August, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Connecting Youths to their Roots: Belize Music Project

The Belize Music Project is officially here. Created by the ministries of Culture and Tourism, the initiative seeks to connect Belizean youths to their cultural roots through a love for music. The project was officially launched today at the House of Culture in Belize City. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For centuries, music has remained one of the strongest ties to culture that a person can have. Playing instruments, singing and dancing together, music connects people. And the Belize Music Project is seeking to connect Belizean youths to their forebears. Music activist, Bilal Morris explains the significance of the project.

Bilal Morris, Music Activist

“The Belize Music Project is a documentation and celebration of Belizean music, both past and present. It’s placing Belizean music into a historical context and timeline so that present and future generations of Belizeans, students and non-students alike, Belizean musical enthusiasts, entertainers, and the Belizean community at large can hear, see, experience, and feel the Belizean soul. We can even play back this rich history of Belizean music through various musical technologies and medium today to enjoy the song of a people and their musically creative history that have not only developed a nation but globalize this rich and cultural heritage.”

The project is based on three main principles: research, education, and innovation, with the goal of unlocking Belize’s musical soul. Over the course of several months, the experts will attempt to create a digital archive of musical creations across Belizean history.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“The Belize Music Project focuses on preserving Belize’s rich musical heritage while fostering innovative expressions that bridge past traditions with future artistic endeavors, instilling cultural pride and identity. It involves comprehensive research, including interviews and historical recordings to create a narrative of Belize’s musical journey culminating in a multi-format music box set titled one hundred years of Music in Belize which features significant historical recordings and detailed publications.”

Belizean favorites such as Mister Peters, Lord Rhaburn and Sam Hamilton will be featured but as the project progresses, researchers will also attempt to archive the works of still-undiscovered artists of the past. Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler says that by doing so, the world will be able to look back for generations to come and appreciate the talent concentrated in the small country of Belize.

Anthony Mahler, Ministry of Tourism

“Why can’t we have the next Bob? Why can’t we have the next Rihanna? Why can’t we have the next Marshall Montano or whoever it is, we have talented people here. And that’s why we’ve invested in the music studios that we’ve invested in and we’ll continue to do more. And that’s why we are investing in the music and food festival. I think art has a crucial role to play in our education and believing in what we are as Belizeans. It is important for far too often we take these things for granted but if you listen to the video and you listen to the talent that we had, and we have right now, I think we have to create that environment.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

G.O.B. Making Steps to Introduce Oyster Farming in Belize

Oyster pearls may be coming to Belize as the next business venture for the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. As part of the Blue Investments strategic objective, the ministry is in search of new initiatives to elevate Belize’s nature-based economy. This weekend, government representatives travelled to Mexico to visit an oyster pearl farm and gauge the potential of the industry being introduced in Belize. Additionally, the ministry conducted a feasibility study, exploring the possibilities of sea salt sequestration and production in Belize. The field visit is an integral part of the feasibility study, that seeks to identify learning opportunities, partnerships, and technical guidance on the business endeavor. These steps are a signal to Belizeans to open the doors for sustainable and inclusive uses of blue spaces in the country.

Man Alleged Police Brutalized Him After Getting into Car Accident

Typically, fender benders do not result in serious injuries, but in the case of Omar Matus, he walked away from one drenched in blood. Reports are that on Monday night, the Belmopan resident was in a minor car accident and upon the arrival of the police, a conflict arose between Matus and the officers. Matus alleges that the police proceeded to beat him severely, resulting in injuries to his face. Matus was taken to the Western Regional Hospital, where he received stitches to his right eye. We are awaiting further details from police on this incident.

Shaun Gill Returns from 2024 Olympics in Paris

Olympic runner Shaun Gill was the only Belizean athlete in Paris this year. He didn’t qualify to compete in the track and field events; nonetheless, we caught up with him upon his return from the 2024 Summer Games on Tuesday morning. Gill, who recently completed his studies in engineering, has announced his retirement from the sport, as he shifts focus to finding a job in his field of study. Despite being unable to participate in the Olympics activities, Gill told reporters earlier today that the experience was quite memorable.

Shaun Gill, Belizean Olympian

“The experience was good. Part of the reason the performance was kind of low also was because of the adjustment. It was extremely, extremely hard to adjust. I mean, even before the race, I was already in France probably, maybe a week and a half, closer to two weeks and still could not adjust, the sleep cycle was completely off. The performance, it is what it is, I’ve ran many big races before and it’s sports, you know, not every single time you touch the track you wahn get the performance weh yoh think yoh capable of, you know.”

Isani Cayetano

“You are the only Belizean to represent the Jewel in this year’s Olympics. Describe for us that feeling, perhaps you would have wanted to see more athletes from our country representing as well. What was that like for you?”

Shaun Gill

“You know, as weh ah seh eena one a mi post dehn on Instagram, you know, I had a feeling of a lot of joy, passion. I really felt like I had Belize on my back. You know, I gave this story a couple days ago to one of my friends, when we were doing the opening ceremony and we were going on the boats, you know, I felt normal, like… getting on the boat, it’s a procession, you have to go through protocols and everything. But as soon as, we had a guide and the guide tells you when it’s your turn to be on TV, as soon as the guide said, “Belize, your turn.” It was just an overwhelming feeling of, you know, passion, joy, and that’s why I started waving the flag. It takes a lot. I mentioned in one interview and it kind of went viral, but all I said was the resources here are not as great. That’s literally what I said and it’s the truth, you know. I don’t know who’s responsible for it but we need to start working on it because sports is a big deal and sports unites all athletes.”

