Headline News Laundering charges dropped against Belize banks! The Belize Bank and First Caribbean will not stand trial for a string of charges under the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, following a Government-sanctioned decision by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for the charges to be abruptly dropped, allegedly under pressure from banks abroad. Top Stories Alex Noralez wins $3,000 in Patriotic Song competition An impressive array of Belizean talent was showcased on the seaside stage at the House of Culture in Belize City on Friday night, where 9 finalists in the 3rd annual patriotic song competition performed their entries, ranging from punta to soca to brukdong to country and western and reggae, before a cheerful crowd. At the end of the event three artists were presented with trophies by Belize City Mayor Zenaida Moya. view full story 3 Chinese rip off employer $153,272.55 Police report that over $150,000 was stolen from the office of the North American International Company Limited (NAIC) at Yabra Plaza in the Commercial Free Zone Saturday afternoon. Police have so far been unable to catch up with their three main suspects: the general manager of NAIC, Kan Shi Kun; a female cashier, Li Ting; and store manager Liang Jun. Picture Caption: (l- r) Liang Jun, Kan Shi Kun, Li Ting view full story House approves constitutional amendments and petroleum surcharge The House of Representatives on Friday approved the Belize Constitution 6th Amendment Bill, as well as amendments to the Income and Business Tax Act which make provisions for a surcharge on profits of oil companies in Belize. The Government says it will implement the petroleum surcharge as of September, but the constitutional amendments won’t take effect as early. That is because of an appeal pending before the Court of Appeals, which is on break until October. view full story Western Highway accident results in fatality Police reported that a National Transport Bus, license plate BZ-D6768, which was being driven by Sandro Salazar, 33, was on its way to Belmopan City when a Honda Accord, license plate CZL C0497, driven by Michael Gillett, 33, a resident of Belmopan, attempted to overtake it and as a result collided head on with a Toyota Corolla, license plate BMP C0497, driven by Delroy Gentle Vernon, 43, of Belmopan. view full story Rocky Road trio charged with discharging firearm, allege police brutality Three young men charged with discharging a firearm in public have professed their innocence and have alleged that they were beaten by the police. Tyrone Broaster, 27, a stevedore of 181 West Canal Street, said the back of his head was lacerated when a police officer struck him with the butt of a gun. Broaster was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he received 6 stitches. Picture Caption: (l-r) Michael Young, Godfrey Hemsley, Tyrone Broaster view full story