Next up was the issue of sporting facilities across the country, a topic tackled by Shane Williams, the U.D.P. candidate for Queen Square. As an athlete himself, Williams didn’t mince words, criticizing the government for the poor state of the Belize Mexico Center. His comments were a direct response to a story aired by News Five on Monday night.
Shane Williams, U.D.P. Candidate, Queen Square
“Belizean athletes truly deserve better. It took a foreign sports executive to have the minister sit down in front of the world on national tv and embarrass him for people to notice the deplorable state of sporting facilities in this country. We didn’t need a foreigner to tell us that it is unacceptable for the Belize Mexico Center to be abandoned like it has. Hurricane Lisa hit in 2022 and look at how the Mexico Center is in January 2025 and of all the sports centers in this country that would have been the least one I thought they would have been abandoned. You remember when COVID when our athletes couldn’t play basketball or any sports, Mexico Center was locked up like fort knocks with minister playing basketball during that time. Your favorite minister locked up in Mexico Centre while they play sports while the rest of the country was on lock down. So, Mexico Center would be the last facility you would expect this administration to totally abandoned. All the government has to do was fix the roof so that no further damage comes when it rains. Now, any simple rain deteriorates it further. All they had to do was maintain. We didn’t need a foreigner to tell us that.”
After two hours of the Barrow-led United Democratic Party discussing national issues, it was finally the media’s turn to ask questions. However, when reporters tried to bring up the internal divisions within the U.D.P., they faced some pushbacks. Barrow quickly shut down those questions, making it clear he wasn’t going to entertain them.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“First and foremost in all press conferences, I remember that the UDP used to have questions limited. For the last five years you and others in the media have tried to turn. We spent two hours talking about national issues, from health education, home affairs and the economy and rather than focusing on those policies which truly benefit the Belizean people, you want to talk about Tracy, John Saldivar and the corrupt cabal. I have no interest in that. If that is what you want to ask you can ask your questions, but we have no interest in answering questions about those people.”
But Barrow’s resistance to questions about the Alliance for Democracy didn’t last long. He took the opportunity to clarify which group truly represents the United Democratic Party. Barrow is now pursuing a contempt ruling from the High Court against Panton. He warned everyone, including the media, that once the ruling is made, anyone pushing the narrative of two U.D.P.s will face legal consequences.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“I want to disabuse you of the notion that there are two leaderships. Tracy Panton was expelled from the UDP, Patrick Faber was expelled from the UDP, these people are the alliance for democracy party. There is only one UDP, just like how there is only one great Belzie, one Channel Five, there is only one. And while we respect the media tremendously, we have gone through great lengths to not engage in a legal battle with the media. After next Friday when we finish with Justice Hondora and he gives further orders, anyone in violation of the orders and anyone that continues to push this narrative of two UDPs, we will have to pursue legal remedies for that. It is confusing to the electorate. It is causing great damage to our democracy when you keep putting these people off as any UDP officials, or this person’s UDP or that person’s UDP, when Justice Hondora returned to this UDP headquarters, the Henry Young building, he returned it to the Central Executive of the UDP. He did not say UDP one or two, So I would want to disabuse you of those false narratives and notions.”
Barrow’s United Democratic Party is gearing up for the general elections by fielding candidates in all thirty-one constituencies. Some of these candidates have already been revealed. As we reported last week, Doctor Omar Figueroa is back in the race under Barrow’s leadership. Today, Barrow announced that Elodio Aragon Junior also intends to return. Once confirmed, the full slate of thirty-one candidates will be unveiled.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“We have thirty-one candidates, but we will be introducing our thirty-one candidates in the next week or so. To be quite transparent I have been in discussion with Elodio Aragon. We are going to finalize whether his return or not, this week, and we will introduce our thirty-one candidates. The UDP is focused on bringing together, ensuring that we have everyone on board and keeping the room for reconciliation to those that wish to return. Mr. Elodio Aragon has indicated that he was looking at returning to the UDP. So we will give him few more days and the move forward. We are confident that in each constituency the UDP has viable candidates, some has a greater chance than others. Let us be fair. It is quite the hurdle in Lake I, in places like Pickstock in Orange Walk Central, but we will fight nonetheless. I am so proud and grateful to have a candidate like Yara Caal. A lifelong educator, a former council candidate that serve her community. There are other candidate in constituencies, such a s Cayo Central, Balona gwen home, Micho Chebat going home, Espat going home. A lot of them are going home but they are banking on the distractions and diversions. But we feel very different and the people on the ground know what they have to do and are doing.”
Paul Lopez
“Mr. Perrera left the KHMH embroiled in controversy. Ms. Perades who you now have in Collet she is on social media supporting the PUP in October 2020, right before the general election. She posted a post supporting the PUP. She was also a member of Saldivar’s camp?”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“So what is wrong with that? Tracy Panton was a member of the PUP. I can send you the video of her declaring she is a member of the Mark Espat camp. So she cant go from PUP to UDP?”
