R.C. School Compound to witness lovely Maya Dances from local & international dancers from Tekaax Yucatan, Mexico. Exhibition of Maya artifacts from To'one' Masehualoon NGO was also part of this year's Culture Day. To'one Masehualoon working hard in the preservation of the Yucatec Maya Culture . Thank you Mr Javier Sabido with his council and other supporters for a job well done. Happy San Pablo Day.

Channel 7

State of Emergency To Be Lifted On Wednesday, No More Curfew
When you wake up on Wednesday, July first life will be as close to normal as it has been since March. There will be no state of emergency, no curfew, and all businesses, bars and nightclubs can open. Basically, you can pretty much go back to life as it was before, with a few notable exceptions. We'll get to those, but first to the new normal - which is kind of like the old normal. Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte explained on Ask The Experts this afternoon:

Life As Normal, But With Masks, All The Time!
So, as you heard, the state of emergency curfew is going away - but there will still be some strictures on social living. And two things that will remain firmly in place under the quarantine authority - are the requirements to wear a mask in public, and to social distance. These remain the law - even after the state of emergency has been lifted. "Social distancing, we must maintain that six feet whenever we can maintain that six feet apart..."

Eight Times When You Don’t Need A Mask
But, there are times - eight of them to be exact - when you don't have to wear a mask. The AG outlined those specifically: Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General: "You don't have to wear the mask at your house, private residence. If you are home you don't have to wear a mask and who are visiting you don't have to wear the mask either. While you are exercising, while you are engaging in any sporting activity: swimming, driving alone or driving with immediate family member in the car..."

Even With SOE Lifted, Borders Remain Closed
So while all those rules now constitute normal, non-state-of-emergency life in the COVID era, there's one more thing: don't even think that this would be a good time for a Chetumal or Melchor run. Apart from the fact that cases in Mexico and Guatemala are spiking, the borders remain closed - and there are still stiff penalties for border jumpers:

Another Border Jumper Busted In OW
And, because they don't want to get sick, Yo Creek Village's neighbourhood watch called the police this weekend on this man, suspected border jumper, Francisco Hernandez Perez. The Mexican national is believed to have entered the country illegally and police picked him up in that Orange Walk Village. He is now being processed by first being swabbed for COVID-19.

Case #24 Is Honduran Border Surfer
That swabbing is what led to the detection of case #24, a Honduran border jumper, or maybe in his case, maybe a border surfer, because he was caught at sea. COVID positive case #24 was detected on Friday when 87 samples were processed. The Director of Health Services says he is a Honduran national who had been caught in Belizean waters and is currently under mandatory quarantine in Dangriga. The person is asymptomatic.

52 Year Old Breadwinner Mysteriously Murdered
52-year-old Isaias Oroman was found on Sunday morning motionless on the side of the Bullet Tree road. He had been shot in the chest and by the time he could be transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital doctors could do nothing but declare him dead. Oroman was originally from Guatemala but had been living in Belize for over 25 years, all that time acting as a breadwinner for his family and a surrogate father to his younger siblings.

Death of a Biker Devastates Family
It's a stretch of road that since its opening has seen multiple fatal accidents. And this morning the Loma Luz Boulevard witnessed the death of yet another young man who eyewitnesses say was going way too fast. Cherisse Halsall was on the scene moments after the crash. Neighbors on Loma Luz boulevard gathered his morning to witness the aftermath of a tragic road traffic accident that claimed a young life. His name was Kemel Espat, he was 27 years old, a bike enthusiast but also a loving son, brother, uncle, and boyfriend now lost to all those he's left behind.

Off duty BDF Soldier Charged For Fatal Accident
And there is also another fatal accident to report. It happened on Saturday night around sunset near mile two on the Southern Highway. 31 year old Hilberto Tush from Maya Mopan Village was southbound when he had a head on collision with an unlicensed, un-insured Mitsubishi Montero driven by 22 year old BDF soldier Nateone Nunez. Tush received severe injuries when he was flung to the pavement. He died sometime later whi

Oscar & the Sleeping Policeman
And there is another accident to report, but, thankfully this one was neither fatal nor serious. But, it could have been. PUP standard bearer for Belmopan Oscar Mira was driving to the capital city on Friday night when he ran into a vehicle that was in the road. And tonight, what's making news is that a policeman was reportedly asleep behind the wheel of the car that had just stopped in the road. He told PLUS TV about the accident:... "I think it's around Mile 45 where the LPG tanks are. I was coming on the highway and a vehicle was coming in front of me, so I dipped my high beam, but as I was approaching I kinda of saw some small reflection on the road..."

Was Police Driver Drunk In San Pedro?
And there was also an allegedly drunk driving police accident in San Pedro. This video shows a police vehicle that crashed as it ran off the road north of San Pedro Town - Right outside of the complex known as Mara Laguna. Again, we hope to get something from the police eon this tomorrow.

Cpl Eldon and Police Senior Command Back In Court
2 weeks ago, we told you how Police Corporal Eldon Arzu, the incumbent Chairman of the Police Association, was voted out of office by over one thousand police officers who were eligible to elect a new Central Board for the Association. He lost to the opposing slate of 7, led by Sergeant Jane Usher, but now, he has gone to the Supreme Court to stop them from being installed as the new leaders of the Association. In an application for judicial review, Arzu and his legal team complain that these elections were due from November of last year.

City Hall Ready To Take Back On Full Staff
COVID cutbacks struck early at the City Council, where employees have been going through changes since the first of April. That's when all 460 employees were put on half pay. After that, the staff was brought on to work on alternate timings. Well, today the mayor announced that operations are coming back to normal, and City Hall is going back to full staffing at the middle of July. Here's how he put it:

CITCO Cash Flow Not So Low Anymore
And as staff comes back, so is the council's cash flow. The mayor explained to the press today: "Based on cash inflows, ahm improving from where it was early ending of May to now, we have seen where are beginning to get back to some level of normalcy, not where we want to be, not where it was in previous years, but gradually putting us in a position to be able to provide all the necessary services that a city require."

A Bond To Pave City Streets
And things are so good at city hall that the council is actually looking to pave two dozen streets. The mayor says this money is coming from their bond offering - which went out in March right before the COVID panic hit - but it didn't stop the bond buy-in: "Prior to Covid we had launched that bond, series one launch was very successfully, given the circumstances. We are now very close to starting those streets. It is just the point where we went through the tendering process. It is now at the stage where we sign those contracts with the contractors and the work starts. So I believe by mid-July, you will begin to see..."

Major Flood Mitigation Project Will Re-Shape City Drainage
The press also took the opportunity to ask for an update on the Climate Vulnerability Reduction program. As we told you, it is a comprehensive flood mitigation plan for Belize that is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Government, through the Ministry of Works. When it is completed, this program should significantly reduce the regular flooding in parts of the City's south-side, near the canals, that occur during the hurricane season.

CITCO Helping Entrepreneurs
This opportunity to talk with the Mayor cam today during the official launch of Belize City Council's Accelerator Program. This is a venture by the Council to provide Belize City residents with opportunities to become small-business owners. The premise of the program is that City Hall is trying to assist aspiring entrepreneurs. They're providing them with necessary training, and start-up materials to turn their business ideas into something that can actually generate sustainable inc

Security Guard Drowns In San Pedro
50-year-old Barrington Moss, a security guard from San Pedro drowned this weekend at Caye Caulker's famous Split. His body was retrieved from the water at around 6:15 and later identified by his sister 40-year-old Sharon Skeen. Many who knew him say he was a strong swimmer but a post mortem confirmed that he died of Asphyxia, and inhalation of fluid, consistent with drowning.

Weed and Weapon On Iguana
Three City residents, Tyeisa Adolphus, Keasha Panting, and Wayne Welch have been arrested and charged for possession of drugs and unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

They’re Coming Home, Slowly
And finally, tonight, the phased repatriation of Belizeans continues. 885 persons have applied have applied to be repatriated, 157 have been repatriated, with 666 approved and 412 have a coordinated return in progress.

Channel 5

There Will Be No More Curfew
The end of the state of emergency is in sight; it expires this Tuesday. Today, the Attorney General announced what many Belizeans have also been waiting for, ‘there will be [...]

Wear Yo Mask!
While the government does away with the curfew, one thing that will become part of our daily lives is the face mask. There are currently three active cases of COVID-19 [...]

Social Distancing Will Be Enforced
Social distancing is also here to stay and will be enforced. There are some exceptions to this rule and, according to Michael Peyrefitte; the limit of a hundred persons at [...]

Land Borders Remain Closed!
Unlike the Philip Goldson International Airport, land borders will remain closed. The Attorney General made it abundantly clear that the country’s borders with Mexico and Guatemala will remain close for [...]

Child Daycares Centers Can Now Open
As of Wednesday, child daycare centers will be able to open and operate. Daycares were closed down because such a facility can be particularly fertile places for the spread of [...]

Illegal Honduran Fisher Is Belize’s 24th COVID-19 Patient
Border jumpers are of concern for the spread of the virus. Belize recorded its twenty-fourth case of COVID-19 on Friday. The patient is a Honduran male who was caught fishing [...]

Murder in the West!
A Bullet Tree Village resident was killed over the weekend. His body was discovered in the early hours of Sunday morning. Tonight the family says that they don’t know who [...]

Land Problems in Red Bank Cause Fracture Within Village Council
Another land dispute is brewing; this time in southern Belize. The Red Bank village chairman is in the eye of a storm for distributing lands without consulting with the rest [...]

Red Bank Chairman Explains Land Issue
According to the chairman, a public meeting was held in October 2019 to address the concerns of the community where land was concerned. At that gathering, residents were informed that [...]

Another Gas Station being Built Near PG
A stop order was issued on the construction of gas station in Punta Gorda recently after the public rose up against it. But over the weekend, about a mile away, [...]

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of 27-year-old
A motorcycle enthusiast is dead following a road traffic accident just before midday today on La Loma Luz Boulevard in Santa Elena Town. Kemel Espat was on his motorcycle when [...]

Belize Will Be Different from Jamaica, Antigua
One more matter from Ask the Expert today…Jamaica added six new cases of COVID-19 to its tally on Sunday, making the cumulative number of confirmed cases totaling six hundred and [...]

A Learning Recovery Month for Students
The 2019/2020 school year officially closes on June thirtieth after three months that schools physically closed at the start of the lockdown. But CSEC preparations have been ongoing for the [...]

Guidelines for Schools Given the New Norm
Preparations are underway for students to return to the classrooms on August tenth within days of the reopening the Philip Goldson Airport. The Chief Education Officer says that there will [...]

10 Families are Issued Keys to their New Homes at Eagle JEM Estate
A housing development near mile fourteen on the Philip Goldson Highway is attracting dozens of first time homeowners. Eagle JEM Estate was launched by the Holy Redeemer Credit Union last [...]

H.R.C.U. to Issue Education Grants
In addition, to providing homes for its member owners, the Holy Redeemer Credit Union is once again coming through with education grants to assist students on their academic journey. In [...]

The Financial Position of the Council as Recovers from COVID-19
COVID-19 affected many businesses, including the town and city councils across the country; in Belize City, the revenue stream trickled as services came to a screeching halt, though CitCo provided [...]

Series 1 of Municipal Bond a Success; 23 Streets to be Fixed!
In March, prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Belize City Council launched a ten-million-dollar municipal bond. Back then, it was announced, that the monies would be used to retire any [...]

Flood Mitigation Project Underway in Yarborough
There is currently work being conducted on the canal in the Yarborough area of Belize City. A number of piles are in the process of being laid as the Ministry [...]

Foodie Expo Held in Belize City
A gastronomic event took place this weekend; it was a Foodie Expo that brought together persons in the food industry. It was staged at 501 Hub in Belize City on [...]

A First Cohort of Entrepreneurs from the Belize Accelerator Program
The Belize City Council has embarked on a programme to assist new businesses. They are providing training and some equipment to assist businesses to get off the ground. The initiative, [...]

Sparks Fly Over Loan Motions
On Friday, sparks flew in the National Assembly building during the Sitting of the House of Representatives when loan motions were tabled. One such involved the Caribbean Development Bank COVID-19 [...]

Briceño says Barrow Playing Politics with Loan Money
According to Opposition Leader John Briceño, Prime Minister Dean Barrow is playing politics. Briceño says that the Prime Minister is either not understanding the P.U.P.’s point or he was being [...]

Loan for Cane Famers Not Enough
The C.D.B. Enhancing Sugar Cane Farmers Resilience to Natural Hazard Events Loan motion was also tabled in the House on Friday. It is for one million U.S. dollars and the [...]

LOVE FM

Sandhill Chairman fires back at Shyne Barrow
United Democratic Party (UDP) Standard Bearer for the Mesopotamia Division, Shyne Barrow is in hot water again, but this time with the Sandhill village chairmen. Last week, we reported to you that Barrow pledged to provide land for his constituents in order to assist their current financial situation.

WATCH: First ten homeowners move into Eagle Jem Estate
Eagle Jem Estate finally has its first residents. The housing community created by the Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU) saw its first ten homeowners at a ceremony held on Saturday.

Breaking Belize News

CitCo reports increased revenues, says workers will go back on full salary
As soon as the 15th of July payroll, says Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, the Belize […]

Crocodile Research Coalition warns of poachers taking baby crocodiles
The Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) is asking Belizeans to assist […]

Flood-prone Southside receives alleviation works
The Ministry of Works, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has for some […]

Caribbean Court of Justice to rule Tuesday on registries case; Government already saying “can’t pay, won’t pay”
Seventeen years after the initial agreement would have expired, and seven years after both were taken […]

CONCACAF agrees to International Match Calendar revisions
Belize’s regional confederation CONCACAF has endorsed the decisions of worldwide parent FIFA concerning the men’s and […]

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) pays tribute to late Dominican attorney
Attorney-at-law, broadcaster and magistrate Michael Bruney, 62, died last week in his native Dominica after a […]

Beaches of Belize highlighted in Forbes Magazine
Forbes Magazine, a US-based publication often seen as synonymous with wealth and […]

Iran seeks Trump, U.S. officials in killing of general
President of the United States, Donald Trump, is a wanted man – […]

Competitive sports now allowed; masks not required
The Attorney General, Micheal Peyrefitte, informed today that competitive sports and tournaments are now allowed […]

Businesses urged to continue practicing social distancing
All businesses are urged to continue to practice social distancing. The Attorney General today reminded […]

#MeToo in the BDF
By Lisa Shaman: On June 19, 2020, the Friday before last, the BDF invited the media for a press briefing and requested that during the first part of the briefing they turn off cameras and recording devices. […]

Belize to receive financial support from Japan Special Fund, Inter-American Development Bank to confront health emergency
A joint effort by the Government of Belize, the Japan Special Fund, the Inter-American Development […]

Bullet Tree murder victim identified
Police have confirmed the identity of the dead man that was found in Bullet Tree, […]

Hattieville man busted with marijuana
Police have arrested and charged 27-year-old Hattieville mechanic, Davane Evans, with drug-related offenses. Reports are […]

American couple beaten and robbed at their home
Last night around 10.30, police received information of a burglary from an American couple. The […]

Blogs

Yoga Quietly Starts at Ak’Bol Resort on A Sleepy Sunday
Yesterday, on a quiet and Saharan-dusty Sunday morning (it’s not often I get to use an adjective like Saharan-dusty!) – Ak’Bol Yoga Resort started teaching yoga again… After 3 months of general inertia – it felt SO good to go to Yin Yoga (the most gentle, no pressure type for “never-have-and-never-will-touch-your-toes” participants like me) to do a bit of stretching and enjoy a change of scenery. Ak’Bol’s gorgeous dock is just the place. Note: Ak’Bol is open for yoga only – 2 days a week. The restaurant and resort have not re-opened yet. Yin Yoga, 9 am Sundays and Yang Yoga, 8 am, Wednesdays

Belize’s Newest Cruise Development: Port Coral
Belize introduces its newest cruise development, the Port Coral; a docking station for incoming ships just four miles offshore of Belize City. Designed as a port of call for up to four Royal Caribbean Oasis-class vessels at one time, the Port Coral will offer a dock experience, rather than tender, on Stake Bank Island with natural deep water access. Additionally, a kiosk area available for vendors to showcase the history of Belize; plus an independent entertainment and shopping area just for cruise crew members.

Passengers Now Required to Fill Out Health Form to Fly
Airlines for America (A4A), the trade group that represents the major U.S. airlines, said passengers will now be required to complete a health acknowledgment form during check-in for a flight. The requirement is for all passengers, and anyone that refuses runs the risk of being declared unfit to travel. “Health assessments prior to air travel are just one more important measure in our multi-layered approach to help mitigate the transmission of COVID to passengers and employees,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio in a statement. “We want passengers to know that this is another change they should expect the next time they fly.”

American Airlines resumes service to Belize on August 18
The Prime Minister of Belize confirmed, via press conference, that American Airlines relaunches service to Belize on August 18. As more destinations reopen their borders in the Caribbean region, American Airlines is scheduled to resume service to Belize August 18. Belize’s international airport is slated to reopen on August 15. Travel to Belize includes stringent rules of engagement visitors must comply in order to stunt the re-emergence of COVID-19 virus; Belize was forced to close it’s borders three months ago in March. Reassured by the Prime Minister of Belize Hon. Dean Barrow, airlines are “ready to resume service once we [Belize] are”.

International Sources

Belize Announces Phased Re-opening Plan for Tourism
The Prime Minister of Belize made the official announcement that Belize's international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport will be opened on August 15, 2020, as part of the country's five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism. The opening of the international airport will kick-off Belize's third phase of re-opening, allowing for further travel relaxation and open entry for chartered flights, private aviation and limited re-opening of international leisure travel with approved hotels only.

Belize announces reopening date
Well-known travel publication Lonely Planet features Belize's reopening in new article.

OFID Finances Major Transport Project In Belize
The OPEC Fund for International Development, OFID, has signed a US$10 million public sector loan agreement with Belize, a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, to co-finance the second phase of a major transport project. The ‘Upgrading of Caracol Road Project, Phase II’ will ease travel constraints and support socio-economic growth, particularly in the agriculture and tourism sectors. It will improve a 43 km stretch of road and include the construction of eight bridges. The road section provides the sole link between the George price Highway (which originates in the country’s largest city, Belize City) and the Caracol Archaeological Site in the Cayo district, one of Belize’s most important tourism areas.

Videos

Monday's "Ask the Experts", 1hr11min. Joining us today is Hon. Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General and Minister of National Security, to discuss the ending of the state of emergency and the regulations to follow.

Storm coming in with rain in Belize, .5min.

Pelicans in Belize, .5min. Pelicans in Belize took over the our chair after we left.

Channel 5 Obituaries - Ignacia Cecilia Garcia nee Zapata, 1.5min.

The Business Hour, 90min.

Rolson's Mexican Restaurant - San Ignacio Town, Cayo, Belize, 1.5min.

Snorkeling in San Pedro, Belize (October 2017), 9min. Snorkeling in 2017, our first trip to Belize. Cookie (then 7 years old) and Phoenix (9 years old) Snorkel a real coral reef system for the first time. This changed everything for us. We decided the ocean should be a huge part of our lives. Our kids thrived when they were close to it. They were happier on the water. They learned the Earth is a huge place, but also a small one. It's much bigger than the town we live in, but small enough that it's up to them to maintain it. Within a month, having never owned a boat and knowing nothing about boating, I had purchased a new Boston Whaler 315 Conquest for our family. This trip was something we will never forget, and changed our lives forever. Our guides were Capt. Oliver, Terrell, and Jordan. Big thanks to them as well. You guys inspired my kids.

Kids having fun feeding the Stingrays in Belize, .5min.

Tour of Beautiful Belize City, 7.5min. Belize City was founded as "Belize Town" in 1638 by English lumber harvesters. It had been a small Maya city called Holzuz. Belize Town was ideal for the English as a central post because it was on the sea and a natural outlet for local rivers and creeks down which the British shipped log wood and mahogany.

San Pedro Dia de San Pedro Celebration, 42min.

June 29, 2020

New Humes bus schedule starting today

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

Stakeholders claim not everyone consulted on BTB’s new protocols and guidelines
The recently introduced protocols and guidelines for the accommodation sector by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) apparently caught some tourism stakeholders by surprise. The new measures designed to better operate during the COVID-19 pandemic focuses on health and safety protocols, and according to BTB, involved consultations before approval. However, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) indicated that individual members might have been consulted, but they, as an association was not.

Eight fishermen charged for possession of out of season lobster and conch; one remanded while others met bail
The lobster season officially opened on June 15th, but a few days before this date, some fishermen were caught with out of season products (lobster and conch) within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR). This was the result of increased enforcement efforts by HCMR between June 13th and 15th, leading to the successful prosecution of eight fishermen. The total amount in fines amounted to $13,180 BZ, and one fisherman of Guatemalan nationality was remanded while the others met bail.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day.Location
Monday, June 29th Meal pick ups Location: Belize Diving Services Ltd. Time: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Temporary schedule for San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
For info this is the temporary schedule for San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi’s. Theyre not sure when they’ll return to their full schedule, maybe “when the tourists come back”.

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmen
The Benque House of Culture will be celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmen from the 7th through the 16th of July. Hosting La Bajada de La Virgen del Carmen as the commencement celebration of the Benque Alboradas in celebration of the Feast of our Patron Our Lady of Mount Carmel July 7th- 16, 2020 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

"BELIZE POLITICAL IDENTIFICATION SURVEY" POLL

OSCAR MIRA INVOLVED IN DUI ACCIDENT
Reports are circulating that Oscar Mira, PUP Standard Bearer for Belmopan, was involved in a traffic accident that left one person, a police officer, seriously injured. Mira was reportedly under the influence and refused to give a blood sample. We await confirmation that charges were laid.

FIFA donates 1.5 Million US Dollars to restart football
FFB executive member Marlon Kuylen confirmed on Thursday that Belize is receiving US$1.5 million to restart football, though no date has been set. Explained Kuylen, "Once we receive the restrictions and regulations, we shall meet to organize how these funds will be disbursed. In our surveys conducted, we already have an idea what it will cost to restart." In total, FIFA has approved a COVID-19 Relief Plan that will make available US$1.5 billion globally to assist the football community, designed by the FIFA administration in close cooperation with representatives of the confederations. In the first two stages of the plan, FIFA provided for the immediate release of all Forward operational-cost payments to member associations and, subsequently, for the opportunity to transform Forward development grants into COVID-19 operational relief funds —with a minimum of 50% of released funds to be allocated to women's football.

BELIZE CRUZO'OB MAYA: THE CHILDREN OF REBELLION "General May sold out to the Mexicans."
The Yucatec Maya group known as the Cruzo'ob Maya were one of the main protagonist of the Maya social War wrongly called the Caste war . The Cruzo'ob Maya mantained a good relationship with the British for some time because the British saw it profitable . The British even recognized the Maya nation of Noj Kaj Cruz as independent but all this ended when the British Government assigned Sir Spenser St. John to disentangle Her Royal Majesty's Government from the Maya free state. In 1893, HRMG signed the Spenser Mariscal Treaty, which ceded the Maya free state's lands to Mexico and a border was created without asking the indigenous Maya.

The Reporter

Isias Oroman found stabbed to death
Police have identified the body of a man who was found stabbed to death early this morning in San Ignacio. He is Isias Oroman, 52, a Guatemalan national who lived in Bullet Tree village. Oromon was found sometime around 6:00 this morning by someone who was exercising along the Bullet Tree Road across from the San Ignacio Town Hospital. He was found in a bushy area along with a knapsack, a beach cruiser bicycle with a machete attached to it. He had two stab wounds to the chest.

Fatal traffic accident on the Southern Highway
There was a fatal traffic accident on Saturday night on the Southern Highway. Police sources say the mishap occurred sometime before 7:00 p.m., near Mile 2, and claimed the life of Hilberto Tush, 31, of Maya Mopan Village, Stann Creek who was driving a motorcycle. Reports are that Tush was traveling towards Punta Gorda when he collided with a black Mitsubishi Montero Sport SUV heading in the opposite direction and allegedly driven by Nateone Nunez, 22, of Belmopan. Tush suffered severe head injuries and died at the Southern Regional Hospital, and Police investigations continue.

Drowning Victim Identified
On Saturday evening a man allegedly drowned at the area known as the Split in Caye Caulker. He has since been identified as Barrington Moss, a security guard residing in San Pedro. The Reporter will follow this story and provide more details as we get them.

Murder in the Cayo District
The Reporter has confirmed a murder in the Cayo District. Details are scarce at this time, but we are told that the body of a Hispanic male was discovered on the Bullet Tree road with what appear to be multiple stab wounds. At this time he is being regarded as a John Doe until he can be identified.

Breaking Belize News

Over 60 percent of Americans looking forward to travel, says US travel consultancy
Zapwater Communications, a United States-based livestyle and travel conaultancy firm, says that 65 percent of […]

Researchers to test salt water as COVID-19 aid
Some swear by gargling salt water to reduce symptoms of the common cold, but could […]

COVID-19 pandemic has infected more than 10 million people worldwide
Despite many countries reopening their borders to tourists, the COVID-19 global pandemic has not lost […]

Uproar over COVID-19 loans ‘politics as usual,’ laments Prime Minister
It was hardly the ideal time, says Prime Minister Dean Barrow, for the type of rhetoric […]

Sean “Diddy” Combs endorses Shyne for Belize general election
Hot New Hip Hop, a music website, announces that Shyne Barrow, United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate […]

Superbond: Belize cannot avoid payment entirely, Prime Minister says
Ahead of negotiations for an “interest capitalization” of upcoming payments for the Superbond totalling more […]

Ministry of Education bars educational services to foreigners and Belizeans living outside Belize
As the abruptly ended school term officially closes this week, educational authorities are already preparing for […]

Caye Caulker drowning victim identified
Caye Caulker police have identified the man who drowned in the area of the Split […]

Soldier and civilian collide in fatal road traffic accident
A soldier and a civilian were involved in a road traffic accident last night that […]

Unidentified corpse found in Bullet Tree
Our newsroom has confirmed that authorities have discovered a dead body in Bullett Tree Village in […]

Blogs

Private Charters can enter Belize on August 15
Confirmed by the Prime Minister of Belize, private charters of planes would be able to enter Belize for leisure travel, but will be subject to screening like everyone else entering Belize. This will also be available on August 15, 2020 with the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) reopening. All travellers will be required to present a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Additionally, will be subject to a mandatory temperature checks at the airport; numerous sanitising procedures; and agreement to adhere to a track and trace system.

International Sources

Diddy Endorses Former Bad Boy Star Shyne's Political Aspirations
More than a decade removed from his release from prison, former Bad Boy artist Shyne is continuing to shape politics in his native Belize. The “Bad Boys” rapper, who serves as the country’s Ambassador of Music, is currently running for Belize’s House Of Representatives and got a ringing endorsement from none other than Sean “Diddy” Combs. “BELIZE I’m so proud of my brother @shyne_bz and the journey he is on,” Diddy wrote on Instagram. “He is running for the House of Representatives and needs your support. #BadBoy4Life”

Videos

Black witch moths enjoying some bananas, .5min.

National Virtual Graduation, 3hrs.

CARACOL (BELIZE), 17min.

