The Belize Elite Basketball League’s 2024 finals between the Benny’s Belize Hurricanes and the Belize City Defenders remain in Limbo. Tonight, when a possible game five would have been played, there is no confirmed date for the series to resume. After the Hurricanes protested the results of the Defender’s game three win, the matter ended up in the hands of the league’s protest committee. The committee ruled in favor of the Hurricanes. The Defenders then decided to take the matter up to the league’s appeals committee. But the question on the mind of every B.E.B.L. fan is, when will the finals resume? Well, we spoke with B.E.B.L. Commissioner Glenn Gill who informed us that the appeals committee has decided that the controversial game three will be replayed.
Glenn Gill
Glenn Gill, B.E.B.L. Commissioner
“Actually yesterday there was a decision made from the Appeals Committee that the game would be played over. But unfortunately, the Volleyball Association will use the court for two weeks. So we wont have the use of the court until the twenty-sixth of July. So that is when we will play over game three.”
Paul Lopez
“So, the decision of the appeals committee is to have the game played over?”
Glenn Gill
“Yes, because they looked at all the literature, the game, the game clips, they decided it would be unfair to play the game from where there was a disruption. And, it would not be fair for both teams. So, they decided it is best to just play over the game.There are two committees in the league, a protest/disciplinary committee and a tribunal. In my opinion both have people who have legal mind and both have people who know basketball. Last year we had some up and downs with a decision. But this year before the tournament started decided that whatever the tribunal says is the last word is the last word. So whatever they decide we will go with it.”
Lobster season opens on July first, which means that tourist destinations are gearing up for lobster festivities. Placencia will be hosting the first of three lobster fests scheduled for this year. The small, slow paced, coastal community has been putting on its lobster fest for almost three decades. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and most entertaining yet. News Five’s Paul Lopez travelled down to the peninsula on Thursday. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Placencia Lobster Fest is a once-a-year event that draws thousands of visitors to the village without fail.
Doyle Gardner
Doyle Gardner, Owner, Doyle’s Smoke Yard
“Party and great energy, foodie a foodie paradise, people love it.”
The start of the lobster season is such a big deal for residents that it is worthy of having its own song.
Doyle Gardner
“Ih name spinny spinny…..it is the best.”
Placencia Loster Fest was launched in 1998 by the then village council and members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association Placencia Chapter. Elysia Dial, now the general manager at Barefoot Bar, joined the organizing team in 2001. The festival was established to help businesses in the tourist destination earn much needed income during the low tourist season.
Elysia Dial
Elysia Dial, General Manager, Barefoot Bar
“At first it was more like a rice and beans fest to be honest. We actually had to put out a rule for vendors to have some lobster dish on their menu because it is lobster fest. Originally, you know the parking lot, that is where lobster fest started out. It was just towards that cement pavement which was shell gas station. And that is where lobster fest was. One year we had a big wind storm come through right after Bowen and Bowen set up the tents and they crashed up into the house and there was no electricity. It was a lot of thing but we still got lobster fest going.”
Marcelo Sierra, the founder and former owner of Omar’s Little Kitchen, was among the first to participate in Placencia’s lobster fest. He has since handed over the restaurant to his children, but their presence at the weekend festivities continues.
Marcelo Sierra
Marcelo Sierra, Former Business Owner
“It was not as big and bombastic like now. Now dah some wild event the take place and different era, different people the different kind of businesses and so it grow a lot. So kudos to who the out deh the bun up deh eyes, I get enough of that.”
Reporter
“And I understand your restaurant had some sort of unique lobster dish in the days.”
Marcelo Sierra
“Yeah we started with a kind of a cultural way of doing our lobster. We started with fire heart. We never use no gas range. All we had to do dah get some mango, craboo and grapes and people want to see it done culturally. A lot of business stray from that which is not good. Omar’s still have a fire heart outside, my daughter still dash thing pan that. I try mek deh keep it culturally. If you the do it culinary wise and culturally people wah love that because deh wah the pass and get that smell.”
In 2023, Doyle Gardner won the prize for best lobster dish at the event. He is returning to defend his title and he hopes that the number of chefs participating in the competition this year will increase from the handful that participated in the 2023.
