Category: Entertainment

Emancipation Day is just a few days away and with that comes a variety of celebrations. This year, the Belize City Council, NICH and their partners are promising a day of vibrant celebrations cultural displays, food, and live performances at the Eboe Town Festival. These celebrations are an avenue for Belizeans to embrace their heritage and foster a sense of community as they learn about the former slave Town. Kim Vasquez, a member of the National Celebrations Commission, filled us in on the exciting activities that are going to be featured at the event.

 

Kim Vasquez, Director, I.C.A.

“I mentioned, there is a lot of formalities, yes, there is the history, but we also have festivities, and a part of the festivities is Thanksgiving. And we begin that at the thirty first on Wednesday night at eleven p.m. at Queen Street Baptist Church, where we have the Eve of Emancipation service. This is a traditional service that they do every year and which the national celebrations has not joined with them. So we go at eleven p.m. Up until midnight when the bells toll celebrating freedom and the national anthem is sung by the congregation. And then we go over as I said on the first at nine a.m. to the government house for the official ceremony And after that, immediately after around midday, we are inviting the entire public to bring out your entire family for Eboe Town Festival. Eboe Town Festival is expanded this year. It will go from Yabra Green all the way to Isaiah Mortis Square on Albert Street West. So you can expect all the Brukdowg artists to be out there. Boom and Shine, Second Generation, Harrison Doggy King, Cocono Bwai, Lord Rayburn with Kenny Gladden, Drums Not Guns who else will be out there? Brad Patiko. Brad Patiko and his ensemble will do a special performance. special performance for children, and he will end that performance with two storytellers from the Belize River Valley. There’ll be cultural displays out there. Drum making, kiss kiss making, fly brush making. The Crooked Tree Museum will have a boot out there. As well with activities for children. The National Creole Council will be out there with traditional games. There’s a whole lot of cultural food. You’ll buy it up your rice and beans, your Hamadili.  And of course, all these sweet things.”

School is about to begin and for the students at Saint John’s College Junior College, that means returning to classes and clubs with their peers. Clubs are a vital part of the college experience, as they help students find a better sense of self, one of those being the S.J.C.J.C. Campus Ministry which encourages students to partake in community service and form lasting connections with each other. Today, News Five’s Azain Heredia spoke with Jason Cutkelvin, the Assistant Campus Ministry Director for the sixth form and university, for more details. Here’s that story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

If you are among the one thousand, four hundred students attending Saint John’s College Junior College in Belize City, then the chances of you being a member of a club is very likely. The college, which was established in 1952, is home to a variety of student associations, but there is one club that stands out from the rest for being the largest and most active in the school. It is the campus ministry. It boasts approximately two hundred students and has been an integral part of the student experience at SJCJC for many years. We spoke with Jason Cutkelvin regarding the club.

 

Jason Cutkelvin, Assistant Campus Ministry Director

“SJC being a Jesuit college and having to develop its own mission and identity and having student formation. We have our campus ministry office as well to serve the students.”

 

Azain Heredia

“Why do you think the campus ministry is important?”

 

Jason Cutkelvin

“Campus Ministry is important because it is a place for growth and development for students, again using the word formation. It is important for students to find themself where they are in their faith and in their journey with life. And so, myself and Father Jeremy who is the director of campus ministry, we kind of help to kind them through that journey and that formation.”

 

The campus ministry couldn’t grow into the club it is today without a good reason. It is through teaching students the joy of community service and allowing them to become better versions of themselves that the club resonated with hundreds of students. Kristen Gillett, the president of Campus Ministry, speaks about the positive effects on the student’s personal development and their view of life.

 

 

Azain Heredia

“What was your experience in campus ministry as a student?

 

Kristen Gillett, President of Campus Ministry

“Well, as a student, for campus ministry it not only broadens my development for spiritual but also as a mature individual and more in tune of who I can be in the future.”

 

The members of the club play their own role in the community as they all go out and help those in need, as well as grow in spirituality together.

 

Azain Heredia

“What is it that you guys do as club members?”

 

Kristen Gillet

“As Club members we go out there, we help those in need, those in poor, we go to sister Cecilia we do more spiritual activities and we just want to broaden more activities for students to outreach with others and be more grateful for what they have.”