ETHNICITY OF BELIZE, 16min. Dr. June Schmieder-Ramirez,Ph.D. Chair of Leadership Studies, Program Director PhD in Global Leadership and Change, University of Pepperdine. 6'28/2020

Sanny's Grill - San Ignacio Town, Cayo, Belize, 1.5min.

Beautiful endangered hawksbill sea turtle glides over the coral in Belize, 2min.

FAM BAM TRiP 2020 | Caye Caulker, Belize, 5min.

June 28, 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

Drowning in Caye Caulker
A male person was found dead floating in the sea off the west coast of Caye Caulker. According to information from reliable sources, the deceased had only a pair of pants on, and his identity could not be ascertained. He is not believed to be a resident of Caye Caulker. The body has since been transported to Belize City, where his identity is expected to be revealed.

Police vehicle runs off the road and crashes north of San Pedro Town
Early morning accident involving an apparently intoxicated police officer goes unconfirmed by local police. Images and footage of what appears to be a damaged police truck north of San Pedro Town have been circulating on social media. The photos show the police vehicle on the side of the road with a damaged front wheel caused by the impact allegedly made when it hit a light post. According to witnesses at the scene, the incident happened early on the morning of Friday, June 26th, and one of the officers, in uniform, appears to be under the influence of alcohol.

Belize to receive support from Japan Special Fund, the IDB and SECOMISCA to confront the health emergency
A joint effort by the Government of Belize, the Japan Special Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA) has achieved the urgent mobilization of US$130,000 for the purchase of medical supplies for health care workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.

CCRIF SPC makes Payout to Belize for Excess Rainfall Event Associated with Tropical Cyclones Amanda and Cristobal
CCRIF SPC made a payout of US$203,136 to the Government of Belize on its Excess Rainfall parametric insurance policy following three days of heavy rains during Tropical Storms Amanda and Cristobal. Amanda was a tropical cyclone that originated in the Pacific Ocean and brought rains that affected Belize on 30 May and then weakened. However, the remnants of Amanda then reorganized to form Tropical Storm Cristobal in the Gulf of Mexico – thus becoming a cross-over cyclone from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Sunday, June 28th Meal Pick ups. Location: Barefoot Caribe Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Drowning on Caye Caulker
The Voice of Caye Caulker has confirmed that a drowning has occurred today June 27th, 2020 near the South Eastern Side of the split. The body of a male person suspected to be from the mainland, was found at a quarter past six by Caye Caulker Police. Police are still investigating.

Dia de San Pedro Celebration Today
Since COVID-19 put a halt on our festivities, with the help of Super Furia, we will be celebrating DIA DE SAN PEDRO, Tomorrow, Sunday, June 28th, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live on their page, the Super Furia Band will be performing your favorite hits and showcasing pictures and video from past Dia de San Pedro. Make sure to tune in!

COVID-19 UPDATE
How does our data compare to the English speaking Caribbean? In a snapshot, the comparison as drawn out by UWI, specifically from the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Center.

Fireball Business meeting in Cayo
The San Ignacio & Santa Elena Town Council is hosting the Fireball Business meeting on Tuesday, July 7th. Bring your business plans.

Taiwan extends the helping hands to Belizean people by offering 350,000 BZD humanitarian assistance
On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen donated a humanitarian relief fund and medical materials worth the value of 350,000 BZD to Belize Mayors' Association, including $200,000 BZD to support the food and relief programs, 90,000 Made-in-Taiwan surgical masks & 150 forehead thermometers to the nine City and Town Councils in Belize to protect their staff and citizens while delivering and receiving services in local communities and to assist those people in urgent need for help.

HURRICANE POLES IN DOWNTOWN BELIZE CITY
As part of establishing an Ecomuseum (the purpose of the Ecomuseum in downtown is to share the history of downtown from a socio-economic, cultural and heritage perspective) in downtown, the Downtown Rejuvenation Project has installed a hurricane pole at Government House and will install two additional poles in downtown. The second will be installed near Brodies on Albert Street and a third between the Swing Bridge's southside approach and the Commercial Center. Although the main purpose of the Hurricane Poles is to give the visitor a perspective of the height of the water level at various points in downtown. The pole has a second purpose and that is to hopefully impart an experientiary feeling by combining the sense of seeing what transpired at a specific point in time with the sense of being at that very location when the photo was taken. We are hoping that by combining vision with location the viewer will be able to obtain a better sense and scale of the catastrophe. The photo will come with a short description and of course the water level will be shown.

Ya’axché Radio Show
Tune in on Sunshine Raydio Station, Tuesday, 30th June 2020 at 4-5 pm. We will be highlighting the preventative methods to stop the spread of COVID-19! Learn how to protect yourself and others. Be sure to join Julio Chub, Sayuri Tzul and Marvin Vasquez on the Ya’axché radio talk show.

K'UK'ULKAN REACH THE MAYAB
In the Mayab(Original name of the Yucatan Peninsula) we have the Chilam Balam books, a series of Yucatec Maya writings whose title is the name of one of their prophets, followed by his place of origin. In the Chilam Balam de Chumayel, you can read about the arrival of K'uk'ulkan to Mayab . When K'uk'ulkan arrived to the Peninsula, the Xiu families from Uxmal and the Puuc Route, and the Itzaes families from Chichén Itzá, lived in disagreement and were always fighting among themselves. K'uk'ulkan impressed the them with his wisdom and convince them to form a new city which he called Mayapan "Standard of the Maya people".

Amandala

Great news for Belize and our cattle owners: MILK!
I got a message from Mr. Rafael Omar Gongora, that I should call him, which I did, out of courtesy and interest, and wow, the gentleman had just about the greatest news any farmer, any Belizean, could have dreamed to hear. Mr. Gongora said that his company will be adding condensed milk to the list of products it already has on the market, and that his facility where he will produce sweet milk is well under construction. Of course, I asked him what he was standing on to make such a pledge, and he referred me to his present business, Chemical Specialties of Belize Ltd.

Breaking Belize News

Taiwan donates $350,000 in humanitarian assistance to Belize
On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, Ambassador Remus Li-Kuo Chen donated a […]

Patients quarantined to be released after receiving 2nd negative swab
The Ministry of Health informed that test results received yesterday include second negative tests for […]

Belize to receive funding from Inter-American Development Bank to help battle COVID-19
Today, the Inter-American Development Bank announced that Belize would be the recipient of US $130,000 […]

Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund donates over $200K to Customs for new X-ray machines
Today, the Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund donated $214,000 to the Belize Customs and Excise […]

Blogs

PLANTING COCONUT TREES AT CHILDREN’S PARK COROZAL, BELIZE
This Morning, Saturday, June 27TH, 2020, few of us volunteered to plant 5 Coconut Trees plants at Children’s Park Corozal. This is to help beautify the Park and make the park look more attractive. To make people use it more. Help care for parks across Corozal Bay, by volunteering, and, lending a hand to beautifying parks around a neighborhood green space park. Once people are engaged, it's easy to see how volunteer projects can be chances for the community to come out and join volunteers to help them around.

15 Things No One Told You About Living in Belize
Living in Belize is fantastic. But it is a BIG adjustment when you move from another country…from the US or Canada. And while I’ve been here full time for 13 years now and it is my home, I learn something new pretty much every day. And I love that. Almost always. So, here’s my list of the top things I’ve learned in those 13 years. “Go Slow” is a fun vacation sign when you see it when you first visit – but it’s a solid piece of wisdom that I work on weekly…

Political Parties are the Problem by: Aria Lightfoot
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc on Belize’s economy, we as Belizeans are grappling with a very uncertain future. COVID-19 brought to the forefront what we all knew and most turned a blind eye to- our political leaders are nothing but pirates of the system. COVID-19 showed us that they have not invested in our people; have short changed our medical system; did not create a diverse economy; have created an elite gap in our school system; and have left our borders unsecured and vulnerable. The worst part is that our entire political environment has significantly declined. We are not ideas driven, we are loyalty driven, even when the evidence of the human rights and constitutional rights are slowly stripped from the average citizen and even though many citizens, including children, have paid the ultimate price with their lives, freedom and citizenship rights.

The Green Iguanas Miss You
The Green Iguana Conservation Project was started to conserve and look after green iguanas by educating the public about them in their ecosystem. The resources for this work are provided by the many people who pay to enjoy this interactive exhibit. So when COVID-19 hit, we were concerned about the project and the Green Iguanas. Fortunately, although the last several months have been tough, there are good things happening at the project as we reopen. An example of this is recounted by Luis, our Grounds Department Manager:

The Best Birding in Belize (Hotspots and Lodges)
No matter what time of the year it is, Belize is always the perfect destination for birding. From the over 590 birds that call Belize home, approximately 80 percent of these birds are local and the rest are migrant species that fly down from North America every winter. This means that if you’re into bird watching, a variety of colorful and exotic birds can be spotted year-round all over Belize. Hopefully, this news entices you to plan your next trip to Belize. If that’s the case, follow this guide to visit the top hotspots to go birding in Belize, including a few recommended birding lodges that will make your stay extra special.

International Sources

Spectacular Maya Wall Paintings Discovered in Guatemala
An unparalleled set of Maya wall paintings, most probably from the 17th to 18th centuries CE, discovered in a local house in the Guatemalan city of San Gaspar Chajul (further referred to as Chajul) blends pre-Columbian with imported European elements, making them a unique example of Colonial art from Latin America.

Videos

Channel 5 Obituaries - Alice Lonie King, 1.5min.

Sacred Heart College Virtual Graduation, 2hr.

John Paul II Junior College's Sixth Mass & Commencement Ceremony, 3hr17min. Congratulations, JPIIJC graduates!

John Arana’s Farm in Belize, 10min. Teakettle Farm owned by John Arana. He showed us the work carried out and wisdom. Was truly a blessing seeing and spending time with him on his property. Learning from John about different fruit trees and agriculture.

Kaj Expressions - San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, 2min.

Sailing in Belize on a Bareboat Charter: Part 7, 4min. 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.

Grand Annual Convention UPC. San Felipe Toledo Belize, 19min.

Revival in Indian Creek Toledo Belize, 5min.

Best Barbecued Oxtails, 37min. Joe decided to cook his famous barbecue. He barbecued oxtails for the very first time and they come out delicious so we subsequently did a mukbang.

June 27, 2020

Caye Caulker: BWS now down to one day a week

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

Hospital for Ambergris Caye on hold says Prime Minister Dean Barrow
Residents of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, have, for many years, been promised a proper medical facility on the island. To date, during emergencies, islanders and visitors remain vulnerable. Apparently, this delay will continue as Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow stated on Thursday, June 25th, via a virtual press conference that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strain on funding, the plans for a full-service hospital on Ambergris Caye will remain on hold for an indefinite time.

Dengue cases in the Americas top 1.6 million, highlighting need for mosquito control during COVID-19 pandemic
More than 1.6 million cases of dengue have been reported in the Americas in the first five months of 2020, drawing attention to the need to continue eliminating mosquito vectors of disease even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belize Presents at the United Nations’ Recover Better Together Action Forum
Minister of State for Labour, Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Hon. Carla Barnett was invited by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed to participate in the “Recover Better Together Action Forum,” which took place today, June 26th. A key objective was the raising of resources for the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Trust Fund to implement the United Nations Framework for Immediate Socio-economic Response to COVID-19.

San Pedro Tour Operators Association continues to assist members in need
Over the past nine weeks since the start of COVID-19 in Belize, the San Pedro Tour Operators Association (SPTOA) has been helping their members, including staff/crew, boat captains and tour guides, with food items. On Wednesday, June 24th, the SPTOA handed out about 150 bags full of groceries to their members affected by lost jobs/revenue due to the pandemic. The grocery items include basic staples such as rice, beans, cooking oil, meat (chicken), bread, flour, and some hygienic products as well. The program has been running with the Association’s assistance and the generous contributions of donors that have helped via their GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-feed-our-guides.

Various Belizean Sources

KEEPING LA ISLA BONITA CLEAN!
Our team has been hard at work this week, check out our daily works in keeping our community clean.

Ministry of Works Addresses the Collapse of St. Matthew’s Culvert
The Ministry of Works is aware of the misinformation that has been circulating on social media and within the public as it relates to the collapse of the culvert at St. Matthews Village on the George Price Highway. The culverts that were damaged were not recently replaced as was erroneously reported in the media, but have been in place for well over 40 years. Contrary to what was also reported, that section of road (Belize City to Belmopan) was not rehabilitated within the last 12 years. The Road Safety Project along that portion of the highway dubbed the “demonstration corridor” sought to address the many accidents resulting in the loss of lives. It entailed the widening of road shoulders, placement of road signs, safety barriers, bus lay-bys, road markings and resurfacing of a slippery portion of the road. Ambulances and patrol vehicles were also provided under this project. Works contracts were signed with four local contractors, none of which was Imer Hernandez.

Stela 15 of Nim Li Punit, which translates to “Big Hat”
Located 40 kilometers north Punta Gorda Town in the Toledo District, Nim Li Punit’s stela 15 has one of the longest hieroglyphic inscriptions of Nim Li Punit and is known to be one of the earliest monuments carved at the site. The scene consists of a female to the left, dominant male in the middle and a subservient male to the right. All three can be seen to be in the standard scattering position. Given the absence of a perforator or knife and the three being fully clothed; this scene seems to be showing the process after the blood had been released on a paper strip, since the strips were already in a bowl being burnt. The giant hat on the king’s head is a local adaptation of a special class of headgear favored at the Maya site of Copan in Honduras. The ruler can also be seen bearing a jade pectoral with the hieroglyph ik, (featured in a previous Finds Friday) a design also favored by the kings of Copan.

Protecting our Forests
Forested landscapes are important ecosystems that are inhabited by wildlife and communities that depend on essential resources for their survival. Deforestation continues to be the greatest threat to standing forests. The enforcement of the Belize Forest Act, hence becomes of critical importance to maintain forests intact, ensuring a global collective effort towards a sustainable environment. As a logging product, timber is widely used for furniture and housing. Non-timber forest products are nonwoody essentials obtained from plants for medicine, thatching, food and other by-products of cultural importance. The illegal extraction of trees for either timber or non timber products aggravates deforestation.

COVID-19 Update **CASE #24**
A further 87 samples were processed today for SARS-CoV2. This has allowed us to identify a new case of COVID-19, case #24. This is in a Honduran national who had been caught in Belizean waters and is currently under mandatory quarantine in Dangriga. The person is asymptomatic. We currently have another recovered case for a total of 3 active cases. These tests also include a second negative test foe those completing their 14 day quarantine and they are being released today.

Re-imagining Travel in the New Norm
We are pleased to share with you the National Guidelines for the Reopening of Belize's Tourism Sector approved by the Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation. These guidelines are based on established international procedures and protocols and serve as the overarching framework applicable for the industry. The recently released hotels and restaurant protocols and the tour operations procedures scheduled for dissemination next week complements these national guidelines.

Sea Cucumber Season Closure
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2009 under the Fisheries Act Chapter 210 Revised Edition 2003 of the Subsidiary Laws of Belize, the Sea Cucumber fishery will be declared closed effective July 1, 2020. Regulation 10 of SI No. 67 of 2009 reads as follows: No person shall fish for, or harvest, at any time in the waters of Belize, or buy, sell, have in possession, export or attempt to export any sea cucumber after June 30th, 2020.

Ministry of Health Commemorates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
By resolution 42/112 of December 7, 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated June 26th as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day is an expression of the UN’s determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Supported each year by individuals, communities, and organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs present to society. This year’s theme is “Better Knowledge for Better Care”, which emphasizes the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and how, in turn, better knowledge will foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance, and security.

Belize Announces Phased Re-opening Plan for Tourism
Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Belize made the official announcement that Belize's international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport will be opened on August 15, 2020, as part of the country's five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism. The opening of the international airport will kick-off Belize's third phase of re-opening, allowing for further travel relaxation and open entry for chartered flights, private aviation and limited re-opening of international leisure travel with approved hotels only.

New Plants at San Pedro Town Hall
WE LOVE OUR NEW PLANTS! Our garden master, the guy with the green thumb, Mr. Peña added a few plants on the planters of the Town Hall and they look great! We can't wait for them to grow and be lusher!

Re-Election of a New Land Advisory Committee in San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village
The Ministry of Natural Resources informs the residents of the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village in Orange Walk East of its first meeting to discuss the process of electing a new Land Advisory Committee. In 1936, a trust was created in support of the descendants of San Jose Nuevo Palmar and pursuant to the terms of the trust. The Government of Belize has been entrusted with the authority to dispose of the trust in accordance with the advice of a Lands Committee, which will be appointed by the villagers of San Jose Nuevo Palmar.

FAMILY PLEADS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BABY ROBERT
If you would like to make a donation to help my baby nephew Robert; you can deposit to his dad's account. EZIKIEL CORREA

Feast of our Patron Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Hosting La Bajada de La Virgen del Carmen as the commencement celebration of the Benque Alboradas in celebration of the Feast of our Patron Our Lady of Mount Carmel July 7th- 16, 2020 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Time details are uncertain as we await the updated guidelines, to be shared next week.

Channel 7

Confirmed: Waterloo DOA
Today was House Meeting Friday in Belmopan - and while enough sparks flew across the floor, we start outside the house where we interviewed the Prime Minister about a number of matters of pressing national interest. First, there's the proposed investment at the Port of Belize by Michael Ashcroft's Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited. That 200 million US-dollar proposal is for a Port of Belize makeover, expanding bulk handling and building a cruise terminal with on shore berthing Two nights ago we told you about reports that Cabinet had rejected the proposal. The Prime Minister confirmed it today.

Registry Judgement: Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay
And while the PM was careful not to say too much on that one, he didn't have to say much at all on the other Ashcroft-related matters. That's the judgement from the Caribbean Court of Justice on government's 2013 acquisition of the IMMARBE AND International Business Companies Registries, one of them formerly owned and operated by the Ashcroft alliance, the other by Morgan and Morgan out of Panama. The matter has been in court for years, and the final judgement is expected from the court of final appeal next week. If government loses, the damages could be in the tens of millions of dollars, possibly close to 100 million, we are told.

PM Sorry To See Scotia Go
On the other Ashcroft related matter, we asked the Prime Minister about the Belize Bank's acquisition of Scotiabank Limited. That makes the Belize Bank the largest commercial bank by far in Belize, and takes the last global brand out of the sector. The Prime Minister discussed the significance and the implications: "I'm sorry to see Scotia go. I think their exit deprives us of an institution that was particularly stable and that had global reach. We've had our difficulties with corresponding banking. At no time could that a sort of potential calamity have overtaken Scotia, because of their global brand. So we lose that. The acquisition by Belize Bank will mean that that particular shield has now been lost to us."

Opposition Leader Blasts PM For Bringing Relief Loans to House
In January the Chief Justice delivered a decision saying that Prime Minister Barrow, acting as Minister of Finance was responsible for 1.3 billion dollars in budgetary spending that was not approved by Parliament. But, while the judgement was read out in court, he never put it in writing, and he is now retired. And according to the PM that makes him "functus officio" legal talk for "of no further official authority or legal effect." So he can't finalise the judgement now.

J. Espat Alleges Lawlessness - PM Slams Back
The debate continued outside the house chamber where Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, and one of the claimants who brought that law suit in court, asked for time to address the media. Julius Espat said he wasn't afforded that in the house. Espat says the PM's dismissal of the entire case suggests a worrying kind of lawlessness: "What was alarming was what the prime minister said. He says that the chief justice gave an oral decision in court, but he didn't give a written judgement. We have documentation where our attorneys have been back and forth with their attorneys and also with the chief justice to be able to make sure that that judgement was given. What is alarming to me is the prime minister is now saying because his chief justice is now retired that the decision is non-decision."

Can GOB Slip Superbond Payment Without Penalty?
We also asked the Prime Minister about the next Superbond Payment due in late August. Government announced this week that it intended to seek the consent of bond holders to capitalize the interest payments falling due on the Bonds through February 20, 2021.

Why Belize Didn’t Sign An IMF Agreement
And you heard the Prime Minister allude to not wanting to show a bad face to the "IFI's". Those are the international financial institutions like the IMF, the CDB, and the IDB. But, has government already gone crossway with the IFI community? We asked because while many other countries are tapping into low interest, COVID relief funds from the IMF, Belize has not received any.

Police Presence Averted A Bus Brawl
Taking a break now from all that house news.There was a tense gathering at the Belize City bus terminal this morning. Bus operators from Silva's, Maria's, and BBOC bus lines met up to confront the now-infamous Daisy Marroquin of Belize Transit System. Marroquin made the news two weeks ago during another BBOC protest that, like this one, didn't quite get off the ground. Back then BTS had gotten in hot water for blatant disregard of their subsidized and contracted police runs in favor of civilian passengers, actions that prompted the police commissioner to say that he'd buy the cops their own bus.

Cruise tour Operator Lukewarm About PGIA Opening
Last night, we showed you the announcement from the Barrow Administration that the Philip Goldson International Airport would be re-opening on August 15th. The re-opening is part of a phased recovery plan for the rebooting of the tourism industry, which has been on a hiatus for 3 months now. With no work and no revenue source, they have been waiting for a definitive answer on the re-opening of the airport. Last night, you saw how both the Belize Tourism Industry Association and the Belize Hotel Association are hitting the ground running. They want to productively use those remaining 7 weeks to prepare for the slow return of tourists.

House Debates CDB Debt Relief Loan
Back now to today's House Sitting. Included in the meeting was a loan motion from the Barrow Government to borrow 30 million dollars from the CDB. Its official name is the Caribbean Development Bank - COVID-19 Emergency Response Support Loan Motion of 2020. According to the Government's description, the purpose of the loan is to provide funds to assist the Government in meeting its debt service obligations to the bank over the period of July to June 30th, 2020. This proposed loan is supposed to allow the Government to, quote, "preserve fiscal space and redeploy its financial resources to be able to finance immediate and essential emergency COVID-19 related health expenditure for Belize."

Relief For Cane Famers Not Enough PUP Says
In today's House meeting, Prime Minister Dean Barrow also tabled another loan to provide relief to the cane farmers in the north. Viewers are aware that the sugar industry, like the country's other agricultural sub-sectors and industries, has been devastated by 2 consecutive years of drought. So, the current economic pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is but another problem layered on top of their ongoing production worries. The Barrow Government wants to offer them aid, and that's why the PM tabled the CDB Enhancing Sugarcane Famers Resilience to Natural Hazard Events Loan Motion of 2020.

Rt. Hon. Musa To Be Flown Out
And on the softer side of today's contentious house meeting, we asked Caribbean Shores Representative Kareem Musa about his father, Said Musa, who is recovering from a stroke he suffered on May 7th. It was described as a mild stroke, and indeed it is, but it is also a rare type of stroke, affecting the senior statesman's throat muscles and his ability to swallow.

Auditor General Curious About Ministry of Housing
Why is the Auditor General looking into home improvement grants at the Ministry of Housing? We understand that the auditor general has written to the Ministry querying cases where grants were given to staffers at the ministry.

Finnegan On Football Fights
And while he had no apologies at all for that, Finnegan also minced no words when he spoke about his passion, which is football. In the heyday of the sport in Belize back in the 60-'s and 70's, Finnegan was a fan, first, and then a manager of some of the top teams of the era. That's when football was BOSS.

FFB, The Right to Fight
And while Finnegan has his own take on his favourite sport, the facts on the ground tell their own convoluted story. As we've reported President Sergio Chuc and his administration are about to conclude their first term in office as the executive of the Football Federation of Belize. Their opponents are pointing out all kinds of reasons why they feel that they should not be re-elected. Those opponents have made all kinds of accusations of mismanagement of funds, and the supposed use of dirty tactics to hold on to power. For the most part, Chuc and his administration, which managed to stay mostly scandal-free for the majority of their term, have responded that these complaints are nothing more than political mischief, calculated to unfairly malign the FFB's reputation.

St. Matthew’s Road History
The Ministry Of works is defending contractor Imer Hernandez against a series of social media smears that have cast him as the man responsible for the collapse of the culvert at St. Matthews Village on the George Price Highway. And this morning in a press release the Ministry attempted to clear up some false narratives that have been circulating on social media and elsewhere, saying quote: "The intense rains countrywide, exacerbated by the negative impacts of deforestation, contributed to the failure of the crossing known as St. Matthew's Bridge." End quote.

Channel 5

PM Dean Barrow Says Ex-CJ’s Ruling Against G.O.B. is a Non-Decision
“It is a non-decision” – that is what Prime Minister Dean Barrow stunningly said today during the Sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan. PM Barrow was speaking on [...]

P.U.P. Says All Legal Means Will Be Exhausted to Uphold Ex-CJ’s Ruling
The People’s United Party is not sitting down on this matter and says it will take the legal fight to the Caribbean Court of Justice if they have to. When [...]

Four Loan Motions Tabled in the House
At today’s sitting of the House of Representatives, four loan motions were tabled for approval, including the twelve million U.S. dollars from the I.D.B. for COVID-19 relief. The government had [...]

Bondholders Form Creditor Committee to Consider Barrow’s Request
Belize’s bondholders have formed a creditor committee which will work with the Belizean government after they were asked to agree to defer payment of interest on the thirteen million U.S. [...]

PM Barrow Comments on IMF Loan
Prime Minister Dean Barrow also asked about the International Monetary Fund and why is it that the government did not seek the IMF’s assistance for COVID-19 relief in the first [...]

Lord Ashcroft COVID-19 Relief Fund Issues Cheque to Customs Department
The Philip Goldson Airport is set to reopen on August fifteenth; as such a number of safety measures and protocols are being put in place to get the P.G.I.A. safe [...]

Barrow Says Belize’s Acquisition of Scotia Bank ‘Consequential’
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says that Belize Bank’s acquisition of Scotia Bank is consequential. Caribbean Investment Holdings, the parent company for the Belize Bank is buying out Scotia Bank at [...]

PM Barrow Says “Won’t Pay, Can’t Pay”
Earlier in the newscast, you heard the PM say that a ruling by the former C.J. Benjamin earlier this year is a non decision. Outside the house, the PM was [...]

Cabinet Rejects Waterloo’s Cruise Ship Facility Project
Another matter that the Prime Minister dealt with had to with a proposal by Waterloo, for a two hundred million dollar cruise ship facility in the Port of Belize. That [...]

Sand Hill Village Council, NAVCO Reject ‘Mesop Land Distribution’ in Maxboro
A plan to distribute land in the Maxboro area of Sand Hill is being met with fierce opposition. Over the past weeks, Shyne Barrow, the U.D.P. standard bearer of the [...]

Are Accommodations Ready for the August 15th Reopening?
August fifteenth – that’s the day the P.G.I.A. is reopening as Belize opens back up for international tourism business. As we’ve been reporting, tourism stakeholders were divided about the reopening [...]

Fewer Flights; Hotels Need to Step Up Health and Safety Protocols!
But as hotels and other accommodations get ready for tourists to return, what will it look like for Belize? Considering that the reopening date is within the slow season, the [...]

Hotels Are Investing for Reopening!
So, as you heard from Tejada, the accommodations sector is implementing a series of protocols that have been developed. As General Manager of the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, he [...]

Said Musa to Received Minor Surgery Overseas
Right Honorable Said Musa is on the road to recovery. The Musa family is preparing to fly him out of the country for a minor procedure to rectify his throat. [...]

