Since offering herself as a candidate for the People’s United Party in Albert, Councilor Kaya Cattouse has been working in the constituency. On National Service Day, she was in the Conch Shell Bay neighbourhood where she met with residents in Lindo’s Alley. Cattouse was there to see the final touches being done on an elevated walkway that would ease the headache of walking through floodwater during the rainy season.
Kaya Cattouse
Kaya Cattouse, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Albert
“What you’re seeing here today is the culmination of a couple weeks of work. When we started campaigning back in July, we came into the area and we saw that what was previously a court served as a water catchment in the area and it affected about seven households in the area of Lindo’s Alley. When it rains or floods they would have to walk in water to get out of the area. So we decided that as a project for service day we would get this started and build an elevated walkway to alleviate that problem. So even when it rains and if it floods, they don’t have to walk in water to get out of their homes to the street.”
Isani Cayetano
“Aside from this particular initiative, talk to us about perhaps other works that you are undertaking in this constituency.”
Kaya Cattouse
“So right now, we are in different or various parts of the Albert Constituency and we’re going house to house, literally, and it is very sad to see the deplorable conditions that people have been living in, in the Albert constituency for the past fifteen years. I mean, we are trying our best to assist them with different housing projects, you know, assisting people with building steps to get upstairs of their homes, to deal with their yards. They have a lot of different issues in the constituency that we’re trying to address, slowly but surely.”
Isani Cayetano
“Talk to us a bit about, perhaps, some of your canvassing, outside of, you know, being able to meet some of the needs of these residents, what has the experience been like, in terms of walking Albert?”
Kaya Cattouse
“The feedback has been very good, I mean, people want a change. They want a young, dynamic leader who is coming in to work for them. Coming in from the local government level, they have seen the work that I have been doing, not only in Albert constituency, but across the city and now to be zoning in only on that one constituency, it means a lot to them and it means a lot to me.”
Across the country, several teams made up of employees from Belize Electricity Limited were out in the streets painting pedestrian crossings in several municipalities, including Belize City. The utility company has been observing safety week and, as part of its itinerary, has been doing its part to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Kadie Usher is B.E.L.’s Health and Environment Coordinator.
Kadie Usher
Kadie Usher, Health & Environment Coordinator, BEL
“So we’re out here doing pedestrian painting. We’ve been doing it in Dangriga, yesterday. We’ve been in San Ignacio and in Orange Walk. Today we were in Belize City on Coney Drive. It’s part of our safety week activities. Annually, B.E.L. puts aside a week for safety and health and this year, our focus is on road safety. It’s B.E.L. giving back to the community in making the area safe for the road users. As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe that we should play our role in making the country a little safer for everybody. We also practice safe driving and so it is just natural for us to do this as well, to make the area safe for pedestrians.”
Twenty-five-year-old Jahmea Bent is visiting Belize as Miss Caribbean Los Angeles 2024. Born and raised in LA, Jahmea’s parents are both Belizeans. In January 2023, Jahmea made her debut in the Queen of Kingdom Day pageant where she won the crown and participated in the Queen of Kingdom Day Parade in South Central. Earlier this year, she decided to enter the Miss Caribbean LA competition and made history as the first Belizean woman to win the coveted title. Jahmea stopped by our office and shared more about her visit to Belize, as well as her new title.
Jahmea Bent
Jahmea Bent, Ms. Caribbean LA
“It was a friend of mine who lives in New York who had spoken and heard about the pageant coming about and he sent me the application for it and then it was my godmother who is also a part of pageantry that had sent me the application and she told me to sign up and be a representation of Belize. So, I did and it came out to be more than I had expected. The pageant happens every year on June first, and it sets off the Caribbean Heritage Month. The pageant is a contribution of all Caribbean countries and for me, I was a representative of Belize. Being the first Ms. Caribbean Los Angeles is such an honor. I’ve been able to promote and just express my gratitude and also just have everyone share into the Caribbean culture and Belizean culture as well. And so, coming here to Belize is such a pleasure because I get to promote the culture, the tradition, the people and be a part of the community and express how great and mighty this small country is.
Isani Cayetano
“So you have Belizean heritage.”
Jahmea Bent
“I do.”
Isani Cayetano
“Talk to us about where your parents are from, in terms of being here in the country.”
Jahmea Bent
“Both my parents, my mom and my dad are from the city and so I come multiple times and I come to visit my grandmother, my aunts, my uncles, my sister and my brother that live here in the city. I’ve been here many times and being here, I’m just able to be with them and also immerse myself in the culture.”
