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New Menu, New Look: Le Petit Café is Back

It’s been six months since Le Petit Café in Belize City closed for renovations. And the public has since eagerly awaited the return of the beloved café. Now, the wait is finally over. From six am to one pm, Belizeans can stop by the new Le Petit Café on Marine Parade Boulevard to satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the café for a taste of the new selection. Here’s the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

There is little more that one could wish for than a refreshing drink after travelling under the blazing Belizean sun. Perhaps a spot of shade, or a cool place to rest their feet. At the Le Petit Café located on the Marine Parade Boulevard, visitors can find all that and more. After six months, the café has reopened, boasting the sweet treats Belizeans know and love as well as some tasty new additions.

Efren Alvarez, Food & Beverage Manager, Fort George

“The concept we started with the concept The same concept, but we added more values, our drinks, coffees, pastries. Especially now with the smoothies, because that’s something we don’t have in the last years, but we added more value for that. And maybe the portion was a little more big, than we have in the past. And the concept will start to change, that the people can see more different things, and we start to present it, a special items that the people can feel comfortable with them. Price and ingredients quality.”

A new menu and a new look. Despite being on wheels, customers can sit back, relax and sip on a drink while the sea breeze wafts over them. All the while gentle music plays from nearby, creating an atmosphere of utmost relaxation.

Efren Alvarez

“It’s more that cafeteria We’re looking for more like ice place that we have a families here. They can get a seat in that place We have umbrellas. We have a chairs and the people can come enjoy the Coffee and they can take a seat. They can see the ocean. There’s smoothies. They can get like a fresh smoothie. They can say I want to have something with me in front of a watermelon and that’s something fresh Okay, that’s something what the people can get very easy here because we have the fresh ingredients every day.”

The menu boasts drinks that satisfy the tongue and strengthen the body. They are made with ingredients such as yogurt, carrots, spinach and strawberries and lightly sweetened with honey.

Efren Alvarez

“People is in this moment from yesterday and today, we see the people asking more like a healthy drink, for example. We have the tropical green, it’s a smoothie made with the spinach pineapple. Watermelon. We don’t add any like a sugar or something like that for the smoothie. We need something like a more healthy drinks in the morning that they’re looking for. Especially the people is working in this area that they’re looking for in this place.”

Chef Luis Vega says the same love and attention poured into the drinks are kneaded into the pastries made fresh every day.

Luis Vega, Chef, Le Petit Café

“We try to do, of course, the best presentation of our products, but we try to don’t loss the quality of the products, which is very important, how I tell you. For us, it’s very important the freshness of the products. The presentation and the quality of the of our product. And we, for us, it’s very important that our customers be happy with our products.”

Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or breakfast on the go, anyone can stop by and choose from a variety of foods made with the customer in mind.

Britney Gordon

“Le Petit’s known for their pastries. We got cookies, muffins, banana bread, but can people come Belizean stuff like powder bun and Johnny cake?”

Efren Alvarez

“We have powder bun, Johnny cake. We have both. That’s something we cannot miss actually here because we know the local guests and at the end of the day, this is very important to keep in the place. Always is asking for powder bun always is asking for Johnny cakes in the morning. And we cannot delay that.”

And with confidence in the team behind the counter, plans to expand the menu and opening hours are already underway, so that anyone craving something of Le Petit’s quality, can find it any time they want.

Efren Alvarez

“We starting six o’clock in this, in at the moment until one o’clock. But in the moment we’ll see if we can increase our schedule maybe at night for, do something different here. But this is something we’ll look at it in the future.”

It’s not just a bakery at Le Petit, it’s an experience.

Luis Vega

“It is a very nice atmosphere because we are in front of the sea. We have small tables by the food truck. And you can sit there, enjoy your food, your bakery, your coffee, fresh coffee. Also, we have a very nice coffee. And the, our products, which is very important. Also, we have the fresh smoothies and different kind of drinks. It’s not only bakery, we can offer to our customers different kind of the products. It’s very important for us that our customer can be happy with their, our things or what things are we are offered to them.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Jose Abelardo Mai Awarded for Contributions to Agriculture

Last week, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai was presented with an award by the Caribbean Chicken Poultry Company for his work in strengthening the poultry industry in Belize. Earlier this week, he received another award, this time, from the cattle committee, for his efforts in ensuring that Belize has a resilient cattle industry. We spoke with him about the honor of receiving these awards, here’s what he had to say.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“They believe that I have done a lot in the industry and that they feel that they should award me. I am humbled by that award, and I will accept it with that humility, I will accept it. And I thank them for it. I think that we all agree that the cattle industry has moved forward from a dying industry to a very strong industry. A tone of ninety million dollars and so they saw it fit to give me this award and I’m honored by that award.”