A Backyard Farm for Food Security During a Pandemic!
COVID-19’s impact on food and agriculture has been felt across the country – putting lives and livelihoods at risk from this pandemic. While the spread of virus is contained in [...]

Another Group of Repatriates Arrive in the Jewel
Today, another group of repatriates arrived in Belize via the Philip Goldson International Airport. It is part of the phased repatriation process to get Belizeans, who were stranded during the [...]

Some People Don’t Want to Pay Hotel Quarantine
Director of Health Services, Doctor Marvin Manzanero says that repatriated persons are not a cause for concern once due process is followed. What is worrisome, says Doctor Manzanero, are those [...]

Will Tests Return Negative for Group of Repatriates?
Doctor Marvin Manzanero also says that a second round of swabbing has been done on a group of repatriates, who returned to Belize two weeks ago via a United Airlines [...]

Murder Case Falls Apart
Turning to the courts, earlier this week, the murder trial of twenty-two year-old Deandre Adolphus fell apart at the Supreme Court level when the Prosecution withdrew the charge from against [...]

Jeremias Guerra Out on Bail
A man who is awaiting trial for the murder of his common-law wife was today granted bail when he appeared before Supreme Court Justice Colin Williams. Construction worker, forty year-old [...]

Anthony Reyes Gets Bail
Twenty-two-year-old Anthony Reyes, a barber of Mahogany Street in Belize City was also lucky to get bail of twenty-five thousand dollars today. Reyes is charged with the murder of forty-four-year-old [...]

What’s Up with COVID-19 Healthcare on La Isla Bonita?
As Belize gets ready to re-open to international tourism in August, there are many details still left to iron out. One of those concerns is regarding healthcare on Belize’s largest [...]

Will Tourism Sector Get Financing Through D.F.C.?
The downturn in tourism activity has left stakeholders in a financial mess. During the Prime Minister’s Press Conference on Thursday, he was asked about the tourism sector’s need for capital [...]

Amandala

PGIA will reopen August 15
The Belizean economy (and government’s finances in particular) has been hemorrhaging due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequent halt of global tourism for the last few months. COVID-19 has infected almost 10 million persons worldwide and spikes are being reported in over twenty North American states and in Central and South America, and it is against that background that the Government of Belize has been contemplating and planning the reopening of the country’s tourism industry. This morning, Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow, flanked by officials which included Director of the Belize Tourism Board, Karen Bevans; Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero; CEO in the Ministry of Human Development and Social Transformation, Judith Alpuche; Chief Technology Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Michael Singh; and the CEO in the Ministry of Health, Dr. George Gough, announced the scheduled re-opening of the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), which is set to take place on August 15, 2020.

The mighty Saharan dust plume
The Caribbean has been experiencing yet another intense natural phenomenon that could negatively impact people in the region. This most recent phenomenon is known as the Saharan Dust Plume. Since Tuesday, June 23, skies in Belize have been noted to have a milky-grey/ashen color as the plume arrives from Africa across the Atlantic. The blanket of dust is an annual occurrence; however, this year’s cloud has been labeled the “Godzilla Dust Cloud” for its abnormally large size and volume. Notably, a dust cloud of this size hasn’t been seen in the past 50-60 years.

Arson suspected in burning of pastor’s van
At about 2:30 this morning in Gales Point, Manatee, a van belonging to Kenneth Welch, the pastor of a church in the village, which was parked in his yard near his concrete house, was completely destroyed by fire. A butane gas tank that was filled with gas, which was in the van at the time, exploded. Luckily, no one was injured, because Welch’s family and their guest were sleeping in the house at the time. Police have begun an investigation into the destruction of the van. Arson is suspected.

House of Representatives to meet on Friday
The House of Representatives will be meeting on Friday, June 26, at 10:00 a.m., and at that meeting a series of motions will be introduced and discussed. These motions include: (i) Caribbean Development Bank – COVID-19 Emergency Response Support (US$1,000,000) Loan motion 2020. This loan agreement between the GOB and CDB will seek to assist the government of Belize in its efforts to bolster economic and social recovery from the effects of COVID-19.

Defeated president of Police Association files for judicial review of election results
Corporal Eldon Arzu had been at the helm of the Belize Police Association for six consecutive terms until last week when new elections were held and he and his team, which campaigned under the theme, “Negative propaganda is not the way, choose the A-Team to stand up for your welfare,” were soundly defeated by Sergeant Jane Usher and her team. Before the Belize Police Association gets underway with taking care of the welfare of its members, however, a legal hurdle has been placed in their way.

Woman accuses cops of stealing $6,000 from her house
A house in Cotton Tree door had its door damaged when it was forced open, and the house was ransacked and $6,000 was stolen, along with other valuables. The house owner was not at home, and on her return, she found her house in disarray and when she checked her security cameras, she saw that about 18 policemen had driven into her yard, and entered and searched her house. Maude Blancaneaux, 27, of Cotton Tree, told the media that at about 2:00 Thursday afternoon, she left her home to go to Belmopan to do some errands.

Patient 23 flew in on repatriation flight from US
On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that there has been the largest single-day spike in COVID-19 around the world, with 189,000 new cases. Most of the new reported cases are in the so-called developing world. WHO, however, warned the developed countries, which are now opening up their economies, to be on the lookout for a second wave of COVID-19.

Shortage of premium fuel after price dip, increased demand
Weeks after oil prices fell on the world market, Belizean consumers have begun to get some ease at the fuel pumps. The price for premium fuel finally went down on Tuesday, after weeks of anticipation of the price drop following the reduced price of regular fuel. The price drop in premium fuel, however, created another problem for consumers—a shortage.

Carlos Chan, 25, injured in hit-and-run
Carlos Chan, 25, was walking on the Yo Creek Road at about 8:00 last night when a vehicle knocked him down from behind, and the driver sped away, leaving him injured on the road. Chan received both head and body injuries, including a broken left arm. A driver that was traveling on the road shortly after, stopped to help Chan, who was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious but stable condition.

Esau Ramirez Lopez, 36, captured
The manhunt for Guatemala national Esau Ramirez Lopez, 36, of San Jose, who was wanted on charges of stabbing of his common-law wife, his son and his stepdaughter, came to a successful conclusion today. Lopez, who had been on the run, was captured without incident in Orange Walk. Pending are three counts of attempted murder, three counts of use of dangerous means of harm, and three counts of grievous dangerous harm. He has not yet been arraigned at the Orange Walk Magistrate’s Court.

Editorial: Lord Ashcroft buys a greater share of Belize
News of a pending sale of Scotia Bank Belize, which had been operating in our country since 1968, has been floating around since last year, and with the bank selling off assets in the Caribbean, and also closing their branches in Spanish Lookout and Placencia in 2018, it was clear that a sale was imminent. Geoff Zochodne, in an article titled “Scotiabank to exit nine countries in Caribbean shake-up,” which was published on November 2018 in the Financial Post (a Canadian newspaper), said that the bank’s operations in Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia had driven up its international earnings by 17%, and cited a press release from the head of international banking at Scotia Bank, Ignacio Deschamps, which stated that “due to increasing regulatory complexity and the need for continued investment in technology to support” the bank’s “regulatory requirements,” the bank had decided to focus its “efforts on those markets with significant scale in which we can make the greatest difference for our customers.”

Recollections from a Granddaughter
Thank you for the garden. Your impact has helped us all bloom, I remember your table set to eat mornings, nights, and noon. I remember the pretty dresses you sewed and all the scraps of cloth I used to play with in your sewing room. I remember you humming sweet musical tunes. I remember your extremely long puzzles—your commitment, your patience. I remember the puppets you gave Julius and I so we could remain friends. Thank you for the ginger snaps and sweets, Thank you for letting me play in the garden on West Canal Street. With the wind in the petals and the dancing of my ponytails, it was my favorite place to go...

In memory of Mrs. Elinor Hyde
Elinor (Lyn) Hyde was a virtuous woman, a noble woman. The mother of an ancient king advised him: Son, in choosing a wife, seek a virtuous woman, a noble woman. But, queried the king: a virtuous woman, a noble woman, who can find? Continued the mother: she will not be on display, arrayed in glamour; such is like a priceless gem of purest ray serene, the dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear; Like a rainbow-hued desert flower, born to blush unseen; Diligently seek and you will find...

Summer camp for children at home because of COVID-19
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Belize and on the world, many programs which were scheduled to take place in the country this year were postponed or cancelled. Among those programs which were cancelled was the Annual Summer Camp for Children, sponsored by the Belize Camping Experience (BCE), a Christian group that sponsors yearly camps for children in different parts of the country. This year, BCE has created a camping experience for children to enjoy at home with their parents and/or their guardians, through the preparation of a video and a curriculum for the parents.

Investigation into how 6 Guatemalans escaped from a quarantine center
Since government established the COVID-19 quarantine centers across the country to hold persons who enter the country either legally or illegally, there have been a string of escapes from at least three of these centers, beginning first in the Corozal and Stann Creek Districts. The latest escape occurred over the past weekend in the Cayo District. The Victor Galvez Stadium is being used as a quarantine center in the Cayo District. On Saturday night, June 6, Guatemalans managed to escape from quarantine and are believed to have high-tailed it back across the border to their country.

From the Publisher
While it is almost never applicable or relevant to compare situations in our little Belize with those in the superpower United States of America, the recent acquisition of the Bank of Nova Scotia by the Lord Michael group of companies would not be allowed in the United States because it is in violation of their anti-trust laws. What I mean is that control of Scotia, in addition to his ownership of the Belize Bank, places too much power in Lord Ashcroft’s hands where Belize’s critical banking sector is concerned, and there are laws in the U.S. to prevent this sort of situation from developing in the republic.

PLB Election shenanigans; strife returns to football family
In the midst of a stalemate in the proceedings of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Elective Congress on Saturday morning at the Marion Jones Sports Complex conference room, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Electoral Committee representative walked out of the meeting before the election votes were cast; so that any continuation of the election procedure was effectively unconstitutional. The PLB Elective Congress will therefore have to be reconvened at a later date following an investigation by the FFB. No date has been announced yet for a reconvening of the PLB Elective Congress, but PLB elections must be completed in time to select delegates for the upcoming FFB elections.

Jerome becomes Chief Medical Officer!
The month of September had been spent in celebration of the country’s Independence, which entailed Jewel’s travelling to the capital with baby Neville on two occasions in order to accompany Jerome to obligatory official functions of both the “retiring” and the “new” governments, all of which we had attended together, with Safira doing duty as baby sitter at Lloyd and Sonia’s home, Mr. Reg and Matron also having been invitees to the same functions.

Ancestry.God!
Ancestry.com would start a revolution in Belize. Imagine a gathering in Government House on 21st September 2020 after each person in one room is handed a report stating that everyone there is descended from a king from all over the world. The room would explode with shouts of universal jubilation, except if my grandson Matthew is in that gathering. Last week Monday he and his sister Mariette visited while I was having breakfast.

A call for help
Dear Editor, Recently, the Ministry of Education announced its intentions to reopen schools by August 10. That is a little over a month away, and in the midst of these trying times, schools (particularly primary schools) all over the country are scrambling to put the adequate procedures in place and set up the requisite infrastructure in order to meet the current standards brought on by the global pandemic, COVID-19. Evidently, primary schools are strapped for cash, as the collection of tuition and fees ranges from sluggish, to non-existent. As a consequence, primary schools are facing difficult times and are currently engaged in a race against time to ensure that schools will be ready for the proposed August 10 reopening.

TO OBSERVE and PROTECT: Community Alert Patrol and the Fight Against Police Terror
My name is Ron Wilkins and I headed the civilian police monitoring group in Los Angeles known as the Community Alert Patrol (CAP) founded in June 1966. CAP volunteers constituted the first community organization in the U.S. whose members put their lives on the line to Police-the-Police in an effort to end law enforcement’s campaign of terror against Black people. CAP’s efforts did not go unnoticed by local police or fellow movement activists across the country. Most notably, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, founded in Oakland in October 1966, came to model their policing initiatives after CAP. Wherever police were seen interacting with our people, we emerged from our vehicles with camera in hand to prevent foul play.

LOVE FM

Ministry of Works clarifies situation at Mile 38
The Ministry of Works has clarified some misinformation that has been circulating on social media as it relates to the collapse of the culvert at St Matthews Village in the Cayo District. According to the release, the culverts that were damaged were not recently replaced but have been in place for well over 40 years.

FFB threatens lawsuit over defamatory comments
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) was threatening a lawsuit over defamatory comments made on Facebook by one Jesus Castillo Senior. Castillo reportedly suggested that misconduct and corruption were taking place within the Federation.

NAVCO against giving away land in rural Belize
A land issue is currently brewing in rural Belize. Last week, we reported to you that the Area Representative for Mesopotamia, Shyne Barrow, pledged to provide land for his constituents in order to assist their current financial situation.

Guidelines for reopening of tourism sector
With the reopening of the Philip Goldson International Airport comes enhanced health and safety protocols. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has announced these protocols, approved by the Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia Jr.

Breaking Belize News

Ministry of Health confirms 24th case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a 24th case of Covid-19. According to a statement […]

Sea Cucumber season closes
The Belize Fisheries Department informed all fishers that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 67 of […]

Former BDF captain won’t back down from legal threats, calls out abuse of women in the force
Former Belize Defense Force Captain, Derricia Castillo, says that despite threats of being taken to […]

Jesus Castillo Sr. apologizes for defamatory and untruthful comments about the FFB
On Sunday, 24th May 2020, President of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), Sergio Chuc […]

Belize to get 3 million to restart football
FFB executive member Marlon Kuylen confirmed on Thursday that Belize is receiving US$1.5 million to […]

Flood levels continue to recede
The National Hydrological Service informs that the flood water levels continue to recede slowly. Flood […]

Ministry of Health commemorates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
By resolution 42/112 of December 7, 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations designated […]

Football Federation Congress postponed again
The Football Federation of Belize Congress has been postponed again, until August 22. We are […]

Three Valedictorians? Parent fumes over graduation dilemma in Cayo
It is graduation season and one primary school in San Ignacio made history today when […]

Re-Election of a new land advisory committee coming up in San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village
The Ministry of Natural Resources today informed the residents of the San Jose Nuevo Palmar […]

House to discuss almost US $30 million in COVID-19 related loan motions
Nearly BZ $60 million in loans, either directly or tangentially related to the ongoing COVID-19 […]

Belize collects on insurance for excessive rainfall
Belize has received a payment of US$203,136 due to excess rainfall in the last few […]

Belize stays on Tier Two U.S. Trafficking In Persons Watchlist
For the second straight year, Belize has been ranked with other regional nations in the […]

Weather experts say second wave of Saharan Dust nearing Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch informed that a second wave of […]

Belize joins global community in commemorating International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Today, Belize joins the international community in commemorating international day against drug abuse and illicit […]

Ministry of Works: Damaged culvert in St. Matthews was caused by intense rains
The Ministry of Works issued a statement today regarding the collapse of the culvert at […]

Port Authority battles through COVID troubles
Recently the Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) had praise for the Belize Port Authority (BPA) for […]

Supreme Court finds Orange Walk man guilty of murder
Mario Aguirre,29, of San Roman, Orange Walk District, potentially faces the rest of his life […]

U.S. Belize Treasury notes raise $22 million
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow briefly confirmed during Thursday’s press conference that […]

Blogs

Belize Resorts Reopen for Staycations
Starting to feel cabin fever after being indoors too long? We can relate. Now, more than ever, local hotels need your help amid COVID-19. And with a local vacation, you can support Belize’s tourism industry and explore your own backyard without the hassle of travel plans. A local staycation means there’s no stress of airports, visa renewals or passports. Belize’s tiny but mighty size makes one half of the country just a 1/2 day’s road trip away. So while international travel remains on hold, its time to be a Belizean traveller with a staycation!

Mandatory Belize Travel COVID App and PGIA Reopening in August
So many of you have been waiting for the news of when the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) is reopening so that you can reschedule or start planning. Barring any unforeseen dramatic events, our Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced yesterday that PGIA will reopen Aug 15th. At this time, a decision regarding the reopening of land borders is still off the table. The current primary focus with the opening of our international airport is ensuring the health and safety for all. As a result, travel will be tightly monitored.

Tourism in Belize to begin via phased re-opening
As part of the country’s five-phase re-opening strategy for tourism, on Thursday, June 25th, the Prime Minister of Belize made the official announcement that Belize’s international airport (BZE), the Philip Goldson International Airport will be opened on August 15, 2020. The opening of the international airport will kick-off Belize’s third phase of re-opening, allowing for further travel relaxation and open entry for chartered flights, private aviation and limited re-opening of international leisure travel with approved hotels only.

A Belizean Happy Hour at Home: Citrus Margarita
Happy Hour – the time of day we look forward to at the end of the week. It is a time to unwind and connect with friends, family or colleagues after a long week. Whist we wait to reopen our doors and for travel to resume again, we transport you to experience Belize through taste. Try this Citrus Margarita from our Flavours of Belize Cookbook, put on a Belizean-inspired playlist and cheers to future adventures in Belize to come! We look forward to seeing you soon.

International Sources

Rugby Belize founder sets ambitious target of country qualifying for Paris 2024
Rugby Belize founder Tony Gillings has set an ambitious target of the country qualifying for the rugby sevens tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gillings, a Briton who previously served for the Royal Air Force and who established Rugby Belize in 2015, admitted the aim "might sound like a pipe dream" but believes the Central American country can follow the example of Fiji. The country has sent athletes to every Summer Olympic Games 1968 - save for Moscow 1980, which it did not compete at owing to an American-led boycott of the event - but is yet to win a medal of any colour.

UnCruise founder and CEO Dan Blanchard on restarting tours
UnCruise Adventures, whose small ships navigate waters in the U.S., Mexico and South America, will resume its Alaska tours Aug. 1 with a seven-night roundtrip Glacier Bay National Park Adventure itinerary starting in Juneau. UnCruise owner and CEO Dan Blanchard spoke with destinations editor Eric Moya about the changes guests can expect and how they should prepare before departure, and discussed the company's outlook for its other destinations. Q: What's the outlook for some of your other destinations? A: We believe Alaska and Hawaii have done a really wise thing, so we're bullish on Hawaii. We don't start operating there until December, but we're very bullish on that operation. Other areas, we're still waiting. We operate down in Belize and Panama and Costa Rica, and we're watching that closely and trying to understand what all those countries are coming up with for their own policies.

Videos

Peter Lawrence on ReefTV, 1hr49min.

Sitting of the House of Representatives, 3hr43min.

U ku'uchil U'uchben Maaya Ba'alob Museum, 2.5min. A little view of the first Yucatec Maya museum in the Corozal District . U ku'uchil U'uchben Maaya Ba'alob Museum is found in the Maya village of Cristo Rey(Corozal).

UNCOVERING COVID-19 Pandemic - A Channel 5 Special (Episode 12), 2hr.

Healthy Living: Masks Fact Check, 4min.

The Cayo Music School's final performance on the Belize National Festival Of Arts, 2min. To close off tonight's program and the performing arts section of Festival of Arts 2020, here is Cayo Music School with a recorder ensemble rendition of the Caribbean folk song "Long Time Gyal"!

Ms. Velasquez does a nice rendition of "I Think I See Wa New Belize" from different spots around Cayo, 1min. Here's a bit of drama in our program!! Kathryn Velasquez dramatizes the classic Belizean poem "I Think I See Wa New Belize"!!! 12 year old Kathryn has participated in music, drama, dance and visual art across this year's Festival of Arts!

PPAM-PCM: Voices of the Participants - Marcelino Choco, 2min. Marcelino Choco, Director of Human Resource Management in the Ministry of the Public Service in Belize talks about his country's experience with the programme.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, Belize, 11min. We are taking you to the Xunantunich ( “sculpture of lady”) Mayan Ruins in Belize. It was an incredible adventure that anyone would love to go on. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are old temples near the border of both Mexico and Guatemala. While we were at the ruins, we had the opportunity to see and hear a howler monkeys resting into the trees on the pathway up to the pyramid. It was very fascinated. Manu had the courage to climbed to the top the pyramid of El Castillo. Once on top of El Castillo you can see the countryside of Guatemala.

Lupe's Fast Food - San Ignacio Town, Cayo, Belize, 1.5min.

Belada Magazine interview at KREM Television, Belize, 28min.

Made in Belize - Nari's Self Care, 14min. In this interview, SBDCBelize speaks to Sheena Gentle, owner of Nari's Self Care, about her skin care line, which is produced in Belize and caters to customers' needs given Belize's climate and limitations during COVID-19

It's time to put on our dancing shoes, 1min. Dance is a reflection of our culture, whether its traditional or modern dancing, it reflects who we are. Check out how Jaylan Craig promotes dance education to students through technique and performance right from home.

June 26, 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

International Airport and tourism industry set to open on August 15
Prime Minister Right Honourable Dean Barrow addressed the nation on Thursday, June 25th, via a virtual press conference updating on the current COVID-19 crisis and announcing the opening of Belize’s only international airport. The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) north of Belize City will be prepared to open on August 15, 2020, a decision made in conjunction with the Ministry of Health after carefully reviewing the effects of the ongoing pandemic. According to Barrow, rigorous safety protocols will be in place to minimize potential outbreaks as the travel/tourism industry begins to open in phases, prioritizing the wellbeing of Belizeans and visitors alike.

New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School’s senior students graduate
The New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist School held their annual graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 23rd at their school campus. The graduating class was divided into two groups to accommodate the protocols on mass gathering and social distancing due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The brief ceremonies saw students receiving their Standard Six Certificates and awards by members of the school administration.

Baybee Lopez and Hasiem Valerio recognized for outstanding sports performance while at SPHS
Two recent graduates (and athletes) of San Pedro High School (SPHS), Baybee Emma Lopez and Hasiem Valerio, were awarded on Wednesday, June 24th, by Councillor Hector ‘Tito’ Alamilla for their outstanding performance in sports throughout high school. They were presented with a Certificate of Recognition, and each received $500 BZ towards their tertiary level studies. In a brief presentation inside the San Pedro Town Council’s conference room, Councillor Alamilla, in charge of the Sports Portfolio, addressed a small gathering of guests and the awardees. He shared that his high school days included recognitions for his sporting performances. Thus, he saw it right to recognized the hard work of Lopez and Valerio, who made a significant contribution to SPHS in the area of sports. “These athletes displayed their talent for four years during their secondary education,” said Alamilla.

Ambergris Today

Belize Plans Phased And Controlled Approach At Opening Country And Tourism
Belize has announces the opening of its Philip Goldson International Airport for August 15, 2020, in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States, in particular the states of Florida and Texas. With the new norm and trend that travelers will now be looking at destinations with high standards of health, sanitation and low cases of COVID-19, Belize has planned to open the tourism industry in phases and with strict protocols to maximize the safety of travellers and also locals.

Belize Benefits From Rainfall Insurance, More Extreme Weather Expected
Belize has benefited from a payout of its parametric excess rainfall policy, provided by the CCRIF SPC, after rains from tropical storms Amanda and Cristobal triggered its coverage. The rainfall from the two tropical storms, Amanda and Cristobal, started on May 31st and fell for around nine days, causing widespread flooding and landslides across central America and parts of Mexico.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Friday, June 26th, Meal Pick ups: Location: Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill. Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

PART 2: THE "BEAST" AT CARACOL
Many people have been to Altun Ha and Xunantunich, but you haven't been to an archeological site until you have been to Caracol. Sitting a mere 3 miles from the Belize/Guatemalan border is one of Belize's magnificent ancient Mayan plazas with Ka'ana being the center of attraction. You can't go to a Mayan Archeological Reserve and not climb the temples. Here is my short experience. After we climbed the first 100 feet of Ka'ana our legs and lungs were burning and we were all short of breath. As I was admiring the view and my accomplishment, I turned to take in the view of what I believed was the other side of the temple. My eye came upon the Beast of a temple. It was an imposing sight. It made you feel as though some high priest wanted to out do another high priest and this was the result. The Beast stood another 50 or more feet. The thing with Ka'ana is that they don't tell you about the Beast and you can't see it from the ground level.

Recognition to athletes Emma Lopez and Hasiem Valerio
In a short ceremony, Councilor Hector "Tito" Alamilla presented a Certificate of Recognition to athletes and senior students, Emma Lopez and Hasiem Valerio for their participation in sports while attending San Pedro High School.

PACK YOUR BAGS - BELIZE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SCHEDULED FOR RE-OPENING AUGUST 15TH, 2020
International Flights will resume to Belize on August 15th, 2020. It will not be a full open door policy. It will be a staggered and phased opening with extreme pre-caution, giving preference to hotels with full amenities. The rate of increase in the United States is great cause for concern. It is noted that all international travellers coming in will be tested. The guiding principle of Belize is safety of our country. How do we mitigate risks? 1) Continue testing and fine-tuning with recent repatriation flights 2) Continue to fine-tune up to August 15th 3) Continue to social distance, mask-wearing, public safety/mitigation measures – critical “first measures” ...

Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize (SACD's) annual Summer Camp 2020!
This fun-filled day is open to 11 and 12 year old youths from Chunox, Copper Bank and Sarteneja and will include educational field trips and activities. To apply, please complete the online form found by following this link: https://forms.gle/YD8YiKskeTuFQGLD8 The deadline for applications in Friday 17th July. Don't be late, do not wait - apply today to avoid disappointment!

Work on sidewalk outside RC School beginning June 26
The SPTC will be working on the sidewalk outside the RC School starting Friday the 26th June. This necessary work is to improve safety for children entering or leaving their school. The public is asked to help the work go as smoothly and quickly as possible by, parallel parking on Tarpon Street and by not using the sidewalk mentioned. Thank you for your co-operation.

TEMPORARY PARALLEL PARKING ON TARPON STREET, effective on Friday, June 26, 2020
The Sand Pedro Town Council will be working on the sidewalk outside the San Pedro R.C. School starting tomorrow, Friday. June 26, 2020. This necessary work is to improve the safety of the children entering or leaving the school. The public is asked to help the works conducted to go as smoothly and quickly as possible by parallel parking on Tarpon Street and by not using the sidewalk mentioned while works are taking place. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Public Archaeology: Impacts, Progress, Possibilities, and Limitations (Belizeans)
Calling all Belizeans across the country! Antonio Beardall,of the Institute of Archaeology is conducting a research on Belizean opinions and perspectives on archaeology and culture in Belize. Share your opinions by completing the short survey below, feel free to share with others and voice your opinions.

Summer Youth Theatre Camp 2020
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) through the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) invites parents to register your children and ensure they have the opportunity to participate in this year's Summer Youth Theatre Camp 2020!

Art & Soul Series: Lisanigu Libertad Dance Group
This week's Art & Soul Series features one of Corozal's cultural dance groups. The Lisanigu Libertad Dance Group of Libertad Village, where Garifuna culture is alive and thriving! These young talented people have taken their cultural art form of dance and drumming across the border as far as Merida for performances which have never been witnessed before in Mexico. If you have been unable to see their performances you can always attend and support the annual Garifuna Settlement Day Celebrations in Libertad Village which includes the Yurumein(reenactment of the Garinagu's arrival to Belizean shores).

