July 30, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Celebrating the Resilience of Emancipated Belizean Ancestors

August first is formally recognized as Emancipation Day in Belize. The date commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1838, remembering the hardships of the nation’s African ancestors who fought for their freedom. As the day draws nearer, Belizeans are encouraged to participate in ceremonies honoring those ancestors and learn more about the impact of slavery on the country. In tonight’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Britney Gordon looks at Emancipation Day through a historic lens. Here’s that report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The beating of drums can be used to express many different emotions. In some instances, it is festive, as people dance and celebrate. On August first, however, the sound will act as a reminder to Belizeans of their African ancestors who were kidnapped from their homes. The drums are the heartbeat of their free descendants. The drums are also a tribute to lives lost and the ones that were set free. Rolando Cocom, Director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research, spoke with us about the foundations of emancipation in the region.

Rolando Cocom, Director, Social and Cultural Research, NICH

“When we were thinking about this period there are several things that occur and there are several key steps that gets us to emancipation, including of course, the acts. And the actions of the enslaved people themselves who resisted being enslaved they did this through various ways. The most popular and known as revolts, meaning physically taking arms and saying, we must free ourselves, we must live on our own accords and so on. But also in other passive ways which means, doing less work than you’re, you need to do in order to not be abused on a daily basis.”

It is estimated that over two to three thousand Africans were enslaved in Belize to work principally in the extraction of logwood. Cocom explains that there is a misconception that slavery was not as severe in Belize, however records indicate that Africans were fleeing the settlement to gain freedom in Mexico and West Guatemala. YaYa Marin-Coleman, a community organizer dedicated to the empowerment of African communities, told us that the Atlantic slave trade was an interruption of the African story and stressed the importance of acknowledging how that interruption is still impacting people in today.

YaYa Marin-Coleman, community organizer

“Now, we are in different world view. Most of the world view already used that 2024. They’re not for we worldview. They’re not indigenous people worldview. So you’re a fine way to call African descendants. So there’s a people of color, including indigenous people that we have more lack of solidarity because we oppression that is same before European people come with the extraction and natural resources, murdering with people for personal gain. Translations. Get massive wealth to make the first world country women are living in harmony with mama earth. We knew that you know, mama earth and all the other beings, the creatures in the water that we can put that we system, but that natural to we. So the interruption of that glorious history, our stories because his story, her story, our story. When our African ancestors, with the complicity of some of our people, but at that time our people had no idea what they were going to do as far as what happened to the people. They couldn’t see that. Just like when our people were enslaved, they couldn’t see themselves ever being free.”

Emancipation Day was formally recognized as a holiday in 2021, however, grassroot celebrations have been occurring in communities throughout the country for decades. Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts explains that a libation ceremony was one of the ways that Belizeans commemorated the occasion.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“So the libation is a ritual, It’s actually in both the Creole culture and the Garifuna culture. In the ceremony, it is incorporated because we try to incorporate cultural elements into the official ceremony. So the libation is a ritual in the Creole culture that basically calls out to the ancestors. It’s giving them thanks for their continued guidance. It’s asking them to continue guiding us. And also asking them to come and join us and be present there in spirit. in the ceremony as we call out their names. And there is a very profound moment in the ceremony where you are asked in silence to communicate with your own ancestors and to reflect and to commune with them. And while this is happening, of course, water is being poured symbolically. And that is like how the libation ceremony is done.”

The descendants of the enslaved Africans are still feeling the impacts of slavery to this day, with limited access to education, healthcare and opportunities. It is because of this that the call for reparations continues to be made by descendants.

YaYa Marin-Coleman

“So if you are in a position of power influence. More eyes upon you, more accountability, more transparency. And when you’re wrong, just say I’m wrong. I’ll work and do better. That’s just that. And that’s why it’s so important to frame it as African emancipation, African reparations, because other groups of people get reparations. And reparations is not primarily about finance. The biggest reparation is the repair of self.”

Emancipation Day is formally recognized one day of the year, but Belizeans are a living testament to that day and that freedom.

Rolando Cocom

“So we could think about emancipation on the day itself, but you could also think about the everyday experiences that expresses African emancipation. And you can think to think about this, for instance, in true language, Creole, da di language that we talk every day. And that itself is an expression of African resilience and African the spirit of freedom.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Eboe Town Festival Promises a Day of Fun for Entire Family

Emancipation Day is just a few days away and with that comes a variety of celebrations. This year, the Belize City Council, NICH and their partners are promising a day of vibrant celebrations cultural displays, food, and live performances at the Eboe Town Festival. These celebrations are an avenue for Belizeans to embrace their heritage and foster a sense of community as they learn about the former slave Town. Kim Vasquez, a member of the National Celebrations Commission, filled us in on the exciting activities that are going to be featured at the event.

