Rodriguez mentioned that right after his clients were detained, COPA Airline was covering their food and stay at the Global Village Hotel in Ladyville. However, one of the immigration officers who handled their case reached out to him, concerned that the meals weren’t being delivered on time. Rodriguez sees this as a potential lawsuit since his clients are under state custody.
Norman Rodriguez
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-Law
“They’re being held by the state. Um, at the last time was Global Village Hotel. Yes, but I know that the, that the, at that point, it was the, the airline Cooper. Which took responsibility for the accommodation and the food. The immigration officer have made several attempts to get me to pay that, pay for the hotel accommodation, pay for the food. They come here almost every morning and tell me that they need breakfast and I tell them, you are the one have them detained. You are responsible for their welfare. So if anything goes wrong, you will have to answer to the court.”
Rodriguez shared that one of his clients has instructed him to sue the government for any losses he incurs back in Jamaica due to his detention in Belize. This could cover everything from lost wages or even his job, to any expenses he racks up as a result.
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-Law
“There is an indication that these people in them to pursue any part of the due process for remedies available to them. But we needed to do this application in order for them to have their day in court for the court to make it if they want the court makes that decision. In fact, in the application, in every civil application, which this is one for each of them, there is a part that says any other orders that the court being tricked, so the court can make certain orders against the state once it agrees with the application that the immigration department acted improperly or wrongfully. There was a flurry of action by senior members of the immigration department during this time. And I am saying there was no need for that. These were simple, simply, or simple applications for permission to visit the lease as visitors and tourists. There was no need for them to appear. So it says something to these individuals and they feel that they’re being targeted. And for what reason? Nobody can say at this point.”
The tragic death of a motorcycle driver from Belmopan on Thursday afternoon has added to the growing list of fatal motorcycle accidents. The incident occurred around three PM in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan and claimed the life of Carlos Romero, a young self-employed resident of the same municipality. Romero’s life was cut short due to a collision with a ten-wheeler truck. He passed away at the Western Regional Hospital just hours after the accident. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us the story in this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Belmopan deliveryman Carlos Romero had just left home to run an errand for a customer and was on his way back to San Martin Avenue after completing the job. But tragically, he never made it back home. On St. Peter Street, just past its intersection with St. Jude Street, his red motorcycle got clipped under a ten-wheeler truck he was trying to overtake. Romero and his bike were flung under one of the truck’s right wheels, trapping them both underneath. Elizabeth Mendez, who lives near the intersection, saw Romero drive past just moments before the accident.
Elizabeth Mendez
Elizabeth Mendez, First Responder
“I see the cycle pass through my front door, to this road, St. Peter and I, I never see the truck that way down. So I suddenly I hear like the door fan back – a big noise, so I stand up on the door and when I see something red, then I say that the cycle, I just hold my head and I run over there for see what’s going on, how I could help or what?”
Mendez said that initially, Romero was not talking and she observed only minor injuries, but the situation changed when she managed to revive him.
Elizabeth Mendez
“I see the scrape on his hand.”
Marion Ali
“Was he talking?”
Elizabeth Mendez
“Yes because I asked him who we could call. You got one for number? But when I really reach him, he can’t talk, but then I do pahn ih chest, rub ih chest, and then I see that he started to talk.”
With the help of an off-duty police officer, Romero was pulled from under the truck and rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where he sadly passed away later that evening. For Jorge Romero and his family, the accident is especially shocking because Carlos had just left home to run the errand only a few minutes earlier.
Jorge Romero
Jorge Romero, Father of Deceased
“He works from phone calls. He does errands. He finishes a run, he comes in here, parks his cycle inside here, waits for the next call, and that was his job.”
Marion Ali
“So yesterday he got a call for a job?”
Jorge Romero
“Yes, he did get a call for a job in that area. He done deliver his package, and he was coming back to his station here at home when this accident happened.”
Romero shared that, amidst his grief, he faced another setback when no one who handled his son could return his wallet and IDs.
Jorge Romero
“My son’s properties. He reached with the properties at the hospital. And yesterday they just gave me one tennis, his pants, his helmet, and some little five cents.”
Marion Ali
“And he had what all in his pocket?”