Belize Travel Reopening Plan
The Belize Tourism Board introduces the below Travel Reopening Plan for the country of Belize. Kindly note this five-part plan includes the reopening of the international airport in August 15, 2020.

Power outage in San Pedro this morning in selected areas, take note
Power outage scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26 to affect Almond Street, Barracuda Street, Basil Jones Street, Beach Front, Bermuda Beach, Blue Dolphin, Buena Vista Area, Boca Del Rio, Bonefish Street, Bright Waters Street, Canary Cove Area, Coco Beach Area, Deer Street, Habaneros Area, Iguana Street, Indigo Street, Jewfish Street, Lagoon Street, Laguna Street, Mangrove Drive, Middle Street, Pescador Drive, San Juan Area, Sandpiper Street, Seagull Street, Seaweed Street, Spider Lily Street, Lina Point, Mata Grande, Mata Villas, Mexico Rocks Subdivision, North Ambergris, Nunez Subdivision, Playa Blanca, Punta Arena Street, San Feliz Area Tres Cocos, San Mateo Subdivision, San Juan and entire North San Pedro. BEL to energize power lines to facilitate connection for a customer in the area.

Prime Minister Announces Reopening Date for Philip Goldson International Airport
Today, during a virtual press conference, the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow announced a reopening date of August 15th, 2020 for the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The reopening of the PGIA marks the third stage in Belize’s five-phase reopening strategy for tourism. In May, the Prime Minister lessened restrictions under the state of emergency, which saw the reopening of hotels for domestic tourism. Additionally, Belizean crew members were repatriated from cruise ships.

COVID-19 Update for Travellers
In an effort to keep all travellers to Belize informed, we are providing the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 below. We do invite you to consider postponing, rather than cancelling your vacation, and visiting our beautiful jewel in the near future when these restrictions are reduced. Kindly take note of our Frequently Asked Questions and all official updates from our Ministry of Health below to keep updated. FAQs on Travel to Belize during the COVID-19 Pandemic

LII COMISCA meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic
This morning the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin attended the virtual LII COMISCA ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the meeting was to follow-up on the COMISCA responsibilities, SE-COMISCA fiscal report, and exchange of experiences in the strategic political management of the pandemic COVID-19 of each integrated country. The meeting's agenda also included the handing over of the the Pro Tempore Presidency from Honduras to Nicaragua.

The Allegro Music School is offering Summer music classes in Cayo
SAN IGNACIO and SANTA ELENA, Announcing Summer Music Classes 2020! Mr. Yoelvis will be offering an intensive two-week session of classes from July 13th to 24th. Choose from Introduction to Vocal training, or Introduction to Guitar and Wind instruments such as Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Recorder Flute Students will get a total of 6 classes each. We are hoping to be allowed to have students face-to-face right here in Cayo. But if not then we will go online and it’ll be Zoom to the rescue. Students must be 6 years and older, and must have their own instrument to practice on at home.

Agroforestry project activated in Arenal
With financing from the WWF MesoAmerica, an agroforestry project has been activated with three farmers in the community of Arenal. Farmers signed a conservation agreement which commits them to use 13 hectares of land more sustainably using agroforestry methods, while FCD committed itself to provide them with the techniques, seeds and trees.

It's Caribbean-American Heritage Month!
Join us on here on the U.S. Embassy Belize Facebook Page on Tuesday June 30, 2020 at 2 p.m. for a special Facebook Live panel featuring our very own Chargé d'Affaires a.i Keith Gilges, Love Foundation Belize Founder Debbie Sewell, Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Alumnus Andre Pitts, and moderated by Government of Belize Press Office Director Dorian Pakeman, as they discuss: "Our Shared History, Our Shared Future: A Candid Discussion About Race, Equality, Compassion and Justice"

Why do the Yucatec Maya call themselves Maya?
Even though there are many theories we use our Sacred Books of Chilam Balam to answer the question . "13 Ahau was the katun [period of 7200 days, that is, almost 20 years] when they founded the city of Mayapan; they were [then] called Maya men " Books of Chilam Balam (The sacred books of the Yucatec Maya ) Mayab , original name of Yucatan Peninsula in Mayan language. Ma'ya'ab , in Mayan language means: few, not many (ma, which means negation and ya'ab, many). In toponymic terms it would be the place where there are few people or chosen people .

2020 September Celebrations Theme Competition Accepting Entries
The National Celebration Commission announces the 2020 September Celebrations Theme Competition. All Belizeans living at home or abroad are invited to submit their ideas for the theme of the 2020 September Celebrations in commemoration of the 222nd Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 39th Anniversary of Belize’s Independence. The theme should not be more than ten (10) words. Multiple entries are allowed and the winner will receive a cash prize of $500.

Channel 7

The Countdown Begins: 51 Days to Tourism
COVID-19 shut down tourism at the end of March. But, tonight, there's hope on the horizon for Belize's main foreign exchange earner, and the thousands who've been jobless for three months now. The Prime Minister held a press conference with his key advisors to announce the date for the tourism re-opening at a virtual press conference this morning. Jules Vasquez has the story: Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister of Belize: "We are able now to announce a firm re-opening date for the PGIA. That date ladies and gentlemen, is August 15, 2020."

Why Open Now?
And, as the PM said, there's no perfect time to re-open in the present global climate. But many would argue, that with the US facing a major spike in cases across 20 states - now is the worst time. The Prime Minister explained that - apart from the nosedive in Belize's economy - there were also other external factors that forced the re-opening: "I hear you that if we it appeared to be particularly dangerous to do so at this time, when you don't expect, we don't expect a huge flow, why don't we wait until November?...."

Belizeans Will Be Able To Return Without Quarantine
And, the opening for tourism also gives Belizeans who have been stuck abroad a chance to return home - without having to go through that expensive mandatory 14-day quarantine. It works out to about $1,500 Belize dollars for the two weeks in complete lockdown at a designated hotel. Starting on August 15th, returning Belizeans will be able to avoid that - but on the condition that they bring a PCR test which says they are COVID negative. Failing that, they will need to take one when the return. The PM explained:

The Problems With A PCR Test
So, returning Belizeans are encouraged to have a PCR test which shows them as negative for COVID 19 within 72 hours of them travelling. But how realistic is that? First off, it's hard enough to get a PCR test done in the states, and those who can get one, will struggle to get it back in three days. Second, it's only a test of the moment when the patient took it - they could have contracted the virus after that, especially when travelling through airports. We asked about that limitation today:

Will SNAFU's Undermine Airport Testing?
We also asked the Director of Health Services how the Ministry of Health hopes to manage doing dozens of varied types of COVID 19 tests daily when the airport re-opens. Our information suggests that even keeping up with the testing regimen for repatriates has been somewhat of a challenge. We have heard stories of extended delays in getting tests returned to those repatriates, and also of samples getting lost in the system. We asked about that today:

Can Tourist Tracking App Work In Real World Setting?
And apart from testing tourists and repatriates at the airport, one of the major features for keeping any possible COVID cases contained is tracking tourists. As you heard earlier a travel app will be used for that. But, from our review of global news, these are less than an ideal way to track a virus whose transmission doesn't follow the logic of an app. Mike Singh - Chief Technology Officer, CITO" "I don't think we will have 100% accuracy. Most people don't leave their phones, I don't know if you leave your phone whenever you go anywhere because it's now become part of our human being. Elon Musk said we are all cyborgs because we have this device attached to us 24/7..."

Almost A High Speed Collision With Highway Patrol
The driver and passengers of a highway patrol vehicle are lucky to be alive after a near head-on collision at full-speed with a sand truck. It happened this afternoon at 3:30 at mile 9 on the George Price Highway just before Sunset Park.

Toddler Drowns In Back Yard
Tonight, Orange Walk police continue to investigate the drowning of a 1-year-old baby, Uriel David Hernandez, which occurred in the back yard of his grandmother's Trial Farm home. His 20-year-old mother reported to police that on Tuesday at around 3:00 in the afternoon, she was at her mother's house on Black Water Street.

Still No Charges In Case Of crushed 10 Year Old
Last week we brought you the horrific story of 10-year-old Steven Torres, a boy crushed by a butane truck while running an errand on his bicycle. It's a death that has destroyed a family and shocked a community leaving them crying out for justice. Five days later on June 22nd police told us that charges had yet to be brought against truck driver Yuri Lucas or his employer, Lucas Butane.

PG Residents Say Stop Order Violated
And while that community mourns, another was up in arms today, after what they believed to be a breach in a stop order on a particularly contentious building site. It's the continuation of a story we brought you two weeks ago about a proposed seafront gas station and the disapproval it garnered from big-name PG residents like Activist Will Maheia and businessman Alistair King.

Mayor Says Stop Orders Don't Stop Deliveries
But, in fact, the stop order hadn't been broken. That's what we found out this evening in a phone call with Mayor Ashton Mckenzie. The Mayor says that while construction on the project remains under stop order there is no law that prohibits the owner from placing building supplies on his land.

Belize On Trafficking In Persons Watchlist
The US State Department has released its 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report, and once again, Belize has been assessed as a tier 2 country. Last year, Belize made a slight upgrade to the TIPs Tier 2 Watchlist, after being labelled a Tier 3 country the previous years. This year, the US State Department is ranking Belize once again as a Tier 2 watchlist country. There are over 40 other countries, including several Caribbean Nations, in the same ranking. Tier 2 indicates that a country does not fully comply with the minimum standards of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act, but its government is making significant efforts to bring that country into compliance.

OW Wife Stabber Charged
Two nights ago, we told you how police captured Guatemalan Esau Ramirez Lopez, who was on the run. Last week Friday night, he reportedly went to his ex-common-law wife's house in San Jose Village in the Orange Walk District, pulled a knife and stabbed her, and her 2 children who tried to come to her aid.

BTIA Ready For Tourism To Reopen
At the top of the news we told you about the August 15th re-opening of the PGIA. We got reaction from the head of the Belize Hotel Association and the Belize Tourism Industry Association. We start with the BTIA where the Executive Director told us that members of the Association have already been doing their own preparations for the day when visitors would be allowed to travel to Belize. Via teleconference this evening, he shared his views on the role that the Government and the industry stakeholders need to take, in order for the recovery of the industry to properly begin:

BHA Rearing For Re-opening
And while the BTIA is striving to meet expectations, the BHA is expressing its excitement at GOB's decision to finally set a reopening date. And BHA President Ted Tejada says that hotels need to re-start their marketing campaigns in an attempt to recapture the wanderlust lost during COVID-19: "We have been receiving comments after the prime minister announced and first of all let's congratulate the entire team that has been working on it because it hasn't been easy. We know that the team has taken everything into consideration, the medical results and all the experts out there asked what is happening in Jamaica and these countries that have already re-opened. We have been tracking that everyday, so congratulations to the team and we are all excited that a date has been set..."

Should Belizeans Bother Coming Home For September "Celebrations"?
But, as we told you, as the airport opens for tourists so too will it open for returning Belizeans. And, some would say, just in time for the September Celebrations. Now, you might be saying, will there even be September Celebrations this year? Well, that is another conversation, but the PM says that those Belizean Americans who plan to come for September, need to come way in advance:

Masks Going Nowhere
And if there are celebrations of any kind - they may have to be with masks on. The PM confirmed today that even after the state of emergency is repealed next week, there will be statuary instruments to make sure that the requirement of wearing masks and keeping social distance remain in place: "Under the Quarantine Act, SIs will be signed and promulgated, in this case by the director of Health Services, requiring, as a matter of law, the wearing of masks and the practicing of the social distance prescriptions. So, nothing will change in that regard. You do not need a state of emergency superstructure to provide for the policing of those core restrictions that will remain and that will be promulgated afresh now by an SI or perhaps a pair of SIs."

Will US Tourists Follow Mask Protocol?
And while returning Belizeans may have to cool their heels in quarantine, what may be even more of a challenge is getting US visitors to wear masks. If you follow the news, you'll know that many Americans reject wearing a mask as a fetter on their individual freedom. Well, the PM says if that's the way they feel about it, please stay home:

Peace Movement Blasts Scotia Acquisition
The Belize Peace Movement has weighed in on the Belize Bank's acquisition of Scotiabank and it's not too happy. A release says, quote, "The BPM views the acquisition of all the shares of Scotia Bank of Belize by Caribbean Investors Holdings ltd., the parent company of the Belize Bank and owned by Michael Ashcroft, as predatory, anti-trust and generally not in the interest of Belizeans.There are too many questions regarding this critical transaction and the proposed buyer.

Former Governor Warns About Scotiabank Loans Portfolio
And the former governor of the Central Bank has his own concerns. In the third part of our conversation with him, Glen Ysaguirre says that the Scotiabank portfolio, which is made up of mostly personal loans and residential mortgages, may perform very differently after COVID 19. And that's because so many of the debtors will have lost their jobs or gotten pay cuts. As we told you earlier a good number of expatriates are expected to come home for September Celebrations. But they'll want a souvenir and they'll be eager to buy that celebratory T-shirt, the one emblazoned with the celebratory theme, that's yet to be written.

Caring For Kontiki
This morning, representatives of the Ministry of Education joined residents of the Kontiki area San Ignacio Town for an important ground-breaking ceremony. The Ministry of Education intends to build a Government-owned primary school and high school in that part of the municipality.

SIB Says Imports Went Down Sharply In May
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest study on the country's economic performance. They say that for the month of May 2020 - when Belize was in shutdown mode, imports had a major decrease of 39.7% when compared to the same period last year. Exports are also down by a negligible 0.8%, or 0.3 million dollars for that same period. Imports declined across all commodities but, the biggest drop came from machinery and transport equipment, which was down by 47%. It went from 34 million dollars in May 2019, to only 18 million this year.

Consumer Price Came Down Due to Fuel Costs
On the topic of the cost of living, the Statistical Institute of Belize says that food and home rental costs went up for May 2020, when compared to May 2019. That increase was balanced out by the fall in pump prices for fuel and liquid petroleum gas. Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw a notable increase of 1.1% for the month of May 2020. This was primarily due to a spike in prices for freshly cut vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, sweet peppers, onions, and oranges. Lesser increases were also noted for rice and eggs.

Channel 5

A Reopening Date for P.G.I.A. is Finally Set!
While the tourism industry weeks ago reopened for domestic tourism, the big news today when Prime Minister Dean Barrow gave a press conference is the long awaited date for the [...]

August Fifteenth is the Grand Reopening
An initial planned date for the reopening of the P.G.I.A. had been set for August first. But concerns pertaining to the timeline, in respect of testing and all protocols, prompted [...]

Belize Health App Will Track Visitors Entering Via P.G.I.A.
A novel feature of the international travel experience during these COVID times is the use of a mobile application to track the whereabouts of visitors arriving from the United States. [...]

Mandatory Quarantine to be Foot at Visitor’s Expense
It is not expected that a flood of visitors will be arriving in the months ahead, particularly because we are presently in the low season for overnight and cruise arrivals. [...]

A Gold Standard for Hotels Amid Reopening of Tourism Industry
As for the hotel sector, a new programme is being introduced to certify participating businesses with a gold standard for meeting all the requirements on a nine-point checklist. All hotels [...]

Pictures Obtained by News 5 Shows Women and Minor in Detained Grouped
News Five has received exclusive pictures of the fifteen persons who have been arrested by way of an order from the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. The pictures obtained by [...]

Attorney Says Redistricting Case Must be Heard before General Elections
General Elections are due in November of this year, but the exact date is not known. But there is a pending case against the Elections and Boundaries Commission and the government before [...]

PCR Testing will also be Used at P.G.I.A.
Bask to the protocols for the re-opening of the P.G.I.A. Testing for COVID-19 is a process that can be completed within an hour and a half using an analyzer that [...]

Lessons Learned from Jamaica and Antigua
Are there any lessons to be learned from Jamaica and Antigua; both countries opened their airports a few weeks ago and have seen a spike in imported COVID-19 cases. Despite [...]

Human Error in COVID-19 Testing
Testing for COVID-19, despite the number of kits in use, is not an error-proof exercise but is mandatory for anyone entering Belize when the airport re-opens. According to the Director [...]

P.G.I.A. Reopens on the Heels of a New School Year
The reopening of the P.G.I.A. comes five days after the beginning of the new school year and there are concerns that with new arrivals in the country there may be [...]

22 Million U.S. Raised So Far in Treasury Notes
The Prime Minister took a question not related to the reopening of the P.G.I.A. The government has raised twenty-two of the thirty million U.S.-dollar treasury notes needed to meet the [...]

Environmental Concerns Over Dredging Near Mile File on George Price Highway
A resident of mile five on the George Price Highway came to our studios today with an environmental concern. Dredging near his house, he says, has turned the once clear [...]

National Celebration Commission Announces Annual Theme Competition
It is not yet confirmed how the national celebrations will be looking like this year. It is still months away and the celebrations have traditionally included events with mass participation, [...]

Disruption of International Mail
Due to COVID-19, there has been a delay in international mail coming in and going out of the country. Some persons who rely on their pension cheques being sent via [...]

When Will Postal Service Return to Normal?
The Universal Postal Union, in which Belize has membership, is recording this trend worldwide due to the suspension of airline travel. Postmaster General James Gabriel says that with the reopening [...]

Belize Again on Tier Two Watch List of the U.S. State Department Human Trafficking Report
The annual report of Human Trafficking Activities for 2020 produced by the U.S. State Department was released today and the news is that Belize remains on Tier Two. This is [...]

Foodie Expo to Be Held in Belize City this Weekend
The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused many businesses to lose revenue. The 501 Hub Restaurant in Belize City is one of those businesses; owner and manager Lorena Zaldana says she feels [...]

Human Dignity Trust Release Video Exposing Hate Crime
The Human Dignity Trust has released a new film titled “Wake Up Call: Hate Crime Law in the Commonwealth”. The video was shot in 2019 in Belize, India, Kenya, Seychelles, [...]

Healthy Living: Masks Fact Check
The State of Emergency comes to an end on the thirtieth of June. The details of what will be allowed are yet to be publicly disclosed, but some public measures [...]

LOVE FM

NICH announces 2020 Septembers Celebrations Theme Competition
The first half of the year is almost over, which means that September is fast approaching. The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has already started preparing by announcing the commencement of 2020 September Celebrations Theme Competition.

FIFA donates 1.5 Million US Dollars to football
FIFA has joined the fight against covid-19 with a relief plan of their own by donating 1.5 million US dollars to football associations across the globe. Football games in most countries have been suspended since March, and thus, those stakeholders have been experiencing losses.

Villagers upset over arrest of chairman
The villagers of Santa Cruz Village, Toledo District are upset over what they refer to as the unjust detention of their chairman and two alcaldes. Toledo Correspondent Paul Mahung visited the village and filed this report.

Elderly woman is beaten in her own home
An 80-year-old woman was brutally beaten and allegedly almost raped in the Cayo District. One person has since been detained. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz has the story.

Breaking Belize News

Chinese businessman robbed in Punta Gorda
Police are investigating a robbery that took place in Punta Gorda Town yesterday. Reports are […]

The new normal for visiting Belize by air
Earlier we explained what happens before tourists and other visitors are expected to arrive by […]

2020 September Celebrations theme competition accepting entries
The National Celebration Commission announces the 2020 September Celebrations theme competition. All Belizeans living at […]

COVID-19 deaths in Latin America approaching 400,000
Deaths from COVID-19 in Latin America are steadily approaching 400,000, Reuters reports. An article published […]

UB braces for harder times; consults with staff on budgetary cuts
The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber in his update on the education sector on June […]

Conservation in Belize continues amid pandemic restrictions
The World Land Trust published an article highlighting how conservation efforts are ongoing in Belize […]

Belize gets payout from climate change insurance due to last tropical storms
Belize has received a payout from its CCRIF SPC (formerly known as the Caribbean Catastrophic […]

Statutory instruments to be made under Quarantine Act for COVID-19 regulations
Prime Minister Dean Barrow says responsibility for managing COVID-19 protocols now passes to Director of […]

Michael Singh: Technology is baseline of Belize’s COVID-19 flight
Director of Technology in the Prime Minister’s Office Michael Singh says technology will draw tourists […]

Dr. Marvin Manzanero and George Gough: Rigorous testing process expected
Director of Health Services and leading COVID-19 expert Dr. Marvin Manzanero says a rigorous testing […]

Karen Bevans: Re-opening is ‘Phase Three’ of overall plan
All passengers traveling to Belize will be asked to download the ‘Belize Health App’ and […]

Judith Alpuche: Safety remains in mind as PGIA reopens
CEO of the Ministry of Human Development and chair of the National Task Force on […]

Prime Minister announces PGIA will reopen on August 15
Belize’s only international airport, the Philip Goldson International Airport, will reopen on August 15 after […]

Port Authority still investigating sunken barge; environmental impact minimal
On the ninth of June, a barge headed for the island of Caye Caulker carrying […]

A Call to Help
By Rudolph A. Neat Recently, the Ministry of Education announced its intentions to reopen schools by August 10th. […]

Attorneys to spur hearing of redistricting case in court
Arthur Saldivar, attorney for the Belize PEACE Movement which is demanding proper redistricting of boundaries […]

Belize Natural Energy celebrates Discovery day
Contributed by Belize Natural Energy: Fifteen years ago on June 24, 2005 BNE discovered oil in commercial quantities, […]

No change in consumer prices between May 2020 and May 2019
Despite higher food and home rental costs, there was virtually no change in consumer prices […]

Westrac Limited supports education by donating to three Belize City schools
At a time when COVID-19 has ravaged Belize’s economy and parents have to prepare to […]

Blogs

August 15th: Re-Opening of Belize Airport + Sahara Dust Plume
The Prime Minister of Belize held a press conference today, Thursday, June 25th at 10am…well actually 10:20. They are reliably 20 minutes late. The topic? THE TOPIC! The way forward for Tourism in Belize during the global pandemic. Any delay will give us little from a safety standpoint All people coming in will be tested. And in other headlines, the skies of Belize have been muted by an epic Sahara Dust plume.

What you need to know about coming to Belize starting August 15
Modifications to the airport started in early June, as plans to expand the waiting areas and enclose sections of the airport where lines will now form to make entry to Belize as comfortable as possible upon entry. As with all airports since COVID-19, there will be additional wait times due to new screening procedures that must be put in place. Social distancing will also be marked every 6 feet within the airport with over 650 markers going into to place so passengers can easily adhere to following the protocols.

International Sources

Virgin Atlantic Returns to the Caribbean
Virgin Atlantic announced June 22 that it would return to the Caribbean in August. The airline had earlier announced that services from London Heathrow are expected to resume from July 20. On August 1, Virgin will resume flying from London Heathrow to Barbados, kicking off a Caribbean return that will continue in October. In October, Virgin Atlantic will be resuming flights to Montego Bay, Antigua, Grenada And Tobago (via Antigua). Similarly, that’s along with a resumption of flight service from Manchester to Barbados in October.

US Accuses Five Caribbean Countries Of Not Meeting Minimum Requirements Of Fiscal Transparency
Five Caribbean governments have been accused by the US State Department of not meeting minimum requirements of fiscal transparency in its latest report. The five are The Bahamas, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Suriname. The report makes the following recommendations. Belize’s fiscal transparency would be improved by publishing its executive budget proposal within a reasonable period of time and ensuring the supreme audit institution audits the government’s executed budget and makes audit reports publicly available within a reasonable period of time, the report said.

Videos

Prime Minister's Press Conference | June 25th, 2020, min. Update on COVID-19 and the Tourism Industry.

Eating Cakes, Cookies & Sweet Treats From The Best Bakeries in San Pedro, 14min. I've been in Belize for over 100 days, and it's finally time for me to share my FAVORITE sweet treats from the Ambergris Caye. Join me as we explore some of the most delicious desserts in San Pedro!

Snorkeling Belize, 2min.

Roaring Creek Gets New Police Station, 4min. The village of Roaring Creek has been growing exponentially and has morphed into a vibrant gateway to the capital. The top brass of the police department was in the community for the inauguration of a new police station. Built in a record time, the facility is well equipped to cope with the challenges of crime in the surrounding villages. It will be manned by thirty-six officers.

Belize Is Holding the Gate Open For You, 1.5min. Belize is reopening its International Airport (BZE) on August 15th, 2020. Belize's culture is calling; our history is waiting to be discovered; wildlife and beauty beckon. And as a destination worth waiting for, we'll see you soon.

AREA REPRESENTATIVE HONORABLE MANUEL HEREDIA JR. BRINGS SPECIAL DELIVERY TO CAYE CAULKER, 1.5min.

Cayo's getting a new high school, and it'll be located in the Kontiki layout, 2min. They broke ground on the site today. It should be finished by next August. "Today we mark another important milestone in the transformation of the Cayo North constituency. A groundbreaking ceremony was held this morning for what will be the first high school in the Cayo North constituency. For decades upon decades, residents of Cayo North have had to travel far and wide for the opportunity to attend high school. This will soon change as construction of a new high school with a capacity of 240 students will soon commence. Additionally, a new primary school with a capacity of 240 students will also commence on the same compound."

Jamming in the style of Satriani and Vai are many of Belize's best guitarists, 5.5min. Belize string slingers proudly presents some of Belize's finest axe shredders, hailing from all corners of the country. Corozal, Orangewalk, and Cayo. Stay tuned to the next 5 mins and a half and enjoy tasty solos. It starts with Jorge Tesecum, Christian Gonzalez, and Cesar Gonzalez too.

Glimpes of Hopewell, 3min. Todd and Tamara's time at Hopewell Children's Home, Belize

Saving the Endangered Scarlet Macaw in Belize, 3min. Why Belize? “I’m just staggered by the biodiversity, the beauty, the animals that I see,” explains Neil Rogers, Vice Chair, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. The devastating economic impact of the pandemic and wildfires have forced a reallocation of rangers and resources, leaving the endangered Scarlet Macaw vulnerable to poachers. Without tourism dollars, can rangers be properly funded to provide essential protection to these beautiful birds?

Belize the struggle to Independence, 6.5min. A brief history on Belize Independence

Executive director for the Belize Tourism Board explains requirements for tourists to enter Belize, 4.5min. The discussion on the reopening of the PGIA was based on several factors including the mitigation of risk as well as the precautionary measures needed to ameliorate the safety protocols. Leading the discussion on what the protocols will be like at the airport for both Belizeans and tourists, was Karen Bevans, the Executive Director for the Belize Tourism Board. According to Bevans, the opening of the airport puts Belize at phase three of the reopening process.

Sweet Lemon Desserts - San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, 2min.

BTEC Digital Communication Series - Time Management Pt 1, 10min. In this episode of DCS, we touch on time management, personal prime time and setting smart goals.

June 25, 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

Haze blankets Belize as Saharan Dust arrives
The sky over Ambergris Caye and most of Belize has been hazy and dusty due to the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) coming in from the Sahara Desert in Africa. The dust plume which covers the Caribbean region is considered a carrier of fungi, bacteria, and other contaminants. As such, the National Meteorological Service issued an advisory on Tuesday, June 23rd, indicating that persons with respiratory or heart diseases, the elderly, or young children should take precautions and wear protective gear and avoid outdoor activities.

IDB Lab launches innovation challenge to revitalize tourism sector in 15 countries
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through its innovation laboratory IDB Lab and in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO ), is seeking to identify business models to transform and revitalize the tourism sector. To this end, it is launching an innovation challenge to which both public and private sector organizations may apply until July 31.