Kim Vasquez, Director, I.C.A.

“I mentioned, there is a lot of formalities, yes, there is the history, but we also have festivities, and a part of the festivities is Thanksgiving. And we begin that at the thirty first on Wednesday night at eleven p.m. at Queen Street Baptist Church, where we have the Eve of Emancipation service. This is a traditional service that they do every year and which the national celebrations has not joined with them. So we go at eleven p.m. Up until midnight when the bells toll celebrating freedom and the national anthem is sung by the congregation. And then we go over as I said on the first at nine a.m. to the government house for the official ceremony And after that, immediately after around midday, we are inviting the entire public to bring out your entire family for Eboe Town Festival. Eboe Town Festival is expanded this year. It will go from Yabra Green all the way to Isaiah Mortis Square on Albert Street West. So you can expect all the Brukdowg artists to be out there. Boom and Shine, Second Generation, Harrison Doggy King, Cocono Bwai, Lord Rayburn with Kenny Gladden, Drums Not Guns who else will be out there? Brad Patiko. Brad Patiko and his ensemble will do a special performance. special performance for children, and he will end that performance with two storytellers from the Belize River Valley. There’ll be cultural displays out there. Drum making, kiss kiss making, fly brush making. The Crooked Tree Museum will have a boot out there. As well with activities for children. The National Creole Council will be out there with traditional games. There’s a whole lot of cultural food. You’ll buy it up your rice and beans, your Hamadili. And of course, all these sweet things.”

Touching Hearts Through S.J.C.’s Campus Ministry

School is about to begin and for the students at Saint John’s College Junior College, that means returning to classes and clubs with their peers. Clubs are a vital part of the college experience, as they help students find a better sense of self, one of those being the S.J.C.J.C. Campus Ministry which encourages students to partake in community service and form lasting connections with each other. Today, News Five’s Azain Heredia spoke with Jason Cutkelvin, the Assistant Campus Ministry Director for the sixth form and university, for more details. Here’s that story.

Azain Heredia, Reporting

If you are among the one thousand, four hundred students attending Saint John’s College Junior College in Belize City, then the chances of you being a member of a club is very likely. The college, which was established in 1952, is home to a variety of student associations, but there is one club that stands out from the rest for being the largest and most active in the school. It is the campus ministry. It boasts approximately two hundred students and has been an integral part of the student experience at SJCJC for many years. We spoke with Jason Cutkelvin regarding the club.

Jason Cutkelvin, Assistant Campus Ministry Director

“SJC being a Jesuit college and having to develop its own mission and identity and having student formation. We have our campus ministry office as well to serve the students.”

Azain Heredia

“Why do you think the campus ministry is important?”

Jason Cutkelvin

“Campus Ministry is important because it is a place for growth and development for students, again using the word formation. It is important for students to find themself where they are in their faith and in their journey with life. And so, myself and Father Jeremy who is the director of campus ministry, we kind of help to kind them through that journey and that formation.”

The campus ministry couldn’t grow into the club it is today without a good reason. It is through teaching students the joy of community service and allowing them to become better versions of themselves that the club resonated with hundreds of students. Kristen Gillett, the president of Campus Ministry, speaks about the positive effects on the student’s personal development and their view of life.

Azain Heredia

“What was your experience in campus ministry as a student?

Kristen Gillett, President of Campus Ministry

“Well, as a student, for campus ministry it not only broadens my development for spiritual but also as a mature individual and more in tune of who I can be in the future.”

The members of the club play their own role in the community as they all go out and help those in need, as well as grow in spirituality together.

Azain Heredia

“What is it that you guys do as club members?”

Kristen Gillet

“As Club members we go out there, we help those in need, those in poor, we go to sister Cecilia we do more spiritual activities and we just want to broaden more activities for students to outreach with others and be more grateful for what they have.”

The club is known for community service and students attest that the club carries a much deeper meaning.

Azain Heredia

“Why should other students join the campus Ministry?”

Kristen Gillett

“Well, I think it’s a personal development that you go through, and it really broadens your horizon of being more grateful for things, seeing others who go through things, helping others it just, literally develops your spiritual and emotional state better.”

