AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life News Daily news prior to today Today's Belize News: August 15, 2020

Amandala

COVID-19 surge continues - 296 cases and counting!
The ongoing contact tracing efforts being carried out by the Ministry of Health has led to the discovery of over one hundred COVID-19 cases in just the first three days of this week.We now are seeing a surge of cases, and the numbers change each day as these investigations continue.Belize now has a total of 296 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Eighty-six (86) cases were identified from 257 samples on August 12; on Tuesday, August 11, 33 positive cases were found in 84 samples; and testing on August 10 revealed 23 new cases.

Three Immigration officers charged with drug trafficking
After testing negative for the COVID-19 virus yesterday, three Immigration officers who were busted with about 8 pounds of compressed marijuana, which is believed to have been obtained from a Mexican drug runner, were released from an Orange Walk quarantine facility, into which they had been placed on Tuesday, August 5, for a mandatory quarantine after they were busted.The officers were then taken to the Orange Walk Town Police Station, where they were charged with drug trafficking.

Boy, 4, who saw parents' murder-suicide, drowns
A boy, 4, who was orphaned by the murder-suicide of his parents two years ago, drowned yesterday morning at about 11:00 while playing in the backyard of relatives of his who had become his caretakers after his parents' death.It has been reported that the boy, Steven Anthony Ferguson, fell into a pond in the Windmill area of Hattieville that had become full of water due to the rains, and drowned.His sister, Jayla, 6, who had been looking for him, found him floating in the pond, which is said to be about 15 feet by 12 feet in surface area, and between 8 and 10 feet in depth.

PUP proposes new education model
The People's United Party (PUP) is charging full speed ahead to Belize's 2020 general elections and has developed a new education policy as a part of their greater governing strategy entitled, "Plan Belize".On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the party assembled members of the media to discuss this new education policy, which it has described as "Goal #1 of Plan Belize," in spite of the great uncertainty surrounding the resumption of classes in the country.

Where did all the chickens go?
The country has been experiencing an unexplained shortage of chicken since early July. At that time, the Belize Poultry Association (BPA) said that the shortage would be temporary, giving an assurance that the shortage would only last until the end of July.Currently, consumers are affected by a nationwide scarcity of chicken. The BPA and large poultry processing companies like Quality Poultry are looking for answers to explain the situation, but have found none to date.

Visits to Belize Central Prison suspended due to COVID-19
Commencing today, visits to inmates at the Belize Central Prison are prohibited.Visits to the prison have been suspended indefinitely. The move has been taken to keep the inmates and staff of the prison free from the COVID-19 virus that is now on the rise in the country.Presently, the prison is COVID-19-free, and prison officials are trying to ensure that this continues to be the case.

Machete man chopped with his own machete
Derrick Arnold, 38, a construction worker of Punta Gorda, is presently at the Punta Gorda Community Hospital in a serious condition after he was chopped on the left hand, right shoulder, and forehead.Moses Varro, a laborer of Punta Gorda, has been arrested for chopping him.Varro told police that at about 2:30 yesterday afternoon, he was walking on Front Street along with Sherese Coleman when Arnold, who was armed with a machete, rode up behind them, got off his bike and attacked him.

Guatemalan wanted for murder conspiracy in Guate, arrested in Belmopan
A Guatemalan fugitive who had been living in Belmopan for about 5 years has been detained by police today, based on an arrest warrant issued by Guatemalan police, on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.Guatemala national, Cesar Arnoldo Valleda, 44. a laborer of Canaan Street, Belmopan, will be handed over to INTERPOL Guatemala, who will take him back to Guatemala and hand him over to the police there.

Mentally ill man throws hot water on cop
igel Ferguson, 33, a mentally unwell man with no fixed address, has been charged with aggravated assault and has been detained pending arraignment.Police said that Ferguson threw hot water on Sergeant Keith Clarke, which scalded the police officer's shoulder, yesterday morning near Pound Yard Bridge.Police said that Ferguson was not wearing his mask in public, as is required, and when the sergeant told him to put on his mask, he told the policeman that he was their boss, and would not put on the mask.