Bynum Academic Scholarship available to assist single parents with school tuition
A new scholarship baptized with the name Bynum Academic Scholarship has been created to help unwed (single) parents to cover school fees for the upcoming year. The scholarship will pay the academic fee to attend a school year for one student in Belize City, San Pedro Town, or Caye Caulker. This project is an initiative between Belizean boat captain at San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, Winston Garbutt, and Expat Pastor Derrick Pitts with God Cares Outreach.

MOU signed for Tri-Partite Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Development in Protected Areas
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MFFSD), and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) on June 22nd, 2020 signed a first of kind tri-partied Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the planning, resource mobilization, development and promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. As a part of this MOU, the Parties will develop National Guidelines for Tourism Development in Protected Areas, including minimum requirements for tourism concessions, and the development of an eco-label certification program for tourism providers in protected areas.

With pupusas, a Taste of Central America, Belize commemorates World Refugee Day
At a time when Latin America becomes the epicentre of COVID-19 and millions of people are confined within their homes, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, brings World Refugee Day to everyone’s screens in Belize. Jointly with the Department of Youth Services (DYS), UNHCR hosted “A Taste of Central America”, a cooking show featuring a Salvadoran refugee, who tells the world about the stark choices people like her face to save their lives. The cooking show can be found on the Department of Youth Services Facebook Page.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High Class Of 1990 Has A Blast At Reunion
"We had a blast," commented Corina Alvarez to Ambergris Today, describing her 30th Anniversary Class Reunion of San Pedro High School. The Class of 1990 got together over the weekend to celebrate their memories at San Pedro High and their lasting friendship as one of the funnest classes to come out of SPHS. Congratulations guys!

Various Belizean Sources

Virtual Press Conference: Undate on COVID-19 & Tourism Industry
Tune in tomorrow, Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. for a live stream of the Prime Minister's Virtual Press Conference: Update on COVID-19 and Tourism Industry.

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Thursday, June 25th (6 months until Christmas!) Meal pick up. Location: Hibisca Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

SARGASSUM IS BACK!
Unfortunately, the sargassum is back on our shore; however, our team has been tackling it since day ONE and they are really doing a great job at it! Check out the pictures!

APPLICATION FOR MOE- MOH Nursing Scholarship 2020-2021
The Ministry of Health in partnership with the Ministry of Education officially announces the call for Scholarship application for the course study of Nursing at the University of Belize for the academic year 2020-2021. Completed application form along with supporting documents should be submitted to the Ministry of Health, East Block, National Assembly Building, Belmopan on or before July 22nd, 2020.

Saharan Air Layer (SAL) Advisory
(Updated 9 am, 24 June, 2020) Dense dust concentrations has increased over the area with higher amounts expected later today and tomorrow before a temporary reduction is expected on Friday. The SAL will continue to produce hazy and dusty conditions, decreased visibility and reduced air quaility over Belize through to next week.

Road Repairs Barrier Reef Drive near Lion's Den & on Sea Grape Dr
Please drive slow and careful when driving on Barrier Reef Drive near the Lion's Den and on Sea Grape Drive by LC Distributors as we are performing road repairs. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Flood Forecast June 24, 2020
REGION 7 - FLOOD LEVELS on the Blue Creek sub-catchment of the RIO HONDO at Blue Creek continues to recede slowly. Flood levels at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas are falling. The NEW RIVER at Tower Hill is above the banks and falling and at bankfull stage and steady at Caledonia. REGION 9 - On the MACAL RIVER, reservoir levels remains above the spillways at Chalillo and Mollejon and at spillway levels at the Vaca facility. At San Ignacio, levels are below the low-level bridge. The MOPAN RIVER at Benque Viejo Town is above normal and receding slowly. On the BELIZE RIVER, levels at Banana Bank and Double Run are above normal and falling. The CROOKED TREE LAGOON remains below the causeway but continues to rise steadily.

Ladyville’s Highwayman Service Station Celebrates 25 Years of Service to the Community, Saturday, June 27
An iconic family-run community business in Ladyville is starting its next 25 years of service to the community with a one-day celebration on Saturday, June 27. Founded in 1995 by Belizean-Canadian entrepreneur Charlie McIntosh and his daughter Heather McIntosh, the Highwayman Service station is the community’s first fuel retailer and started as a small independent business with two fuel pumps on the corner of Marage Road and Mile 91/2, Northern Highway.

Rehabilitation Work on Hawkesworth Bridge the next 30 days
The Ministry of Works hereby notifies the public, and particularly motorists, that rehabilitation works will commence on the Hawkesworth Bridge in Santa Elena/San Ignacio for a period of 30 days beginning June 25, 2020. The bridge will be closed to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Sale of Premium Fuel
The Supplies Control Unit (SCU) of the Belize Bureau of Standards has received reports of shortages of premium fuel at several gas stations countrywide. The SCU advises the general public that it has confirmed that due to price change on premium fuel effective Tuesday June 23, 2020 and a shift in consumer purchasing, a sudden, unanticipated spike in demand for premium was experienced. This issue has since been addressed by the replenishment of stock in most gas stations as confirmed by the unit.

LXX INCAP Board of Directors Meeting
On June 24, 2020, the LXX Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors from the Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama (INCAP) was held virtually, in which the Dominican Republic handed over the Pro Tempore Presidency of the INCAP Board of Directors for the period 2020-2021 to Belize. Dr. George Gough, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Health accepted the Presidency on behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Saúl Marín. Among the commitments assumed by the Pro Tempore Presidency of the INCAP Board of Directors, compliance will be done with the main policies, plans and strategies of INCAP and SICA through the integration of the Central American region and the Dominican Republic.

Belize Dive Injury Assistance & Support
The Belize Dive Injury Assistance & Support would like to Inform all Dive Operator's & Diver's that we Stand Ready to Respond to Any Scuba Diving Injury within the Belize Region, We are Available 24 Hours - 365 Days a Year. We are Happy to now have our Own Portable Automated External Defibrilator - AED to Aid us in a Scuba Diving Emergency, This is a very Vital Piece of Equipment to have when Responding to Medical Emergencies and also Scuba Diving Emergencies.

May 2020 External Trade & CPI
Consumer Price Index unchanged, imports down 39.7% and domestic exports down 0.8% in May 2020. Figures released by the Institute show that the All-Items Consumer Price Index for May 2020 stood at 105.1. This was unchanged from the All-Items CPI that was recorded in May 2019. However, this does not indicate that there were no changes in the prices of items within the basket of selected goods and services commonly purchased by Belizean households when compared to last May. >In May 2020, Belize imported goods valuing $102.1 million. This represented a dramatic decrease of 39.7 percent or $67.3 million from the same month last year.

Belize handed Pro Tempore Presidency of Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama
Belize was handed over the Pro Tempore Presidency of Instituto de Nutricion de Centro America y Panama (INCAP) this morning during a virtual LXX Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Gough received the presidency on behalf of the Minister of Heath, Hon. Pablo Marin for the period of 2020-2021. During our Pro Tempore Presidency, Belize will chair the main strategies of INCAP and El Sistema de la Integracion Centroamericana (SICA), such as participation through technical meetings for making informed decisions on public policies in the region, aimed at improving food and nutritional security of the population.

Industrial Hemp: A New Investment Prospect in Belize
On November 4, 2017, the Amendment to Belize’s Misuse of Drugs Act effectively eliminated industrial hemp from the list of controlled substances, thus opening the door for hemp cultivation, and subsequent value-addition mainly for export. Since the new Amendment, BelizeINVEST, a unit of BELTRAIDE, has received several hemp investment interests seeking to develop hemp-based products such as oils, protein-rich powders, textiles, Cannabidiol (CBD), among others. In creating the enabling environment for these investment interests, the Government of Belize (GOB), along with key stakeholders in the form of a task force, consolidated efforts to provide guidance and governance for the industry in the form of an Industrial Hemp Policy, gazetted on August 17th, 2019 – to later serve as a framework for the Industrial Hemp Regulations. These efforts included several stakeholder sessions aimed at addressing each level of the potential hemp value chain; from cultivation, harvesting, processing, and transportation.

KA'ANA: MAKING MEN AND WOMEN HUMBLE
Today, the Downtown Rejuvenation Project and our sister project STP I I (SustainableTourism Project) teamed up for a field visit to evaluate the investment that is being carried out to uplift the Caracol Archeological Site by STP I I. Caracol is the home to Belize's tallest Acheological Temple, Ka'ana, which stands at 141 feet. As part of the upliftment project, STP I I has added 32,000 gallons of water storage capacity which will be used for the general operations of the site and 40 solar electric panels which will provide electricity for various parts of the site including the BDF facility.

CHILAM BALAM : THE RETURN OF KUKULKAN
"Katun 4 Ahau . . . . The katun is established at Chichen Itzá. The settlement of the Itzá shall take place . The quetzal shall come, the green bird shall come. Ah Kantenal shall come. Blood-vomit shall come. Kukulcan shall come with them for the second time. the word of God. " Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel

Relief to Fireburn village
Today the Rotary Club of Corozal went to Fireburn village to cover a well and deliver two weeks worth of food to 10 families! We want to thank everyone who donated food to this worthy cause!

Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development Internships
Less than one week left to apply for this exciting 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? Sarteneja Alliance For Conservation and Development - Belize (SACD) is now offering 1-3 months internships in any of our 4 core programs:

Archangel Back to School
Archangel together with the help from our community ,proudly announces our 5TH BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT!! Face mask will be a must and social distancing will be respected by us providing chairs to wait your turn for hair cut ,school bag and snack. Limited amount will be available so please try to come early. Any one wishing to donate to the event can please inbox us, the more the merrier!! Our children are our most valuable resource! Pimenta Street, Venezuelan Site.

Banana Bank is having their Summer Horse Camp soon
Email; [email protected]. Tel:# 832 2020. What'sApp#605 0267.

LOCAL COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSELS IN BELIZE NOW EQUIPPED WITH MONITORING EQUIPMENT THAT WILL HELP IN SEARCH AND RESCUE
Today, the Wildlife Conservation Society, in collaboration with the Fisheries Department - Belize, the Belize Port Authority, the Belize Coast Guard, and the National Fishing Cooperatives, officially launched "Use of the Mobile Transceiver Units (MTU)", also called the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), for Belize's commercial fishing vessels. The MTU/VMS device provides a GPS location of the fishing vessel every 15 minutes, which is received by the monitoring center, being hosted and monitored by the Belize Port Authority on a 24-7 basis. The Belize Coast Guard and Belize Fisheries Department will also assist in monitoring; and local protected area managers will assist in search and rescue alongside the BCG, BPA, and BFD.

IDB Launches Beyond Tourism Innovation Challenge
The Inter-American Development Bank through its innovation laboratory (IDB Lab) has launched a “Beyond Tourism Innovation Challenge” in 15 countries, including Belize. The challenge aims to identify business models to transform and revitalize the tourism sector. Selected projects may receive up to US $2million in loans and up to US $500,000 in grants. Deadline for application is July 31. For more information, click the link below: https://conta.cc/3hYzT9Y

Channel 7

The Waterloo for Waterloo’s Big Port Plan?
British-Belizean billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft has been in the country for months, perhaps hiding out from the COVID outbreak in the UK, and maybe trying to soften up his image just a little. We've seen him profiling all over Twitter like an "accidental tourist" - and even loading himself unto a "Maria Bus" outside Orange Walk. And while Ashcroft is attempting some on the ground image rehabilitation, he could be cruising for another head on collision with the Barrow Administration next week. Reports say that the CCJ's decision on Government's takeover of two registries will be coming down next week. That's the IMMARBE and International Business Companies Registries, formerly owned and operated by the Ashcroft alliance, until government acquired them in June of 2013.

The Enduring Mystery Of Lawmen In A Drug Plane Area After Curfew
As we told you earlier this week, police want to question two of their own, and 3 BDF soldiers about the possibility that they were getting ready to commit a serious crime. Over the weekend, Coast Guard found the 5 lawmen and 7 civilians in an area near Santa Marta Village, which is located on the boundary between the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts. They were caught in public at around 3 a.m. in the morning, which is within curfew hours. That is suspicious enough, and now the cops want to make absolutely sure that they were not in that area to facilitate the landing of a drug plane.

Belize City Border Jumper COVID Status Soon To Be Known
Last night we told you that the cops had detected another alleged border jumper. This one, a Mexican woman, had made her way to Belize City. Reports are that the Ministry of Health was tipped off to her presence by a neighbor, prompting them to deploy their Coronavirus Investigative Unit along with a police escort. But when asked about the incident today the Commissioner of Police said he had yet to receive any such information. But he told us what would be done in such a situation.

58 COVID Negatives In Latest Round Of Testing
And while she is hoping for a negative test, a whole bunch of them came out last night. You'll remember last night that the Director of Health Services publicly disclosed that 4 persons arrived last Friday on that United Airlines flight with fevers. Well, 58 additional samples were tested yesterday, and all were negative. Those tests included swabs from those 4 suspected cases.

Port authority Kept Staff On Through Cash Flow Troubles
Belize's borders were closed exactly three months ago. It was a mitigation measure by the government and health authorities to keep the coronavirus out of Belize. It's been a massive hit to tourism - and caught right up in that is a government statutory board, the Belize Port Authority, the lead regulators of the country's maritime affairs. A significant portion of their revenue base comes from international vessels that make port calls in Belize. Those include cruise vessels, private yachts, and cargo ships. All those activities are either scaled way back or on a complete pause until further notice.

"Barge Turn Ovah"
The press also asked the Port Commissioner about a barge which sunk while it was on the way to Caye Caulker. On June 9th, it was being tugged by a vessel named "Pulla". The barge was carrying a truck, an excavator, and steel beams, which have all be recovered from the sea. But the barge is still submerged. So today, we asked the Commissioner about their investigation into the vessel's mishap:

Saharan Dust Cloud Should Be Gone By Weekend
It's been two days of intense cloud cover and ashen grey skies. But it's not just Belize that's suffering. In fact, we're getting the least of it with other Caribbean nations acting as a buffer zone. And while the ugly weather is certainly a buzzkill it's an extreme version of a phenomenon that's vital to the global ecosystem, and, it might even act as a brief respite from hurricanes. This afternoon Cherisse Halsall headed to the MET office to find out what we can expect from the lingering dust cloud.

Will Reserves Be Affected By Scotia’s Retained Earnings?
Last night you saw our interview with the former governor of the Central Bank, Glen Ysaguirre sharing his analysis of this week's seismic shift in the banking sector where the Belize Bank's ownership group acquired Scotiabank Belize. Ysaguirre said that there are possible pay-offs and perils in such a move, and one of the perils could be hard currency transfers which could affect the banking system. Now, the current governor of the Central Bank, Joy Grant, who succeeded Ysaguirre has said this will not happen. But, we looked deeper into the numbers at Scotiabank's massive store of more than 100 million dollars in retained earnings - and asked Ysaguirre whether this could cause a drain on hard currency:

Satellite Receivers On the Sea
The Wildlife Conservation Society has launched a 1-year pilot project which could change the way the maritime authorities police the country's seas. The environmental NGO is implementing a vessel management system for commercial fishing boats, which allows participating fisher-folks to be tracked in real-time using GPS and satellites. Among other benefits, the addition of 85 mobile transceiver units allows the Coast Guard and the Port Authority to have direct access to the fishermen, in the event that there is some sort of maritime emergency.

Big Gun, Small Village
Tonight 27-year-old Micshak Dwayne Flores is detained pending charges for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Police found a gun during a search of his Carmelita Village residence. They found a 9mm Arcos brand pistol with ten live rounds in his travelling bag.

New Model Police Substation For Roaring Creek
The Roaring Creek Police station had stood for more than half a century - but the recent upgrade of the George Price Highway and the construction of a new approach to the Roaring Creek bridge forced the police to shut down the station. They used that opportunity to build a state of the art substation - one that serves a number of Cayo South communities where crime has been sharply down this year:

Premium’s Price Plunge Followed By Shortage
Consumers nationwide are reporting shortages of premium fuel. That's after Tuesday's price drop led to what's being called a "Sudden and unanticipated spike in demand." It's a change in consumer behavior that has left gas stations running short, and the Supplies Control Unit having to ensure that they replenish stock. And tonight in a press release the SCU is reminding those stations of their obligation to supply price-controlled commodities to consumers. It's a warning to any fuel station that may have been purposely maintaining low levels of premium to desist from the practice.

Westrac Cares For The Kids
Westrac is providing school bags and covering the registration fees for students attending Queen Street Baptist and Unity Presbyterian Primary schools. It's part of the company's COVID-time corporate responsibility campaign. Our news team attended the first of two handing over ceremonies this morning where we spoke to sales manager Julian Theissen who told us that education is the investment with the highest possible return.

A Virtual Summer Camp
As June comes to a close it would normally be time for summer Camp but this year social distancing limitations on gatherings has made camps all but impossible. And yet that was a reality that councillors at Belize Camping experience refused to accept. This morning they told us how they're reaching out to campers virtually while providing their special brand of learning and fellowship through song and dance.

A 30 Day Hold On Hawksesworth
It was spared by the recent floods, but Tte Hawkesworth Bridge in Santa Elena/San Ignacio will be closed for a period of 30 days beginning June 25, 2020. The bridge will be closed to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Channel 5

Does Scotiabank Purchase Change the Local Financial Landscape?
Since Monday, we have been reporting on the pending acquisition of Scotiabank Belize’s assets by Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited. The Canadian Bank has been selling its branches in the region [...]

Investing in Belize Amid Economic Crisis
The completion of an agreement to purchase Scotiabank comes amid an economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a sizeable investment being made in Belize at a [...]

Closing the Deal Despite Financial Uncertainty
Successfully closing a deal of this magnitude is a challenge in and of itself pre-COVID-19, but doing so at a time when there is financial uncertainty is an undertaking that [...]

B.T.L. Taking C.B.C. to Court for Alleged $200,000 Debt
There are new legal woes tonight for the Channel Broadcasting Cable. Last month, in the U.S. courts, C.B.C. was sued by Dish Network for piracy using Internet Protocol Television streaming [...]

Church Van is Torched in Gales Point Manatee
At the crack of dawn this morning, fire erupted dangerously close to the house of the resident pastor in the village of Gales Point, Belize District. The pastor and his [...]

Where Was the Police in Gales Point Arson?
The situation was fraught with danger for Pastor Welch’s family. The police station, which is not far away from the pastor’s house, was locked up and it took hours for [...]

Police Tracks Narco-Plane; Law Men Found in the Area
Fifteen persons have been detained for questioning after they were spotted in the Santa Martha Area over the weekend. In the bunch are two police officers and three B.D.F. soldiers who [...]

Border Jumper Caught in Belize City
A Mexican woman, believed to have illegally entered the country last week, was caught in Belize City on Tuesday morning. Twenty-five-year-old Angela Soto lives in La Union in Mexico and [...]

Bail Denied for Former Cop, Carlisle Bol
An ex-Police Constable who is serving a two-year sentence behind bars applied for bail today while his attorney appeals the ruling of the case; but his application for the bail was [...]

No Payment for Scotiabank to Come from Domestic Banking Sector
The country is experiencing dwindling foreign exchange due to the economic downturn. Credit card spending is on a limit and importers say it has become increasing difficult to bring in [...]

Shortage of Premium Fuel?
This evening, the Bureau of Standards issued a statement in response to reports of a shortage of premium fuel at fuel stations. Due to a decrease in fuel prices on [...]

Driver Who Knocked Down and Killed 10-Year-Old Yet to be Charged
On Monday, ten-year-old Steven Torres was laid to rest. He was knocked down and killed in his home village of Libertad in Corozal. He was killed by a butane truck which [...]

Roaring Creek Gets New Police Station
The village of Roaring Creek has been growing exponentially and has morphed into a vibrant gateway to the capital. Today, the top brass of the police department was in the [...]

Westrac Pays One-year Tuition for Two Belize City Primary Schools
Parents of some three hundred and sixty students can breathe a sigh of relief tonight. That’s because, Westrac Limited is providing tuition for one academic year for students of two [...]

Statistical Institute of Belize Releases Latest Figures
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest figures for May, which was the second month of .of the corona virus lockdown. According to the S.I.B. higher food and [...]

Mental Health Association Hosts Annual General Meeting
This morning, the Mental Health Association held its annual general meeting virtually and members, as well as other stakeholders, participated in an online discussion on how to improve outreach to [...]

The Work of the Welcome Resource Center
The Welcome Resource Center is also an initiative that involves the participation of the Mental Health Association. Jex explains the work of the W.R.C., as well as the need for [...]

A Digital Summer with the Belize Camping Experience
The Belize Camping Experience is turning to the digital platform to keep the anticipated camping experience going. Over a thousand Belize City kids usually participate in summer activities organized by [...]

The Reporter

Sculpting From Tires: Creativity at its best using recycled materials, way to go Belize Central Prison inmates!
The talent behind the walls of the Belize Central Prison has taken a new and creative twist. Since mid-April, inmates in the Industrial Zone cut, smoothed, painted, tacked, and sculpted used tires into all sorts of amazing shapes. CEO of the Belize Central Prison Virgilio Murillo told the Reporter that during the lockdown the majority of the prison’s production stalled and they had to look for other means of generating income and keeping inmates busy. He explained that the prison received a large donation of used tires and instead of having them lay around, they decided to put them to good use.

LOVE FM

Sugar production slows down at Tower Hill
According to recent data, sugar production is down at the Belize Sugar Industries at Tower Hill, Orange Walk District. For 2020, to date, BSI has produced just under seventy-eight thousand tons of sugar.

Salvation Army receives donations of paint cans
The Salvation Army School received a donation today of several cans of paint to renovate their classrooms. This donation comes from a collaboration between Children First and Last (CFAL) and Universal Hardware.

Border jumpers behind bars
Up to three o’clock yesterday evening, the Ministry of Health has conducted two thousand one hundred and one tests for Covid-19. Of that amount Belize has only had twenty-three positive results. Twenty-one persons are currently under investigation, meaning that they are in quarantine or may displaying symptoms of the virus.

BCE creates summer camp guide
The Belize Camping Experience (BCE) has created a summer guide for their campers who won’t be able to enjoy their annual summer events due to COVID-19. According to Leah Perez, Children Coordinator for BCE, the guide was developed and recorded by Belizeans for Belizeans.

Prison inmates embark on new and creative projects
The men and women at the Belize Central Prison are always engaged in various projects such as farming, baking, and making cement blocks. They have recently taken on two new and innovative projects: creating tire art and sewing face masks.

BPP says Ashcroft monies is a No No
Party Leader of the Belize People’s Front, Nancy Marin has been called out by the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) for making defamatory remarks against the BPP via social media. The BPP issued a release on the matter earlier today saying that the BPF has remarked that they have been taking monies from British Businessman, Michael Ashcroft. In a previous interview with Patrick Rogers, he passionately explained that he has never taken and will never take any monies from Ashcroft. This matter has been brewing for some time as Rogers did speak to Love News on the matter in mid-June.

Covid-19 endemic causes decreases in import statistics
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic crisis, the latest figures out on Belize’s imports indicate that there has been a decrease of thirty nine point seven percent when compared to the same period in 2019. This percentage is equivalent to sixty seven point three million dollars.

Breaking Belize News

Belize Bureau of Standards says no shortage of premium fuel
The Supplies Control Unit of the Belize Bureau of Standards said today that it is […]

Ministry of Works announces new schedule for Hawkesworth Bridge as upgrades commence
The Ministry of Works today informed motorists that rehabilitation works will commence on the Hawkesworth […]

Universal Hardware teams up with Children First and Last Belize to brighten up Salvation Army school campus
The Ministry of Education has set the opening of the new school year for August […]

Belize City Council and BFLA partner to bring hygiene sessions to children
Today, the Belize City Council’s Program Unit in collaboration with the Belize Family Life Association […]

“Belize should brace for more flooding and landslides,” says regional climate change organization
The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), which is based in Barbados, warned today that Belize […]

United Nations Development Programme makes donation to Ministry of Health to help with COVID-19 response
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the national COVID-19 response this week by making […]

Flood levels receding
The National Hydrological Service notes that the flood waters are receding slowly. The weather outlook […]

BPP says allegations of funding from Lord Ashcroft are false
The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) issued a statement today saying that it has noted that […]

Roaring Creek Village inaugurates new police station
Today, Minister of National Security, Micheal Peyrefitte joined C.E.O. in the Ministry of Works, Errol […]

Vessel Monitoring System launched by Wildlife Conservation Society and partners
A pilot project for the use of mobile transceiver units (MTU’s) on commercial fishing vessels […]

European Union may bar US tourists due to COVID-19 concerns
The European Union (EU) is compiling a list of countries that can visit once its […]

Thief steals expensive liquor from Wendy’s Creole restaurant in Placencia
Reports to BBN is that the owner of Wendy’s Creole restaurant in Placencia noticed yesterday […]

Belizean businessman, owner of Ramon & Sons, offers 10 scholarships to students
Belizean-American businessman Ramon Palma of San Ignacio, Cayo has announced that he is offering 10 […]

Blogs

Belize & other Caribbean countries in IDB initiative to revitalize Tourism
The IDB said that The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are among 15 countries in Latin and Central America that are participating in the IDB innovative challenge. The challenge is being launched through its innovation laboratory, IDB Lab, and in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It said, to this end, it is launching the challenge to which both public and private sector organisations may apply until July 31.

International Sources

Belize - Sugarcane crush affected by wet weather
Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) has produced just under 78,000 tonnes of sugar in the 2019/20 season so far, down significantly from more than 118,000 tonnes by the same time last year, according to BSI data.

Exploring cuisines from near and afar
I’m “riding out COVID-19” at our home in San Ignacio, Belize where I’ve lived off and on for about two years. As a developing nation, it’s vastly different from living in the U.S. on so many levels including the availability of food products. For example, we really only have access to about ten kinds of beer, including Hobbs Brewing Co. beers because they opened a brewery down south in Placencia, oddly enough. We drink Belizean-made Belikin beer for the most part as well as local wine made from hibiscus and local rum with fresh juice, sometimes without the rum! We try to buy only Belizean-made products because not only does it help the local economy, but it’s less expensive. Anything imported from the U.S. like a bag of Lay’s potato chips is double the price we’re used to.

Latin America's COVID-19 deaths seen hitting nearly 390,000 by October
The death toll from the coronavirus in Latin America is expected to skyrocket to 388,300 by October, with Brazil and Mexico seen accounting for two-thirds of fatalities as other nations in the region contain their outbreaks, researchers said on Wednesday. The region has emerged as a new global hotspot for the fast-spreading pandemic as deaths surpassed 100,000 this week and cases have tripled from 690,000 one month ago to 2 million.

Region urged to brace for extremely wet season, landslides and floods
The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) today warned that the increasingly wet period in Belize and the islands will be accompanied by increased flooding, flash flood and potential for landslide. In its latest edition of Caribbean Climate Outlook Newsletter, CariCOF said that the dry season ended with several areas experiencing short-term drought while a greater proportion of the region ended up in long-term drought. It said with temperatures significantly above average in April and May, some record temperatures, a number of heatwaves and further drying of soils occurred in this period.