Doyle Gardner
“I did a big lobster. I did it open cooked, charred first and then roasted garlic butter. My plating I think was what really won it. I used a big calabash. I still have that calabash upstairs. I should have brought that, but on the bottom of the young coconut leaf, half the coconut and the rice on top of that. I didn’t have any horns so I took some branches from the miniature bamboo shoots and stuck them in their and that was a part of the design pretty much. I already made my menu and everything. I just came off of vacation. I was in Barbados and San Pedro I am working on that title to keep that title. I already have my idea but I am not going to give it away right now.”
Fisherfolks are the backbone of Placencia Lobster Fest. They make it possible for hungry visitors to have that sea-to grill-to table experience. Kurt Godfrey Senior is a second generation fisherman. Long before Placencia Lobster Fest was established, Godfrey would go free diving for lobsters with his father off the coast of the peninsula. His children are doing lobster catching these days.
Kurt Godfrey Sr.
Kurt Godfrey Sr., Fisherman
“First we were free divers as my late father was the founder of free diving. It became a sport. Time change and we learn that you put shade which is a hidden under and then fast-forward the government sent us to Mexico and w learnt about casitas. Casitas is one I want to invent in Belize because it is a healthy way of catching lobster.”
Paul Lopez
“So for you being environmentally conscious is important.”
Kurt Godfrey Sr.
“That dah how I become a pro, because I environmental happy ever since I learn scuba and free dive. I throw back my young lobster, my females I throw them back, especially when they have eggs and people could tell you, my workers can tell you that I did that.”
Paul Lopez
“For lobster fest on average how much lobster can a fisherman sell for lobster fest celebration.”
Kurt Godfrey
“Talking for myself, from the casitas I could probably sell about two hundred pounds of whole live lobster.”
The festival begins on July fifth and ends on July seventh. A variety of entertainment and competitions have been organized for each of the three days. Warren Garbutt, the chairman of the village, says there will be no shortage of fun and food.
Warren Garbutt
Warren Garbutt, Chairman, Placencia Village
“The event start very early on Friday around midday and then it goes to about two o’clock, two a.m. and then it starts again Sunday morning at ten and then it goes to about two a.m. and then Sunday again from ten until midnight. There is plenty of entertainment at the lobster fest grounds. It has grown tremendously over the years. We have a total of ninety booths this year. Of course mixed with food vendors, arts and craft, NGOs present sharing some the sustainable efforts. So it is a mix of different organizations and vendors.”
KTV The Remix is back! It’s bigger, better! It’s season six. We’ve already held the auditions, and wow, Belize! You showed up and showed out! Out of the thirty-three fantastic singers who auditioned, our superstar judges have picked the top twelve. And these aren’t just any judges. We’re talking about the legendary Jenny Lovell, the charismatic Andazi, and the brilliant producer Viannie Reyes. They know talent when they see it, and they’ve chosen the crème de la crème to compete for the ultimate prize.
This year, we had a lot of participants from other districts. Reyes said, “This year we experienced a lot of out district…all the way from PG, all the way from San Pedro. We have three from San Pedro. We have about three from Cayo, San Ignacio, to be specific. And we have two from the south.”
KTV The Remix Season Six Auditions (Contestants’ images in promotions do not imply selection for KTV The Remix Six.)
The audition taping airs tonight on Channel 5 at 8 p.m.
And getting the list down to twelve finalists was challenging. “It was really extremely difficult. We took about approximately three hours to really get to the bottom of who we think is best,” shared Reyes.
“They came with talent. So definitely this year will be, I can say, a little bit top, like topping last year’s talent.”
“So they will be getting a call tomorrow after the audition show; they will be getting that phone call tomorrow, telling them that they made it to this season. And the marketing begins for them. We do have Giselle O’Brien, and she’s assisting us with coaching for them.”
The Judges with the Mostest
Our judges are not just experts; they’re icons! Jenny Lovell brings her years of experience and sharp eye for talent. Andazi adds a touch of flair and fun, always keeping it real. And Viannie Reyes? Well, she’s the mastermind behind it all, ensuring that every performance is top-notch.
The Jenny Lovell and Andazi, KTV The Remix Season Six Judges
Our twelve finalists will take the stage, each performance more thrilling than the last. And guess what? Each week, we’ll have a surprise guest judge to spice things up even more. It’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotions and excitement!
