Important Note: This Internet version of 7 News is a verbatum
transcript of our evening television news script. Many interviews on our newscast
are conducted in Creole. In the interest of clarity for our foreign readers,
we attempt to paraphrase the Creole quotes in English
Tonight, residents across Belize are bracing for the possibility of a power outage. That's after BEL announced just before 5:00 p.m. that load shedding is possible from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., "due to high power demand and limited supply from local sources and Mexico's CFE."
The power company also put out a tentative load shedding schedule including Northside Belize City, San Pedro, San Ignacio, and Santa Elena.
And from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., load shedding is possible in the Coney Drive to Belama area-as well as the entire Punta Gorda Town and surrounding areas.
On Friday, we told you about the controversy arising from a video purporting to show Forest Department employees at a private lumberyard after working hours with a haul of confiscated mahogany. 7News did some more investigating this weekend, and here's the latest:
This morning, Marco Tulio Garcia appeared at the Belmopan Magistrate's Court, charged with possessing more than 2,400 board feet of lumber without a valid permit from the Forest Department. Garcia is also accused of unlawfully setting fire to approximately 200 square feet of vegetation within a reserve. But the case was adjourned before arraignment because his attorney didn't speak Spanish.
Notably, this is in connection with the same lumber, mostly mahogany, that was seen on the evening of July 2 being transported by two Forest Department drivers, Walter Padilla and Jorge Galvez, to a commercial lumberyard in the Centreville area of the Cayo District.
According to our sources, that lumber, seen here in the lumberyard the following day on the Forest Department trailer, was privately sold to the owner of the lumberyard.
Because of that, there is some question as to whether sufficient evidence remains to secure a conviction against Garcia and his son-who faces the same charge.
But how could seized lumber be sold, and who collected?
On June 30, Forest Department personnel-accompanied by police-cut open the gate to Garcia's home in Armenia and confiscated a tractor, portable sawmill, and trailer. These were removed under police guard, and the lumber was then taken from a site in the Sibun Reserve some 7 miles away. The lumber was escorted by two police vehicles to the Forest Department compound on July 1.
But there was no police escort the following night when the drivers allegedly took that same lumber to the commercial lumberyard in Centreville.
A Ministry of Sustainable Development press release says, "Forest Department officers were authorized to transport a quantity of lumber for the purpose of assessing the extent of the suspected illegal logging activity."
First off, these two are drivers, not forest officers. And second, it is unclear what "assessments" were made since the lumber was privately sold the following day.
But since the drivers were "authorized," it is clear the directive came from higher-ups. In a cellphone video, Galvez-under accusation from an interested party-is heard to say he was under instructions:
Jorge Galvez, Forest Department Driver "We follow instructions."
Tonight, Superintendent of Police Aaron Gamboa is preparing for his new post. But it's not as Deputy Commander of Operations. That's what the Commissioner of Police had announced to his formation leaders. But it's not happening. Instead, Gamboa will be the Director of Sports for the Police Department.
That's a post we've never heard of-but Gamboa told us he is looking forward to it as he nears the end of his policing career.
So how did he go from Deputy Commander of Operations to the previously unheard-of Director of Sports?
Well, reports to 7News are that the U.S. raised security concerns about Gamboa after he was seen in Panama with known gang figures from Belize. Gamboa told us he only bumped into those persons at the Panama airport when he was returning from a family vacation.
But we are told that was enough for Minister Julius Espat to prevail upon the Commissioner to move Gamboa from the Operations Unit and basically create a post for him to go out to pasture.
7News has received reliable information that the U.S. Embassy has raised concerns about more than a dozen men in the SPU who may be facing transfers. Like Gamboa, at least two others have had their visas canceled. The SPU, formerly the Dragon Unit, is the longest-standing operational unit in the Police Department.
The first weekend of September is always reserved for Belize City's Carnival Road March, and this past Saturday, thousands of spectators lined Marine Parade. Marine Parade erupted into a dizzying blur of revelers and tumblers, set to the soundtrack of earth-shaking soca music.
