The village of Santa Familia strengthened its disaster readiness with essential emergency response equipment from the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change and TaiwanICDF. The initiative is part of the Flood Warning Capacity Improvement for the Belize River Basin Project.
The equipment will assist the community with the impacts of the increasing threats posed by climate change and allow residents to manage natural disasters better and protect their livelihoods.
The new equipment includes emergency response kits, communication tools, and disaster relief supplies. The handover follows a training session held in March. This training focused on equipping the community with the skills to handle emergencies effectively.
Andy Palacio, born on December 2, 1960, in the coastal village of Barranco, Belize, was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose influence transcended borders. His journey from a high school teacher to a celebrated international artist underscores a life dedicated to preserving and revitalising Garifuna culture while promoting Belizean identity on the global stage.
Revitalising Garifuna Heritage
Growing up amidst the rich traditions of the Garifuna people, Palacio’s early life was steeped in the rhythms and melodies of Garifuna music. His return from Nicaragua, where he had been involved in a literacy campaign, marked a turning point. The exposure to other cultures deepened his appreciation for his own, fuelling his commitment to Garifuna traditions. Palacio’s pivotal role came with the rise of Punta Rock—a dynamic fusion of traditional Garifuna rhythms with modern influences like R&B and rock. This genre not only revitalised Garifuna music but also introduced it to a broader audience.
Palacio’s collaboration with the Original Turtle Shell Band and his subsequent work with Stonetree’s Garifuna All-Stars project demonstrated his dedication to this cultural renaissance. His efforts culminated in the highly acclaimed album “Wátina” in 2007, which showcased traditional Garifuna rhythms through a contemporary lens. This album, featuring contributions from other prominent Garifuna musicians, was instrumental in securing global recognition for Garifuna culture and language.
Pioneering Musical Fusion
Palacio’s innovative approach to music played a crucial role in bridging traditional Garifuna sounds with global musical influences. His experimentation with Punta Rock—a genre he helped pioneer—highlighted his ability to blend traditional Garifuna music with modern elements, creating a unique sound that resonated internationally. Albums like “Keimoun” and “Til Da Mawnin” not only solidified his reputation at home but also earned him accolades abroad.
The international success of “Wátina” was particularly noteworthy. Produced by Stonetree Records, the album was celebrated for its authentic representation of Garifuna music while integrating contemporary styles. The global acclaim that followed, including the prestigious WOMEX Award and the UNESCO Artist for Peace designation, underscored the significance of Palacio’s musical contributions in promoting Belizean culture worldwide.
Championing Culture and Education
Beyond his musical achievements, Palacio’s role as an educator and cultural ambassador was pivotal in his legacy. His early career as a high school teacher and his work with Cultural Partnerships Limited in England equipped him with a broader perspective on cultural preservation and promotion. These experiences informed his later roles as the head of the National Institute of Culture and History and a cultural ambassador for Belize.
Appointed Belizean Cultural Ambassador and Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History in 2004, Palacio was instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for Garifuna culture and ensuring its preservation. His work with the National Institute of Culture and History involved not only promoting Belizean culture but also supporting initiatives that celebrated and preserved the country’s diverse heritage. His contributions as a cultural ambassador extended to international stages, where he represented Belize and the Garifuna people with distinction.
Celebrating Global Impact and Legacy
Palacio’s impact was not confined to Belize; his work earned him significant international recognition. His accomplishments include winning the “Best New Artist” award at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991, receiving the WOMEX Award in 2007, and being named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. These accolades highlighted his role as a global ambassador for Belizean and Garifuna culture.
The success of “Wátina” and the subsequent awards highlighted Palacio’s ability to capture the essence of Garifuna culture and present it to the world. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and cultural advocates, demonstrating the lasting impact of his contributions.
Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
Andy Palacio’s life was not without its challenges. His journey from a humble upbringing in Barranco to international acclaim was marked by personal and professional hurdles. His health struggles, culminating in his untimely death on January 19, 2008, were a tragic end to a life dedicated to cultural advocacy.
According to a press release from his record label, Cumbancha, Andy Palacio died in Belize City on January 19, 2008, of “a massive and extensive stroke to the brain, a heart attack, and respiratory failure.”
