In court, Hemmans was read charges of attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and grievous harm. Because of the nature of the offenses, no plea could be taken and he was remanded to prison until June 15.

A Pledge Against Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a global issue, and although it is present in Belize, it has been overlooked, to some extent.

Well, the Alliance to Reduce Sexual Exploitation is trying to change through an awareness-raising campaign.

It plans to recruit DJs and conduct discussions in Belize to inform the public about the risk factors involved. Three members of the alliance stopped by our studio to tell us more about this issue and the goals of the organization.

Whitney Hein - Member, Alliance to Reduce Exploitation
"We're here to raise awareness about sexual exploitation in Belize City, as well as the United States and Nicaragua. But in Belize, we're focusing on getting young people talking and interested in the issue, to not keep it under cover, but to really bring it to light."

Leila Pandy - Member, Alliance to Reduce Exploitation
"Recently, in 2010, the US State Department put Belize along with a few other countries from the Caribbean on their watchlist saying that we weren't doing enough to effect change in trafficking. Belize is both a transit and a source country. We weren't doing enough to put together proper legislation and penalties to reduce the demand for sexually exploiting our youths."

Whitney Hein
"We were formed through Heartland International, which a non-profit organization in Chicago, and they partnered with WIN Belize and Casa Alianca in Nicaragua. So women from all 3 of those countries first met in Chicago and formed project groups. And the 3 of us, plus our 2 Nicaraguan counterparts all felt strongly about this issue, so we formed a project group to work together to fight sexual exploitation."

Leila Pandy
"Sexual exploitation is tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Brodies, but they will be here for the conference that we're having that we'll be presenting our projects. Representatives from the US Embassy will be there; we'll have talks from Ms. Anne Marie from the Women's Commission, and then the Minister of Human Development."

Rachel Ostergaard - Member, Alliance to Reduce Exploitation
"Even if you can't come down tomorrow, part of the importance of doing all of this, is to get people to talking. From my experience working with folks who've been affected by this - who've been exploited, who've been trafficked, who've been abused, whatever you want to name it - is that it often comes with a lot of shame. It is a very private thing that happens, and it can bring a lot of shame. It's very important to speak out about it."

The "Take the Pledge" drive will be held between 10 am and 1 pm tomorrow in front of Brodies on Albert Street.




Ms. Blease From Belize "Run Dance" In Kingston Ja.

We always hear about international DJ's this and DJ that - but one Belizean DJ has truly earned the title.

Linda Blease - who DJ's under the moniker "Miss Blease" - has just returned from a successful tour of Jamaica. She did ten shows in three weeks at the hottest clubs in Kingston -and made multiple appearances - even snagging a mention in the daily newspaper, the Observer.

In a phrase - "she blew up" - in Kingston, the most happening City in the Anglophone Caribbean.

It's no small feat - particularly for a female DJ - and, to our knowledge, she's the first to do so many shows in Jamaica.

She just came back yesterday and we spoke to her today about what it was like:..

Linda Blease from Belize - International DJ
"I played at 10 or 11 events all around Kingston."

Jules Vasquez
"And you are the first Belizean DJ to play events like this, and to receive so much acclaim in just 3 week in Jamaica."

Linda Blease
"Yes, I definitetly feel happy. I guess it's my time to do things now. I am sure that they will have people who come up, and it will be easier for them to get the same opportunity."

Jules Vasquez
"How much of it depended on the fact that you're a female from a far-away country."

Linda Blease
"Actually, none of it because it's kind of tough. If you're a female or a male, especially somewhere like Jamaica, they are very rough. So, if you don't perform well, if you are female or male, they'll throw something or boo you off the stage. I saw them do it to a couple of people. The good thing is that it didn't happen on this side. I am happy that I did well."

Jules Vasquez
"What would you say to up-and-coming females who might have said, 'Well, that's impossible for me to do.'?"

Linda Blease
"It's not that impossible. Never allow them to tell you all that you can't do it because trust me; do you know how many times they told me that also? So, it's easier that you just do you, believe in what you can do, listen to your music, and try not to follow anybody. Do you; that is the best thing I can tell you."

You can hear Ms. Blease Monday's and Saturday's on KREM Radio and on Friday's at Tropicana.

Popcaan In BZ

And while Ms. Blease came home from Jamaica, Dancehall artist, Popcaan is visiting Belize tonight.

He touched down this morning for a show on Saturday night at the Princess Poolside.

This evening he told us more about Saturday's performance.

Problem Sean - Promoter
"The big event - the biggest event - bigger than all other events happening, we've got Popcaan. Make sure you come out. Ladies, make sure you come out. Popcaan is speaking at the Princess Hotel. He is performing live. There's no other place to be but at Princess Hotel this weekend. Popcaan is performing live."

Bolo - Promoter
"Well, it's most definitely going to be a safe environment. we've got Keyon Vibes, Billy Yongs, Nello Player, and the main performer, Popcaan. So, it's going to be great show. We want all the ladies and dudes come out and enjoy themselves."

Monica Bodden
"So the event will be taking place where?"

Problem Sean
"It will be at the Princess Poolside along with Club Next as well. The amount of people we're expecting from ticket demands and requests, the poolside is not going to be big enough. So, it's going to be a sold out event."

Monica Bodden
"Tell us about ticket prices and so forth. Where could you purchase tickets from?"

Problem Sean
"Ticket prices right now are $50 in advance. You can buy it from Old Masters, LA Fashions in Belize City and Belmopan, San Pedro Belize Express, and at the Princess Hotel as well."

Popcaan - Artist
"You know, Belize, it's my first time, and I love the experience so far. The people are giving me a warm welcome. I love it. Definitely I will want to be here again soon. Saturday, you can expect a high-energy performance from the raving king. The whole place 'a go bon up.' They can expect 'my war', 'Nuh Laugh Thing', 'Naughty Girl', 'Only Man She Want', 'Party Shot', 'Raving', 'Dream', 'Gangsta City', 'Protect Me Pan D Battlefield' - all those songs. So, the real people just come out and make sure you get your ticket early because I'll be in the building from 7 o'clock."

The concert will take place Inside Club Next.