But today, the Council of Churches is speaking out against the immodesty of the Carnival costumes. Their release says, "We recognize that Carnival is a cherished part of Belizean culture… However, we believe that public celebration and public decency are not mutually exclusive. We call on organizers, participants, and parents to consider the example being set for our children and the image being presented of our nation."
They're now calling on the Carnival organizers to establish and enforce guidelines on costume standards, for parents and guardians to exercise discretion regarding their children's participation, and for all participants to consider that Carnival can be vibrant while "honoring standards of decency and virtue that reflect well on our nation and our shared values."
And while we don't know if the Carnival Association will engage with the churches next year, this year had one of the biggest showings. Courtney Menzies was there and has this story:
Collet Royals and Black Pearl took second and third place in the junior section, while Mother Nature Creation came in second for the senior section. Sunshine Mas, Rhythm Rockers, Fort Street Revelers, and Trench Town Masqueraders were disqualified for not having enough participants.
And while the church has concerns about Carnival costumes, police must worry about Carnival crowds. It's an event that draws huge crowds from every section of society, but friction can occur-especially when alcohol is added as an accelerant.
Fortunately, there was no major outburst of violence, but 12 persons were detained as part of crowd control. Here's how police explained that operation:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What I can say over the weekend for the Carnival event, just under 400 police officers were strategically deployed. And this consisted of uniformed police officers in terms of the number one, operational police officers from the different operational units within the department, as well as Special Branch who were undercover. Some of them were probably even in Carnival costumes."
"In addition to that, we also leveraged technology. We had the drones out there that enabled us to intercept some of these incidents before they got any bigger. A number of persons were detained because of some ruckus that was happening. However, the event by and large went without any major incident. And we are grateful for all those police officers who were committed to the event and also those members of the public who assisted us."
"I would also like to say that a part of our response also included liaising with the Coast Guard, because you would know that the area that it happened was along the seashore. So they worked along with us, and we are grateful for their assistance as well."
Fifty-year-old Arlene Arnold has been charged with manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law partner, 45-year-old laborer Jeremy Gerald Hendricks, also known as "Clive Tambran Hendricks," of Lovely Lane.
At around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, 45-year-old Clive Hendricks was fatally stabbed with a glass bottle on Pickstock Street in Belize City. Hendricks was involved in a physical altercation with his common-law wife, who allegedly stabbed him in the arm, likely rupturing an artery. Reports from the neighborhood said they had been arguing from earlier on, and alcohol was involved.
Police told us more:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What the investigation has indicated is that there was a physical altercation between Mr. Hendricks and the arrested female, wherein the arrested female is alleged to have produced a bottle which she inflicted a cut wound to the arm of Mr. Hendricks."
Reporter "Were any of these persons known to police?"
ASP Stacy Smith: "I believe Mr. Hendricks was known to police. As it relates to whether there is any history of domestic violence between the two who were common-law partners, I've been advised by Commander, Gender-Based Violence Response and Investigative Unit that there is no history of reported cases. However, in speaking to persons who reside in their area, it would want to appear that physical altercation was somewhat of the norm."
Police found Arnold later on Saturday morning at a Holy Emmanuel address, where she provided a statement under caution. She was initially detained for murder, but was ultimately charged with manslaughter after the case file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Arnold appeared in court today and was read a single charge of manslaughter, but no plea was taken.
Her attorney, Ronell Gonzalez, requested bail, arguing that the incident occurred during a domestic dispute and telling the court that Arnold is a mother of six, with two minor children, and had allegedly been subjected to previous abuse by Hendricks, including two reported incidents and an active Family Court matter.
The prosecution objected, citing concerns for Arnold's safety and the fact that she allegedly fled the scene after the incident. The Senior Magistrate denied bail and remanded Arnold to the Belize Central Prison pending a bail hearing tomorrow.
At the end of Saturday's Carnival festivities, 21-year-old Patrick Meighan, known as "Papi," died in a traffic accident.
Police say he fell when he was climbing aboard a truck on Freetown Road:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What the investigation has so far suggested is that Main had allegedly attempted to climb on board a trailer truck on Freetown Road, and in the process of attempting to do so, he reportedly fell and became unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital for medical attention. However, he was pronounced dead at around 8 o'clock p.m. No one has been charged so far. I spoke with Commander Traffic and he indicated that there was, at least at this point in time, there was no suggestion that he was struck by the vehicle. However, they are in the process of retrieving video footage which they believe would bring clarity to the investigation."