Frontline workers make countless sacrifices, often working long, unpredictable hours and spending time away from their families—sometimes even missing out on national celebrations. Yet, despite these challenges, many find a profound sense of purpose in their roles. In this week’s look on the Bright Side, we take a closer look at patriotism through the eyes of these staff members. Here’s that story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Inside the adult intensive care unit at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the low hum is punctuated by the steady beeping of machines working to save lives. Nurses and aids at KHMH are ready for any urgent call. While the ward serves as a refuge for the critically ill, this month it’s adorned with vibrant shades of red, white, and blue, reflecting the spirit of the season. Darwin Slusher has dedicated his entire professional life to medicine and serving others. From his early days as an emergency medical technician, to his advancement as a nurse practitioner, Slusher’s commitment to his profession is deeply entwined with his love for his country.
Darwin Slusher
Darwin Slusher, Registered Nurse, K.H.M.H. “I’m currently still an active EMT and I am a registered nurse. And so service for me is pretty much all I know. I believe I’m a service-oriented person. I was also a volunteer firefighter at one point in my career. And It’s just love of country that motivates and drives me to want to give back to my community.”
Maurice Westby, a familiar face at the K.H.M.H., may not be a frontline worker, but he’s often the first person you’ll meet when arriving for services. September is known for national celebrations, Westby notes that it’s also one of the hospital’s busiest months.
Maurice Westby
Maurice Westby, Security, K.H.M.H. “Once you’re on duty here for the September celebration at the K.HM.H., you don’t really get a chance to celebrate it, ma’am. You have to be committed fully to what you do, because you have the people coming in here looking for medical attention. So you will have family members who are concerned about their relatives and with all the alcohol and things involved, you have people coming here with their emotions very high.”
Slusher emphasizes that what unites many of these staff members in times like these, is their shared sense of civic duty and patriotism, expressed through their dedicated service to the nation.
Darwin Slusher “What it looks like for us displaying our civic pride and patriotism is we get to be there when you are, for example, sick. Fortunately for me, for Carnival, I was out. But when it comes to the other festivities, I mean, I can’t speak for everybody, but I speak for myself. It gives me great pride to know that I am on call here for our country’s men when unfortunate events happen.”
Sabreena Daly
“How does the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital celebrate the 21st of September? There’re a lot of festivities taking place outside of your building, but how do you guys celebrate that significant day for Belize?”
Darwin Slusher
“Well, it starts off, but as you can see in the background, we decorate our units. And that motivates us and gives us that, that positive energy. Hey, we’re in the party mood. And what KTMH does is, well, we play our national anthem on, um, Um, the hospital have special dinner for us, for the nurses and doctors, for all staff who are working and they give us little tokens, little goodie bags and we appreciate that and then we get to be out of our, our uniform, we get to wear, um, our red, white and blue colors and so that in itself We feel that we’re a part of the celebration of the up there.”
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital opened its doors on September 15th, 1995. Since then, there has never been a day this hospital has not been open for service. With a growing staff of over seven hundred workers, Public Relations Manager Thylon Tillett says that it is their duty to remain accessible to the nation regardless of the season.
Thylon Tillett
Thylon Tillett, PR Manager, K.H.M.H.
“September is special for us. The 15th of September was our 29th anniversary of serving the public. We’ve been open since 1995. To give you context, the KHMH was opened to a country of 210,000 persons. Today, the census data shows that we are almost at 500,000 persons. This facility has grown in leaps and bounds and is trying to keep up with the required health care requirements of the public. So what does that mean? That means that you have 700 persons on a shift basis providing services to the nation. Ambulances are coming here, people with difficult pregnancies are coming here. To be a village in Belize you need to have 300 persons. So these are two villages bringing you that level of care. We are dedicated. We are on a shift system, our workers know that they must be here present for the nation in any context. Because although Belizeans are celebrating and being happy, life does not stop.”
In moments like these, the innovation of hospital staff truly shines. Take this doctor, for example, who ensures that her patients experience the spirit of the festivities the moment they step into her clinic. For Maurice Westby, patriotism lives in the heart.
Maurice Westby “What matters, ma’am, is what you have in your heart. Sometimes duty calls, sometimes you have to even neglect your family. But what matters is what’s in your heart. I know I am patriotic in my heart, I know what I did for my country. So, yes, whatever you have in your heart, you just have to go by what you have there.”
And if you ask either of these frontline workers what drives them through the long, unconventional hours, time away from loved ones, and even missing their country’s national celebrations, they might tell you it’s the deep sense of fulfillment they gain. For Nurse Slusher that certainly is the case.
