Garifuna Settlement Day celebration in San Pedro

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the Garifuna Settlement day here in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The sky was clear, the sea was calm, and the kids were having fun in the water. On November 19, 2013 the Garifuna came out in Central Park to present their ceremony held in San Pedro. It started at 11a.m. in the morning when a group of Garifuna’s, made a re-enactment of how they reached in Belize around the island with a boat. Ending up back in Central park, the show commenced.

It was great to hear the Garifuna National Anthem in their own language, followed by the Garifuna prayer.  A speech was made from each individual Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Retired teacher Angel Nunez, Mintister of Tourism and Culture Manuel Heredia, San Pedro Garifuna Council, each explained their own speech. They felt very happy to see this culture continue and growing each year. The show continued with the live drumming and show-casing their own food. The band were playing on the drums, while some dance along with the music enjoying the Punta rhythm. Locals and Tourists had a great experienced seeing at what Belize has to offer for the local Belizeans and Visitors abroad.


Sponsors were thanked for those who had helped on donating the Garifuna Culture to help bring this fantastic show together.

Since 1802 Garifuna was recognized to be part of the community in Belize. It comes back from the early 19 century when the Garinagu settled mostly on the southern part of Belize. This year it makes 181 years of Garifuna is being recognize in Belize, by the township in Dangriga.

The National flag of the Garifuna is White, yellow, and Black. Ladies clothing style , wear's a long dress sewn in chekered style and along with a head piece covering their entire head. The different types of food of Garifuna are called Boil up, serre, hudut, ereba (cassava bread). As the music the enjoy hearing in their culture would be Punta, Punta Rock, hungu-hungu, combination, wanaragua, abaimahani, matamuerte, laremuna wadaguman, gunjai, sambai, charikanari, eremuna egi, paranda, berusu, punta rock, teremuna ligilisi, arumahani, and Mali-amalihani. Punta is the mst popular when they are having a social event. Language comes from Arawakan language spoken in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua by the Garifuna people. Religion is accepted as Catholic and some in other religion.


Here are some photos taken:




Mayor Daniel Guerrero saying his speach.

Mr. Nunez up on stage talking about when the arrivals came in San Pedro.



Ms. Queen Garifuna pageant.

 

One of the member's beatting one of the ingridients.



Group having a fun time playing the drums.



 

 

 

San Pedro 8th Annual Boat Parade

Every year in December 7th, San Pedro celebrates one of the famous traditions the "Boat Parade". This event enlightens the night view at night. It attracts many from the distance. Some may want stand on the beach or some may want to sit back relax and enjoy watching the boat parade, as it goes by on a dock. This event Heralds the holiday takes us to a Christmas spirit feeling.

 As you enjoy the Christmas feeling, you and your family, can enjoy the warm welcoming Christmas boat parade. It will be a spectacular experience to see and enjoy. Starting from Wayo's Beach Bar and ends at Caribbean Villas and it will make a turn and straight to Central Park for the winning Contest. With the amazing view at night, it will bring colorful lights and the enjoyment of the crowd cheering as the boats go by. So if you want to enjoy this event you may not want to miss it.

 This year it will be even better and enjoyable to witness. In looking forward to the regualar participants new invites were invited to join in this year's event. Many prizes will be given in categories for the best decoration boat including original and the best religious decoration and the choice of the Mayor coveted Trophy cup.

Moving to Central Park there will be many activities to do. The block party will be in different booths and featuring local artist, the best food sale, and as well as fundraising booth. Schools are being asked to join the parade. Awards will be given to the best school choir and by submitting two songs for the committee to enjoy.

If you are looking for a space, Booth rental application will be available starting on November 18 at the San Pedro Business Association Office. If you have any concern about this year's event or you may want to have a T-shirt, you can contact a Tel: SPBA at 226-2799, Cell: 624-3204 or email: info@sanpedrobusiness.com or drop by at the SPBA on Barrier Reef Drive before November 20th.

 Music will be provided by DJ Habo being the master of ceremonies while keeping the crowd listening to carols, while the boat parade goes by and prizes will be given after the ceremony.