Reporter "Was he under the influence?"
ASP Stacy Smith: "The toxicology report will need to state that."
He leaves behind family who say that though his life was cut short, he loved the life he lived. Here's what his father had to tell us:
Norris Meighan Sr., Father of Patrick Meighan "The last time I saw Patrick, the morning for Carnival, he was getting ready for Carnival in front of me, doing up himself with a perfume bottle-very, very agitated for Carnival. Man, he was hype for Carnival. I have the most beautiful memory of him that morning, knowing he was so happy.
"Patrick is an outgoing person, a people person unlike myself. He just likes to do things his way, he's very, very independent on the way he does things, and he's always on the move-always. He's always having some kind of errand for someone, he's always on the move. I knew he had a fast lifestyle.
"When I got the news, I was hoping that it was just a minor injury, you know. You try to keep hope, and about half an hour after my wife left from the hospital, my oldest daughter came to me and gave me the news, right, and told me that he had succumbed to the injuries that he got in the Carnival. And I was like, what can I do? What can I do say? He was having fun, enjoying himself, and it's the Father's work. When it's time for you to go, you have to go. It's life, we have to understand these things, right? Nobody can undo that, nobody.
"Patrick and me, we had a relationship of competition-competition in the home, right. He knows I work and I am the financier, the breadwinner of the home, and when he start to work and he come, he said, 'Okay,' he give his mother money and he don't give me no money because he said, 'You make your own money,' because that's how it works, that's how it works. He goes and says, 'I make money now, I take care of my mother.' He said, 'I don't give you no money, you make your own money.'
"Sitting right here, I can tell you I have fond memories of him. I will miss him, I will miss him dearly, and I know he had a wonderful life."
And a road traffic accident in the West on Sunday also claimed the life of 21-year-old Jorge Zetina, who was knocked off his Lifan motorcycle:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Police have issued a notice of intended prosecution in connection with the ongoing investigation into a fatal traffic accident which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Jorge Zetina of San Antonio Village, Cayo District. The investigation commenced on Sunday, 6 September 2026, when officers were advised of a traffic accident near Mile Six and a half on the Pine Ridge Road. The investigating officer reported that upon his arrival, he observed a gravely injured and unresponsive Zetina, and 22 feet away from him was an extensively damaged Lifan brand motorcycle. Also observed on the scene was a Ford Escape SUV which had damage to the front portion. Initial investigation suggests that Zetina was traveling on the motorcycle in an orderly direction when a collision occurred between the motorcycle and the SUV, which was traveling in the opposite direction. The circumstance of the collision remains under investigation."
And there was also another fatal accident-this one occurred on Saturday morning in Red Bank Village and it claimed the life of motorcycle driver Neri Campbell. Police told us more:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Police have issued a notice of intended prosecution in connection with a traffic accident which resulted in the death of 59-year-old Neri Campbell of Red Bank Village. What the investigation has so far suggested is that at around 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, 5 September, Campbell was traveling on a Meilun brand motorcycle, and when he turned onto an unnamed road in Red Bank Village, a collision occurred between the motorcycle and a pickup truck being driven by the female who was the subject of the notice of intended prosecution. Mr. Campbell received injuries and he was transported for medical attention. However, he succumbed whilst undergoing treatment at around 1 o'clock p.m."
Crooked Tree Village has faced a barrage of bushfires this season, but with the nearest fire station in Ladyville, one resident has taken the battle into his own hands-by basically becoming a solo brigade.
Melvin Quilter is a certified Wildland Firefighter, but he's the only one in the village, and with limited equipment, it's a tough job putting out all those fires. In some cases, properties have been damaged, and houses have been close to catching fire.
