March, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

2025 Festival of Arts Season Kicks Off at the Bliss

Since the 1950s, the Festival of Arts has been a cherished national stage for creative expression. Students from preschool, primary, and secondary schools get to shine, showcasing their talents in drama, dance, singing, and various arts. Earlier today, the excitement kicked off with the Preschool Festival of Arts, featuring delightful performances from thirty-one urban and twenty-eight rural preschools from the Belize District. The festivities will continue into Friday, promising two days of inspiring and heartwarming displays of young talent.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“Today is the opening of the Preschool Festival of Arts and it’s starting with the Belize District Festival of Arts, but it is also the opening of the entire season for 2025 for the Festival of Arts. And so this is a time of excitement for us, it’s my favorite time and we are just here in support of the Belize District Education Center. This is Belize Rural happening here, simultaneously out in San Pedro as well, it’s underway already and tomorrow we are going to be back for the city schools and then it takes off from there. 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, taking a couple weeks break and then continuing with primary and in April and then we expect to be back here, of course, for the exciting golden showcase at the end of the month of May.”

Reporter

“How important is this to keep the creative juices of our young students flowing?”

Kim Vasquez

“It’s so important. As I just said in there, it starts right here with the Preschool Festival of Arts. This is the nurturing and 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. We know that along with their teachers, they have put in the work and preparation and they are passionate, and they are so vibrant and creative. When you see them on stage, you can’t help but get cold seed. And so, it’s really important that we have this national platform for all our children, from pre-school, all the way up until secondary and beyond.”

Grants, Big Impact To Protected Area System

A generous hundred-thousand-dollar investment from the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) is set to boost enforcement across four protected areas in Belize. At today’s annual grant award ceremony, two conservation NGOs were each awarded fifty thousand dollars. The lucky Small recipients were the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development. Both organizations plan to use the funds to enhance monitoring and enforcement within their protected areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a full story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Today, the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) awarded a total of one hundred thousand dollars in grant funding to two conservation organizations. The first recipient is the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique organization that blends tourism and conservation across three thousand acres of protected forest land. With accommodation for up to two hundred guests and a variety of tour offerings, the revenue generated is reinvested into environmental education, community outreach, and habitat management.

Eli Miller, Managing Director, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

“We are managers of two protected areas within the Maya Forest Corridor and we take that responsibility very seriously in terms of enforcement. A lot of the rules were not being respected. So, we are trying to bring that park back from one that tis being respected to being enjoyed by the general public.”

This funding will boost their management efforts by enhancing enforcement across the sanctuary and Monkey Bay National Park. The Maya Forest Corridor, located north of the sanctuary, is rapidly being deforested for monocrop expansion. To ensure that the natural habitat in these areas remains a haven for wildlife in the future, enforcement and education are crucial.

Eli Miller

“What we are trying to do at Monkey Bay is not directly stop that deforestation, the march of development is almost unstoppable, but we are trying to mitigate the impacts that development has. What we are going to do with this project is acquire a ATV to allow the rapid deployment of the park ranger team to combat illegal infractions, incursions, and also wildfires or whatever the need might be within the corridor for our partners and buffering communities.”

The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development also received a generous fifty thousand dollars in grant funding from the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation. Like the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the alliance is dedicated to research, monitoring, enforcement, and education. However, their primary focus is on Belize’s marine resources, particularly within the expansive seventy-two-thousand-hectare Corozal Wildlife Sanctuary and Bacalar Chico National Park. This fifty-thousand-dollar grant will help establish a permanent enforcement presence within the national park, ensuring these precious marine areas are protected for the future.

Samuel Barrett, Development Director, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development

“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 three hundred and sixty-five days presence within the national park.”

Paul Lopez

“What is the biggest threat to the park?”

Samuel Barrett

“In collaboration with the stakeholders, their biggest concern is illegal hunting and extraction of forest products like bush sticks, royal palms form the protected areas that are being used in the development of resorts and thinks within northern San Pedro.”

Leonardo Chavarria, Chairman of the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation, explains that conservation organizations are chosen to receive these grants through a thorough application process. Applications are carefully vetted and approved if they align with the foundation’s objectives. The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation oversees the annual conservation grant funding provided through the Blue Bond.

Leonardo Chavarria, Chairman, BNCF

“Coming from a conservation organization myself, I am from TIDE, so we know the true meaning of small grant. We know the impact these grants can have. So, for me it was specially rewarding and a privilege to be here, because it was a moment we have to actually share, but share in terms of creating a meaningful future impact for the National Protected Area System.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Belizean Delegation Travels to Honduras for Aurelio’s Funeral

The Garifuna nation and fans of the legendary Aurelio Martinez are mourning his passing on Monday night. Martinez’s music touched many lives in the region, leaving a lasting impression on his fans, especially in Belize. Today, over thirty individuals from Belize set off for his funeral in Honduras. Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the National Institute of Culture and History, the delegation will attend a wake tonight and the funeral service tomorrow in La Ceiba. News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with some of the attendees and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

A Belizean delegation, including officials, musicians, family, friends, and fans of Aurelio Martinez, is on its way to La Ceiba, Honduras, to attend his funeral. The group of thirty-one departed Belize this morning by chartered boat. Among them is Aurelio’s business partner and friend of three decades, Ivan Duran, who shared that this feels like a tragic déjà vu, reminiscent of the loss of Andy Palacio, the man who introduced him to Aurelio.

Voice of: Ivan Duran, Friend of Deceased

“We’re here to pay our last respects for Aurelio. In my case, I’ve known Aurelio for 30 years, more or less, when Andy Palacio invited him to Belize and we started working on the Paranda album around 1997. This is a very very difficult moment for us. For me I feel like I’m reliving what happened seventeen years ago when Andy passed away tragically and suddenly. It’s a very hard blow, but we’re here to celebrate his life and his music.”

The Ministry of Culture and NICH isNIC NICH will isis represented at the funeral by April Martinez.

On the Phone: April Martinez, Representative, Ministry of Culture

“I will be providing a small statement on behalf of the Government and the people of Belize tomorrow at the funeral. So, we are here, documenting as well, on behalf of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research and I am here as a state representative. We are here in solidarity and we are here and representing the Garifuna community as well. There are a lot of family and friends of Aurelio Martinez that have come with us on this trip to pay their respect.”

Arlette Gomez, Aurelio’s girlfriend and manager, along with his youngest son, Newani, are both experiencing similar emotions during this heartfelt journey.

On the Phone: Newani Martinez, Son of Deceased

“It’s heartwarming seeing the support, having all the support, seeing all the love of people who are inspired and cherished my father and who also are here to be support to me as well. So it’s really heartwarming for me. It helps a lot to have good people around me, especially at this time.”

On the Phone: Arlette Gomez, Manager/Girlfriend of Deceased

“We were on the boat, we did a nice prayer and we did the “Our Father” in Garifuna and everybody’s just talking about our experiences that we’ve had with Aurelio. So it is a, it’s a little bittersweet. We have some Belizean musicians who came to pay tribute to Aurelio, along with his son, Newani. We’ll be paying tribute to him I think tonight at the Odeko Center, and then tomorrow at the funeral.”

Today, the United Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, issued a release expressing condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Aurelio Martínez. The statement beautifully captures Aurelio’s legacy, describing him as a cultural icon whose music transcended borders, bringing the vibrant spirit and rich traditions of the Garifuna people into the world. His artistry was a powerful force in preserving and promoting Garifuna heritage, and his voice united and uplifted communities across Belize, Honduras, and beyond. Marion Ali for News Five.

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.