The Belize City Council held its fourth annual Belize City Half Marathon on Saturday. The event featured three categories: a half marathon (21K), a 10K, and a 5K.
In the half marathon/21K category, Chrystal Thomas from Splash Sarteneja took first place with a time of 1:41:49.8. Carmen Castilla from Splash Orange Walk finished second at 1:44:14.5, and Lizbeth De La Cruz from Club Vlady Maraton Playa del Carmen, Mexico, came in third at 1:51:05.8.
For the 10K race, Roxana Lemus from Westrack Slick Runners San Ignacio secured first place with a time of 0:52:29.9. Neydy Lopez from Splash Belmopan placed second at 0:57:26.9, followed closely by Ayako Suginak from JICA Orange Walk in third at 0:57:36.4.
In the 5K category, Irene Thiessen from Westrack Slick Runners Belmopan finished first with a time of 27:20.9. Elisha Rash from the UB 5K team in Belmopan came in second at 0:28:21.3, and Kristelle Young from Heart and Sole Lord’s Bank Village took third at 0:28:28.6.
Iran has launched about 180 missiles at Israel in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Most of the missiles were intercepted. Sirens sounded across Israel as military officials confirmed the attack, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reporting no injuries and warning of serious consequences.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, labelling the assault a reaction to “terrorist acts” by Israel and threatening further action if Israel retaliated.
This incident follows a year of rising tensions between Israel and Iran-affiliated groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged citizens to remain vigilant. The US Embassy in Israel has also advised personnel and families to shelter in place as the situation continues to evolve.
Israel is now likely to respond to Iran with significantly more force than it did in April. Israel views its recent military actions across the region as necessary steps to deter enemies and neutralise threats.
Potential targets for Israeli retaliation may include Iran’s nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, and the missile launch sites and storage depots used in Tuesday’s attack.
Belizean reggae artist Phynxxx, known offstage as Jeremy Lizama, combines Caribbean influences with heartfelt lyrics to create a sound that resonates with his audience. As he gears up for the release of new tracks, Phynxxx shares insights into his music style and creative process.
Cultural Roots and Influences
Growing up in Belize, Phynxxx has been profoundly influenced by the rhythms and vibes of his surroundings. “I try to keep it as real as I can,” he shares. His music celebrates Belizean culture, blending traditional reggae elements with local sounds that make his work distinctively authentic.
Phynxxx draws inspiration from reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs, whose smooth delivery and heartfelt lyrics have shaped his musical journey. In an interview with News 5, he cited his latest track, “New Day,” produced by his brother. “That one just reached another level for me… the sky’s been the limit since,” he explains, emphasising how it encapsulates uplifting themes of new beginnings and positive energy.
The Creative Process and Artistic Growth
Phynxxx approaches songwriting as a meditative experience, often freestyling to find the right flow. “I consider myself more of a guide,” he explained, adding, “I tend to just put myself into a mode or a meditation.” With a growing listener engagement, Phynxxx says his writing process has shifted to more intentional messaging: “Now, I have to know what I’m saying and what I’m influencing; what are they going to listen to when I’m singing? So I try to keep it uplifting and positive.”
He candidly shared his early struggles, emphasising that even the most talented artists face doubts and setbacks. His breakthrough song, “Only One,” which recently gained traction on platforms like TikTok, serves as a reminder that success can come unexpectedly. “You just got to work… Don’t stop. No matter what you hear or how you feel, if this is what you love, you don’t stop,” he shared, encouraging young artists to believe in their potential and keep pushing forward, regardless of challenges.
Manager’s Insights: The Modern Music Landscape
His manager, Joe Arrivi, has been managing rising artist Phynxxx for about a year. “I was in an industry in the nineties… And I never thought I’d ever get back in the entertainment industry… but it was refreshing to see Phoenix… and the amount of raw talent that he had and the amount of commitment, heart, and charisma,” Arrivi said, emphasising the importance of authenticity and collaboration in today’s music landscape.