Belmopan church and other properties vandalized by MS 13
Police are looking for the person or persons who vandalized the Belmopan Nazarene Church (whose pastor is the well-known Louis Wade of Plus TV) as well as benches in the park and other structures in the city. The word "MS 13" was spray-painted on the buildings and benches.MS 13 is a criminal gang that originated in Salvador and is known for the cruelty of its members. The machete is their weapon of choice, and is used to chop their enemies, instead of shooting them.

Editorial: We can eat better if we try
In the best of times most Belizeans weren't eating food of the highest quality, and with the harder economic times that are currently upon us, the meals on most tables in our country will become even less wholesome. Ironically, even in these tough times, which are expected to become even tougher, Belizeans across this land can eat better, much better than they did in our best times.The cost of vegetables and fruits is high in Belize because our market is small, and some of the crops are seasonal, and also because we ignore some valuable crops that are native or well-adapted to our country.

The CXC 2020 grading approach
As promised, the Caribbean Examination Council rolled out their CSEC and CAPE exams in July of this year, despite the interruptions of classes that had been caused by COVID-19. On Wednesday, the Registrar and CEO of the Council, Dr. Wayne Wesley, issued a virtual address thanking all Ministries of Education, local registrars, teachers, invigilators, and center staff for their assistance in the successful administration of these exams.Due to the new social restrictions caused by the pandemic, the Council was tasked with finding a new strategy to facilitate all students of the Caribbean in advancing to a higher level of education, despite the various academic hardships that they were facing since March, when the pandemic hit the Caribbean.

FFB appoints new National Team manager
The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is proud to announce the appointment of Raymond Reynord Garbutt as the new Manager for the Senior "A" National Team, the Belize Jaguars. Mr. Garbutt has worked 15 years with the media and is well known in the sports world for the TNC show "Sports Talk." He comes with a wealth of experience both in football and management, having played football for twelve years, four of which were in high school and eight with the semi-professional league. Additionally, he has eight years of experience in management.

It's "Palma," after all - the Wilfred "Palma" Davis saga
In Belizean Creole, we have always pronounced the name as "Paama" Davis, when referring to 1950s-'60s legendary goalkeeper, Wilfred Davis.Many years ago, some folks would write Wilfred "Palmer" Davis when referring to this renowned Belizean athlete. In his 2005 sports classic, "Sports, Sin And Subversion," however, Evan X Hyde used Wilfred "Palma" Davis.It is one of the things I still needed to clarify with the elusive gentleman, but I ventured to try the spelling "Paama" in our "The making of a legend…" story in this past Tuesday's issue of Amandala.

WHERE ARE THE MEN WHEN CALLED UPON? MOSE HYDE & LIVING ON BELIZE'S FRONTLINE!
Putting your bodies on the line in protests and demonstrations in resistance against oppression and exploitation has never been an easy thing for those Belizeans living on the frontline like Belizean union leader Mose Hyde. His stand for labor in Belize and his decision to step up to leadership of the Christian Workers Union (CWU) of Belize City, Belize, cannot go unnoticed.Mose's remarkable work as a broadcast journalist and talkshow host on the popular and revolutionary KREM radio and television in Belize City has energized a whole generation of Belizean young people to take a stand rather than becoming victims of a system of exploitation.

Rain, rain everywhere, but not on the coast in Stann Creek
The Belize River has swollen over its banks twice since the rainy season began, and at least twice we have heard of villagers in Toledo West running to high ground, but some people are experiencing the best of tourism weather. My good friend, Brother Gaspar Martinez, told me that he has sown two corn crops this year (the second after the first one failed), and bah, no rain no gain, no green corn in Hopkins.It's like incredible. There's been heavy rain in the west and deeper south all week, but none to spare for our brothers and sisters living near the coast in the Stann Creek District.

The residual effect of the pandemic and its long-term psychological consequences
While naturally most are fixating on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases but less on the number of cases of successful recovery, what is presently underway is a politicization of the pandemic. Lost in this politically polarized climate is a serious discussion on the residual and long- term impact that the pandemic will have on emotional and mental health. At the forefront of the issue are the millions of children who suddenly find themselves unable to attend traditional schools, and to interact and experience what has become an integral part of human development for centuries.

