The High Court is now looking into the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s decision to allow both factions of the United Democratic Party to use red on Election Day. Shyne Barrow argues that some people claiming to be U.D.P. members are not authorized by the party’s executive to be candidates or represent the party. He believes they are trying to exploit the goodwill and reputation of the organization he leads. The U.D.P.’s executive members and authorized candidates are seriously concerned and frustrated about the potential for ‘splitting the vote’ if unauthorized individuals, including those from the Alliance for Democracy Party, use the ‘traditional U.D.P. red’ colors associated with the party.
Month: March 2025
Jeremy Enriquez Redistricting Hearing Now in Court of Appeal
Jeremy Enriquez may have lost his case against the government at the High Court, but he’s not giving up on stopping the March twelfth general election. He has filed an appeal, and today the Court of Appeal held a virtual case management hearing to set dates for filing affidavits and responses. The court will then schedule a hearing date. With March twelfth fast approaching, it’s uncertain whether the court will have enough time to hear the appeal and make a ruling. We’ll have to wait and see what happens this week and next Tuesday. Today’s hearing lasted fifty minutes and was presided over by Justices Minnet Hafiz-Bertram, Michelle Arana, and Peter Foster. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtney represented the Attorney General, while Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith represented the Elections and Boundaries Commission. Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan and Co-Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington appeared for Jeremy Enriquez. We’ll keep following this story.
Child Stimulation Month 2025 Kicks Off with Annual Parade
March first officially kicked off Child Stimulation Month in Belize. This year’s theme is “Small Steps, Big Skills: Unlocking Early Potential,” focusing on promoting early childhood education. To start the month with a bang, preschool children across the country took part in a lively career day parade. News Five’s Paul Lopez was in the streets of Belize City to cover the event. Here’s his report.
March is celebrated as Child Stimulation Month in Belize, and to kick off the festivities, preschool children across the country joined in a vibrant parade. In Belize City, the turnout was fantastic, with kids dressed up as healthcare workers, police officers, lawyers, military pilots, and more. Leading the parade were members of the Belize City Council, including Mayor Bernard Wagner, marching right behind the Belize Defense Force Marching Band.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“It is about reimagining oneself. How we grew up in the sixties and seventies is different from how the kids are growing up in the twenty-first century. Technology and innovation is driving everything. You will see A.I, the leaps and bounds it has introduced even in the teaching environment. So, the kids of today are much more skilled, have more technological savviness. They want to learn and being a government and a city council, we try to engage them as much as we possibly can.”
We also spoke with several parents who joined in today’s activities with their children. Britney Nunez shared her thoughts on why this day is so important.
Britney Nunez, Parent
“Children awareness month is very important. Like you can see there is police, B.D.F., doctors. So, they can know that they are our future. They will become our future police, doctors, officers, so they can protect us on the longer stretch. I wah fight for anything he want to be. If he want to be a police I will fight for him. If he want to be a baller, a captain, it doesn’t matter. I will fight for him to become something good in life.”
Kishana Lacroix marched side by side with one of the nation’s future medical doctors. We asked her to share her vision for the future of Belize and what she hopes it will be like for her child and children all over the country.
Kishana Lacroix, Parent
“When I think about the future, I really want the parents to show that self-sacrificing love for their kids and to be sure that they empower them. The thing is we have been thought culturally to keep them under that stern way of whereby we are restricting the children from being who they are and be free to be who they want to be and we want to lead them in the correct path right.”
The kids from Wesley Preschool were all decked out in law enforcement uniforms. Even the teachers joined in the fun, swapping their usual outfits for military uniforms.
Karistan Harris-Dawson, Teacher, Wesley Preschool
“I am making sure that everything is going good on this route, making sure is well dressed and well hydrated.”
Paul Lopez
“Talk to me about the theme.”
