With Christmas just weeks away, kids in almost every neighborhood will be setting off firecrackers, whistle dynamite, and fireworks. While these pyrotechnics are a holiday tradition, they can be a real nuisance for the elderly, young babies, and pets. More importantly, they can be very dangerous for those setting them off and anyone nearby. The Belize Fire Department warns that firecrackers can even start fires that could destroy your property. Today, a shocking image circulated of a child who was seriously injured when a firecracker exploded, likely under a pan or box. The child’s mother took to Facebook, pleading with parents to supervise their kids who might want to play with firecrackers. Her child ended up in the hospital with stitches in his legs after the explosion. The story goes that the child placed dynamite under a can and lit it. The blast shattered the can, and a piece of metal cut the child’s leg, causing a deep gash. Thankfully, the metal didn’t hit the child’s face. Gladstone Bucknor, Fire Station Supervisor for the Belize District, pointed out that while firecrackers have been a tradition for decades, the amount of gunpowder in them now is much higher than it used to be, making them even more dangerous to play with.
Gladstone Bucknor
Gladstone Bucknor, Belize District Station Supervisor, Belize Fire Service
“Most of the firecrackers, the one that blows up, if you put that with some kind of petrol, it can be very dangerous. You’re looking at a small bomb. Growing up, yes, we do things that; now that the firecrackers are getting much heavier in, in gunpowder. So, back then it wasn’t like that. We see kids putting them in bottles and see them explode, which can release fragments and hit you, and that is very dangerous, and it can affect you physically. The whistle dynamic can – you can’t direct the path for that and wherever it goes, it could not only be curtain, it could be into your vehicle onto anything that is flammable that can catch fire. Stay in an open area if you want to practice those things. Make sure that you don’t put it in any bottles or anything that can You know, release fragments from those, um, firecrackers. You want to do fireworks, do it in an open area. Fireworks let go particles that can land on houses, and depending on where you live, and you feel the breeze that is blowing here, it can cause damage.”
Marion Ali
“Can it ignite a fire?”
Gladstone Bucknor
“Particles, some particles, depending on the type of firecracker, fireworks, yes, they can.”
It’s December, and you know what that means—Christmas songs are on repeat, and everyone’s thinking about what they need to buy for the season. For many, this time of year can be financially stressful with all the food, shopping, wish lists, and getting the house ready. It’s also a time when people often spend more than they can afford to enjoy the holiday. While keeping up with Christmas traditions is important for many families, is it possible to celebrate without breaking the bank? News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into this question in this week’s installment of Five Point Break Down.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Christmas is just around the corner, and the holiday expenses are piling up. Belizeans everywhere are getting ready by buying marly to lay down, eyeing that turkey and ham, shopping for new curtains, and checking off items on the family wish list. But with the cost of goods steadily rising, are shoppers sticking to a budget? We asked them to find out.
Paul Lopez
“You budget for the Christmas or you take it as it comes?”
Gardenia Seguro
Gardenia Seguro, Burrell Boom Resident
“Sometimes I budget for the Christmas and then I take it as it comes, because we are a family of nine.”
Paul Lopez
“What dah the most important thing for you on that budget for Christmas?”
Gardenia Seguro
“That the kids deh get deh food, if I could afford it I get them a gift. But deh food and deh cake. The turkey, the ham and the cake.”
Amparo Acosta
Amparo Acosta, Pomona Village Resident
“I budget, I budget, I start budget from in a June. You know like how deh always say, June to November, June to November, that is when I start my Christmas preparations.”
Paul Lopez
“Why is it important for you to budget.”
Amparo Acosta
“Well, I am a person that loves Christmas, I go all out for Christmas, so I make my preparations from then.”
Rosita Glenn
Rosita Glenn, Belize City Resident
“I take it as it comes.”
Paul Lopez
“So what are the essentials you must have for Christmas?”
Rosita Glenn
“Mih turkey and mih ham, mih black cake and mih Lemondade, old fashion style.”
We spoke with several shoppers, and their responses varied. Some said they budget for themselves but spare no expense for their children. Others believe that food is the most important purchase during Christmas, with everything else being secondary. However, inflation is a concern. According to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize, a pound of Irish potatoes costs more now than it did in November, and that’s a key ingredient for the beloved potato salad. While there’s no data on the current cost of a whole turkey, the good news is that the price of whole chicken has slightly decreased. On the other hand, ham can cost over three hundred dollars in extreme cases. And let’s not forget about budgeting for gadgets for the kids, new curtains, lights for the house, and the endless list of holiday expenses.