Artists from Belize, a small Caribbean country, often struggle for visibility in the global music scene. Phynxxx’s manager stated that social media allows artists to amplify their talent and reach a wider audience without traditional gatekeepers. “You have to be a little bit savvy these days with social media, but it’s a lot easier than it was in the 90s and 2000s because you have this medium now,” Arrivi stated. “In the past, you would need a whole team of people to do that for you. And you would have to rely on a record label to provide that for you.”
Cayo North’s UDP standard bearer, Omar Figueroa, is alleging widespread voter registration fraud in the Cayo North constituency. Figueroa says that election officials are failing to address numerous questionable registrations.
In a letter addressed to the Governor-General, Froyla Tzalam, Figueroa alleged a “well-organised white collar criminal scheme” involving questionable voter registrations. He called it a “threat to our fragile parliamentary democracy.” He criticised the registration department for not providing essential information needed to verify new registrations and suggested that some employees may be complicit in the fraud.
Concerns began surfacing before the 2024 municipal elections when both Figueroa and Mayor Earl Trapp noticed “unusual” registration activities at the local Elections and Boundaries Department. “Significant numbers of questionable registrations began appearing on the voter’s list without clear indication as to the exact address,” he said.
“Our parliamentary democracy is in jeopardy… Please help us ensure that we protect the constitutional rights of the people of Cayo North,” Figueroa urged the Governor-General in his letter. “The extent of the organised electoral fraud presents a significant threat to the integrity of our electoral process,” Figueroa warned, urging for a thorough investigation by the Commissioner of Police and other officials to protect the rights of Cayo North residents.
The Government of Belize has condemned the rising violence in the Middle East, particularly the impact of Israeli actions causing civilian casualties in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Belize calls for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law, warning that inaction could lead to regional chaos.
“The weaponising of civilian devices like pagers to cause the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians and the continued Israeli use of selective assassinations threatens to ignite a full-scale conflagration of unimaginable consequences,” said the government in a statement.
The government described the ongoing cycle of violence as “illegal, immoral and inhumane.” Belize called for Israel to “immediately abide by the decisions of the International Court of Justice,” agree to a ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without obstruction, and lift the siege of Gaza. Additionally, it demanded the “immediate, unconditional release of hostages held by the resistance groups and by the Israeli state.”
The statement also addressed the role of the United Nations Security Council, stating, “There will never be peace in the region until Israel abides by the decisions of the United Nations and fully respects the right of the Palestinian people to full self-determination.” The government called on the Security Council and the international community to implement resolution 10/24 from the UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Session on September 18, 2024.
A five-page letter addressed to Prime Minister John Briceño shares concerns about the government’s plans for Stake Bank Enterprises. The letter was sent by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and says that the acquisition is ‘in no way for public purpose.’ The NTUCB criticised the government, saying that it prioritised international investors over Belizean interests and urged resolution through the courts.
The NTUCB suggested that if the government proceeds with the project, it should use the Land Acquisition (Promoters) Act (LAPA), which they believe is more appropriate than the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act. They noted that LAPA “provides for the acquisition of private land by a promoter or developer after an inquiry which shows… the purpose for which the land is required… is likely to prove useful to the public.”
PM Briceño responded to the NTUCB, saying that the project’s public interest and economic necessity, particularly in revitalising cruise tourism. Briceño stated that the completion of the Stake Bank Project represents nearly 4% of GDP, therefore initiating the compulsory acquisition process while ensuring taxpayer protection through a comprehensive indemnity.
In response, the Feinstein Group labelled Briceño’s statements as “gross inaccuracies and misinformation.” At the People’s United Party 74th Anniversary, Briceño said, “I’m not surprised by the response of the Feinstein Group, but I’m not going to go back and forth to them. We have responded to the NTUCB. We firmly believe that what we’re doing is in the best interest of this country.”
Regarding LAPA, the Briceño remarked, “The two parties have to agree, and right now, there’s no agreement,” calling the promoter’s demands “unreasonable.” He stated that compulsory acquisition is the only viable option, which may involve negotiations and court intervention.