 The SPBA San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat parade committee invites all businesses and individuals in the community to consider donating to the event or offering sponsorship to ensure that this event is successful and that the tradition may live on. All boat owners and organizations are welcome to enter a boat in the parade and competition. Please contact the SPBA for more details on how you can be a part of this wonderful event.
Signed: San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Committee: Rebecca Arceo, Amanda Syme, Coqui Alamilla and Jan Brown

Garifuna Culture Exhibit in Corozal

The Corozal House of Culture is pleased to present the Contributors of Garifuna Culture Exhibit You are invited to join us on On November 19th Garifuna Settlement Day for the opening, along with our other activities; a drum making workshop and Drum Circle. The exhibit will stay on display into the New Year. For more information contact 422-0071. Sounds of Garifuna drums will fill the air in Corozal Town.  It starts  at 5 p.m. The circle will consist of 30 Garifuna drums supplied and orchestrated by drum maker/performer Mr. Mark Welch. Mistress of Ceremony, Ms. Audrey Martinez will engage the audience with storytelling, song, and the Garifuna language. This event is imperative in reaching out to the Corozal community, showcasing the Garifuna culture and love of music. Join in the circle with drums provided or to bring your own and be a part of the Garifuna rhythm.

Mr. Welch will also be conducting a drum making workshop at 1 p.m. The cost is $100 to make your own drum. Interested persons may contact the House of Culture. Deadline for registration is November 15th.

Rain in Belize causes extremely high levels of water increase

After having  heavy rain, last weekend, reports came from Sarteneja Village saying that the road was overflood. Residence in the area said by looking at how high it reach, it measured three feet high of water. Sarteneja community had to forced to leave the area before seeking for transportation to work and school. This flood in Sarteneja has been affected for months. The condition of the road has been extremely worsen by the heavy rain that was caused. While residence travelled by foot it took approximatley three hours to walk the forty mile road from sarteneja to Orange Walk and Corozal. The road was to be paved by early 2013 and work is just starting. Reports came in that buses often got stucked. The road is deteriorated and people are fustrated and the residence in Sarteneja to leave the village. Having no water in the community, they say that for the past ten months they hadn't had awater and the new portable water hasn't reached yet.

Conditions on the road. Before the ferry going to Corozal.
 

Looking on the main land of Belize, Crooked Tree was over flooded in some areas of the village. Some parts of the area was found over four feet of water. Some serious health problem are reported cough and athlete foot. Since residence had to pass through water to reach to their destination and homes they said that the water was up to their knee. Students ad resident of Crooked Tree had to be shuttled by a boat since the village was over flooded.  Water is still rising in some areas and the 5 miles streatch road to Crooked Tree was over four feet high. Since the flooding in the area, the villagers stayed without food and water. Also, as Tourist Season is beginning, residents of the small cabanas can't do much because of the flooding and they will have big lost. One of them said it take about 4-7 weeks or more for the water to seattle. Chairman Edmund Castro has not yet visited the village after three weeks of rain and flooding.

In the west side of Belize the village of Arizona, next to Teakettle was also under water. As Teakettle experience two feet of water three weeks ago. Today some yards are covered with water. Were water comes down from the Mountains it find it's way to low-lands on the hill side. Students of the village can little do nothing, but to wear boots and walk over mud to reach to school. The only road access is useable is the road to Pook Hill.  A resident in the area had to dig a drain for the water run else where. Flue is affecting some resindents of the village because of walking in the water. Minister of Woks says as soon as the weather seattles and dries up we will be fixing the roads.


Over in San Pedro the end of the airstrip was covered with water over a feet high. South of the Island, it was difficult to use the main road as it was covered with water  and hardly could be seen. Some streets had huge puddle of water and huge holes on the streets. Some Residences in the Island were affected by flooding in their yards. It was a foot high in some areas. Roads in the Island can't be fixed until the rain has clearly stopped and streets needs to be dried up. Residences in the Island are wandering when the streets will be fixed.