Budgeting for the Christmas
We sat down with Sherlet Neal, the Managing Director at the Belize Institute for Service Excellence, Leadership and Research, for some advice on how Belizeans can make their dollars stretch further this Christmas. One of the courses that Neal’s organization offers is on budgeting.
Sherlet Neal
Sherlet Neal, Managing Director, B.I.S.E.L.R
“I think what has worked for me and from our perspective as an organization is that Christmas is a short time. Bills last all year long, so while Christmas will come and go and it is a time for celebration, the bills don’t always go away. So what I usually advise people to do is pay your bills first. A lot of people defer their December bills so that they have more money in their pockets for Christmas. But come January, the bills are still there.”
Paying your December bills might seem like a no-brainer for some people, but for those worried about the fact that only a small amount will be left over, what do you do?
Sherlet Neal
“The first thing you want to do, my advice and what really works for me is invest in groceries, make sure you have food. I find that the real joy in Christmas is when family could get together sit down and eat and food available. Forget everything else, maybe a lee thing on the side if you are into drinking. But the real joy at Christmas after all the titivating up is people coming together. So, spend money on the food. Expect it will be a little more than your normal budget for food, because of the little ham and turkey and the merriment on the side, but buy your lee groceries. If you have a good family network, do a little putlock so it is not all on you the person hosting everybody.”
Neal also suggested steering clear of Christmas loans, opting for gifts with sentimental value rather than expensive ones, and repurposing or reusing items around the house like curtains and couch covers.
Businesses For the Budget Conscious
With more access to technology, many kids now see tech and gadgets as must-haves on their wish lists. Meanwhile, some shoppers are determined to get those new curtains. We visited two downtown stores to see if businesses are catering to budget-conscious shoppers.
Kayle Hernandez
Kayle Hernandez, Supervisor, Carry On Electronics
“Our air pods usually range from thirty-five dollars up. We also have some Galaxy Fit three and other accessories we will be getting, we often have a lot of accessories, budget friendly as you mentioned. Here we try to have quality as well as prices as well as December. We try to cater for all levels. If you want something cheaper, we try to have something that meets the same quality, or close to the same quality of the original ones or something close to what you want.”
Teresita Garbutt
Teresita Garbutt, Public Relations, Mikado
“Well they have curtains, they buy fabrics, rugs, comforters.”
Paul Lopez
“How durable is this material that you are making this curtain with? Is it something I can make a curtain, put it up this year and have it for next year again?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Yes, you can have it for this year and the next year after that.”
Paul Lopez
“What would you say comes out cheaper. Buying a curtain already made or making it yourself?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Well, it depends on your liking, because we have different people who still buy material to make their curtains and stuff that we have available.”
Starting the New Year Financially Sound
It’s interesting to note that today’s budgeting advice came from someone who hasn’t always been careful with money. As her son, I saw firsthand how we often spent more than necessary on things that were just for the season.
Paul Lopez
“When did you realize that all of that was counterproductive?”
Sherlet Neal
“For me, back then I was not concerned about saving, I was concerned about living for the now. We have a saying, January catches you broke, New Years catch you broke, you are going to be broke for the rest of the year. We used to say it and laugh, because most people first of January broke. We say, he, he, everybody broke. That is not a lie when you think about that saying, when January catch you broke, it is a huge indication that you will be indeed broke for the rest of the year, you are setting the tone.”
Today’s customers want fast, smooth, and personalized experiences. Digital transformation helps banks meet these expectations by offering 24/7 services through mobile apps and online platforms. Automating routine tasks like data entry and transaction processing reduces costs, minimizes errors, and boosts efficiency. With more digital transactions, the risk of cyberattacks has grown, but digital tools like AI-driven fraud detection and blockchain provide strong security to protect customer data. Digital transformation makes banks more agile, customer-focused, and data-driven, helping them keep up with the fast-changing financial world. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with a story on Belize Bank’s rebranding and digital transformation.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A digital-first approach to banking means prioritizing online and mobile services over traditional in-person banking. It’s a bold direction that the Belize Bank is taking under the leadership of Executive Chairman Filipo Alario. The transition makes banking more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly by leveraging technology.