And finally, at today’s U.D.P. press conference, we asked Barrow about Lee Mark Chang’s candidacy in his constituency and whether he sees Chang as a threat. Barrow brushed off the question, saying he couldn’t be bothered, and that Chang is of no concern to him.
Paul Lopez
“The alliance has placed a candidate in your constituency. What do you make of this and the fact that Mr. Lee Mark Chang took to social media to suggest that you reached out offering some sort of olive branch, requesting mediation, suggesting that he is a threat to you and your leadership in that constituency.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“That is an absolute lie. Yeah, I am not concerned about Mr. Chang. We will send him back to his multi-million-dollar mansion on Sea Shore Drive to which he has had refuge and has never been in the Mesopotamia constituency, has never done anything for the Mesopotamia people, no concern about Mr. Chang.”
Paul Lopez
“But when you look at his launch, the turnout seems significant.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow,
“Fifty people didn’t get their thirty dollars. I ended up giving them assistance because they are my people, and they just went to see the puppet show, so no concern.”
In August 2024, the Office of the Prime Minister kicked off the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP), a branch of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (Beltraide). The first group of recipients, celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Belizean Entrepreneurship,” is now receiving seed capital. BEEP aims to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Almost two hundred and fifty applications were submitted, but only a select few qualified for funding. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, the top applicants who pitched their business ideas for funding received the money they need to start or expand their ventures. These applications were part of the Belize Enterprise for Empowerment Project (BEEP), an initiative under the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service. The funding, provided by the Caribbean Development Fund, through the Office of the Prime Minister, aims to support local entrepreneurs. Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, Ishmael Quiroz, explained that the program not only provides funding but also offers technical know-how to the beneficiaries. The recipients had to deliver compelling sales pitches, and the best among them were selected for this opportunity.
Ishmael Quiroz
Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
“The range of ideas and the range and creativity the new ways of doing things has been inspirational. And we’re very excited to speak with you today about just a few of the great ideas that we’ve seen so far. We’ve had 279 startup applications and 45 exports. Sector applications. Over the past months, we’ve witnessed the dedication of our participants firsthand who have engaged in our training sessions to hone their skills in financial management, digital marketing, sales, and crafting compelling investment plans. The selection process was, as I mentioned, rigorous with only those who demonstrated commitment to learning and growth. By attending at least 80 percent of the training sessions moving on to the pitching phase. So it was still not yet done. You had to pitch, you had to prepare, you had to convince. And that is what you did as awardees.”
Danelie Pott shared how BEEP turned her business idea into a reality. Today, she is the proud owner of Hello Roses.
Danelie Pott
Danelie Pott, Small Entrepreneur
“Participating in the BEEP has been a transformative experience for us at Hello Roses. This program provided us with not only crucial financial assistance, but also invaluable knowledge and guidance. The workshop and mentorship have equipped us with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the areas of bookkeeping, planning, cash management, and understanding our business. We learned the importance of meticulously tracking every sale and expense, something that was previously a daunting task. Now, we have a clear understanding of our financial health and can make informed decisions about investments in new inventory, marketing campaigns, and expanding our services and products.”
Gabriel Casey is now able to expand his Pixel Pro Media business through the assistance provided.
Gabriel Casey
Gabriel Casey, Small Entrepreneur
“Pixel Pro Media began as a vision to provide digital solutions to businesses in Belize and beyond. Over the years, we’ve worked on projects that include SaaS platforms, and SaaS platforms are simply software as a service. We have over 25, 000 active members on our platforms. and web and mobile app development, branding and training programs. However, when I learned about BEAP, I realized it could be the key to propelling our growth to new heights. Through BEEP, I gained much more than just financial support. The program offered critical training sessions that were very important, that helped me refine my business model, solidify my goals, and tackle my challenges with confidence. For example, the development of our LMS, our learning management system, integrated with gamification and AR and VR modules and certification became our most ambitious projects.”
Nancy Marin received assistance for her ostrich farm in the Cayo District.
Nancy Marin
Nancy Marin, Small Entrepreneur
“We had to send in a full business proposal, attend, I think it was three or four different training sessions, and then, do a pitch in front of a panel from BELTRAIDE, I think, Ministry of Finance, DFC.”
Marion Ali
“ Could you share with us what the money will be used for?”
Nancy Marin
”The money will be used for an incubation center for us to be able to produce more ostriches, for us to be able to produce more ostriches, that way we can get more oil from the ostriches and produce more cosmetics. We have interest to export in Ireland and in Seattle, so there’s a big push now that it’s a laying season for ostriches. There’s a big push to be able to produce more oils.”
Narda Garcia, CEO in the PM’s Office, commended the awardees for their resilience and determination to succeed. She emphasized that investing in their businesses is truly an investment in the future.
