November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Flooding In Lords Bank Causes Trouble for Low-Lying Houses

The floodwaters making their way into the Belize District have also impacted residents of Lords Bank Village. Those living near the Belize River and in low-lying areas are the hardest hit. Several feet of water have turned some houses into islands, forcing villagers to evacuate. Earlier today, we spoke with an elderly resident who shared that, although the water hasn’t entered his home, he’s finding it difficult to navigate his own front yard. Here’s more on that.

Albert Watler, Resident, Lords Bank

“Everything was cool until when the storm come down, you know? When the rain started to come. But when it start rain hard, we done know it di flood from uo yonder. So everything weh come down ya da fi we.”

Britney Gordon

“About how long you di see the flooding in this area now?”

Albert Watler

“Bout four five days. Ih di go now, it seem.”

Britney Gordon

“And it’s made its way inside your house?”

Albert Watler

“No. no, fi we house dry. And so, what you’ve seen for your neighbors, uh, about how high is it in the neighbors that have low houses?”

Britney Gordon

“Has it been difficult to go in and out of your yards?”

Albert Watler

“Yeah, very very [difficult].”

Britney Gordon

“How long do you think it will be until the water goes down?”

Albert Watler

“I da seh bout five days more. Five days maybe, once ih noh rain it gwen down.”

Britney Gordon

“There are some areas where the water has made its way above their porches.”

Albert Watler

“Yeah I know. When the hurricane mi come wa time deh up deh but ney had a boat way ya di come. But ih noh get to that height yet.”

Britney Gordon

“So you guys are good here, but for those people?”

Albert Watler

“Yeah ney wa suffer lee bit. Have to.”

Motorcycle Accident on GPH Leaves Man Dead

Tragedy struck on the George Price Highway this past Saturday. Roy Martinez and Kenny Garcia were riding a motorcycle when things took a turn for the worse. The bike lost control, sending both men flying. Sadly, Martinez didn’t survive the crash. The police have shared more details about the incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday the twenty-third day of November 2024, police responded to a fatal road traffic accident on the George Price Highway. They saw a motorcycle with damages, and also on the scene were two male persons with injuries. They were escorted to the hospital. They were identified as Roy Martinez and Kenny Garcia. There after Martinez succumbed to his injuries and Kenny Garcia is in a stable condition. The information is they were both on a motorcycle when they crashed causing the fatal injuries to Martinez and Garcia.”

Hit and Run in Orange Walk Claims Life of Resident

In another tragic road accident in northern Belize, an Orange Walk resident became the victim of a hit-and-run. Police reported that Fabio Can was walking along the highway when he was struck by a vehicle that didn’t stop to help. Sadly, Can later succumbed to his injuries.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday the twenty-fourth day of November, police responded to a fatal road traffic accident in Orange Walk. They saw the lifeless body of a male person with severe injuries. He was taken for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. He was on the highway when he was knocked down by a vehicle that didn’t stop. He was identified as Fabio Can of Orange Walk. Investigation into this matter continues.”

Caye Caulker Argument Leads to Chopping

Police have detained a man following a chopping incident on Caye Caulker. According to reports, Juan Orellana and Jose Ayala were drinking and cleaning fish when a heated argument broke out. During the altercation, Ayala allegedly inflicted chop wounds on Orellana. ACP Hilberto Romero provided further details on the incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday the twenty-fourth day of November, police responded to a chopping incident in Caye Caulker. Upon arrival they saw Juan Orellana with three large chop wounds to the body. He was taken for treatment at Caye Caulker and then taken to KHMH for further treatment. Investigation is that he was at Caye Caulker where he was involved in a fight with one Jose Ayala who inflicted the three chop wounds to him. Jose Ayala is in police custody and will be charged today.”

The Honorable Shyne Debuts in Belize

The Honorable Shyne made a splash at the Princess Cinema on Sunday evening, earning rave reviews from moviegoers. This biographical documentary delves into Shyne Barrow’s journey to superstardom, his conviction and lengthy prison sentence, and his eventual deportation to Belize. Although the documentary premiered on Hulu on November eighteenth, many Belizeans don’t have access to the streaming platform. To bridge this gap, Barrow teamed up with Play Chune to host a special screening at the Princess. With two theaters opened up, Belizeans flocked to watch the film. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Belizean moviegoers were in for a treat on Sunday evening as the much-anticipated film documenting the life and times of Shyne Barrow premiered at the Princess Cinema. The audience was captivated by the story of this public figure, brought to life on the big screen. Before the first showing, we chatted with some of the attendees to get a sense of their excitement and expectations for the documentary. It was great to hear what they were looking forward to as they headed into the screening.