“Every week we’ll be having a guest judge, and we will be posting a week before guests the judge and giving the audience an opportunity to guess that judge. We’ll have one guest judge every single week. It’s a new guest judge, and the audience will be posting on social media who they think that guest judge is, and if they get it right, they get tickets to enter for free.”
The Journey to 10,000 Belize Dollars
These talented contestants are not just singing for fun. They’re battling it out for a whopping 10,000 Belize dollars! The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and the talent is off the charts. Who will rise to the occasion and become the grand champion of KTV The Remix Six? You’ve got to watch to find out!
KTV The Remix Six is more than a show; it’s a celebration of Belizean talent, community, and pure entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, a proud supporter of local talent, or just in need of some fantastic Tuesday night fun, this show is for you. Expect jaw-dropping performances, heartwarming moments, and a whole lot of fun.
KTV The Remix Season Six Auditions (Contestants’ images in promotions do not imply selection for KTV The Remix Six.)
Contestants will also know how to market themselves and earn votes from the audience and viewers. “Not just because you’re able to sing; that means you automatically feel like you’ve won that place. It’s text voting that gets you there. You do benefit if you try hard in a round at night. You come, and you bring your A game to that stage. There’s a possibility that you can walk away with an additional amount of votes if you become that top singer for the night. And that is calculated by the judgesscore that they give you for the night.”
Showtime Every Tuesday!
Set your reminders, folks! Every Tuesday night at 8 p.m., live from the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City. This is one musical journey you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased at Channel 5 on Coney Drive in Belize City.
We want to hear from you! Jump on social media and use #KTVTheRemixSix to share your thoughts, cheer on your favourites, and connect with other fans. Your excitement and support mean the world to our contestants, and they make the show even more special.
The 77th annual Tony Awards took place on Sunday at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theatre in New York City.
Belizean American Broadway actress Kara Young won for best Featured Actress in a Play for her compelling portrayal of Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in the Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’ Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.
Her achievement has made her the first black woman to receive nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play three consecutive years.
She also won the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play for her work in the production.
That same evening, Maleah Joi Moon secured her win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. Moon captivated audiences with her portrayal of Ali in a new musical inspired by the life of fifteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys. Moon is said to have Belizean heritage.
Wildfires continue to spread across the country and, over the weekend, personnel from the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO, were deployed to southern and western Belize. In San Miguel, Toledo District, farmers fought the flames that were consuming their crops and did everything within their means to prevent the fires from spreading to homes and other structures in the village. In the west, a group of N.G.O.s led by the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, APAMO, took on fires that threatened the Elijio Panti National Park, as well as San Antonio Village. Tonight, we look at the efforts of brave residents and committed conservationists in Cayo District who were out over the weekend fighting wildfires. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The threat of wildfires destroying the Elijio Panti National Park has prompted residents from nearby San Antonio Village, as well as responders from several environmental agencies, to join forces in a concerted effort to prevent the rapidly spreading flames from making their way into the protected area.
Maria Garcia
Maria Garcia, Chairlady, Itzamna Society
“The park is so important to us because it’s a corridor. It buffers the Macal River up Barton Creek. It’s a very fragile area. It’s, you know, part of our Mayan heritage, that’s where our people used to go and do their ceremonies. We go up there and collect our herbs, you know, it’spart of us.”
Cayo District is a vast expanse of wilderness that includes the Elijio Panti National Park, so named after the widely revered traditional healer. This large area of public land is protected by the Government of Belize for it scenic, recreational, scientific and historical importance. Here, many native plant and animal species are adapted to specific fire regimes, however, uncontrolled wildfires can harm or eliminate these species.
Maria Garcia
“It’s a unique area where we have waterfalls, we have the jaguars, we have howler monkeys, and, you know, the creeks feed into the Macal River. So if the park is destroyed there will be no more water tothe Macal River.”
Over the weekend, quite a few teams were activated to fight the raging fires in Cayo District. The ecological impact of wildfires includes habitat destruction, soil degradation, and loss of native species. After a fire, invasive plants may colonize the burned areas, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystem dynamics. Rene Tzib is one of several volunteers who have decided to join the effort.
Rene Tzib
Rene Tzib, Volunteer
“We went all around the hill which part is burning, we clear every branches that were on the line. So all the groups are working very hard right now, but we need some more water and like the heat right now is very hot. So they said they will leave it just like that, but it’s already controlledalready, all around.”