BAA President Ousted? Cojac Smith Seeks to Clear His Name

Earlier today, the Belize Athletic Association issued a release announcing that Cojac Smith is no longer serving as the president of the association. The release also stated that Gregory Meyers is no longer serving as public relations officer. Well, we reached out to Smith for comments, and he told us that as far as he is concerned, he maintains the role of BAA president. BAA’s release noted that Alvin Tillett, the first vice president under Smith, has been appointed as the acting president. This all played out on Sunday during a special general assembly. So, how did the association get to this point. We spoke with embattled President, Cojac Smith about how it all played out.

Cojac Smith, Belize Athletics Association

“To be honest I am a professional project manager and that is what I do. I have my own small business, and I also do consultancy. So, in any situation like this dealing with a situation where I am voted out on ground that is unconstitutional. I did nothing wrong, and I have to speak out against it. It is not within my frame or my own personal belief that I should sit down and take this when I did nothing wrong. So I have to take a stand and say that the entire process for the voting was unconstitutional and I am still legally the president of the BAA, however means or whatever the press release are being sent out at this point in time. It is unconstitutional what happened on Sunday. There are steps and processes about how you have disputes and how it is handle. Those were vehemently opposed to and violated at the meeting on Sunday. When they decided it is going to be a vote I stepped out. I can no longer be apart of something unconstitutional and no longer following the rules. I did not participate or vote on it. Just the entire process was in shambles. I won’t touch base too much on it. I am currently doing my research as to how I will handle the situation and see how to deal with it. But, by no way will I allow my name to be tarnished when all I have been doing is trying to better the association and better sports for Belize.”

Paul Lopez

“Is the public perhaps getting a view, an inside look as to a part of the reason why we are not seeing certain disciplines advance in Belize. Things are so bureaucratic and tends to be so political at times. And, do you lament this?”

Cojac Smith

“You are hitting the nail on the head. I am sure you have seen this where you wonder why things are not happening. When you have like minded individuals that are trying to make change and development you have those who resist the change. And then you have those that resist the change. Instead of trying to see beyond what is right in front of their face and looking at the bigger picture you have reisistance and that resisntance got to the point where there is a feeling of wanting to get rid of the president.”

B.E.L. Technicians Return Home from Jamaica

When Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the southern coast of Jamaica in early July, it did so as a category four storm. It was one of the most powerful weather systems to hit the country, leaving thousands of homes without power. In the wake of the hurricane, Belize Electricity Limited joined the regional relief effort by putting together a team of power line technicians to assist with restoring power on the island. After almost two months away from their families, the team of eight returned home on Sunday.

Feinstein Doubles Down on Decision to Challenge G.O.B. Acquisition

The Feinstein Group says it is moving full steam ahead to challenge the Government of Belize’s recent decision to compulsorily acquire twenty-three point four acres of Stake Bank Island. The company issued a release today outlining its reasons for objecting to the compulsory acquisition. The Feinstein Group argues that the acquisition lacks legitimate public interest. They contend that the existence of alternative docking facilities such as the Port of Belize and the Port of Magical Belize negates any urgency or necessity for the G.O.B. to seize the Stake Bank lands. The Feinstein Group further argues that Michael Feinstein holds one hundred percent of Stake Bank Enterprises Limited’s shares and that he legally acquired the additional twenty-three point four acres surrounding Stake Bank Island using his personal funds, with full transparency and approval from relevant authorities. The Feinstein Group asserts Michael Feinstein entirely financed the dredging equipment essential for the project’s development and that the expenditure for the projected amounted to one hundred and seventy million dollars with an additional forty million dollars in interest. The Feinstein Group further alleges that the decision is shrouded in malice and corruption intended to punish Michael Feinstein for his “outspoken stance against G.O.B.’s various egregious actions aimed at diminishing the project. Evidence exists that senior government ministers have been actively involved in efforts to coerce cruise lines away from SBEL’s cruise port, favoring competing projects instead”. The group remains unwavering in its commitment to defend Michael Feinstein’s property rights against this acquisition. The release notes that an independent international appraisal of the property is currently underway to ascertain its true value. It ends with a call for the Government of Belize to respect the rule of law, honor its commitments to local investors, and engage in fair and transparent dialogue to resolve this matter.