Filipo Alario
Filipo Alario, Executive Chairman, Belize Bank
“Right now, your bank should be on your phone. Your bank should be in your pocket, in the palm of your hands, everywhere you go 24/7. That’s what we want to do. We have started our digital transformation with a commitment of making banking seamless and secure. Now let’s not forget about security. While some might find online banking intimidating, we are also investing a lot of money to ensure that your trust is well placed. Multifactor authentication, encrypted options and state-of-the-art cyber security are behind everything that we do.”
Banks use the latest technology to offer new features like budgeting tools, personalized financial advice, and enhanced security measures to protect the customer’s information. Transactions are also faster. You don’t have to wait in line at a bank branch; you can complete tasks with just a few clicks.
Agatha Ruta
Agatha Ruta, COO, Belize Bank
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the way financial services are delivered, and this transformation is not only enhancing the convenience of banking but also driving significant socioeconomic progress in the region. At the heart of this transformation is a drive to achieve greater financial inclusion. In Central America, many people, particularly those in underserved areas, have traditionally faced barriers in accessing financial services. These barriers include limited physical presence of branches.”
With decades of service, innovation, and trust behind it, Belize Bank’s new brand identity showcases its transformation into a modern, forward-thinking financial institution. The refreshed look symbolizes progress, technological advancement, and a continued commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals—all while staying true to the Belizean values that have always guided its journey.
Filipo Alario
“Today, I stand before you to unveil something small but it is monumental, in our view, in terms of significance, a new brand identity. That’s right. Today we are celebrating the launch of a tiny yet mighty digital symbol that embodies who we are, where we are and where we want to go.”
This transformation highlights the bank’s mission to provide innovative financial solutions while maintaining the trust and relationships it has built over the years. The unveiling was broadcast simultaneously across all branch locations, allowing clients and stakeholders nationwide to join in this special moment.
Filipo Alario
“This new symbol is more than a design, it’s a beacon of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re heading. It’s a reflection of our roots, our purpose, and our vision for the future. Now let’s talk about our roots, we all know Belize Bank is the oldest bank in Belize. We’ve been around since 1902 and we are the second oldest bank in Central America. We’ve been continuously. This institution has been continuously open since 1902.”
Here’s some exciting news for the Toledo District. This morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade launched two transformative projects aimed at empowering vulnerable rural communities in southern Belize by improving access to renewable energy and enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the launch to get all the details on how these projects will benefit underserved communities in Belize.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
More than half of Toledo’s population faces multidimensional poverty, meaning they lack in areas like health, education, employment, and living standards, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize. While these numbers have improved recently, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the district’s most underserved communities. That’s why the Government of Belize has launched two transformative projects to help those in need. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, shares more about these initiatives.
Valentino Shal
Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation
“Today we launched two very important projects with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of course the Ministry of Energy and the UNDP and UNICEF. These projects are targeted at improving the quality of life of rural residents in the Toledo District. And it has to do with water and sanitation and electrification. Not just electrification, but electrification using renewable energy, which in this case is solar. We’re going to target at least up to six villages with these two projects. Three are targeted for rural electrification. These are Otoxha, Mabil Ha, and Nalumka.”
The two projects will start by improving water and sanitation facilities in three villages, with plans to expand to more areas later. The first project is funded with one million US dollars from the India, Brazil, and South Africa Fund, while the second project, the Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, is valued at two hundred and fifty thousand US dollars.
Valentino Shal
“The IBSA, India, Brazil, South Africa. This is a fund established by these three countries to further South cooperation. So these are all developing countries but they have pooled together their resources to create this fund and so other countries like Belize can apply and access these funds to invest in, in development of local communities.”
The project is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has been working to drive Belize’s development for decades. UNDP Resident Representative, Michael Lund, tells us what areas of development the organization is targeting in Belize.
Michael Lund
Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP
“We have two main portfolios in the country as it is now. We have our nature, climate and environment. A lot of that is what these two projects falls under. So there’s both. rule development aspects, but we also work on the more upstream, on the policy elements, on climate finance, what was mentioned, the integrated national financing framework is focusing on climate, so also the upstream policy elements. We have the other portfolio that we have is inclusive growth governance and there, for example, we have a project with the judiciary that’s called PACE, a project with EU funding. That is supporting the digital sector. Of course, e-mobility is also a project that UNDP is implementing. Those are the two main areas that UNDP is focused on at the moment to help Belize.”
Providing access to services in these communities is the first step to reducing the amount of people living in multidimensional poverty. And as Shal describes it, the work never ends.