Videos

Puma and cubs near Chan Chich Lodge in Gallon Jug, 10sec.

Puma and cubs near Chan Chich Lodge in Gallon Jug2, 10sec.

Red-coffee Snake, 15sec.

A bus belonging to the Galeli Gospel Chapel in Gales Point Village was set on fire early this morning, 10sec.

Poor visibility from the skies.... effects of the Sahara dusts over the region, 1min.

Launch of Caribbean Health Safety and Sanitation Guidelines and Training Series, min.

Young Jaguar at the Belize Zoo, .5min. An adorable young jaguar enjoys some play time at the Belize Zoo, which does incredible, important work for the native wildlife and takes excellent care of their needs.

Turneffe, Belize, 6min. Turneffe Atoll, Great Blue hole, Turneffe Island Resort

Ozz Fest live, 53min.

Horseback Riding to the Xunantunich Maya Temples, 50min. In this virtual experience, we traveled through the trails of ancient Maya village squares in the outskirts of San Jose Succotz and explored one of Belize’s largest ancient Maya cities, Xunantunich, with Rodolfo Juan and Carla Juan, the dynamic duo from St. Leonards Tours. Xunantunich Archaeological Site is a popular attraction for many travelers. It features the El Castillo Temple, the second-largest man-made structure in Belize at 130 feet from the plaza floor, and the largest Maya tomb ever found in Belize!

Sahara Dust Weather Phenomenon, 16min. Ronald Cordon - Climatologist, National Meteorological Service.

BFLA/BCC - Be Safe & Clean During COVID-19, 14min. Kimberly Thompson - Community Support Officer, Belize City Council. Kyla Ciego - Director of Education and Programmes.

Clayton Williams - Irahu Le (This Child), 4.5min. "A look at Clayton Williams Young days growing up in Hopkins Belize. The love of Garifuna Drums got him today singing and Teaching Garifuna Culture to many. Irahu Le is the first single from his album releasing soon.

Scuba Shack Belize 2020 VideoTrip Report, 22min. This video trip report chronicles the adventure of the Scuba Shack divers in Ambergris Caye, Belize in late February/early March 2020.

Driving in Belize - Princess Margaret Drive, 21min.

Prison inmates embark on new and creative projects, 4.5min. The men and women at the Belize Central Prison are always engaged in various projects such as farming, baking, and making cement blocks. They have recently taken on two new and innovative projects: creating tire art and sewing face masks. Reporter Courtney Menzies took a trip to the prison to see the inmates hard at work.

San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture - NICH - San Ignacio, Belize, 2min.

June 24, 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

Memorial service held for Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank; Ambergris Caye registers a year with zero murders
Tuesday, June 23rd marks a year without a homicide on Ambergris Caye. This reduction in deadly crime is attributed to the work of current Officer in Charge of Coastal Executive Unit (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), Superintendent Christopher Noble, and his team. A year ago today, San Pedro experienced one of the worst crimes in recent history when an American tourist, Dr. Gary Swank, and local tour guide Mario Graniel were gunned down while on a fly-fishing trip off the north-west coast of the island. The double murder remains unresolved, but today, family members and friends remembered their lives during a memorial service at the place of their demise.

IDB approves loan to support Belize’s vulnerable population affected by COVID-19
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a loan of US$12 million for Belize to support the implementation of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. The loan program will provide protection for the vulnerable population affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, it will provide cash transfers for a period of 12 weeks to currently unemployed individuals, formerly working in the informal or formal sectors, particularly but not solely in tourism, and who are not on the rosters of other cash transfer programs.

R.I.P. Rita Firestone
Rita Lois Firestone, 71, a woman who pledged allegiance to the love of friends, the surety of math and the beauty of Belize, died of cancer on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at her home in Roanoke. She traveled to Hatteras every fall. In her 40s, she and a friend went on a foray to Belize and she fell in love with its Ambergris Caye. She took a year’s sabbatical from teaching to move there. She later bought a place on Ambergris and became an accomplished diver.

UNDP and the Global Fund support national efforts through medical supplies and equipment for Covid19 to the Ministry of Health and a vehicle for the CSO Hub to enable outreach in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize in the framework of the Global Fund project titled “Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize” is handing over essential items to support the Ministry of Health in the ongoing COVID-19 response. The testing equipment and ventilator is being handed over to the Ministry of Health and the vehicle is being handed over to the CSO Hub to support outreach to vulnerable populations

Memorial service for Mario Graniel and Dr. Paul Swank
Murdered while on a fly fishing trip one year ago.

Belizean repatriation: What is the process and where do they go?
Belizeans stranded abroad after the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the closing of Belize’s borders have been returning home via the repatriation program led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Health and National Security. The month of June has seen a number of repatriation flights on United Airlines, mainly for foreign nationals to leave Belize. Belizeans who have been allowed to return home are taking advantage of these flights and so far 154 have successfully repatriated. Upon arriving in country, they are swabbed and then transported to designated facilities/hotels where they must spend a mandatory 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

Ambergris Today

The Saharan Dust Effect On Ambergris Caye
The much anticipated and forecasted Saharan dust from the deserts of Africa has arrived in Belize and its effects are clearly seen here on Ambergris Caye. The current Saharan dust episode is leading to the worst dust storm in the Caribbean in decades. From bright blue skies to a foggy gloom, the difference is obvious. CNN reported that this plume is dense enough to obscure the African coastline on satellite imagery and the forecast calls of the dust to be carried by trade winds straight from the Saharan Desert, across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean and onwards to the Southeastern USA.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Wednesday, June 24th Meal pick ups. Location: Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz Sr. passes away
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to express its sincere condolences to the Muñoz friends and family on the passing of Mr. Gonzalo Muñoz Sr. Our hearts go out to one of our dearest employee and friend, Ms. Natalia 'Natty' Muñoz, daughter of Mr. Gonzalo. Mr. Gonzalo was a true pioneer of San Pedro's fishing industry and he will be greatly missed. We hope that his friends and family find the comfort in each other to overcome this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.

ONLINE COURSE - Wildlife Medicine and Conservation in Belize
As many of you know, BWRC's international student and veterinary groups were one of the main support mechanisms for the BWRC to provide free veterinary care and rehabilitation to imperiled wildlife (aside donations, grants and fundraisers). Due to COVID-19 this income was eliminated and we had to adapt and create an exciting new online format. This 4 week course with 12 sessions for only 990 US$ will give you a great introduction to this exciting field (to the same topics covered in the established "hands on" and on-site courses since 2005), offer lots of possibilities for discussion; and at the same time your fees will help the BWRC weather the Pandemic and to continue BWRC's free veterinary care for victims of wildlife traffic and human wildlife conflict.

Virtual Exhibition: Who is San Pedro?
Who is San Pedro? Join us for a virtual exhibition and learn about the patron saint of the town.

Belizean businessman offers 10 scholarships
Belizean American Roman Palma is an outstanding member of the Belizean diaspora. He regularly gives back on a yearly basis to Belizeans. While much of his deeds have gone unnoticed, a few years ago he was thrust into the spotlight when the sent funds to market vendors whose avacados were destroyed in an unfortunate incident. This year, Palma, an owner of a plumbing business in Chicago is putting his money to a worthy cause in Belize once again. He is offering 10 tutition and uniform scholarships to Belizeans. The deadline is this Saturday, June 27. All you need to do is to demonstrate a need for your child and explain your situation in an email to [email protected]. Send whatever relevant documents you believe you need including grades. That’s it. An assistant will attend to the emails on his behalf and the selections will be announced soon.

Saharan Air Layer (SAL) Advisory from the National Meteorological Service of Belize
An outbreak of Saharan Air Layer ( SAL) which is unusually dense has been supporting hazy and dry conditions, decreased visibility and reduced air quaility over much of the Caribbean. The SAL is expected to continue producing hazy and dusty conditions over Belize through to next week, with a temporary break at the start of the weekend. Persons with respiratory or heart disease, elderly persons or children should take precaution, stay hydrated, wear protective gear and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible and seek advice from your health care provider to stay adequately protected from the dusty and dry conditions.

UNDP Supports National Efforts in the Fight against COVID-19 in Belize
Today, June 23rd, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize in the framework of the Global Fund Project titled “Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize” handed over testing equipment and a ventilator to support the Ministry of Health in the ongoing COVID-19 response. The tests will allow for the decentralization of COVID-19 testing as they will utilize existing Gene Xpert equipment originally purchased to support Tuberculosis testing; resulting in an expansion of laboratory analysis capacities beyond Belize City to include the Western Regional Hospital.

COVID-19 UPDATE
A further 58 samples were tested today, they were negative. Some of these samples were from persons who are to be released from the quarantine hotels/facilities after completing their 14 days and having had a second negative swab. Our next set of samples will be done on Friday.

Corozal Street Closure
The section of First Avenue (in front of the sea) between 1St. North & 2nd Street North, has been temporarily closed down for your safety. That area has been affected by the rains and is partially caving in. Your CTC is working diligently to secure the necessary funds to urgently repair it for your safety and use.

Oceana Film Viewing: Use of gillnets in Belizean waters
In 2015, Oceana produced a documentary about the use of gillnets in Belizean waters. This short film gives insight into how many local fishers feel about this indiscriminate fishing gear, sentiments that hold true today as gillnets are still legal. We invite you to view the short film here: https://bit.ly/2B4lOab. Following your viewing, we will be having a Zoom discussion on Thursday, July 2nd, 2020 at 6:00PM. Contact your nearest field representative for the Zoom link and a chance to win a signature Oceana cup.

Come join the team at Mayflower Bocawina National Park!
VACANCY: PARK RANGER. Interested eligible candidates shall submit resume’ and cover letter no later than July 10, 2020 to: Estevan Assi Jr.

CHILAM BALAM: THE CREATION OF THE UINAL
Thus it was recorded the first sage, Melchise, the first prophet, Napuc Tun, the priest, the first priest. This is a song of how the uinal came to be created before the creation of the world. The uinal was created, the day, as it was called, was created, heaven and earth were created, the stairway of water, the earth, rocks and trees; the things of the sea and the things of the land were created

Channel 7

Former Central Bank Gov. Urges Caution on Bank Merger/Acquisition
Last night we told you all about the big deal in the banking sector - where Belize Bank's ownership group bought Scotia bank Belize. Pending approval from the Central Bank, it will create a very large bank controlling about half of the market. But, is it a good deal for Belize? And for Scotiabank customers? That's what we asked the former Governor of the Central Bank Glen Ysaguirre today. He said mergers can go either way for the market, but the regulator has to do all it can to make sure the confidence of the public in their trusted, old bank is not shaken:

San Pedro - one Year Later, from Death Island to Peace Town
Our next story may strike you as a softer story you would normally see at the end of the news. It's a story about a murder in San Pedro - but one that happened a year ago. And, it's also a story about how NO murders have happened on San Pedro since then. It is significant and encouraging milestone, and perhaps an example of how a properly police community can manage itself. Jules Vasquez took a deeper look: From 2016 to 2018, San Pedro seemed to be in the news weekly with some outrageous act of violence, from drug murders to killings of expatriate businesspersons, to truly wild acts of police brutality. And then it culminated in this murder of tour guide Mario Graniel and his guest on June 23, 2019.

Saharan Air Layer Reaches Belize
Skies all over Belize were ashen grey this morning - but don't blame forest fires or bad weather - it's a region wide phenomenon caused by what is known as the Saharan Air Layer. That's a vast cloud of dust from the Sahara desert that's blanketing the Caribbean as it heads towards the US. Experts say the size and volume of dust hasn't been seen in half a century, and this one is being called the "Godzilla dust cloud". And while that may sound dramatic, it's with good reason. Air quality across most of the Caribbean reached record "hazardous" levels. We have seen numerous public health warnings from across the region and from Guatemala which warn people to stay indoors and use air filters if they go outside.

From Botes To Belize, Border Jumper Caught In City
Tonight, reports reaching 7News are that another illegal border jumper has been detected - but in Belize City. This time it was a Mexican woman who has family ties in both Belize and her native country. The Ministry of Health is now conducting contact tracing, to determine the level of risk she poses to the Belizean public and the potential spread of the coronavirus. At around 8:30 this morning, a team of police officers and members of the Health Ministry's Coronavirus Investigative Unit conducted a search at a home located at #46 Mahogany Street in Belize City. They were acting on information received. Present at the time of the search was a 45-year-old man, and 25-year-old Angela Soto, a Mexican Domestic of La Union Village in Mexico.

Wife Stabber Detained After Going On The Run
During last night's newscast, we told you about that family of 3 from San Jose Village who was attacked and viciously stabbed inside their home. Tonight, the accused assailant is in police custody. On Friday night, 36-year-old Rebecca Munoz, her 19-year-old daughter, and her 15-year-old son were at home when her ex-common-law husband showed up. It is unclear what triggered violence between the two, but this ex reportedly pulled a knife and went after her. Her children tried to come to her aid, and they were also stabbed.

Easy Glen, Not Easy At All With Land Fraud
Last night, we told you how police had to chase down and recapture 49-year-old Goldburne "Easy Glen" Adolphus in Orange Walk Town. That's after he was charged with obtaining property by deception for his alleged involvement in con-games featuring shady land transactions. Well, after he has finished answering to criminal charges for escape and dishonesty in the north, he'll have to face similar charges in Western Belize as well.

How Taiwan is Managing The Coronavirus
There are very few Coronavirus success stories and even fewer on the Asian continent. And with most of the developed world still reeling from the virus's effects, Taiwan's containment of the virus has been nothing short of amazing. As of June 23, Taiwan had only 446 confirmed infections and 7 deaths in a population of 24 million. It's a scenario from which Belizeans, many who live there, are taking a few pointers from. Cherisse Halsall has a story of resilience from halfway across the world.

Getting Behind The Story of Patient 23
Last night's headline story was the confirmation from the Director of Health Services that another person,#23, tested positive for the coronavirus in Belize. The latest patient was among those 45 Belizean repatriates who came home on a United Flight from Houston last week Friday. Today, the Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, was the main guest on the Government Press Office's Ask the Experts Webcast. During his information sharing session, he briefly discussed patient #23, and what the Health Ministry knows so far about her:

Four Repatriates Returned With Fevers
The Director of Health Services is also putting the public on notice that he and other health officials are monitoring 4 of the repatriates. That's because they were detected with fevers during the screening process at the airport. An elevated temperature is one of the warning signs of a potential positive case, and so, the DHS said these 4 Belizeans will be closely monitored during their quarantine phase. Here are his comments on this topic:

What Happens During City Quarantine
So, since the repatriation process is producing the intended results of detecting Belizeans who contracted the deadly virus abroad, the press wanted to know more about what the screening progress entails. We got a bit more insight from Melinda Guerra, the regional manager at the Central Health Region. She was attending another health-related event today, which we will tell you about later. Here's what she had to say about how the screening and quarantining of repatriates actually works:

Experts Warn COVID Will Come From Across Borders
From the Ministry of Health's perspective, the detection of positive cases through the repatriation program is not a threat to public health, since it is a controlled process, which limits the public's exposure. But what health officials continue to be very concerned about are border jumpers, who do all they can to elude authorities. That's why the Director and his team are keeping a close eye on the fight against the coronavirus happening in Mexico and Guatemala. This afternoon, Dr. Marvin Manzanero said that the increasing number of confirmed cases in these two countries is cause for serious concern:

Shyne Fending Off Allegation of Misappropriation
Last night, we showed you how UDP's Shyne Barrow is contributing to the work of the Police and the Conscious Youth Development Program to encourage peace between George Street and Taylors Alley gangs. That conversation gave us the opportunity to ask Barrow about an American woman who has been blasting him on Facebook for allegedly misappropriating money. She's Amy Thomas, a resident of Hawaii. She says that she has visited Belize multiple times to do humanitarian outreach work. Thomas claims that in 2017, she gave Shyne $7,500 US dollars, which was supposed to go toward a resource center, just like the one Barrow currently is operating on Amara Avenue.

Testing Kits and Transportation
And while that donation may be the subject of bitter dispute, one from the UNDP will not suffer the same fate. The United Nations Development Program today donated an interesting package of medical supplies to the Ministry of Health. It's a contribution aimed at increasing the country's testing capabilities as well as facilitating outreach programs that, for many, could be the difference between life and death.

Aeroboxes For Safer Intubations
The Ministry of Health also got another donation today, and this time, it came from the furniture and home appliance wholesaler, Courts/Unicomer. The company handed over 19 aero boxes to the Ministry of Health, custom-made by Mabe, the Mexican appliance company. Now if you're asking what's an aero box, they are plastic boxes that create a barrier between COVID-19 patients and health workers during intubation procedures.

No COVID Vaccine Coming, Get Used to Masks For Two More Years
And turning back to news related to the coronavirus, today on Ask The Experts the Director of Health Services emphasized that there still is no vaccine for the disease. According to the DHS, the best medical information on the virus at this time, is that recovered patients don't develop any lasting immunity to the virus. That means that you can catch it a second time, even after your immune system successfully fought it off. The direct implication of this is that social distancing, and the wearing of masks, will be around for at least 2 years.

Mother to Child Transmission of 'Rona Is Possible
Dr. Manzanero also discussed the latest information from doctors abroad who are closely studying the virus. According to the Director, new revelations suggest that an infected mother can transmit the virus to their unborn babies.

Robbers Strike Again
Armed robbers have struck again in Cayo - but this time they made sure that there's no video evidence of their crime. Last night at 7:35, three men walked into Chen's Supermarket in Bullett Tree - without masks. They pretended to be regular customers picking up beer and Campari, but then they flipped the script. One of them pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the proprietor, Botai Chen's head.

Channel 5

Saharan Dust Drifts Across Caribbean
Since early this morning, a plume of the Saharan dust spread across the country. The intense dust storm started in the Saharan Desert in West Africa and began travelling across [...]

S.O.E. to be Lifted, but New Laws will be Introduced Subsequently
Turning to COVID-19, the countrywide state of emergency expires next Tuesday and the weeklong countdown to the lifting of all remaining measures, including the end of the nightly curfew, has [...]

2,043 Tests Conducted; More Results to Come!
The Central Medical Lab is currently processing a number of samples from persons who returned to the country in the past couple days. Among those samples are four persons who [...]

Border Jumpers Present Biggest COVID-19 Risk!
Doctor Marvin Manzanero shared that the chances of more COVID-19 positive repatriates is likely considering that more people are returning home. But the Ministry of Health is not worried about [...]

COVID on the Rise in Guatemala & Mexico
One of the major reasons why border jumpers are a concern for the ministry is because they are coming from neighbouring countries where COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The [...]

Belizean Health Officials Monitoring Chet’s Rising COVID-19 Infections
Doctor Marvin Manzanero is keeping a close eye on the developing COVID-19. The cases in Mexico are increasing every day and it is reported that a mother there transmitted the [...]

Cutting Cost in the Ministry of Health during COVID-19 Pandemic
As border jumpers present a real threat to the health system, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union is engaged in discussions with the hospital’s C.E.O. and management regarding [...]

Lord Ashcroft’s Change of Heart in Investing in Belize
The process of finalizing the sale of Scotiabank Belize to Caribbean Investment Holdings is several months away, as the Central Bank, as regulator of the financial sector, does it does [...]

Central Bank Commences Review of Scotia Bank Purchase
In a recorded statement issued by the Central Bank of Belize on Monday, Governor Joy Grant stated that a detail and thorough assessment of the sale of Scotiabank to C.I.H.L. [...]

Teaching Services Commission Approves Penalties for Former Excelsior Principal
The Belize Teaching Service Commission has approved the suspension with half pay and demotion in rank of former Excelsior Principal Dawn Watters. Earlier this year, Watters was found guilty of [...]

Charge Reduced to Manslaughter for Shane Jones
A man, who was facing a charge of murder, saw that charge reduced to manslaughter when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Viewers will recall the report we [...]

Guatemalan National Esau Ramirez Lopez is Captured
Police have arrested Guatemalan national Esau Ramirez Lopez who was on the run since last Friday. Ramirez Lopez is accused of stabbing his former common-law-wife, Rebecca Munoz and her two [...]

No Vaccine for COVID-19!
Back to today’s Ask the Expert’s Webcast…while not enough is known about the vertical transmission as yet, what health officials do know is that there is no treatment for COVID-19 [...]

DHS Explains What it Means to be COVID-19 Asymptomatic
As you’ve been hearing in recent positive cases in Belize, they have been identified as asymptomatic. Today, Doctor Marvin Manzanero highlighted what this means – essentially these positive persons may [...]

Belize’s Borders Likely to Remain Closed Indefinitely
A rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala has placed Belize on edge since it shares borders with both countries. Despite all border [...]

Quarantining Positive Cases in Belize City
The Central Health Region is the unit of the Ministry of Health responsible for the on the ground logistics for those repatriated persons who are swabbed when they arrive at [...]

Private Sector Pressures G.O.B. on Economic Recovery
The private sector continues to bring pressure to bear on government in respect of a comprehensive economic recovery plan amid the COVID-19 crisis. The resulting financial crisis has forced the [...]

Business Children Making Ideals during COVID-19
Two very young enterprising children have turned the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity to start a business. One is eight years old and the other is five; they came up [...]

CitCo Hosts a Training for Small Business Owners
An initial group of ten small business owners were hosted today and will be engaged in three days of training at City Hall in Belize City. Dubbed the Accelerator Program [...]

Ministry of Health Receives a Donation of Aeroboxes to Help in COVID-19 Fight
In the fight against the novel coronavirus, the Ministry of Health has received further assistance from the private sector. UNICOMER Belize, in collaboration with one of its product suppliers, has [...]

Months after His Passing, a Memorial Service is Held for Hubert Pipersburgh
Today, a funeral and memorial service took place to celebrate the life of Hubert Pipersburgh. This afternoon, at the Sacred Heart Church in San Ignacio, Cayo, family and friends gathered [...]

Amandala

Scotia Bank Belize sold to Ashcroft company
On Monday, June 22, Scotia Bank Belize (SBL) made the announcement that they sold their licensed Belize banking operations to Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited (CIHL) – the parent company of the Belize Bank Limited, owned by Lord Michael Ashcroft. Caribbean Investment Holdings (CIHL) posted their agreement to acquire Scotia Bank Belize, which priced the acquisition at an initial US$30.5 million, which includes the expected shareholders’ equity at US$28.5 million and a premium of US$1.5 million. CIHL may be required to pay an additional US$4.5 million in the event that the shareholders’ equity of SBL exceeds US$28.5 million.

Mario Aguirre found guilty of killing Marcelino Chan
The murder trial of Mario Aguirre, 29, a mechanic of San Roman, Orange Walk District, who was charged for the stabbing death on March 4, 2017, of Marcelino Chan, 54, a farmer of San Roman who was a father of 11 children, came to a conclusion yesterday in the Northern Session of the Supreme Court. Justice Herbert Lord was the judge in the trial without a jury, and he found Aguirre guilty. Aguirre’s murder trial began in January and concluded yesterday. After reviewing the evidence and submissions from the defense and the prosecution, Justice Lord ruled that Aguirre was guilty.

Dr. Omar Figueroa drops out of UDP leadership race
The crowded field of contenders for the post of United Democratic Party leader has decreased by one aspirant. Over the weekend, it was reported that Dr. Omar Figueroa, the Cayo North area representative who was recently promoted to a full ministerial post in the Dean Barrow-led cabinet, has withdrawn from the UDP leadership race. We were not able, however, to get an official confirmation of Figueroa’s withdrawal from the UDP Secretariat. When we called today, we were told that there was no one in the office who could confirm that Dr. Figueroa had dropped out of the leadership race. All of our attempts to reach the UDP chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, or the party’s deputy chairman, Alberto August, were similarly futile.

Belize Police Association elects first female president, Sergeant Jane Usher
The Belize Police Association (BPA) held elections for its new executive, and for the first time in the history of the organization, a woman has emerged as the holder of the top post. Woman Police Sergeant Jane Usher swept out longtime president of the BPA, Corporal Eldon Arzu, and his team. Corporal Arzu has been at the helm of the BPA for six terms, but during the last term, which just ended, he and Commissioner of Police Chester Williams got into a squabble which ended up in the Supreme Court after Arzu was stripped of his salary because he had failed to honor a transfer to the Police Department’s headquarters in Belmopan.

GOB requests a deferral on the Super Bond
The Government of Belize is scrambling to meet its financial obligations as the country’s economy continues to contract as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the financial crisis is made clearly evident by the government’s request for interest capitalization on the infamous Super Bond. Last Wednesday, the government issued a statement seeking consent of the holders of the U.S. Dollar Bonds to defer and capitalize interest due in August to 2021. If agreed upon, the interest due will be added to the principal.

Interdicted police constable hangs himself at home
The body of Constable Herman Milan, 27, of the San Ignacio police, who was put on interdiction from his duties since last October 2019, was found hanging in his room by family members at about 2:30 this morning, in San Ignacio. Police took down the body, and took it to the San Ignacio Hospital. Foul play is not suspected, and police declared his death to have been a suicide. His body will undergo a post-mortem exam to certify the cause of his death.

Abandoned newborn baby eaten by dogs
A newborn baby who was discarded in some bushes in San Roman was eaten by dogs. A man who came across the gruesome scene at about 10:00 yesterday morning managed to chase away the animals and rescued what was left of the infant —the legs and a hand. He immediately called police, and the body parts of the infant were rushed to the National Forensic Sciences Services for investigation, and they determined that the remains belonged to a female child.

Esau Ramirez wanted for the stabbing of his family
Rebecca Muñoz, 39, and her two children were stabbed in their house last night in San Jose, and police are looking for Esau Ramirez Lopez, 44, the common-law husband of Muñoz, for questioning. Muñoz, a domestic of San Jose, suffered stab wounds in her left breast and right elbow, while her daughter, Dianna Nyayeli Muñoz, 19, a student, received stab wounds in her abdomen, which ruptured her intestines. She was also stabbed in her right arm. Rebecca Muñoz’s son with Esau, Jose Adrian Ramirez, 15, was stabbed in the center of the back.

Gas Tomza robbers remanded
On Wednesday afternoon, two robbers who were trying to escape after robbing Gas Tomza gas depot, located at Mile 4 ½ on the George Price Highway, were caught by police who were on patrol in the area of Fabers Road, near its junction with the highway. Police say that while on patrol on the George Price Highway, they were alerted about the robbery at the Gas Tomza depot and that the robbers escaped in a blue car. Police, when they saw a blue car speeding towards Belize City, set chase and fired shots, forcing the driver of the car to stop.

Orange Walk cab driver robbed, escapes death
A cab driver, Vicente Flavio, 55, of Orange Walk Town, is alive and unhurt after he escaped from two bandits who tried to kidnap him. The firearm that one of the bandits used to hold him up and rob him misfired when the bandit tried to shoot him, and both thieves ran away after stealing his wallet and car keys. Flavio then went to the police and made a report. The incident occurred at about 10:00 this morning. Flavio told police that he was at the taxi stand on Queen Victoria Street when two men came up to him and requested that he take them to Trial Farm.

