February, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizean Women Learning How to Cultivate Vanilla

In the heart of Belize, a group of determined women is embarking on a fragrant journey to master the art of growing and cultivating vanilla. This initiative not only promises to boost local agriculture but also empowers these women with new skills and economic opportunities. We explore how this vanilla venture is transforming lives and bringing a sweet aroma of change to the community.

Valentino Shal, C.E.O., Ministry of Rural Transformation

“One of the very important features of this project is that it’s about vanilla, it’s non-traditional. I know you do the usuals, the same things that we give women to do, traditional things, traditional activities, traditional training. The difference here is that cultivating vanilla is not something we normally do. Vanilla is a very valuable spice. It’s a valuable product and if you learn to cultivate this and you will be provided with all the support that you need to learn how to do it, you know, you can really earn an income and generate revenue for yourself and your family from this project. So I would really like you to embrace the change, the difference and the opportunity that this project presents.”

Lincoln Blake, Director, Investment Policy & Compliance Unit

“It’s something that definitely has potential and, as the minister said, if you start doing the math and you start growing, it’s not easy but when you start growing it and you become good at it, I mean, this is something that women in their backyard, in their garden, could definitely grow it. It’s not something that will take a lot of time compared to if you are growing carrots or onions. I mean it’s something that you would be able to manage. So we definitely, when we sat down with the chairlady of the National Women’s Commission because she said, “You know what, we need to empower women economically. We need to find something different for them. And we were discussing several projects and this came up. So we said let’s find some funding to do this project and to get more women involved to empower them. And, of course, with our partners in Taiwan, when we pitched it to them and we showed them a pilot that we had in Corozal, basically we convinced them to fund for the west and the south.”

Frik De Meyere Released After Police Questioning

Boris Mannsfeld’s former associate, Frik De Meyere, has been released from police custody. De Meyere was picked up by police for questioning in connection with Mannsfeld’s murder case. This was confirmed by Police Commissioner Chester Williams on Monday.

Though De Meyere has been released, his phone, computer, and firearm remain in police hands as authorities continue their investigation.

Mannsfeld was shot in the back of the neck at his Placencia villa on February 21. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, though the motive remains unclear. He had been embroiled in several high-profile legal disputes. Mannsfeld had accused former associate Frik De Meyere of fraud, including the misappropriation of funds, which led to several lawsuits.

De Meyere’s attorney, Andrew Bennett, said, “We have provided a defence on behalf of Mr. De Meyere… but unfortunately, they have not really moved from pleadings.” In one lawsuit, an application was made to appoint an expert auditor, Cedric Flowers, but Bennett added, “As of today, that did not move anywhere.” The legal battles remain stalled.

De Meyere had severed ties with Mannsfeld in 2023, and in one of Mannsfeld’s controversial emails, he accused De Meyere and others of being involved in a land fraud scheme that allegedly involved bribing officials and creating fake passports. While the police have not confirmed these claims, Commissioner Chester Williams stated that their investigation is ongoing.

Williams stated that for a proper investigation to begin, official complaints are required. “If it were that there were passports that were fraudulently issued, then immigration would have come to the police and lodged a complaint,” he said. Regarding the stamp duty fraud, Williams added, “We would need to get a complaint from the Ministry of Natural Resources stamp duty division or section on that matter so that we would be able to investigate.”

The potential motives for Mannsfeld’s murder are still under investigation.

Rebuilding Borodyanka: Lord Ashcroft Donates £1.3 Million to Ukraine Charity Project

During his 11th visit to Ukraine since the war began, British philanthropist Lord Ashcroft was welcomed by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to Borodyanka—a town left devastated by the Russian invasion in 2022. The First Lady guided Ashcroft through the ruins and unveiled the plans for a new Children’s Creative and Sports Centre. Ashcroft is funding this major charity project with a £1.3 million donation to the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

Borodyanka’s devastating history is marked by intense destruction during the early stages of Russia’s brutal invasion. According to a statement, the town endured bombings that killed 170 people for over 38 days, which reduced hundreds of buildings to rubble and displaced several residents.

“This is not just about rebuilding—it is an investment in the future of our children,” said Zelenska in a statement.

Ashcroft witnessed firsthand the progress of the project and stated, “She introduced me to the development of the children’s creative and sports centre and explained the impact this project will have on the town, which was so brutally bombed by Russian invaders three years ago.”

His donation will help rebuild the centre, which was once home to more than 2,000 children participating in sports and extracurricular activities before it was destroyed. Ashcroft added, “I am deeply grateful to the First Lady of Ukraine for inviting me to Borodianka during such difficult times for the country.”