The students are what make the club what it is today. Aracelle Tillett, a board member of Campus Ministry, refers to the club as a family. Briefly going through what it’s like for new and old members. Along with the bonds and personal development, students also grow spiritually as they learn about the Ignatian spirituality together.

Aracelle Tillett, Board member in Campus Ministry

“Campus ministry is like family. So, whenever somebody new comes around it’s more of an interacting place where we get to know them and have a new spiritual build as well as we learn about like the Ignatian spirituality and so on forth.”

Azain Heredia for News five.

CARICOM Leaders Optimistic About Haiti’s Election Prospects Following 47th Regular Meeting in Grenada

The Forty-seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community concluded today in Grenada. Among the topics discussed was the situation in Haiti. CARICOM leaders are optimistic that new presidential and legislative elections will take place in Haiti by the end of 2025, driven by the encouraging report presented by Edgard Leblanc Fils, head of the Transitional Presidential Council. From Saint George’s, Grenada, Peter Richards reports for News Five. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk0GJQt6HJk

KTV Contestants Ready for Battle as Competition Heats up

KTV the Remix, Season Six is still underway and the competition is heating up. Last week, we saw contestants pay tribute to the Latin artist we all know and love. Tonight, the remaining singers will engage in a battle for their places on live TV. Five contestants remain and tonight, one will go home. KTV. Producer Viannie Reyes tells us about what we can expect in tonight’s episode.

Britney Gordon

“KTV is tonight. We’re on episode five of season six: The remix. Talk to me about what we’re in for.”

Viannie Reyes, KTV Producer

“So the difference between last week and this week. Last week was the last night of sending two people home. Tonight, it’s different. Tonight is where we battle on stage, on live TV. The two contestants with the lowest votes will battle for their space on KTV the Remix season six. It’s a bittersweet moment because we have a really, a list of really good singers. So it’s going to be sad to see one of them go home tonight, but this is where the judges will have their say. But it also piggybacks on all the votes that came in throughout the entire week. So we still want to encourage all of our viewers at home. At the bliss to keep on voting. The competition will only get better and we’re looking forward to a fun night because it’s disco. So I’m hoping that we can see a lot of entertainment a lot of different color clothing and just a bunch of different things that we can look forward to seeing on the stage tonight.

Britney Gordon

“And we have a guest judge coming in. Who is our special guest and how excited are we for tonight?”

Viannie Reyes

“Chris Bradshaw. He’s our guest judge. He’s worked with Jenny before and a lot of different artists, specifically in disco as well too. So we thought that he would have been a good decision for tonight. So far, we have been pleased with the decisions that we’ve made for the past couple of weeks. So we’re looking forward to seeing what tonight brings with him, Tremont, and also Ondazi. And lastly, Just give us the rundown of where we can get tickets and where should we come out to enjoy this. So you can get tickets here at Channel 5 at 88 Shopping Centre. Or you can also get them at 6 o’clock at The Bliss as well too. It starts at 8 o’clock, so I suggest that everybody come out, get their tickets, get those parking, and come pick a nice seat and come enjoy the show with us at the Bliss.”

Attorney Says 13-Year-Old Detained Under S.O.E. is Being Held in “The Hole” at Prison

Attorney Leslie Mendez says she has been prohibited from speaking with the 13-year-old boy who was arrested under the State of Emergency.

Mendez, who is representing the mother of a 13-year-old boy detained at Wagner’s Youth Facility within the Belize Central Prison, is raising urgent concerns over the conditions of his detention and his access to legal representation.

Mendez has written to the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, and the Director of the Kolbe Foundation, Virgillo Murillo.

The boy has not been charged with any offense. Mendez, visiting the prison under the instruction of the boy’s mother, was denied access by prison authorities, who insisted on a court order for such a visit.

In her letter to Musa and Murillo, Mendez says, “Upon reviewing the Belize Constitution, Statutory Instrument No. 94 of 2024 and Statutory Instrument No. 99 of 2024, I found no provision that exempts or conditions a detainee’s right to access legal representation, much less that of a child detainee. In fact, both the Belize Constitution and the Statutory Instrument No. 99 of 2024 explicitly recognise the right of detainees to legal representation.”

According to Mendez, this denial of access is seen as a violation of the child’s rights. “This request is made especially in light of information received regarding (the boy’s) detention conditions, which indicate that he is not merely detained, but is being held in what the prison authorities and inmates refer to as “the hole.”

An individual accused of shooting at the boy several months ago is reportedly held in the same area, raising serious safety issues.