GILLY DUNN! BELIZE'S BOXING & FOOTBALL LEGEND! STILL PUNCHING & KICKING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
He still hits a punching bag inside his home in Florida in the United States before he departs outside for his morning briefing and daily activities that have governed his life for some fifty years after his retirement from boxing and playing football in Belize in the 1960s and early '70s. He is still Belize's legendary boxing champion for life - displaying remarkably good health and fitness that enable him to keep punching and kicking at the challenges of life after all these years. He is the same Gilly Dunn - still!

Can we afford another lockdown?
Dear Editor,The sky looks gloomy overhead. The air is thick with fear. The wind blows puffs of trepidation, and the final decision hangs in the balance. As we watch the news daily, we are bombarded with the daunting and steady increase of new cases of COVID-19. It's a rather scary phenomenon that tells a tale of a reckless July! The country had a month off, and now the results are in. We are in a headwind against a growing number of COVID-19 cases and, by all preliminary indications, we are losing and losing terribly.

Time for Belize to wake up - more demand for coffee and corn than sugar
Dear Editor,Belize needs another major way besides tourism to earn foreign exchange. The Cruise Lines International Association announced that its members - which include nearly every cruise line with ships sailing out of American ports (Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Disney (DIS), and MSC Cruises, etc.) - will be suspending trips until at least November 1, 2020.Cruise arrivals surpassed a million for four consecutive years since 2016. In 2019, Belize had 503,177 overnight visitors, according to the Belize Tourism Board.

LOVE FM

Bill passed to issue mandatory prison time for border jumpers
In an effort to reduce the number of border jumpers, the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Amendment Bill was passed in the House of Representative. This bill will force those convicted to spend time in prison, rather than just paying a fine.

Minister of Health appeals to Belizeans to stay home
The Minister of Health, Pablo Marin, in the House of Representatives announced that one person from within the Ministry of Health's office has tested positive for Covid-19. The Minister highlighted that we are living in unprecedented times and that the community must play its part to flatten the curve.

Canoes confiscated from Santa Cruz villagers
Almost a dozen canoes were confiscated from Santa Cruz residents in the Orange Walk District. The Belize Police Department held an operation in the village yesterday in an attempt to stop persons from going across the river to buy contraband. The Prime Minister, Dean Barrow spoke on the events that prompted the operation.

Prime Minister says no lockdown for the country
Parliamentarians gathered in Belmopan today for a special sitting of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, announced that there will be no countrywide lockdown, nor will there be one for the Orange Walk District.

Ten new cases of covid-19 identified
Up to news time, ten new covid-19 cases were identified in Belize, two of whom are a part of the medical staff in Belize. On Today's Ask the Experts, Dr Marvin Manzanero broke down the location of these cases.

Private Flights given the green light
Private flights will continue to come into Belize. The National Oversight Committee has decided that the protocols set in place are stringent and reliable. Prime Minister Dean Barrow explained more.

Two positive patients give birth
Two positive covid-19 patients gave birth to babies recently via cesarean section. These are the first babies known to have been born to positive patients in Belize.

Belize records third death due to covid-19
At the top of our newscast, we told you about the third patient to die from covid-19. We can now tell you that he has been identified as fifty-two-year-old Luis Romero Senior.

Breaking Belize News

Luis Romero is COVID-19's latest victim, daughter expresses frustration on social media
The Ministry of Health confirmed earlier today that a patient had died making it the […]

Cuban Medical Brigade still in country
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) members of the Cuban Medical Brigade that arrived […]

Another 10 cases of COVID-19 confirmed
The Ministry of Health says that preliminary data for today shows another 10 confirmed cases […]

Only 32 confirmed recoveries from COVID-19 so far
Belize has gone over 300 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however preliminary data suggests that there […]

Ministry of Health confirms 3rd death in Belize related to COVID-19
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Belize has recorded its third death related to […]

Three children under age of 5 test positive for COVID-19
On Ask the Experts today, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed that three children under the age […]

Nurse and employee of KHMH test positive for COVID-19
Today, on Ask the Experts, Dr. Marvin Manzanero said that a nurse and another employee […]

Ministry of Health will not issue individual COVID-19 results
Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero said that despite numerous requests from the public, […]