In western Belize, a combination of local wildfires and Saharan dust has led to poor air quality levels. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory issues, chest discomfort and allergic reactions. San Antonio Village has roughly four thousand residents, vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, are particularly at risk.
Andy Carrein
Andy Carrein, Belize Red Cross
“We are here in San Antonio Village, Cayo, helping, not really with the fires but making sure that people who have pulmonary issues aren’t suffering. So we are going house to house to check on them, check their vital signs and make sure they’re all doing well, make sure they have some facial masks to prevent any damage to their lungs fromthe smoke inhalation.”
Wildfires have far-reaching consequences, affecting both the environment and the well-being of communities. Urgent action is needed to prevent and manage wildfires effectively.
Aaron Tzib
Aaron Tzib, Chairman, San Antonio Village
“What we are facing at the moment here in the community is a fire threat. We have the white fires, if you see, it behind [me], to my rear. One week ago, we spotted some smoke up the hills and then from there it escalated and then it went out of control and that was the threat, like it was expanding towards the east where we had ourwater system pipelines.From the time we saw that the fire was expanding, we acted and we were proactive. We went there with the community members, we sought assistance, for help, and that is how we managed to open a track, a fire line all around the fire and we left the fire in the center. But we know that it’s very windy in the afternoons and in the evenings and that is how the fire just went out of control again because it went and it passed the fire line that wehad already secured.”
As temperatures rise, dry conditions become more common, creating ideal circumstances for fire growth.
Jose Perez
Jose Perez, Executive Director, APAMO
“I must say, initially, that we are proud of the great work that our member, Itzamna Society, is doing infighting this wildfire. Here, this is a testimony of the work that these groups have been doing over the years apart from deterring illegal hunting and illegal extraction of timber. Having eyes on the ground for incidents like these during the fire season, they are the first ones to notice these fires and activate a response. We have to thank NEMO and the prime minister for activating NEMO for this national response because it’s not only here that we’re having fires. We’re having fires all the way down south and in the north in the River Valley, but this one was given priority over yesterday and today because it was threatening a serious pipeline, a pipeline that runs all the way from the headwaters way down into the village, itprovides potable water.”
Continued vigilance is crucial to mitigate the threats posed by wildfires, despite the ongoing emergency response efforts. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Thousands from across the country converged on the National Agriculture and Trade Show Grounds over the weekend for the annual event in the Cayo District. There was a lot to see and do, and of course plenty to spend on. The weekend also included loads of entertainment for the grown folks and their families. One such event was the return of the dog show. The show was a featured attraction at the annual event about a decade ago. That is until it was discontinued even before the COVID-19 pandemic. But one dog lover at the Ministry of Agriculture decided to breathe new life into the event. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Thousands showed up to the National Agriculture and Trade Show over the weekend in Belmopan. The annual event draws visitors looking for deals, good food, and entertainment. The two-day rodeo show is a huge attraction. Horse racing was featured for the first time this year. Another highlight of the weekend was the return of the Agric Dog Show. K9 enthusiasts gathered on the northern end of the grounds to show off their dogs and win some prizes. Omar Phillips, First Class Clerk at the Ministry of Agriculture, organized the event.
Omar Phillips
Omar Phillips, Coordinator, Agric Dog Show
“Personally I am an avid dog lover and I know there is a growing popularity for dogs in Belize City and the rest of the areas. So, it was just and idea threw out to the NATS committee and they liked the idea and ran with it, so I ended up coordinating this event.”
Day one was all about the bully showdown. Bully owners from across the country brought out their canine companions for the show. There were tents, water bowls and water hoses set up across the area to keep the dogs hydrated and cool under the heat of the day. We sought to find out more about the owners and their dogs, as well as the stigma that is attached to the bully breed.
Salvador Martinez
Salvador Martinez, Owner, CashMoney Kennel
“This dog I have is an American Bully, Standard Class.”
Paul Lopez
“He seems very photogenic, and this is his first time competing.”
Salvador Martinez
“He likes the camera.”
Paul Lopez
“How old is he?”
Salvador Martinez
“He is two years. He is Oso Martinez.”
Shawn Hyde
Shawn Hyde, Owner, CTV Kennel
“Mufasa is the name, he is and XL Bully.”
Paul Lopez
“What makes and XL bully, apart from the obvious size?”