Quilter is now asking for assistance from the relevant authorities to help train a team in Crooked Tree, as well as provide firefighting equipment. He spoke with us via Zoom today:
Melvin Quilter, Certified Wildland Firefighter, Belize Karst Habitat Conservation "I started this new project about trying to help the villagers battling wildfires and stuff, because the Fire Department doesn't do that type of stuff and we're pretty much off the grid here in Crooked Tree Village. So what I'm basically trying to do is trying to start our own wildfire brigade team here in Crooked Tree, but it just comes with expenses and stuff. For this season, I think I battled about 6 wildfires by myself alone, and that's not easy because usually we work as a team, and there's no team with me if I don't have the proper equipment to get another guy to go with me and stuff. This uniform I have on here is donated through an NGO and it's pretty much expensive, and to get more of it cost more, and PPE equipment and stuff, it's pretty hard for just me alone.
"The biggest one was like, when I measured it, it was about... the flames were about 10, 11, 12 feet high, the flame alone. And I have to build firebreak lines just from machetes, chainsaws-those are all stuff I have to borrow. And I don't have the water tank or anything like that, I just have to use my training to minimize what tools I have to work with, and it's just hard. The biggest area the fire damaged this year for me was like about... a person yard got burnt, about 2 to 3 acres, and there were houses in the area. There were 2 houses in the area, so I had to back and forth-it was like from 1:00 in the day, I finished about 9:00 in the night, going back and forth between these two houses trying to put out the fire.
"I even, because we have a group chat, I put out my name and services and they call me when they have situations like these. For example, here in Crooked Tree, the Fire Service is all the way in Ladyville. We do call them for these types of stuff, but they don't deal with it because it's wildfires-they only come if it's like a house fire or stuff like that."
Quilter says he's tried to reach out to the National Fire Service to no avail. He's also hoping for an audience with the Minister in charge, Henry Charles Usher.
Last week, we told you about the landmark decision by the Court of Appeal to strike down two 2020 States of Emergency. These SOEs were enacted as a response to increased criminal activity. However, the court ruled that SOEs are not meant to deal with ordinary criminal activities.
This case had 18 claimants, but a lot more have been rounded up over the years in various SOEs. So do those persons also have a case? We asked one of the attorneys for the claimants, Leslie Mendez, who appeared on Sunup on 7 this morning:
Leslie Mendez, Attorney "You can always take the matter to court to try to challenge the State of Emergency-meaning you're saying that the State of Emergency was improperly issued and that my detention... me, I stood to be affected and that my detention is illegal, so you're going to court to try to review that State of Emergency.
"Now, this finding does not necessarily mean that yours was necessarily illegal. It's highly likely because it was done on the same rationale-the idea that the mere increase of criminal activity that's violent or that's related to gangs, just the mere increase of that, is all we need to establish. So it's likely, but we would have to then look at it on a case-by-case basis because it all depends on the evidence that the Government is able to provide to show that it did meet the threshold.
"And the reason why the decision is very important right now... because it's not that the court is saying criminal activity could never justify the declaration of a State of Emergency, but that the event or the consequence that is threatened or that is likely has to be one that cannot be dealt with under general criminal law-that our current apparatus would not be able to contain it.
"And in those circumstances, then yes, a State of Emergency can be declared in the context where we're talking about criminal activities, but it must reach some threshold, and the threshold is that we can't deal with it under ordinary criminal law.
"Crime is already addressed through our laws. Persons are already able to be put on remand, persons are already able to be detained or convicted, serve a sentence-we already have a structure to deal with criminal activity. So if you're going to use a State of Emergency to deal with a situation that is related to an increase of crime, then you have to show something more, and that's what the decision is saying."
Belize is expanding its conservation work and use of marine biodiversity into uncharted waters-the high seas that fall beyond our national jurisdiction. Today, the Ministry of the Blue Economy launched its Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction implementation project as part of their marine conservation agenda. Jomarie Lanza was there:
And as we prepare to step into the possibilities that lie within the high seas, the Blue Economy is still doing everything within its power to address Belize's sargassum crisis.
Driven by near-record blooms across the Atlantic, record levels of sargassum have inundated coastal communities across the Caribbean and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula this year.
CEO Wade told us more about the on-the-ground interventions they are hoping to implement soon:
Beverly Wade, CEO, Ministry of the Blue Economy "So the Ministry of the Blue Economy has been very much engaged; we understand the frustration. We are frustrated. Sargassum... the experience we are having with sargassum is the first of its kind, we have never been here before. Like the region, we are also finding solutions to how to address that.