Bernard Panton Jr., Moviegoer

“I think it’s a historical moment for Shyne and I’m really curious to understand the full story, you know, from beginning to end. I love documentaries and I think, a Belizean documentary, first and foremost, is something nice. Secondly, a Belizean documentary on a politician is even better. So I’m just looking forward to seeing the storyline, understanding more of what Shyne and his journey is all about and just feeling out the vibe.”

Shyne’s journey from rags to riches, which includes a significant stint in a US prison, is a well-known story. His shift from the world of music and entertainment to the political arena in Belize is also widely recognized. While he may have his critics, his story is not just a cautionary tale but one that many can relate to.

William Neal, Moviegoer

“You know, one of the things that, in Belize, the zero degrees of separation make you see people in their humanity, their full humanity. But I think that lessons can be learned from anybody and I approach it, you know, we may not be hangout buddies, but you can learn lessons from anybody. I think this is a great opportunity to just see his lessons and see how they can extrapolate into the ordinary Belizean life”

The bio doc, produced by Disney in collaboration with Andscape, runs for an engaging hour and forty-three minutes. The audience was completely captivated, soaking in every detail of Shyne’s incredible life story. Meanwhile, we had the chance to catch up with Shyne himself on the red carpet. Here’s what he had to say at the event.

Isani Cayetano

“What do you think, amidst this cautionary tale, is perhaps the lesson for the average young Belizean who’s watching this documentary for the first time?”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Never give up, it is never too late and you can do absolutely anything, but the cost of admission, the cost of success is one of great pain and sacrifice and consistency and determination and if you’re prepared to give every single thing that you have, every ounce, every fiber of your being to what it is you are trying to accomplish in life, you will succeed. It takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight and sometimes it seems as if it won’t happen any at all, but I believe my life story is proof that it does happen. It might not happen when you want it to happen, but it will happen if you remain consistent and committed.”

Just after eight p.m., moviegoers streamed out of the theaters, many with a fresh perspective on Shyne Barrow. They reflected on his incredible journey from Curassow Street to rising star at Bad Boy Records, his time at Clinton Correctional Facility, and his eventual deportation back to Belize.

Devon Gabriel, Moviegoer

“Anybody who is a Belizean who has known what it is to struggle, to grow up in a world where people have limited you and have said that you are going to amount to nothing and to actually overcome that, to laugh in the face and to actually Shyne, literally, I thought it was a good documentary, well done.”

Fidelis Bermudez, Moviegoer

“It was very interesting, I loved it, and it shows you that whenever people go through obstacles and bad things in life that they can improve themselves and Shyne has done a good job on it. I loved it, I love the documentary.”

Isani Cayetano

“Does that perhaps change your perspective on who Shyne Barrow is?”

Fidelis Bermudez

“No, I have always had a soft spot for him because I know that he’s been through a lot in life. So seeing the movie helped me know who Shyne really is and what he went through.”

Despite the early success and rave reviews of the bio doc, embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has stirred up some drama from prison. He’s issued a cease-and-desist letter, aiming to stop Shyne from talking about the events of that fateful night in December 1999 that forever changed Shyne’s life.

Isani Cayetano

“Sean Combs has sent out a cease-and-desist letter for certain parts of the story that you have been telling, particularly in respect of what happened on the night of December 26^th, 1999, at Club New York. The fact that you’re saying you’re a fall guy for him, so and so forth, how do you respond to that?”

Shyne Barrow

“I didn’t see it, I don’t even know if it exists. That’s just a rumor. Did you see it?”

Isani Cayetano

“So you have not been in receipt of that cease and desist?”