B.S.I. to stop Sugar deliveries

The Belize Sugar Farmers and the Belize Sugar Indusrty are in a bitter situation. Since December of last year BSCFA and B.S.I. were negotiating business. Farmers wants to be payed as the bagasse is being use as fuel in the factory, which produces electricty as a bio-fuel for BELCOGEN.  B.S.I. said that they will not pay the farmers. On September, BSCFA refused to negotiate in the table when B.S.I. refuse to address the issue of giving economic benefits of producing Bagasse by B.S.I.. On Monday B.S.I. said that they will not be engaging in any revenue discussing and sharing anything about the bagasse. This week, the farmers are making an urging to BSI to enter into talks before things get even worst with the farmers. The farmers says that B.S.I. had signed a contract for fifteen years with Belize Electric Limited.  Oscar Alonso, C.E.O of BSCFA,  said that if B.S.I conitues to act in bad faith, they are well prepared to forced down cane deliveries.

 On November 25th the operating mill will begin to operate before it even gets any worst. Farmers mentioned that without no signing their will be no craps. B.S.I. and the people, were called to end this matter peacefully and to bring this negotiatable to the table.  On November 2nd their was a meeting with two of the divisions. The Orange Walk division met on the second for a meeting. On the tenth of November Corozal division met for a meeting and both passed a resolution. It was given a mandate to sign an agreement with B.S.I., unless an agreement is being made on the payment for Bagasse. If their is no agreement before crop season, their will be no crop. Then their will be no commencement of crop delivery, that is the Mandate given.  

Alfredo Ortega
The mandate is that we won't start crop is we don't sign any agreement with BSI and in the agreement it has to include bagasse in it. We are asking and calling on BSI to come and let us dialogue because it is not only the cane farmers that will lose, it will be the industry as whole. We are calling on them to come and let us negotiate. I Think the answer that they have given is no, they will not be sharing with us, I think that is a real slap to the face of the farmers."




 Oscar Alonso, C.E.O., Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association
 "We are not putting our foot down, we are extending a hand. We are saying look come let us sit down together." But in that same agreement has twenty-nine pages and on page twenty-nine, there is a clear statement there that binds both parties to come to the table and discuss or negotiate any by-product that will have commercial value and that based on those discussions then we will share the revenues from the proceeds of those by-products. But B.S.I. is saying is that they have invested in BELCOGEN and as such we don’t have any right to any return on the profit and it is that investment that created the value of the bagasse. You have used part of that bagasse to provide energy to your plant to produce sugar and molasses and we have also been used by farmers to spread in our fields for fertilizer and the rest has been disposed of—burning so as not to contaminate the environment. But it is the market that has created that value of the bagasse. Without that market, B.S.I. would not have made that investment. and BELCOGEN for BELCOGEN to supply nine mega watts of energy to B.S.I. So that then adds up to about twenty-five and their capacity is at about thirty-two mega watts of energy that they can produce. So that market then enables B.S.I. to determine what size of investment they need to take. We now have a new set of executives that come in and try to interpret that according to their own personal discretion. No…that is intolerable; that is unfair. What we are simply saying, let’s stick to what is provided in the existing agreement. Don’t come and turn around and say look, we only take the first twenty-eight pages of the agreement and forget about the twenty-ninth page. When ASR came in, we extended them a hand. WIn fact, before they even came and presented proposal of what they intended to do, we alerted them to the fact that look you are buying this factory with this agreement. This agreement calls for the negotiation of a new agreement and also for the bagasse."

BSI sent out a letter on Tuesday were the farmers were invited for a meeting on November 19th. The meeting will be based upon negotating and discuss about everything Except Baggase, in Belize City.
In late September, thefarmers requested a meeting to discuss about bagasse.

Feliz Bar and Grill present "So You Think You Know Me?"

It's BACK after many requests, So You Think You Know Me partner trivia. Wether you have been married for years, dating, best friends, roommates or have worked together for years. Just how well do you know your partner? This is our take on the classic TV show The Newlywed Game.

We also have a special guest coming to join us, Amanda Bisack of The Chica Travelista. She is on our beautiful island with her CAMERA MAN, filming for a pilot for a new travel show!!!

