2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Turning A Haad Time into a Merry Christmas

It’s not unusual for some families to struggle to make their Christmas merry and bright this time of year. Thankfully, it’s also common for businesses and kind-hearted individuals to step up, offering a little extra or knocking a bit off the price to help. In today’s edition of Haad Time Krismus, we look at how shoppers are stretching their budgets and how a few businesses are offering discounts to help you get those much-anticipated Christmas gifts. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Finding the cash to buy everything we want for Christmas is often more of a dream than a reality. Most people must stretch their money to make sure they can get a gift for everyone in the household, or to buy a needed appliance, cake ingredients, or even groceries. We caught up with Brad Steadman, better known as “The Artist,” at Outlet Belize next to Brodies on Albert Street, where he was hunting for the best deals on shoes for himself and his son.

Brad Steadman, Christmas Shopper

“ I don’t have no money, as you could see. I don’t really have money. I da nuh wa rich person or anything. I mean, I can’t celebrate Christmas. I only could look pahn it. My number, 664 5114 I do all kind of sign painting. I even do stone works.”

The manager of the store, Riya Udasi told News Five that their prices cater to anyone like the Artist who is looking for a deal.

Riya Udasi, Manager, Outlet Belize

“We’re selling good deals to the customers because everywhere we’re seeing it’s very expensive prices raise up after Corona, so we are giving good prices to customers.”

Marion Ali

“ Let’s say I walk in with not much money, maybe $30. Can you put together something for me for a gift for 30?”

Riya Udasi

“You could buy this Bath and Body spray or lotion, anything. Everywhere selling very expensive, but we are selling only $20 each, so you could buy at least one. And we have some treats, $20. You could put that with something else. Yeah, you could put like a T-shirt, $10, we have for $20, for $15, cheap things we are selling and good. We have O.P tennis, we have many more styles. So many for girls, women, and ladies are selling for only $25. No where you’ll find these prices.”

Georgia Ferguson was out finishing her Christmas shopping already.

Georgia Ferguson, Christmas Shopper

“I just come pick up some bed sheets and then that’s it for the end of that Christmas. I done do my Christmas shopping, so I good.”

For those looking to whip up a traditional Christmas fruit and black cake but finding their budget a bit tight, there’s good news! Beulah Sikaffy, co-owner of Sikaffy’s Store, announced that they’re offering a discount equivalent to the government’s GST tax break on weekdays from now until Christmas Eve. These little extra savings can help make your holiday baking dreams come true without breaking the bank.

Beulah Sikaffy, Co-owner, Sikaffy’s Store

“We give you wa lee discount. We wa give you wa discount, so people can afford it.”

Marion Ali

“GST included too?”

Beulah Sikaffy

“Well, GST da weekends, right, but if somebody can’t afford it, we could take out the GST for them to man.”

Marion Ali

“During the week?”

Beulah Sikaffy

“Discount, yeah.”

Marion Ali

“Okay, so what if I come and say, “You know what, Miss Beulah, I nuh have thirty-two dollars for this pack of nuts.”

Beulah Sikaffy

“Well, we could take off the GST offa it. If somebody come in and they really, they got a hard time, we incorporate with them. We appreciate wi customers, you know. Christmas da Christmas. You have to give a little.”

Over at HK Fashions in the Downtown Plaza, we met Krishika Azrani and her mom at the store. Krishika mentioned that if you can’t pay the full amount today, you can make a down payment and settle the balance by Christmas. This flexible option makes it easier for everyone to get what they need for the holidays without the stress of paying all at once.

Krishika Azrani, Daughter of Owner, HK Fashions

“We do layaway, so you could just like we also do discounts. If the thing is $40 and you only have $38, we could give it to you. We do layaway too, so you could just put like $20 and we’ll just keep it aside for you so no one else buys it.”

Lastly, we met Jemar Bennett, a regular Belizean who reminded us of what the true meaning of Christmas is, especially for people who are having a hard time.

