Cayo District - Channel 5 Belize

P.U.P. and U.D.P. Nominates Municipal Slates in Belmopan

In the Capital City, both major political parties are fielding candidates for March sixth. This morning, the People’s United Party’s candidates paraded through the streets of Belmopan on their way to be nominated inside the Belmopan Civic Center. The United Democratic Party candidates followed in the afternoon with a motorcade. News Five’s Paul Lopez was in Belmopan. Here is his report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The People’s United Party says it is on track to secure a second consecutive municipal victory in the City of Belmopan. And this morning, at approximately ten a.m. the party’s seven municipal candidates were officially nominated inside the Belmopan Civic Center.

Pablo Cawich, Belmopan Mayoral Candidate, P.U.P.
“We started campaigning last year June, that is when we started hitting the ground. The slate was already complete and that is when we started engaging the residents to get information as to what their concerns for the city were.”

Cawich and his team of candidates held a procession from Cemetery Road in Belmopan to the Civic Center. They were joined by at least a hundred supporters wearing the party’s “Stay Pan Track” t-shirts and waving the party colors.

Pablo Cawich
“A lot of the working class in Belmopan is not able to come out at this time. Likewise, they don’t truly show any political support when it is time that they can come out as well. It is one of the realities of Belmopan, that the crowd size will always be different than other municipalities.”

The United Democratic Party was scheduled to submit the names of their nominees at two p.m. Unlike the PUP’s procession, Mayoral Candidate Jacklyn Burns and her team of councilor candidates held a motorcade that began in front of the home of former UDP Area Representative John Saldivar.

Jacklyn Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan
“He has been an active part of the campaign. I am happy to have him as our strategist for this campaign. His knowledge of political games are what contributes to our daily movements and so we are excited to be affiliated with him. The PUPs even recognize it with that super big billboard and we are happy to have him here.”

In 2021 the United Democratic Party lost the municipal election in Belmopan to PUP’s Sharon Palacio. That year the UDP was only able to garner thirty-two percent of the votes casted in the Capital City. Burns, a former Belmopan City councilor, was also the UDP’s Mayoral Candidate at the time.

Jacklyn Burns

“I am a teacher by profession and it is report card day on March sixth. Let’s see what the people has to say. That is all I have to say.”

Paul Lopez

The people did however speak resoundingly at the last election, so the question is, what in roads have the UDP made in Belmopan?

Jacklyn Burns
“A lot of people who study politics and study elections would tell you that there is a certain demographic of Belizeans who vote out instead of in and the type of service we have had from the blue politicians in Belmopan left a lot to be desired to say it nicely.”

John Saldivar was present to show his support to the Burns and her slate. They walked away from the Civic Center in a friendly embrace. He however decided to remain out of the limelight and declined requests for an interview. On the other hand, Oscar Mira, the P.U.P. Area Representative for Belmopan did not shy away from the cameras. He says his relationship with Cawich is well; something he could not say for the outgoing PUP Mayor.

Oscar Mira, P.U.P. Area Representative, Belmopan
“The relationship has been well. We have sat down and managed to look at what Belmopan needs, needs of the residents and voters and we can’t do it alone. It has to be a collaborative effort and working together with City Council and Area Representative, many things can be achieved. The previous council we had our difficulties, but that did not stop me from doing the work. If you notice, Belmopan had work from the time I got elected all the way up to now. We never stopped. So any work that is happening right now are scheduled world and not just because election. With Pablo Cawich as the Mayor of Belmopan I think our relationship is going to be stronger and better.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Meet the Candidates of Benque Viejo Del Carmen

The time is drawing nearer to the 2024 municipal elections. On March sixth, Belizeans from all over the country will gather at the polling stations in their respective city or town to cast their votes for the new council. Until then, electoral candidates set off on their campaign trail, visiting the homes of voters in their area in the hopes of securing vote in their favor. Tonight, we are heading west to the town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen where you will be introduced to the mayoral candidates of the People’s United Party and The United Democratic Party, as well as a few of their councilors. Here is tonight’s episode of Meet the Candidates.