Shyne Barrow

“No. Not at all. At the end of the day, my life is my life, and, you know, I’ve done unprecedented things in my professional career and there is nothing I can do about that but thank God, fall to my knees and praise the father that I was able to sell over forty million records. I was able to do several multimillion dollar deals in the entertainment industry, and there is nothing I can do about that but thank God and fall to my knees and praise the Father.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

A New Welcome Center for Seine Bight

Seine Bight Village celebrated the grand opening of its new visitor’s center on Sunday. The friendly staff at this newly inaugurated facility are ready to offer personalized recommendations and answer any questions, ensuring each visitor’s experience is unique and enjoyable. At the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson, and Village Chairman Jose Aleman were in attendance. They highlighted the rich cultural significance of this charming seaside community. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A brand-new welcome center for visitors, including those exploring the Placencia Peninsula, has just opened its doors in Seine Bight Village. This newly constructed building is a treasure trove of information, offering tourists maps, brochures, and all the details they need about local attractions, events, and activities. The coastal community is renowned for its vibrant Garifuna culture, making it a perfect spot for cultural tourism.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“Seine Bight is a community full of rich traditions where the Garifuna culture thrives on the philosophy of “I for you and you for me” continues to guide us. Inspired by the spirit, our team worked together with Minister Ferguson, Chairman Aleman, Seine Bight Village Council to turn this entire area into a place of cultural expression and community growth. This project shows our government’s commitment to a type of tourism that is exclusive, responsible and sustainable. Priorities outlined in the updated National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan that is our bible and that guides our development for tourism and for Belize. For Seine Bight, it reflects the growing worldwide interest in cultural tourism which is one of the fastest growing segments of the industry.”

According to Village Chairman Jose Aleman, the journey to creating the welcome center began with a simple phone call and a decision to relocate the police station. That spot then became the perfect site for the new building.

Jose Aleman, Chairman, Seine Bight Village

“A phone call that would lead the Minister of Tourism among community members of Seine Bight and village council members, that landed right at the front here where we had the old police station and rest house. A tour was given of the community and the minister saw the need for a transformation and a transition to take place in our community. Without any delay, recommendations came in likewise. We want to build a culture house concept here, but what will we do with the police station?”

The police station was eventually moved to another location in the village, freeing up the vacant lot for this new facility. Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson acknowledges the cultural significance and rich history of Seine Bight, making this welcome center a valuable addition to the community.

Rodwell Ferguson, Area Rep, Stann Creek West

“Seine Bight is the only cultural community on the peninsula and to be very frank and honest, the Garifuna community has gained significant recognition from across the country of Belize. I was in Dangriga Town last Tuesday for the Nineteenth celebration and when I looked at the parade, the parade included people from all over the country because they want to be a part of Garifuna Settlement Day. I think the cultural activities on this peninsula, in Seine Bight in particular, could draw the attention of all your guests to come and visit this cultural center because what I think is planned and proposed then there will be cultural activities in Seine Bight almost every single day and your guests will appreciate and want to come and visit this community.”

Board member Arreini Palacio-Morgan represented the National Institute of Culture and History at the event. In her presentation, she highlighted the shared vision of NICH and the Belize Tourism Board, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the country’s rich history and diverse cultures.

Arreini Palacio-Morgan, Board Member, NICH

“At NICH, our approach to cultural action is to focus more on developing the impact that creativity and heritage has on our people. We at NICH have a strong relationship with the Belize Tourism Board, having collaborated on quite a few successful activities and projects. We share BTB’s mandate to amplify Belize to the world, so that when visitors come to experience the essence of Belize they get a deep-dive sense as to who we really are: what we eat, what we love and value and how we create and do things. We see the opening of this welcome space as a rich cultural example, a snapshot of who we are, a place to capture and proudly display not just the tangible cultural heritage, but also the intangible that makes us the creative south.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

CDEMA and NEMO Assists Cacao Farmers in Toledo

Earlier this year, many farmers in Toledo faced devastating losses as raging forest fires destroyed their farm trees, crops, and pastures. Thankfully, they’ve been getting help to get back on their feet. Today, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) stepped in to provide essential agricultural equipment for planting cacao seeds. The ceremony saw the presence of Toledo West Area Representative Oscar Requena, NEMO Coordinator Daniel Mendez, and a representative from CDEMA’s co-sponsor. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Six months ago, southern and western Belize were engulfed in flames as uncontrolled forest fires raged for weeks, devastating farmlands, pastures, and crops. A situational report later revealed that over ten thousand hectares of agricultural land in Toledo were destroyed. Today, there’s a glimmer of hope as some of those farmers received much-needed assistance from NEMO to replant cacao. Coordinator Daniel Mendez shared details about the equipment and support provided.

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“What we are providing is these two components. And so, this this short opening really is the beginning of a longer-term process. We will be working with the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and the Maya Mountain Cacao in the next few in the next few months to start to provide more assistance so that in next year you will be able to start to your your farms will be able to start to recover. So this is only one component that we’re starting today, and the rest will continue and we will do everything we can to keep on providing support to you.”

