Since the beginning of the week, we have been covering this year’s Carnival Mas Camp every night ahead of the annual road march on Saturday. The events were lively, festive and without incident. That was until last night when a brawl between a trio of females left a fifteen-year-old minor unconscious. It is not clear what triggered the ruckus, but it ended when two women stomped out a minor and left her on the street unconscious. It’s a video that has gone viral on social media and prompted the Commissioner of Police to weigh in. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A fifteen-year-old student is the victim of a vicious beatdown administered by a pair of women on Wednesday night, here in Belize City. Carly Smith attended the Belizean Jewels Mas Camp and was observing the revelers as they made merry to Soca music and dance. It was at that time that she was approached by someone with whom she had a previous altercation. According to her sister, the situation escalated rather quickly.
Shala Smith
Shala Smith, Sister
“Di young lady and my sista had problems already and my sista, ih wahn go out just like everybody else. Ih gaan da di carnival practice and watch di carnival practice, di young lady dehn mussi sih ahn out soh and feel like dis da mih dehn opportunity fi do weh dehn haffi do with me lee sista. From weh I understand, my lee sista mi deh with my sister-in-law and my sister-in-law tell my sista mek ih go. She tell ahn ih noh wahn run from nobody.”
Shala Smith tells News Five that her sister-in-law attempted to restrain her sibling, but that was when the minor was attacked by the two women. The video shows Carly being pummeled by her attackers.
Shala Smith
“When dehn pull ahn back, Ms. Lady, dehn surround ahn. Dehn surround ahn and afta dat unu sih weh happen eena di video.”
Isani Cayetano
“What are the extent of the injuries that your sister suffered as a result of this beatdown?”
Shala Smith
“Only thing right now though, ih head really di pain ah bad. Ih seh ih head really really pain ah. From last night when I cohn cohn sih ahn, my sista di complain about pain. This morning, ah gaan da ih school, same thing di lady seh, go deal with ahn because Carly seh that she feel dizzy. From we deh da station, all my sista complain and da just wahn lay down, ih head di hurt ahn, ih head di hurt ahn. Da just mussi di stomping ah weh dehn stomp ahn, like weh yoh sih, ih pass out eena dat, and ih have bruise right pan di side ah face yah soh.”
What’s appalling is the fact that no one attempted to part the fight. Instead, bystanders kept egging them on, while others simply recorded the incident on their phones. The video has gone viral, prompting Commissioner of Police Chester Williams to issue a statement on what took place. In a social media post, the ComPol said, quote, it’s sad to see how lawless some in our society have become. When the women are fighting, the man stand there watching, videoing and encouraging them to keep fighting until it reaches the stage where the girl could have been killed. Where is their sense of empathy? Then we wonder why some of our children today are so violent. Nonetheless, we must send a strong message, those involved in the fight will be charged and those standing guard videoing and encouraging will be charged for incitement, end quote.
Shala Smith
“I wah defend my lee sista. I noh wahn seh Carly perfect because yes, Carly got ih lotta lee things dehn weh ih do out ya. Maybe if da mi wahn one ahn one with di lee gial, yes. But then two big, grown woman. Unu da two big grown woman. Soh now I could put myself with unu and I could tell unu, babes, ih noh wahn done ya. I wahn mek my sista press charges pan unu. Then di ma, you da wahn ma. You da wahn ma, you wahn jump eena wah fight fi knock wahn fight fi knock wahn fifteen-year-old. Dat da weh bun me more, I di tell you, sir, dehn people dehn don’t know.”