Valentino Shal
“The way to reduce poverty is to be targeted. And so from the statistics that we have and the data that we have, it’s very obvious that rural Toledo continues to represent a high rate of, present a high rate of poverty. And in this case, multidimensional poverty, which includes health, education, employment and access to basic services. And so we have been working at addressing this through interventions and working directly with the communities.”
Today, students from various high schools gathered for a lively youth panel discussion on some heavy topics: gender-based violence, violence against women and girls, and human trafficking. This marks the fourth event organized by the Belize City Council and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of their Sixteen Days of Activism campaign. The goal? To hear the raw, unfiltered opinions and ideas from the youth about these critical issues. The discussion took place at Old Belize, and News Five’s Marion Ali was there to capture the event.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, students from various high schools came together for a dynamic panel discussion about the issues impacting their lives. Michael Fritz, one of the organizers, emphasized that hearing directly from the youth is crucial for creating better environments and improving their quality of life.
Micheal Fritz
Micheal Fritz, Organizer, Youth Panel Discussion
“It’s an opportunity to not only hear from the young people themselves but gather students from across the city. And we do have some that are coming from out district to have this, these discussions to find out how young people can be mobilized to bring an end or decrease the occurrences of these issues. We’ve selected young people that were very passionate, very outspoken to add to the discussion. So, it’s not just – it’s an opportunity for other young people that might not be attached to the council or any other entity to be a part of this important discussion.”
Fritz mentioned that to get a wide range of perspectives, they also invited young people who aren’t currently in school but are still impacted by these issues.
Michael Fritz
“Before we had this panel, we had to go through the data collection phase, and we were circulating surveys on youth reports. And our various social media platforms and we were targeting young people ages 15 to 29 which is very much important to capture in terms of what youth is defined as.”
According to Councilor Kaya Cattouse, the information that is generated from the students’ concerns and views will be considered by City Hall.
Kaya Cattouse
Kaya Cattouse, Belize City Councilor, Women & Children
“We have our child advisor body or youth shadow council who we work with day in day out. And these young people are the ones who draft their plan as to how they want to move forward. So, we work with our youths and we try our best to, you know, put what they have on paper into action. If we check the report card, Belize City has been scoring very high as it relates to the child advisor body and all the social infrastructure that we have been building with our youth.”
Today’s youth panel formed part of the Sixteen Days of Activism. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize National Cricket Team is heading to Argentina tonight to compete in the ICC Americas Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifiers. This tournament is a big deal, as it paves the way to the regional games and, ultimately, the T20 World Cup. We caught up with the team at the Phillip Goldson International Airport, where they were buzzing with excitement and hope, ready to make history.
Roy Young
Dr. Roy Young, President, Belize Cricket Association
“We are fortunate to be one of the nine countries participating in this tournament and this tournament. This tournament is leading to the T20 in 2026 in Sri Lanka. From this list of nine countries, three will emerge as the leaders and those three countries will participate against Canada in 2025. From that tournament of four teams one will go to the World Cup, the big dance. So we are hoping that Belize will be a part of it. However if we advance beyond this tournament, this first phase, we would make history, because Belize has participated at this level, but have not advanced.”
Jermaine Pook
Jermaine Pook, Captain, National Cricket Team
“Our team consists of fifteen members. We are all talented players from the Belize River Valley area. We are heading out with that mindset to compete and win and that high spirt to represent our country to the fullest and looking to be one of those three countries that will be advancing to the American regional finals.”
Roshane Jones
Roshane Jones, Member , National Cricket Team
“This is a big opportunity to show everybody our talent, Belize team and try bring back a victory for Belize and make the whole country proud of we.”
Paul Lopez
“What goes through your mind when you think about competing against these teams?”
Roshane Jones
“Well, I done play against them so much time. They have played in Belize in different tournaments. I have played against three national teams in Belize here. But, it is my first time going outside. To me, I got used to the opponent, so it does not bother me when it comes to cricket.”
As Belize joins nations that are at the forefront of the global transition to clean energy, a pressing challenge is becoming clear: the shortage of skilled professionals to power the country’s renewable energy sector. “With the industry growing so quickly, we’re going to have a lot of boats on the water, but not many captains available to steer them,” said Silvan Kuffer, co-founder of Solar Energy Solutions Belize (SESB), a solar company in Belize.
