February 5, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Wear Blue on Thursday for Little Gabriel

On Thursday, February 6, all Belizeans are invited to come together to honour the memory of 6-year-old Gabriel Orellano by participating in the “Wear Blue for Gabriel” movement.

The campaign calls for wearing blue, sharing photos with the hashtag #BlueforGabriel, and advocating for stronger school safety measures and autism awareness following the tragic drowning of young Gabriel on Monday.

Garbiel, who was an autistic and mute student from Stella Maris in Belize City, managed to leave the campus unnoticed on Monday afternoon.

He wandered toward the seaside, where he tragically drowned. Gabriel’s father, Vidal Orellano, criticised the school’s handling of the situation, stating, “All of them, they shut up and stay quiet,” when he sought answers. Vidal also questioned the lack of security and how his son was able to leave the school grounds unnoticed.

Reports suggest that Gabriel’s body was discovered less than 30 minutes after an off-duty police officer noticed him alone on Wilson Street and contacted authorities.

BNTU Stands in Solidarity with Stella Maris School

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) says it stands in solidarity with Stella Maris School. The union issued a press release that starts off by extending deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of 6-year-old Gabriel Pablo Orellana, the young student who drowned on Monday off the coast of Belize City.

“We are certain that this is a tremendous blow to the institution and ask the public to join with us in lifting them up during this most difficult time.”

While the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are still being investigated, the BNTU stands firmly with the teachers of Stella Maris School and assures them of our unwavering support. “We will do all that is within our power to assist in ensuring they receive the counselling that is so vital for each of them to begin the recovery process.”

The B.N.T.U. says that this incident does not define Stella Maris School. “It has, for many years, provided stellar educational services to one of our most vulnerable Belizean populations and will continue to do so, despite the dark cloud which now hangs over it.”

Gabriel’s father, Vidal Orellano, was preparing to go to sea for work when he was informed of the incident. Expecting a minor injury, he was devastated to learn that his son had drowned. Describing Gabriel as playful and full of life, Orellano questioned how no one intervened when they saw a young child walking alone.

Gabriel attended the only school in Belize for children with special needs, raising concerns about how he was able to leave unnoticed. The school has remained silent as the investigation continues, but Orellano is scheduled to meet with officials today for an update.

Tracy Panton Wants to Mediate with Moses “Shyne” Barrow

Tracy Panton wants to hold mediation with Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Her legal team, Arnold & Co., is urging mediation in the ongoing leadership dispute within the United Democratic Party (UDP). The firm proposed two potential mediators—Deborah Swift and Consuelo Godfrey—suggesting this path could prevent further costly litigation.

In a letter, the firm stated, “We believe that mediation would be beneficial to the parties and alleviate the need for any further protracted litigation with costs attendant to same.” It added, “We had filed a Notice of Selection of Mediator in which we identified either Deborah Swift or Consuelo Godfrey as possible mediators from the list of court-connected mediators. Perhaps you may wish to consider them or suggest a mediator(s) for our consideration.”

This follows Panton’s faction attempting to take over the UDP’s headquarters in October 2024. In November 2024, the court ruled in favour of Barrow’s team, restoring headquarters control. As a trial scheduled for March 31, 2025, looms, both sides are considering mediation.

This request comes as an announcement of this year’s election date is expected.