Marco Tesucum, U.D.P Mayoral Candidate, Benque

“My name is Marco Antonio Tesucum. Most people know me as Marky. I have lived here all my life and I have been a teacher for approximately thirty-five years and so basically I know most of these people in this town. We are looking forward to work with the institutions, the high schools especially, and try to assist them as much as we can with students. Many students go to classes without, um, breakfast perhaps, or even though they might go, but they might not have for lunch. So we are planning, for example, on a Saturday, they can work at least half day and they can earn some money for their week.”

Jorge Rosales, P.U.P Mayoral Candidate, Benque

“So really why I got into politics. I’m the mayor of Benque Viejo at the moment, 2021 to 202. And why I got in into the mayor candidacy was because the area where I live, which is at the Carolina area up in the hills, we never had the roads fixed and I was a contractor at a time. Being a contractor I had some vehicles and the way of life that was over there. I didn’t like it. So I decided, I said one day I will be mayor and I’m trying to come and fix everything that is wrong in Benque. We will try to implement two hundred thirty works like call center and remove the where the, bus terminal is at the moment, which is not a terminal. It’s just a parking area where they’re parking and move, uh, Make a central bus terminal by the cancha where that’s where the call center will be and that will bring in the socio- economic businesses to a point that will be the center area of Benque Viejo”.

George Iglesias, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate

“I’m pushing for opportunities for the young people, for single mothers. For a better like clinic, have a 24 hours clinic so people don’t have to go to Ignacio. So that’s about it. And how is the campaign going so far? It’s going very good. I think we do have an opportunity for the 6th of March. I think we’re gonna OUT 0:33 come out victorious.”

Jenny Martinez, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate

“I’m a medical scientist by profession and an entrepreneur in Benque and I’m looking forward to serve my community, which is a passion of mine. We are campaigning on various issues social issues, education. Health is one of my priorities. Prioritize the health sector, education, and the social well being of the community on a whole.”

Britney Gordon

“What inspired you to join the campaign this year?”

Maria Martinez, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate

“Of course my love for my beautiful town and to also to uplift it from where it is. To take it to another level because my whole life I’ve been a teacher and I’ll always look for the benefit of everybody in this country, the children, the adults and the youths in a whole. So that’s where got my inspiration and because I’ve also been in politics before. So I feel like I have that to be with the people and help people.”

Shamir Polido, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate

“We have a lot of youths in BenqueViejo and if I go in the municipality on March seventh, I want to help the youths to start their new businesses. Start giving them incentive so they can prosper. Or also, help them with trainings or other forms of materials so they can use for their businesses.”

What Are Residents Benque Viejo Hopeful For This Election?

Last weekend was bustling with activity in Benque Viejo, as both U.D.P. and P.U.P. candidates set off to continue their campaign trail and secure voters for the upcoming municipal elections. Leading the red campaign is former councilor and first-time mayoral candidate, Marco Tesucum, while the blue is led by current Mayor of Benque Viejo, Jorge Rosales. Tesucum believes that there is much social work to be done in the area with an emphasis on youth involvement, while Rosales seeks to further the development him and his team accomplished in infrastructure and industry development. Ultimately, it will be the voters who decide who is most fit to fill the positions. We visited Benque Viejo to find out what the residents of Benque Viejo are most hopeful for this election, Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon With that report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Although quiet in the weeks approaching elections, Benque Viejo is still decorated with banners and flags, signaling the big event to come and the PUP and UDP parties are both hard at work on their campaign trails trying to secure the votes for the big day. The UDP candidates who were out in the afternoon comprised of Mayoral candidates, Marco Tesucum and his councilors who emphasize their desire to assist the youths in the community through sports programs, jobs, and education.

Marco Tesucum, Mayoral Candidate, U.D.P.

“We are looking forward to work with the institutions, the high schools especially, and try to assist them as much as we can with students. Many students go to classes without, um, breakfast perhaps, or even though they might go, but they might not have for lunch. So we are planning, for example, on a Saturday, they can work at least half day and they can earn some money for OUT 2:00 their week”

The PUP candidates are comprised of current mayor, Jorge Rosales and his councilors who are seeking to further their infrastructural work and create job opportunities.