Narda Garcia
Narda Garcia, C.E.O., Office of the Prime Minister
“Each of our awardees has demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity and perseverance in their respective fields. They have faced challenges head-on and through their hard work and determination, they have not only uplifted themselves but also inspired those around them. The Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project is more than just a funding initiative. It is a catalyst for transformation. It embodies our collective belief that when we invest in individuals, we invest in the future of our communities. By providing resources along with training and support we are enabling our entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality, create jobs and contribute to the economic vitality of Belize.”
Many of the awarded businesses are led by women, a fact that both Quiroz and Garcia celebrated as remarkable. The funding amounts range from five thousand to twenty thousand dollars, and the progress of these recipients and their businesses will be closely monitored for success. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP) has awarded seed funding to 29 promising micro and small businesses. Launched in August 2024 by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), this initiative provides financial support and expert guidance to help local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving ventures.
Nearly 250 applications were submitted, and only the most innovative and compelling business pitches earned the opportunity to receive funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
The selected entrepreneurs were chosen based on their compelling business pitches. “The range of ideas and creativity—the new ways of doing things—has been inspirational,” said Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE.
“This program provided us with not only crucial financial assistance but also invaluable knowledge and guidance,” said Danelie Pott of Hello Roses, a recipient of the funding.
Gabriel Casey, founder of Pixel Pro Media, stated that BEEP helped refine his business model and propelled his digital solutions company to new heights. “The program offered critical training that helped me solidify my goals and tackle challenges with confidence,” Casey said.
The funding was also awarded to an ostrich farm in the Cayo District, led by Nancy Marin. She says she plans to increase production for international exports.
The awardees’ progress will be closely monitored as they continue to contribute to the economic vitality of Belize.
In September 2024, the Social Security Board (SSB) issued a public notice regarding its proposal to lend $7 million to Caribbean Tire Wholesale Limited. The loan, intended for capital expenditure and cash flow replacement, would have a term of 15 years with an annual interest rate of 6.5%, to be paid in monthly installments.
While the public was given a 10-business-day window to provide feedback on the proposal, many raised their concerns about SSB lending out ‘public funds.’
News 5 confirmed today with the Chief Executive Officer of the SSB, Dr. Leroy Almendarez, that the loan was approved.
He added that the loan, intended for capital expenditure and cash flow replacement, follows a rigorous assessment process, including ensuring collateral exceeds the loan value.
Dr. Almendarez added that the loan is a vital part of the board’s strategy to ensure the long-term stability of Belize’s social security system. “I can assure people your money is well taken care of,” he said. He added that the interest income from such loans helps prevent the need for increased contribution rates or reliance on government aid.
He also addressed concerns about the board’s financial practices regarding donations for cancer patients. According to Dr. Alemendarez, the SSB is not “giving away money,” but fulfilling its corporate social responsibility that supports the “vision of creating a dynamic social security system.”
Questions still remain about ongoing support for those affected by COVID-19 by the Social Security Board (SSB). Today, News 5 reached out to Dr. Leroy Almendarz, CEO of the SSB, to find out if the board has ceased providing sickness benefits for persons who have contracted COVID-19.
Almendarez said that despite a sharp decline in cases since 2020, COVID-19-related claims continue to be processed, alongside a growing number of claims for other serious health conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. “Because even though there has been a decline, it has not gone to zero, he stated.
He said that it is the board’s responsibility to ensure that benefits are paid out where they are deserved. “It’s not that we have stopped. Every claim is assessed because, at the end of the day, we have a responsibility to make sure that whatever monies are paid out are because they should be paid out,” Almendarez added.
Dr. Almendarz explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) determines what qualifies as an illness based on factors like prevalence and consistency, rather than isolated cases. He added that conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and various forms of cancer have become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals seeking assistance for these health issues.
Google announced it will rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” for U.S. users on its mapping platform, following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The change will be implemented once updated in the U.S. government’s Geographic Names Information System.
For users in Mexico, the body of water will retain the name Gulf of Mexico, while users outside the U.S. and Mexico will see both names displayed.
Localised naming conventions are a standard practice for Google Maps, particularly in regions with naming disputes. For instance, users in South Korea see the body of water between Korea and Japan labelled as the East Sea, while users elsewhere see both the “Sea of Japan” and the “East Sea.”
Google Maps, used by over a billion people monthly, plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of geography. However, its processes for naming are often opaque, influenced by historical context, local laws, diplomacy, and company policy.
The Gulf of Mexico, a vital 218,000-square-mile basin connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, has been recognised by its current name for over 400 years. Despite its deep historical roots, Trump announced the renaming earlier this month, stating, “What a beautiful name, and it’s appropriate,” tying the decision to frustrations with Mexico over immigration and drug trafficking.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticised the proposal, suggesting North America could be renamed “Mexican America” in jest, referencing historical documents that used the term before Mexico’s constitution. “That sounds nice, no?” she remarked during a press briefing.
