The Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated on November first and second, sometimes extends to dates like October thirty-first or November sixth, depending on the locality. This vibrant multi-day holiday brings together family and friends to honor and remember their departed loved ones, creating a heartfelt and festive atmosphere filled with memories and respect. In Belize, the Mexican Institute has erected an altar to remember the dead.
Jose Francisco Zamora
Jose Francisco Zamora, Consular, Mexican Embassy
“ The idea of Dia de Los Muertos is that you have to believe that your ancestors, your friends, your relatives, every person you love that has passed away is not dead, they just continue their trip in another realm and they are going to be living forever, as long as you remember them. So the Dia de Los Muertos is a kind of remembrance is to remember to enjoy the life of your ancestors and your relatives and your loved ones and, according to the Hispanic tradition, on Dia de Los Muertos, they are allowed to leave the underworld or the heaven and come back to earth to spend time with their relatives and their loved ones. So that’s why we prepare the Altar de Los Muertos, as you can see, behind me. The altar has several elements, the most important, of course, is on the top. It’s the pictures of the people that you are dedicating the altar, they are usually your relatives or your grandmother, godmother or even your pets. So it’s the people you love or admire that have already started the trip to the eternal life, so you put the pictures to remember them. Then you have to put some special souvenirs, something that makes remembering them special and make you proud of them, for example, a medal if they used to do sports and they won a race and you keep the medal. Every time you look, you remember, “Oh, my grandpa was a very good athlete. So that’s an important element of the altar. And also, on the Dia de Los Muertos which is today and tomorrow, you have to put the food that they liked in life because the idea of the tradition is that their spirit is coming back and you are going to enjoy one more meal with them.”
Tonight, the Bliss Center for Performing Arts will come alive with a benefit concert to raise funds for the beloved Belizean musician, Sam Hamilton. The stage will be graced by performers, including the legendary Mighty Lord Rhaburn, who will delight the audience with a medley of hits. Organized by the Institute of Creative Arts, this heartfelt event aims to support Hamilton during his battle with illness. Kim Vasquez, the director of ICA, shares more about this special evening.
This month, we’re on a quest to discover Belizean handicrafts and artists whose work embodies resilience and inspiration. This week’s feature on The Bright Side highlights just that: a tale of self-belief, breaking the mold—or even creating one’s own—and embracing the zest for life. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Aesha Garel, the creative mind behind Zest Handcrafted Jewelry, to share her inspiring journey. Here’s more.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
When we think of “Zest,” we imagine that special ingredient that infuses vibrancy and flavor into everything it touches. It’s the extra spark, the perfect finishing touch that brings a concept to life. This is the essence of Zest Handcraft—a jewelry line meticulously crafted by a talented local artisan in Belize. Each piece embodies artistry, elegance, and the authentic soul of Belize. At the heart of this handcrafted line is Aesha Garel, the visionary owner whose creativity and passion shine through every design.
Aesha Garel
Aesha Garel, Owner, Zest Handcrafted Jewelry
“I think it just, you just add an extra little zest to your outfit and, and that’s, and the zest is something we don’t use very often and it’s mostly used for food, I know, but it’s that extra, extra something that is missing that will add your personality or your statement to your day and your outfit, but your outlook and what you want to project.”
Her entrepreneurial journey began nearly five years ago, blossoming from what started as a college hobby—a creative lifeline during her student years. What was once a pastime has now flourished into a thriving business, showcasing her passion and dedication. As she pursued her goal of becoming a forensic scientist, she found herself drawn down a path she hadn’t anticipated, one that led her to the world of business and artistry.
Aesha Garel
“This is definitely not what I thought I would be doing with my life. It started just basically, I would look at earrings and go like, Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. And then I started to make jewelry for myself. And then my mom would tell her friends, and then her friends would order earrings. And it really started as a hobby and a side, like a side job. And I did enjoy the science aspect of everything, and I love forensic science. But I am super grateful that I get to do this every day because I never thought that I could do something wake up and create And use my artistic side of myself to be able to make a living.”