The Government of Belize is looking for a new auditor general. Dorothy Bradley occupied that post for over thirteen years, after stepping down as Chief Elections Officer. In 2021, Bradley retired from the position, but a constitutional revision was made to bring her back on a two-year contract since the government could not source an adequate replacement. During her tenure, under both the Barrow and the Briceno administrations, Bradley received criticism from the unions, including the Public Service Union, for the handling of the audit on the Immigration and Lands departments. Now that Bradley’s contract has expired, the government is seeking a replacement. We spoke with President of the PSU, Dean Flowers, who reiterated his sentiment that the government needs to do better moving forward.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, PSU
“The reality remains that even if we want to recognize the limited work that was done as it relates to some of the special audits, the immigration audit, the sports council audit, the, I believe it’s Julian Cho audit. These were no initiatives of Bradley. These were forced as a result of irregularities that were uncovered and therefore, she was mandated. In essence, for ten years she did nothing on her own in her capacity to address the issue of corruption. At every turn that we had a report to examine and criticize and to create or to establish a Senate select committee. It was as a result of public pressure. It was as a result of corruption that was exposed, not by her office, but rather by either whistleblower on the inside or some disgruntled citizen. And so, we really need to reflect on that. We also need to reflect on the fact that even when these irregularities were highlighted in these specific reports that I mentioned, what became of them? Who were who was held accountable? It demonstrates the lack of training and the lack of expertise in auditing by miss Bradley. To have ensured that we would have gotten people held accountable and convicted of the irregularities, especially where the immigration audit was concerned. That was a waste of time at the end of the day. Why? Because it was thrown out. We spent a lot of money to conduct that audit. We spent a lot of money to conduct a Senate inquiry. And because of failure to follow simple audit procedures before you present a report, it was a waste.”
The search is on for a new auditor general, and the Public Service Union is demanding that adequate compensation be afforded to the successor of the post. In 2021, the government explained the challenges they encountered while attempting to source a replacement auditor general after Dororthy Bradley’s retirement. Subsequently, Bradley was reappointed under a two-year contract which expired on August thirty-first of this year. President of the PSU, Dean Flowers maintains that unless the government increases the salary and staff for the post, Belize will never be able to fill the position with a qualified individual. Here’s what Flowers had to say.
Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U.
“It is important that we ensure that no other head of department who does not have the requisite skill set is transferred over to be an Auditor General. But that this administration at least demonstrates to the Belizean people that they are serious about good governance. And it starts with ensuring that the search for an Auditor General, which should have started two years ago, A person is taken seriously, and that the newly appointed is properly compensated. We would have complained about the quality of justices that we were getting in the judicial system. Immediately, the Belizean people were told you have to pay a chief justice. quarter of a million dollars to ensure that we get better people in the judiciary. And so we’ve seen those salaries gone up. What more office should be better and highly compensated than the Auditor General post? Compared to a two billion budget, quarter million for an Auditor General is really immaterial .And so I would hope that the government of Belize Will ensure that the salary for the Arta general is increased to ensure that we get a suitable, qualified and an experienced person, whether from Belize or within CARICOM, but we need somebody with competency who can transform that department and properly train the public officers in there because even that.Leaves a lot to be desired, believes, needs to now transcend or move into producing financial statements that are internationally recognized public sector accounting.”
Thirty-seven-year-old Andrew Alexander Smith pleaded guilty to theft after racking up a bill of one thousand, two hundred and seventy dollars from a stolen Belize Bank credit card. On August twenty-third, Lucilla Garcia, a retiree from Orange Walk, reported to Belize that while shopping at Golden Bay Store, she lost her purse containing a Belize Bank ATM card, as well as an Atlantic Bank ATM card, among other personal items. When she visited Belize Bank on September second, to cancel the card, she discovered that the card had been swiped multiple times in Belize City, at Mirage Store on Albert Street and Twins Supermarket on Saint Thomas Street. Smith was subsequently arrested, and he appeared unrepresented before the lower courts this morning. Despite being remorseful, Smith was remanded to the Belize Central Prison where he awaits sentencing.
When it comes to performing at the highest level of basketball in Belize, Darwin “Puppy” Leslie, cannot be counted out from that conversation. At the peak of his career, Leslie was deemed the best of the best, following in the footsteps of Keith “Superman” Acosta. But, apart from one documentary series that was produced almost ten years ago, there is not much information out there about Leslie’s accomplishments, his contributions to society, growing up in an impoverished community, and the role a God-fearing mother and disciplinarian father played in his life. His achievements on the court are too many to mention in one news item. But, in this month’s installments of Belize on Reel, we will be looking at Belizean athletes who have gone above and beyond in their respective disciplines. Today, News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with Darwin “Puppy” Leslie for an extensive interview. Here is some of what he learned about one of Belize’s basketball icons.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
When having a conversation about the basketball greats in Belize, names like Milton Palacio, Clinton “Pulu” Lightburn, Keith Acosta, and many others come up. Darwin “Puppy” Leslie is no exception.