PM Explains Compulsory Acquisition of Stake Bank Lands

Over the weekend, we caught up with Prime Minister John Briceño in Orange Walk where sought a more in-depth explanation as to why the government has decided to pursue the acquisition of Stake Bank lands and why the same process was not done for the university hospital land. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“If you remember in 2014, I think and in 2018 we passed legislation deeming that Stake bank is in the national interest of the country and we gave them extensive exemptions so that they can get this work done. Fast forward to today probably what’s about five, six years that they’ve been working, and they have not finished the project. They have invested probably about two hundred and seventy million dollars and then unfortunately. The different business partners fell out of favor. And the bank, they were not paying the bank. One of the main investors decided to pay off the loan. And so now, we’re trying to find between the two parties, trying to find a way for them to be able to come to some agreement, we’ve been unable to do that. The number of cruise lines that are coming are decreasing because we do not have where they can dock. And then this asset is being washed away. We believe our, as a responsible government, we have put out a first notice for compulsory acquisition. Then that means that whosoever owns the lands could come to government and say, this is my land, I need to be compensated. There’s a negotiation and then if there’s no, we cannot come to an agreement, then we go to the courts. What is most important is that that the government got from the main investors a deposit in the bank in the name of the government of Belize and also an indemnity bond so that whatever happens in the next two, three years, is going to quite likely go to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The government of the Belize and the Belizean people would not have to pay a single penny in the settlement of this project.”

Britney Gordon

“So why wasn’t the hospital land compulsorily acquired as well?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Because then it cost us a lot more than what we’re paying for.”

Freight Truck Plunges Into Sea at Port of Belize Limited

A freight truck ran off the pier at the Port of Belize Limited and plunged into the sea with a container full of goods. Reports are that the truck was leaving the pier head when the mishap occurred. The guard rails broke off during the incident. The contents of the container were seen adrift at sea nearby. Fortunately, the driver of the check escaped the ordeal alive. So, who will be held responsible for the lost goods and failure to adhere to operational protocol the leading cause of this mishap? News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Voice of: Stevedore
“I got you, just relax, nuh get frighten. Nuh mek the rope knot you up, that is all you need to do.”

This is the moment on Sunday morning when a group of stevedores working at the Port of Belize sprung into action to rescue one of their fellow co-workers. The individual in the water is holding on to a rope let down by the group on the pier above. Behind him is a freight truck halfway submerged in the water.

Voice of: Stevedore

“You wah can’t pull him up like that. You have to get a ladder. He will get hurt. Just stay right there, don’t move. Stay right there rasta man, just relax your body and be comfortable.”

News Five reached out to the Port of Belize Limited seeking further details on what led to the freight truck ending up in the sea and its driver in need of being rescued. We await their response. But credible reports are that the driver was transporting a container filled with goods that had been offloaded from a ship moments prior. These are goods that were shipped to Belizean customers from overseas. The driver of the freight truck reportedly veered off the pier as he attempted to avoid hitting someone that was working on the pier. Images show the contents of the container spread across the sea’s surface near the ship. Many of the goods appear to have suffered significant water damage. There are now questions as to what exactly was in that container and whether the Port of Belize Limited will compensate those customers for the lost goods. In the meantime, News Five has been informed that the driver escaped the ordeal without injury, and he is taking the day off today.

