Belize District - Channel 5 Belize

U.D.P. Manifesto Explained By Council Candidates

Councilor candidates, Tyrone Louriano, Leon Guild and Samson Jacobs went into further details about the three pillars outlined in their manifesto. Louriano noted that financial relief through tax reforms will be a major part of their economic endeavors. Guild spoke to the plans his team has prepared to address environmental concerns in the city, while Jacobs spoke to how his municipal slate plans to ensure that there is equity in the distribution of resources across the city.

Tyrone Louriano, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“The first one we want to talk about that people have been clamoring on the ground is some kind of financial relief. We plan to achieve this through our tax reform and tax relief program that we plan to implement upon taking office. Also people have been worrisome about our ability to maintain integrity so we are going to do a full financial audit of the council which will then allow us to continue a bi-annual report through public forums and so forth. We also want to create economic growth through job creation and what better way to do this than to create festive events that people can afford to access on a regular basis. I know they have talked about the downtown fair but we want to make it so that it is a little more accessible and sustainable. Can you imagine walking with me through downtown Belize like Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen or when we go to Chetumal we go to the downtown area of the park.”

Leon Gill, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“So we know that the mandate of the country, which is the streets drains and garbage, also public spaces like parks. So the streets, of course we want to continue the maintenance and upgrading the streets. When it comes to the drains we know that there is also a problem with flooding. Whenever the rainy season comes we have these inundations and it does a lot of damage. We have invested; past councils have invested in infrastructure to deal with the drainage. But all of these have failed us. So we are brining innovative ways to address the drainage situation affecting Belize City.”

Samson Jacobs, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“A council that shows equity, it shows the buy in of everybody, all stakeholders and whatever resources we have it will be able to be shared amongst everybody equally, regardless of the race, culture, religion, sex, whatever. So, the first one we want to look at is fostering partnership, and we will look at the government and non government agencies, to help them with implementing their programs across Belize City. The second one will be promoting awareness and educator. As an educator myself I believe there is a lot more we can do for our at risk youths so that they can be able to benefit from us.”

Where is the P.U.P. Belize City Manifesto?

With the U.D.P. municipal slate’s manifesto now available to the public, there are questions as to whether or not incumbent Mayor Bernard Wagner and his team will be launching its own manifesto. With only seven days left before the elections, there seems to be none readily available. And, Mortis says, the P.U.P. is taking its voters for granted.

Nelma Mortis, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belize City

“We are a new team and personally I understand the demographics of the city. I believe that I will not take my people for granted. I am here to serve and in serving we give respect to our people. I think that is one of the problems of the People’s United Party, they take their voters for granted. So we made this and presented it to our people so that they can hold us accountable. there is another section to this that I spoke to the team that we will have to add which is something like a report card that we will check out once we have completed, so we can report back to the public. We said we are going to do this, this is what was done. This is what was needed; this is what we have completed. I believe you have to have a plan, if you don’t, you plan to fail. I have ten people who will hold me accountable. And I tell them call me out when they see something has fallen.”

Japan Host Animation Seminar for Belizean Youths

Japan is celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations with the Caribbean. So, in an effort to strengthen relationships, the Embassy of Japan has embarked on a campaign to educate youths in the Caribbean about the Japanese animation industry. A seminar was held today at the Belize Elementary School Gym, where Belizeans received an in-depth view into the industry and its prospects for aspiring artists. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the seminar to learn more about the endeavor.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

2024 marks sixty years of diplomatic relations with CARICOM for Japan. As a result, representatives from the country are embarking on a trip around the Caribbean to countries such as Belize, Barbados and Jamaica in order to educate Caribbean youths on Japan’s booming animation industry in hopes of fostering an interest in the field. Japanese Ambassador Shirakata Nobuyuki explained the endeavor to us.

Nobuyuki Shirakata, Ambassador Of Japan

“This year, 2024, for Japanese side, is Japan CARICOM year. We want to let Belizean people know the Anime industry is very important for Japanese and the world. So we invited the professor Takahashi to teach how it functions, anime industry. Because industry is not gaining much money but it is a soul of Japanese culture, one of the very important industries in Japan.”

According to the ambassador, Japan’s animation industry is open to anyone.