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie, Belizean Basketball Icon
“Puppy came from Queen Square with a next famous guy, Orson Picart. WE had the performing arts. We used to go to Bliss and act. My act was I was a puppy. I had to get in a puppy costume for my role and Orson Picart had a turkey costume. Orson Picart being the clown that he is, when we went back to Queen Square, he started to tease me about the puppy.”
That name would remain with him throughout his entire life, even as he performed at the highest level on the basketball court. Leslie was born in 1981 in Belize City. He started playing basketball in his early teens on a blacktop basketball court at the then Princess Royal Youth Hostel on Dolphin Street.
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
“Being on that basketball court was everything. Then I had my little brother with me as well, Jacob Leslie. So it was always me and him getting whipping for being on Hostel without basketball shoes and if anybody know hostel at that time it was raw tar. So we was out there midday and that tar would be popping, like the actual street. And we were out there barefoot playing.”
A quick search of Darwin Leslie’s name on the internet won’t produce much information about his significant accomplishments as a basketball player. That search may yield some statistics on his six years playing in the National Elite Basketball Tournament during which he won back-to-back championships with the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, garnered the finals MVP award and was declared the “big dog” of the league. But his collection of trophies and awards speaks for itself. He dominated in under-fourteen and under seventeen tournaments. He also dominated in the senior tournament with the Christian Ambassadors, where he was awarded regular season and finals MVP. From there, he moved up to compete in Belize’s semi-pro league.
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
“I had the best time in basketball because I had a chance to play against all the old greats. It was like flipping over the card to Darwin and those younger guys. But I played against Bovell, Shabba, Keith Acosta was named superman. Could you imagine that a man playing basketball name superman. So, you know he is flying over the court. He was the guy I wanted to be like and see if I could compete against him to even overtake him.”
Puppy Leslie’s younger brother, Jacob Leslie, is another prominent figure in Belizean basketball. Jacob Leslie recalls his brother’s first year in the semi-pro league, specifically one match against Keith “Superman” Acosta. Jacob was studying in the U.S. at the time.
Jacob Leslie
Jacob Leslie, Co-Owner, Belize City Defenders
“There was a game he was going to play Keith Acosta and I came back to Belize because I wanted to see that game. I went to him before the game and I said, you are the best player in the country. They are saying he is the best player in the country, but you are and tonight you are going to show them you are the best. I remember one play where Keith Acosta was guarding him at the top of the key and I was excited and he pulled a move and dunked the ball and that is so etched in my memory, from that day I said, you are it. They have to pass the mantle to you. I think in that game he scored like thirty-five points. He still lost, but I think he put the basketball world on notice that I am here.”
At the height of his career, Puppy Leslie was very popular among young, aspiring basketball players. In 2007, he began mentoring those very youths in the Belize Bulldogs basketball program that was started with current Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner.
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
“I realize that playing semipro, travelling to all six districts, a lot of kids the say Puppy, a lot of kids the take pictures after the game, a lot of kids the wait with their parents until I come out the shower. I was like, what? So, I started teaching what I know along with Rasco Reece and Rupert Brown. We did that program for ten years, every Saturday with funding from Belize Bank.”
But, behind the spotlight of being the best of the best at basketball in Belize, was a young man who grew up in an impoverished community. His father and mother were the bedrock of the family. They made sure discipline was instilled in the home and that each of their six children sought God.
Jacob Leslie
“My father was very strict in budgeting and finances and made sure the money is in order. My mother was the spiritual leader of the family. So my mother made sure we go to church, Sunday school, youth services and that molded us as men. So, it is natural for him to be in a position to give back, to make impact, because that is what Christianity teaches you right.”