Jorge Rosales, Mayoral Candidate, P.U.P.

“We will try to implement two hundred thirty works like call center and remove the where the, bus terminal is at the moment, which is not a terminal. It’s just a parking area where they’re parking and move, uh, Make a central bus terminal by the cancha where that’s where the call center will be and that will bring in the socio-economic businesses to a point that will be the center area of OUT 3:51 Benque Viejo”.

But what are the residents of Benque Viejo asking for come March sixth? We asked a few residents what they are hoping to see implemented in their hometown. Some residents expressed a desire to see further infrastructural development.

Britney Gordon

“What are some concerns that you have about Benque and what are you hopeful for this upcoming election?”

Elias Castellanos, Resident, Benque

“Well, just to make them fix good then streets.”

Britney Gordon

“What’s one change that you would like to see implemented as a result of the upcoming elections?”

Raul Jimenez, Resident, Benque

“Well, one result I would like to see is that they can kind of fix the streets because there’s where Like places, like up there, there’s like a lot of streets that have a lot of holes, so when it rains a lot, it gets really muddy, really horrible to be in there.”

Alongside the roadworks, a reoccurring issues was the need for jobs in the area.

Marion Ali

“The next municipal government, which will be elected on March sixth, what would you like for them to address?”

Errol Coleman, Resident, Benque

“As I have been seeing from them is that they have been working on it, make them keep it on working and on, and if they could develop more, what. We have not been seen here in Benque or what we usually is, we need is that create more employees for the youth that they come on for from high school or whatsoever. It’s, they prefer to go outside. It’s something that we doesn’t have as much as creating maybe one call center here. Jobs, like great jobs so that people could have their money.”

Britney Gordon

“What are you hoping come out of this election?”

Gustavo, resident

“We all hope that if the government changes or not we need jobs in this town. People are jobless here.”

Whether the vote will skew red or blue, only time will tell on March sixth. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Man Loses Life in Santa Elena RTA

One man is dead following a road traffic accident involving a taxi and a motorcycle on Saturday evening in Santa Elena Town. Twenty-seven-year-old Jorge Cocom was driving the taxi, while twenty-four-year-old Marvin Caceres was driving the motorcycle when both automobiles collided on George Price Avenue. Unfortunately, Caceres succumbed to his injuries. Cocom has since been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution. We spoke with Marvin’s brother, Melvin Caceras, over the phone. We also heard from ACP Hilberto Romero about the incident.

On the phone: Melvin Caceras, Brother of Deceased

“Marvin just came from work. He passed my house and he and my next brother went to river to bath when I get a call saying that my little bro had an accident. I was in Benque and I came to Santa Elena and I saw the motroycle from my little bro and the vehicle of Jorge Cocom. He is a taxi driver. By that time I asked him what happened, he said he was going towards the car wash and my little brother was passing and he never saw them. He ran up into them. So I call my mom and she told me my little brother dead. Now Jorge Cocom he nuh get charged. He never get locked down. Now the problem is, they said why we pick up Marvin to take him to the hospital. They said we couldn’t pick him up. So, now ih look like they want to charge my cousin and wife because deh pick him up.”

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Police responded to reports of a fatal RTA at Santa Elena Town. Upon their arrival they saw a Toyota car with extensive damage. Also seen was a motorcycle with damages. The driver of the car was identified as Jorge Cocom and the drive of the motorcycle was identified as Marvin Caceras. Marvin Caseros was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation is being carried out at this time to determine if any charges will be levied.”

Meet the Belmopan Municipal Candidates for the U.D.P. and P.U.P.

Tonight, we continue with our weekly coverage of the upcoming municipal elections. In this installment of Meet the Candidates, we take you to the City of Belmopan, the nation’s Capital. Both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party are fielding candidates for March sixth. So, who are these aspiring municipal leaders and why did they decide to run for office. News Five’s Paul Lopez travelled to Belmopan to hear from both mayoral candidates and a couple of their councilor candidates. Here is what he found out about them.

Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“I believe that the PUP is the best party in Belize. This party has been behind some of the movements the people have clamored for, for example independence. There are others of course. So, that would be one of the first reasons why. My dad was also a representative for the PUP for Belmopan as well as Cayo South and for myself, the option of which party it was, was very clear. This is the best party for representing the people.”

Jacklyn Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“I always tell people that God dictates my journey because I never aspired to be a mayor or I never had it in my dream. But what I know I want to do is to be actively involved in assisting people, being in a mayoral seat, being a counselor allows for access to resources, it widens the expanse of what you are able to do, the amount of people you are able to reach and contributes to the development of your country. That is the whole goal, the bigger picture.”

Chris Enriquez, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“One of the biggest reasons I decided to enter into politics is because youths tend to shy away from politics and I wanted to encourage youths to be a part of politics. By us taking part in politics, it gives us an inclusive society for sustainable development and so I am trying to be the one to advocate for the youths and be the voice for the youths.”

Radin Santos, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Yes I am son of the soil, born and raised in Belmopan, proud to say that I have attended scholl in Belmopan, right from the preschool, junior school, upper school, Belmopan Comprehensive and the University of Belmopan. I believe I am a people person. Majority of the people in Belmopan know me as a sport enthusiast. I have a passion for sports. In particular if I was to chose, I would say volleyball is my first preference, but I love all sports.”

Paul Casey, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Most people know me as “Supa P”, the DJ. Born and raised in Belmopan, I am a song of the soil. Most people know my mother too. She is the person that created or started the first preschool in Belmopan, from 1984 to present. She is still there and I don’t know when she will leave. The way how Belmopan is right now, is not the way how we know it growing up when we had activities and people helped out each other and were united together.”

Leslie Zelaya, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“It is just the love for the community. As it is, through my business I have been able to reach and help a lot of people within the community, whether it be with assistance with medical or needing to send their kids to school and stuff like that. While it might not be much it has helped a lot. It just wants to get the networking and be able to do more for the community. Having a small business I am a bit limited in that, but not only that, but to see the community move forward.”

Who Will Take Over the Reins in Belmopan on March 6th?

There are a number of issues that Belmopan residents are expecting their elected municipal leaders to address. The upkeep of streets and drains are among those concerns, as well as debris and garbage collection. There is also a high demand for more family-friendly activities in the nation’s capital. On a political level, both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have public perception to contend with. Outgoing P.U.P. Mayor, Sharon Palacio is considered highly controversial and the former U.D.P. Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar, who the U.S designated as significantly corrupt, is a close ally of the U.D.P.’s mayoral candidate. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Belmopan stands out in the upcoming municipal elections, because it is the nation’s capital. It is considered the fastest growing population center in the country. Residents of the municipality expect their elected city council officials to meet the demands of this growing city..

Eva Aranda, Belmopan Resident

“Honest to you I live here for twenty years and where I live, the street, there is no light by the street. Everything dark and whenever people stealing stuff and different houses, we cant see them people, it really dark.”

P.U.P. mayoral candidate, Pablo Cawich says infrastructural development is high on the list of demands from residents.

Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“A couple of the main issues that they bring up are streets, drainage, because there are many areas in Belmopan that floods out when it gets rain, because Belmopan loved to rain. Another issue is lighting.”

United Democratic Party’s mayoral candidate, Jackyln Burns, says the residents she has engaged on the campaign trail are of the view that the city is broken. She contends that Belmopan has been neglected by the outgoing P.U.P. city council administration.

Jackyln Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“People feel like Belmopan is broken. The potholes are not something we are use to. We are use to our green areas being nicely tapered. We have a certain pride in saying Belmopan is our home and we want it to reflect this nicely kept area. That is a priority for people.”

The U.D.P.’s campaign slogan in the Capital City is, “Make Belmopan Vibrant Again”. It is a reflection of the demand for more youth and family-friendly activities. Both parties are hoping to fill this gap with the youthful candidates that they are fielding.

Voice of: Belmopan Resident

“Belmopan is known to be the dead and “boringess” place in the country of Belize. We need some recreational centers mainly for youths, not mainly for youths, the general public.”

