Movie fans are up in arms online after claiming that Ramada Princess Cinema showed a pirated version of the much-awaited film Sinners during its recent screening. Many attendees took to social media, posting photos and videos that seemed to show a watermark logo bouncing around the screen throughout the movie — a telltale sign of an unauthorized copy. To make matters worse, viewers reported that the video and audio quality were horrible, likening the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.” In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote: “I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.” Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating: “Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?” Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning: “Isn’t that illegal?” News Five tried to reach out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for a comment, but we haven’t heard back yet. We also tried calling the number listed on their Facebook page, but that didn’t work either.
In just an hour, the community will come together for a public meeting. The hot topic? The proposed development of Cayo Rosario, which plans to introduce overwater structures right within the cherished Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Last week, key environmental agencies gave the green light to the Cayo Rosario project, sparking objections from several tourism-related groups in San Pedro. The project was initially approved in 2018 after meeting various environmental requirements, and its Environmental Compliance Plan was updated in 2020. At their recent meeting, the Department of the Environment and other regulatory agencies assured that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with environmental standards. However, concerned groups argue that the project is already violating environmental laws protecting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where Cayo Rosario is located. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Welcome to Cayo Rosario, a six-acre island located west of San Pedro Town, about six miles away, and just a couple of miles across the sea from the newly developed Secret Beach. This privately owned island is at the center of a controversial development proposal to build forty rooms over the sea, which involves driving piles into the seabed to support the structures and piers. This interference with the marine environment is what has islanders up in arms. Roberto Canul, chairman of the San Pedro Tour Operators Association, shares their concerns.
Roberto Canul
Roberto Canul, Chairman, San Pedro Tour Operators Association
“They are building right now a demo building. That means that they are going to show these demo buildings to future buyers. So that means that they’re here to cash in. They’re going to sell these buildings. There’s 40 of them that will go up for sale. And where are they positioned? Where are they being built over the waters. If you need to fill your land, fine, you need to fill your land. But how will you fill your land? Will you fill your land by destroying the ecosystem around it for your benefit? I believe that no. I believe that if you need to develop your land, you need to do it in a way that is not affecting the livelihood of other people, especially the local people in the community.”
Today, we took a boat trip around Cayo Rosario and saw some concerning developments. On the left side of the island, heavy duty equipment was in the sea, with about twenty piles driven into the seabed. Further left, there was a strip of sand bordered by cement blocks. On the right side, a concrete structure was under construction over the sea, about two hundred feet from the island, supported by piles and connected to a pier. This pier in the seabed is what has tour operators and fishermen from nearby San Pedro upset. The former Director of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Miguel Alamilla, is backing their concerns.
Miguel Alamilla
Miguel Alamilla, Former Director, Hol Chan Marine Reserve
“I think we need to scrutinize those environmental impact assessments in greater detail. You know, those researchers are maybe not questionable, but they’re not doing in-depth research that would actually give us proper information about those sites, not only onsite biological research, but social research, local knowledge, traditional knowledge that is here. It’s present and it’s valuable. We worked very hard from 2011 and onwards to extend the marine reserve to include all those areas. So it was a lot of hard work and when it was established in 2015, the reserve was extended. We thought, well, it was a big win for us for conservation, and we thought that, okay, everything was nice and beautiful, safe for conservation. But as you can see today, there are some gaps in the legislation, I believe that is allowing this to proceed.”
Minister of Blue Economy and Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, declined our interview request today. Instead, he pointed us to his appearance on Reef Radio and TV this morning. During the show, Perez emphasized that the Cayo Rosario project would require close monitoring and expressed his belief that the island should never have been sold in the first place.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“Yes, the issue of Cayo Rosario in the very beginning should have never occurred, but it did. And it changed hands, sold. So a lot of people made money before it got to us, from the previous government back then in the P.U.P. days, if you want to call it, that’s when it was sold for land compensation. And then the next government continued when it could have stopped it and said, listen, if you are going to sell this to another person, you must inform who whoever is buying, you must tell them about the requirements. The not only requirements, but the risk that entails buying an island in terms of being on a marine reserve.”
