Month: November 2024

Juvenile Jaguar Rescued by Forest Department in Hattieville

This morning, the Forest Department and Belize Zoo staff sprang into action after a Hattieville resident reported a juvenile jaguar trapped in his storeroom. The young jaguar had been chased by dogs early in the morning and sought refuge inside the storeroom, where the quick-thinking property owner shut the doors, capturing it. The Forest Department and Belize Zoo team arrived, sedated the jaguar, and transported it to the zoo for care. The jaguar is now under the zoo’s watchful eye, where it will undergo a thorough health check. Plans are in place to relocate the jaguar to a secret location and fit it with a collar to monitor its movements closely. The Forest Department and its partners are committed to ensuring a balance between human safety and the wellbeing of our jaguar population. They will continue to respond to all reports of jaguar and wildlife issues across rural Belize.

 

 

Forest Department: Dogs Chased Juvenile Jaguar Into A Storeroom 

The Forest Department, in collaboration with the Belize Zoo, responded this morning to reports of a juvenile jaguar captured in a storeroom in Hattieville Village. According to the department, the jaguar was chased by dogs and sought refuge in the storeroom, where the property owner secured the area until assistance arrived.

The Forest Department confirmed that the jaguar was safely sedated and transported to the Belize Zoo, where it is now receiving care. A full health assessment is being conducted, and plans are in place to relocate the jaguar to an undisclosed location. The animal will also be fitted with a tracking collar to monitor its movements as part of ongoing conservation efforts.

The department reiterated its commitment to promoting coexistence between human communities and Belize’s jaguar population. They continue to address wildlife-related issues across the country, especially during Jaguar Month, celebrated under the theme “Keep Wildlife in the Wild.” This global and local initiative aims to highlight the vital role jaguars play in the ecosystem and to protect their thriving populations in Belize.

The Forest Department urges the public to report wildlife encounters and conflicts via its official Facebook page or by contacting its offices directly.

More on Juvenile Jaguar Discovered in Warehouse

More on Juvenile Jaguar Discovered in Warehouse

A male juvenile jaguar is at the Belize Zoo, where it will undergo a full medical assessment after it was discovered in a warehouse at a Hattieville supermarket.

The Forest Department is expected to issue a press release on the matter.

We are told that it is not a ‘problem jaguar’ based on the fact that all its canines are intact. Officials believe that the jaguar may have been displaced because of the recent flooding and found itself in the warehouse after being chased by dogs.

The jaguar suffered abrasion while trying to escape from the warehouse. It is about 3-4 years old. The jaguar will be collared for research purposes.

November is celebrated as Jaguar Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about jaguar conservation and the vital role these majestic big cats play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As the largest wild cats in the Americas, jaguars are emblematic of biodiversity and are culturally significant in Belize and across Mesoamerica. Efforts during this month highlight the importance of preserving their habitats, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and fostering coexistence through education and sustainable practices.

SATIIM Blasts Belize’s Deer Dance Display at Miss Universe

It’s been less than a week since Miss Universe 2024 took place in Mexico. Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, was praised for her performance, even though she did not secure a placement in the top 30.
The Miss Universe Belize 2024 national costume was unveiled on October 23 and combines cultural heritage and artistry. It draws inspiration from the traditional Mayan Deer Dance. While, Belizeans across the country supported the concept, today, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) fired off a press release, blasting the recent performance of the Deer Dance at the pageant.
The national costume that was showcased at Miss Universe on November 14 has sparked an “important conversation about how to protect Maya cultural values and heritage,” said SATIIM. The institute added, “No Maya person brought up in their culture would ever put on a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals.”

SATIIM explained that the traditional clothes worn in the Deer Dance, known as unok/nok’, are spiritually significant and should not be treated as “trendy, decorative costumes.”
The open letter further explained that the Deer Dance is a multi-day ritual that requires preparation, fasting, and prayer, and cannot simply be “cut and pasted” for public displays.
The institute condemned the use of the Deer Dance in the pageant, calling it “desecrated for a beauty pageant.” They also pointed out how the “revealing bustier” of the costume offends Maya women’s conservative values. The performance was criticised for reducing this sacred ritual into entertainment.

SATIIM further said that the Deer Dance is “not theatrical” but a “community ritual,” and using it outside its proper context is seen as sacrilegious. “To mimic the dance is to mock the sacred values of an entire culture,” SATIIM said.
The Sarstoon Temash Institute also stressed that Maya people should decide what parts of their culture to share, noting that “inspiration” should not be used as an excuse for exploitation. They called for stronger protections for Maya culture and urged the creation of cultural policies and laws that reflect the values and needs of Maya communities.

Miss Universe Belize: ‘She’s Representing Us All’

Father of Shooting Victim Breaks Silence 

Juan Leonardo, the father of 18-year-old Jonathan Leonardo, spoke to News 5 today regarding his son’s fatal shooting.

Jonathan was shot dead on Wednesday night outside Divinas Restaurant and Bar in Roaring Creek Village. As we have reported, Jonathan had a confrontation with another patron inside the bar. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Leonardo left the establishment and got into his vehicle with two friends. The altercation escalated when the other individual followed him outside. As Leonardo tried to drive away, the assailant approached the driver’s side and fired a single shot, fatally wounding him.

Juan received the news late at night, around 11 PM, without any clear explanation of what had happened. All he was told was to go to the hospital. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered that his son had already passed away. He told News 5, “He’s worked with me since he was little. We’ve been together every day, and he’s never been involved in anything bad.” Juan said that his son helped with deliveries across the country and led a quiet life. He added that Jonathan had no known issues with anyone.

