Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Alfonso Tzul Receives the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has awarded the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to 83-year-old Alfonso Tzul. Tzul, a retired agriculture extension officer and Yucatec Maya farmer, has made remarkable contributions to the Belizean community.

Tzul’s career includes work as a public servant, cultural historian, linguist, and botanist. He is well-known for his historical research and publications, including “An Oral History of the Maya of San Antonio, Cayo” (1993) and “Chomon: The Orphan Boy.”

“He has tirelessly promoted the Yucatec Maya language, producing educational materials for both children and adults and collaborating with institutions to preserve Yucatec Maya identity,” stated NICH in the announcement post on its Facebook.

In addition to his linguistic and educational contributions, Tzul has significantly advanced the understanding of Maya Forest Gardens and traditional milpa practices. His extensive knowledge of forest ecosystems and cultivation techniques has been influential in both educational and research contexts.

The Don Elijio Panti Prize, named in honour of the healer Don Elijio Panti, recognises exceptional contributions to traditional knowledge. Panti, originally from Guatemala and brought to Belize as an infant, became renowned for his expertise in Maya medicine and healing practices in San Antonio, a community of Mopan and Yucatecan Maya people.

Injured Police Constable Albina Teck Needs Your Help

Police Constable Albina Teck, stationed at the Seine Bight sub-station, was seriously injured in a road traffic accident while on duty on August 23rd. According to reports, she is currently in critical condition at the hospital with severe head injuries.

To support PC Teck’s medical expenses, the Seine Bight community has organised a fundraising BBQ. The event will be held at the Seine Bight Police substation on Wednesday, August 28th, starting at 10:30 AM until plates are sold out. Plates are priced at $10 each, with all proceeds going towards PC Teck’s medical bills.

Community members are encouraged to participate and purchase lunch. Pre-orders can be made via WhatsApp at 671-2659. Payments and pickups will be available during the BBQ on Wednesday.

The Seine Bight sub-station invites everyone to attend and support PC Teck.

Mathew and Virgin Martinez Honoured with Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance

Mathew and Virgin Martinez of the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group were awarded the Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance. The Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group was founded in 1986 by Naomi Guzman, Rosel, Virgin, and Mathew Martinez. This recognition, announced on the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) official Facebook page, honours the Virgins’ significant contributions to preserving and promoting Garifuna culture through traditional dance and music.

NICH praised the Martinez duo for their “blend of managerial prowess and artistic vision” in showcasing Garifuna culture both in Belize and internationally.

Rosita Baltazar, the award’s namesake, was a renowned Belizean choreographer and dance instructor, recognised for her efforts in safeguarding Garifuna culture.

Similarly, the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group has remained influential for preserving Garifuna heritage since UNESCO recognised Garifuna cultural elements as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

NSUB Slams Belize Government Over $6.9 Million Land Deal Amid Corruption Claims

In an official statement today, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) expressed strong opposition to the government’s $6.9 million land acquisition for the now controversial University Hospital. NSUB alleged inflated valuations and potential corruption behind the deal, stating, “This decision, marred by allegations of inflated valuations and speculation of corruption, is not only an affront to the Belizean people but also highlights a much deeper issue in our society: the systemic inflation of land prices that locks out ordinary citizens from owning property.”

The union argued that the expenditure represents a misuse of public funds and criticised the government’s choice to invest in private land rather than enhance public assets. While NSUB supports the construction of the University Hospital, it calls for a reassessment of the project’s location, emphasising, “We call for a reevaluation of the project’s location with a focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term convenience or private gain. The UB campus remains the most logical choice—it is already the heart of higher education in Belize, and positioning a teaching hospital there would create a synergy that benefits both students and the wider community.”

NSUB also highlighted the broader issue of rising land prices in Belize, which they believe obstructs property ownership for many Belizeans. They stated, “The unchecked inflation of land prices that makes property ownership a distant dream for many Belizeans. The time has come for the Government to tackle this crisis head-on by introducing regulations that prevent land speculation and prioritise access to affordable land for Belizean families.”

The NSUB stressed that the new hospital should be a symbol of progress, not a sign of mismanagement.

Health and Wellness Ministry to Address $6.9 Million Land Controversy in Press Conference

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will host a press conference this afternoon in Belize City to address its controversial $6.9 million land acquisition. The conference is intended “to clarify the land purchase for the new hospital.”

News 5 will carry the press conference live on our social media platforms.

This follows Friday’s protest in Belmopan led by land activist Nigel Petillo, which gathered the participation of various groups demanding a reversal of the land purchase that was initially earmarked for a teaching hospital and accusing officials of ‘lacking transparency.’

Former Health Minister Jose Coye during an online talk show voiced his opinion. Coye expressed his support for the initial plan to develop a faculty of medicine at the university. He criticised the decision to relocate the faculty and questioned the rationale behind the land purchase, urging that the funds be used as originally intended to enhance Belize’s healthcare system and support health tourism.

“It’s not about partisan politics. This is about the good of Belize. Let’s put Belize first. That money must be spent on what it was intended for. And if we, the people, decide it is, then it must be. So it’s not about whether they will do it or not. No, we must be committed to letting the government be held accountable to the citizens,” Coye asserted.