News Five spoke with a representative from the Cayo Rosario project who wished to remain anonymous. While they declined an interview, they mentioned that Cayo Rosario was purchased before that section was declared part of the marine reserve, which was expanded in 2015. Tonight, concerned tourism groups are holding a public meeting in San Pedro to discuss the project. Marion Ali for News Five.
Belizeans from all walks of life are gathered at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to honor the memory of Aurelio Martinez, the beloved Paranda legend whose music transcended borders and touched countless hearts. It’s an evening filled with heartfelt tributes, soulful performances, and poignant reflections on Martinez’s enduring legacy. As the community comes together to celebrate his life and contributions, the atmosphere is one of both sorrow and gratitude, a testament to the profound impact he had on Belizean culture and beyond. Here are the sights and sounds from the Bliss.
Since the 1950s, the Festival of Arts has been a cherished national stage for creative expression. Students from preschool, primary, and secondary schools get to shine, showcasing their talents in drama, dance, singing, and various arts. Earlier today, the excitement kicked off with the Preschool Festival of Arts, featuring delightful performances from thirty-one urban and twenty-eight rural preschools from the Belize District. The festivities will continue into Friday, promising two days of inspiring and heartwarming displays of young talent.
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“Today is the opening of the Preschool Festival of Arts and it’s starting with the Belize District Festival of Arts, but it is also the opening of the entire season for 2025 for the Festival of Arts. And so this is a time of excitement for us, it’s my favorite time and we are just here in support of the Belize District Education Center. This is Belize Rural happening here, simultaneously out in San Pedro as well, it’s underway already and tomorrow we are going to be back for the city schools and then it takes off from there. Toledo on Monday, and thereafter Stann Creek and then they go west and then up north and then we are straight into the Secondary [School] Festival of Arts at the end of the month, taking a couple weeks break and then continuing with primary and in April and then we expect to be back here, of course, for the exciting golden showcase at the end of the month of May.”
Reporter
“How important is this to keep the creative juices of our young students flowing?”
Kim Vasquez
“It’s so important. As I just said in there, it starts right here with the Preschool Festival of Arts. This is the nurturing and the fun and enjoying introduction to the arts that we want for the young students, and we want to see this continue and we want them to have the support and the recognition even at this young age. We know that along with their teachers, they have put in the work and preparation and they are passionate, and they are so vibrant and creative. When you see them on stage, you can’t help but get cold seed. And so, it’s really important that we have this national platform for all our children, from pre-school, all the way up until secondary and beyond.”
Today marks a significant milestone for Belizean music as the legendary Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn celebrates his eighty-ninth birthday. Known for his vibrant performances and contributions to calypso, soca, reggae, and brukdown music, Lord Rhaburn has been a cornerstone of Belizean culture since the 1970s. His band, the Lord Rhaburn Combo, became a household name, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. As he reaches this remarkable age, we honor his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the world of music.
On Thursday, Steinway artist Byron “BK” Davis will take the stage for a solo performance at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. His show, titled ‘Invisible Secret,’ will feature his original music, including a song dedicated to the beauty of Belize, as well as covers of classics by Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to support the theatre and its programs. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
After just one visit, Byron “BK” Davis fell head over heels for Belize. Hailing from the United States, this talented musician specializes in jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul, and can play over a dozen instruments. His first trip was in 2017, and now he’s back, ready to use his musical talents to express his love for this beautiful country.
Byron “BK” Davis
Byron “BK” Davis, Musician
“ When I came to Belize, it was more like a sabbatical after thirty years of hard work as a musician and everything. So I came to Belize just to kick back and to have some time. I don’t know how long I stayed. It was like nine months or better than a year. And I fell in love with Belize. It’s just a wonderful place, wonderful people. The food is matchless. You can’t, it’s just amazing. The food’s amazing. Everybody’s nice. Everybody’s nice. And I decided, I said geez, I’m gonna go back to Belize and finish my audiobook.”