Editorial: Four UDP men want to lead nation
The two major political parties in Belize, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP), would like persons who are not members to keep their distance from their internal affairs, especially when they are going about selecting a new leader. The UDP is at this time about to select a new leader, and the fact is that what the UDP does is everybody’s business here, and in some instances what they do has implications in the greater world. In a healthy democracy people who aspire for leadership are stripped and searched, figuratively; they are scrutinized for their integrity, their personal conduct over the years, their achievements and their failures, their stated goals and their methods of achieving them.

UDP to hold 2nd leadership convention July 12
General elections are scheduled to be held in November, but the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the selection of a new leader for the governing United Democratic Party (UDP). The UDP’s second leadership convention was initially scheduled to take place in April, before the pandemic struck. Reports now are that the UDP will hold their leadership convention on Sunday, July 12, at the ITVET compound in Belize City, where delegates will choose one person from the crowded field of aspirants to lead the party into the 2020 general elections.

Police address the use of face masks by criminals
Criminals are now taking advantage of the mandatory wearing of face masks to hide their identities while they commit crimes. A number of robberies have been committed by robbers who enter establishments with masks but initially appear to pose no threat because they appear to be customers. It is now difficult to distinguish robbers from law-abiding citizens going to the store for legitimate purposes. To address the situation, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has ordered business owners to place signs on their businesses ordering customers to remove their sunshades and face masks before they enter the businesses.

FFB clears the air
Football Federation of Belize (FFB) General Secretary, Earl Jones was the man on the spot yesterday morning at the Marion Jones Sports Complex conference room, where he ably fielded questions from media personnel on aspects of the financial affairs of the FFB and its handling of district association elections, which have now been completed, and which determine the delegates that will cast their votes in the upcoming FFB executive elections, set for July 4. (Premier League of Belize elections are reportedly set for this Saturday, June 20.)

Pulu and O.J. big-up 16-year-old scholar athlete Kendall Morgan of Wesley College
With the easing of restrictions in the State of Emergency, a number of schools will be free to conduct graduation ceremonies that had previously been on hold. Among the bright young students who will be on center stage at their respective commencement exercises is one Kendall Morgan, a sixteen-year-old female student of Wesley College, who holds the distinction of not only being the top student academically, but also the best student athlete of her school; causing legendary basketballer and sports activist Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn to dub her G.O.A.T. at this stage of her young career. And politician O.J. Elrington also had a few words for the second consecutive recipient of the academic scholarship he has been awarding for the past 20 years to the most outstanding student athlete at his alma mater.

FFB announces results of District Association elections
This is an election year in the 4-year cycle of the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), and for the past few months of this year, elections have been held for the seven (7) football district association executives. The Premier League of Belize (PLB) will hold its elections this coming Saturday, June 20. All those elected executives of the district associations and the PLB will then represent their respective bodies at the FFB Elective Congress set for July 4. This morning, FFB communications director Yashmin Juan provided us with the results for all seven FFB district association elections and the dates elections were held. We noted that, in keeping with new FIFA mandate on female inclusion, all executives included at least one female member. Below are the lists of newly elected executive members:

Reparations for whom?
When African slavery was finally abolished, British, French, Spanish, Danish, South American and American slave owners received reparations. In effect, the act of issuing reparations to slave owners was a validation of the right for people to own property in the form of human beings. The slave owners, and not the slaves, became the cosseted beneficiaries of the public purse. But even before the slaves were freed, the practice of giving compensation to slave owners receiving compensation had existed. For instance, slave owners received compensation from the public purse when slaves ran away, when they died while working in the lead mines of Virginia, when they were executed for crimes, participated in slave rebellions, or joined the British side in the War of American Independence.

Alternative Vote better for Belize than quota for women
To preface, I will repeat that I think it doesn’t make sense for the homosexual agenda to include its story in the discussion about racism, and now let me say I think it also doesn’t make sense for people who are trying to advance women’s agenda to try and parallel gender with the black story. Women have been suppressed in some ways since Creation, and homosexuals have had a very hard time, but race is a different story, so let’s keep them separate. Allow me a few more sentences to make my position more clear. It is argued that through the years women haven’t had the same amount of opportunities that men have had. No one can argue that point.

Alida and Dr. Kevin; Gertrude and Clifton …
One of the great blessings for our extended family had been the visit home of our daughter Alida for two weeks immediately after sitting her finals! Due to the modern convenience of air travel she had arrived on a Wednesday and the whole family in the capital at the time, which included Jerome, Lloyd and Sonia, Safira and Emerson plus Linda and Ernesto with their two children, had sat down to a celebratory semi-buffet lunch; and I must say that it was the highest point of our lives for that year, even superseding the country’s Independence!

Exclusive: “Sorry is not enough”, Caribbean states say of British slavery apologies
British financial institutions that benefited from slavery such as Lloyd’s of London should go further than saying sorry for their role in the Atlantic slave trade and atone for their sins by funding Caribbean development, the region’s countries said. More than 10 million Africans were shackled into the Atlantic slave trade by European nations between the 15th and 19th centuries. Those who survived the often brutal voyage, ended up toiling on plantations in the Americas.

The Reporter

Saharan Dust Plume in Belmopan
A Saharan Dust Plume made its way to the Garden City of Belmopan earlier this morning. US experts reported that the Dust would have made its way across the Caribbean as early as Wednesday. They reported that while it is a yearly phenomenon, this year is a unique one since the plumes are said to contain the highest concentration of particles in the past 50-60 years. Apart from providing spectacular sunrises and sunsets, lowering visibility and reducing air quality, the Saharan Dust can also trigger allergies. This image was shared courtesy of Dioni Marin Photography.

LOVE FM

UNDP donates testing equipment
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the global founding project, handed over COVID 19 testing equipment and a ventilator to the Ministry of Health. Cayo correspondent Fem Cruz attended the handing-over ceremony and filed this report.

CitCo assists entrepreneurs
20 aspiring entrepreneurs are participating in the Belize City Council’s workshop for small business owners. These workshops have been ongoing from the beginning of the year to promote competition and self-sustainability.

Unicomer and Mabe donates to MOH
The Ministry of Health today received a donation of nineteen aero boxes. These are necessary to keep doctors safe while they tend to patients infected with covid-19.

ComPol explains video of officers firing shots in St Martin’s
Many times, wrongdoings by police officers are documented by camera phones, and the police department has to answer to the public for the actions committed. Such was the case this past weekend when a video of officers firing shots in the St Martin’s area of Belize City.

Sahara Dust enters Belize
Across the country Belizeans are experiencing the effects of a phenomena known as the Sahara Dust. A plume of dust from the Sahara Desert in north-central African has made its way across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

MOH ensures safety measures are in place for repatriates
The repatriates must endure a lengthy process before they are able to enter the country. Even after they are approved, they must undergo preventative measures while on their flight until they arrive in the hotel rooms.

Central Bank ensures protection for Scotiabank’s customer
The Central Bank of Belize is ensuring that the process of acquisition of shares from Scotiabank by the Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited goes smoothly. According to a press release from Central Bank, both parties have made assurances that Scotiabank’s customers and employees will be protected.

Breaking Belize News

Persons quarantined to be released after receiving 2nd negative swab
Today, the Director of Health Services informed that a further 58 samples were tested and […]

Corozal police find gun and ammo
Today, Corozal police conducted searches in San Andres Village, Corozal and found a .22 revolver […]

Ventilators do not kill people, Manzanero explains
Today, Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services addressed the use of ventilators for COVID-19 […]

Ministry of Health: “Returning to a pre-COVID-19 normal is unlikely without a vaccine,”
The COVID-19 pandemic, in a matter of seven months, has affected over 9.3 million people […]

National Meteorological Service issues advisory on the Saharan dust plume
Today, the National Meteorological Service issued an advisory on the Saharan dust plume. The thick […]

Neighbouring countries reeling from COVID-19, should Belize be concerned?
The COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying in both Mexico and Guatemala, Belize’s closest neighbouring countries, which […]

“There is no second wave of COVID-19,” says Director of Health Services
Belize’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 23; however, the Director of Health […]

CARICOM Institutions Collaborate on CXC Green Engineering Student Webinars
The Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC, the Energy Unit of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the […]

Memorial service and funeral being held today for Hubert Pipersburgh
The family of Hubert Pipersburgh is currently holding a memorial service and funeral at the […]

City Council trains 20 entrepreneurs in the art of operating small businesses
There’s no right way or wrong way to operate a small business, as both successes […]

Courts Belize supports Ministry of Health in the fight against COVID-19
Today, Courts Belize made a donation of 19 Aeroboxes to the Ministry of Health (MOH) […]

IDB approves loan to support Belize’s vulnerable population affected by COVID-19
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) informed that it has approved a loan of US $12 […]

Tropical Storm Dolly forms over North Atlantic
The National Hurricane Center has informed that Tropical Storm Dolly has formed over the north […]

Testing continues for COVID-19 as Belize monitors 4 active cases
The Ministry of Health continues to conduct testing as it monitors 4 active cases of […]

Powerful earthquake shakes Mexico
Minutes ago, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Mexico. At this time, there are no […]

Saharan dust plume arrives in Belize
A plume of dust from the Sahara Desert in north-central Africa arrived in Belize and […]

Internal investigation underway over alleged theft during police raid
Police Commissioner Chester Williams says he has ordered an internal investigation into a complaint that has […]

Bullet Tree Falls shopkeeper robbed and wounded
San Ignacio Police is on the trail of four armed men who robbed and assaulted 49-year-old […]

Fishing for fish – or drugs?
What were five law enforcement officers and seven civilians doing at three a.m. in the morning […]

Eldon Arzu: Ex-Police Association prez challenges election results in court
Deposed from the role he held for many years, Corporal of Police Eldon Arzu appears […]

Blogs

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye. Monday. Borders Closed
Secret Beach is the most tourist-ed spot on Ambergris Caye. Endless blue clear water. And at the right time of the year, rows and rows of chairs filled with visitors to our island. Jet skis, tubes shaped like flamingos and champagne flutes, pina coladas served in whole pineapples, loud music…people, people, people. But things have changed dramatically in the last three months. I don’t need to tell YOU that. So I thought I’d head over and take some pictures of Secret Beach on a Monday during a State of Emergency due to a Global Pandemic. Definitely a first. The road isn’t the only thing pitted…someone has been holding target practice on the road side signs.

4 Incredible Natural Monuments in Belize
From inland wonders to offshore marvels, here’s four incredible natural monuments to discover in Belize. Welcome to Belize: where hidden gems hide in plain sight at one of the earth’s last truly wild places. Standing in awe of these natural pillars is one of the few experiences that leave us feeling rooted – fully connected to the world and its intricacies. On your next visit to Belize, be sure to add these four must-see wonders! Half Moon Caye, The Great Blue Hole, Actun Tunichil Muknal, & Victoria Peak Natural Monument.

How COVID-19 has affected Real Estate in Belize
While Belize’s real estate and housing market has been booming for the last year or so, travel trends amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have quickly shifted to “space and privacy”. According to Walter Zephirin, the managing director of 7th Heaven Properties, demand has seemingly “surged”, largely due to Belize’s low infection rate of COVID-19. Here’s how house hunting in Belize has changed, thanks to insight and statistics from the New York Times.

Five Awesome Experiences on Ambergris Caye (other than Diving or Snorkeling)
Just a few miles off the coast of Belize is Ambergris Caye – it’s 40 km long and less than 2 km wide. It’s one of Belize’s most popular islands, primarily drawing visitors that are interested in diving or snorkeling Belize’s reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world. However, what tourists also find when they visit Ambergris Caye is that there are plenty of things to do other than diving or snorkeling. Below I will list 5 of these experiences. Explore San Pedro Town, Great Blue Hole Fly Over Tour, Enjoy San Pedro’s Food Scene, Go on a Sunset Cruise, & Visit Secret Beach.

International Sources

NY Times: Eating Thai Fruit Demands Serious Effort but Delivers Sublime Reward
Fruits familiar to us. Many delicious species in Thailand, “the Great Power nation of fruit,” require laborious peeling and careful chewing. Then there’s the sticky fingers and occasional disappointment.

Powerful earthquake shakes southern, central Mexico near Huatulco resort
A powerful earthquake centered near the resort of Huatulco in southern Mexico swayed buildings Tuesday in Mexico City and sent thousands into the streets. Seismic alarms sounded midmorning with enough warning for residents to exit buildings. Power was knocked out to some areas, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Helicopters flew over downtown Mexico City and police patrols sounded their sirens.

A 7.5 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE WAS REGISTERED IN OAXACA, STRONG IN MEXICO CITY
A few moments ago there was an earthquake that was felt in Mexico City, with an epicenter in Oaxaca and of 7.5 magnitude, according to preliminary information. Reports assure that the duration of the quake was approximately one minute. So far, no reports of serious damage in Mexico City. Official sources confirm the presence of the head of government at C5 and security reviews are being carried out by air and by ground in Mexico City.

Moody’s predicts up to 50% drop in tourism
ouristic dependent countries are “significantly exposed” to the coronavirus-induced decline in tourism, and countries such as The Bahamas will face the greatest pressure on their economies as a result, according to Moody’s Investor Service. In a June 22 report, Moody’s said The Bahamas, Maldives, St Vincent and the Grenadines are “highly vulnerable to a severe slump in tourism”, and due to large fiscal deficits, and higher debt burdens, these countries and others will have limited fiscal space to absorb the shock. The tourism industry to be one of the most severely impacted sectors globally as a result of the pandemic with only gradual recovery in 2021.

APSU professor experiences pandemic up close in Belize
On a sweaty afternoon in early March, Dr. Harold Young, Austin Peay State University assistant professor of political science, found himself dumped by a taxi on a street in Chetumal, Mexico, near that country’s southern border with Belize. Despite being only a few miles from the Caribbean Sea, the humid, sub-tropical breeze provided little relief as Young, exhausted from his long journey, walked toward the border, dragging his suitcases behind him. Belize had closed its borders to foreigners because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Young had a passport from that country. “There’s a river border, and I walked across it on a bridge, three-quarters of a mile, to the Belizean outpost,” he said. “It was completely deserted. It’s 3 p.m. in the afternoon, and there’s literally nobody.”

The Journal of Mesoamerican Studies
Check out the latest issue of Mexicon (https://mexicon.de) where we have an article on a molded-carved ceramic production mold from Actun Xtuyul, a small rock shelter near Pacbitun, Belize.

Videos

Tuesday's "Ask the Experts", min. Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services, on Ask the Experts.

Belizean Dreamer Reacts to DACA Ruling, 1.5min. And some good news, last week Thursday the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to continue Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), allowing young people to apply for and get authorization to work and/or go to college in the US. They are called ‘dreamers’ and were taken to the US as undocumented children, such as Belizean Denae Joseph.

Experience Travel With Katie and Allie Featuring Belize, 18min. Join us as we talk to Deborah with Belize's Tourist Board. We will be discussing all of the things that Belize has to offer visitors.

Bird Island :: Extraordinary Private Island in Belize, 4min. In February 2020, my boyfriend took me on a once in a lifetime trip to stay at Bird Island in Belize! We had an absolutely EXTRAORDINARY time with some of our closest friends. Bird Island is an private island in Belize and it was absolutely stunning and mind-blowing. Fred, the owner, and his family are so welcoming and helpful. We relaxed in the privacy of the island which had many hammocks, games, stocked kitchen, movies, snorkeling and canon equipment, and so much more. We went on excursions such as fishing in the open sea. We saw bio-luminescence in the waters at night.

Belize Shark Ray Alley, 2min. Our experience in Belize snokeling Shark Ray Alley

Adventure Bound for Warm Waters of Belize, 7min. Visit the cayes and splash in the Caribbean Sea. Swim, snorkel and dive with sharks, manatees, stingrays and lots of other sea life; explore deep into the famous Blue Hole; or just relax on a deserted island or sailboat ride.

Flooded Dirt Road Driving in Belize, 2min. Leah and children ask me what you want for your father day. I said,"to visit friends in Blue Creek." Something else I wanted to do! Is to capture a crocodile since the flooding makes them come out from the river. That the next video, you see how close and dangerous these floods are in Belize.

Charge D' Affairs US Embassy to Belize - Update, 34min.

Mental Health Association, 26min.

State of the Economy - COVID-19 Update, 70min.

Path Light International - E Conference Summer Training, 28min.

Musical Guest - PUPA CURLY - Artist, 20min.

Happy Public Service Day to All Public Officers!, 4.5min. MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE PAYS TRIBUTE TO PUBLIC OFFICERS ON PUBLIC SERVICE DAY.

Sailing in Belize - Part 1, 20min. The Adventure of a Lifetime

Sailing in Belize - Part 2, 20min.

Sailing in Belize - Part 3, 20min.

Sailing in Belize - Part 4, 14min.

Belizean Soca queen performing LIVE in Seaview restaurant in San Pedro Belize, 2min.

Peeling coconut with teeth in San Pedro Town Belize, 2.5min. Teeth coconut husking in Belize.

Cruising Corozal Town, Belize, 2.5min. Short drive through Corozal Town

Flag Monument in Belize City, 11min.

Scuba Shack Belize 2020 Highlights, 3min. Scuba Shack divers had the opportunity to visit Belize in late February/early March 2020. This short video courtesy of Joel Toohey gives us a little glimpse into the diving.

Remembering the lives of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank, .5min. Murdered a year ago on the north-west coast of Ambergris Caye, while on a fly fishing trip.

June 23, 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

85 students graduate from San Pedro Roman Catholic School
As graduation season continues on Ambergris Caye, on Friday, June 19th, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School (SPRCS) graduated 85 students. The commencement exercise was held under the theme, ‘It is in your hand to make of our world a better one for all,’ and was divided into brief sessions with different groups of students showing up at the school’s compound to receive their Standard Six Certificates. This extended graduation event, triggered by the current COVID-19 pandemic, went on until late in the afternoon.

ECI Development and Caye International Bank partner with the Living Word Church to lead the way to bring food relief to the people of Ambergris Caye
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has not been an easy thing for the San Pedro community to weather. In the noise of it all, many families have found themselves worrying about how to get food on their table and how they will survive through this sudden change in the system. ECI Development and Caye International Bank have partnered with Pastor Ian Zalidvar and the Living Word Church in San Pedro to help lead the way in bringing food relief to the people of Ambergris Caye.

U.S. Government Delivers Ambulances from U.S. NGO to Belize Fire Department
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.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro High Class Of 1980 Celebrates 40th Anniversary
They are the sixth group of students to graduate from San Pedro High School; the Class of 1980 celebrated its 40th graduation anniversary over the weekend. The group boasts the only class to produce two Mayors for San Pedro Town - current Mayor Daniel Guerrero and former Mayor Elsa Paz. The remaining class members include Marisol Trejo, Cherrie Nunez Maggard, Zoyla Gonzalez Guerrero, Leny Alamilla Nuñez, Ali Nuñez and Guillermo Nuñez. The group had a great time reminiscing about the 'good ole days' at Nupalm Island Lounge.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Tuesday, June 23rd Meal pick ups. Location: Food Republic Times: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

COVID-19 Supplies to the Ministry of Health
UNDP and the Global Fund support national efforts through medical supplies and equipment for COVID-19 to the Ministry of Health and a vehicle for the CSO Hub to enable outreach in the fight against HIV/AIDS and TB

WEBINARS: Importance of Archaeological Sites in the Mundo Maya
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation invite you to participate in a series of webinars starting on June 22, 2020 at 3:00pm. For the Belize session on Monday, Dr. Allan Moore and Mr. Josue Ramos from the Institute of Archaeology will be presenting on the topic: Importance of Archaeological Sites in the Mundo Maya. Note that the presentations will be in Spanish. Please register at http://bit.ly/CharlasVirtualesOMM

Monday With The Maya
Today we highlight Ix Chel, Maya goddess of the Moon, Water, weaving and Childbirth. The rainbow deity is an aged goddess with a serpent headdress and jaguar claw hands, during the classic period she was known as Chaak Chel (Great or Red Rainbow) in the codices, but known as Ix Chel (Lady Rainbow) from her famous shrines on La Isla Mujeres, Mexico. She is a weaver goddess, whose whirling drop spindle is said to be at the center of the motion of the Universe.

Deep Dive Talks
This week, Deep Dive Talks is back with our second guest, Wil Maheia. Mr. Maheia is a man of many talents - known for his roles in fishing, farming and activism, to name just a few. For years, he has worked to encourage positive change in Belize and to this day, that remains true. Join us on Instagram Live this Thursday, June 25th at 12:30PM CST as Oceana's Toledo Field Representative, Analee Chuc, chats with Wil about his life, work and love of the sea.

TRANSPORT & NEMO MINISTER EDMOND CASTRO INSPECTS REPAIRS ON GEORGE PRICE HIGHWAY AT ST MATTHEW'S VILLAGE
Yesterday Minister of Transport and National Emergency Management Honorable Edmond was on the ground again inspecting the rapid repairs done on the George Price Highway at St Matthew's Village following the collapse of a massive culvert at that location the day before which had completely cut off access between the Nation's Capital, Belmopan and Belize City.

Working with a Silky Anteater
This weekend I had the honour of working with one of the rarest mammals in Belize, the Silky Anteater. After being found in a yard outside PG, an amazing amount of networking went into getting him flown up for a check-up then back down into the forests of Toledo after he proved to be healthy and ready to go back into the wild. Shout out to my awesome colleagues Humberto Wohlers, Roni Martinez, Ella Baron, Said Gutierrez, Shanelly Carrillo, and Bets Carlos for lending a hand or brain cells to help this amazing little creature.

Central Park got a new facelift over the weekend!
New fun colors to brighten up your day! The turtle, the manatee, and playgrounds are also getting a new paint job. Even the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge got some TLC this past weekend. Thank you to our team for a job well done, and thank you to Atlantic Bank for donating the paint for this project.

Decrease in Premium Gasoline!
The Ministry of Finance announces that on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the pump price of two fuel products will change. The prices for premium gasoline will register a decrease and diesel will register an increase as follows: Premium Gasoline will decrease by $2.69 from $10.92 to $8.23 per gallon Diesel will increase by 51 cents from $7.28 to $7.79 per gallon The prices for regular gasoline and kerosene will remain unchanged at $8.84 and $5.43 per gallon, respectively.

23rd positive case confirmed: COVID-19 Update from the Ministry of Health
Given that we had an arrival with 40+ persons this past Friday, samples were pooled and processed today, this is outside of our established testing days (Tuesdays and Fridays). A further 45 samples were processed today and this has identified a further case of COVID-19. The person is a young female who arrived on the flight on Friday, she is asymptomatic with no treatment required. She went into immediate quarantine upon arrival as part of the established protocol. The Ministry of Health continues with its heightened surveillance.

Tri-Partite Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Development in Protected Areas
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), the Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development (MFFSD), and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) on June 22", 2020 signed a first of kind tri-partied Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the planning, resource mobilization, development and promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. As a part of this MOU, the Parties will develop National Guidelines for Tourism Development in Protected Areas, including minimum requirements for tourism concessions, and the development of an eco-label certification program for tourism providers in protected areas.

FLOOD REPORT AND FORECAST Monday June 22, 2020
River Conditions REGION 7 — FLOOD LEVELS on the Blue Creek sub-catchment of the RIO HONDO at Blue Creek, is receding slowly. Flood levels at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas are steady. The NEW RIVER at Tower Hill is above the banks and falling and at bankfull stage and steady at Caledonia. REGION 9 - On the MACAL RIVER, reservoir level remains above the spillway at Chalillo. Mollejon and Vaca facility. At San Ignacio, levels are above the low-level bridge. The MOPAN RIVER at Bengue Viejo Town is above nominal and receding slowly. On the BELIZE RIVER, levels at Banana Bank and Double Run are above normal and rising. The CROOKED TREE LAGOON remains below the causeway but rising steadily.

UPDATE OF BURGLARY AT HABANERO GRILL IN COROZAL
We would like to update you all that thanks to the Corozal Police Department we managed to recover our Beverage Cooler, and freezer in a abandoned building on a street behind our business. We also managed to recover all 8 of our chairs that we found in another abandoned building behind our establishment. However, we are still missing our 20 Gallon gas tank and a few other small items but we thank God and the Police department for their good work!

The Belize Audubon Society is reopening their protected areas on Wednesday
We are super excited to announce that BAS parks will be reopening this week on Wednesday! Where will you visit first?!

Corn Husk Doll Making Program
Another summer art course being offered to our community! Learn this fun skill and create one of a kind cultural pieces. Please message, call 422-0071 or visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday's for more information and registration.

Food Heritage During Covid-19
This article is a continuation of With Food, Heritage Begins at Home and explores how the concept of sharing a plate of food has taken a different meaning during the times of COVID-19. “Like, share, repost”, as we hear these terms, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and recently, TikTok come to mind. Social media platforms allow for the sharing of content virtually with family, friends, and even strangers through posting content such as photos, videos and text. While some might argue that there are sometimes unwanted risks to sharing one’s ideas, and life snapshots through these public platforms, there has also been an undeniably integral role that these platforms have played in keeping us socially connected while maintaining physical distance in the era of COVID-19.

Channel 7

Repatriate Flight Produces Case #23
On Friday we told you about the 45 Belizeans who came in on a United Flight from Houston. Well, tonight we can confirm that one of them has tested positive for COVID 19. A release from the Director of health Services says that samples were pooled and processed today and this has identified a further case of COVID-19, which now become case #23.

Belize Bank Ownership Group Buys Scotiabank Belize
Today started out with a seismic event in the banking sector when news broke that the Belize Bank's ownership group had bought Scotiabank Belize Limited. It had been reported for over a year that Scotiabank Belize was up for sale - since it was well known that the Canadian owned bank was pulling out of the Caribbean. Up to last year, it had announced plans to exit nine countries in the region. And, now Belize. A release from Lord Ashcroft's Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited says that the deal is for somewhere between 30 and 35 million US dollars. And, for that, Caribbean Investment Holdings takes over all Scotiabank operations in Belize, every branch and ATM, and every employee.

Dead Newborn’s Body Found Being Dragged Around By Dog
Tonight, Police in the Stann Creek District are investigating a heinous crime where a newborn baby is the victim. It appears that the mother, whose identity is currently unknown, discarded the baby shortly after its birth - and the newborn ended up being carried around by a stray dog. Yesterday afternoon a villager spotted a stray dog dragging around something odd. He should at the dog - and the stray dropped it. The villager then went over to investigate, and realized that it was a newborn's partially decomposed body with portions of the baby's chest, head, and hand missing.

Drug Plane Suspicions For Lawmen
And while police work to get to find who the mother is, they also want to question two of their own, and 3 BDF soldiers about the possibility that they were getting ready to commit a serious crime. Over the weekend, Coast Guard found the 5 lawmen and 7 civilians in an area near Santa Marta Village, which is located on the boundary between the Cayo and Stann Creek Districts. They were caught in public at around 3 a.m. in the morning, which is within curfew hours. That by itself is suspicious enough, but the cops want to make absolutely sure that they were not in that area to facilitate the landing of a drug plane.

More Quarantine Escapes
The problem of border jumpers escaping from quarantine continued this weekend - and, again, it happened at the Victor Galvez Stadium in Cayo, Reports say that on Saturday night, 6 persons escaped from quarantine including 3 Guatemalans who had been captured in Chiquibul - almost a month ago(!). Again, the security of the quarantine centres falls to the BDF - but the escapes are a security problem for police as well. Today in Belmopan we asked the Commissioner to confirm and comment:

Residents Allege Brutality on Berry Street
Regularly on the news, we show you residents of Belize City who accuse one special police unit or another of police brutality, or some other similar form of abuse of authority. The victims regularly produce video recordings as proof of the cops overstepping. That's certainly what a group of residents was attempting to do last night when they had an encounter with police on Berry Street. One resident posted a video on Facebook showing the last minutes of the detention of several men on that street.