Jemar Bennett, Christmas Shopper

“Me and my wife, we don’t start getting blessed from the beginning of the year. And, the beginning of December, God bless us even better, and I thank God for it. The 25th of December when Christmas, we will try to help who don’t have enough to help their family. Well, we will try to give food, or we will try to give a little donation. Try to give a little hamburger, a little present to the baby there, the baby that we don’t have. You know, and that’s why we try to tell all that we Belizeans, we have to start to look out for each other. And stop the force of fight and the kill of each other.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Caye Caulker Residents Object to Putting Fuel Depot Near in Their Area

Several residents and business owners in Caye Caulker are raising alarms over a proposed fuel depot in their neighborhood. The news that a company plans to build a fuel depot in a residential area has sparked significant concern. Today, Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, told News Five that the company must meet a series of requirements before construction can begin. She emphasized that the process is transparent, and the company must present all necessary documentation and plans. On Monday, they submitted their dangerous goods license. Residents have voiced their worries about the project, which involves a petroleum station and bulk fuel storage facility in their community. Many have written letters expressing their concerns, highlighting the potential risks and impact on their neighborhood. Angie McLean wrote: “I own lot nine, five, six facing this proposed gas station. I am writing simply to ask what my legal rights are to protect my lifelong savings which I invested into building in Caye Caulker? I’ve been told I could be sued for my involvement for requesting assistance to protect my rights. In fact, the gas station property lines are extremely close to my four balconies and two front doors as the street is very narrow as our properties are very close to the tip of the split.”. Steve Hyams wrote: “I and my neighbours are in contact with each other regarding this and we are very concerned that there maybe 1000s of gallons of fuel stored and in use in what is primarily a residential area. None of us have been approached for our views on such a potentially hazardous project in the midst of our homes. Currently on Caye Caulker Northside we do not have any fire station nor fire tenders or trucks”. Today, Chairlady Villanueva-Pott explained that the company must go through the entire process.

On the Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson, Caye Caulker

“What we’ve asked them to do is to gather no objection letters from the neighborhood, so what we will do is after this is make a holistic decision. So it’s not something that we’re rushing into.”

Marion Ali

”Okay, some of the neighbors or residents in the area have brought up the concern that having a fuel depot or station near their premises actually takes away their rights to insurance because of the hazard that it poses.”

Via Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott

“ Well, that’s why they have to get a Dangerous Goods License and there’s some specifications in that. If they wanted, that might be something they might have to take up with Dangerous Goods too, not only with the Council, but we’re looking at it. A decision hasn’t been made. The company needed a “No-Objection” letter to present to Natural Resources and we have not given them as yet. It’s still an ongoing process. They are still gathering and sending us the information that we’ve requested.”

Metered Water System Revitalizes Guinea Grass

Guinea Grass has just celebrated the launch of a new water system, featuring over seven hundred and fifty water meters. This infrastructure project, a collaboration between the governments of Belize and Taiwan, promises to greatly enhance the quality of life for residents in rural Belize. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the full story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Guinea Grass Village, home to over three thousand residents and one of the oldest communities in the Orange Walk District, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday. A brand-new water system with over seven hundred meters was inaugurated, ensuring that every home in the village would now have access to clean, potable water. This development marks a major step forward for the community, bringing much-needed relief and an improved quality of life to its residents.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, OW South

“Seven hundred and fifty new meters have been installed. This is good news, not that the meters were installed, but that the concept of meters were accepted is very important.”

Before the new water system was installed, there were some issues between the residents and the water board regarding water consumption. Benito Uck, the chairman of Guinea Grass Village, played a key role in addressing these concerns and ensuring the community’s needs were met.

Benito Uck, Chairman, Guinea Grass Village

“At the beginning when we heard that the implementation of the renovation of the water system and the metering of the water system in our village, SIF came and we had a meeting with the water board and the village council and we welcomed the project for the community of Guinea Grass. We were facing challenges in the community that such areas didn’t get any water for months, for years, and we were happy that, you know, this project was coming to our community.”

