On Sunday evening, Belize celebrated its National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at the Fordyce, Chapel St. John’s College. The event saw the attendance of many key national figures, including Prime Minister John Briceño.
Briceño spoke about the significance of the occasion, saying, “Tonight we gather in prayer of thanksgiving. So much has been achieved, but we are fully aware that our work of nation-building is one that is far from over.”
“Every September, we wear our patriotism on our sleeves. Our cities, our towns, our villages, our homes, and even our cars and bicycles, we address the festive colours that mark our celebration,” Briceño said. He emphasised the resilience of the Belizean people, noting, “It is we, the people, and our love for this nation that always see us through good times and bad ones… This is why we get up every time we get knocked down by a hurricane, a flood, or a devastating fire.”
Reflecting on the event, Briceño remarked, “In our national prayer, we ask God for his protection over Belize, our beloved country. We say this prayer every Tuesday at the start of Cabinet and ask of God, wisdom, and justice to assist our Belizean government and people.”
A local police officer in Belize City has been charged with handling stolen goods following a theft reported on August 31 by a Los Angeles firefighter, 41-year-old Gilbert Lightburn Jr.
The theft reportedly occurred around 2:15 a.m. following an altercation at Shisha’s NightClub on Newtown Barracks. In the incident, Ian Abraham, Javan Abraham, and Mark Usher had to be hospitalised for stab wounds that Lightburn alleged to be ‘in self-defence.’
According to Lightburn, several valuable items were stolen from him that same night, including two Miami Cuban link chains worth $20,000 and $30,000, and a 24-carat American Buffalo Indian Head Coin valued at $7,500.
On Monday, September 9, 2024, local police officer Hersel García, 43, was identified attempting to pawn one of the stolen chains at a local shop.
The investigation was supported by surveillance footage and a house search. García was formally arrested and charged on Saturday, September 14, 2024, for Handling Stolen Goods. Police continue to investigate.
Three persons are dead following separate road traffic incidents that occurred over the weekend.
The first occurred on Saturday morning on the George Price Highway. Melva Myeres from Blackman Eddy lost her life. Myeres was travelling to Belize City with her daughter when the vehicle overturned near Mile 14. Myeres’ daughter, who reportedly lost control of the vehicle, was injured and is receiving medical treatment.
On that same day, another woman lost her life in an accident near Georgetown, Stann Creek. She was in a pickup truck that lost control. Both individuals in the truck were rushed to receive medical treatment, but the woman unfortunately died from her injuries.
Later in the night, a fatal traffic accident occurred on Hopkins Road near the Savannah View Restaurant and Uno Gas Station in Stann Creek District. The collision involved a Saturn SUV and a red and black motorcycle. The motorcycle was found in a roadside drain without a license plate. The motorcycle’s occupants, Amaad Arana and Tkeejan Martinez, were taken to Southern Regional Hospital. Reports suggest the SUV, travelling west to east, struck the motorcycle as it was turning left into the restaurant. Arana died from his injuries early Sunday morning. The SUV driver provided a urine sample for testing.
Meanwhile, a major three-vehicle collision on the Phillip Goldson Highway has left one man hospitalised. Between miles 7 and 8, a gold Geo Prism allegedly side-swiped a black Nissan Rogue driven by a resident of Biscayne Village, subsequently colliding head-on with a black Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a resident from Ladyville. The Geo Prism driver was identified as Andy Hubert Parham of Belize City. Hubert sustained a head injury and was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. The other drivers were not reported injured.
On Thursday night, the foot of the new Haulover Bridge was transformed into a venue for honouring 28 Belizeans for their service to the country. The Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony celebrated these individuals for their significant contributions across various sectors.
Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam remarked, “September is reserved for the acknowledgement and homage of our independence, culture, and, most importantly, our Belizean patriots who tirelessly served our nation.”
Former Governor General Sir Colville Young also made a special appearance as part of the ensemble.
Stuart Leslie, Secretary of the Awards Committee, stated, “Whereas twenty-eight persons have laboured diligently on behalf of the improvement of and to the benefit of our country, Belize, and to its people, and whereas they have contributed their time, energy, and intelligence, often at great sacrifice to themselves, in making Belize a better place for all of our people… Her excellency proclaims that national awards be vested upon these twenty-eight honourable persons.”