CDEMA’s global donor partner, Global Affairs Canada, has provided funding to assist in the project and today, CDEMA’s Project Coordinator, Jason Francis, explained that it is also important for crops to be more climate resilient.

Jason Francis, Project Coordinator, CDEMA

“As we witness the handover of this important agricultural equipment purchased through this project, the CDEMA Coordinating Unit is happy to have partnered to provide Canadian 140, 000 worth of equipment and support to support the restoration of the cocoa sector here in Belize. In this region in particular to support the hardworking farmers here today and their families. We urge continued engagement and continued cooperation between national, regional, international, and in particular, our community experts on how we can build climate resilience, particularly in the agricultural sector.”

Jose Coy, who is the Managing Director of Maya Mountain Cacao Farms, says that he will try to get better prices for the farmers, depending on what the international market is offering.

Jose Coy, Managing Director, Maya Mountain Cacao Farm

“We’ll be reaching out to you to share cacao seedlings so that you can replant, so that then the industry can continue to boom. We’re right now doing our budget and looking at the estimated cacao beans that were estimated to buy for this season. So I’m seeing that cacao industry, at least my mountain will bring nearly $2 million to Toledo district. So each farmer will be selling cacao beans; you’ll be receiving your money for your beans.”

Coy shared that farmers in Trio are currently earning two dollars and twenty-five cents per pound of cacao beans they sell. However, since they rent land from the government, $0.25 is deducted from each pound. He added that if international prices go up, the extra earnings will be passed on to the cacao farmers. Marion Ali for News Five.

Action Pack Sports Weekend in Football, Basketball and Cycling

Good evening, sports fans! Welcome to another exciting edition of Sports Monday. I’m your host, Paul Lopez. Tonight, we’re diving straight into the action at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, the heart of the Belize District Football Association’s First Division Opening Season for 2024-2025. We’ve got a thrilling season ahead with thirty-two games lined up, taking us all the way to mid-January 2025. We’ll be bringing you coverage of most, if not all, of the eight teams battling it out on the field.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Tonight, we’ve got highlights from the second match of Saturday afternoon, featuring Caesar Ridge FC in their striking black and white jerseys, going head-to-head with Tut Bay FC, who sported green and black. Throw in for Tut Bay in the eighth minute. The ball intercepted by number six for Caesar Ridge, he passes it off down the field. It gets a bit physical there for him. Number seventeen in hot pursuit inside the penalty box. He was able to get the ball in front of the goal. Right place, right time for Antwane Baptist who gave Caesar Ridge a one-to-nothing lead. Here in the thirty-fourth minute, there was a goal kick for Caesar Ridge. Excellent header from Tut Bay to change direction. Tut Bay’s strikers in position, hunting the ball. A high kick sent the ball flying over the defensive line. Calvin Thurton in hot pursuit. He is intercepted but gets a second chance and makes good on it. The game is tied at one a piece.

The first half ended with each team scoring one goal. But, early in the second half, Tut Bay FC gains possession. A kick to the goal goes off target, but Zebolon Leslie came sprinting in from the left wing and launched a bullet towards goal. That’s two goals for Tut Bay FC. Only four minutes later, Tut Bay once again in possession. Caesar Ridge’s defenders were outnumbered, as Leslie got the pass and was able to make space at the top of the penalty box. He launched another rocket towards the goal and that counts. Tut Bay has the lead with three goals to their opponents one goal. The referee called a handball inside the penalty box against Tut Bay sixty-five minutes into the game. Caesar Ridge’s Ken Galvez took the penalty kick and scored. Tut Bay scored the game’s final goal right before the final whistle was blown, putting this game to rest, and as goal scorer Esmond Sanker signaled, putting Caesar Ridge FC to bed for the evening.

And so, as things heat up with that first division tournament, high schoolers are facing off in the Belize District Basketball Tournament to decide which team will represent this region in National High School Basketball Championship. Saint John’s College played against Sadie Vernon High School in this one. SJC’s Thompson with the steal and he makes it to the other end for the layup. Augustine for Sadie Vernon wide open from the three-point line and he banks the shot. SJC’s Daniel Musa gets the pass, drives and pulls up. That’s good.

The first quarter finished eight to seven points in favor of SJC. And, it was mostly downhill from there for Sadie Vernon. They scored one point in the second quarter and only two points in the third, while SJC was able to score eighteen points in those two quarters combined. Sadie Vernon came back in the fourth quarter with a last-minute dash to the finish line, outscoring SJC by two points, with thirteen points. But, ultimately it was not enough to bring down SJC, led by captain Daniel Musa. Both Thompson and Musa led the game in points scored.