Jorge Romero
“I can’t tell you the amount what he had, but he had money with him. He always got all his money because he needs change to give customers. His social security card, his driver’s license, the insurance of this motorcycle he has it with him.”
Marion Ali
“And you didn’t get those?”
Jorge Romero
“I didn’t get those.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so what did the hospital or the police tell you?”
Jorge Romero
“The police tell me that I’m going back to the hospital and find out what happened. The nurse at the time dehn mi change shift and she calls the other shift and dehn said that they give me his wallet, but I didn’t get a wallet.”
Marion Ali
“Did they say who they gave from the family?”
Jorge Romero
“I received it. I received the bag.”
Elizabeth Mendez believes that Romero accidentally drove too close as he tried to overtake the truck.
Elizabeth Mendez
“The truck mi di come soh and he mi want to do so to the truck (gesturing to the right) because he may think he could make it faster than the truck because piece of the cycle stay in the middle of the truck and on the side of the step where you go in through the door, right there a next piece mi deh.”
Amid a worrying rise in motorcycle accidents across Belize, two more motorists have been hospitalized after a collision at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Vernon Street in Belize City. On Thursday night, a driver speeding along Vernon Street ran a red light and crashed into another driver who was turning onto the boulevard on a green light. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with one witness explaining that the collision dragged the driver across the street, leaving him unable to get up. This intersection is notorious for collisions, as drivers frequently run the red light.
Tonight, we have a story that’s close to the heart of the Channel Five team. We’re celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of our morning talk show, Open Your Eyes. Since 2009, Open Your Eyes has been bringing educational and entertaining segments to viewers across Belize. As we mark this special occasion, we look back at how the show has evolved over the past sixteen years. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, viewers of the Open Your Eyes talk show were treated to a festive celebration with cake and champagne as the hosts marked the show’s sixteenth anniversary. Open Your Eyes first aired in 2008, with the current Channel 5 CEO, Marleni Cuellar, as the original host. She shared her journey and experiences as one of the show’s pioneers, reflecting on how far they’ve come.
Marleni Cuellar
Marleni Cuellar, C.E.O., Channel 5
“In 2008, when the show was launched, I came on board full time at channel five primarily as a host and it was an interesting time. The CEO at that time, Amalia Mai, had the vision to be able to create a morning show, a morning television show for Channel 5 or News 5 program as always has been such a important part of the daily conversation in Belize, but we felt we needed to have a different element, something that allowed us to have deeper conversations. That allowed us to be able to look at different aspects of culture and experience and life in Belize and to do a fantastic television production because we know we have a really great team here capable of doing that So that was the vision back in 2008 something positive something motivational and most importantly something informational.”
After fourteen years on the show, Cuellar stepped away from the spotlight to take on other roles within the company. But the show still needed a vibrant personality. That’s when news anchor Sabreena Daly was invited to join. She shared with us what it’s been like stepping into this exciting new role.
Sabreena Daly
Sabreena Daly, Host, Open Your Eyes
“So I’ve been a part of Open Your Eyes as a host for about a little bit over a year. And honestly, the only thing I can say is it’s been such a learning curve. Of course, you would know that my involvement primarily was in news as an anchor, as a feature writer. But being invited over to the morning show was different because obviously I have to wake up earlier in the morning. But for me, it was a learning experience because I get to have these extensive conversations that would normally be controlled by the news cycle, of course, the writing stories. But I get to engage with these persons that we are interviewing. Not only that, I get to learn a lot more. I have to do research. It’s really critical that the host does research, so that we’re able to know, one, the type of questions to ask, but also know exactly what our viewers are looking for as well.”
Daly credits her growth in the role to her mentors, Marleni Cuellar and fellow host Isani Cayetano. Other familiar faces on the team include Paul Lopez and April Martinez, who each bring their unique voices to the show. Behind the scenes, there’s OYE producer Viannie Reyes, who has been working her magic for about three years. She gave us a glimpse into her role as producer, sharing what it takes to keep the show running smoothly.
Viannie Reyes
Viannie Reyes, Producer, Open Your Eyes
“It’s definitely not a one man show. It’s a show that consists of quite a team that I have here and I’m grateful for the team that I have. It takes preparation, dedication and commitment to make a production successful as open your eyes. I do believe that gathering segments, not only just here in Belize City, but it comes from all over the country, depending on the topics that we have. We have to work two weeks in advance, sometimes three, to plan different segments. We need to get creative on topics, educational topics, informative topics that we do believe Belizeans would enjoy to hear and to listen to.”