"I will say that we are now encouraged because we now have a project that is in place that we are looking at implementing that is now going to look at waste-to-energy for sargassum. It is a project that is being funded by SIDS DOCK-the UN SIDS DOCK-and it is going to first look at the sargassum problem in the northern part of our country, particularly San Pedro and Ambergris Caye.
"We continue to work in the south-we are not forgetting the south. We actually have an action plan now that Cabinet has passed for us to look at how do we address post-sargassum and the erosion problems that are in the south. It is like the perfect storm that is hitting us right now: we have all this climate variability because of climate change, we also now have sargassum. And sargassum has really made the erosion issue even worse in the south, and so we have to now address them together, parallel. So yes, we are hoping in this next quarter that is going up that we will be able to see now on-the-ground interventions with regards to the south, especially in the Placencia area as it relates to the erosion with the sargassum."
The PSU and GOB are in a war of words. At the start of this month, the PSU issued a 24-page response to the government's position on the Revenue Authority Bill. Then, the government responded with a 7-page letter and a 7-page press release. And this evening, the PSU has issued a 10-page press release, calling on the Senate to reject the bill.
The PSU says that the government's lengthy releases do not answer any of the 23 questions posed by the union. And while the Orders of the Day for the next Senate meeting-which will be held tomorrow-don't include the Revenue Authority Bill.
Still, the union is asking the Senate to reject it when it comes. He also stressed that many people have not read the bill-including ministers and those who will be affected-and may not understand the ramifications. Here's what he told us via Zoom:
Dean Flowers, PSU President "The bill in its current form, the Government is fully aware will not pass in the Senate. As a matter of fact, I have been apprised that what they might attempt to do is-what they have done on several controversial bills-is try to meet with the Senate on one or two occasions prior to the sitting to hear their concerns and questions to see where they could compromise to ultimately get it passed. As I have also been advised, there's an opportunity for the Government to usurp the Senate-my choice of words-by, once the Senate voting down the bill or not supporting the bill, to wait for 30 days, I understand, in accordance with the Constitution and move it to assent by the Governor General under the context that it's a money bill. But I don't know that the Government wants to go that route.
"Based on their presentation, there's only 153 positions that will be filled. It suggests that at least 80-odd people would have been promised a guaranteed position, even though in one of their responses they said every single position will be interviewed for. Well, even if that is the case, there will be some guaranteed positions already being offered to some people.
"So we expect that a percentage will sign on. What we are hoping is that the vast majority will choose not to sign on, and also that the vast majority will not resign or retire for that matter, because effectively the Government of Belize by way of this bill has abolished-or seeks to abolish-their office. It means that you have to respect the Pensions Act where the abolishment of these people's offices are concerned, and this is key again for the Belizean people. The Belizean people need to understand that once this bill is effected, effectively you've abolished these offices and you taxpayers now have a duty and an obligation to pay these people a pension for life."
It has been 7 days since 20-year-old Brianna Myvett was tragically killed in a shooting in Belize City when heading home from volleyball practice.
There have been no arrests, and today police said that the gunman's vehicle captured in surveillance video had no license plates, but the investigation remains ongoing:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "As it relates to the investigation pertaining to Miss Myvett, I can advise that the investigators were able to retrieve a number of video footage. So far that has only assisted in identifying the make and model of the vehicle because the vehicle of interest in this instance did not bear a license plate. However, the investigators are continuing to trace the vehicle to see if they can see who boarded it to further advance the investigation. So far no motive has been established. Neither Miss Myvett or the other male person that she was with were known to the police; however, the investigation continues. Two persons of interest were detained based on statements that were given in terms of a suspected motive. However, it has not yielded anything concrete, but the investigation continues and certainly it is one that the Police Department is not sparing any resource."
The Police Department also today released its latest batch of arrests for crack cocaine, which is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
But the question remains: if all these small amounts are being found on the streets countrywide, where is the steady supply of cocaine coming from? Here's what police had to say:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Drug plane is not the only way that drugs enters the country, right? You would know we share land borders with Guatemala and Mexico, and both of those countries are areas that heavy drug trafficking occurs as well. So that is an avenue, and certainly on our end, we try to interdict those by way of the Mobile Interdiction Unit, which is placed both in the north and the western part of the country."
