March 20, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Festival of Arts: A Platform for Creativity

The Festival of Arts has been a cherished national stage for creative expression since the 1950s. Over the years, it has been a platform for students from preschool to secondary school to showcase their talents in drama, dance, and the arts.

The event promises two days of vibrant displays and festivities this year. It kicked off today with the Preschool Festival of Arts, featuring performances from 31 urban and 28 rural preschools across the Belize District.

Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, pointed out the festival’s important role in fostering creativity among Belize’s youth. “This is the nurturing, the fun and enjoying introduction to the arts that we want for the young students, and we want to see this continue, and we want them to have the support and the recognition even at this young age,” said Vasquez.

The festival will continue through the month, with events taking place in “Toledo on Monday and thereafter Stann Creek, and then they go west and then up north, and then we are straight into the Secondary [School] Festival of Arts at the end of the month,” she added.

The performances are truly something to look forward to, as Vasquez puts it, “When you see them on stage, you can’t help but get cold seed.”

Small Grants, Big Impact on Belize’s Protected Areas

The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) has awarded a total of $100,000 in grant funding to strengthen enforcement within Belize’s protected areas. During its annual grant award ceremony, two conservation organisations each received $50,000 to support their efforts in safeguarding critical ecosystems. The recipients—Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development—plan to use the funds to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and overall management within their respective conservation areas.

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans 3,000 acres, integrates tourism and conservation. Revenue generated from its accommodations and guided tours is reinvested into environmental education, community outreach, and habitat management. Managing Director Eli Miller stressed the importance of enforcement, particularly within the Maya Forest Corridor, a region increasingly threatened by deforestation for monocrop expansion. “A lot of the rules were not being respected,” Miller stated. “So, we are trying to bring that park back from one that is being respected to being enjoyed by the general public.” To support this mission, the organisation will use its grant to acquire an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), enabling rangers to respond quickly to illegal activities, incursions, and potential wildfires within the corridor.

Meanwhile, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development will use its funding to enhance enforcement within the Corozal Wildlife Sanctuary and Bacalar Chico National Park—an expansive 72,000-hectare marine conservation area. The grant will help establish a permanent ranger presence in the park, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring and protection of Belize’s marine resources. Samuel Barrett, the organisation’s Development Director, highlighted illegal hunting and the extraction of forest products—such as bush sticks and royal palms for resort development in northern San Pedro—as significant threats to the area. “We are now at a point where we will be launching a permanent presence by stationing a team of rangers on rolling shift patterns so that we have 365 days of presence within the national park,” Barrett said.

The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation carefully selects its grant recipients through a rigorous application process, ensuring that projects align with its conservation objectives. For the last 20 years, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has administered the BNCF’s endowment and operational funds, overseeing grant management, and project monitoring.

Chocolate Festival of Belize Is Back On!

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is back on. That’s what BTIA Toledo Chapter confirmed in a press release issued today. The statement said, “The Chocolate Festival of Belize will officially open on May 3 at Bella Vista Village, with main events to be held on May 16, 17, and 18, 2025.”

Earlier this week, the BTIA Toledo Chapter announced that the festival had been cancelled, citing interference from Punta Gorda Mayor Carlos Galvez and the Town Council. According to a BTIA statement, despite efforts to engage in dialogue, the council has undermined the festival. The dispute stemmed from a Christopher Martin concert, promoted by the council under the name Chocolate Fest, scheduled for the same weekend as the Chocolate Festival. BTIA Toledo fears the concert would have diverted attention and revenue from their long-standing cultural event. Mayor Galvez has denied any intent to sabotage the festival, stating that the Christopher Martin concert was planned to complement, not compete with, the Chocolate Festival’s activities.

This annual event highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of local cacao farmers and chocolatiers while also promoting sustainable tourism in southern Belize. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience authentic Maya culture, savour world-class chocolate, and contribute to the economic growth of the Toledo District.

This year marks its 18th anniversary!

The UDP Set to Announce the Opposition Senators

The Opposition Party is set to announce its senators, with reports confirming that long-time United Democratic Party (UDP) member Patrick Faber will be named the lead senator.

Faber served as the area representative for Collet for 22 years before his surprising defeat in the 2025 general election.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is looking for two other senators.

As previously reported, Prime Minister John Briceño also announced the appointment of six new government senators, pending approval from Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam. The appointees are Eamon Courtenay, SC, Christopher Coye, Linsford Castillo, Rozel Arana, Brittney Galvez, and Hector Guerra.

According to a government press release, these new senators are expected to be sworn in at the inaugural Senate sitting, with the date to be confirmed.

Prime Minister Briceño Announces New Government Senators

A press release issued today has confirmed that Prime Minister John Briceño “will advise Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam” to appoint the new government senators.