 

The club is known for community service and students attest that the club carries a much deeper meaning.

 

Azain Heredia

“Why should other students join the campus Ministry?”

 

Kristen Gillett

“Well, I think it’s a personal development that you go through, and it really broadens your horizon of being more grateful for things, seeing others who go through things, helping others it just, literally develops your spiritual and emotional state better.”

 

 

 

The students are what make the club what it is today. Aracelle Tillett, a board member of Campus Ministry, refers to the club as a family. Briefly going through what it’s like for new and old members. Along with the bonds and personal development, students also grow spiritually as they learn about the Ignatian spirituality together.

 

Aracelle Tillett, Board member in Campus Ministry

“Campus ministry is like family. So, whenever somebody new comes around it’s more of an interacting place where we get to know them and have a new spiritual build as well as we learn about like the Ignatian spirituality and so on forth.”

 

 

 

Azain Heredia for News five.

 

KTV the Remix, Season Six is still underway and the competition is heating up. Last week, we saw contestants pay tribute to the Latin artist we all know and love. Tonight, the remaining singers will engage in a battle for their places on live TV. Five contestants remain and tonight, one will go home. KTV. Producer Viannie Reyes tells us about what we can expect in tonight’s episode.

 

Britney Gordon

“KTV is tonight. We’re on episode five of season six: The remix. Talk to me about what we’re in for.”

 

Viannie Reyes, KTV Producer

“So the difference between last week and this week. Last week was the last night of sending two people home. Tonight, it’s different. Tonight is where we battle on stage, on live TV. The two contestants with the lowest votes will battle for their space on KTV the Remix season six. It’s a bittersweet moment because we have a really, a list of really good singers. So it’s going to be sad to see one of them go home tonight, but this is where the judges will have their say. But it also piggybacks on all the votes that came in throughout the entire week. So we still want to encourage all of our viewers at home. At the bliss to keep on voting. The competition will only get better and we’re looking forward to a fun night because it’s disco. So I’m hoping that we can see a lot of entertainment a lot of different color clothing and just a bunch of different things that we can look forward to seeing on the stage tonight.

 

Britney Gordon

“And we have a guest judge coming in. Who is our special guest and how excited are we for tonight?”

 

Viannie Reyes

“Chris Bradshaw. He’s our guest judge. He’s worked with Jenny before and a lot of different artists, specifically in disco as well too. So we thought that he would have been a good decision for tonight. So far, we have been pleased with the decisions that we’ve made for the past couple of weeks. So we’re looking forward to seeing what tonight brings with him, Tremont, and also Ondazi. And lastly, Just give us the rundown of where we can get tickets and where should we come out to enjoy this. So you can get tickets here at Channel 5 at 88 Shopping Centre. Or you can also get them at 6 o’clock at The Bliss as well too. It starts at 8 o’clock, so I suggest that everybody come out, get their tickets, get those parking, and come pick a nice seat and come enjoy the show with us at the Bliss.”

This morning, the Hub Resource and Community Center held a closing ceremony for its “Summer of Fun” program. The camp proved to be a resounding success, engaging children in a range of activities and classes designed to enhance their social, educational, and cultural development. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the camp at Lake Independence Boulevard to capture the highlights. Here’s the story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

At the start of summer, fifteen-year-old Jamesha Arnold was shy and uneasy in crowds, but fast-forward four weeks, and tonight, she thrives in social settings. It was during her time spent at the Summer of Fun programme that she was able to break out of her shell and be a social butterfly. She says that learning to interact with others was her biggest takeaway from the camp.

 

Jamesha Arnold, Participant

“From the beginning, I was a little bit nervous to be around a lot of people, but then, during the middle and the ending I started warming up to people. We played sports together, we went swimming, we went on trips, we had fun, we talked, and everything.”

 

 

 

 

 

The success of the “Summer of Fun” programme attracted many children from outside the camp’s designated communities. Arthur Usher, Manager of the Hub Resource and Community Center, told News Five that this is the largest programme the team runs annually. However, it’s not their only initiative. During the school year, the Hub also offers a range of after-school programmes.