Reporter "I think what Shane was alluding to is that you're catching the mule, but you're not catching the king."
ASP Stacy Smith: "We have interdicted... we have... you guys would know some months ago, I believe it was in April if not before, where a drug plane in Neuland was intercepted, and that was done there. And I know as you said a lot of persons speak about they want to see the persons who bring in the 50 bales, if that is their assumption, rather than the person who is selling it. But whilst we admit that certainly there is a desire to get them and we are doing our very best to get them, it is also important that we get the other persons who are literally on the streets and peddling these drugs within these neighborhoods, and they are being charged for drug trafficking. They are not being charged for possession or usage. Most of these persons who have brought to you guys via the press briefing are persons who we believe are engaged in the sale of drugs. They are drug traffickers, albeit on a smaller scale than those who may be their suppliers. But it is also important to interdict that link so there's no market, and then that is no incentive for the larger shipments to come in."
On Friday, you heard from Belize's new U.S. Ambassador, Andre Bauer. He arrived in the country and immediately held a press briefing to introduce himself and his plans to strengthen the relationship between Belize and the U.S.
Over the weekend, he explored Belize a bit with his family as they visited Cahal Pech.
And today, Bauer presented his credentials to the Governor General, Froyla Tzalam, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca. According to a press release, Bauer then, quote, "reaffirmed the United States' commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two nations, highlighting shared priorities in regional security, trade, energy, and economic development." End quote.
Bauer-who is from the deeply red state of South Carolina-is considered very pro-MAGA.
Forty-two public officers were recognized by the Ministry of the Public Service for their 35 years or more of dedicated service to the people of Belize. The longest-serving public officer was awarded for her 51 years of service. They were honored by having their names included in the Public Service Walkway with the other names of long-serving former public servants. Here are the highlights from the event:
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service "Today we gathered to celebrate, as I said, 42 outstanding public officers whose years of service, dedication, and contribution have helped to shape the Belize Public Service and, in many ways, our country.
"When we talk about longevity, Mrs. Bernard certainly gives that word real meaning. As I said, she has given 51 years of her life to the Public Service, making her one of the longest-serving public officers in Belize. It took us very long to recognize you, right, Miss Gladys? Too long, too long. From her early days as a typist, she served across several Government ministries and departments before spending decades contributing to the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, treating Belizeans and visitors alike with royalty and celebrity with her same charm, same smile, and her same warmth. Much of the work of the Public Service happens quietly and behind the scenes; it may not always make headlines, but it is work that keeps our institutions functioning."
Gladys Bernard, Awardee, Longest-Serving Public Officer "My journey began in 1975-that was approximately six years before Independence-giving me the privilege of serving the nation before we raised our flag and to continue serving after. I was a young woman stepping into the Public Service with one simple goal: to serve my country and my people to the best of my ability. From that first day, I have had the privilege of working every chapter of our nation's story. I was here before Independence; I was here as we built new systems after 1981. I was here through changes in Government, changes in technology-particularly from using onion-skin paper on Remington typewriters to computers small enough to fit in our hands-and changes in the way we serve the public."
And from the Belmopan Walk of Fame to the Belize City Jouvert... on Saturday morning as early as 3:00 a.m., revelers were amped and ready to participate in the mud, the chaos, and the energy of Jouvert 2026. Our team was out there and has this report:
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Tonight, residents across Belize are bracing for the possibility of a power outage. That's after BEL announced just before 5:00 p.m. that load shedding is possible from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., "due to high power demand and limited supply from local sources and Mexico's CFE."
On Friday, we told you about the controversy arising from a video purporting to show Forest Department employees at a private lumberyard after working hours with a haul of confiscated mahogany. 7News did some more investigating this weekend, and here's the latest:
Jorge Galvez, Forest Department Driver
Tonight, Superintendent of Police Aaron Gamboa is preparing for his new post. But it's not as Deputy Commander of Operations. That's what the Commissioner of Police had announced to his formation leaders. But it's not happening. Instead, Gamboa will be the Director of Sports for the Police Department.