Zelenska’s foundation has already made strides in helping the people of Ukraine, particularly children, through initiatives in healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. Ashcroft also previously supported the modernisation of a bacteriological laboratory at the Lviv Children’s Medical Centre.

“This is already the second initiative of the Foundation supported by Lord Ashcroft,” said Nina Horbachova, the director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. “Thanks to his financial assistance, we have already modernised the bacteriological laboratory at the Children’s Medical Centre in Lviv, which provides vital diagnostics for children from all over Ukraine.”

Construction is set to begin in March 2025, with plans to offer a range of activities from football and basketball to dance and robotics.

Zelenska expressed her deep appreciation for his partnership, stating, “Lord Ashcroft has become one of our partners, and we are grateful for his incredible support and understanding of the importance of such projects.”

2025 marks Ukraine’s fourth year of its war with Russia; the reconstruction of Borodyanka is a beacon of hope in a region torn apart by conflict.

Suspect Charged for Gales Point Stabbing

Police have formally arrested and charged Gilbert Kenneth Moore for Dangerous Harm in connection with the November 27, 2024, stabbing of Lionel Dewehene in Gales Point Village.

Back in November, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero told reporters that the victim was hospitalised after being stabbed during a fight with Moore. The two men, who were both from Gales Point and reportedly intoxicated at the time, had a prior acquaintance. Following the incident, Moore had been on the run.

Belize Detains Foreigners Wanted for Crimes in Guatemala

Belizean immigration officials have detained two Americans and one Canadian wanted in Guatemala for offences against minors.

The men allegedly entered Belize illegally just before their scheduled court appearance.

“I’m not aware of them travelling with minors, but I know that yes, they are detained, and the matter is currently being looked into by immigration and police,” Williams stated. Reports suggest they may be linked to the controversial Lev Tahor sect, but Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated there is no confirmation of this connection.

Late last year, Al Jazeera reported that Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and 40 women from the Lev Tahor sect following allegations of severe abuse, including rape, forced marriages, and human trafficking. The operation took place in Oratorio, about 78 kilometres southeast of Guatemala City.

According to prosecutor Nancy Paiz from the Office Against Human Trafficking, medical examinations and testimonies confirmed cases of forced marriages and other forms of abuse. The Attorney General’s Office also reported the discovery of a child’s remains during the raid.

Lev Tahor, a fundamentalist Jewish sect founded in Israel in 1988, has faced numerous allegations of kidnapping, child marriage, and physical abuse. The Guatemalan Jewish Community has publicly distanced itself from the group and expressed support for authorities in their efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.

UDP’s Phillip Willoughby Envisions ‘Streets of Gold’ in Port Loyola

Phillip Willoughby, the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Port Loyola under the leadership of Tracy Taegar-Panton, shared deep concerns about his constituency’s struggles under current leadership. According to Willoughby, he “sees people suffering in inhumane conditions” in Port Loyola.

Willoughby says he plans to transform the area if he wins. “If I am the area representative—and I knew that my mother lived on the street, I would have probably fixed the street by now. It would have been the street of gold, like in the Wizard of Oz.”

He criticised the sitting area representative, Gilroy Usher of the People’s United Party. He stated, “My heart cries and grieves for the kids who have to walk in the conditions that I have shown you. My heart cries and grieves for the senior citizens who have underlying conditions that they have to battle with every day.”

Last week, Usher defended his record on road improvement. He said he’s made significant improvements in housing and several streets.

Willoughby also criticised the economy under the Briceño Administration. He said, “The economy that Mr. Briceño speaks of—the strength of that economy—is not being felt in Port.”

He confidently added, “I am the best choice for the people of Port Loyola. It is simple as that. I am the best choice.” He added that his “fervent hope” is that “the people of Port Loyola will give me the opportunity to serve them, to work for them, to deliver for them.”

Willoughby is set to challenge incumbent Usher Sr. and Dr. Nelma Jones of the UDP under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership. Anthony “Boots” Martinez is also coming for the constituency as a UDP candidate, though he’s going at it alone without backing from Tracy Panton or Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

Anthony “Boots” Martinez Says He’s UDP’s Original

Former Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony “Boots” Martinez was nominated as a UDP candidate on Monday, though he’s going it alone without backing from Tracy Panton or Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He faces two other UDP candidates and incumbent Gilroy Usher Sr. of the People’s United Party.

In the Panton-led UDP, Martinez will challenge Phillip Willoughby, while in the Moses Barrow-led UDP, he faces Dr. Nelma Mortis Jones.

Martinez was asked what it meant for his candidacy as he showed up for nomination between the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm, a slot normally reserved for ‘independent candidates.’ He said, “The main thing is that you could ah mi come from 10 until 4, but it doesn’t really matter. The main objective is to get on the list. So now, I am properly nominated, and I was telling people before this that it was nearly over, but now it’s over now.”

