2024 - Channel 5 Belize

“Structuring Belize Athletics for Success”, A B.A.A. Workshop

Over the weekend, The Belize Athletics Association held a first-of-its-kind workshop led by athletic coaches from Jamaica. That Caribbean nation is known for producing world-class athletes in various disciplines. They were here to impart some of their knowledge and experience to those in Belize who are passionate about advancing sports and athletes. Those discussions proved to be fruitful in concept. We spoke with a couple of the coaches, as well as the president of the Belize Athletics Association about the way forward.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Four athletics coaches from Jamaica were in Belize over the weekend for a first-of-its-kind sports workshop. Organized by the Belize Athletics Association, the theme of the workshop was Structuring Belize Athletics for Success.

Cojac Smith, President, Belize Athletics Association

“One of the things that came out which we all agreed on was the lack of communication and collaboration among various disciplines and the shortcoming with funding, infrastructure and facilities. So those were the major points as I am sure you are aware of and everyone is aware of. We are all facing the same challenges. So we need to come up with a community effort and mitigate those issues going forward.”

The Jamaican coaches agreed that one of the areas of improvements that is needed to advance sports in Belize is increased collaboration with the Ministry of Education. We spoke with a couple of the coaches about how this concept is being implemented in Jamaica.

Neil Harrison, Track and Field Coach

“It is imperative that you have a designed curriculum that every school in Belize is following this kind of curriculum. From an academic and theoretical perspective, the kindergarten, the primary Shcools, the high schools, coming straight up to the tertiary institutions and once you have this kind of structure it lends itself to a much better product in terms of how do we find talent in Jamacia. It is through the PE classes and the PE teachers just seeing the boys running up and down, climbing and they say based on this one, based on the kind of a activity they are doing, we can put them into various discipline.”

Marlon Gayle, Lecturer, Physical Education

“Sports are driven back home by our principals, from the primary level and secondary. At both levels you have their association then ensure the quality of sports from one level to the next helps that sort of transition to the next level. Our principal plays a key role along with staff. So every school has a setup to harness these talents.”

And with every discussion related to sports in Belize, a lack of adequate infrastructure is always raised as a talking point. This weekend was no different and varying views were shared. Physical Education lecturer Marlon Gayle had his thoughts on the conversation.

Marlon Gayle

“We are faced with the same situation like every other Caribbean countries and countries outside the Caribbean as it relates to sports and so forth but that dedication and commitment ultimately drives coaches to do very well. We don’t have all the necessary resource. We don’t have all the tracks in every area. What we have now is as a result of the work that has been done over the last hundred years. But the thing is, these did not just come as a result of government funding. It was a result of the work we put in then we realized what our potential was. Then our investment in it ultimately overtime would have taken us to that point. The same thing can happen here and greater. Our kindergarten and primary schools they all train on grass. Belize has a lot of land. There is absolutely no excuse for Belize and other country that we don’t have certain resources.”

One thing was agreed upon by all four coaches and those in attendance at this week’s training, there is a need for greater collaborative efforts among all the sporting associations and federations in Belize. A suggestion has been made for the development of a unified sports strategy led by those passionate about seeing greater advancement in the various disciplines. These four coaches noted that Jamaica does not have a secret formula outside of passion and dedication to sports.

Neil Harrison

“I don’t think Jamaica has adequate funding to support sports in its entirety but I do believe when you are a winner you have many mothers and fathers. When you are a loser you become an orphan. So as coaches, the kind of level of passions we do have and how we try to unearth talent and you just want to get one person that is going to do well and that is going to sell your country and the powers that be is going to do everything to get that funding because remember Jamaica is known because of not only we are Jamaica, Jamaica is know because we have someone who can run fast or some footballers who play good football or some netballers or the Sunshine girls. We are well known because of sports. Everywhere you go people can tell you about a Shelly-Anne Frazer, an Ellaine, a Usain Bolt. We started with some simple athletes who are now world beaters.”

Cojac Smith

“One of the things that came out, would athletics take the lead and we don’t mind taking the lead. We will take the lead and lead the charge in order to get everyone more collaborating and communicating so we can collectively move sports in Belize forward.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

27 New Firefighters Join the National Fire Service

It’s been almost seven years since the National Fire Service welcomed new members to its team of firefighters across the country. However, today twenty-seven recruits joined the force. After weeks of intensive training, the graduating class received their certificates and were officially sworn in. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Belize is on the tail end of a national fire crisis and the need for additional firefighters has never been more evident. Over the past few months, millions of dollars in agricultural lands and forest reserves were lost to the flames that tore through parts of the country. Even with the help of public and private organizations, manpower is always sought after. Today, that wish was fulfilled by the National Fire service as it welcomed twenty-seven new members. Belize City Station Supervisor Kenneth Mortis told us what a relief it is to see so many new faces on his team.