On Saturday, September 28, officers responded to a robbery report at Berry Street, Belize City. Rene Myvette and his assistant were approached by two armed men on bicycles. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hilberto Romero stated that the assailants stole an cash and cell phones. There is no surveillance footage available. Police are looking for two suspects.
In a separate case, police are looking into a reported rape that occurred on Sunday, September 29, 2024. According to ACP Romero, the assault took place in Rancho Dolores Village in the Belize district. A woman reported that a suspect entered her bedroom and raped her. Authorities have one suspect in custody as the investigation continues.
A police officer accused of assaulting Shaun Gill appeared in court this morning. According to police reports, Gill was driving with officer Tyra Smith when the accused, Luis Pascasio, reportedly Smith’s ex-boyfriend, attempted to intercept them in a black Dodge Charger.
Upon reaching Orange Street, the officer, who is a member of the Special Patrol Unit, allegedly blocked their path, exited his vehicle, brandished a firearm, and assaulted Gill.
Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that Pascasio has been arrested and formally charged with aggravated assault.
The People’s United Party (PUP) gathered as a National Party Council at the St. Catherine Academy auditorium in Belize City to celebrate its 74th anniversary.
The event formally introduced the party’s 31 candidates.
Deputy Party Leader Cordel Hyde reflected on the party’s history and the resilience of past leaders. Hyde recounted the difficulties faced during the 2020 elections, stating, “When we won, we realised that something was wrong. We realised that we walked into the greatest trap ever, the worst of times ever. We were in the middle of COVID; 60,000 people were unemployed. 60,000 more were underemployed. The Government of Belize had to be borrowing a million dollars a day just to pay the salaries of teachers and public officers. The IMF came and insisted on the Prime Minister to fire 3,000 teachers and public officers and raise GST to 19%. These were the absolute worst of times. We could have turned over and played dead, throw up our hands, but that’s not us. This is the People’s United Party.” Hyde added the party’s biggest accomplishments under Briceño’s leadership, including opening borders, renegotiating loans, raising the minimum wage, and expanding the National Health Insurance program.
Following Hyde’s address, the Party Leader and Prime Minister John Briceño emphasised unity and the party’s dedication to serving the people. “74 years is not just a measure of time; it is the formation of the DNA of our party. It is seven decades of struggle, progress, and triumph,” said Briceño . He contrasted the party’s achievements with the ’13 years of corruption’ under the Barrow administration, saying, “What the UDP destoyed in 13 years of corruption, imcompetence, maliciousness, and spitefulness, we, the People’s United Party, have rebuilt in four years.” He added, “Today, I am grateful for the 31 of our leaders whose work has kept our party strong and have been helping us to buil d back Belize.”
While Belize celebrated its 43 years of independence, Orange Walk resident Efigenia Cal celebrated her 109th birthday. Born on September 21, 1915, Cal has seen over a century of change. She was married at the age of 15 and raised nine children.
“My birthday passed just this Saturday. I turned one hundred and nine,” Cal said during an interview with News 5.
Reflecting on her life, Cal shared memories of her late husband, Emiliano Cal, who died at the age of 35. When asked about her health, she remarked, “I feel bad; I get pain; my knees and feet hurt sometimes.”
Her granddaughter, Maria Carrillo, expressed her gratitude for having her grandmother in her life. “It means a lot for me because she’s been so long with me. I care for her and mind her.” Carrillo noted that Cal enjoys a diet rich in callaloo, spinach, beets, and sweet potatoes.
“She could do the work. For example, I’m a sell vendor, and I sell corn and tamalitos… And then she helps me. She grinds it. And she peels the corn. She bakes by herself. So far, I don’t have to bathe her; she bathes herself, cleans herself, and eats by herself,” Carrillo added.
While Carrillo feels a mix of pride and concern, she stated, “One of these days she has to go… but she still has faith and is strong.”