Paul Casey, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“I am a DJ at trade, for entertainment part that is my strong hold. I will know what activities to do and create, because we have the kids, the high schoolers. We have the tertiary level, the adults and the senior citizens. So we have to think outside the box whereby everybody can work together or something for everybody to help each other and something attractive where it can be family friendly, because that is one of the major complaint, we don’t have any family friendly stuff.”

Chris Enriquez, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“For me, advocating for the youths, many of them feel comfortable reaching out to me. A lot of the concerns are that there is not enough activities in terms of sports, afterschool programs, academics. So for me to be in the position to advocate for them, I know what we like. It puts us in a good position because we now have a voice. Many times in politics it is the same older heads over and over and so for us to have fresh ideas, perspective and the energy to address pressing issues, I think it is a plus.”

But there is a dark cloud over the People’s United Party’s in Belmopan that stems from public perception of the outgoing city council. Mayor Sharon Palacio was elected three years ago under the P.U.P. banner as the first woman mayor in the Capital City. But, she was easily one of the most controversial mayors the city has seen to date. Will Mayor Palacio’s performance cause the P.U.P. to lose significant support in Belmopan?

Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“The support for, specifically for this team has been overwhelming. We have been getting a lot of support from residents. Everybody has said that we have this already, but we can’t take that for granted. We have to continue pounding the ground, putting in the work and ensure that we listen to all the concerns that residents have.”

Burns, on the other hand, contends that residents are looking to the U.D.P. to take back the reins in Belmopan.

Jaclyn Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“It is definitely what I am hearing in the campaign trail so we will see what it translates into the ballot box come March sixth nuh, and it is my expectation we will see the results we are expecting.”

And, Burns’ candidacy is shrouded by its own controversy. Her opponents erected a billboard along the Belmopan Ring Road displaying her face next to former Belmopan Area Representative, John Saldivar. It is no secret that in November 2022, the US State Department designated Saldivar as ”significantly corrupt”, barring him from entering the U.S. Taking a stab at Burns’ campaign slogan, the billboard reads, “Make Belmopan Significantly Corrupt Again”.

Jackyln Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“In our school we teach our kids not to be bullies, so I would not expect that at this level of a leadership competition, but about my face being tied to John Saldivar I have no issues with that. I have worked for John Saldivar, I have been his friend for so long and people who might not know him might believe all that I said about him, but having worked closely with him, having lived two houses down from him every since I was a little girl and having seen the work that Belmopan has gotten as a result of his leadership. I can say I am proud to be affiliated with the gentleman.”

Leslie Zelaya, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belmopan

“Without trying to be bias, if there was something to say, if there was some sort of proof, Mr Saldivar would be going to court and to make Jackie guilty by association is, I would like to think we are all innocent until proven guilty.”

Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan

“The sign itself, I don’t agree with it, but it is a reality in politics and sometimes the residents need to be reminded of the past and associations. Birds of a feather flock together right.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Shalliney Oliva: Set to Audition for AGT

Fourteen-year-old Shalliney Oliva has a dream to share her gift of singing with the judges of America’s Got Talent. If she makes it past her virtual auditions on February twenty-fifth, she may be the first Belizean to showcase her talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. We visited her in San Ignacio to learn why this is important to Shalliney and her family and how she is preparing for the opportunity. Here’s Sabreena Daly with this week’s Look on the Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

In a few weeks, Shalliney Oliva will take a chance by proving to producers of America’s Got Talent that she has what it takes to share her gift of singing with a panel of judges on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Luis Oliva, Father

“I always said, you know what, even if she doesn’t make it this time, we’ll reapply again. And not only to America’s Talent, but to different other auditions in the U. S. And so, you know, until she gets there, because she’s just getting better and better.”

Her parents are more than certain that their daughter has the potential to put Belize on the map in a new way.

Luis Oliva

“We have always heard her singing in the bathroom, in the house, and so forth, but never took a mic to actually sing. And after that, we were just like surprised, even our friends, you know, they were so surprised at how Shaliney can sing so well.”

Elida Oliva, Mother
“All I can do is provide support and that is even when it comes to emotional support to let her feel confident about herself and let her know that she can do this.”