The rise of solar energy in Belize comes at a time when the country is working to reduce its reliance on imported electricity and shift towards more sustainable energy solutions such as solar energy. According to the Belize National Energy Policy 2023, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly, from US$1200 per kilowatt (kW) to US$200 per kW. This price reduction makes solar energy more accessible and it creates a convenient opportunity for Belize to take advantage of the abundant sunlight.
While the resources and opportunities for solar energy in Belize are growing, the question remains: Does the country have the skilled workforce to support this growth? Without qualified technicians, the country risks failing to meet its energy goals of becoming a low-carbon nation by 2040.
The Growing Need for Skilled Workers
With a population of just over 400,000 (2024 est.), Belize faces a challenge common to many small countries: a limited pool of professionals in many sectors. According to the Ministry of Education’s Statistics for 2022, only 732 students were enrolled in Vocational and Technical Education. This is important to note.
As companies like SESB point out, the most significant barrier to the country’s renewable energy growth is the shortage of technicians. The CEO of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics (MPUELE) Jose Urbina also recognised this shortage, stating, “There is a shortage of skilled technicians for solar energy, which is a huge challenge for us.” Urbina added, “Without technicians to install and maintain the systems, it becomes difficult to expand renewable energy capacity.”
The real question may not be whether Belize can use its solar potential, but whether it can do so without the skilled workers needed to make it possible. To tackle this, the government is working through its technical training institutions to close the skills gap and build the trained workforce needed for a sustainable energy sector.
The Solution to Belize’s Workforce Gap?
Since being established in 2010, the Institutes of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVETs) have become a crucial solution for developing a skilled workforce to meet the needs of various technical and vocational sectors in Belize’s economy. These institutions provide practical, hands-on training in fields that are essential for the country’s development.
One such example is the collaboration between ITVETs and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), which has helped to design a two-year renewable energy program at ITVET-Belize City. This program, launched under the Ministry of Education (MOE) with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), made it possible to equip “students to acquire practical, industry-standard skills to allow them to better contribute to Belize’s sustainable energy goals,” said MOE’s CEO, Dian Maheia. She stated that the program covers a range of topics, including solar energy, wind energy, and other sustainable technologies.
“The partnership with NSCC has been invaluable in ensuring that the curriculum at ITVET-Belize is up to date and aligned with industry standards,” Maheia said. Through this collaboration, instructors have been trained to teach renewable energy practices, which is what ITVET instructors have been “very vocal in demanding to better prepare themselves,” said Urbina.
Challenges in Solar Education and Training
Despite the integration of renewable energy programs, ITVETs still face several challenges. One of the challenges includes ensuring that students enter the programs with the necessary foundation in mathematics and physics, which are crucial for understanding solar energy systems. Reuel Black, the Manager of the ITVET in the Belize District, said that even with a high school diploma, “The biggest problem with students is their levels in mathematics and physics for renewable energy.”
To address this challenge, CEO Maheia stated that MOE has implemented the “integration of foundational scaffolding into the program structure.” She added that “several mandatory support subjects were included in the first semester of the first year of the program.” These courses are designed to help students strengthen their understanding of these essential subjects before diving into the technical aspects of solar energy. However, Maheia said that MOE “recognises that the institute may need to either offer preparatory and/or remedial classes.”
Additionally, Black said other difficulties include attracting enough students to make the courses sustainable. Since the launch of the program in 2023, only eight students have been certified. He said that without enough students for a second cohort, the program is currently on hold. Black explained that the cost of running the program and maintaining the necessary equipment can be a barrier for interested students. “We don’t have the amount of students to subscribe to run a course because we need to at least break even,” he said. “We have to pay the instructor; we have to buy materials and so on and maintain the labs.” Black also pointed out the challenge of keeping students focused: “Some students stay on their telephones, and you have to actually tell them to pay attention.”
In contrast, the Orange Walk ITVET will be certifying its first cohort of 60 students in the Electrical Installation program, which includes solar energy as part of the curriculum. The manager, Armando Gomez, said that these students have gained hands-on experience in solar panel installation and system maintenance along with a second trade offered simultaneously.
The instructor leading the solar energy courses at Orange Walk ITVET, Jose Solis, stated that many students who were initially apprehensive about solar energy have found it more accessible than they expected.