Davis returned to Belize to record an audiobook for his memoir, ‘B.K. Davis Ivory Towers.’ During his visit, he chatted with Kim Vasquez, the director of the Institute of Creative Arts, to brainstorm ways he could give back to the creative community.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, ICA
“Having released that album and having the song about Belize he wanted to come back here to spend some time to do his audio book that he’s working on. And as well, just be back here. He really loves Belize loves our culture, our people, our food, our music. And naturally, he found his way back here to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts to connect with us. That was just before Christmas, and he had barely sat down with me five minutes when he said Kim, whatever you’re doing here at the Bliss. I really want to support it. How can I help? And I said you have an amazing voice. You are a fantastic composer. And if you would just simply do a performance for us, that would go a long way.”
Davis is set to perform a ninety-minute solo concert, showcasing his incredible musical talent as one of the select few Steinway artists in the world. These musicians are handpicked to perform exclusively on Steinway instruments. During the concert, Davis will play his song ‘Down in Belize,’ a track he created to celebrate his love for Belize’s serene beaches.
Byron “BK” Davis
“When I feel like sunbathing nude down in Belize. In the moonlight undulatingsmooth right by the sea you and I both feel so tropical down in Belize where only lovers go. Second verse is dolphins dancing, scarlet macaws singing love themes, mangoes falling, coconut milks oh so sweet, you and I both feel tropical, feel so tropical, down in Belize, where only lovers go. That’s my contribution. And these are really my thoughts my feelings. Belize is the perfect getaway for anybody who wants to take a vacation. Anybody who wants to close, to close things off and study. As for me, this particular trip, I’m completing my audio book.”
Tickets will be sold at fifteen dollars for adults and five dollars for children. The profits will be used to assist with the refurbishing of the Bliss Center and its theatrical projects. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The Belize Carnival Association is pulling out all the stops for its 50th anniversary this year. Earlier this week, the association announced that preparations for the grand celebration are already underway. Chair of the Belize National Celebrations Commission, Francis Fonseca, shared more on what’s in store for this milestone event.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Chair, Belize National Celebrations Commission
“I had a meeting I think about a month or so ago with the Carnival Association, representatives of the Carnival Association, where we discussed the fiftieth anniversary. We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to do something big this year along with them and the National Celebrations Commission. So we want to make that a special focus for this year’s celebration of fifty years of Carnival. And you know, I think it’s a very good opportunity for us to celebrate culture and celebrate the Carnival Association and the work that they are doing. So we’re excited about that.”
Cable TV has had a huge impact on Belizean culture. From the early days of North American shows and ads shaping our choices, to today’s diverse programming, thanks to tech advancements. But it wasn’t always this way. In tonight’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez explores how TV has influenced Belizean culture and the growing demand for more local content. Here’s the report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Have you ever thought about how much cable TV, and before that, on-air TV, have shaped Belizean culture? Just four decades ago, TV was a brand-new phenomenon in Belize.
Kathleen Flowers
Kathleen Flowers, Belize City Resident
“That would be in the big back version, around 1981to the later part of 1981. Because I remember going to high school and we already had black and white TV. But we never had cable as such. We had to stick up the antenna of the TV and put foil paper round it.”
Kathleen Flowers shared her memories of the early days of cable TV in Belize. Before cable, there were just two channels: Channel 9 and Tropical Vision. Channel 9 brought WGNTV, a Chicago station, right into Belizean homes.
Kathleen Flowers
“For us it was Channel 9. Everybody only spoke Channel 9 in the city, because there was not many options and Channel 9 was straight out of Chicago, Illinois, straight die-hard Cubs, anything Chicago, Wrigley Field, the little Bozo show was what children grew up in the 1980 and early nineties. I could remember one Andy Griffith, and another comedy one was the old man, what is his name? The one my father use to enjoy watching. He use to have a little toe dance and would always have heart attacks. Sanford and Sons.”
Chicago-based entertainment, especially sports, became so popular in Belize through WGN that Cubs star Gary Mathews visited in 1985. He was greeted with a parade and celebrations fitting for a king. Evan Tench, President of the Belize Cable Television Operators Association, fondly remembers those days and reflects on how the industry has evolved.
Evan Tench
Evan Tench, President, BCTVOA
“So you had individuals, entrepreneurs started to run cables over the telephone lines, electric lines to people homes. So, you have the signals picked up by satellite and then you would create a multi-head channel and push that to your home through your cable.”
Paul Lopez
How was this a game changer?