Shalliney Oliva, Auditioning for AGT
“When I realized that I could sing, I started to watch shows on YouTube, like different shows, The Voice, and that’s how I came across America’s Got Talent. And just watching others display their talent, I said to myself that someday I want to be up there.”

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you love singing?”

Shalliney Oliva

“Well, I think the reason why I love singing is, well, you know, everyone goes through something and I think singing is just a way to help me cope with my emotions and just to help me control them better and just to let me express myself as well.”

Over at St. Ignatius High School, all support is being given to the young talent. Vice Principal Diana Gentle says the school is proud to have her representing their institution.

Diana Gentle, Vice Principal, St. Ignatius High School
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the institution where Shalliney is attending. We are definitely looking forward to the 25th of February and we will be rooting for her. In fact, we have asked our student population to ensure that they subscribe to Shalliney’’s YouTube channel because we want the word to get out. If it doesn’t happen for her this year, it will definitely happen for her. In the near future.”

Leading up to February twenty-fifth, preparation is key. Her father, Luis Oliva, sought a trainer for Shalliney to ensure that she is in shape for her big day.

Luis Oliva

“In September, she started music school with the idea to get her better because when we saw the videos and so forth, there are little technicalities that she has to work on, which she has mastered a lot of and she’s still getting better. So it was not actually only for AGT, but to professionally get her better.”

Shalliney Oliva
“I go to Allegro, and my teacher is Mr. Yo Elvis. Right now, we do like, every class session, when I come, he would also, um, he would always let me do warm ups to get my voice ready. And then, sometimes, we focus on songs and stuff, but right now, we’re focusing only on technical.”

And, as Shalliney prepares herself physically and mentally, her mother, Elida, recognizes that this opportunity is deeper than just their daughter getting a shot. They are representing their country.

Shalliney Oliva

“I just need to encourage her and let her believe that, you know, this is a step forward, not only for her, but she’s representing our family, all Belizeans, um, home and abroad. And there will be challenges, but to embrace them and look at them in a positive way.”

Should Shalliney make it past the auditions, she will begin fundraising for her journey to the live shows in May. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Quality Foods, More Than Just Chicken

You may know them for various meat products, but Quality would like to remind you that, these days they have much more to offer than just poultry. Quality Foods restaurant and store located in San Ignacio has a selection that ranges from groceries to pastries, drinks to deli meats and so much more. Today, we stopped by their store and restaurant to get a better idea of what it’s all about. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Quality Foods supermarket and Quality Express, opened their doors in November 2023 and has since prided itself in being the one-stop shop for all your needs. Located at the corner of Branch Mouth Road and Joseph Andrews Drive in San Ignacio, this store delivers on convenience, cost, and of course, quality.

Andre Salgado, Manager, Quality Poultry Products

“It’s a fairly new business that we opened in San Ignacio. So it’s a two part operation. So we have Quality Foods which is a distributor of quality poultry products. So the idea is when people hear the name quality poultry products, they only think chicken. And that has been going on. We’ve been in the industry for over forty-seven years so some people only associate the name Quality Poultry with chicken. So what we’re trying to do in San Ignacio is, we’re trying to move away from that. And so we have named the grocery store quality foods.”

Whether you’re searching for a familiar favorite, or you fancy something foreign, Quality Foods has got it too. With an array of locally sourced vegetables and meats, you can create a meal you’ll be proud to serve at your family’s table.

Andre Salgado

“One thing that a lot of people don’t know about Quality Poultry is that we don’t do a high profit margin on most of our items. So for instance, all our greens, it’s priced really low, and that’s rice, beans, flour, sugar, because again, when you think of a Sunday dinner, you think rice and beans and your chicken, so of course we have the chicken here, so why not make the, some of the items affordable?”

And if you’re feeling peckish while you shop, Quality Foods has a solution. Their in-house deli is stocked with delicious meats and cheeses that a chef will turn into a sub right before your eyes.