Despite these challenges, Palacio’s passion for music and cultural preservation never wavered. His personal journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of the arts and the importance of cultural heritage.
Palacio’s engagement with the media played a crucial role in amplifying his voice and the Garifuna culture. His television program, which featured Belizean artists and their work, and his theme music for Channel 5’s newscast were instrumental in promoting Belizean culture locally and internationally.
The media’s role in showcasing Palacio’s work helped extend the reach of Garifuna music and culture, contributing to its global recognition. This interaction between media and culture highlights the importance of platforms in cultural preservation and promotion.
Andy Palacio’s legacy is a multifaceted one. His life’s work not only revitalised Garifuna culture but also elevated Belizean identity on the world stage. As we remember him, we celebrate not just his achievements but also the enduring impact of his contributions to music and cultural heritage.
Caribbean International Brewery Company Limited (CIB) recently expressed concerns regarding a permit that allows the importation of 10,000 cases of Mexican beer, Corona, into the Belizean market. Last week, Prime Minister John Briceño told News Five in an exclusive interview that “There’s been a shortage of Coca-Cola in the market,” but that “not a single bottle has been imported yet.”
According to CIB, Belize has a sufficient supply of beer to meet the demands of both local consumers and tourists. The brewing company says that “allowing the importation of a Mexican beer not only puts local production at a disadvantage but also poses a risk of loss of revenue to the government.” The company questioned the rationale behind promoting Corona instead of supporting Belizean brands like Belikin and Mine.
“We must consider the fact that the consumption of locally produced beer will fall as will the revenues generated in the form of taxes. What about the workers at both beer producing facilities and their families? By allowing the importation of Corona we are also opening up ourselves to a plethora of problems.”
As we reported on Friday, the import permit granted to Goliath Investment Company by the Government of Belize for ten thousand cases of Corona Beer from Mexico has been put on hold. C.E.O. in the Ministry of Agriculture, Servulo Baeza, confirmed to News Five that the permit is paused and no beer has been imported since it was approved a few weeks ago. Goliath Investment Company, which lists shareholders Jose Aldana and Emily Melissa Waight of San Ignacio, was recently registered and is not a member of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, local breweries Bowen & Bowen (Belikin) and Caribbean International Brewing Limited (Mine) remain dissatisfied with the decision to grant the permit initially. With taxes, a case of imported Corona was expected to sell for around $135, amounting to $1.35 million by the final sale. The brewers are particularly concerned about the broader issue of contraband, estimating that for every legally imported case, several more could be smuggled into the country.
Belize City’s Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) has come under fire as it earns the reputation of one of the region’s worst airports. Nicole Cord-Cruz, in a recent article in Island.com, said that while Belize is a “slice of paradise,” the airport experience is lacking. “The airport experience leaves much to be desired,” Cord-Cruz stated.
According to the article, Belize’s PGIA ranked fourth on Sleeping in Airports’ list of the worst airports in the Caribbean and Central America, though it has not appeared on the list in subsequent years.
Back in July of this year, Prime Minister John Briceño announced the coming of three new airports just over two months ago. At the twelfth annual North American, Central American, and Caribbean Directors of Civil Aviation Meeting, Briceño said, “The goal of our government, as stated in Plan Belize, our medium-term development plan is to expand the P.G.A., our International Airport, with a U.S. one hundred twenty-five million investment, to a new airport in San Pedro, a national airport next to PGIA to handle and to manage local air traffic, and a new airport in here down south in Placencia. All of them to be able to handle larger planes within Belize and, who knows, probably handle short regional flights.”
Chairman of Aero Dispatch Services, Kal Habet, said recently that PGIA’s project expansion is a ‘multi-phase project,’ with phase one completed already and subsequent phases underway to take effect. Habet cited the $250 million investment to overhaul the international airport to meet the growing passenger demands.
The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize takes a bold step toward enhancing investor awareness and protection by taking part in the International Organisation of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) 8th Annual World Investor Week (WIW) from October 7 to October 12, 2024.
This global initiative convenes over 100 jurisdictions, tackling pressing financial topics that impact today’s investors.