And now for some more football action, we bring you our weekly coverage of the Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Tournament. We covered two games. The first was between Reality Youths and Tut Bay FC. After three periods of solid defending and well-executed offensive plays on both ends, neither team was able to score against the other. And so, this one ended nil, nil. In the second match, Berger United took on Sampson Brown. Berger United made their debut earlier this year with a bang and they are back to see if they got what it takes to win it all. In this one, Breylin Middleton wasted no time, scoring the first goal for Berger in the third minute. Middleton again, four minutes later, goes in to recover the ball and touches it gently into the goal. Good football knowledge on display for such a young player.

Middleton was not quite done just yet. At the eleventh minute, he speeds past a defender while maintaining possession, fires and it goes into the goal. That’s a hat trick for Middleton. Berger United defeated Sampson/Brown, four goals to zero.

And finally, for tonight, here are some highlights from the Women’s Road Race 2024 courtesy Ordonez Bike Shop. This one went from Belize City to Hattieville and back. These cyclists competed in three different categories, Junior, Elite and Over-Thirty-Eight. Nearing mile four, two riders are leading the race, sixteen-year-old Chelsea Gillett and Francine Gigli. They pried open the gap, creating a chase group behind them. Some twenty-six minutes later, the two lead riders saw their lead cut down significantly. Kaya Cattouse went in and picked up the pace to bridge the gap, pulling the chase group behind her. At the Hattieville roundabout, sixteen riders were together in the lead group, headed into Belize City. Kaya Cattouse with the attack at mile thirteen, pumping energy into the lead group of riders. She did not get too far before being reigned in.

With the finish line in sight, Gigli is driving the pace, but Kaya Cattouse was right on her. And, with a final burst of energy Cattouse was first to cross the finish line. She secured first place in the elite category. Chelsea Gillett came in first in the junior category. Fiona Humes secured first place in the over-thirty-eight category. Well folks, that is all we have for you in this week’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.” To raise awareness, the Ministry of Public Service, Political and Constitutional Reform, and Religious Affairs launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Belmopan this morning. The event began at the Belmopan roundabout and will run from November 25 to December 10, focusing on supporting women and girls affected by violence.

Mayor of Belmopan, Pablo Cawich, stressed the need for collective action, saying, “It is essential that we all come together to address this critical issue.” He pointed out that the statistics and stories are reminders that many women continue to suffer in silence. “These 16 days are not just a symbolic moment; they are a call to action, a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to creating safer, more equitable spaces for all,” Mayor Cawich added.

The President of the National Women’s Commission, Thea Garcia Ramirez, also spoke at the event, stating, “We must prevent violence, support survivors, and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.” She explained that when women are “indoctrinated” into violent behaviours, they grow up thinking such actions are “okay.” She stressed on the need to change this culture in Belize, urging people not to “hide behind tradition or culture.”

A key moment of the ceremony was the raising of an orange flag, which symbolised hope and unity for a violence-free Belize. Attendees wore orange to support the campaign’s theme: #NOEXCUSE.

Over the next two weeks, various events, such as workshops and community discussions, will take place to continue the fight against gender-based violence.

Shyne Says He Hasn’t Received Diddy’s Cease-and-Desist

Moses “Shyne” Barrow says he has not seen Sean “Diddy’s Comb cease-and-desist letter. In an interview with News 5, Barrow said, “I didn’t see it; I don’t even know if it exists. That’s just a rumor.” When we asked him if he had received it, he said, “No. Not at all.”

Over the weekend, it was reported that Diddy sent a cease-and-desist letter to Shyne over allegations made in The Honourable Shyne, a new Hulu documentary.

The film revisits the infamous 1999 New York City nightclub shooting, which led to Shyne’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence, while Diddy was acquitted. In the documentary, Shyne claims he was made the “fall guy” for the incident—a statement Diddy has called “unequivocally false.”

Sources told Page Six that the letter seeks to ensure Shyne’s remarks remain fact-based.

In the documentary, Shyne reflects on his past, suggesting Diddy’s alleged actions are now “coming to light.” He stated, “When I said it [then], everyone was partying with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison.”

Diddy’s representatives deny the allegations. “Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges and cannot condone these claims,” a spokesperson said, describing Shyne’s comments as “disappointing.”

Shyne’s Journey Hits the Big Screen in Belize