Darwin Slusher
“When you see that patient come into the emergency department, for example in a road traffic accident, they come either here to the ICU or to one of the different patient areas and then that patient has recovered and discharged and that person says, nurse, thank you, that is one of the greatest feelings you have as a healthcare provider. No money can ever repay you for that gratification you feel when you see that person restored back to normalization.”
This week, Belize launched a “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign to promote road safety ahead of the Independence Day festivities on September 21. Led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the initiative started in the Cayo district with bumper sticker distribution.
In Stann Creek, local officials and police collaborated to spread the message, while in Punta Gorda, the National Drug Abuse Control Council teamed up with health services and police for awareness efforts.
Today, the National Drug Abuse Control Council, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Belize District Office joined forces with the Central Health Region, and the Belize Police Department joined in, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly.
The Ministry encourages everyone to prioritise safety and to celebrate responsibly:
As Belize approaches its 43rd Independence Day celebration on September 21, Belizeans home and abroad are preparing to wear their patriotism on their sleeves. While many will proudly sing the national anthem, “O Land of the Free,” few are able to fully appreciate the profound story behind it. The poet who penned these iconic words is Samuel Alfred Haynes, one of Belize’s most admired figures to enrich Belizean history. Haynes’s contributions to national identity and pride warrant lasting commemoration.
From Soldier to Activist: The Making of a National Hero
Samuel Alfred Haynes was not just a poet but a soldier, social activist, and leader whose life was marked by both struggle and triumph. Born over a century ago in Belize, Haynes served in World War I, fighting for the British Empire alongside other colonial soldiers. However, the harsh realities of racial discrimination and unfair treatment during the war left a deep impact on him. His return to Belize was marked by disillusionment and anger, culminating in his role as a leader in the 1919 Ex-Servicemen’s Riot, where he and fellow veterans protested against the racial injustice they faced.
This experience, coupled with his involvement in local movements and the Marcus Garvey movement, helped shape Haynes’ perspective on Belize’s social and political landscape. His activism wasn’t just about fighting for rights but also about creating a cultural and national identity that reflected Belize’s unique heritage and struggles.
Crafting a National Symbol: The Anthem’s Journey
In 1963, Haynes channelled his experiences and frustrations into writing a poem originally titled “Land of the Gods.” This piece was a poignant reflection of Belize’s past and aspirations, resonating with themes of liberation and identity. The poem’s transformation into the national anthem, “O Land of the Free,” marked a significant shift in Belizean history. On September 21, 1981, as Belize celebrated its independence from British rule, Haynes’ anthem was officially adopted, symbolising the nation’s newfound freedom and unity.
The anthem’s adoption was more than a formality; it was a statement of Belize’s emerging identity and a tribute to its journey from colonial subjugation to self-determination. The anthem’s powerful opening line, “O Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,” embodies this transition, celebrating both the natural beauty of Belize and its people’s resilience.
However, the anthem has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed out that the lyrics may not fully represent the diversity of Belize’s population, including concerns about gender and ethnic representation.
Despite these criticisms, the anthem remains a powerful symbol of Belizean identity. It encapsulates the nation’s history and its collective aspirations, making it a crucial part of national celebrations and a source of pride for many Belizeans.
Legacy and Recognition: An Unsung Hero’s Impact
While Haynes’ anthem has been celebrated as a national symbol, his broader legacy is one of significant but often overlooked impact. His efforts to address racial discrimination and promote Belizean identity have had lasting effects on the country’s cultural and social landscape. Despite the challenges he faced, Haynes’ work in both the military and the cultural sphere illustrates his commitment to justice and national pride.
As the nation prepares to raise its flag on Saturday in celebration of “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43,” it is essential to sing the national anthem with pride, remembering Samuel Alfred Haynes not just as the author of the anthem but as a symbol of perseverance and patriotism. His life and work reflect a broader struggle for justice and identity, making him a true Belizean hero whose contributions continue to inspire and resonate.
Reflecting on Our Heritage
Reflecting on Haynes’ story allows us to appreciate the deeper meanings behind our national symbols. His anthem serves as a reminder of Belize’s journey from colonialism to independence and the ongoing commitment to unity and pride. On September 21, Belize will not only celebrate national identity but also honour the unsung heroes like Haynes, whose legacies shaped Belize’s history and future.
Lyrics of Belize’s National Anthem – “O Land of the Free”
(Written poem by Samuel Alfred Haynes, adopted on Independence Day, September 21, 1981)
O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery, oppression’s rod
By the might of truth, and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
Chorus:
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee –
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.