Zest Handcraft Jewelry has blossomed into a celebrated community-based business, known for its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The artist behind this success, Aesha Garel, is acclaimed for her meticulous handwork and unique, one-of-a-kind creations. Garel emphasizes that this distinctiveness is no accident—each piece is thoughtfully crafted with intention and purpose, reflecting her dedication to artistry and authenticity.
Aesha Garel
“I really liked the medium, the freedom that resin gives me, and now I create my own molds. I sketch what the seasonal earrings will be and then I get them laser cut from acrylic so that I can make my own molds. And so my designs are completely unique to zest. Um, so that creative freedom and then the colors and you can show the movement with the different colors. So I really fell in love with resin being my medium.”
Like most entrepreneurs, the journey is filled with highs and lows. One universal challenge is understanding and asserting the value of both product and self. Garel acknowledges that this has been a significant hurdle, but one from which she has experienced tremendous personal and professional growth.
Aesha Garel “It was really hard for me to just believe and push and really sell my products. And it was really hard for me to price my products, because I don’t know if you’ve noticed all the little details. Those are done by hand and I live in a constant state of carpal tunnel. So it’s really important to price your time right and you are worth what your time, what you, how much time you spend on your pieces. I kind of sold myself short a lot and said, Oh, but this is just a tiny little thing. And, Oh, you know, people won’t pay that much for earrings or, and there was a lot of self doubt and it just, I guess it comes with time. And, um, Um, growth, but just looking back at it now, you know I’m very grateful to Zest for forcing me to grow as much as I have, you know, in the spotlight, out of the spotlight, but alsoshowing me my self worth.”
The true value of these pieces lies in their exquisite craftsmanship. Each creation is a testament to the skill and dedication poured into every detail, making them not just accessories, but works of art. Each one is distinct, shaped by its own character. Zest jewelry isn’t only for personal enjoyment; the seasonal pieces make thoughtful gifts too. Halloween, a favorite time for the creator, brings out her creativity in unique ways. Customers are drawn to these pieces for the way they express individuality, whether to share with others or keep as a personal statement.
Aesha Garel “A lot of people say that putting on their earrings is such an important part of their day because the earrings kind of help the outfit and the outfit helps the mood and then they get in the mood to go outside. And I never thought about that, but it’s true, even me. I never wear earrings in the house, but when I’m going out, I have to put everything together. And I’d say, I have my cute Halloween earrings. Let me put that in. And then you’re in the mood to go out and conquer whatever is out there. There’s a lot out there that sometimes we need a little extra Zest to help you get through it.”
In September 2024, Belize’s trade data revealed a significant increase in both imports and domestic exports compared to the same month in the previous year. According to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) report issued on October 30, total imports reached $231.5 million, reflecting a 13.5% increase from $204 million in September 2023. Key contributors to this rise included the Other Manufactures category, which grew by $8.1 million due to higher purchases of measuring instruments and galvanised steel. The Commercial Free Zones saw an increase of $7.8 million, driven by demand for handbags and sports uniforms. Additionally, machinery and transport equipment rose by 11.2%, or $5.8 million, reflecting more imports of electric buses and motor vehicles. However, imports of mineral fuels and lubricants fell by $8.3 million, while food and live animals decreased by $1.9 million.
For the first nine months of 2024, total merchandise imports amounted to $2.167 billion, an 8.6% increase from $1.995 billion during the same period last year. The Machinery and Transport Equipment category exhibited significant growth, increasing by $106.9 million due to high-value items such as electric buses. Meanwhile, the Mineral Fuels and Lubricants category rose by $24.2 million, attributed to higher imports of kerosene and gasoline. Imports in the Other Manufactures category also grew by $17.4 million, reflecting increased purchases of measuring instruments and steel panels.
On the export side, September 2024 saw total domestic exports reach $29.3 million, a 39% increase from $21.1 million in September 2023. This growth was largely driven by strong performances in agricultural commodities, with banana sales rising by $4.2 million and citrus product earnings nearly tripling to $4.3 million. Sugar exports also increased by $2 million, although revenues from animal feed declined by $0.9 million. For the first nine months of 2024, merchandise exports totalled $336.4 million, a slight 1.1% increase from $332.9 million last year.