Andre Salgado

“First of its kind, of course in any one of the quality poultry stores. We decided to do something a little bit different. We wanted to showcase more Belizean products. And so we have a wide variety of cheeses from different producers in Belize Cave Branch. I don’t know if you know what Cave Branch produces locally made cheese. So we have cheese from Cave Branch. As well, hams we do have locally produced hams and the entire idea with the deli is we wanted it to be that you can come and you can choose what type of ham you want specifically and what quantity out you want.”

The deli also offers a variety of freshly baked goods such as meat pies, patties, and sausage rolls. For those with a sweet tooth, Quality Foods also offers baked goods, delivered fresh every day.

Andre Salgado

“We do have a wide variety of pastries including a different variety of cheesecakes, some lemon pies, bread puddings. And another good thing about quality poultry sounding natural is that same thing. We have suppliers that come in every day that brings brownies, cupcakes, and they’re also seasonal. So when it was Christmas, we had Christmas cakes and we had the black cakes and the regular white cake. So same thing for Valentine’s. We have Valentine’s cake. And of course, we’re budget friendly.”

And the day doesn’t have to end when you’ve completed your grocery shopping. You and your family can head next door to Quality Express. With seating capacity for over two hundred fifty persons, Quality Express is prepared to serve your family, no matter how big or small.

Andre Salgado

“What makes us stand out from any other restaurant here in Belize and San Ignacio and most of the quality poultry chains, we have a drive through. This building as well in San Ignacio, we do have a drive through here. Again, we’re all for convenience. We’re all about family. We’re all about, whatever lifestyle quality lifestyle.”

Quality Express brings out all when it comes to chicken. From wings to burgers, quesadillas, salads and even locally sourced chicken pepperoni pizza, they’ve got it all and with a selection of desserts such as soft serve ice-cream and freshly baked cookies, and a playground located just outside, Quality Express is the perfect place for every child.

Andre Salgado

“So we have serve ice cream machine. So we have different flavors of ice cream and it’s available daily. And it’s not the same flavor that’s available every week. So you come this week, maybe we have cheesecake. Next week we’ll have chocolate. But we always have vanilla. As well with the ice cream. You can make a Sunday. We make Sunday so you can just ask the cashiers and they will let you know what specific Sunday we have available. Sometimes we have Oreo. So it all depends on what your preference is. Another thing about Chicken Express besides making fresh food is that every day we make fresh cookies. So every day you come in and you get freshly baked cookies available at Chicken Express San Ignacio. Actually, next week we’re gonna be introducing a soda fountain machine as well.”

And no matter how many new items are introduced Quality, wouldn’t be quality without their chicken.

Andre Salgado

“What we do in all quality poultry countrywide is that we have something called mix and match. So what that is that if you purchased twenty-five pounds of any chicken products, you get the wholesale price, right? So the wholesale price is a discount off the normal price, right? And it’s a significant discount. So you mix it to what you want and as long as it reaches the twenty-five pound, then the system automatically gives you the wholesale price for those chicken items. And that also goes for our processed products because, again, a lot of people don’t know that at Quality Poultry, we do make sausages. So we have habanero sausage, we have smoked sausage, we have breakfast sausage, we have chicken ham slices, we have turkey ham slices. So, again, we do offer a wide array of products, but it’s just that a lot of people don’t know what we have.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

A Taiwanese Diplomat is Victim of Home Invasion at Central Farm

A home invasion in Central Farm, Cayo District ended with a Taiwanese diplomat being held up at gunpoint by a pair of armed intruders. The incident happened on Saturday when the victim of the aggravated burglary reported to police that upon hearing his dog barking, he stepped outside to investigate the issue. It was at that time that the duo pounced on him, bound him inside the residence and robbed of an assortment of personal items. Here’s more from Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On the thirtieth day of December, police responded to an aggravated burglary Central Farm. Upon arrival they met a complainant who reported that he heard his dogs barking. He came out, at which point he was held up by two male persons armed with firearms. He was taken inside, tied up and he received injuries during the process. Thereafter, the male persons stole cash and electronic items, after which the persons fled from the area. We have no suspects at this time.”

Reporter

“Do you believe that they knew who they were going after.”

Hilberto Romero

“Yeah. He was targeted because they had information that he was there.”