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
“We use to take our chamber pot, and I am being as real as I can be, it uses to be under the bed, we put it in a bigger bucket and after a couple days we go to the kennel. So that was tough. I remember having the one-man bathroom over the kennel, we use to use those, right in Queen Square.”
Darwin Puppy Leslie officially retired in 2019 from the National Elite Basketball League. He is an unsung hero, with no stadiums named after him, no national awards presented, no substantial, tangible recognition despite his many contributions to raising the level of basketball played in Belize and mentorship. And if you ask him, Puppy will tell you that God always has a plan.
Darwin “Puppy” Leslie
“When I think about my life, I think about they came a certain time where I don’t have any control over my life. Right now God is taking full control of my life. But I know for sure I am someone sent here to give service to humanity. I know that a fact and I can say that with confidence.”
It has been a few months since the Joint Unions’ Negotiating Teams met with government representatives and there are a few matters under review. One is a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Government of Belize and the Public Service Union (PSU), the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM). That was signed in May. But there’s a new one on the table, about which discussions will commence shortly. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hydel gave reporters a summary of what was discussed.
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“We have a Revenue Enhancement Committee at work. We have a cost savings committee at work. We have a pension reform committee at work – all these committees are working very hard and so we should be getting reports from them pretty soon. We also had a consultancy on the government pay and grade, trying to modernize how that is done. And there is an interim report that’s been provided, circulated to the members and they will have intensive discussion and deliberation on that. Revolutionary stuff is in there.”
Reporter
“What are some of the considerations that will have to be made for a new collective bargaining agreement?”
Cordel Hyde
“Well, we are not there yet. In a matter of months or so, the unions will present to government their plan, their proposal and we will then – government’s side will then look at that and see what’s workable, what can be done in the short term, what will take some time, what’s the sticking points, what are our priorities. So we’ve only just started to kind of like talk through a timeline, talk through how this will be done. In terms of the meat of it, we’re not there yet, where the unions will work in earnest over the next eight weeks to come up with, those points and then we will deal with it from there.”
Another issue that the JUNT is looking at is how the government can cut its costs and enhance its revenues. In May, three aspects were worked on, including the re-establishment of the Cost Savings Committee, the Revenue Enhancement Committee, and the Pensions Working Committee. Today, the committee reported back to the joint unions and the government on where they are with the recommendations that were previously made. Public Union President, Dean Flowers updated us.
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“In late September, early October, we should receive reports. interim reports from those committees and hopefully then, moving into the end of the year and into the new fiscal year, we can see implementation of some of those recommendations as well as hopefully new recommendations that will see us become a more efficient public service as well as efficient in our revenue conduction. The adjustment in the pay scale, of course, is always a conversation. I think that it is no secret that the joint unions have written to the government of Belize to say that it is time for us to look at the entire salary restructuring exercise. I believe it was about two weeks ago, a consultant funded by the IDB came to look at the current pay scale, to look at where we are, there were stakeholders’ consultation, and there is a preliminary report that has been sent to the government, which they are currently reviewing. We’re hoping we’ll get a chance to review that as well to see how we can not necessarily revise, but I would say do away with what clearly is an outdated compensation scheme with 20 pay scales that has been in existence for so long. It does not align with the current trend in developing and developing countries and where the compensation package is concerned. Too many anomalies exist and too much discretionary power also exists in every aspect from hiring to what ultimately that compensation package will be. And so, that exercise is tied to the pension reform.”
Today, another subcommittee was formed to look at the retirement of public officers from the service. The Minister of the Public Service, Henry Usher says this will look at improving the efficiency with which public officers receive their retirement benefits. In addition, he said that the classification of the grading of public service positions is being investigated.
Henry Usher, Minister of the Public Service
“Quite often in the media, we’ve heard about persons not getting their gratuity or their pension to time, and we’ve been putting a lot of effort on that, but we wanted to more focus on that to make sure that when public officers retire, that they can get their benefits more efficiently. So, those are some of the areas we discussed today. We also looked at a recent review that was done. By a consultant that was brought in by the IDB to look at the modernization and the classification the grading of our public service positions and I think that is very important we shared that report with the union and I’m sure that we will have a further discussion on that at the next meeting.”