In our exclusive interview with the United Democratic Party’s 1st Deputy Leader Hugo Patt, we told him that both Tracy Panton and Moses “Shyne” Barrow have kept him as 1st deputy leader. We also asked him if he believes that both sides are forcing him to choose a side.
Patt responded, “I’ve spoken to both sides, and I told them that my position presently is that I will respect the process that transpired last year in August, if I’m not mistaken, where you had the National Party Convention basically taking a decision and where an executive was endorsed.”
He stated that if Panton were in Barrow’s current position, he would have supported her, and similarly, he would have supported Patrick Faber or anyone else in that role. “If, in the case of Tracy and Shyne, we were to look at the situation, if Tracy had been in the position that Shyne is in right now, I would have supported her. If Patrick would have been there, I would have supported him. If anybody else was there, I would have supported that person.”
He said that it is important to maintain established processes for the UDP to ensure certainty moving forward. Patt, however, could not ignore the number of UDP delegates that participated in the Alliance for Democracy convention on October 20 in Belize City. He said, “I’m aware that there was a substantial number of delegates in the activity that honourable Panton did. I cannot personally underestimate that.”
He said that he explained to his constituents that in a convention, there will always be candidates, and there will be a winner and a loser. Patt says that it is understood that the winner has the responsibility to embrace others and unify the party, while the candidate who does not win should support the party leader.
“I had advised Ms. Panton, look, wait it out. It’s just a few months, in my opinion, that’s left before we have general elections. Let us work together. Let us focus each on our individual constituencies so that we can put in decent fighting whenever we have the general elections. And I spoke to the honourable Barrow as well. I told him, look, we have to sit down together and talk to everybody. We will have differences, but let us agree to leave our differences aside, and for the sake of our oath to our people, let us make sure that we do the right thing. But that’s as far as I can go.”
Residents are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution, especially in Region 7, where a decrease in historical Hurricane Mitch levels is anticipated at the Rio Hondo in Blue Creek North. However, downstream at Douglas, flood stage levels are expected to continue rising above historical Hurricane Mitch levels, and increases are also predicted at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, and San Roman.
In the New River, levels at Hill Bank and Tower Hill are expected to rise above normal, with persistently above-normal levels at Caledonia. In Region 9, flood stage levels are anticipated to continue at the Mopan River in Benque Viejo Town. The Macal River’s reservoir levels at the Fortis facilities, including Challillo and Mollejon, are projected to remain below the spillway, while the Vaca facility’s spillway is currently active. Additionally, at San Ignacio, river levels may exceed the low-lying bridge.
On the Belize River at More Tomorrow, flood stage levels are expected to persist and increase at Double Run. The Crooked Tree Lagoon is also expected to see rising levels, though they should remain below the causeway.
In Region 11, residents should continue to monitor conditions, particularly at the Sibun River in Freetown Sibun, where historical Hurricane Mitch flood stage levels are anticipated. Above normal levels are expected to persist on the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village and in the watersheds on the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains, including the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge.
Normal levels are expected in the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and near-normal levels at Bladen, while normal levels are also forecasted at the Deep River in Medina Bank. The Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South is expected to see above normal levels, as is the Moho River at Blue Creek South, where flood stage levels are expected to persist at Jordan. Additionally, increasing flood levels are anticipated on the Temash River at Crique Sarco.
In Region 13, above normal levels are expected on the Sarstoon River. The next update will be provided as necessary.
The UDP’s Corozal North Area Representative, Hugo Patt, told News Five in an exclusive interview with News 5 today that he apologises to the “Belizean people and particularly to the thousands of the United Democratic Party supporters that we have across this country that I must apologise on behalf of everybody for what’s happening.”
Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.