Shawn Hyde
“Well you will have to go to the size, an XL bully comes from twenty-one to twenty-three inches, that is why they are XL.The smaller ones are different size underneath the XL.”
Paul Lopez
“When you see a dog like this you would think it is intimidating, but Mufasa is very friendly.”
Shawn Hyde
“He is very friendly because of the way he grew up. He grew up as a family pet.”
For Yuedy Swaso, breeding and caring for bullies is a way of life for him and his children.
Yuedy Swaso
Yuedy Swaso, Dog Owner
“This morning we bring out, King Kong, Gia and we got unique.”
Paul Lopez
“You have your kids with you.”
Yuedy Swaso
“Deh dah my supporters with me along this journey. They love this. This dah nuh just bout having dogs. Deh dah part of our family. Fih be real with yo, the temperament weh the dogs deh got dah wah big plus for me. Because everybody have this fear about pit bulls. And to be real with yo, the dogs deh humble, deh just look scary, but deh dah good dogs.”
Jose Espat
Jose Espat, Owner, RCK Kennel
“This dah Maximus, this is an xl American bully. This dah Hazel, this dah wah pocket Bully, and this dah Moca, also a pocket bully. When we do breeding we do selective breeding and it is never about the money, it is about the quality of the dogs, the characteristics of the dogs. A lot of people just breed to breed, but you have to understand that just like humans these dogs also have genes and there are defects that can come about so you have to really be careful how you match the dogs together.”
Shawn Hyde’s Mufasa was crowned the grand champion for the bully showdown. Yeudy Swaso and Jose Espat also walked away with prizes from other categories. Day two of the event saw dog owners bring out multiple breeds for the All-Breed Fun Show. Arthur Vellos brought out Leo, a Boerboel. Leo participated in the biggest dog and the best-groomed dog categories.
Arthur Vellos
Arthur Vellos, Dog Owner
“I just come support the show and show my breed of dog.”
Paul Lopez
“What category will Leo compete in today?”
Arthur Vellos
“Well they say large dog, but as you can see he is a one year old puppy, a hundred and sixty pound.”
Paul Lopez
“What is it like handling a dog like this, how challenging is it?”
Arthur Vellos
“He cool, everything dah how you handle a dog. Any dog could be bad, dah just how you raise them and take care of them you know.”
And then there is Fiji, the eleven-year-old poodle and his owner Camille Polanco. Fiji competed in the best-groomed dog category. He was also the only dog to participate in the most obedient dog category. Though he did not heed all the commands Polanco gave, Fiji was obedient to most and received treats as rewards.
Camille Polanco
Camille Polanco, Dog Owner
“My dog is already a senior, almost eleven years and we decided to enter for fun.”
Paul Lopez
“What has it been like having Figi for his lifetime?”
Camille Polanco
“The best thing ever. He is the best support, a lot of love, and it also taught me to be patient.”
Paul Lopez
“What do you think when you see all these dogs out here today?”
Camille Polanco
“It is amazing and it is also an opportunity for him to meet other dogs as well and just to come out and have fun.”
Trevlin Williams
Trevlin Williams, Dog Owner
“I have Biggie and Harley outside.”
Paul Lopez
“What breeds are they?”
Trevlin Williams
“The female is Napoleon Cane Corso with Pitbull and the male is a Napoleon Cane Corso. I bring them out because most people don’t know about my dogs and I the try show them I have a line that I the try keep strong, so I just bring them out mek people see them and get feedback about what they think about them.”
Tina, a Miniature Pinscher owned by Tanya Santos was Best in Show on Sunday. The event also included a category for the best pot licker dog that no one participated in. Recino’s Imports Limited is one of the main sponsors of the two-day event.
Jaime Recinos
Jaime Recinos, Recino’s Imports Limited
“We first spoke with Omar and he told us what he was doing and wanted to bring across. I said, we are one of the largest distributors of dog food in the country and I said definelty why not and I also wanted to promote my dog food which is Rambocan. Why Rambocan, because it is one of the highest protein dog food in the country.”
Omar Phillips, the organizer of the dog show, says next year’s events will be bigger and better. According to Phillips, four shows are being organized across the country leading up to the 2025 Agric Dog Show.
Omar Phillps
“The plan is to have at least four smaller shows leading up to this grand show. So after this show I am going to take one week rest and then I am going to plan the next show.”