Representatives from the Social Investment Fund recently met with residents to discuss the upcoming changes. Initially, the community was a bit reluctant and disinterested, but over time, they came to understand the importance of metering water consumption. This shift in perspective is a positive step towards better water management in the village.

Carlos Tun, Executive Director, SIF

“As we inaugurate the Guinea Grass water system, we are not merely turning on taps, we are turning the page on a chapter of scarcity and struggle and beginning one of progress dignity and opportunity. Access to clean and safe water is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. It is the cornerstone of health, wellbeing and development. For too long, the residents of Guinea Grass faced critical water shortages and a limited supply that constrained daily life and hindered the community’s potential. This was a challenge that I am proud to say has been met with determination partnership and hope.”

According to Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai, this infrastructure project has been a major undertaking, with thousands of feet of distribution lines now installed throughout the village. This extensive network ensures that every home will benefit from the new water system.

Jose Abelardo Mai

“This project involves quite a significant investment, one point three million dollars funded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It includes six thousand linear feet of four-inch main distribution lines, six thousand linear feet of three-inch main distribution lines with a total of about twenty-six thousand, five hundred linear feet of distribution lines in total has been installed. All these new pipes have been installed. The pumping capacity is now ninety gallons per minute from a seven and a half, three-phase pump.”

Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu was present for the inauguration of the new water system. She praised the Ministry of Rural Development and the Social Investment Fund for their hard work and dedication in bringing this important project to fruition.

Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador

“This project coming to fruition just in time for the celebration of the festive season is really a timely and wonderful gift for the Christmas season. I’m really very happy. As a development partner of Belize, Taiwan is fully aware that infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth and wellbeing of its people. Taiwan is therefore honored and pleased to provide financial support and partner with the Government of Belize to make this impactful project a reality. I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Rural Transformation… as well as the Belize Social Investment Fund for their great effort and dedication in successfully implementing this project.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

11-Year-Old Eliana Garbutt Scars Recovering Slowly

Saturday’s vicious attack on a family of five in Monkey River claimed the lives of Elvis Garbutt, 39, his wife Emerita, 30, and their 3-year-old son, Ellis. While 8-year-old Elvis Jr. survived unscathed, his 11-year-old sister, Eliana, suffered serious injuries to her face and hand. The accused suspect, Curtis Molina, has since then been arrested and charged with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Sherret Cuevas, Elvis’s eldest sister, told News 5 that Eliana is slowly recovering. She said, “The swelling on her face has gone down. She can now speak much better. She can drink. First, she was unable to drink.” However, Cuevas says that young Eliana’s missing teeth and damaged tongue have prevented her from eating solid food.

Though initially feared to have lost two fingers, doctors confirmed that only her thumb was damaged, and it is healing well. However, fragments from the gunshot remain in her face, and doctors have decided not to remove them and allow the body to manage them naturally.

The children are now under the care of their aunts and uncles, who are working with social workers to ensure they get the emotional support they need. The family has assured that counselling will be provided as soon as possible for the children to help them heal. “The sooner, the better… we want to do what’s best for the kids,” Cuervas stated.

From Heartbreak to Launching a Pet Microchipping Initiative

If these days you’re one click away from “find my device,” imagine having the same chance at “find my furbaby.” After the heartbreaking loss of her “furbaby,” Ranger, June Erickson is on a mission to make sure no one else has to go through the same pain. When her service dog, Ranger, went missing the night of August 25, June was devastated to realise how difficult it was to reunite lost pets with their owners.

“In my despair, I decided that I wasn’t going to let this happen to anyone else. So I started a lost and found page. It’s called Lost and Found Animals of San Pedro,” said June. She added that since the launch of the Facebook page, it has gained over 600 members and has already helped reunite nearly two dozen pets with their owners.