Today, the Belize Hotel Association hosted its second annual allied trade show. This event is an opportunity for members of the association to come together to network and share information about the goods and services they offer, as well as promotions for members and non-members alike. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Caribbean Motors showroom for more information. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Belize is eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety-six square miles, but across the tiny country, there are approximately eight-hundred and thirty-two hotels and accommodations. Of that number, only seven percent, or sixty-one of those hotels belong to the BHA. Today, the association hosted its second annual trade show to bring these members together. Membership and Services Coordinator Keisha Reyes, provides more details.
“We have thirty-eight of our members, they are all businesses here in Belize and we have one of our allied international who is also here. And the main focus for this trade show is to have them network with themselves as well as other persons from outside the association. So they have some booths, they have information, some have goods, some have services. They’re all here on display for everyone to take advantage of.”
The Belize Hotel Association is a non-profit organization that works to sustainably grow the tourism industry in the country. Aside from the hotels, there are sixty other businesses that make up the membership. Christine Tun, of Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen, says that the company has been a member for three years and the show allows them to introduce the towels and linens that they offer to the hotel industry.
Christine Tun
Christine Tun, Belize Commercial Laundry and Linen
“We’ve been a member of this association for about three years. And the trade show is a great opportunity for members and non-members alike and all those in the hotel industry to know about our services, which is providing commercial laundry services to hotels, resorts, vacation hotels, Airbnbs. We’re able to make life really easy and simplified by not having to worry about that. We take the load of laundry off of you.”
Another business that contributes to the tourism industry is the T-Shirt Factory Belize. As September Celebrations are underway, the company is here to showcase a variety of products offered to Belizeans and tourists. Manager and designer Ritisha Hohenkirk says that they could not miss the opportunity to participate.
Ritisha Hohenkirk
Ritisha Hohenkirk, Manger, T-shirt Factory Belize
“We are a part of BHA. We’re very heavily involved with the tourism sector. We do a lot of gift shop items, t-shirts as well souvenir stuff. We did actually decide it would be a great opportunity for us to come out here. We thought that we can get our brand out more.,I mean people do know T-Shirt Factory, but, some people might not be aware. And also, people can’t mak it to the store, so we brought the store to them.”
It is Hohenkirk’s first year participating in the trade show, but she is already seeing the benefits of her participation.
Ritisha Hohenkirk
“And I feel like there are some, I like members here that probably didn’t know about tshirt before and so know us being here, they can introduce themselves, we can introduce ourselves as well and create a connection.”
Celia Humes and her family are among the first visitors to stop by. Humes says that she’s glad they made the trip.
Britney Gordon
“What made you come down and decide to see what’s going on at the show today?”
Cecilia Humes
Cecilia Humes, Customer
“Well I got an invite from Belize Hotel Association.”
Britney Gordon
“And are you usually interested in things like this? How has it met your expectations so far? Are you satisfied with what you’re seeing?”
Cecilia Humes
“It’s been great so far. There’s a lot really interesting things and I’m going to…”
Britney Gordon
“Make use of them?”
Cecila Humes
“Yes, make use of them.”
Britney Gordon
“Is this your first time attending the show?”
Cecila Humes
“Yes, this is my first time.”
In only two years the event has grown significantly, a trend that the Belize Hotel Association believes will continue.
Keisha Reyes
“It will be just as worth it because last year we have a lot of our members say to us that, we got some great connections, we were able to connect with members and non-members that they, weren’t expecting to be connected with. So this year they asked us to do it a little bigger, so of course we came to a bigger venue. And of course, they’re here, everything that they could take advantage of, whether you’re a business or not, you can come. So the feedback last year compared to this year, I believe it will be even better.”
It’s day four for the staff at the Sunny Side Bakery at its new location and business is just as plentiful as ever. The family-owned bakery has been in the process of relocating for several years and finally, during the week of the death anniversary of late owner Elon Pitterson, the new bakery is here. News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the bakery today to hear how the family is keeping that same great taste and quality after nearly seventy years of service.