Golf Cart hit's Island Barbor Shop in San Pedro

On Sunday Nov. 10th between the hour of 8:45pm and 9:05pm, A golf cart rental number 104 license plate C-2419, while driving south on Angel Coral street the driver tried to over take a sink hole that had an iron barrel on top. The driver drove over the iron drum. While stopping the golf cart took him to one side and lost control. The Driver  then realized that he had drove into Island Barbor shop. Along with him a female was riding with him in the golf cart. The female fled the scene. I spoked to the owner of the Island Barbor shop Mostaf Haramouch Saying " I was cutting someone's hair. When I heard this loud bang. I stood their wandering what had happened and realize that a golf cart had crashed the glass. It caught me off gaurd and I was lucky that it had hit the post."  The driver Miguel Campos at the time was drinking when this incedent happened. He suffered a miner injury in his head that cause him a scrap. 15 minutes later the traffic officer along with police arrived on the scene. The driver told police that, while driving south on Angel Coral street, "I tried to miss a hole that I didn't see." he swurved to the right hitting the Island Barbor shop. Later on, he was detained for more investigation.

 

Police investigating on the matter.

Driver tried to over take the sink hole.

Driver had an hard impact when he hit the wall.



Miss Universe Gabriela Isler 2013

The 62 annual Miss Universe 2013 results are in, and the winner of this year’s pageant is Gabriela Isler, Miss Venezuela 2013.
Isler becomes the third Miss Universe 2013 winner in six years for the country of Venezuela, as she defied the odds to win the crown in front of a sold out Crocus City Hall, Krasnogorsk in Moscow Oblast, Russia.

Heading into this competition, Maria Gabriela de Jesus Isler Morales was given 16/1 longshot odds to become the Miss Universe 2013 winner, tied with Miss Germany, Miss Spain, Miss Turkey and Miss Curacao.

However, the 25-year-old, 5-foot 10 beauty from Maracay, Venezuela, dazzled in all facets of the competition, stealing the hearts of the judges on her way to the victory. The top 10 semifinalists for the Miss Universe 2013 pageant were Spain, Philippines, Great Britain, India, Brazil, USA, Ukraine, Ecuador, Venezuela and Dominican Republic.

The top five finishers were: Philippines, Spain, Ecuador, Venezuela and Brazil. In the end there could only be one winner, and the final Miss Universe 2013 results are:

• Miss Universe 2013 Results Winner: Gabriela Isler (Miss Venezuela)
• 1st Runner up: Patricia Yurena Rodriguez (Miss Spain)
• 2nd Runner up: Constanza Baez (Miss Ecuador)
• 3rd Runner up: Ariella Arida (Miss Philippines)
• 4th Runner up: Jakelyne Oliveira (Miss Brazil)

 

Corozal Women's Forum

Time: 10:00 am

Event:"Ralph is dead, now what?"

 Location: Corozal House of Culture

Join the Corozal Women's Forum on November 21st at the Corozal House of Culture for the subject of: "How and why to make your wishes known and prepare your estate." Our November meeting is on a very serious and important subject. Many of you know someone that has died here in Belize and the experience can be very frightening, intimidating, and discouraging let alone heartbreaking.

We want to help eliminate some of the confusion so we have put together a program that will answer many of your questions and help you prepare for the inevitable. The meeting will be open to both men and women.You must pre-register and there will be a $5 per person fee to attend. You may pay at the door. You will receive an information packet with information gathered by our team and our guest speakers.

To register by email corozalwomensforum@gmail.com (preferable) or call 637-0686. Do not assume you are on the list because you told me or another officer you are coming, we can easily forget to get you added. If you signed up at the last meeting you are confirmed. Space is limited so R.S.V.P. soon. Cut off date to register is November 8th. 