June said that while many people saw Ranger running around, no one took action to bring him to safety. “All Ranger needed was one kind soul to bring him to SAGA or San Pedro Animal Hospital, and they would have found he was chipped and had a family who loved him,” she said.

Eventually, after days of not finding Ranger, June and her husband, Curtiss Erickson, believe that Ranger passed away due to heat exhaustion, starvation, and thirst.

The loss of her furbaby led to a bigger movement known as the Ranger Warriors Foundation, a nonprofit organisation with a bold goal: to microchip every dog and cat on the island. With the launch of this microchipping program, June is working to set up scanning stations across the island. Currently there are three scanners on the island, including one at Saga Humane Society.

She explained that this will make it easier for pets to be found. June says the system works by scanning the “rice-sized chip” and the owner getting instantly notified through a free registry. However, June emphasised that the chip must already be registered, because “a chip is nothing if you don’t register it.”

With 16 additional scanners on the way, June said, “I want this to be a community-wide effort where people can easily find a scanner, no matter where they are.”

To date, 29 pets have already been microchipped, and she says she has about 80 more microchips left to use. But she says this is only the beginning, as the bigger vision is to expand the program nationwide. “The goal is to chip every dog and cat, even strays, so that no animal goes ignored again,” she said, “and if someone abandons a pet, we’ll know because they’ll be chipped.”

Tomorrow, June is partnering with the San Pedro Animal Hospital to microchip more pets. Anyone interested can set their appointment ahead of time to ensure a smooth process.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for anyone who would like to contribute towards the microchipping initiative. Click here to donate.

Donations can also be made to Belize Bank account number 195866010140000, under the name June Young-Figueroa.

June Erickson can be contacted at Rangerwarriorsbz@gmail.com.

GAF in Belizean Waters, AGAIN!

On the morning of December 17, around 8:30 a.m., a Belize Coast Guard patrol stationed at Hunting Caye reported the sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel within Belizean waters near Ragged Caye, approximately three miles south of Hunting Caye. According to Coast Guard Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the patrol proceeded to the location and encountered a Guatemalan hydrographic vessel, approximately 65 feet in length, which was subsequently informed it had entered Belizean waters.

“There was a vessel that appeared to be a hydrographic vessel in the area of Ragged Caye that belonged to the Guatemalan Navy—65 feet in length—and the patrol then informed them that they were inside Belizean waters. There was an exchange of words at that location, and eventually the Guatemalan patrol vessel departed.”

Captain Bennett says that there was no grounding and no arms were drawn. The vessel was escorted outside of Belizean waters.

The Ministry of Defence was notified, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue a protest note, following standard protocol. Captain Bennett said, “We believe that the diplomatic channels would now kick in, and that’s the route that we will rely on from now on to confirm exactly what occurred.”

He added, “It wasn’t an aggressive encounter despite that they were inside Belizean waters. There were no weapons drawn, and it was not a grounding.”

According to Captain Bennett, this was the second sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel in the area in the past two to three years, the last having occurred approximately two years ago. However, our records show that in September of this year, Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were found operating within Belizean territory for the second time. Reports emerged of Guatemalan naval vessels, including one named Quetzal, being spotted off the coast of Barranco Village. Despite being informed by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) that they were outside their jurisdiction and provided with GPS coordinates, the GAF refused to leave. The situation was resolved only after the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) intervened, and the Guatemalan vessels departed several hours later. Major Roberta Usher, BDF Chief of Staff, explained that the routine patrol had detected the vessels near their Forward Operating Base. The vessels, numbering three to five, were seen moving between Belizean and Guatemalan waters over the weekend. Authorities are awaiting confirmation on whether the vessels were illegally intruding.

He said the Coast Guard would continue its patrols from its forward operating base at Hunting Caye and ensure the integrity of Belize’s territorial waters.

Jamaican Veteran Reporter Barbara Gayle Found Dead at Home

Journalist and veteran court reporter Barbara Gayle has been found dead at her home in St. Catherine in Jamaica.

