Jasfy Clothing just released a couple new pieces; here is the shoot for those pieces featuring Alleshia Pollard.

To purchase go to Jasfy Clothing or to see more pics click here

Rest in Peace to Thomas Suazo, a promising member of the Belize National Football team; reports aren’t clear whether his death involves foul play or not but hopefully it was just a freak accident; however, in this heinous world we live in we can never be too sure. In any case, condolences goes out to his family and friends. Maybe there is a football field in heaven?

Congrats to Annlyn from BZHypeMeter on her newly won crown. There is no doubt that she was the best and most rounded contestant doing well in every category; great job Lyn and also congrats to Cricel, Tyler and all the other contestants for putting on a great show.

HISTORY

Back in the year 1990, one, Mr. Leopold Smart along with some other individuals decided to dedicate their time and hard work to bringing the sport of boxing into the Belizean culture. During this time there were three known gyms that trained boxers operating in Belize City. In 1990 at the Lake-I Center on Mahogany Street with the assistance of Carlos Diaz, Mr. Smart began training youths in the sport of boxing. A number of his fighters went on to box professionally, including Michael Jones (not the footballer), Melvin Bood, Tyrone Bood, Joseph Eagan and Edward Lynch. There were regular competitions held in Belize City, Cayo and even San Pedro among the competitors were local fighters and sometimes fighters from Mexico or Guatemala. In 1995, Mr. Smart, took a team to the Central American Games in Guatemala City along with Gus Torres from Cayo, and they brought back 1 gold (Errol Banner – middleweight), 1 silver (Michael Soberanis – Junior Middleweight), and 2 bronze medals (Joseph Eagan – Lightweight, and Horace Cadle – Welterweight).  Also in the Copa America that was hosted by Belize in 2000, he along with Gus Torres of Cayo led the Belize team to success in a tournament that was dominated by Belizeans. From Belize City, Moses Sulph, Joseph Eagan and Horace Cadle won gold; and Tucker won silver. The next event that they participated in was the Olympic trials in Tampa, Florida in which, unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in obtaining any victories. Shortly after that the sport died down due to migration of some of the participants as well as financial difficulties and support.

 

BOXING TODAY

Fortunately, Mr. Smart did not give up on the sport, and today he along with Mr. Tucker provides training to some sixteen young men and women from ages 11 – 26 years in his gym located downstairs of the Belize Civic Center. He along with Mr. Anthony Michaels, Director of the Belize National Sports Council, is responsible for the current resurgence of the sport in Belize. At this time there are only amateur boxers, however, a couple of the fighters are on their way to becoming professional boxers and it is the hope of all involved that there will be enough support both in regards to fans and exposure, as well as financial support to fund the development of the boxing. Another major concern that Mr. Smart expressed was the need for more people to become involved in the sport, there is the need for more gyms to facilitate training as well as more individuals to become fighters.  Six of his fighters who recently took part in the boxing event at the Biltmore Plaza in October, are Sherman Galvez, Max Williams, Anderson Petillo, Zane Rudon, Harold Moriano and Colin Lamb.

BOXER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Twenty-three year old Max Williams is one of the fighters that won in one of the fights held earlier in October. He won by KO in the first round, displaying impressive strength and skills in the ring. Max has been involved in boxing from when he was seventeen years old and enjoys the sport. He is dedicated and determined to make it as a professional boxer which he plans to work towards accomplishing in the next two to three years. He personally feels that the sport allows an individual to build strong character as well as discipline and humility.

I would just like to wish all those involved in the sport luck and I know that all Belizeans are eager to see what will happen next. I was informed by Mr. Smart that the next planned bout is to take place in January of next year.

By: L. Young

                

 There is no doubt that Belize is a melting pot of different cultures and religions. The Constitution of Belize which governs our country advocates for equality among all Belizeans whether by birth or naturalization. Chapter 4, Pt 2 of our Constitution allows for each person to manifest his religion, however, many religions, such as the Rastafarians who use marijuana as a part of their practice are being deprived their right to do so. As a people everyone is equal and should be given the freedom to exercise his religion as he sees it fit. If marijuana is a sacred part of a religion then why should it be illegal in a country advocating for equality?
Additionally, the ‘illegal’ hemp plant from which marijuana is derived is a very useful and valuable natural resource. It is a very nutritious plant with seeds containing essential fatty acids important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Its fibres are useful in industry because it strengthens concrete and may be used to create fabric. In its natural habitat it clears groundwater of impurities and is an efficient biological method of weed control.
Not only this, but it is known for its medicinal uses because it stimulates appetite and relieves nausea in cancer and AIDS patients. Even sick people yearn for a prolonged and healthy life which can be achieved through the use of marijuana so why should they be deprived of this?

When considering the legalization of anything, the government must ensure that it is in the best interest of the country and will contribute to the progression of the community. It may be questioned, is marijuana an asset to our country? Marijuana is a drug. A drug, defined by Encarta dictionary, is an illegal substance that affects the functioning of living cells and is often addictive and causes changes in behavior and perception. This change in behavior and perception, however, is in no positive way.
Secondly, marijuana has many ill consequences to the user. It creates an illusion in the mind as thinking becomes disrupted by fragmentary ideas and memories. It can furthermore cause confusion and loss of self-control. Not only this, but it should be noted that because marijuana is a drug, its intoxication impairs judgment, comprehension, memory, speech, problem-solving ability and reaction time. Clearly it interferes with the proper function of the brain and mind which is the intellectual part of all human beings.

Marijuana legalization is a controversy which countries all over the world are faced with. Share your opinion: do you think Marijuana should be legalized?

By O. Flores