Evan Tench
“Well, it was a game changer, because more channels came into play. You were getting first a few dozen and then it increased to where we are now with a couple hundred channels.”
Belize City led the way in this TV evolution. As the country’s population hub, the demand for more channels was high, sparking competition among providers. More cable connections meant TV’s influence in Belize expanded beyond just WGN.
Evan Tench
“The thing is it was easier for us to pick up, because the Americans were launching hundreds of satellites for their customer base, but these signals were reaching us. It was easier for us to put up these big mesh dishes, ten feet, twelve, feet, twenty feet, and we could pick up the signal here to send to the customers.”
Kathleen Flowers
“Back then it was, you can’t get home fast enough to watch the soap operas. Those were the things we use to watch and they affected our homes and many of pots didn’t cook early enough because of soap operas. The mothers were home watching those and they either cook early or hurry finish up before the childe come home. I would watch days of our lives and I know my mother had about four or five of them and the thing is when they done watch she would get on the verandah and she and the neighbor would discuss and anticipate what the next episode will be like.”
In just four decades, technology has leaped forward. Industry leaders have shifted from cable to fiber-to-home transmission. As costs have risen, tech advancements have driven companies to create mobile apps and streaming platforms. While there’s still a craving for North American content, there’s a growing demand for programming that reflects Belizean identity, from sports broadcasts to local shows.
Evan Tench
“Because of the advent of technology there is fast internet and better satellite technology we can get more content from the Caribbean. This has made the product that we are offering much more diverse, cultural, local, regional, that we can offer to the consumer that when the satellite was only picking up spill over content from the U.S.”
Belizeans across the country gathered to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Superbowl Fifty-Nine. The Chiefs were aiming for a historic three-peat, while the Eagles were hoping for an upset. Although American football isn’t the most popular sport in Belize, Superbowl Sunday brings its own excitement. Diehard fans eagerly watched to see their team win, while casual viewers enjoyed the commercials and the halftime show. News Five’s Paul Lopez was out and about on Superbowl Sunday to capture crowd reactions at various hangout spots. Here’s his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
As Superbowl Fifty-Nine kicked off between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, the Riverside Tavern was packed with excited spectators. This is the one time of year when Belizeans are fully immersed in American football, whether they’re cheering for the game, enjoying the memorable commercials, or eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated halftime show.
Superbowl Viewer, Eagles Fan
“Eagles have always been my team in the league, especially when it came to fletcher cox. He was one of my most idolized players. A few years ago, when they won the Superbowl with him in defense. So, I have always been stuck on them.”
Paul Lopez
“A touch down from Eagles, what are you thinking right now?”
Amanda Tillett, Chiefs Fan
“We are in it for the long haul, no worries. The Chief can come back. If you saw the last game, the one to qualify, you know what Chief are made of.”
The Eagles first quarter, seven-point lead certainly had Chiefs fans on the edge of their seats, and Eagles fans ecstatic.
Jessie Benson, Eagles Fan
“First off yes, the Eagles are up right now, which is great. Patrick Mahomes needs to come work for Aquity, the best call center in Belize.”
Superbowl Viewer, Chiefs Fan
“It is still early, it is still the first quarter, we still have three more to go. We have a lot of time to go, so there is still plenty of time for us to come back.”
Next, we headed over to Social Lounge, where Eagles fans were thrilled as their team extended its lead. Chiefs’ fans, however, were still clinging to hope, relying on quarterback Pat Mahomes to turn the game around. The atmosphere was electric, with emotions running high on both sides.
Candice Hamilton, Eagles Fan
“I am rooting for the underdogs this time, no Swifty. So far it is going well, for me I think they started a little slow, playing a lot, losing the ball a lot, but these finals minutes they are stepping it up. I am loving it.”
Paul Lopez
“What are you most excited about, the game or the half-time show. Are you a Kendrick Lamar fan?”
Candice Hamilton
“No, I am not, OVO, OVO.”
Malaki Everette, Chiefs Fan
“Patrick Mahomes, all the ways. He is one of the greatest right now.”