Nobuyuki Shirakata

“Because anime is very popular in Belize, so we’d like to tell young people of Belize anime has origin in Japan. And how it functions. I’d like to let young people know how to functions, this industry and how to, if they want, how to enter that industry, even out Belizean people.”

Professor Takahashi Mitsuteru was brought in to give an in-depth overview of the industry and its functions.

Mitsuteru Takahashi, Animation Professor

“It’s not only about watching anime but how to make this animation or how much people are involved to make this animation and then how to spread this animation. If you understand maybe more people will understand animation better.”

Attending the event was comic artist and aspiring animator, Maya Pollard, who states that this seminar was a success in her eyes, as it gave her access to difficult information needed to enter the field.

Maya Pollard, Comic Artist

“Honestly, I learned a lot about the market in Japan. Since we live in the West, we don’t really get a lot of information about how it is over in the East. So, I definitely am happy that I learned, basically, how the industry works on that side. Because it’s very easy to find the information on how it works, like, in the United States, in Canada, and that sort of thing. But in, like, China, Japan, Korea, that kind of information is a bit harder, especially because of the language barrier. So that’s mainly my takeaway from here. That’s why I wanted to come. That’s what I got. So I’m very, I’m very satisfied honestly.”

Pollard explained that, in the future, she hopes to be able to work as an animator in Belize, but is hopeful at the prospect of learning abroad first.

Maya Pollard

“That is the plan down the line. Uh, actually, my main goal really is to build a market here in Belize, the Caribbean in general, but mainly in Belize. I want to continue living at my home, of course, but I do understand that I have to probably move abroad to learn more information. How, basically, because they’re literally like the number one in the world. So I have to learn how it works over there to bring it over here to make it work as well.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Belizean World War 2 Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League had cause for a celebration today as one of its members turned one hundred years old. The centenarian is World War II veteran Rudolf Middleton. We stopped by the festivities earlier today, to learn moiré about him. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Today, the Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League congregated to celebrate the one hundredth birthday of former serviceman and World War II veteran, Rudolf Middleton. Having joined the army at just eighteen years old, Middleton is honored as a pioneer in the league. We caught up with the man of the hour to hear how he is feeling on this momentous occasion.

Rudolf Middleton, World War 2 Veteran

“I feel good. Because It shows what type of person I am and what I’ve been through and raised up to be. So I feel good about it.”

He stated that the only secret to a long life is to keep active.

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, I exercise while I was in the army and that keep me active. You know, and after I leave the army I work. Keep active. That’s what got me up so long.”

Middleton further reflected on his time in the army while serving the Crown.

Rudolf Middleton

“I was a private so I when I went overseas in Egypt, they changed me from what I was and let me be a guy that goes out and search for the enemy that they have searching for Rito, the battalion. And I went through that and that’s what kept up everything.”

We asked Middleton what advice he had for youths who may look up to him and his years of experience.

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, as for young people, it’s to keep going out respectfully. Respect elders and respect yourself. Dress to suit, as they used to dress when I was young. The young lady, they wear the dress to the knee, and under the dress they got the skirt. And they used to be respected then.”

President of the Belize Ex-Servicemen League, Bernard Adolphus explained the significance of the celebration and the impact Middleton has had on the league.

Bernard Adolphus, President, Belize Ex-Servicemen League

“It is a very important setup for us because of the fact that this gentleman, Mister Rudolph Middleton, a veteran, served this country. He volunteered at 18 years of age, now he’s 100 years. He put all his back into the situation. in this country. You know, when World War II came about, the crown asked the Caribbean for assistance with the men. And as a result, Mister Middleton and others, not only him, but you got others from north, south, east and west of this country who volunteer. When you check the record, it’s over a thousand odd gentlemen volunteer in World War II.”

According to Adolphus, Middleton set an example for members of the league, not only through his vast experience abroad, but through guidance and care extended towards members and their families.