The first weekend of September is always reserved for Belize City's Carnival Road March, and this past Saturday, thousands of spectators lined Marine Parade. Marine Parade erupted into a dizzying blur of revelers and tumblers, set to the soundtrack of earth-shaking soca music.
And while the church has concerns about Carnival costumes, police must worry about Carnival crowds. It's an event that draws huge crowds from every section of society, but friction can occur-especially when alcohol is added as an accelerant.
"What I can say over the weekend for the Carnival event, just under 400 police officers were strategically deployed. And this consisted of uniformed police officers in terms of the number one, operational police officers from the different operational units within the department, as well as Special Branch who were undercover. Some of them were probably even in Carnival costumes."
Fifty-year-old Arlene Arnold has been charged with manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law partner, 45-year-old laborer Jeremy Gerald Hendricks, also known as "Clive Tambran Hendricks," of Lovely Lane.
At the end of Saturday's Carnival festivities, 21-year-old Patrick Meighan, known as "Papi," died in a traffic accident.
"The last time I saw Patrick, the morning for Carnival, he was getting ready for Carnival in front of me, doing up himself with a perfume bottle-very, very agitated for Carnival. Man, he was hype for Carnival. I have the most beautiful memory of him that morning, knowing he was so happy.
Crooked Tree Village has faced a barrage of bushfires this season, but with the nearest fire station in Ladyville, one resident has taken the battle into his own hands-by basically becoming a solo brigade.
"I started this new project about trying to help the villagers battling wildfires and stuff, because the Fire Department doesn't do that type of stuff and we're pretty much off the grid here in Crooked Tree Village. So what I'm basically trying to do is trying to start our own wildfire brigade team here in Crooked Tree, but it just comes with expenses and stuff. For this season, I think I battled about 6 wildfires by myself alone, and that's not easy because usually we work as a team, and there's no team with me if I don't have the proper equipment to get another guy to go with me and stuff. This uniform I have on here is donated through an NGO and it's pretty much expensive, and to get more of it cost more, and PPE equipment and stuff, it's pretty hard for just me alone.
"You can always take the matter to court to try to challenge the State of Emergency-meaning you're saying that the State of Emergency was improperly issued and that my detention... me, I stood to be affected and that my detention is illegal, so you're going to court to try to review that State of Emergency.
And as we prepare to step into the possibilities that lie within the high seas, the Blue Economy is still doing everything within its power to address Belize's sargassum crisis.
Beverly Wade, CEO, Ministry of the Blue Economy
The PSU and GOB are in a war of words. At the start of this month, the PSU issued a 24-page response to the government's position on the Revenue Authority Bill. Then, the government responded with a 7-page letter and a 7-page press release. And this evening, the PSU has issued a 10-page press release, calling on the Senate to reject the bill.
"The bill in its current form, the Government is fully aware will not pass in the Senate. As a matter of fact, I have been apprised that what they might attempt to do is-what they have done on several controversial bills-is try to meet with the Senate on one or two occasions prior to the sitting to hear their concerns and questions to see where they could compromise to ultimately get it passed. As I have also been advised, there's an opportunity for the Government to usurp the Senate-my choice of words-by, once the Senate voting down the bill or not supporting the bill, to wait for 30 days, I understand, in accordance with the Constitution and move it to assent by the Governor General under the context that it's a money bill. But I don't know that the Government wants to go that route.
It has been 7 days since 20-year-old Brianna Myvett was tragically killed in a shooting in Belize City when heading home from volleyball practice.
Forty-two public officers were recognized by the Ministry of the Public Service for their 35 years or more of dedicated service to the people of Belize. The longest-serving public officer was awarded for her 51 years of service. They were honored by having their names included in the Public Service Walkway with the other names of long-serving former public servants. Here are the highlights from the event:
"Today we gathered to celebrate, as I said, 42 outstanding public officers whose years of service, dedication, and contribution have helped to shape the Belize Public Service and, in many ways, our country.
Gladys Bernard, Awardee, Longest-Serving Public Officer