Just this year, Open Your Eyes received a Special Mention at the Caribbean Broadcasting Awards. Cuellar attributes this to the consistent quality the show has maintained over the past sixteen years.
Marleni Cuellar
“We have a standard that was set from the beginning. That we ensure that we get guests who are well versed and understanding of different topics. That our hosts are as prepared as they can be for conversations, that we ensure that our audience have learned something new or understand something better or have been able to see a different perspective than they have seen before. And I think that’s a standard that we’ve carried through all these years and I’m very proud of that.”
As the show continues to grow, the team promises more meaningful conversations with guests and entertaining segments but this time, bigger and better. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The pressure is on for Belize’s own Halima Hoy as she gets ready to take the Miss Universe stage for the finals on Saturday. This year’s pageant, held in Mexico City, will see women from all over the world competing for the crown. As the big day approaches, we caught up with her Belizean support team in Mexico City to hear how they’re feeling as the excitement builds.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The Miss Universe 2024 Pageant is underway, and people around the world are eagerly watching their contestant, hoping for a win. This year, Belizean beauty, Halima Hoy, is shining on the big stage. We caught up with Destinee Arnold, the National Director of Miss Universe Belize, for an update on how the competition is going so far.
Destinee Arnold
Destinee Arnold, National Director, Miss Universe Belize
“I am just elated with all of the support that we have been getting from our countrymen, and I am so proud of Halima for continuing to fight that good fight and leaving her all on that stage. It is my job to make sure that she is well prepared and putting her best foot forward during the competition and not pageant night to be her moral support to be there for her in times of need to provide that insight. Of course, I will be reviewing her performance from last night and helping her work out any kinks that I noticed. And we are just going to continue to fight and push forward so that we finish off stronger.”
Also joining Hoy in Mexico is her husband, Arthur Hoy. He feels a wave of emotion as he watches his wife’s hard work finally pay off.
Arthur Hoy
Arthur Hoy, Halima’s Husband
“Her job was Monday to Sunday, and it even took her away from Houston where we currently reside and she was living in Belize. So for the past couple of months my wife was for Belize and she still is Belize, but we’re in a great mental space. We are so proud of her. Her performance last night was very emotional for us. We, as a, with her, I was sitting with her team and we all got teary eyed when she came out because she looked so beautiful. She performed and she really made us proud.”
Despite the overwhelming love and support, Hoy and her team have faced some accusations. In a now-deleted Instagram post, they were accused of paying for Hoy’s placement in the pageant. Arnold finds these accusations to be completely unfounded.
Destinee Arnold
“For me, it’s honestly quite laughable that they would think that we would pay for placement. Pageantry is not a cheap venture, and we don’t get into pageantry Hoping to make money. It’s definitely a passion project, but we’re trying to change that perspective. We’re not trying to continue to allow pageantry to be a money pit. And one thing that I love about the new Miss universe organization, they want their national directors to contribute. In their ventures and their Miss Universe products, and that’s what we’re doing.”
She explains that the goal of the Miss Universe Belize franchise is to grow the industry and create new opportunities for Belizeans.
Destinee Arnold
“We are trying to introduce the Miss Universe projects in our country of Belize so that we bring in that that pageantry industry, because it’s a very lucrative industry. If you play your cards that’s not paying for placement. That’s being smart. That’s bringing another economic revenue to our country. That’s creating jobs. It’s creating a product. And if you cannot join in the celebration or join in the work to bring that to police, then, I’m okay with you not sitting at the table with us.”
On stage, Hoy unveiled her stunning national costume, a beautiful tribute to Belize’s Mayan roots. Arnold hopes that Belizeans can set aside the negativity and continue to shower Hoy with love and support as she strives to make Belize proud.
Destinee Arnold
“You can go to the choicely app and for her there is a fan vote for the top thirty, or you can just share her pictures, comment on the miss universe post that has Halima on it with your flag. Sending Halima sweet messages that are encouraged her because we are the fuel that drives her when she’s on stage. So we have to keep that energy going.”