Sign in at 9:30AM, meeting starts promptly at 10AM. Post Script: If you have had to deal with this subject and would like to share your experiences we will have time for a couple of you to tell your story. If you wish to remain anonymous please email meloretarandall@gmail.com and I will add your story to our handout without your name. We are also looking for a listing of Attorneys or JP's you have used and would recommend. Email that to Loreta directly as well. Thank you for you support!
Loreta Randall -President

Please check our Facebook page.
For more information contact corozalwomensforum@gmail.com.
The forum is an opportunity for women to meet, enjoy, support, and learn from one another. It is open to all women in the Corozal area. The group promotes self-development through networking and enhancement of acumen among women of the community.
Loreta Randall President
Corozal Womens' Forum
PO Box 13
Corozal Town
Belize Central America
501-637-0686

"Baby Jaguars" football team to compete in the U-17

On Friday morning, the team memebrs of the "Baby Jaguar" attended a cermony at the Biltmore Plaza to show of their talented football team. The Football Federation are watching closely on this team as they play very well. This team will be competing under sixteen team in the Central American regional tournament. In the caymans, the team attended the CONCACAF inaguaral. In November eighteen and on the twenty fourth of November, the team will be playing under sixteen games, held at Belmopan at the F.F.B Stadium. The conference was held to present the public the Belize National Football Selection. Head coach Renan Cowo says that since the returning of the CONCAF U-15 the composition of the team has fluctuated. Because of Discipline and professional expectation he attributes a short listing.Fifteen-year-old Jamir Alpuche has succeeded in making the cut. he says, they are very demanding and he has been preparing for the upcoming games. he is among the many players who tried out. 

President Ruperto Vincente, Football Federation of Belize says : "U-15 was built, the team that headed to the caymans. In the participation of the CONCAF U-15 tournament, a lot of players were playing in the U-16 were on the team U-15. The team was preparing since the last three months. By bringing a new set of players, we knew we would strengthn the the U-15 team in the caymans. Every weekend, they travel on fridays and travel back on Sunday seems that they are all students. Every two years, the UNCAF does this tournament and this preparation is to play on the U-17 World Cup whih UNCAF would like Belize to host."

Renan Cowo, Head Coach, Baby Jaguars

“This team, I’ve worked three months with them. I received one hundred and sixty-eight players for the tryouts. In the tryouts we selected twenty-five players for the Cayman Islands. After the Cayman Islands we were down to eighteen players but when we came back some players, maybe because of discipline or the level of [expectations], five players who went to Cayman are not here. There were forty players for this process and right now we have twenty-six players and only eighteen players will participate in the tournament.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamir Alpuche, Midfielder, Baby Jaguars

“Playing left wing is really hard because it’s a big role because you have to help the team in attacking and you have to be very defensive on the team and you have to help because you’re only playing with three defenders. So the left wing plays a big role. Training is from Friday and Saturday and Sunday, two times a day on Saturday and it’s very hard. It’s very intense training that we have so I think we will be prepared good enough for the tournament.”

 

 

World Cup Trophy in Belize

On Thursday morning "Eighteen karat solid gold trophy" arrived in Belize at the Phillip Goldson International via private jet along with securities. The flight was priceless and with FIFA World Cup Trophy it was an anticipated event. Minister of Sports, International Football Federation, along with the local Football Federation of Belize and Coca-Cola executive where on board. The Trophy will be in Brazil in 2014 and nineteen other countries. On thursday the trophy made it's way to Belize. This V-I-T is an important trophy for the FIFA world cup Trophy. The trophy will be place at Radission Fort George Hotel, were fans can take pictures with the team. Bowen and Bowen made plans for the team when they arrived. The Trophy is valued at about 20 million Dollars. Governor General Sir Colville Young will be present during the cermony and allowed to touch the trophy. 

 

Pekka Odriolozo - Representative, FIFA
"It was designed in the early 1970's. The trophy was won a third time by Jules Rimet a previous World Cup winner. The Trophy weighs over 6 kilograms, 36.7 centimeter high and it is the World Cups original Trophy. Those who win the Championship gets a replicia. After a nine-month tour across ninety countries, The  World Cup Trophy FIFA arrived in Belize in a private aircraft. "

Ruperto Vicente, President, FFB

"The only one allowed to touch the trophy is the captain of the team when is to be lifted and the head of the state that shows importances of the trophy. FIFA protects the trophy, its pre-gold and not anyone can touch it. The Trophy came from El Salvador and then after it goes to Israel. Our aim is to be at the World Cup in 2022.''