Kenneth Mortis, Belize City Station Supervisor, National Fire Service

“We’ve been bombarded by these bushfires constant over the entire country. Um, with the introduction to the rain, it’s a relief knowing that the bushfire cause will decrease a lot. Like you rightfully mentioned, it’s a relief knowing that across the country, at least Two firefighters from this twenty-seven will be dispatched to each fire station across the country. So that’s a relief. That’s two more added manpower. So anything you get on top of what you have is always a plus. So for example, if I’m sitting in Belize city and I had twelve or fifteen firefighters, and I now have a fire brand new floor, that’s a plus. You know, so we will strategically look at where we place them and um, they will be placed eventually. And we’ll see how it goes from there. But it’s a relief.”

Twenty-seven graduates were commended at the ceremony; however, the number was initially much greater, with forty students enrolled. Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez told us what a momentous occasion it was to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“I want to say it’s a very beautiful event, especially you can see the young recruits looking so much motivated, inspired what they went through, that rigorous treating of eleven weeks. And of course, out of those forty applicants, twenty-seven made it through, including one woman. It’s all special here. It’s beautiful to see their families supporting them, which is important here. And of course, from our part is the fire department and our ministry fully engaged with them as well. That we are supporting them.”

Perez informed us that the graduates will be stationed throughout the country, wherever they are needed.

Andre Perez

“As far as manpower is concerned, we always could use more. Always. And this is a start right here, since a couple of years now, we don’t have any training, so I’m of course looking for the future. More manpower is needed.”

Reporter

“So these officers will be stationed and transfer throughout the country?”

Andre Perez

“They will be deployed or not deployed they will be stationed in different parts of the country, including San Pedro as well.”

Graduating at the top of his class was Christian Gonzalez, who has known that he wanted to be a firefighter ever since he was a child.

Christian Gonzalez, Valedictorian

“I remember the first time I saw a fire truck that was it. That was it. And then from there, from primary school, I started going to the fire station, to get along, what’s going, what’s happening at the fire station and then from there I spoke with the OIC, and he was like, no, you’re too young. But if you want to keep coming, you’re welcome. And up to now, I’m here.”

Much like his peers, Gonzalez began his work with the fire service as a volunteer. This training helped him make the transition into the course easier.

Christian Gonzalez

“To be honest, the transition to me at first I was gonna, I was thinking that it’s gonna be because of the responsibility at first, but then I’m like, I know the job already. Just knowing that you are already established firefighter and then from there day to day doing my responsibilities.”

Fire Chief Colin Gillet expressed only confidence and pride in the graduating class and is excited to see the work they will put in to protecting Belize.

Colin Gillet, Fire Chief, National Fire Service

“I am definitely confident. When people are running away from the fire, these are the guys who will be running towards it. And it’s not just fires anymore. It’s also rescue. If there’s a collapsed building, if there’s a people who need to be rescued in swift water, for example, our guys are being trained for that as well in specializing. So we’re very excited about expanding all the services that we offer.”

Gonzalez shared that it was through a commitment to the field and the encouragement of their mentors that he and his classmates could stand with pride and call themselves firefighters.

Britney Gordon

“What do you think contributed to you getting such high marks and finishing at the top of your class?

Christian Gonzalez

“Dedication. Once you set your mind that, I’m gonna do it and you push on yourself to the limit the chief said push yourself, and then you will accomplish. Anything that you want, and then for the training itself, they, from the beginning, they were clear that we’re gonna have some physical and theory. We, I told them I’ll, I’m gonna be getting the regular points, and if you have bonus, bring it on.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

NEMO Retracts Hurricane Announcement

Earlier today, the National Emergency Management Organization issued a hurricane watch alert, notifying the public of a potential storm. This sparked alarm, considering that Belize is only just beginning to recover from the fires that devastated thousands of acres of land across the country. However, shortly after the notice was posted, it was pulled, and NEMO issued an apology for the post. We spoke with the Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, who told us that the announcement was an accident.

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“We discussed it already and it was just a slip of that, but it was cleared up. It was quickly cleared up and caught up and I’m glad that it was caught up because people are following us. But yes, we discussed it that we’re doing some exercise, we’re doing some education and some kind of topic typographical error or occurred, but it’s been sorted.”