Paul Lopez
“Is this like a moving show?”
Omar Phillps
“Yes, the next one is going to be down south and then we are going to the north, and then Cayo and the Belize City.”
The annual Labor Day Park Fest has come around once again, giving Belizean performers an opportunity to showcase their talents and for the public to enjoy to an outing with family and friends. The event will have music, rides, food, and prizes to entertain every attendee. This year boast a complete line up of performers and DJ’s with exclusive prizes and giveaways available. Public Relations Director of Flavaz Entertainment, Andazi, told News Five more about the event.
Andazi
Andazi, Public Relations Director, Flavaz Entertainment
“So this Sunday, April twenty-eighth we’re having our annual Belize Labor Day Park Fest. It’s an event that we have every year around this time, because you know there’s a holiday on Monday. So we take advantage of the day on Sunday to have this big fest that’s really a full lineup of our top Belizean artists and DJs and the vibe is really nice because It starts early starts from three p.m. And it goes all the way until about one a.m. So, you know in the early hours You’ll see more, it’s like families coming out, you can bring your kids, you know, you can come and hang out with friends. And then as we get on into the evening, it’s a little more exciting with more high performances on stage. And of course, the DJs will be playing all day long. We also have rides and games for the kids. So, um, it’s really like a family friendly, family friendly, kind of fun event. The park fest happens at the Digi Park and doors open at three p.m. Kids twelve and under are free. There’s a minimal charge for adults, it’s ten. And one thing that we’re doing for the kids as well is that the first two hundred kids who come to the park will be getting a free meal. And that free meal is courtesy of one of the nonprofits. organizations that we work with as well as some other partners.”
It is officially pageant week for the Miss Universe Belize 2024 contestants, which signals the approach of competition day. For months, ten women have been preparing to become the next candidate to represent Belize on the world stage. Today, as a start to Pageant Week, the crown that will adorn the head of the next Miss Universe Belize was unveiled. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the big reveal today to learn more about its creation and the preparation for pageant week. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The Miss Universe Belize Pageant 2024 is just a few day away and the contestants are eager to participate. Pageant week was officially launched today with the reveal of the crown that the next Miss Universe Belize will wear during her reign. The National Director of the Miss Universe Belize Foundation shared her excitement over the reveal and its proceedings.
Destinee Arnold
Destinee Arnold, National Director, Miss Universe Belize Foundation
“Today kicks off the official pageant week for the Miss Universe Police Delegates. Today, right now specifically, we are revealing the crown that a title holder will continue to wear in the next coming years. About three years we plan to utilize this crown. This is a crown that’s very special to us. It took a lot of thought and specially designed by one of our designers. So the crown is special because it is unique to Belize. Um, Belize was the inspiration behind the design of the crown. I don’t want to get into too much detail because we will be disclosing that during the crown reveal. But no one will have this crown but our title holder. So we are really excited about it. Specifically, even the material that it is made out of, um, is quite special. So I’m really excited to reveal it all to you all.”
We spoke with a few delegates to learn how they are feeling in the days leading up to the pageant in Mexico. Contestant seven, Monilee Aspinall said that she was excited to see her training in action on the big stage.
Monilee Aspinall
Monilee Aspinall, Delegate, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“I am super excited. It’s definitely been a journey of highlighting all the things that I’m capable of personally, the areas that I need assistance with, as well as developing a really great sisterhood along with the committee and the other delegates. I think at this point, it’s just carrying through with the preparation we’ve been doing for the past few months. Outfits, hair, walking, training with the way we do it. the way that we’re carrying ourselves and our words. And so now it’s just kind of an accumulation of all that hard work that we’ve been putting in and I’m super excited to see it on stage.”
Contestant one, Mikayla Gongora expressed that while she was nervous, she was also eager to showcase her hard work.
Mikayla Gongora
Mikayla Gongora, Delegate, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“I’m feeling extremely anxious, excited. Overall preparation for this. It’s been, it’s been a journey. It’s been exciting. Mostly the hesitation has been all about the mental work for all of this, but I feel extremely prepared more than excited, ready to hit the stage with all of. I think that I’m really prepared for this.”
Contestant ten, Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy said that she was determined to be an ambassador for her country and showcase her talents during the show.
Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy
Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy, Delegate, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“I’m feeling really good. I feel very prepared. Um, I worked really hard up until this point preparing, like, in an all encompassing way with not just working out, but walking, question and answer, things like that. So I feel really good. I feel really prepared. And the emotions are excitement because now the week is here and this is just a week long job interview. That’s how, that’s how I’m looking at it because, um, to be a Miss Belize, means that you’re an ambassador for your country and you have to be a diplomat and leverage that to put Belize on the map. So, I take that very seriously. And so I’m excited to put my best foot forward when it comes to that.”
The crown was made by a local engineering student, Inga Woods-Waight who modelled the crown to emulate Belize. She said that the crowns gold accents, draws inspiration from the Belize’s national flower, the Black Orchid. Five black orchid-shaped flowers embellish the crown to reflect the rich diversity and allure of Belize. The clear glass symbolizes clarity of purpose and vision, while the gold accents represent resilience and strength. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Sometimes we’re all too caught up in the lyrics of some popular artist or their genre of music, that we don’t pay enough attention to the ones that have been singing the lyrics of those same artists and many others. An artist like Kenneth Gladden, or Kenny G, as he is known to his fans across Belize. He has been singing since the mid-eighties in Corozal, and then he became popular with the now-defunct Santino’s Messengers and the Lord Rhaburn Combo. And while he hasn’t written many hit songs of his own, Kenny G has been performing his own renditions of those of other local and international artists. But because music has transitioned over the years and live bands, made up of several members, have faced fierce competition with cheaper-priced DJ entertainment, musicians like Kenny G have had to turn to other means of livelihood to make ends meet. And News Five’s Marion Ali found him doing just that when she visited him at his clothing outlet on Mahogany Street today. She brings you Kenny G’s journey to popularity and off the stage in this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday.
Marion Ali, Reporting
If you’re over fifty, you know this man for his smooth vocals and his remarkable ability to interpret various musical artists hit songs in a way that you absolutely enjoy. Kenneth Gladden, otherwise known widely as Kenny G, has been in the music industry since his early days in Corozal. His initiation into music came in the strangest of ways. He was not discovered by anyone. He told us that he decided to try his voice at home in private and liked what he heard. And that was his starting point.
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden, Musician
“When school was out, I used to go do a part-time job da the U.S. Consul with a lee Maya man, Mr. Uk. I used to goh do part-Time job with him. And I get to buy a lee tape recorder right, weh record yoh voice. And, I used to put on the music, and I record, and I used to sing along with the music, right? And I record the voice, then play it back and listen to it, how ih sound and if ih eena tune. And I say yoh know something that’s sound good. I think I should take it up. And then when people start to hear me, other musicians start to hear me and say, why we don’t want to come sing with the band.”
That was back in Corozal when Gladden’s singing career started. Those early performances took him to Chetumal and surrounding areas in the mid-eighties. From there, he moved to Belize City, where the Santino’s Messengers Baby and the Lord Rhaburn Combo, at another point, were familiar weekend sounds with Kenny G.
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“That was the late eighties, cause that’s when we found Messengers Baby, Santino’s Messengers Baby. That was in the late eighties. I would have said about 88, 89.”
Marion Ali
“When you were the main vocalist.”
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“Yes, I was the main vocalist.”
Marion Ali
“When you had hair.”
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“When I had hair, black hair.”
Gladden says his first inspiration was his father.
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“I was inspired firstly, by my father. Because my father is a great leader. He used to call him Chuck because they say he take off a Chuck Fender. I have never seen my father performing full until later days of his life, when he came back to Belize from New York. But I was inspired by him because everybody tell me, “Boy, how great your father was,” right? Boy, your pa hard. Man like Evan X Hyde just say, “Bwai your pa da a bad man, Bismarck and all these guys who had known my father back then, they tell me how good he was right.”
And while you may have heard his mellow voice performing to one of your favourite artists’s songs, you probably didn’t know that Kenny G is the lyricist behind that popular Guana Tail.
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“Ah hungry, weh yoh want, ah hungry, weh yoh want. Da rice and beans, me nuh want that, Da rice and beans, me nuh want that. Da cowfoot soup, me nuh want that, da cowfoot soup, me nuh want that. Weh yoh want, gimme the guana tail, guana tail guana tail, guana tail. Gimme the guana tail.”
Marion Ali
“You wrote that?”