Voice of: Stevedore

“Thank God ih nuh dead. Ey ras hear this right, me dah the only man weh only have on my socks and ready fih come for you. I just hope you know that right.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Cotton Tree Man Killed in Love Triangle

A resident of Cotton Tree Village was gunned down inside his home in the wee small hours of Sunday. Otoniel Mateo was inside his room when a pair of men arrived at the location. There was a brief scuffle, and a shot was fired. When the smoke cleared, Mateo, an employee of Santander, lay mortally wounded inside the apartment. By the time neighbors and other responders reported to the scene of the shooting, Mateo was already dead. This afternoon, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided a few details on the deadly incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“ Around 1:50 a.m., police visited Cotton Tree Village where there was a report of a shooting incident. Upon their arrival they found the lifeless body of Otoniel Mateo, thirty-one-years, with gunshot injuries. Information received is that Mateo was at his room when he heard a knock on his door. He came out and two persons were there and they were involved in a fight. Thereafter, he was shot. His body was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. We are seeking two known suspects for this murder at this time.”

Reporter

“Were these suspects known to Mr. Mateo?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, they were known to him.”

Reporter

“Do you have any idea about the motive?”

Hilberto Romero

“This stemmed out of a dispute about a female.”

Reporter

“Was there any prior altercation before the incident?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not that we know of.”

Police Detain Three Suspects for Korrie Cruz Murder

On Friday, San Ignacio police were summoned to Fifteenth Street where they found the body of twenty-one-year-old Korrie Cruz. There were obvious signs of injuries to the head and an investigation has led the police to make a few arrests. According to ACP Hilberto Romero, police have detained three suspects. He was unable to determine what weapon was used to murder Cruz.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the 30th day of August 2024 police visited Fifteenth Street San Ignacio, where they found a lifeless body of Korrie Anthony Cruz with injuries to the head. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation is being carried out and three persons are detained in regards to this murder. We are awaiting a post mortem examination to see what are the findings. Nothing was taken from him. This is over some rivalry he has with some persons in that area. Some items were recovered, but, uh, at this time, uh, these persons are being interviewed.”

American Firefighter Remanded on 3 Counts of Attempted Murder

An American firefighter finds himself remanded at the Belize Central Prison on three counts of attempted murder and four counts of use of deadly means of harm. The charges follow an altercation at Shisha’s Night Club on Newtown Barracks Saturday morning. In the incident, Ian Abraham, Javan Abraham, and Mark Usher had to be hospitalized for stab wounds. Today, forty-one-year-old Gilbert Lightburn Junior appeared unrepresented in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. Due to the nature of the offense, no plea was taken and Lightburn was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October thirtieth. During his arraignment, Lightburn Junior informed the court that he had an attorney, but none showed up. When he was asked if he understood the charges, Lightburn Junior said “I understand it, but I never attempted to murder anyone. I was defending myself. He asked when he would get to explain what happened and blurted out that he was afraid and that he had been robbed of his phone. The magistrate explained to him that he would need to apply to the High Court for bail and that it was best that he didn’t say anything else until his attorney was present. Meanwhile, a relative of the stabbing victim told the media that her son, Giovanni Abraham along with her cousin, Ian Abraham, have since been discharged from the K.H.M.H., but Javon and Mark Usher remain hospitalized. The relative said that Javon Abraham and Mark Usher experienced collapsed lungs and doctors had to insert tubes to remove blood. Today ACP Hilberto Romero told reporters what they have on the case.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday morning, there was an incident of Shisha Bar at New Town Barracks in Belize City. There was an altercation between some persons which resulted in Ian Abraham, Javan Abraham, and Mark Usher receiving stab wound injuries. An investigation was carried out into this report where no one, Gilbert Lightburn has been arrested and charged for three counts of attempted murder and three counts of use of deadly means of harm.”

Reporter

“In terms of what led to the incident, can you say?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“They were drinking at the nightclub and there was a dispute between them which led to the stabbing.”

Reporter

“The stabbing happened inside or outside?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“It started there and it ended up on the street.”

Reporter

“That area has seen several incidents. What, if anything, are police doing to ensure…”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“There were police posted at the area, but this person managed to enter the establishment with the weapon. But as soon as the incident occurred, they reacted and he was detained there immediately.”

Reporter

“Yes, and in terms of preventing future incidents?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Yes, we will be more thorough with the searches when these persons enter these nightclubs.”