Mendez says the use of preventative detention against a child conflicts with international human rights conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Belize is a signatory. She is asking for an explanation for the legal basis of conditioning the boy’s access to legal counsel on obtaining a court order. She has also asked for confirmation on whether his detention was reviewed by an independent tribunal as required by the Belize Constitution on July 27, 2024.

Belize Collaborates with Taiwan to Enhance Senior Home Care Program

Minister of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Dolores Balderamos Garcia has officially endorsed a partnership with Anita Zetina, Secretary General of the Secretariat for Central American Social Integration (SISCA). The agreement was formalised today and is set to enhance the Ministry’s Elder Home Care Programme. The initiative is supported financially by the Republic of China (Taiwan).

In a press release issued today, July 30, it said that the Elder Home Care Programme is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals over 60 years old, allowing them to age with dignity and independence. The programme includes specialised training for caregivers and creates new job opportunities for those seeking certification in elder care.

Theodore Perez, a recipient of the programme’s benefits, said, “It has been a blessing to me, especially when I was at a low point. This programme has offered me help and hope.” Caregiver Kiana Belgrave also highlighted the programme’s significance, noting its positive impact on both seniors’ mental well-being and the support it provides to caregivers.

US News: Director of Controversial Project 2025 Resigns from Heritage Foundation

Paul Dans, the architect and Director of the Project 2025, has resigned from his position at the Heritage Foundation. Project 2025, a 922-page policy blueprint for the next Republican administration, outlines radical reforms including dismantling the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security; bringing the entire federal bureaucracy under direct presidential control; slashing federal money for research and investment in renewable energy; halting sales of the abortion pill, and sweeping tax cuts.

Dans’s departure was confirmed by Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation. According to CBS News, Dr. Roberts said in a statement, “When we began Project 2025 in April 2022, we set a timeline for the project to conclude its policy drafting after the two party conventions this year, and we are sticking to that timeline,” Roberts said in the statement. “Paul, who built the project from scratch and bravely led this endeavor over the past two years, will be departing the team and moving up to the front where the fight remains.”

In his role as head of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project at Heritage, he organised policy and personnel recommendations and training for appointees in the next presidential administration, according to the think tank’s website.

Dans’ departure comes after former President Donald Trump has sought to distance himself from the project, CBS News reported. Trump’s campaign reiterated in a statement Tuesday that Project 2025 “had nothing to do with the campaign, did not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the president in any way.”

Gaza Declares ‘Polio Epidemic Area’, WHO Responds with Emergency Vaccine Shipment

The Gaza Health Ministry has officially declared the Palestinian territory a “polio epidemic area,” attributing the resurgence of the virus to the destruction of health infrastructure caused by Israel’s military campaign.

Poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and is transmitted through contaminated water and food, has seen a dramatic global decline due to widespread vaccination efforts. However, Gaza’s deteriorating conditions have revived the threat. The virus which is spread mainly through the fecal-oral route has been detected in sewage samples from Khan Yunis and central Gaza.

“I witnessed at first hand living conditions that are highly favorable for the spread of polio and other diseases,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, “This is an important time…to come together to act swiftly and decisively to contain this outbreak, for the children of Gaza.”

The Gaza Health Ministry, in collaboration with UNICEF, confirmed the presence of “component poliovirus type 2” in sewage earlier this month, particularly affecting areas where displaced families reside. “The brutal Israeli aggression that deprived the people of usable water, the destruction of the sanitation infrastructure, the accumulation of tonnes of garbage and a lack of food security” had led to the recurrence of the virus, the ministry said.

In response, the Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced that the vaccines will be administered to children in the coming weeks. He noted that no cases of polio have been recorded yet but without immediate action, it was “just a matter of time before it reaches the thousands of children who have been left unprotected.”

In a bid to prevent a polio epidemic in Gaza, UN humanitarians on Tuesday repeated continuing international calls for a ceasefire to allow the “more than a million polio vaccines” campaign to get underway.

Union Members Protest Disrespect for Collective Bargaining Agreement

In a show of solidarity, union members of the Social Security Board (SSB) are declaring, “Enough is enough!” This week, they are donning black ribbons to symbolise their sorrow and frustration over what they describe as the management’s bad faith in disregarding their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

SSB union members are represented by the Christian Workers Union (CWU).

SSB union members say they are committed to wearing it daily until their demands for respect and compliance with the CBA are met.

“You thought that was all? Nopes! These union members are also saying enough!!! Respect OUR CBA. Today a black ribbon, tomorrow a black ribbon until we get back the respect and compliance of our CBA!”