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“Yes. I make that song. When we gone da Bermudian Landing. I see this gial just di dance fronta we right and she just di fling like she di fling wa tail, right? I said, this place known fi guana and the tail di wap wap round and this gial behind just di goh like guana tail. I say, alright, good.”
But live music entertainment has transitioned since the eighties. Now live bands face challenges getting jobs because people oftentimes opt for the cheaper-priced D-J entertainment. But Gladden, who has his own New Creation Band now, says he will keep the band going, and he is doing what he can through his own music to keep the Belizean music industry alive. And he has the support of the Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, Kim Vasquez.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“We really have to look at musicians like Kenny Gladden who are musicians that buck a lot of what we call the living legends or the well-known musicians. And so we tend to not remember them as often as we should. He does in fact have his own band, the New Creation Band, and he does a really good job of promoting Belizean music, of covering the music of, other musicians and keeping Belizean culture alive in his own way. And again, as well he was known for the Santino’s Baby, a very popular band making the circuit Bellevue, all of these different venues. And so it’s really, when you think of Kenny Gladden, you think of a good party, musician. One of these persons that if you’re having a wedding or a christening, a birthday party, you associate that type of Belizean music, that party music, really festive with his music.”
Kenneth “Kenny G” Gladden
“By keeping our legends alive it paves the way for youth in a sense that the youth will say okay We never know da Ben McCoy may do that song deh. We hear it but we don’t know da Ben McCoy do it. Or we never know da Lord Rayburn do da song. So by keeping these legends in the forefront, ih pave the way for the youths and they say okay, so we could take one page out of Lord Rhaburn book and we could do a we thing just like Lord Rhaburn.”
If you would like Kenny G and the New Creations Band to play at your special event, you can contact him at 625 -0064. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize Gospel Expo is back in town for 2024. The annual two-day event is held in Roaring Creek, to foster a safe environment for wholesome socialization in the community. We spoke with founder Richard Smith, who told us what the event entailed. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Richard Smith
Richard Smith, Founder, Belize Gospel Expo
“Gospel Expo is a multipurpose one. We were looking for opportunity to do something on the Agriculture and Trade Show Ground. To change the culture and the atmosphere that was going on there to Gasper Expo have been served as a means for you local artists to have a perf year where they could perform and showcase their talents and gifting Gasper Expo have also been a place where churches from our district can come together and to have a General day of just praising God in a clean, healthy atmosphere.”
The concert will be held on Saturday and will be followed by a United Church service on Sunday. This year, three international artists will be featured in the event, Pregoneros del Reino, and Jason Mighty from Guatemala, Lionell Taepe from Jamaica, as well as local Belizean Band, Principes Del Rey.
Lionell Taepe
Lionell Taepe, Performer
“So last year for Gospel Expo, we were introduced Mister Richard’s by another artist. He was a guest artist last year, Emron Henry. And so that was our first event when we came last year. I was so blessed. It was my first time in Belize. So I experienced the culture, the fry Jack and all of that. And we were treated well. I mean, I had loved the young people being around them and you know, people that were crazy about worshiping God and everything. I love the vision. And so, you know, the team just fell in love with sir Richard and his family and everything. So we were at their disposal. They invited us later on in the year and we’re here this year again.”
The event kicks off on March sixteenth at ten a.m. with a softball game and will be followed by several workshops in the afternoon for aspiring artists and church leaders and a barbeque. The concert will begin at six p.m. and other performers such as dancers and actors will be featured as well. Smith is encouraging everyone to come learn and worship as a community. And although it is free of cost, donations are encouraged.
Richard Smith
“There’s some display of boots there is at one o’clock. Behind the scene with the artists where we’re encouraging Belizean artists to come and ask some questions. These guys will be sharing their story. What bring them from ground zero to where they are and what are some of the pros and can in being a career musician because our Belizean just do it as a side piece. But it could be a career if you, if your heart is in the right place. And so there’s going to be a workshop for that. There’s going to be a workshop for pastors and leaders, along with a barbecue.”
The event seeks to bring the community together for wholesome socializing and inspire young people to get involved in their church and community.
Lionell Taepe
“I love any activity that is going to be blessing young people. And what I saw last year was a plethora of young people just filling the groans, that were excited about what was going on, looking for something to do. And I saw the vision that mister Richard had, and I saw that it was taking place, and I wanted to be a part of something that is going good.”