 

 

 

 

Arthur Usher, Manager, The Hub & Resource Center

“These types of programs, I think are extremely important, generally for outside school learning. So some things that you might not have picked up during school you can pick up during the summer, things that you learned during the school you can apply during the summer, so it’s a cohesive, coherent programming that consistently push these kids to another level.”

 

 

 

 

The programme attracted participants from across Belize City, fostering a strong sense of community. It provided opportunities for individuals to share their opinions, step out of their comfort zones, and enhance their social interactions.

 

Paul Lopez

“Why is it important to have these types of events for kids to come together and have fun and get to know each other?”

 

 

 

Jamesha Arnold

“Because it gets us out of our shell. We get to connect more, talk, get more social, and what’s not.”

 

One of the activities featured a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Altun Ha. Arnold says that this experience provided valuable insight into how the Maya utilized ponds as a crucial water source.

 

Jamesha Arnold

“The Mayans used a pond for their source of water income.”

 

Azain Heredia for News Five.

The Belize International Music and Food Festival is almost here. The highly anticipated two-day event kicks off in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Saturday and promises good music, food, and atmosphere all day long. This afternoon, a few of the performers landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where we caught up with Reggae Artist, Collie Buddz, and promoter John Marsden for more details on the big event.

 

Collie Buddz, Reggae Performer

“Yo, I’m feeling great, I’m feeling great. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back in Belize. I think the last time was, I think I said 2009, but it’s 2012 I think it was at the Princess Hotel. Downstairs. It’s like the hottest show I’ve ever done, ever in my life. Sweat through. Everybody yeah, temperature hot but it feels good to be back in Belize. Belize has always been good to me. I think I’ve been there three or four times, but yeah. Last time, it’s been a long time.”

 

John Marsden, Promoter

“If you can’t find a hotel, it’s not a problem, we have San Pedro Belize Express, who is doing two runs. One Saturday, it leaves at four p.m. It returns at four a.m. After the show done, you can catch back the boat to come back. You don’t have to spend on a hotel.”

July thirtieth is internationally recognised as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and Belize is ready to show its support for the cause. On Saturday morning, RET International and its partners are hosting a human trafficking awareness walk and ride-athon. We spoke with Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer at Ret International, to hear why Belizeans are being encouraged to show support for the event.

 

Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer, RET International

“We are going to start with a warmup from the StoneFit crew at the B.T.L. Park. After the warm up, we will then make our way straight up Marine Parade, going down to Memorial Park. Take a spin right back around. If you do not want to walk, you can always ride because I have walk-ride-athon there. and that’s about it. After the walk or the ride, you guys can make your way back to the B.T.L. park where we have some surprises, raffles, refreshments for you guys. Just thanking you for your support, which we really hope we do actually meet the target of the amount of people that we are catering for this year.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And just on the importance of supporting a cause like this.”

 

Eve Banks

“On the importance, often times we look human trafficking right in the eyes and not know that it is actually that. And the fact that we need to raise awareness and holistically take a look at what it is, how to identify the signs, symptoms, and knowing who or what to report or where to report, I believe this is the purpose or the sole cause for us to do this Walk.”

School may be out for the summer, but the learning continues for most children. Today, the STEAM Summer Academy wrapped up its four-week programme, culminating in a vibrant showcase where nearly fifty young minds displayed the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. From fascinating science experiments to creative art projects, these children are ready to shine! In tonight’s episode of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us to the Edward P. York compound to celebrate their incredible talents and achievements. Here’s the story.

 

Britney Gordon

“Did you like dancing before you joined this class?”

 

Avon Richards, Camper

“Well no, usually I didn’t like to dance because sometimes when I dance, I would just do some things that were not necessary but for this, that I did this, I do like to dance now.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you feel like you’re going to keep dancing now that you’ve discovered that you like it?”

 

Avon Richards

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Do you remember your childhood dreams of what you wanted to be when you grew up? Or the moment you decided on that career path? Discovering your passion is one of life’s most memorable milestones. This summer at the STEAM Summer Academy in Belize City, children experienced just that. Over the course of four weeks, participants explored the fascinating realms of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Co-director Joseph Stamp-Romero emphasized that, while academics were crucial, fostering a sense of community among the children was a key focus of the curriculum.