Michael Bowen, CEO, Bowen & Bowen Ltd.
"I'd like to thank the Coca- Cola and the FIFA for picking Belize to bring the World Cup to our Country. In partnership between Coca-Cola and FIFA it makes every event happen. It is very amazing to be part of this experience of these two strong brands and how they'd helped our lives of our families." In 2010, Spain won the tenth nation to have its name engraved based on the trophy at Rio, Janeiro, Brazil where the next FIFA will take place.



Hon. Herman Longsworth - Minister of State/Sports

"I thank the Coca Cola and FIFA for having to put the countries that gem for sports. It is very Privilege On Behalf of the Government and the people of Belize. In My opinion the primary vehicle which can move our society, football being the main, popular sport in Belize. As a Minister of Sports I am very happy about what I see. I believe if we play intergal part a primary role will make us move foward. The tour started in South Africa and will visit as many Countries a total of ninety countrys."

Coca-Cola Representative Brad Ross :
"In Rio de Janiero, Brazil 12 of September, we launched a host over the next Ninety months, Well be travelling with the trophy in the coming Ninety Countries. The longest journy the trophy had reached is a Hundred and forty- nine thousand kilometer, which makes three half times around the circumference of the earth. It is about giving as many people the oppurtunity and particiaption on experiencing with FIFA World Cup Trophy."

Road repair Meeting in Corozal Town

Nov 6 - IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE - The Corozal Town Council is holding a public consultation on Thursday Nov 7th at 7:00 P.M. at the Corozal Town Hall with the following school PTAs: St. Francis Xavier Primary School, Methodist Primary, Mary Hill Primary, Guadalupe Primary and Marl Hill Special Ed to discuss plans to commence repairs on streets in these areas and how to mitigate the impacts and traffic flow. Input from these schools are important as these repairs will affect students going in and coming out of these areas that will be repaired. The Corozal Town Council announces that street repairs will be the sole responsibility of the Town Council and works will commence as soon as Monday November 11th - A message from the Corozal Town Council.

Will Elvin Penner Resign or Not?

On September nineteenth, Elvin Penner was fired from the government for part of playing in Facilitating Belizean passport and nationality south Korean, Wonhong Kim. Penner was asked by the Prime Minister to Resign from the U.D.P on the discovery of Penner's evidence. The investigation is still happening at this moment and their hasn't been no disclosure of the damages of evidence against Penner after two months of investigation. Penner still show's signs of driving his government SUV car, which has been paid by the taxpayer dollars. What about his government works? Penner has no government portofolio nor he has official work at the government, and still collects money. Elvin Penner says he will not resign as Area Representative of Cayo Northeast. He has made a Decision to the U.D.P Prime Minister Dean Barrow or Himself, while their was no verification. He will not resign, he will still be collecting money.

While U.D.P chairman Fermin Magana, Cayo Northeast, says Penner will not be working with us. The money he is receiving is not just money he is geting but earning a comfort. The passport scandal is an example of the first Mennonite serving as a repesentative. His closest U.D.P colleagues are stunned for his action in Cayo Northeast. Chairman of U.D.P Cayo Northeast Executive Committee, Fermin Magana, says that the Committe made a decision on behalf of Penner to excommunicate him for him not to continue working on the area.

Chairman Fermin Magana explains:

"Minister Penner decided to stay in the position in his area representative by not resigning. confirmed the members of the executive committee. I spoke to the Prime Minister personally. He sent us a message saying after he spoke to the Prime Minister, and he sent all the committee members; after speaking to the prime minister and the people whome he needed to speak." The committee has decided to go on another direction. Cayo Northeast committee had asked the Pime Minister to asked Penner to resign. We are not working along with Penner, that is what we had decided on Satuday." We need to move foward and provide the services possible and we will move on.

If their isn't a replacement for Penner,Who will be his replacement?

Chairman Fermin Magana has two persons in mind. Magana says that Last week the decision came from one of the member of  U.D.P executive when Penner met with the Prime Minister. Cayo Northeast is to be replaced as we are looking foward without Penner. The replacement are two persons being considered. Who will they be?