“The senators are Mr. Eamon Courtenay, SC, Mr. Christopher Coye, Mr. Linsford Castillo; Ms. Rozel Arana, Ms. Brittney Galvez, and Mr. Hector Guerra. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay will serve as the leader of Government Business in the Senate,” the press release stated.

Reports indicate that Courtney will have the added responsibility as the Special Representative for International Legal Affairs and Diplomacy.

Chris Coye is to remain on as Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, while Linsford Castillo, the party’s Secretary General, continues his work.

The statement added, “The newly appointed senators will be sworn in during the inaugural sitting of the Senate, the date of which will be announced at a later time.”

Belize City Council Enforces Signage Rules, OMG Café Cries Foul

The Belize City Council says it has begun enforcing its vendor advertising guidelines at City Hall, ordering the removal of banners on the building’s exterior as part of a broader effort to maintain aesthetics and order. However, at least one business owner is pushing back, alleging unfair treatment.

The Council stated that since December 2024, its Valuation Manager had been in discussions with vendors about the removal of banners while still allowing businesses to display signs within designated areas. Vendors were also encouraged to install approved metal signage, a recommendation some have already followed.

The enforcement, according to the Council, is part of its ongoing initiatives to improve the appearance of City Hall, including rehabilitation work, sidewalk and parking space painting, and general infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the Council announced the launch of a Vendor Directory within City Hall to ensure equal visibility and fair representation for all vendors.

But for Miguel Sosa, co-owner of OMG Café, the directive is not about uniformity—it’s about targeting his business. He claims the enforcement is unfairly applied and that a neighbouring business, Old River Bar and Grill, has been allowed to maintain its signage without scrutiny. Sosa claims that OMG Café has faced ongoing pressure from the council, with increasing demands for compliance. Sosa further alleges that his business has been subjected to harassment by city officials. He added that the removal of his signage has had a direct impact on his business.

The Belize City Council, in its statement, said that its enforcement actions are not aimed at shutting down businesses but rather at ensuring a fair and orderly environment for all vendors operating at City Hall.

Maduro Condemns U.S. Deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador’s Mega-Prison

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the United States’ deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s mega-prison, labelling it a “kidnapping” and asserting that the individuals are not criminals. He has called for their immediate return to Venezuela, CNN reported.

Addressing supporters on Wednesday, Maduro criticised Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s involvement, stating, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping, because our boys did not commit any crime in the United States, none.” He further claimed that the migrants were denied due process, deceived, handcuffed, and sent to a “concentration camp” in El Salvador.

The deportations occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump invoked an 18th-century wartime law, alleging that the 238 Venezuelans were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite a court ruling halting the move. The migrants, along with 23 Salvadorans, were transferred to El Salvador’s Counter-Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT) in Tecoluca, a facility criticised by human rights organisations for its harsh conditions.

In Caracas, Venezuelans protested the deportations, with some identifying their relatives among the detainees and asserting their innocence. Maduro expressed support for these families and announced plans to officially request El Salvador to release and return the detained Venezuelans.

According to CNN, The White House has not provided evidence linking the deported individuals to the Tren de Aragua gang. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that a thorough review was conducted to verify gang affiliations, but the names of the deportees have not been released.

Maduro also ordered an increase in flights to repatriate Venezuelan migrants detained in the U.S., emphasizing the country’s commitment to welcoming them back with respect and support.

Independence Primary School Students Tour Channel 5

Around sixty excited students from Independence Primary School had a fantastic tour of Channel 5 this morning. The young visitors arrived at around 10 a.m. and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the variety of programmes that Channel 5 produces are prepared before hitting the airwaves, including Open Your Eyes, KTV, Summer Fest, and much more.

The students also gained insight into the process behind the evening newscast at 6 P.M. and the newly launched News at Noon, which airs daily at 12 P.M., and the preparation of Channel 5’s first Spanish newscast, Noticiero 5 Semanal, which airs every Friday at 7 P.M.

Two lucky students even got the chance to sit in the news anchor’s chair and experienced the thrill of reading the news firsthand.

Throughout the morning, the students met Channel 5’s dedicated staff—from reporters to producers, audio technicians, editors, cameramen and graphic designers—and even met CEO Marleni Cuellar.

At the end of the tour, the students had learnt the importance of staying informed, the power of teamwork, and the hard work that goes into producing award-winning content. The visit left the students inspired and eager to explore the media industry, with some dreaming of joining the Channel 5 team in the future.

From ComPol to CEO

Reports to News Five are that an exit package for Police Commissioner Chester Williams is being finalised.

Williams is expected to be promoted to CEO in the Ministry of Transport.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado will be appointed as the next Commissioner of Police.

Dr Rosado, who has served in the Belize Police Department for over two decades, holds a doctorate in business administration with a focus on police leadership from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.