Samples of 2 babies to be processed later today
Director of Health Services, Dr. Marvin Manzanero informed that 6 patients are hospitalized. One patient […]

Residents gather at Area Representative's home waiting for assistance
A group of residents are currently gathered in front of the home of Belize Rural […]

Girl, 14, reported missing
Authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for 14-year-old Ashanti Kerr. Kerr […]

Curfew, mass gatherings to be rolled back
The daily curfew is to be rolled back as well as regulations on limits to […]

47 arrested for violating State of Emergency regulations
Citing his daily bulletin from the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the Prime Minister Dean […]

Minister of Health addresses House: it is in our hands to contain COVID-19
Minister of Health Pablo Marin told the House of Representatives this morning that it is […]

Government to extend national State of Emergency
At today's meeting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan, the Government is to table […]

Ministry of Health warns of scam messages
The Office of the Director of Health Services issued a statement warning of scam messages […]

Health officials monitoring 322 active cases of COVID-19
Health officials are now monitoring 322 active cases of COVID-19. The country has now registered […]

Belize among top 5 in CARICOM for active COVID-19 cases
With this week's spike in cases, Belize has set an unwanted record. At 322 cases […]

Blogs

Belize Extends National Curfew to Curb COVID-19 Spike
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow has announced a series of new measures, including a nine-hour curfew as the English-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country moves to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the nation prepares to enforce additional safety restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, Belize tables a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for another 14-days from August 20th, effectively extending until September. Wіth thе ехроnеntіаl іnсrеаѕе оf саѕеѕ оf СОVІD-19 frоm 57 tо 356 іn thе lаѕt ten days, thе Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr аnd hіѕ аdmіnіѕtrаtіоn іѕ, unhарріlу, ѕаtіѕfіеd thаt а реrіоd оf рublіс еmеrgеnсу ехіѕtѕ іn аll оf Веlіzе.

Foreign Ownership of Belize Property Just Got Easier
For seniors and vacation home shoppers considering purchasing retirement or real estate property in Belize, Corona virus may have put a damper on immediate plans, but in return for the wait, folks intending to continue with their plans as soon as travel circumstances ease up, rewards in the form of new perks from Belize's government are already getting a lot of buzz.For Scott Fuson, Salt Life Belize's sales director, this bold move by the Barrow government now means that land title transfers involving foreign nationals no longer need the Central Bank's approval before the lands department can move further on a pending sale. "We have been getting many inquiries from people who had already started thinking about moving to Salt Life Belize or buying real estate in our beautiful community, so despite a few issues, this ruling is fabulous news."

What Kinds of Gifts and Souvenirs Can I Find in Belize?
Belize is a unique and wonderful place. When you visit here, you will make so delightful memories that you will want to share with your friends.While you should certainly share photos and stories of your adventures, it might also be nice to bring home a small souvenir. Of course, there are always postcards, refrigerator magnets, keychains, mugs, and t-shirts, and if your friends collect these items, it's fine to stick with them. However, perhaps you'd like to give a special friend a special, unique gift that you can only find in Belize?

International Sources

Review: Copalli Isn't Like Other Rums, And That's What Makes It Work
What we're drinking: Copalli, an organic single-estate rum from southern Belize.Where it's from: Copalli was co-founded by Anya Fernald, the CEO of Belcampo (a restaurant chain and online butcher that's centered on transparency, eco-consciousness and humane practices) and Todd Robinson, a Marine Conservationist."Todd is a rum aficionado and wanted to do something with the land that was sustainable and has a meaningful economic impact for the community surrounding the distillery," as Fernald told us (note: we visited the distillery last fall - if you visit, bring all the bug spray - and had a follow-up conversation earlier this year). "Rum made from fresh sugar cane was the obvious choice."

The Most Colorful Places in the World
How often do you think about color on a daily basis? Do you pay attention to it at work? On your commute? In your kid's room? It can be easy to overlook, but according to science, we may be more attentive to color when we visit somewhere new. It gives us a sharper eye on safari, or leaves us feeling calmer by those Belizean blues. All the more reason to travel, we say. As Condé Nast Traveler highlights some of the most colorful places in the world, all guaranteed to brighten up your day, here's what makes Belize's Great Blue Hole so special.

Videos