Bernard Adolphus

“Some went to Scotland, cutting woods, but eventually joined the battalion. Imagine a black man like Mister Middleton, end up in Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Barbados, in training, prepare for war, you see what I mean? And that, he set one example for us. He got discipline, honest and hardworking individual. When I came here in 1984, he advised me a number of stuff. As a result of his advice, I became a better person. It’s all about discipline. This department here, institution, may look insignificant to others. But believe you me, if you listen, you can learn. Take care of yourself; take care of your home. Help others. Because the whole idea is, in the past, we had a lot of veterans, and widowers, and we assist them. You know, because the husbands serve, the husbands serve, and because of this, they get assistance. So Mister Rudy, has been there for all of us. He has been there for others. As a result of that, he made myself and others a better person. And I’m grateful for that. And we can continue. So we had to have one. When we were discussing, we had to have something in honoring him.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Attorney Says G.O.B. is Acting in Bad Faith in B.D.F. Settlement

According to Audrey Matura, who represents the wives of two of the deceased airmen, the widows chose not to agree on a settlement with the Government of Belize which would have amounted to one hundred thousand dollars each. Instead, they opted to pursue a civil claim at the High Court.

Audrey Matura, Attorney-at-law

“They wanted me to express how disappointed they are, how they feel that the government has been acting in really bad faith and on that point, I want people to know that we have written several letters to the government before trying to reach settlement. Thereafter, complaining why it is difficult for us to reach settlement, then imploring them to give an advance, an interim payment which the law allows. And when all of that have fallen on deaf ears, we have an application that we made for urgent interim payment, but there was no judge. The judge that was hearing the matter has left the jurisdiction, so we have to wait for a new judge. So all these factors, some beyond our control have created the undue delay and four years later, the family, these two families have still not had the closure in that area of this matter. The truth is, my clients opted not to settle for a hundred thousand dollars because a hundred thousand dollars would not get them through. How could Mrs. Mendez have a hundred thousand dollars to raise her three children up to primary school, much less high school. That’s nothing in the scheme of things. Had her husband been alive, she would have been getting more than that in terms of money and more so in terms of his actual support there. They opted for full compensation because in their hearts of hearts, they know, one, [that] the life of their loved one is worth more than that. They know, two, there is absolutely no way those two gentlemen were in any way responsible for that accident. Three, taking legal advice under the law of negligence, they knew, based on advice given to them, that there is a formula that looks at how young they were, what would have been their prospects of promotion and increased salary, how many years they would have lived to be in the military and even looking at possible retirement and we look at possible retirement based on what the BDF allows in law.”

Policeman Remanded Following Pistol-whipping Incident in Hattieville

Tonight, a police officer is on remand at the Belize Central Prison after being charged with serious criminal offenses involving the use of a firearm inside the Hattieville Police Station. Corporal Lawrence Jerome Martinez, a thirty-six-year-old resident of Belize City, appeared in the lower court this afternoon where he was arraigned on a pair of criminal charges before a senior magistrate. It is alleged that on January sixth, the policeman drew a firearm and inflicted injuries upon Patrick Tillett inside the police station. Martinez has been charged for aggravated assault and wounding. Due to the nature of the offenses, bail was denied and he was placed on pretrial detention until April thirtieth. Additionally, Corporal Martinez also saw the cancellation of a bench warrant that had been issued for his arrest, as he also has a traffic case before the magistrate’s court. He failed to appear on two previous occasions, in October 2023 and February first, of this year. The traffic case has been adjourned to March twenty-seventh, 2024.

Chinese Businessman Slapped with New Charge; He Remains on Remand

A Chinese businessman, who ran afoul of the law a week ago, finds himself in more hot water tonight, despite a virtual complainant requesting no further court action against him. Twenty-nine-year-old Wenjing Lei allegedly shot Reno Castillo in the leg during an argument inside his uncle’s store in Belama Phase Two last week. Castillo has indicated to the court that he does not wish to proceed with court action against his alleged assailant; however, the Belize Police Department has brought another charge against Lei. Despite being granted bail in the sum of eight thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount for the initial offense, Lei has been charged additionally for discharging a firearm in public. It is alleged that on February eighteenth, Lei wantonly and without reasonable excuse discharged a firearm in a public space on Albert Hoy Street. While he pleaded not guilty, bail was denied due to the nature of the offense. He has been further remanded at the Belize Central Prison until March first.