Despite being sidelined by both UDP factions, Martinez stated, “The only opinion that I take is the opinion of the people in Port Loyola. This thing about who is with who in terms of leadership, that doesn’t matter me.”

He added, “I am the only ‘longest-serving representative—four times in a row’ for Port Loyola, including beating Mr. Usher 2 times in a row… My colours are red, white, and blue—I da di original.”

Martinez stated that he is focused on his strategy ahead to secure the constituency. If he had to worry about his contenders, he said, “I not even mi wa come get nominated.”

Families Mourn Loss of Three Women Found Dead in Belize

The families of Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, have heavy-heartedly expressed the loss of their loved ones.

In a GoFundMe account, the Naqqad family stated, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Muslim sister, daughter, and friend, Kaoutar Naqqad.” The family added, “May Allah grant Kaoutar eternal peace, forgive her sins, and grant her the highest level of paradise.” Kaoutar was the youngest among the women.

Mallah’s father, Abdelmalek Bezzez, asked for the public to keep his daughter Imane in prayers. He shared his pain in a GoFundMe statement after losing his daughter. Bezzez said, “No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and the grief is overwhelming.”

Wafae was described as a “bright, kind, and loving soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met” by her sister, Sabrina Elarar. She added, “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Muslim sister, Wafae.”

The GoFundMe campaigns for each of the women were set up by relatives to alleviate the costs of repatriating their bodies and funeral expenses. As of today, the online fundraisers for three Revere women have raised over $80,000 USD. The account set up for Wafae hit almost double the targeted amount.

On social media, the city of Revere, Massachusetts, confirmed that the three women were members of that community. The city expressed condolences to their families and friends. “The City of Revere extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the three local women who tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Belize,” it said.

The three women were found dead in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on Saturday morning, February 22. A postmortem examination is set for early this week to determine the cause of death. On Monday, Police Commissioner Chester Williams stated that police are looking into a possible drug overdose after finding alcohol and gummies among the belongings of the women. “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies cause death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” Williams said.

Global Prayers for Pope Francis’ Recovery

Pope Francis is continuing his recovery after a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pope is battling bronchitis, pneumonia, and mild renal insufficiency.

A statement Monday evening noted that, despite the severity of the Pope’s condition, he has shown slight improvement. “No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred [Monday], and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.”

Despite his serious condition, Pope Francis continues to make decisions for the Vatican. He recently met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to approve decrees for potential saints. The Vatican News also reported that he received the Holy Eucharist and made a heartfelt phone call to the pastor of Holy Family parish in Gaza.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening to pray the Rosary for the Pope’s health. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the prayer, asking for divine intervention for Francis’ recovery. This global show of support comes after an outpouring of prayers worldwide, with Masses and Rosaries held across various dioceses, including Buenos Aires, the Pope’s birthplace.

Should Pope Francis pass, the Vatican will follow centuries-old protocol: the Camerlengo will announce his death, initiating a nine-day mourning period. His body will be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica, and his funeral will be held shortly thereafter. Following his burial, the College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect his successor.

Three potential candidates have emerged to lead the Catholic Church: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Archbishop Matteo Zuppi, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Shyne Demands Exclusive Use of Red in Upcoming General Elections

The United Democratic Party (UDP), under Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has formally written to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), demanding exclusive use of the colour red in the upcoming 2025 general elections. In a letter addressed to EBC Chairman Oscar Sabido Puga, John Nembhard stated that the party’s traditional colour should not be assigned to any other political faction.

The letter said, “The appropriate point of departure in this regard is to highlight the fact that it is accepted that the United Democratic Party has traditionally used red as its representative colour for all purposes since the inception of the party.”

The letter reiterates that “factionalism” is strictly prohibited under the UDP Constitution, and no outside entity—including the EBC—has the authority to determine UDP membership or candidacy. “No member of that faction is a UDP, as they were all expelled from the party. With the exception of the Hon. Tracy Panton, no one has challenged such expulsion.”

According to the letter, while Panton has legally challenged her expulsion, the matter is set for trial on March 31, 2025. It says that even if she remains a party member, the Central Executive Committee has “decided that neither Tracy Panton nor the other members of her faction will represent the UDP in the upcoming general elections and the EBC cannot decide otherwise. The UDP candidate for Albert, where Tracy Panton will contest the elections is Jose Uc Espat.”

The letter warns that if the EBC assigns red to any candidates outside the ‘official UDP slate, it would constitute an overreach of its legal authority. “This is tantamount to interfering in the internal affairs of the UDP and by extension, the elections. This has not been requested by the party nor has it been sanctioned.”