“I have so many unanswered questions,” Leonardo shared, unsure of who his son had been with or what problems he might have had. “I don’t even know why he was there, and I don’t know who did this to him or why.”

Brodies Responds to Running W Over $320 Smoked Ham Leg

Earlier today, Running W Brand posted on its Facebook page a statement in which it acknowledged a photo circulating on social media that features one of their products. The company said that while the item in question is a Running W product, it has exceeded its shelf life. It added that the price and mark-up shown in the photo do not reflect the company’s retail pricing.

The image quickly circulated social media and triggered widespread discussion about prices and product quality in Belize with one user saying, “With the price of ham these days I might continue with Hudut all through Christmas.” The ham was priced at $17.95 per pound, making the total cost of the Smoked Ham Leg $320.41.

This particular ham was sold by Brodies, which also took to Facebook to respond to Running W Brand’s post. Brodies said that the product did not exceed its shelf life and that the pricing was accurate at the time of stocking. “We are aware of a social media post claiming that a product sold at our stores exceeded its shelf life and displayed incorrect pricing. We would like to clarify that the product in question did not exceed its shelf life. The pricing on the tags accurately reflected the price at the time of ordering and stocking.”

Running W Brands Meats also said, “We encourage all our valued customers to always check the “Best By” date on our products to ensure freshness and quality.”

 

Can “The Honourable Shyne” Sway Voters? 

Flood Warnings Issued as Water Levels Rise in Multiple Regions

Residents across several regions of Belize are being urged to monitor waterways and exercise caution due to ongoing flood conditions.

In Region 7, which includes areas like Blue Creek North on the Rio Hondo, flood stage levels are expected to decrease, while at Santa Cruz, minimal increases are anticipated. Flood stage levels are also expected to decrease at San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas along the coast. On the New River, residents in Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia can expect bankfull stage levels.

Region 9 is under heightened advisories. On the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood stage levels are receding to levels seen during Hurricane Mitch, and a further decrease is expected. The Macal River at Fortis facilities and the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways are actively releasing water, with decreasing flood stages expected at San Ignacio. The Belize River at More Tomorrow will see a continued decrease in flood levels, while at Double Run, levels are expected to keep increasing. Crooked Tree Lagoon is experiencing rising water levels, having already exceeded the causeway.

Lemonal Residents Evacuate Homes Due to TS Sara Related Floods

In Region 11, caution is advised as well. The Sibun River at Freetown Sibun is receding to Hurricane Mitch levels and will continue to decrease. The Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village will also see a decrease in flood stage levels. In areas along the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains, flood levels on the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge are expected to decrease. Flood stage levels are rising on the Deep River at Medina Bank and at Swasey and Bladen on the Monkey River branches. On the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, above-normal levels are expected to decrease. The Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, and the Temash River at Crique Sarco, are all seeing above-normal levels.

Finally, Region 13 residents are advised to be aware of above-normal levels on the Sarstoon River.

Rotary Club Launches Zee & Al Edgell Scholarship in Literature

The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise, in partnership with the family of literary icon Zee Edgell, has launched the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise / Zee & Al Edgell Scholarship to honour Zee and her late husband, Al Edgell.

This new scholarship will support Belizean students with a passion for English, literature, and the arts.

Zee Edgell, a celebrated author, is known for her novel Beka Lamb, a Belizean literary classic, while her husband, Al, was a respected educator and development specialist. Together, their legacy highlights their dedication to literature and education in Belize. 

The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and an annual grant for books and supplies. It is open to high school students attending St. Catherine’s Academy or St. John’s College in Belize City. Candidates are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their love for literature.

The first recipient of the scholarship is Jahzara Brooks, a sophomore at St. Catherine’s Academy. Brooks said, “My sincere gratitude extends out to the Zee and Al Edgell Scholarship Foundation for selecting me for this award… I will continue to pursue my studies with as much determination as I can.”

Misty Michael, Chairlady of the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise Scholarship Committee, stated, “We look forward to seeing the impact that this scholarship will have on Belize’s future generations.” Holly Edgell, daughter of Zee and Al, added, “We hope this news spurs more students and families to consider applying for the next school year.”

 

 

From Belize to the World: Honouring the Remarkable Life and Revolutionary Writing of Zee Edgell

Can “The Honourable Shyne” Sway Voters? 

‘The Honourable Shyne’ debuted at number 1 on Hulu earlier this week. The documentary takes a look at the life of Belizean politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow. 

Since his last #1 record in the past 20 years, Barrow calls his “life documentary a “Belizean success story, a global success story.” 

As the 2025 elections approach, some wonder if the documentary could influence Belize’s political arena.

Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly criticised the film, questioning its portrayal of Barrow’s story. In response, Barrow dismissed the criticism, saying, “Fool is talking, but it’s not fool-listening. I’m happy he’ll be tuning in.”

Barrow said that the documentary isn’t about campaigning for political office but about resilience and second chances. He said, “I don’t believe that the documentary is campaigning for me to be the next Prime Minister.” However, when asked about a possible sequel, he said, “The part two is me being the prime minister of Belize.” He added, “Even if it doesn’t happen, it will be part two because it will document the journey.”

He added, “My story is the Briceño story, the Barrow story, the Musa story, the Hyde story. It’s your story.”

Shyne Remains Confident in His Candidates Ahead of Upcoming Elections
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