 Chairman Magana explains:
"I was informed by one of the party executive that Penner would still continue working with his people. It was different after he met with the Prime Minister. We had been in communication with party executives that told us that this is what was wanted from us. At that point, we were waiting for word or direction from what the prime minister would have spoken to him. I continued the work I was doing and with the idea of having a new person working towards the future. we have a good opportunity and a good start. We need to finish the roofing of the Falcon Field. But I do not want to venture in either those persons name until something has been decided."
 
Is Penner really vindicating himself?

Elvin Penner has personal reasons why he would do what he is doing. Penner is receiving five thousand dollars monthly, If he remains in the in the Area Representative of Cayo Northeast, he will continue getting money, which is one thousand dollars is for sports, three thousand dollars is for the community and a full payment of the SUV fuelled and maintain with the taxpayers. That is a total of six thousand three hundred. Isn't that enough for Penner Not to resign?

Fermin Magana explains: "He is looking for vindication himself. He is trying to say you know what I will try to do the best I can for the time I can. The recommendation is to do what he feels for his family and what he feels in his heart. We are receiving as the committee funds from the government. Mister Penner also has his stipend for his office and for his secretary too. And he has told me too that he will continue the work that he wanted to do to help the people in his area. Us, we will continue working as much as we can. we don’t have any resources to work with, but we are preparing somebody for the future.”

Perspective of our Past (Corozal Town, Belize)

historical retrieval and is pleased to present the Second lecture in the ‘Perspectives of our Past’ Historical Lecture Series. The lecture series is a vital link into Corozal’s distant and not so distant past. Corozal's rich history will be exposed through the words of our elders. This Friday, November 8, Mr. Omar Mitchell will speak on relations between the ancient Maya of Cerros and Chectumal (known today as Santa Rita).

The final lecture on November 22, Mr. Jesus Ken will talk about his experiences on growing with the political movement.

The Corozal House of Culture (NICH) is kindly requesting everyone's presence. Lectures commence at 7 p.m. at the Corozal House of Culture.

Let's keep Corozal Safe & Clean!!!

Patrick Andrews win's P.U.P in Belmopan

 On Sunday, P.U.P Held it's convention at Belmopan. Blue took over the streets as they came out to vote. More than 1500 people came out to support the aspirants, Ruth Meighan, Patrick Andrews, Oscar Mira, and Dr. Amin Hegar, who had all been campaigning for months. In 2012 U.D.P. John Saldivar  won the General election against P.U.P Amin Hegar. This year, four persons joined the party in Belmopan. In the convention, candidates were pulling out all the stops to come out. Winning this convention doesn't mean winning by First, Second, Third and fourth, but their could only be one winner. Was it a convincing view of insight? the numbers needed a moral boost badly.

Polls were opened at nine am. Since it opened, a report's came out throughout the day. 2pm in the afternoon, votes were counted a result of 1,200 votes. At 5pm all voting polls closed and at this time votes countinued to be counted. Over 10 hours trying get their aspirant chosen all four candidates are glad to see this amount of people came out to vote. Miss. Ruth Supal - 245 votes, Mr. Oscar Mira - 292 votes, Dr. Amin Hegar - 652 votes and the new candidate for Belmopan Patrick Jason Andrews - 788 votes." Over-all One thousand nine hundred and ninety-four persons voted in the convention and particularly impressive in Belmopan. In 2012 2, 775 votes for John Saldivar in General elections. In 2011, on P.U.P's last convention , Amin Hegar won close 266 votes a resultof 1825 votes, a lost to the UDP John Saldivar by 217 votes in 2012 General Election.

All four Candidates explain's their full Support to the public:

Patrick Andrews P.U.P Candidate Winner in Belmopan : A little over three months afer entering into politics, P.U.P Patrick Jason Andrews becomes the new standard bearer in the Belmopan Constituency for the first time. Andrew explain's: "Since 1997, I joined the P.U.P as a member. I gave full support to P.U.P.. People are tired of this Government in place. Many people who were not on our list have come out. We see a good turn out from Belmopan Central which I know was part of my strength in Belmopan. Close to seventy percent came out to support and we are working to bring out the rest. My people will come out and vote for Oscar Mira and at the end of the day they will make sure that Oscar Mira gets a win. I pledge to work for the aims and achievements of the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution, and not to be a member or supporter of any other political party or organization which principals, policy, or programs are contrary to, or inconsistent with those of the People’s United Party."