 

Joseph Stamp-Romero, Co-director

“I think one of the biggest one of the biggest thing about the camp was just how kids can learn how to work together. I think how kids can learn how to plan, how they can learn how to design, and how they can critically look at the things that they do from a standpoint of trying to improve it. So I think one of the biggest topics that we always talked about a lot is just working together. Collaboration was huge. I think from teachers right down to right down to students. And I think that was, I think one of the most important details for the camp.”

 

No matter how big or small, finding a way to express themselves is a valuable lesson for every child to learn. Twelve-year-old Mia Meneses has found her way, Art.

 

Mia Meneses, Camper

“I learned in this summer camp that we have to be confident. That we have to be confident for the most things. That we can’t really be afraid about the art. It’s a free will that you are able to choose and it’s never too late to learn or practice art.”

 

 

 

Mia has always loved creating art, but she told us that being able to share the experience with others has made it an even better one.

 

Mia Meneses

“I also really like everyone’s art piece because everyone has a unique way of doing their art.”

 

It is this sense of creativity that art instructor, Shaira Young has tried to instill in the hearts of her students.

 

Shahira Young, Art Instructor

“I believe that expressing ourselves. Don’t be afraid of who you are as an artist. You don’t have to paint exactly as you see the photo. Try to be unique. Try to be different. Use shape, use style, use techniques to express yourself.”

 

 

 

In a nearby room, eight aspiring roboticists proudly showcased the machines they assembled during the camp. Their impressive creations included devices for testing humidity levels and controlling stoplights. Robotic instructor Dr. Abraham Flowers emphasised that as technology continues to evolve, gaining experience with computers has become essential for success in today’s world.

 

 

 

Dr. Abraham Flowers, Robotics Instructor

“We know every day we see that there is improvement when it comes to development in technology itself, right? So having the kids to basically have the ground level or the foundation would help them or prompt them to become much more better because today even our economy depends on the improvement of technology. And we’re talking from all the way from industrial all the way to personal or domestic. So doing this, I think is a huge step forward.”

 

 

After four weeks of science, math, and arts, all students went home having learned the important lesson of being themselves and cheering for others.

 

Avon Richards

“I feel pretty good because it’s how Is it not that how I am doing myself? Cause if I would do it myself, I would probably feel embarrassed. But with people here that I’m doing it, like I could finally express how I could be like alive and how I am doing the way of the dance that we have been practicing.”

 

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.

This morning marked the conclusion of the free life-saving swimming lessons provided by the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard. The camp successfully equipped children with essential swimming skills for survival in emergencies. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the classes at the Princess Ramada to learn more. Here’s that story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

At the start of the summer, none of the children you’re seeing here knew how to swim, but by the end of it, all of the participants in the Community Policing Unit Swimming Camp were confident in their ability to do so. The annual programme concluded today after bringing together coast guards and the community policing unit to assist children with free swimming lessons.

 

A.C.P. Howard Gillett, Commander of the National Community Police Center says that this programme is vital because many children may not be able to afford lessons due to their circumstances.

 

 

 

 

A.C.P. Howell Gillett, Nat’l Commander, Community Policing Unit

“It builds a better relationship with young people because oftentimes young people see law enforcement as, people who are making arrests or they see the bad side of what happens in law enforcement, But we are not all about that, we are here to work with our young people, so that we can deliver them to successful adulthood. The idea is to have no need for policing or policing reason for arresting our young people.”

 

 

For years, the Belize Coast Guard has coordinated with the Belize Police Department to carry out the program. Lieutenant Junior Moody told us how the programme has evolved over the years to strengthen its approach.

 

Lieutenant, Junior Andrew Moody, Swim Coordinator

“What I’ve seen is that the children are more eager to learn. Alright, they’re not afraid as the previous classes. We have seen that the children were a little bit afraid. In this class here we seen that they’ve become a little more excited t learn how to swim.”

 

 

 

 

After completing the programme, the participants walked away with exceptional swimming skills.

 

 

 

 

 

Azain Heredia

“How was your experience with this camp?”

 

Nathan Lambey, Participant 

“I just feel like I didn’t know how to swim, but when I believed myself.”

 

Azain Heredia for News Five.