Reporter

“Were you guys prepared to deal with the several amounts of heavy rain projected across the country?”

Andre Perez

“We have discussed and had several meetings, had many meeting as a ministry, the fire and after the fire, how we do the recovery and also including the preparations in the event of floods, we will have to redeploy. So all of this has been planned out. Of course, we’re exhausted, but we are prepared.”

Reporter

“Does the situation in Mexico pose a threat to us?”

Andre Perez

“It’s the entire region. We’re looking at the floods and I bet you saw what happened in the news. Up North, especially in the village of Harvester Ridge, up North in the Western part of the Orange Walk District, Nemo is way ahead of where we are than we were fifteen years ago, and I want to see that positive way, and the engagement that we have as a minister, our C.E.O., the entire department, the whole disaster risk management is inherently linked and lined up with the Ministry of Blue Economy. It’s all in one. So it’s pretty much, we’re excited in terms, and we’re inspired, we’re motivated, and today this information that happens today is part of putting everything together.”

DOE Office in San Pedro Signals Change Coming to Island

The Department of the Environment is opening an office in San Pedro this Friday. The office opens avenues for development and change on Ambergris Caye, as the D.O.E. is responsible for managing natural resources, preserving and protecting the environment and controlling pollution. We asked the Minister of Blue Economy, Andre Perez, what this means for the island. Here is his response.

Reporter

“The D.O.E. office recently opened up in San Pedro. As Area Rep, can you talk to me about what this means for the development of the island?”

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy

“Certainly I’m an excited person as the Area Rep and as it relates to the Department of Environment and Forestry, an extremely important department in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, officially to be open, I believe it’s the twenty-first, I did get the invitation. I’m very thankful to Minister Habet and his Ministry for that opening of the permanent office. I can tell you that they have been working. They are at their station and they have done some work doing inspections in different places there. It’s a win for Belize Rural South.”

Your Weekend Sports in Review

Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. We begin tonight’s coverage with a look at some highlights from this weekend’s Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito matchups.

First up is the match between Samspon/Brown and Belize United. Belize United are playing in the black and white jerseys and Sampson/Brown are in red and white.

One minute into this one, a kick from Shae Gordon towards the goal bounced off the post and went out of bounds. Number nineteen for Belize United got past two defenders and sent the ball into the goal area, but no one was there to follow the play. Sampson’s defensive strategy on this day proved too much for the defending champions. And right before the end of the first period, Sampson had a good look at the goal, but they were not able to fully execute. Shae Gordon with another attempt towards but the ball was deflected by the goalkeeper’s foot. That match ended with no goals scored on either side.

The second match of the day saw Royal Fusion’s female team take on Phoenix FC’s female team. Two minutes into this one and it is Royal Fusion’s Amina Burgess with the first goal of the match. Amina Burgess again at the eighteenth minute with a spot kick that led to an own goal. Four minutes later Jacelyn Zuniga sent the ball flying over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net. A good effort by the goalkeeper to try and stop that one. The match ended four goals to zero in favor of Royal Fusion.

And finally, Burger United overcame Ladyville Rising Stars three goals to zero. The first goal was scored six minutes into the match by Breylin Middleton with a header off a corner kick. And only four minutes later, a beautiful pass in front of the goal to Camron Brown converted into goal two for Berger United. The third goal was scored by Breylin Middleton just before the end of the third and final period.

In other football news, Saint Jude Roman Catholic School in Camalote Village won the 2024 National Football Primary School Championship. On Friday, they went up against Our Lady of the Way RC from Ladyville for the title. Saint Jude RC won that match one goal to zero.

The Most Valuable Player Award went to Ethan Vargas. Additionally, Holy Ghost Roman Catholic School from Dangriga won the Female National Primary School Football Championship. Shanalle Smith received the MVP trophy. We say congratulations to all the winners and the teams that participated in the tournament.

From football we move into some softball action. The Belize Rural Softball Fast Pitch Tournament is currently underway.

We were in Burrell Boom Village on Saturday night where three games were played, one female match and two male matches. In the female competition, Double Head Unity went up against Burrell Boom Boomers.

If ever there was a perfect definition for a blowout match, this would be it. Double Head Unity was first up to bat. They made ten runs in the first inning of the game. Back-to-back, runners were able to steal bases. In many cases, runners made it home with little to no hesitation. This homerun hit from Reana Stephenson led to an additional two runs.