Karistan Harris-Dawson
“Well the theme tells us that we need to be here for our babies, little steps, big dreams and we teachers need to be there for our children. So, who better to be there than us.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Man Drowns After Attempting to Steal Motorcycle
Over the weekend, a passerby made a grim discovery along Old Well Road in Ladyville—a man’s decomposing body floating in the water. The foul odor had already begun to permeate the area. Police later identified the man as forty-two-year-old Herbin Bans from Lord’s Bank. According to Regional Commander Hilberto Romero, Bans was wanted for attempting to steal a motorcycle the night before. Here’s more on the story.
Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Sunday, police responded to the discovery of a body at a pond in Lord’s Bank. Upon arrival, they saw the lifeless body of a male person identified as Herbin Bans of Lord’s Bank. Information is that Saturday morning Bans attempted to steal a motorcycle from the area. And when the owner came out, he ran towards the pond area. The police was called, the police responded then he continued to swim through the ponds. Then he was reported missing and on Sunday his body was found.”
Reporter
“Do you know if he was intoxicated?”
Hilberto Romero
“The information we got is that yes, he was at a nightclub the night when he went and tampered with a motorcycle.”
Reporter
“So no foul play?”
Hilberto Romero
“We are currently on investigation but the body had no injuries.”
Santa Rosa/San Roman Finally Get Access to Potable Water
In the rural community of San Roman, Stann Creek District, a new rudimentary water system is being installed, bringing hope and excitement to the residents. This essential project aims to provide clean and safe drinking water, significantly improving the quality of life for the community. With the installation of this system, San Roman will no longer have to rely on potentially contaminated water sources, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Rudimentary water systems are crucial for providing clean and safe drinking water, which is essential for health and well-being. Without these systems, communities like San Roman might have to use contaminated water sources, leading to dangerous waterborne diseases. These basic water systems are key to improving the quality of life and supporting sustainable development in rural areas.
Dr. Olusola Oladeji, Health & Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF
“This community has been suffering, [has] had issues with its water for the past fourteen years. We need to commend the effort of the government to ensure that, in partnership with UNICEF and other partners, to ensure that this has become a reality. This is a demonstration of government and UNICEF’s partnership in supporting the government in terms of the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Access to water is not only about water, access to water affects health also because the commonest cause of death among children is actually diarrhea and acute respiratory infections which is actually due to [limited] access, when there is no water or poor sanitation.”
By cutting down on diseases like cholera, dysentery, and other stomach illnesses, these systems make a big difference in public health. Regular well testing also spots harmful contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and chemicals that can seep into the water supply.
Charles Galvez, Coordinator, Rural Development
“When this government took office, there was a well that was drilled a little before this government took office thereabout, in the old site and that was considered the new well. When I came on three and a half years ago as the coordinator for the Rural Water Supplies & Sanitation Unit just about when we were supposed to celebrate the inauguration of that, connecting that to the system, I said to myself, and I spoke to the minister and my minister and I said, you know what, I am not comfortable enough, based on my research of the history or the data collected from that well. Although it was a new well, I needed to do some pump testing of that well.”
By catching and fixing issues early, pump testing keeps the water system safe. Having reliable water sources can really boost local economies by helping agriculture, livestock, and small businesses thrive. It also saves people time and effort from fetching water, so they can focus on more productive activities.
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West
“Water is an essence of life, we have to be able conserve it to make sure that we have it for generations to come. So today is a significant milestone and I am happy that I was able to become a part of what’s happening in Santa Rosa/San Roman today.”
Building and maintaining these systems often involve community participation, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation among residents. Simple, low-cost water systems are easier to maintain and repair, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against disruptions.