A Mennonite Farmer is Arrested for Murder in Corozalito

A Mennonite farmer was arraigned on a single charge of murder when he appeared in the lower court in Belize City this morning. The victim, thirty-three-year-old Alexander Viamill, was reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with David Friesen when he was apparently strangled to death with a charging cable. The arrest of twenty-eight-year-old Friesen follows the discovery of Viamill’s body near a bus shed in Corozalito Village last Wednesday. Ladyville police were responding to a missing person’s report for Viamill and, while searching for him, happened upon his body a short distance from the roadside. An investigation revealed that on February seventeenth, Viamill attended a dance in Maskall Village and, upon leaving the event, was said to be heavily intoxicated. He was reportedly in Friesen’s company. Earlier today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided a few additional details on the incident.

Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Wednesday, February twenty-first, police responded to a report at Corozalito Village in the Belize District, that the body of a male person had been found. Police visited the area where they found the lifeless body of Alexander Viamil with injuries to the neck and face. He was taken to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigation revealed that Alexander Viamil was last seen a couple days before Wednesday and was reported missing the day before. Police conducted an investigation and a post mortem examination was conducted on him and the results were handed to the investigator. As a result, David Friesen, twenty-eight-years old Belizean farmer of Corozalito has been arrested and charged for the crime of murder.”

Reporter

“Has Friesen related to the police why?”

Hilberto Romero

“The investigation revealed that they were involved in a fight, at which point Viamil received injuries which caused his death.”

Brian August is Guilty of Causing Death of Vladamir Aguilar

A jury of nine has found Belmopan business man Brian August guilty of causing death by careless conduct. August was charged in connection with an accident in March 2019 that claimed the life of twenty-eight-year-old Vladamir Aguilar. It was alleged that August was driving a Chevy Silverado when he attempted to overtake a bus and collided head on into Aguilar’s motorcycle in the vicinity of Scotland Halfmoon. Aguilar was flung from his bike and he succumbed to his injuries. Almost five years later, August’s fate has been decided. After three hours of deliberation, the jury of nine unanimously reached a guilty verdict. The jury heard addresses from the prosecution and the defense. During his address this morning, prosecutor, Riis Cattouse, asked the jurors to pay keen attention to the elements that the crown must prove against August to substantiate the charge. Cattouse emphasized that August is on trial before the court for causing death by careless conduct. He told the jury that there are several elements that the crown must prove including, that someone died; that the death was caused by unlawful harm; that it was August who caused the death, that August was careless in his driving, and that he was going more than twenty five miles per hour. The law states that when driving in villages, drivers must be within twenty-five miles per hour. In his defense, August admits to knocking down Aguilar but claimed that it was not because he was careless, but because Aguilar was riding his cycle without any lights. Justice Candace Nanton has set sentencing for a later date.

Mahler Responds to FECTAB Complaints

On February twenty-third, the Federation of Cruise Tourism Associations of Belize, FECTAB, held a conference in order to voice complaints about the current state of cruise tourism in Belize. Even though it was reported by the B.T.B. that 2024 is set to be a record breaking year for arrivals, according to the association, local operators are struggling to make even a dollar after a day’s work. Among the complaints were the rising prices of entrance fees for archeological sites. We caught up with Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler for a response to those complaints.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations

“We’ll have to look into that, seriously. I’ve had conversations with all the vendors, all the people who operate out there, actually in, I believe in December we had a big gathering with them. I sat down and spoke to everybody but we have to be able to raise our game all across the country for us to be able to continue to generate the revenues necessary to sustain yourself and your business and your family. And so I’ll sit down and have a conversation with them. They know that we have an open door policy for them, I think the press conferences that they do is just a gimmick and they’re not serious about what they’re saying.”

Britney Gordon

“So about the concerns of the raise in fare to enter archaeological sites, is there anything being done to address that?”

Anthony Mahler

“In this country we have a tendency to undervalue the natural resources that we have, even our cultural resources. You can’t be charging ten dollars to go into Caracol. It makes absolutely no sense for the growth and development of the site. Most of these things will be passed on to the visitors. And there was a lot of noise about, for a little while, about the departure via the airport. But January was a record breaking month and February is on pace to be a record breaking month for overnight. Now, cruise is lagging a little bit behind because there is need for a docking facility, and I keep saying that. But we’re working on that, and I believe we’ll have some announcements very soon. Hopefully within the next few months.”