One of the key challenges at Orange Walk ITVET was obtaining the necessary equipment. Solar panels and related materials can be expensive, and “securing funding for these resources was not always easy,” Gomez said. However, Gomez attributed the institute’s success to strategic investments—much of which came from student fees—the institution now has a fully functional solar setup that powers part of their workshop.
Expanding Education in Renewable Energy
As Belize moves closer to its renewable energy goals for 2030 and 2040, ITVETs will play an increasingly important role in training a sustainable workforce in the energy sector. However, CEO Urbina added that it’s not only about training at ITVETs and providing certifications but also working closely with the University of Belize to develop engineering courses. This collaboration ensures that both technical and academic education support Belize’s energy transition.
Urbina explained this ambitious expansion will require additional resources, more instructors, and further investment in training equipment. As the country’s renewable energy goals scale in size, Urbina said that MPUELE aims to “try and identify the equipment needed, and hopefully in the near future, the Ministry will be able to purchase or procure that equipment and be able to donate it.”
The government has launched a new initiative aimed at offering second chances to individuals burdened by past criminal convictions. The Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and the Attorney General’s Ministry, announced the introduction of Criminal Record Expungement Services.
The service comes following the enactment of the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 2024, which allows individuals to apply for the removal of past convictions from their records. The initiative is part of Belize’s broader criminal justice reform, designed to help individuals overcome barriers in their personal and professional lives caused by prior offences.
To manage the process, the government has established a Criminal Records Board, which will review and either approve or deny expungement applications. Application forms are available nationwide at Ministry of Human Development and Ministry of Home Affairs offices, as well as on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website.
What is one word you’ve heard people say one too many times this year? Well, according to the site Dictionary.com, the Word of the Year 2024 is the one that went viral over the summer: “demure.”
The word took off in popularity earlier this year after TikToker and beauty influencer Jools Lebron popularised the phrase, “very demure, very mindful.” In an announcement on Monday, the site said that the word “demure” saw a huge increase of 1,200% from January to August.
“Demure” has historically been used to describe ‘discrete’ and ‘reserved behaviour,’ but “a new usage has spread through social media,” Dictionary.com said. Even celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and RuPaul used the phrase to promote their brands.
Dictionary.com stated that choosing “demure” for this year was based on a thorough look at social media trends, news stories, and words that moved beyond online discussions.
The word “demure” was also shortlisted for Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024 but didn’t take the top spot. Instead, Oxford University Press announced “brain rot” as the Word of the Year.
Oxford’s decision to choose “brain rot” follows a public vote that amounted to over 37,000 participants from around the world. President of Oxford Languages, Casper Grathwohl, said, “Brain rot speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life and how we are using our free time.”
The term has become widely used, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and is often seen in reference to viral internet culture. Experts have pointed out that it is “fascinating” how younger generations have both embraced and created the very content associated with “brain rot.”
Other words that made Oxford’s shortlist this year include “lore,” “demure,” “dynamic pricing,” “slop,” and “romantasy.”
Belize City has been dealing with a garbage crisis for weeks, leaving some streets littered with unsightly and foul-smelling trash. Residents of Freedom Street in the Port Loyola area reported on Monday that garbage collection had not occurred for two weeks. Overflowing bins have become a common sight, as the Belize City Council faces financial difficulties and has been unable to pay its garbage collection contractor, Belize Waste Control. The unpaid bill reportedly exceeds $800,000, and the issue has remained unresolved for over three weeks.
Today, News Five spoke with Kaya Cattouse, the city councillor responsible for sanitation maintenance. She acknowledged the visible and unpleasant state of the streets.
“The company responsible has not been picking up the garbage for whatever reasons, and as a result, the residents of Belize City have been left with garbage on the streets. It has been looking bad and feeling bad. Nobody wants to see garbage everywhere,” Cattouse said.
The garbage collection issue is not new to the city. Cattouse pointed out that previous administrations, including those led by mayors David Fonseca, Zenaida Moya, and Darrell Bradley, also faced challenges with garbage management. “If all these heads have had an issue with the garbage situation and cannot come to some kind of proper arrangement to get it resolved, then we have to look deeper into it because that is telling you that there is more to whatever contract there is,” she remarked.
When asked about a possible lawsuit from Belize Waste Control over nonpayment, Cattouse declined to comment.
“We have been trying our best to clean the areas that we can. However, it is not within the scope of the contract for City Council trucks to actually pick up residential garbage. So, it’s not something that we can just take our trucks and go out there and pick up the garbage. Because then, that will cause another problem,” she explained.