This year’s campaign will focus on topics such as technology and digital finance, crypto assets, and sustainable finance. The event will feature discussions and workshops on fraud and scam prevention, investor resilience, and the basics of investing.
Claude Haylock, Director General of the FSC, stated, “Becoming an Associate Member of IOSCO earlier this year reinforces our dedication to creating a financial environment that prioritises investor education and protection.” Haylock added, “With the rise of AI, virtual assets, and other transformative technologies, it is critical that we continue to educate and protect investors.”
Tracy Panton, Area Representative for Albert, issued a strong statement on behalf of the Alliance for Democracy. Panton says that the UDP Constitution allows one-fourth of the delegates to call a meeting of the National Convention. According to Panton, the Party Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, does not have the authority to block such a convention. In her statement, Panton also accuses Peyrefitte, Vice Chairman Alberto August, and Party Leader Moses Barrow of “hijacking” the party and disregarding the constitution.
She said that, despite opposition, the delegates will make their voices heard on October 20, 2024, stating, “The power lies with the delegates, not the dictators.”
In response, Barrow condemned the claims made by the Alliance for Democracy. In his statement, Barrow accused the group of spreading “deception and fraud” about the UDP’s internal affairs, clarifying that there is no National Convention scheduled for October 20, 2024. He said that the next UDP National Convention is not set until after the next General Elections, in line with the decision made at the August 2023 National Convention.
Barrow also refuted the Alliance for Democracy’s claims by noting that the UDP Constitution does not mention a National Convention Secretariat or Protem Secretariat, urging the public and party members not to be misled by “false advertisements” from the Alliance. He called on the Alliance to “cease and desist from fraud and deception” in promoting the October 20th activity as a UDP event.
Permanent representatives from nine of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have jointly called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN.
The letter, signed by representatives from Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and Tuvalu, urges the UN to address what the allies describe as “malicious distortions” of UN Resolution 2758. They argue that the misinterpretation of the resolution threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
China claims that the resolution supports its “one China” policy, asserting Taiwan as an “inalienable part” of its territory. However, Taiwan maintains that the resolution only pertains to China’s representation at the UN and does not define Taiwan’s political status or sovereignty.
The letter also calls for the UN to uphold neutrality and stop its current interpretation of Resolution 2758, which, the allies argue, unjustly prevents Taiwan and its media from participating in UN meetings and events.
The letter was submitted ahead of the UN’s upcoming Summit for the Future and the General Debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly.
Belize’s UN Representative, Carlos Fuller, highlighted the critical importance of Taiwan’s involvement in climate discussions, as it is one of the island nations most vulnerable to rising sea levels.
Authorities are seeking help to locate 73-year-old Eugene Leslie from Butter Cup Estate, Burrell Boom Village. Leslie has been missing since September 13, 2024, riding toward the main road outside the village.
He is described as having dark complexion and being of Creole descent. Leslie stands at approximately 59 inches tall and has a medium build.
At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing long blue jeans and a short-sleeved checkered shirt. His children have been searching local establishments with video cameras in hopes of retracing his steps. Leslie suffers from dementia.
Anyone with information regarding Eugene Leslie’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 922.
At just 17, Alaine Perdomo marked her presence at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, where she urged global leaders to combat violence against children and promote digital literacy for girls.
As a talented young developer, Perdomo launched the innovative mobile app SafeScape in December 2023 with support from UNICEF.
The app provides crucial resources for victims of sexual assault and abuse, amplifying her mission today at the UN General Assembly.
President of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, Mark Campbell, told local media that Hurricane Beryl caused significant trauma to chickens, which led to a decrease in egg production of an average of 25% post-Hurricane Beryl.
Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, slammed into Jamaica in early July. It brought fierce winds and heavy rain. With gusts reaching up to 130 mph (215 km/h), the storm has caused widespread damage, toppling trees and damaging buildings along the island’s southern coast.
Egg farmers continue to be affected. Chickens are not producing as many eggs as they usually would.
Campbell explained that they initially estimated the trauma and stress caused by the storm would take around 21 days for the birds to recover, as that’s the typical turnaround period for birds experiencing stress. However, he noted that it has far exceeded that timeframe.