(Chorus)
The Carnival Road March is set to take place in Sugar City this Saturday, September 21. Due to ongoing preparations on Main and Baker’s Street, organisers have adjusted the Carnival route.
Announced on September 13, the new route for the Organge Walk Carnival will begin at Queen Victoria Avenue, heading north. Here are the details:
North on Queen Victoria Avenue
Left onto Cinderella Street
Left onto Dunn Street
Enter Guadalupe Street
Right onto the Northern Highway
Left onto Sarstoon Street
Left onto Liberty Avenue
Continue straight on the Northern Highway
End at Queen Victoria Avenue in front of Town Hall
This year, you can look forward to the following participants:
Exciting Participants Include:
1. Police
2. Traffic
3. National Transport Police Cadets
4. BDF Cadets
5. Mexican Police Banda de Guerra
6. Officials
7. Inclusion Matters (Bus)
8. Sarteneja LIRCS Drum Corp
9. Saint John’s College Float
10. San Estevan Lions Drum Corp
11. BSI/ASR Float
12. Rising Phoenix Dance Group
13. CDC Drum Corp
14. Futuristic Carnival Group
15. Uprising Drum Corp
16. Minorette’s Marching Band
17. Guinea Grass Carnival Group
18. MIDH Float
19. Trench Town Masqueraders
20. Phillip Herbert (Kaya)
21. GMX Gabriel Garcia Float
22. Tumblers
23. La Grandiosa Banda Ciencia (Peten)
24. Los Hijos Del West Marimba
25. Escuela Mexico Marching Band
26. Pandemonium Steel Band
27. Cuello’s Distillery Float
28. Belizean Jewels
29. Corozal Free Zone Float
30. My Lights Float & Carnival Group
31. Centaur Communications Float
32. Titans Mas Band
33. Town Council Float
34. Belizean Jewels
35. CIB Float
36. Libertad Masqueraders
37. Digi Float
38. Soca Moca Mas Band
39. Belikin Truck
40. Campari Truck
41. Pump Jam Sounds Jump Up Float
42. Ministry Of Agriculture Float
The Belize City Council has announced a new route for the Annual Belize City Independence Day Uniform Parade on Saturday, September 21. This change is in response to recent flooding caused by the rising water levels from the Belize River.
The parade is a highlight of the September activities that students and spectators anticipate every Independence Day.
The procession begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and makes its way from the Government House. It will move along Yarborough Road, crossing the bridge to Queen Charlotte Street, then onto Fairweather and Dolphin streets. From there, it will turn onto Magazine Roade, proceed left onto Vernon Street, and end at the Berger Field.
A construction worker tragically lost his life after falling from the fourth floor of a six-story building at Clearwater Resort, in San Pedro, on Thursday morning.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud thud just moments before finding the body of 45-year-old Abisur Loza of Patchakan Village, Corozal, lying face up on the ground, with visible injuries, including blood around his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.
According to an investigation carried out by San Pedro police, fellow construction worker Arnold Villanueva reported that he saw Loza working alone near the edge of the fourth floor prior to the fall.
Loza’s body was transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has unleashed a scathing attack on Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, accusing him of manipulating crime statistics to mask a spiralling citizen security crisis.
During his State of the Nation address delivered from the UDP headquarters on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow asserted that crime rates have surged this year.
Shortly thereafter, ComPol Williams countered Barrow’s claims in a press release, describing the data presented by the opposition leader as false information. In an interview on Thursday, Williams stood by the integrity of the crime statistics, accusing Barrow of misleading the public: “We cannot allow him to mislead the Belizean people,” he said, adding, “He knows the reality of where we stand with crime statistics.”
In an official statement released today, the UDP condemned the Commissioner for what they described as “deliberate manipulation of crime statistics with intent to deceive citizens about the state of security in our nation.”
“We note with grave concern his politically charged response to the duly elected Leader of the Opposition in the form of a press release laced with lies, partisan rhetoric and campaign promises,” the UDP continued.
The statement emphasized, “Despite the greatest efforts on the part of the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, and Police Minister, Kareem Musa, fabricated crime statistics will not improve citizens’ sense of security and the reality faced daily by Belizeans.”
“It is also important to note that the police figures appear to have been compromised,” the UDP added, suggesting a deliberate attempt to downplay the severity of the situation.
The UDP urged Prime Minister Briceno to recognize the shortcomings of the current leadership under Kareem Musa and Chester Williams, calling their leadership “a disastrous failure.”