People all over the world love ceramics, not just for their practical uses but also as a powerful way to express themselves. Pottery holds a special place in many cultures. From ancient times to today’s modern designs, this craft has become a timeless art form that crosses all borders. In Belize, a country rich in cultural heritage, handcrafted pottery beautifully showcases this legacy. While exploring local artisans, we stumbled upon Cecilia Ceramics—a business that masterfully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. At the heart of this vibrant collection is Victoria Bedran, whose unique approach breathes new life into this ancient art. Here’s her story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
In Belize, our love for clay pottery goes way back to the ancient Maya civilization. For the Maya, pottery wasn’t just practical—it was a powerful cultural and spiritual symbol. They crafted beautifully intricate pieces for cooking, storage, and ceremonies, often decorating them with detailed carvings and meaningful symbols. Victoria Bedran, inspired by this rich history, wanted to connect the past with the present. After studying pottery at university, she came back to Belize with a passion to share her modern techniques and knowledge. She blends the ancient art form with her own contemporary creativity, bringing a fresh twist to this timeless craft.
Victoria Bedran
Victoria Bedran, Owner, Cecilia Ceramics
“I went to school in England, that’s when I discovered different media, about collage, clay, plaster molds, glass, and all sorts of woodworking. I went into all of those media, and I found out that clay was best suited for me, and I loved it. I loved how you can work with earth, water, fire, air, like all of the elements of the earth to create one piece. I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I loved art my whole life. So when I discovered ceramics, I fell in love more with it. And I wanted to bring that to Belize, because I never really experienced clay. I know the Mayans use clay, but I wanted to bring a different part of it here in Belize. I also wanted to be a teacher, so the teaching thing was part of that too.”
Pottery, like many art forms, offers a therapeutic way to express and reconnect with oneself. For Bedran, pottery became her sanctuary. After realizing that teaching and the typical nine-to-five grind weren’t her calling, she returned to her craft and rediscovered her passion. This sparked the creation of her own business, Cecilia Ceramics, where she could fully embrace her love for pottery and turn it into a thriving creative outlet.
Victoria Bedran “You know, sometimes I don’t even feel like an entrepreneur. I just feel like I’m somebody doing what they love and I get paid for it sometimes. It’s a passion of mine and I enjoy sharing it with other people and seeing their face being happy with what I’ve made makes me feel great. It is very therapeutic, sometimes stressful, but mostly therapeutic. Making, getting a lump of clay and making anything out of your mind that you can do, the possibilities are endless. So, it’s just the thought of sitting down and just creating something that comes to mind or a vision or something on Pinterest you’ve always wanted and can’t afford, you could just do it out of clay. Even when you’re on the wheel, that motion of spinning and everything in the center and you’re just in the zone, it’s sort of relaxing for me.”
The process starts with raw clay mixed with water to create ‘slip,’ a thin, sticky mixture. This slip is passed through a sieve to remove any impurities, then spread on a plaster slab to dry slightly, making it easier to handle. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, the clay is ‘wedged,’ much like kneading dough. Today, we watched as Victoria expertly prepped her clay, working it as if she were kneading a loaf of bread. Next, the clay is shaped on a potter’s wheel, with water helping to mold it into the desired form. This is one of the most enjoyable stages—I even got to try my hand at the wheel! After shaping, the piece is left to dry for about a week, reaching the ‘leather-hard’ stage. At this point, the clay becomes firm enough for trimming and refining, allowing for additional details like handles or decorative elements to be added, enhancing the piece’s final appearance.
Victoria Bedran “After it’s dried to bone dry, I’ll put it in the kiln and it will get fired for 12 hours.”
Sabreena Daly
“And we are currently firing some items today.”
Victoria Bedran
“Yes, This is a homemade gas kiln that I bought. And we are currently firing the first set of bisque firing, it’s called. So that’s whenever the clay turns into ceramics. Right now we’re candling at below 100 degrees Celsius. I candle it for five hours just to make sure all the moisture is out of the clay before I start turning up the heat because if I turn up the heat and there’s still moisture in the clay it will explode.”