A highlight of the night was the recognition of the 1974 “Golden Girls” of Belize, the national softball team that won Belize’s first international gold medal. Prime Minister John Briceno recalled, “The original Golden Girls of Belize were the remarkable 1974 national softball team who made history by winning the country’s first ever gold medal in any sport on the international stage.”
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of individuals, honoured historical milestones, and reaffirmed the pride and spirit of Belize.
Children from primary schools across the nation celebrated Belize through the annual children’s rally. Students participated in various local events, with a notable gathering in Belize City at the Civic Centre.
The Civic Centre was nearly at full capacity as students from twenty-five primary schools filled the venue. The energy was high as the children sang patriotic songs, danced to Belizean music, and waved the Belizean flag throughout the morning.
Margaret Smith, a teacher from Central Christian School, emphasised the importance of the event. She stated, “I think it is important because it is an opportunity for us to bring the kids together and for them to see that it is not just your school, it is all the schools. We come together, and it is a form of teaching them civic pride, love for country, and respect.” Smith also appreciated the break from the classroom, noting, “It is a warmer time of the year, so just being out of the class and enjoying this AC at the Civic is lovely.”
Smith also highlighted the significance of the Belizean flag, saying, “I think that the flag, it is just important for them to know that we show respect for our country and loving our country in the way we just not only our school compound but even outside, the way you carry yourself, wearing your uniform, showing love for your country. ”
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner was the keynote speaker. He used the occasion to highlight key values for the youth. “This is what shapes our youths, shape our children, being able to have all of them in one space and being able to have leaders of the community share values to them,” Wagner said. He also quizzed the students and awarded five-hundred-dollar prizes for correct answers.
Today, Galen University awarded scholarships to 25 new students to help achieve their academic goals.
The scholarship committee awards the scholarships based on financial need. Applicants go through a rigorous process, including an interview and a rating criteria. The Provost of Galen University, Dr. Eve Aird, described this as a “very difficult process.”
Since the university’s inception in 2003, the university boasts a “vibrant scholarship programme,” said Dr. Aird. To date, Galen University has invested approximately 20 million dollars in scholarships for Belizean students.
Dr. Aird commented, “We think that is a very impressive record, we are a small private university that we’ve been able to do this.” She added, “It’s not so much an investment in scholarships, but a 20 million dollar investment in the human capital development of Belize.”
Aird noted that graduates from these scholarship programmes have secured jobs with various companies in Belize, as well as international and regional firms.
Currently, the university hosts around 50 students that are receiving some form of scholarship.
The scholarships cover between 50% and 100% of tuition fees, but do not include registration fees, field expenses, or graduation fees. They are awarded for the entire duration of the student’s bachelor’s degree programme.
Belizean Defence Force officers Ermil Coh and Claudio Quiroz arrived in Haiti on September 12, 2024, as part of a critical multinational security mission.
The senior officers departed Belize on September 7 and landed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport as part of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699. This resolution facilitates collaboration among CARICOM countries to restore security in Haiti and establish conditions for free and fair elections.
The initial CARICOM contingent also included 20 soldiers and four police officers, with the Belizean officers joining two others from Jamaica.
The troops were welcomed by Rameau Normil, Acting Commander of the Haitian National Police (PNH), along with Inspector General Péyo Smith, Chief Inspector General Frantz Thermilus, and Godfrey Otunge, Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS).
If you enjoyed the activities from last week, get ready for even more excitement because Belize is barely half way through its most patriotic month. With our nation’s 43rd Independence Day just around the corner, Belize is bursting with patriotic fervor and exciting events this weekend. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Belize City:
September 12-15: Groove to the Electric 80’s at the Francis Reneau Concert Series, Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Reconnect with history at the Belize Volunteer Guard Reunion 2024, Price Barracks, 10 AM.
September 14: Dance the night away at Pan Yaad, Government House Compound, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Enjoy the Old School Dance at Bird’s Isle Restaurant, 10 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Savor a Caribbean Night Dinner Dance at Old Belize Pavilion, 7 PM. (Ticketed)
September 15: Join the BTB September Criterion at the BTB Office, Dr. Dame Minita Gordon Drive, 8 AM.
Belmopan:
September 13: Kids Movie Night and Camp Fire at Market Plaza, 6 PM.
September 14: Experience the Emergency Services Display and Sports Fun Day at Devon Beaton Park, 10 AM.
San Ignacio and Santa Elena:
September 13: Celebrate Colours Day at SISE Town Hall, all day.