Preliminary reports indicate that Gayle may have been murdered, with police suspecting that her vehicle was also stolen. Details surrounding the incident remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.

With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Gayle was widely regarded as Jamaica’s leading court reporter. Her work with The Gleaner saw her covering cases across the parish courts, circuit courts, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and even the Privy Council in the United Kingdom.

Earlier this year, Gayle was honoured by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) for her outstanding contribution to journalism. She was well-known for her meticulous reporting on high-profile court cases, earning the respect of her peers and the legal community alike.

They Stole His Daughter’s Ashes from the Cemetery

A family in Benque is desperately seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen urn containing the ashes of their loved one, 40-year-old Indira Theus. The urn, which featured photos of Theus and her family, was taken from a burglar bar enclosure at the cemetery where it was stored.

According to Alfredo Chavarria, Theus’ father, the family visits the site every two weeks to maintain the memorial and light candles in her honor. However, during their most recent visit, they were met with devastation.

“When we went today to change the battery for the candle, we found that the cage was open, and everything inside was gone,” Chavarria said. “The urn, the photo, the battery-operated candle, and the flowers were all taken.”

Chavarria shared that his daughter passed away in the United States on September 6, 2023, and her ashes were brought back to Belize for safekeeping. Her remains were placed inside a specially designed urn bearing family photos, making it easily recognisable.

The family has not yet filed an official police report but has informed the local town board about the theft. Chavarria is appealing to the public to be on the lookout for the distinctive urn, especially if anyone attempts to sell it.

“If anybody sees someone trying to sell an urn with family photos on it—including myself, her children, and other family members—please report it,” he urged. The family hopes that the public will help them recover the urn and, more importantly, the ashes of their loved one. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the family or report it to local authorities.

UNICEF’s Alison Parker Concludes Term

Alison Parker’s, UNICEF Belize Representative, four-year term is coming to an end. In her last official meeting, Parker met with the Governor General of Belize, Dame Froyla Tzalam, to express gratitude for the support towards UNICEF’s efforts during her term.

Since 2020, Parker has worked to improve the lives of children in Belize, including through the National Children’s Parliament and improving the healthcare program in Belize.

Since 1982, UNICEF has supported Belize’s Professional Community Health Worker program (ProCHW), which was highlighted in a recent research journal publication by 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐭. This initiative took a step forward in August with the launch of a new CHW manual in August 2024. During the launch ceremony, UNICEF’s Belize Representative Alison Parker said in her address, “CHWs serve as a crucial link between the formal health system and the community, addressing unmet health needs and enhancing health-system resilience. It is essential that they receive adequate training and support to provide optimal care. UNICEF will continue to invest in a trained, professional, and resilient community health program reaching all children.”

As countries face global challenges like climate change, political instability, and pandemics, experts say investing in proCHWs offers a strategic solution to strengthen health systems.

OCS Students to Build Classrooms for Nursing Program in Belize

Fourteen students from Orcas Christian School (OCS), accompanied by three parents and two teachers, are giving up their 2025 spring break to take part in a mission trip to Belize. Their goal: to build classrooms for nursing students at the Belize Adventist Junior College in Calcutta Village.

The trip, scheduled from March 20 to April 1, 2025, is being coordinated by the Center for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University. Staff from the center will join the OCS volunteers on-site to lead the construction project. This initiative aims to support the growing nursing program at the college, providing much-needed classroom space to accommodate more students pursuing healthcare education.

To fund their trip, the students, parents, and staff are engaged in a variety of fundraising efforts, including letter campaigns, bake sales, a benefit dinner, and community donation drives. The collective effort reflects the community spirit at the heart of OCS’s educational philosophy.

For the students, the mission trip offers a chance to engage in hands-on service while experiencing the culture and hospitality of Belize. Beyond construction work, the project is expected to leave a lasting impact on the Belizean community by enhancing access to education for future healthcare workers.