Victoria carries on the tradition of the ancient Mayans, placing small “kiln gods” by the kiln door to protect her pottery, a practice believed to prevent cracking or explosions during firing. Inside the ceramic oven are charming trinket trays and additional commissioned items.
Sabreena Daly “Now, these items on display went through the same process you just described. I want to get a look at these, though. These are so adorable. Look at that. You said something really funny that your customers would tell you.”
Victoria Bedran
“They don’t need a bottle stopper because they drink the whole bottle. But I said it would be good for gifts.”
Sabreena Daly
“That’s really funny. But I love the detail. This literally has a roughness like the tentacle.”
Victoria Bedran “I do markets around Belize. I go with Market on the Go and Wonderland. So it’s mostly in San Ignacio, Belmopan night markets; I go to Placencia sometimes and then I also post on my social media about new products I make. My social media is Cecilia’s Ceramics.”
For Bedran, handcrafting each ceramic piece is a true labor of love, with every detail shaped with passion and care. It’s this connection to her work that brings her so much joy. Yet, her greatest hope is that the joy she feels in creating her pieces is passed on to those who bring them into their homes, adding not just beauty and warmth, but a personal touch that makes each piece feel like a special part of their story. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
The Department of the Environment (DOE) is calling on businesses that store chemicals in high-risk areas to closely monitor weather conditions and follow advisories from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) as stormy weather approaches.
The DOE warns that industrial chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous materials pose serious risks to both the environment and public health if not properly managed, especially during storms. It is crucial for businesses to store these substances on high ground, away from floodwaters, and to implement the necessary precautions outlined in their Hurricane Preparedness and Emergency Response Plans.
To reduce potential hazards, the DOE stresses that businesses must adhere to best practices for chemical storage. This includes using segregated storage, ensuring containers are tightly sealed, and employing containment bunds to prevent leaks. Failure to follow these safety measures may result in administrative or legal action under the Environmental Protection Act.
The Department encourages all businesses in high-risk areas to remain vigilant as floodwaters rise or other unusual events occur to safeguard lives, the environment, and property. Any incidents of chemical spills or environmental pollution should be reported immediately to the DOE using the contact details provided.
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) says it is taking proactive measures in preparation for the approach of Tropical Storm Sara, which is expected to make landfall in southern Belize within the next 48 hours.
BEL’s teams are closely monitoring the storm and have implemented strategies to maintain continuous, safe, and reliable service to customers, where possible. Resources, equipment, and personnel have been mobilised to address potential impacts and respond quickly to any damage caused by the storm.
Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, may lead to power outages as lightning or nearby tree branches could make contact with power lines. To safeguard both the power supply system and customers’ equipment, automatic protection devices are triggered, causing temporary interruptions.
In the event of power outages caused by damage from Tropical Storm Sara, BEL teams will begin repairs and restore service once the “All Clear” is issued and it is deemed safe to do so. However, work on power lines will not proceed during rain or lightning. If conditions are deemed unsafe, restoration efforts will be delayed until weather improves.
For safety reasons, power may be disconnected in areas where hazardous electrical conditions exist, such as improper connections.
It’s Day 5 of COP29, and pressure is mounting over the summit’s links to fossil fuel interests and the lack of funding for climate adaptation. Top scientists and former UN chiefs, including Christiana Figueres and Ban Ki-moon, are calling for reform, arguing that countries expanding fossil fuels, like Azerbaijan, should not host future COPs. “We must be realistic about energy transition,” said Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, defending fossil fuels at the summit.
Campaigners are also demanding action to reduce the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists. With nearly 1,800 lobbyists at COP29—more than the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined—Catherine Abreu of the International Climate Politics Hub called it “demoralising” to see close ties to companies like Chevron and BP.
Meanwhile, the Adaptation Fund, which helps countries most impacted by climate change, is facing a major funding crisis. Despite calls for action, only $61 million was pledged, far short of the $300 million needed. “These missing dollars are not abstractions on a balance sheet; they are lives taken, harvests lost, and development denied,” warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a separate subject, the COP29 Presidency has launched the COP Truce, urging countries to halt military operations during the summit. Supported by 132 countries, the initiative hopes to reduce the environmental harm caused by warfare, which contributes more emissions than aviation and shipping combined. According to leaders in support, war and armed conflicts worsen the climate crisis.