Venancio Itch, Chair, Santa Rosa/San Roman Water Board
“This project is not just about pipes, pumps and reservoirs, it is about life, health and the future of our communities. Your commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that this system will serve for generations to come. I want to also express my heartfelt appreciation to our local leaders, community members and volunteers who have played an essential role in advocating for this project and ensuring its success. Your voices, cooperation, patience have been invaluable throughout this journey. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and today, we take a huge step forward for improving public health, sanitation and overall quality of life. This system will not only provide safe drinking water, but will also support agriculture, businesses and daily household needs.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Lord Rhaburn Celebrates His 89th Birthday
Today marks a significant milestone for Belizean music as the legendary Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn celebrates his eighty-ninth birthday. Known for his vibrant performances and contributions to calypso, soca, reggae, and brukdown music, Lord Rhaburn has been a cornerstone of Belizean culture since the 1970s. His band, the Lord Rhaburn Combo, became a household name, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. As he reaches this remarkable age, we honor his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the world of music.
BDFA First Division Tournament Finally Concludes
From football we move over to some softball action. Saint Catherine Academy took on Pallotti High School on Saturday in the Central Secondary School Softball Tournament. Here is how that one played out. S.C.A. is first up to bat. K’lee Kelly swings and sends the ball towards third base. She sends her teammate to the home plate and makes it to third base after stealing two bases. Number eleven for S.C.A up to bat. The pitcher fielded the hit, but the first baseman fumbled and then overthrew it to the catcher, allowing Kelly to score. S.C.A. racked up six runs in the first inning, and their cheerleaders went wild.
Belize Celebrates Child Stimulation Month
The Ministry of Education kicked off Child Stimulation Month in Belize with a lively parade this morning. Children from across the country took to the streets, dressed as their future selves—aspiring doctors, lawyers, and police officers, among other professions. March is celebrated nationwide for the importance of early childhood education.
In Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner told News 5 about the importance of “taking this walk” with the children. He said, “What better way to start off in the month of March, when there’s better weather, the sun is out, and we have our young preschoolers with us?”
Wagner added that over 3,000 participants, including students and teachers, were involved this year. “This is their sort of celebration of them as preschoolers, showing to the world and the country that we are investing heavily in our children,” Wagner said.
With nearly 30 preschools represented, the parade showcased a whole new generation of children with promising futures.
Belize City Councillor Evan Thompson Addresses Public Fight
Belize City Councillor Evan “Boo-Boo” Thompson has issued a public statement following the public fight he was involved in over the weekend.
In his statement, Thompson asserted that he was the victim in the incident, acting solely in self-defence after being aggressed. He said that the video does not provide full context.
“The footage does not provide the full context of the situation, and witnesses, including law enforcement, have confirmed that the other individual was the aggressor. At no point was I arrested or taken into custody in relation to this matter.”
Thompson apologised. “I sincerely apologise if this incident has been perceived negatively. It is in no way a reflection of the Belize City Council or the People’s United Party, both of which I proudly serve with integrity and commitment.”
The altercation has sparked public discussion regarding safety and rising incidents of violence in nightlife areas, with calls for increased security and law enforcement presence to prevent similar incidents. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that those involved in the fight will be charged with disorderly conduct. Mayor Bernard Wagner says he supports Thompson.
Mayor Wagner Backs Councillor Thompson After Public Fight
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner stands in support of Councillor Evan “Boo-Boo” Thompson following a recent altercation outside the Digi Park/Shisha Lounge. Wagner told News 5 that Thompson was provoked: “You can see in that situation clearly, he was provoked; I’m behind him; I support him.”
Despite his support, Wagner criticised that mixing politics and nightlife activities does not end well. He said, “Politics and clubbing don’t mix like oil and water. And so on that side, maybe he has had poor judgement in going into these clubs.” Wagner added that he has always advised councillors to avoid such environments.
Instead, Mayor Wagner suggested engaging in other “positive activities” that will “serve the communities rather than serving the clubs.” He added, “Being in a club at one or two at night will serve no purpose.”
As previously reported, Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Thompson and others involved would face charges for disorderly conduct. “I already sent that matter to Mr. Romero… those persons involved must be picked up and get charged,” Williams stated.