September 13: Explore local art at the Art Walk, Cayo Welcome Centre, 9 AM.
September 14: Enjoy an Adult Talent Show at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
September 15: Witness the Ms. Chiquitita Queen pageant at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
Benque Viejo:
September 14: Check out the Business Expo and Dance at Cancha Marshalleck. Time to be announced.
Orange Walk:
September 13: Attend the Youth Concert at Fort Cairns, 2 PM. (Free)
September 14: Rock out at the Rock Concert/Food Truck Festival, Fort Cairns Market Plaza, 7 PM.
Dangriga:
September 13: Tune into the Hamalali Talk Show at Hamalali, 9 AM.
September 13: Don’t miss the National School Children’s Rally along Principal Streets, 9 AM.
The life of Cleopatra Eugenie White remains a celebrated part of Belizean history. Born in then British Honduras to Joseph and Maria White, she made significant contributions as a nurse, social worker, and community leader. Her work had a lasting impact on both healthcare and community management in Belize.
Pioneering Healthcare in Rural Belize
In the 1940s, Cleopatra White was one of Belize’s first formally trained nurses for public health services. She began her career in the early 20th century and focused on rural areas.
White’s first assignment was in Double Head Cabbage village, but she soon relocated to Gales Point and the Manatee River area of Belize, where she would spend the majority of the next 16 years. As the first rural health nurse in the region, her role quickly evolved beyond traditional nursing duties to include social work. She became a beloved mentor to many village children and played a crucial role in educating young women about hygiene practices.
White was an innovator in community management. Her most notable achievement was her establishment of the first village council in Gales Point. Recognising the need for organised management of village affairs, especially during emergencies, she set up a system that would later be replicated across Belize. This model proved effective during hurricanes and other crises, showing her foresight and leadership.
White played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts. After the 1931 hurricane, she helped establish nursing facilities and supply stations. Her work during Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Hattie in 1961 further demonstrated her commitment to her community. She drove daily to care for people affected by Hurricane Hattie, showing remarkable dedication.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her contributions, White received several honours. In 1953, she was awarded the Victoria Medal for her services. By 1958, she had travelled to England to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal in the 1958 Birthday Honours. These awards underscored her impact on both a local and international scale.
In 1986, the Women’s Bureau of Belize created the Cleopatra White Shield, awarded to the winner of the National High School Quiz Contest. This prize not only honours her memory but also supports educational achievement among Belizean youth. In addition, the Cleopatra White Outpatient Clinic was established in her honour, and a postage stamp was issued in 1993 featuring her image.
A Legacy Preserved
Upon retiring from the Hattieville Clinic in the mid-1960s, Cleopatra White returned to Belize City with a fervent goal: to rejuvenate the declining Black Cross Nurses training courses. Her commitment extended beyond nursing education; she founded the Women’s League and played a pivotal role in organising fundraising events and entertainment for the National Festival of the Arts. Known for her exceptional skills as a scriptwriter, songwriter, and storyteller, White earned numerous accolades for her creative work. To honour her contributions to Creole heritage, E. Beck, a professor at St. John’s College, recorded several of her songs, preserving her efforts to instill pride through music.
Cleopatra White’s life showcased her deep commitment to service, shaping healthcare and community management in Belize. Although she lived modestly and spent her final years as a pauper at the Belize City Old Folks Home, her impact imprinted Belize’s history for years to come.
The Transport Department has expressed deep concern following yesterday’s incident at Belize City’s terminal where a part of the roof became dislodged, injuring two women. The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport stated, “Our immediate thoughts and sincerest apologies go out to the affected individuals and their family during this difficult time.”
One of the injured women, Ana Moralez, was admitted to the emergency room at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Moralez’s husband, Filito Chanim, explained that he, his wife, and his son-in-law were preparing to catch a bus back to Belmopan when a section of the terminal’s cement roof collapsed unexpectedly. The piece of cement struck Moralez on the shoulder and injured another woman.
According to the Ministry’s press release, a full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident. “We are working with structural engineers to assess the overall safety of the building,” the ministry stated.
“Any structural damage identified during this assessment will be repaired immediately to ensure the safety of all terminal users,” the Transport Department assured.
Chanim criticised the terminal employees, claiming that no assistance was offered and describing their reaction as unprofessional: “There was a couple of employees sitting at the top, laughing. I don’t know what was funny.” The Ministry did not comment on this aspect of the incident.