Man On The Run, Accused of Stabbing Family Members
An apparent domestic dispute in San Jose Village, in the Orange Walk District, has resulted in the hospitalization of a 36-year-old mother, and her teenaged son and daughter. At this time, it is unclear what triggered the quarrel between the woman and her ex-common-law husband. She told police that just before 9:00 last Friday night, he showed up at her house. The interaction between the two adults escalated to the point where he attacked her with a knife. Her children then tried to rescue her, and that's how all three of them ended up suffering stab wounds.

Still No Charges For Driver Of Butane Truck
Last week Wednesday, we told you about the tragic accident in Libertad village which claimed the life of 10 year old Standard 3 student Seven Torres. He was crushed by a Lucas butane truck when the truck knocked him down. His grieving and deeply wounded family held a candle-light vigil for the child at the scene where he was killed this weekend. They are demanding justice and that the driver, 39 year old Yuri Lucas be charged.

COMPOL Blows Off Arzu’s Police Assoc. Injunction
Last week we told you about the election for the police association. Over one thousand police officers came out to vote, and they overwhelmingly selected the slate of 7 led by Sergeant Jane Usher. Those new members of the police association were officially sworn-in at headquarters in Belmopan today with Sergeant Usher as the Chairlady, and top vote getter Sgt. Jermaine Hyde as the deputy chairman. That would seem to put a cap on their election, but not if the former incumbent chairman, Corporal Eldon Arzu has something to say about it.

806 Applied To Come Home, 154 Have Returned
As we told you at the top of the news another repatriate has tested positive for the Coronavirus. And while she becomes case 23 she's just one of 806 Belizeans who have applied to be repatriated.

COVID Cases Spiking In Central America
And while the country faces an immediate threat from its repatriates, a larger threat is looming on our borders. That's because confirmed cases throughout central America are spiking and have ballooned to 81,179. Of those 2,130 have died. Our neighbor to the west, Guatemala, stands behind Panama with the third-highest numbers in the region with 9,605 active cases, and 485 deaths.

Chairman & Alcaldes Arrested
And while COVID vigilance remains high to keep anything like those Central American type numbers out of Belize, villagers of Santa Cruz in the Toledo District say police are taking it too far. PGTV is reporting that police busted into their village on Saturday and detained their leaders. And all because of an anonymous phone call that alleged that they went into Guatemala to sell cacao.

Easy Glen Doing a Thing In the North
You may remember the man known as "Easy Glen". His real name is Goldburne Glenford Adolphus, and he gained prominence as one of the UDP's loyal street soldiers - but with a history of con games. And, police are now accusing him of moving to northern Belize to search for new cons in a new area. 8 days ago, he was charged with 3 counts of obtaining property by deception, and reports are that the charges are connected to some sort of shady business transactions. Well, while he was in police custody on last week Friday, he was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital for medical care.

"Tapeboss" Says Illegally Detained Wrongfully Defamed
Back in April, Roderick Wade A.K.A Tapeboss was put under a 48-hour lockdown over allegations of sexual misconduct. Those allegations sprung up after a video posted by Wade went viral. Now, Wade says he was unlawfully detained and defamed over something that he considered "just a joke". This afternoon in an effort to clear his name he gave us his version of the events in question. Wade has retained an attorney and is taking advice on whether he should bring suit against the media houses who defamed him.

The Rise Of The "Mega-Moscas"
With the heavy rains, come the mosquitoes, but have you noticed that this year there are some especially big mosquitoes? And, boy, do they bite! Well, your eyes are not deceiving you - there are some giant mosquitoes in circulation, like these ones we captured in San Pedro Village, Corozal. The Ministry of Health says the whole coastline is being infested with them - and that they come down from Mexico.

19 Homegrown Scoops
By now you know that COVID-19 has rattled the country, shutting down major industries and crippling many others. And in this economic downturn, many Belizeans have been doing what they can to support and buy local. One Ice Cream Parlour has made buying local a creative and compelling campaign, producing 19 locally sourced flavours in 19 days. And this afternoon we stopped by the Ice Cream Shoppe to get a recap of the unique and delectable concoctions that they've used to showcase a range of tastes from all over Belize.

Serious Complaint of Police Corruption and Theft
Police Commissioner Chester Williams has ordered an internal investigation to a complaint that has emerged out of Cotton Tree Village, on the George Price Highway just outside of Belmopan. The complainant is from a woman who says that police raided her house, and illegal items, but ended up actually raiding her secret stash of cash, and pocketed $6,000 dollars of her money. She claims that she can prove it, and so, our colleagues at Plus TV asked the Commissioner about her assertions, given that she has provided them with surveillance footage of the police search on her home.

Truce Between Two Rival Gangs?
He's trying to get elected as the new Area Representative of Mesopotamia, but yesterday, the UDP's Shyne Barrow made a bold move when he invited personalities from the George Street Gang and the Taylor's Alley Gang to a Father's Day event. It was held on a basketball court that Barrow built in the heart of Taylor's Alley turf. This court is being treated as a sort of neutral ground for these two warring gangs, who are moving to de-escalate the many years of enmity, tension and death.

Police Open To Talking Truce
We also asked the Police Commissioner about this new-found spirit of anti-violence that the members of these two warring gangs are trying to encourage among themselves. He said that police will always welcome positive interventions to de-escalate gun violence on the streets: Chester Williams- Commissioner of Police: "You would know, Ortiz, that after the gang State of Emergency lapsed, one of the agreements between all those gang members who were involved was that they would put down the guns and hold the peace..."

Carnival Cruising For October
While we know that the Belize hotel association wants the airport to open on August 1st We haven't heard much from the cruise sector. And that's because cruise ships are staying put for now. This morning Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that they are cancelling all voyages through September 30, 2020. It's bad news for Belize's tour guides and tourist vendors, those who, ahead of the pandemic, depended on the industry for an already dwindling income.

Premium Price Finally Falls
And while crime may be on the rise, the price of Premium gasoline is finally falling. That's according to a Ministry of Finance release that announces a midnight drop of two dollars, sixty-nine cents, taking the price from $10.92 to $8.23 per gallon. But it's not all good news, Diesel will increase by 51 cents from $7.28 to $7.79 per gallon.

And Then There Were Four
And while premium prices fall, so too has one UDP aspirant for leader failed out of the race. UDP Cayo North Representative Omar Figueroa has withdrawn from the race, leaving it to Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Wilfred Elrington and Darrell Bradley.

Channel 5

Scotiabank Belize to be Sold to Belize Bank Ltd.
We start our newscast tonight with big financial news. The biggest single investment at this time of the COVID pandemic was announced this morning. Caribbean Investment Holdings, the parent company [...]

The Need for Building Investor Confidence in Belize
The willingness to engage in opportunities and associated arbitration channels available based on the perception of risk and return is a primary concern for anyone wanting to invest money in [...]

Ashcroft Has No Interest in Owning Port of Belize
The Port of Belize Limited remains in receivership eight years after being taken over by Private Investment Limited. Despite its status since businessman Luke Espat filed for bankruptcy in January [...]

Lord Ashcroft Weighs in on Proposed Cruise Terminal
The idea of building a world class cruise terminal in Belize City has been met with objection from other tourism developers, including investors in the Stake Bank project who vehemently [...]

COVID Patient #23 Identified
Tonight we can confirm COVID-19 patient number twenty-three. According to the Officer of Director of Health Services, this latest case is one of the repatriates from Friday’s flight. A post [...]

Premium Dips Lower than Regular Gas at the Pumps
Consumers can expect to pay more for one fuel and less for another effective this Tuesday. Premium gasoline will decrease by two dollars and sixty-nine cents to sell at eight [...]

6 Guatemalans Escape from Quarantine Centre
It has happened again: more persons have managed to escape the COVID-19 quarantine centers. The latest breakout happened in Cayo where the government is using the Victor Galvez Stadium as [...]

Remains of Newborn Discovered in San Roman
There is a disturbing report coming out of the south tonight. The remains of a newborn baby were discovered around five-forty on Sunday evening on a farm in San Roman [...]

Police Officers, B.D.F. Solders Ordered to be Arrested
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has ordered the arrest of about twelve persons including two police officers and three B.D.F. soldiers. The men were in the Santa Martha Village over [...]

“Easy Glen” Not Easy with the Land Scams!
Glenford “Easy Glen” Adolphus is facing more jail time tonight. The well-known Belize City man, who was imprisoned for shady land deals, was in the hospital when he escaped from [...]

Santa Cruz Villagers Vex with PG Police
On Saturday, villagers of Santa Cruz in the south expressed frustration against the Belize Police Department after their village leaders were detained and quarantined. The chairman Alfredo Mes, First Alcalde [...]

Politics Time Again, Omar Figueroa Drops Out of U.D.P. Leadership Race
Turning to political news…the United Democratic Party is heading to a second leadership convention on July twelfth, after within three days of his election, John Saldivar had to step down [...]

Leadership Convention Amid COVID-19
How will the upcoming leadership convention be conducted amid social distancing and limited crowd sizes post the state of emergency? According to Peyrefitte, who is also the attorney general, all [...]

Chetumal Surpasses Cancun in COVID-19 Infections
Earlier in the newscast we told you about COVID patient number twenty-three, but across the northern border, Chetumal, has surpassed Cancun with the number of positive COVID-19 cases. On Friday, [...]

Berry Street Families Recount an Encounter with GSU Officers on Father’s Day
A Father’s day celebration on Sunday did not end well for two families on Berry Street, Belize City. A number of family members had converged at the house of the [...]

ComPol Says Officers in Lake I Enforcing Curfew Law
The incident was captured in video and Yorke and Neal families have their convictions about what transpired on Sunday night on Berry Street in the Lake independence. A video capturing [...]

Misunderstanding in Taylor’s Alley Resolved
The Mesopotamia Father’s Day Unity Basketball Game between once rival members of the George Street and Taylor’s Alley Gangs went off without a hitch on Sunday. The game was held [...]

No Charges Yet in Libertad Fatal Accident
Police says that the file for the fatal accident in Libertad Village that happened last Wednesday is with the D.P.P. for further directives. According to ACP Joseph Myvett, the police [...]

Did Cops Steal $6K During House Search?
A woman in Cotton Tree Village is accusing police officers of stealing six thousand dollars from her home. As many as eighteen law enforcement officers reportedly conducted a search at [...]

Mother & 2 Children Stabbed in O.W.
A mother and her two children were stabbed in their home on Friday night around eight-forty-five. The man who did the stabbing is identified as Guatemalan national Esau Ramirez Lopez. [...]

Gas Tomza Robbed Again; This Time in Belmopan!
Robbers target a second Gas Tomza depot in less than a week. The latest incident happened on Friday around five-forty in the evening in Belmopan where armed men held up [...]

Cpl. Eldon Arzu Challenges Police Association Election Process
This afternoon, the newly elected executive of the Belize Police Association was officially sworn in by the Commander of Welfare and Sports, Superintendent Calvert Flowers. The association is now being [...]

Belizean Dreamer Reacts to DACA Ruling
And some good news, last week Thursday the Supreme Court of the United States ruled to continue Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), allowing young people to apply for and [...]

LOVE FM

Works ongoing at Mile 38
Last Thursday, Belizeans were startled after massive flooding around Mile 38 on the George Price Highway caused the road to break apart. Engineers from the Ministry of Works alluded to the culvert not being big enough to withstand the magnitude of flooding caused by the incessant rains.

New Police Association sworn in
The winning team in the Police Association elections held last week were sworn in today at Belmopan. Cayo Correspondent Fem Cruz spoke to the president and the vice president.

Six Guatemalans escape from quarantine
Another set of persons under quarantine have escaped. This time, six Guatemalans who illegally crossed into Belize somehow managed to evade the Belize Defence Force soldiers at Victor Galvez Stadium in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District. According to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, the constant escape by those under quarantine poses a huge threat to the safety of other Belizeans.

Maya Mopan residents say they feel neglected by City Council
The residents of the Maya Mopan area in Belmopan are feeling neglected by the City Council, who they say provide little to no help when their area was flooded last week. Our news team was in the area last week when we observed several yards under water as well as some homes.

The Eve Banks story
This next story is not a usual occurrence in Belize. If it is, then it is often times kept private. But, over the weekend we learnt of a young Belizean couple who was capitalizing on the death of a newborn baby claiming the child to be theirs when it was actually for their neighbor. It is like a script from a lifetime movie but in this instance, it is not fiction.

Woman and children stabbed
A woman and her teenage kids were hospitalized after her ex-boyfriend stabbed them repeatedly. 36-year-old Rebecca Munoz has been separated from the assailant for about a year, but that did not stop him from paying a visit to their home in San Jose, Orange Walk District.

Newborn baby found dead and eaten by dogs
The partially decomposed body of a newborn was found in San Roman Village, Stann Creek District last night. Reports are that a resident had gone to an area in the village to gather soil when he observed a dog dragging something on the ground.

Police officers and BDF soldier detained
Two police officers and three Belize Defence Force soldiers are under suspicion after they were found in an area where there were allegedly facilitating the landing of a narco-plane. Members of the Belize Coast Guard found the men, along with seven civilians, near a lagoon in Little Belize, Corozal District around 3am yesterday.

Ashcroft buys over Scotiabank
The banking sector in Belize is seeing yet another shift as Scotiabank’s Belize shares are being bought over. Lord Michael Ashcroft through his group, Caribbean Investments Holdings Limited (CIHL) has acquired Scotiabank’s Belize licensed operations. In the first instance, CIHL will pay thirty point five million US dollars to Scotiabank Caribbean Holdings.

Breaking Belize News

Mesopotamia unity – George Street and Taylor’s Alley come together on basketball court for father’s day
Contributed: On Sunday, gang members from George Street and Taylor’s Alley came together for a friendly father’s day […]

Armed robbery in Bullet Tree leaves businessman injured
Reports to BBN’s newsdesk are that just before 9pm tonight, 4 armed men entered Chen’s […]

Young woman robbed of almost $1,000 on busy Belize City street
A young woman reported to police that she was robbed of almost $1,000 around 11:00 […]

Police seek Toledo farmer for chopping incident
Police in Toledo are seeking farmer, Antonio Ogaldez, for a chopping incident which reportedly happened […]

Guatemalan national arrested for Toledo chopping incident
A Guatemalan national, Emilio Esquivel, 57, has been detained by police following a chopping incident […]

Ministry of Health confirms 23rd case of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health, via the Office of the Director of Health Services, has confirmed […]

COMPOL: Police investigating how 6 Guatemalans escaped quarantine in San Ignacio
Today, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams confirmed that over the weekend, 6 Guatemalan nationals escaped […]

Police investigate activities of 15 men detained on alleged fishing excursion
Police are investigating the activities of 15 individuals who were initially detained around 3 a.m […]

The return of football in Europe: reflections for Belize
Some of the best-known and most famous football leagues in the world made their low-key […]

Omar Figueroa out of UDP leadership race
Area representative for Cayo North and Minister for the Environment, Dr. Omar Figueroa, has apparently […]

Tourism Board releases safety protocols for overnight tourism sector
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has announced a series of enhanced safety and health protocols […]

UNDP and Global Fund support Ministry of Health COVID-19 national efforts with medical supplies and equipment
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize in the framework of the Global Fund […]

COVID-19 cases reach over 9 million globally
Statistics from Worldometer indicates that as of today, there are 9,089,099 cases of COVID-19 around […]

Scotiabank announces the sale of its operations in Belize to Caribbean Investment Holdings Limited
Today, Scotiabank announced that it has reached an agreement for the sale of 100% of […]

Caribbean Investment to acquire Scotiabank’s Belize operation for US $35 M
According to an article from StockMarketWire.com, Caribbean Investment has agreed to acquire Scotiabank’s licensed Belize […]

You’re a 12,000 pound elephant
The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Breaking Belize […]

Blogs

Best Beach Bars in Belize
There’s something quite special about beach bars. With a cocktail in hand and toes in the sand, they take you to a different place; where you can leave all your worries behind and just have fun. Belize’s picture perfect beaches, laid-back culture and eclectic food and drink scene make these beach bars all the more special. So, we rounded up the best beach bars throughout the country, from Ambergris Caye to Placencia. Perfect for sipping on a local Belikin beer, listening to reggae and jumping into the sea to cool down.

International Sources

Genetically engineered mosquitoes get EPA approval for Florida release despite objections from environmental groups
A genetically modified male mosquito named OX5034 has received both state and federal approval to be released into the Florida Keys now through 2022, against the objection of many local residents and a coalition of environmental advocacy groups. "The administration has used tax dollars and government resources for a Jurassic Park experiment, except without the island," said Jaydee Hanson, policy director at the International Center for Technology Assessment and Center for Food Safety, in a statement.

Small islands' economies to shrink as tourism declines amid Covid-19 pandemic
Countries that are highly reliant on tourism will face the greatest pressures on their economies as the Covid-19 pandemic reduces tourist arrivals, according to Moody's Investors Service. The decline in tourism-related revenue and export earnings will weaken the fiscal balance of tourism-dependent economies, especially those with limited resources to absorb the shock, Moody's said in a report on June 22. "The shock to the tourism sector will matter most for those sovereigns with weak credit fundamentals combined with an elevated susceptibility to event risk," David Rogovic, Moody's vice president, said.

IDB Group Launches New Edition of Superheroes of Development Awards for its Clients
The yearly Superheroes of Development award will once again recognize the executing agencies, borrowers or clients of projects financed by the IDB Group (which includes the Inter-American Development Bank, IDB Invest and IDB Lab) that have successfully addressed different challenges in their implementation. The contest will identify executing agencies and clients throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, who will have the opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of IDB experts. The winners will receive free access to two online courses per person certified by the IDB and edX (the online educational platform of Harvard and MIT) and will present their project and lessons learned in an online event with Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the IDB.

IDB Approves Loan to Support Belize’s Vulnerable Population Affected by COVID-19
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a loan of US$12 million for Belize to support the implementation of the COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Program. The loan program will provide protection for the vulnerable population affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, it will provide cash transfers for a period of 12 weeks to currently unemployed individuals, formerly working in the informal or formal sectors, particularly but not solely in tourism, and who are not on the rosters of other cash transfer programs.

CARPHA’s COVID-19 Detection Capacity gets US$750k boost from IDB
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) received a grant valued at US$750,000 from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to promote regional health security through the coordination of the regional health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, signed on June 5, is made available through the IDB Japan Special Fund. It will support the enhancement of Laboratory Response Capacity at CARPHA, mobilise surge and strengthen real-time disease surveillance and response. Specifically, through the CARPHA Regional Travellers’ Health Program (THP) for all 26 of the agency’s member states. This component will also facilitate the development and implementation of the Caribbean travel health mobile app for real-time information sharing.

Beyond Tourism Innovation Challenge
The COVID-19 crisis offers an opportunity for the tourism sector and its closely related supply chains to embrace digital transformation and boost innovation ecosystems in the public and private sectors. Innovation can fuel the sector to recalibrate and emerge from this crisis ready to grow again. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through its innovation laboratory, IDB Lab, and in collaboration with the the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), seeks to identify business models that aim to transform and revitalize the tourism sector in 15 target countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Videos

Peter Lawrence on ReefTV, min.

Great video of Cayo from above, 2min. Enjoy this short video of uptown San Ignacio, a couple weeks after lockdown has been lifted. Stay Safe on the Highways, continue to remain inside unless necessary.

Belize Bank's Vendor Payment Tutorial, 2.5min. The Belize Bank Limited introduces a faster way to process bulk payments to vendors and business partners.

Central Bank of Belize on the Acquisition of Scotiabank (Belize), 5.5min. The Governor of Central Bank of Belize speaks on the acquisition of Scotiabank (Belize) by Caribbean Investment Holdings, the parent company of Belize Bank Ltd.

La Guerra de Castas, 4.5min. n 1847 after 300 years of oppression by the Spanish in the Mayab the Yucatec Maya rise and liberated town by town through the peninsula . By spring of 1848, the Maya forces had taken over most of the Yucatán, with the exception of the walled cities of Campeche and Mérida and the southwest coast . By 1850 the Maya form a independent Máasewal nation known as Noj Kaj Santa Cruz(1850-1901) . The British even recognized the Maya free state . By 1860 the Yucatec Maya (Máasewal) had under their control the territories which included the eastern, central and southern portions of the Yucatán peninsula, extending from Cape Catoche south to include what is now northwestern Belize and northeastern Guatemala.

Belize Got Talent, 3.5hr. Hosted by: Troy "DJ Dalla" Flowers.

The Business Hour..., 90min.

Upgrading of the Corozal-Sarteneja Road and Construction, 2hr. Public Consultation 2020, Dept. of the Environment

Belize 2017, 9min. The Schumacher family travels to Belize in November 2017 to explore Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize City, and San Ignacio. Also with a special drive West into Guatemala for an adventure through the Mayan ruins of Tikal.

VIP Choir Tour 2018 - Belize, 5min. "Rejoice" (Ames) Recorded in Belize - June 2018 Soloists: Lila Winslow and Will Sudduth

The Garden Shop - Belize Botanic Gardens - San Ignacio Town, Cayo, Belize, 2min.

Crab Catching Hopkins Village Belize, 3min.

Drive Tour of Santa Elena & San Ignacio - Belize, 4min. We created this drive tour video of Santa Elena and San Ignacio (Twin Towns) to share what our towns look like while at the same time highlighting some popular places along the way.

Eating Mangoes, 1min. On the LEFT, the proper way to eat a mango. On the RIGHT, the tourist way of eating a mango.

June 22, 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

Doctor Love: Divorce
Dear Doctor Love, My husband and I got a divorce last year and at first it was handled pretty calmly. We have joint custody of our nine-year-old daughter and our main concern is keeping a balanced life for her. We were occasionally intimate during the time we were working out the details. I had even wondered if we might give things another go until I found out he was seeing someone and I went ahead with the divorce. I was very hurt that he couldn’t even wait for the ink to dry before heading into another relationship so now I only have contact with him when we have to discuss something that concerns our daughter.

Various Belizean Sources

Caye Caulker Soup Kitchen day Location
Monday June 22nd Meal pick ups. Location: Belize Diving Services Ltd. Time: Village: 11:00am - 11:45am. Bahia: 11:45am - 12:30pm.

Breaking Belize News

Motorcyclist injured in traffic accident in Santa Elena, Cayo
Reports to BBN indicate that just after 9 a.m. today, a motorcyclist was injured in […]

Brazil tallies 1 million COVID-19 cases, 50,000 deaths amid reopening
With 1 million cases and close to 50,000 dead as of Friday, Brazil is confronting […]

Lisa Shoman elected president of Inter-American Development Bank admin tribunal
Senior Counsel and member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Administrative Tribunal based in Washington, […]

Church and Bank of England apologise for slavery roles
The Church of England (the Anglicans) and the Bank of England have apologized for the […]

Blogs

How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Belize
If you go from A to B for the pleasure of doing so, and ‘smell the roses on the way’, then it’s a road trip. The two simple words can mean so much. Namely, an exciting chance to get away from everyday life as you venture into uncharted territory. Although Belize only has four national highways, some may argue it is best explored by road. Take the Hummingbird Highway: you’ll meander through the scenic Stann Creek Valley; drive between verdant citrus and banana orchards; cross numerous rivers; and get familiar with the villages along the way. In Belize, any destination is just a day’s trip away. Here’s how to plan an epic road trip in Belize.

International Sources

Caribbean Investment agrees to acquire Scotiabank's Belize banking operations for up to US$35m
Caribbean Investment said it had agreed to acquire Scotiabank's licenced Belize banking operations for up to US$35m from Scotiabank Caribbean Holdings. The acquisitions would expand the company's existing banking operations in Belize and that there were synergies between the group's current banking operations and the operations of SBL.

Acquisition of Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd
The Company today announces that it has reached an agreement for the purchase of Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. ("SBL") from Scotiabank Caribbean Holdings Ltd., (the "Seller") a subsidiary of The Bank of Nova Scotia ("BNS"), for an initial purchase price of up to US$30.5 million ("Acquisition"). The Acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

500 Delta Employees Have Tested Positive For COVID-19
500 Delta Air Lines employees have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, during today’s shareholder’s call. Unfortunately, 10 of those infected have sadly passed away. So far, around 500 Delta employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since the current pandemic began. Thankfully, this represents just 0.6% of the airline’s 90,000 employees. Commenting on the figure, Bastian said,

Videos

Drums of our Father's Concert with Garinajahz, 61min. Belizean Folk Music fused with Jazz. Dennis C. Wolfe recently did a song with GarinaJahz, a new Belizean Jazz band from Punta Gorda, Belize. They also collaborated ain a song with Supa G, one of the most famous Belizean Artists. The song Dennis is featured on has a full music video and aired last night.

National Virtual Graduation Ceremony, 21min.

Police disrupt Santa Cruz, 1.5min. Yesterday residents of Santa Cruz invited PGTV to voice their concerns. They told PGTV that police bust into their village and detained their leaders. The Chairman Alfredo Mes, First Alcalde Renata Canti and Caterino Chaeb Second Alcalde. All based on an anonymous phone call that claimed they went into Guatemala to sell Cacao. When the authorities realized that they did not cross the border they let them out of the quarantine center. By the time they got home the authorities picked them up again and took them back, this time telling them they must now go into self quarantine, because while at the quarantine center in PG they could have been exposed.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY IN CAYE CAULKER, 3min. HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO THESE SPECIAL CAYE CAULKER DAD'S WHO WERE SUBMITTED BY THEIR FAMILY, AND THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

Caye Caulker Father's Day Celebration on The Voice of Caye Caulker, 3hr.

David Heredia from the Cayo Music School performs Fountain of Dreams, 2min.

Belize 2003, 40min.

Belize inspiration - Dream Now, Travel Later, 28min.

Scenes Of Belize, 2.5min. A compilation of drone flights I did.

Belize 2017,10.5min. Cosmos Sub Aqua Club visit to Belize in 2017.

Speedboating over to Placencia in Belize, 4.5min. Island hopping in Belize

9:00 AM mass from St. Martin de Porres Parish, Belize City, 74min.

Ivory Kelly Interviewed by Belize Book Industry Association, 21min. Belizean author Ivory Kelly talks about her literary influences and the importance of literature in Belizean society

Boat Ride - Frenchman Cayes - Port Honduras Marine Reserve - PHMR - Toledo - Belize, 3min.

Belizean Meat Pies, 18min. There is nothing quite like a hot steaming Belizean meat pie for breakfast. Although these are very popular for breakfast they can also be eaten as a snack throughout the day.

Scenes Of Belize, 2.5min. A compilation of drone flights I did.

Huipil & Terno Embroidery Workshop, 4.5min. The Embroidery and Sewing Workshop is well on its way to a successful completion of unique Belizean Ternos. We are very proud of the ladies despite the challenges. They have shown dedication, love and unity throughout this project.

June 21, 2020