Britney Gordon
“You made the trip all the way here today to get something even though the old location is near your house. So why did you come all the way here to get them?”
Ashly Cole
Ashly Cole, Customer
“Because Sunny and Tan is the best and always been the best from ever since from I was a little boy. And I was born in what, 1958 and I start go to Sunny from I was about five years old.”
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Customers are waiting to enter Sunny Side Bakery in Belize City, also known as the famous Sunny and Tan Bakery. It’s only been four days since the bakery opened the doors of its new location, and already, the loyal customers are back and for good reason. The Sunny Side Bakery is one of Belize’s oldest and most beloved bakeries in the old capital. Zebedee Pitterson started the business in 1959, and today, his granddaughters Elony and Christiana Pitterson are carrying on his legacy.
Elony Pitterson
Elony Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery
“This family business is very important to me because from when my grandfather had it was, he was doing really great and it was something for me and my sister to look up to. So that’s why both of us wanted to continue the bakery.”
Britney Gordon
“So growing up in a baking family, do you feel that influenced your love for the craft of baking? Is it something that you take pride in doing?”
Elony Pitterson
“Yes, it is something that I take pride in doing because ever since I was about eight years old I have always been in the bakery with my dad doing pastries after school learning to make pastries, so it’s something that I really love.”
The bakery offers a variety of pastries such as cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and cakes, but it is the Sunny and Tan bread and buns that Belizeans cannot get enough of. Norman Melton, a customer that has been coming to the bakery since he was a child says that he just can’t get bread like this anywhere else.
Norman Melton
Norman Melton, Customer
“Well, I used to go there because they got the best bread, you know, and Sunny and Tan bread is nicer than everybody else bread. So we want the best all the time for our money. We don’t want bread that we buy it today, tomorrow it done look spoil, jun de pon you know. But for them bread could last you three, four days before it gets spoiled or hard.”
Elon Petterson, the son of Zebedee Pitterson, was at the forefront of thebusiness for decades. It was his dream to take the bakery to a new location so he designed the new store himself. However, Elon died of a heart attack in 2021, so it was up to his wife and children to make his dreams a reality. Christiana Pitterson tells us that it is a bittersweet feeling to see her father’s dreams accomplished without him.
Christiana Pitterson
Christiana Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery
“It was his dream. He wanted to relocate the bakery. So when suddenly my dad passed away while he was renovating it. So this was mostly like a shell, but we had the design and the idea of what he wanted. And so now we’re here in this beautiful bakery and making his dream come to life. We’re very excited that we we’ve opened up the bakery. This is our fourth day opening and we have an amazing customer base who love the building, love the location, even our products, so we’re very grateful for them again. lastly too, I want to say thank God for giving us health and strength for us to continue this legacy as well.”
Sunny Side Bakery, at its core, remains a family business. And it is the love that each member has for the craft and for their customers that keeps people coming back for years to come.
Britney Gordon
“How long have you been going to the other location?”
Rupert Robinson
Rupert Robinson, Former Employee
“Oh, man, many, many. I used to work for mister Pitterson himself, the boss.”
Britney Gordon
“And what was that experience like for you? How was he as a person?”
Rupert Robinson
“He was a very good guy. Good gentleman. He had his wife. He had his two sons and he had a daughter and I usually was a good boss to me in the 1990s.”
Britney Gordon
“And so you feel good to come out and support the family that’s trying to continue his legacy?”
Rupert Robinson
“Well, I know that the family was torn apart by death of the father and one of the son so I’m trying to support them.”
Pitterson says that despite the change in location, business has been booming just as much as ever and she is grateful for the people that continue to enjoy the food after so many years.
Britney Gordon
“Do you feel that the customers have really been turning up to your doors now that you’ve moved here? Or have you noticed like maybe a dip as people get used to the new location?”
Christiana Petterson
“No, there’s been a great increase in customers. It has been amazing. So again, we’re very grateful for it.”