Adela Pederson Vallejos Honoured with Leela Vernon Prize for Maya Culture Preservation

Adela Pederson Vallejos has been honoured with the Leela Vernon Prize for Creative Community Action and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage. The announcement was made by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) on its Facebook page. The award celebrates Pederson’s remarkable achievements in preserving and promoting Maya culture while actively contributing to community development in Belize.

In the post, NICH recognised Adela Pederson Vallejos of Libertad village, saying, “Her passion for preserving Maya heritage led her to learn the Yucatec Maya language and establish To’one Masehaulo’on NGO, promoting Maya culture and language through educational initiatives and events, including the Belize national anthem translated into Yucatec Maya.”

“Adela’s tireless efforts culminated in the inauguration of the U Kuuchil Uucben Mayaya Ba’alo’ob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village, showcasing her dedication to cultural preservation,” NICH added.

Leela Vernon, the award’s namesake, was a prominent Belizean Kriol culture activist. Vernon was celebrated for her ‘Buru’ style Brukdong music, including the popular song ‘Ah Waahn Noa Hoo Seh Kriol Noh Ga No Kolcha!’, which has been integral to the celebration of Creole heritage.

Mohobub Flores Awarded Andy Palacio Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Garifuna Music

Belizean singer and percussionist Mohobub Flores has been honoured with the Andy Palacio Prize for Belizean Music. The award was announced via the National Institutes of Culture and History’s (NICH) official Facebook page and recognises Flores’ significant contributions to Garifuna music and Punta Rock.

Flores, born in Dangriga, began his musical career in 1979 with Pen Cayetano’s Turtle Shell Band. NICH praised his work, stating, “His work has helped to preserve and promote Garifuna culture worldwide.”

The institute further noted, “Mohobub Flores remains a key figure in Belize’s musical landscape, celebrated for his dedication to his cultural roots and his role in bringing Garifuna music to a global audience. As a senior member of The Garifuna Collective, Mohobub has performed in the last decade in over 25 countries on 5 continents.”

The Andy Palacio Prize honours the legacy of Andy Palacio, a celebrated Belizean musician who dedicated his life to preserving Garifuna culture through music. Palacio was renowned for blending traditional Garifuna music with electric guitars. He was awarded Belize’s Order of Meritorious Service in 2007 and named a UNESCO Artist for Peace shortly before his death on January 19, 2008.

Belize-born Composer Becomes First Black Woman Master of the King’s Music

Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the first Black woman Master of the King’s Music by King Charles. The Belize-born composer, who has an extensive portfolio including 22 operas, takes over from Dame Judith Weir, the first woman to hold the position.

This morning, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) extended their ‘heartfelt congratulations’ to Wallen for her “historic recognition as Master of the King’s Music.”

The role of Master of the King’s Music involves composing pieces for special royal occasions such as weddings and jubilees. Wallen expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment … I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.”

In 1998, she became the first Black woman to have a work performed at the BBC Proms. She has also been recognised with an Ivor Novello award for Classical Music and has contributed to major events, including the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Born in Belize in 1958, Wallen moved to the UK with her parents at the age of two. She was raised by her aunt and uncle in north London and showed an early talent for music. She studied at Goldsmiths College and King’s College, Cambridge, and has been influential in challenging the traditional image of a composer.

Wallen was awarded an MBE in 2007, and a CBE in 2020.

Deanni Laing, Reclaims Queen of the Bay Crown for Belize Rural as 79th Titleholder

Miss Belize Rural, Deannie Janae Laing, reclaimed the Queen of the Bay (QOTB) crown for the rural communities in the Belize District at this year’s prestigious pageant that was held on Saturday at the Belize City’s Civic Center. The event showcased an impressive lineup of 11 accomplished and eloquent delegates, each demonstrating poise and grace on a fiercely competitive stage.

Laing succeeds Queen Keely Faux, whose reign has only been shy of two weeks. Faux assumed her title as the seventy-eighth Queen of the Bay on August 14, 2024, after Kendall Morgan was dismissed from the role due to controversial allegations for violating several sections of her contract with the QOTB national franchise.

The Queen of the Bay pageant, renowned as Belize’s longest-running historical pageant, has ‘celebrated elegance, empowered women, and honoured Belizean tradition for 79 years.’

In one of QOTB’s biggest classes of delegates, Laing distinguished herself not only by winning the crown as the seventy-ninth Queen of the Bay, but also by securing three additional awards: Miss Eloquence, Best Dress, and Best Curtsy. The pageant, which spanned six hours, concluded in Laing’s triumph. She will officially be crowned on September 10, a day dedicated to Belize’s national St. George’s Caye Day celebrations.

Ministry Suspends Caricom Youth Ambassador Amidst Rape Allegations

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport addressed recent serious allegations against Caricom Youth Ambassador, Kenroy Cal, who is also the chairman of Red Bank Village. In a press release, the Ministry expressed concerns about these accusations and emphasised its “strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual violence, including rape.”

The Ministry says it is monitoring the legal process closely and supports the law taking its course.

While the investigation is ongoing, the Ministry has decided to terminate Cal’s ambassadorial duties. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the process and focus on the well-being of all involved.

The Ministry urges the public to respect the legal proceedings and allow a thorough investigation.