This was the moment we all sat back to enjoy the highly anticipated Kendrick Lamar halftime show. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone eagerly awaited his performance. While Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was exhilarating, the excitement wasn’t over yet—a Superbowl champion still had to be crowned. The anticipation was building as fans eagerly awaited the outcome. Going into the third, the Chiefs were down twenty-four points to zero and they desperately needed a Mahomes miracle. We then made our way to Di Bruwry to catch up with the crowd, including celebrity fan Jubril from Passport Heavy.
Jubril Agoro, Eagles Fan
“It isn’t looking good at all for the Chiefs. This shirt, you may need to take it off.
Paul Lopez
“It is surprising to you any at all, that here in Belize there is a fan base and people interested in the Superbowl?”
Jubril Agoro
“Yeah, this venue and the fanbase, I am definitely surprised. I was like, alright let me go see. I was like oh shit we got real fans. I didn’t know it was going to be like this. Looking at the score, if I had to put money on it, it is the birds baby, it’s the bird.”
Early in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Eagles were on their way to a sure victory. One spectator was so confident that he even offered me a T-shirt to soften the blow of the Chiefs’ impending defeat. The Eagles went on to become the Super Bowl Fifty-Nine Champions.
Eagles Fan
“Woooee. That is baby, Eagles all the way. Blessed, happy happy, deh with the family, blessed, can’t complain. We love the results, hundred percent. Especially with Hurts at the helm, couldn’t doubt him, from that first touchdown, fantastic.”
Chiefs Fan
“We the ride or die breda man, we the ride or die. No, we the dead.”
A Belizean dancer took the stage at the Superbowl yesterday! On Sunday night, tens of millions of people worldwide tuned in to watch one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the United States. This year’s halftime show, featuring musical guest Kendrick Lamar, was a major highlight. Among his dancers was eighteen-year-old Adia Viltz, a Belizean American university student. News Five’s Britney Gordon spoke with her today about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Adia Viltz
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Eighteen-year-old Adia Viltz couldn’t have imagined she’d be dancing on one of the world’s biggest stages. But everything changed when her school sent out an email, urging students to try out for a spot as one of Kendrick Lamar’s backup dancers at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Adia Viltz
Adia Viltz, Belizean Superbowl Dancer
“So we were there for about two weeks doing practice at an off-site location from the stadium. And it was really confidential. We found out about different stuff in bits and pieces, really. But I’d say the week before is when we found out all the information. And everyone was so nice. And we all just were very excited because we all were Kendrick fans. And we were really looking forward to this big opportunity.”
Adia, a filmmaking student at Loyola University in New Orleans, grew up in Belize, attending Belize Elementary School and Belize Christian Academy. She stepped onto the circle stage as one of the dancers, dressed head-to-toe in sleek black.
Adia Viltz
“Yeah, at first I thought I was going to be really nervous because the minute we went into the stadium, it was a bunch of people. Which I’ve never been in an environment like that before, but I honestly was, I was really hyped and super excited and just being there and having all the fans yell and scream and feel, bring up the energy and feel as excited as we were in that moment. It was really awesome and so surreal.”
Even though she didn’t get to meet them face-to-face, Adia says one of the best parts of the night was the brief moments she shared with Kendrick Lamar and SZA. They made sure to show their appreciation for all the dancers’ hard work.
Adia Viltz
“The most fun part was learning all the hidden meanings and secrets in the Super Bowl the day before. That was really cool. And just like hearing Kendrick Lamar encourage us and say thank you for being a part of the show. And just, he acknowledged how hard we were working. That was the highlight of my entire year. I was so excited. I did have a small moment with SZA though, because we had just finished. And I was standing waiting for the next move and she literally came right next to me and everyone that was around me, we all were waving hi and screaming and she saw us and she waved hi and she did like this.”
Adia shares that her mom, who has always been her biggest supporter, pushed her to go for it and apply, even though Adia had doubts.
Adia Viltz
“ I really hope everyone was inspired by this because before I didn’t think that I would get a really big opportunity like this. It felt so surreal in my mind and insane to imagine. But despite that, I still did my best and I tried my best and I still applied. And because of that, I feel I was able to do that really big event. So I would just say for everyone watching that they should go after their dreams, no matter what. And even if someone’s impossible or, Oh, you should do something else. Don’t listen to them, listen to your heart and do what you want to do.”