Patt added, “I feel very disheartened at what has been transpiring for quite some time now to the point that we have been segregated. And I don’t think that it is fair for, or I think it is a disservice to all of our thousands of supporters that, you know, we are going through this. Many, many Belizeans, many of our supporters, the country is depending on a strong opposition. The country is depending on the UDP. Yet, we’re at a point in time where, in my opinion, personal agendas are blinding everything that has to do with the real purpose of us being UDPs, which is to serve our people. And so, personally, for me, it is a very, very sad and tragic situation for the United Democratic Party.”
Patt stressed the urgency of unity and collaboration within the party as Belize approaches a general election. “Particularly at a time when we’re, I should say, we’re at the eve of a general election. It can be fatal, it can be a blowout, and I just ask those involved, who have different opinions, for us to rethink our positions.”
Patt said his focus is not on personal interests or specific individuals, but on serving the people of Belize. He called for stakeholders to set aside differences and work together for the benefit of their constituencies and the country.
He said, It is my sincere wish that at the end of the day, sober minds could come back to reality. And for us to be able to mend our fences. I don’t know whether that will happen now, I don’t know whether that will happen later, but I just sincerely wish that it happens soon, soon enough.”
A tropical system in the southwestern Caribbean Sea is showing signs of gradual development, with meteorologists closely monitoring it for potential tropical depression formation in the coming days. As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center has indicated a 30% chance of formation within the next 48 hours, with a high 70% chance over the next seven days.
System Development in Southwestern Caribbean Sea
A broad area of low pressure is expected to take shape over the southwestern Caribbean Sea within the next day or so. Forecasters indicate the potential for the system to strengthen over the weekend or early next week, as it drifts generally northward or northwestward. While it remains uncertain how quickly it will develop, residents in nearby regions should remain alert, as heavy rainfall and gusty conditions could impact parts of the central and western Caribbean, regardless of whether the system officially develops into a tropical depression.
Impacts on the Greater Antilles and Northeastern Caribbean
Meanwhile, a separate area of low pressure near Puerto Rico is producing significant showers and thunderstorms over parts of the Greater Antilles and adjacent Atlantic waters. Although it has a low chance of developing into a tropical system (10% over the next 48 hours and seven days), the disturbance is expected to bring prolonged rainfall to the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas over the next few days.
North Atlantic Storm System Update
In the North Atlantic, a storm-force, non-tropical low-pressure area is positioned approximately 400 miles west of the Azores. Though producing limited shower activity, this system could see minimal subtropical development as it moves eastward over the next few days. The chance of formation remains low at 10% through both 48 hours and seven days.
Preparedness and Precautions
As these systems continue to evolve, communities in the Caribbean and the surrounding islands are advised to prepare for possible heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas. Emergency management agencies in affected regions encourage residents to stay informed through official weather updates and adhere to any advisories or warnings that may be issued.
As Election Day looms just four days away, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are making their final campaign pushes in critical Midwestern swing states. Harris and Trump, both hitting the battleground states hard this week, will focus today on Wisconsin, with Harris making three stops across the state, including a star-studded rally in Milwaukee, while Trump holds rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin to deliver his closing message to voters.
With recent polling showing a neck-and-neck race in Wisconsin and other “Blue Wall” states, Harris’s campaign has put a special focus on avoiding the missteps of 2016, when the Clinton campaign famously bypassed Wisconsin, which contributed to Trump’s narrow win. The Harris campaign’s renewed focus on Wisconsin also follows a notable endorsement from former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, a critic of Trump, who joined Harris in the state last month to support her bid.
As Harris aims to appeal to a wide coalition of voters, including key demographic groups and independents wary of Trump’s rhetoric, Trump’s strategy leans heavily on energising his base with inflammatory language and doubling down on a message of populist resentment.
With the race remaining tight, both candidates are crisscrossing key battlegrounds in a last-ditch effort to mobilise supporters. While Trump’s campaign hopes his base-centric message will deliver an upset in the Midwest, Harris’s coalition-focused strategy reflects a broader effort to hold the Blue Wall states and secure the White House on November 5.