Oscar Mira, P.U.P Candidate: "I will work hand in hand with Mister Patrick Andrews to work and get Belmopan back to where it belongs.  I know that PUP would the next standard bearer and we are very much energized. I thank the public for coming out and vote. It is the beginning for a new change."

Ruth Logan, P.U.P Candidate: "Seeing the people here is a great amount of people that reached. We are working with the people as down the list."

Amin Hegar, P.U.P Cadidate: ''With little over three months we've been working hard, we have people of competent, meeting with people and doing community meetings.We must understand that the people of Belmopan have long understood that we lack true representation. People want mature people with experience in Belmopan, if that is so they will get it. ''






Hon Julus Espat, Deputy Leader, P.U.P: I am very happy to see people came out to vote. It has never been seen like that for a long time. It doesn’t matter who comes out, it is a great showing for the party.”

Famous April the tapir passed away

April made everyone smile and happy as those who had the chance to take a picture with her at the Zoo. April was famous for her kind energetic happy smile showed to the public. But,Since 1983,  small Tapir was found with a huge infection on its side, it was a big as your fist. Looking at how she looked, few people commented she wouldn't survive. April was the first animal that was saved by Sharon Matola and the tapir changed the way people thought about mountain cows in Belize. After 30 years, she is a healthy tapir like any other animal in the zoo. Fans of April celebrated her birthday every year in April 27^th at the Belize Zoo.  News Five had followed April’s Birthday every year, in honor of the national animal. Sadly, on Thursday night Oct 31^st 2013 April passed away in her sleep. Director Sharon Matola,  said that April was having trouble with her health for the past few weeks.


Sharon Matola, Founding Director, Belize Zoo

“For thirty years, April was a significant tapir being a kind animal to Belize. We did a great job having her feel comfortable during the last weeks in the zoo. She was the oldest animal in the zoo and keeping her fans happy. After that she is gone we feel sad after her lost. April died peacefully in her sleep after her health was failing.”

April made a huge roll being one of the most iconic queen in the zoo. She is the national animal in Belize. April is the first member that will be taken to the museum to showcase the famous animals in the Belize zoo. The skeleton and a picture on the side will show the history when they were young So, people can get familiarize with Belize animals . "Farewell to a Belizean Hero: The Belize Zoo mourns the passing of April the Tap...ir. She had been showing signs of ailing for a few days now, old age finally taking its toll, despite her amazing strength at 30 years. April passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning, but her legacy will live on in the Zoo, Belize, and beyond, as a cultural icon and symbol of wildlife conservation and education. Rest in peace, April, we will miss you." - Sharon Matola.    

Car catches fire on the Northern Highway

 Velasquez pulled over about 1 mile from Corozal Town on the Philip Gold...son Belize Northern Highway to make a phone call on a scheduled rehearsal he had in Chetumal, Mexico this morning and in the process he noticed smoke coming out and realised his vehicle was on fire.
He managed to save a few belongings but the vehicle was totalled.
 Quick response from the Corozal Fire Department and the Corozal Police managed to put out the fire that was already spreading along the dry brush on the edge of the highway.

Berne is seen regularly at the Belize/Chetumal Mexico border promoting his movies and CD’s. He claims he has personally sold over 200,000 CD’s. He told the Corozal Daily that this incident is just a part of his journey and a bigger picture of his goals and aspirations for the country he loves “Belize”.

The Corozal Daily wishes Berne the greatest success and in his high/energetic spirit he attempts to flag down a vehicle to drop him at the border to try and make his rehearsal appointment.

His personal losses included his green ford car bearing LP #C-41954, $2,500.00 in Belize currency (cash) that he did not have time to retrieve from the burning car and his cell-phone.

Berne was visibly shaken but glad he was unscathed by the fire.
Life After Deportation Film And Records Chairman and CEO Berne Velasquez shaken after vehicle he was travelling in on his way to Chetumal, Mexico catches fire.