Isani Cayetano

“Now Shaun, you’ve essentially announced your retirement from track and field. What next should we expect from you, either in your academic pursuits or any other form of sports?”

Shaun Gill

“Well, this is part of the farewell tour for me. As I mentioned to Sports Max, I probably have maybe one more, I’m not even sure when it is, but it is something that I already told the federation here that I am committed to which is being a part of a relay team.”

Prime Minister Departs the Country

The Office of the Prime Minister informs that the Prime Minister, Hon. John Briceño departed the country today, 14 August 2024, en route to the Dominican Republic to attend the Presidential Inauguration of the PresidentElect, His Excellency Luis Abinader Corona, being held on 16 August 2024.

The Prime Minister returns to Belize on 18 August 2024. During his absence, Hon. Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources, Mining and Petroleum, will hold over as Prime Minister.

ENDS

Press Release

LOO Moses Barrow Meets with Jamaican PM Andrew Holness Before Elections

Leader of the Opposition Moses Barrow met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the Office of the Prime Minister Jamaica House earlier today.

In a statement made on Facebook, Barrow stated, “We discussed the state of our nations, particularly economic development, education, and citizen security.”

He added that, as Chairman of the Caribbean Democratic Union, Holness’s advice is crucial for the UDP’s goal of securing 16 seats in the upcoming General Elections.

“PM Holness is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Democratic Union of which the UDP is a member thus it was important I seek his counsel on how best to ensure we deliver 16 seats in the General Elections that are upon us,” Barrow added.

Belize Music Project Launched to Preserve Musical Heritage

Today, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) and the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations announced the launch of the Belize Music Project. This initiative, operating under the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and within MoECST, aims to document Belize’s diverse musical history.

The project is guided by three principles: research, education, and innovation. It will build an archival library by digitising all forms of Belizean music, including those recorded on outdated technologies. Experts will work over several months to compile this digital collection and continue researching undiscovered artists from the past.

The Belize Music Project seeks to connect younger generations with their cultural roots and establish a lasting legacy for future generations.

WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent upsurge of Mpox, previously called monkeypox, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several African nations a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The decision follows the detection of a more dangerous strain of the virus, clade Ib, and the recommendations from the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “The emergence of a new clade of Mpox, its rapid spread in the eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighbouring countries are very worrying.” He highlighted the need for a coordinated international response to control the outbreaks and save lives.

Professor Dimie Ogoina, Chair of the Emergency Committee, warned that the mpox surge, including a new sexually transmissible strain, poses a global emergency.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security earlier this week, reported CNN.

This is the second PHEIC declaration for MPoX in two years. The disease, endemic to central and west Africa, saw a global outbreak in 2022, which was declared over in May 2023. The current outbreak has led to more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths in the DRC, with a concerning new strain, clade 1b, spreading through neighbouring countries.

The WHO has released US$ 1.45 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies and anticipates a need for US$ 15 million to support response efforts. WHO is also facilitating access to vaccines and other medical tools.

Government Explains Acquisition of Land for New Hospital in Belmopan

The Briceño Administration has issued a release in an attempt to explain the acquisition of land for the new tertiary hospital in Belmopan. According to the release, in April 2023, Cabinet approved the construction of a modern national referral and university hospital for the University of Belize, funded by a US$45 million loan from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Arabia Fund for Development.

The project was later approved by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2023, and signed into law in June of that year. “On 16th April 2024 Cabinet gave its approval for the relocation of the proposed Belmopan Tertiary Hospital, to a more accessible location near the George Price and Hummingbird Highways.”

According to the release, after a thorough review and technical report from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Cabinet determined that the original site proposed by the University of Belize was unsuitable for meeting the government’s commitment to universal health coverage. The release says that the original site, 9 kilometres from the George Price Highway, posed several challenges, including circuitous access routes, lack of nearby utilities, the need for additional land purchases, and inconvenient travel for hospital employees. It added that the new site for the hospital offers several advantages, including better road access for patients from western and southern districts, improved access for Belmopan residents using public and private transportation, proximity to the Belmopan Airstrip for easier airlift, enhanced road connectivity, and improved healthcare climate resilience.

Additionally, the site provides extra land for the University of Belize.

The release says that following the decision to relocate, valuations were conducted, and a final price of $6.9 million was agreed upon for 15 acres of roadside land owned by Annie Zhu and Kenny Zheng, which was significantly lower than the initial asking price.

Belize Blue Economy Initiatives: Belize Considers Oyster Farming and Sea Salt Production

Belize is taking steps to enhance its Blue Economy with the introduction of new industries. This weekend, Kennedy Carrillo, CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, and a team including Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, visited an oyster pearl farm in Mexico’s Hermosillo.

The trip, featuring Nancy Marin, an innovation consultant who developed the pearl farming proposal, is a key part of a feasibility study to determine the viability of oyster farming in Belize. The study aims to explore learning opportunities and establish potential collaborations.

Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, has called on Belizeans to present creative and sustainable ideas for utilising the nation’s blue spaces. This initiative supports the government’s Plan Belize and National Blue Economy Policy, which focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. The Ministry is also reviewing the potential for sea salt production as part of its broader strategy.