The second inning was much of the same. Unity scored seven additional runs in that inning and five more in the second inning. Declaring the mercy rule, the umpire called off the game in the third inning. Double Head Unity won the match twenty-two runs to zero.

Well Folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List Announced

The Office of the Governor-General has announced that six Belizeans will be honoured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list. This prestigious list recognises the achievements and service of individuals from various sectors across Belize. The honorees are:

Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.)

Mrs. Felicita Cantun: For Outstanding Contribution to Culture
Ms. Beverly Ann Louise Wade: For Contribution to the Environment

Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.)
Mr. Raymond Kearney: For Contributions to Business

Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.)
Mr. Mark Anthony Chavaria: For Contribution to Sports
Mr. Howell Austin Gillett: For Service to the Community
Mr. Robert Amadeo Mariano: For Service to the Community

These honours celebrate the dedication and impact of these individuals in their respective fields, reflecting the diverse contributions of Belizeans to the nation’s progress and well-being.

Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet Amid Gaza Conflict Turbulence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disbanded his six-member war cabinet, a move widely anticipated following the departure of centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot.

Decisions regarding the conflict with Hamas in Gaza will now be made by the existing security cabinet and the larger full cabinet. Eight days ago, Gantz resigned, citing a lack of strategy for the war, prompting calls from far-right ministers to replace him.

By dissolving the war cabinet, Netanyahu sidesteps a potentially contentious situation with coalition partners and international allies. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson clarified that the dissolution would not impact the chain of command.

Gantz and Eisenkot had joined Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition shortly after the war began in October, but both resigned on June 9, criticising Netanyahu’s leadership as obstructive to achieving true victory. Immediately after their resignations, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded inclusion in the war cabinet, but Netanyahu opted to dissolve the body instead of expanding it with new members.

As tensions persist, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border, efforts to de-escalate and establish a ceasefire in Gaza remain uncertain, with international diplomatic interventions ongoing to mitigate the risk of wider conflict.

Caribbean Rum Producers Present Special 50th Anniversary Blends to CARICOM Governments

As part of the year-long celebration of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) 50th anniversary, rum producers across the region are set to present specially curated 50th Anniversary Rum Blends to CARICOM governments. These contributions from the rum industry will mark the culmination of a year-long celebration of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary. Producers from all rum-producing CARICOM Member States, a total of thirteen, which are also members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), will showcase their products to national governments during the month of June. The thirteen distilleries involved include:

Mount Gay Distilleries (Barbados)
Demerara Distillers (Guyana)
Suriname Alcoholic Beverages (Suriname)
Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago)
West Indies Rum Distillery (Barbados)
Saint Lucia Distillers (Saint Lucia)
Belfast Estate – Dominica (Dominica)
Antigua Distillery (Antigua)
Grenada Distillers (Grenada)
Travellers Liquors (Belize)
Watlings Distillery (Bahamas)
National Rums of Jamaica (Jamaica)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Distillers (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)123.

The products being showcased by regional rum producers will be distributed to CARICOM Member States, with some products available for sale in local markets. Several of the special edition rums are unique blends that will only be available for this purpose and in very limited quantities.

Several Persons Detained in Doris Grant Shooting Investigation

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division, told reporters today that several persons are detained in relation to the shooting of thirty-one-year-old Austin Underwood and Doris Grant.

A.C.P. Romero said investigators believe the motive is gang-related. “We are following up on several leads…”

Both victims were treated and released.

The incident happened on Sunday, June 16th. According to police, the victims were returning from an event at approximately 3:10 a.m. When they passed the Fairweather bridge, someone emerged from the alley connecting Fairweather and West Collet Canal and fired multiple gunshots towards them, injuring them. They drove to the hospital for medical attention.

UB’s Board of Trustees Announces New Vice Chairperson

The Board of Trustees of the University of Belize (UB) today announced that Dr. Luz Longsworth is the new Vice Chairperson.

Dr. Longsworth was elected at a meeting held on 13th June 2024.

Dr. Longsworth holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (Higher Education Management) from the University of Bath, UK, and currently serves as the Senior Corporate Director of Sandals Corporate University.

Godfrey Smith, Chairman of UB’s Board of Trustees, stated, “Dr. Longsworth’s extensive experience as a former Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs at the University of the West Indies and former Principal of UWI’s Open Campus equips her to make a significant contribution to UB’s development. We are excited to have her on board.”

Dr. Longsworth expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited and honored to join the Board of Belize’s national university. I look forward to working with the team and contributing to UB’s institutional development.”

Dr. Longsworth’s term will last for three years.