The spirit of spreading Christmas cheer was in the air today as the Belize Police Department filed right in line with Lakers today in giving to the kids. This afternoon, the Swift Hall in Belize City was the venue of treats, snacks and gifts. Assistant Commissioner, Howell Gillett said that the effort is duplicated in each municipality, but that today in Belize City alone, a hundred kids received gifts. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
A hundred more Belize City children were at another event receiving treats and gifts today. The Belize Police Department spearheaded the event, with sponsorship from the British High Commission and the Taiwanese Embassy. A.C.P., Howell Gillett heads the National Community Policing Unit. He says that in order to pull off today’s event, community policing officers had to venture out into the community and select the children that were in attendance.
Howell Gillett
A.C.P Howell Gillett, Commander, National Community Policing Unit
“Many of them would not have gotten a gift otherwise. So, it’s so important for us to show them from a very early age that law enforcement is not only about making an arrest. We want to show them there’s no need to fear the police. The police are your friends. The more young people we work with at this early stage, that will transcend into less criminals in the future, less gang members.”
Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize, Lily Li-Wen Hsu and Acting British High Commissioner to Belize, Christine Rowlands had common perspectives on the importance of being a part of these kinds of social events.
Lily Li-Wen Hsu
Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
“We just play our very small part, provide some financial support to the Belize Police Department for them to continue this annual event – very meaningful one.”
Christine Rowlands
Christine Rowlands, Acting British High Commissioner to Belize
“We think it’s really important to support the youth of Belize and to give a little back to the community over the festive season. So we’re very proud to be part of it. We donated some money to purchase gifts. We didn’t actually go and do the shopping ourselves. We were a tiny, tiny little team. So, the Assistant Police Commissioner kindly did that on our behalf.”
A.C.P Gillett says that gifts will be distributed by the police in all six municipalities. Marion Ali for News Five.
It’s that magical time of year when every child dreams of unwrapping a brand-new gift on Christmas Day. But for many families, affording that special doll or truck isn’t always possible. That’s why the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club held its annual Christmas party earlier this week. Over fifty kids were delighted to receive gifts, spreading the joy of the season. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Unwrapping gifts on Christmas Day is one of the season’s greatest joys, but it’s a joy many children might miss out on. With bills piling up and the cost of living rising, a new toy becomes a luxury some families just can’t afford. Knowing this, the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club is stepping up to make Christmas a bit brighter for kids in Belize City.
Harold Grant
Harold Grant, Sports director, R.S.P.C.S.C.
“ Today, we are having a Christmas party for the kids who is officially members of Rogers Stadium Physical Culture Sporting Club from the summer school and some of the members of the football team and other members of the community.”
The event brought together over fifty underprivileged children from across Belize City for a day of fun, games, dancing, and gift-giving. The celebration was made possible by generous sponsors from the Belizean diaspora and local donors like Santiago Castillo Limited and MADISCO. Sports Director of the Rogers Stadium Physical Cultural Sporting Club, Harold Grant, shares more about this heartwarming event.
Harold Grant
“Today we had two gifts to give to the kids. The first one was their bag with their, with their. toys, headphones, their footballs, couple of kids get watches. The second gift came from my family in the United States, the Francis family, which is Belizean melody swingers band, who gave the kids twenty-five each in an envelope. This money came from my sister, Wendy Francis, my brother, Wilfred Lionel Francis, From my nephew, Keon, and the Belizean melody swingers.”
The Christmas party has been hosted in Belize City for the past four years as a way to give back to the community and form lasting connections with children in vulnerable communities from a young age.
Harold Grant
“I would like to thank everybody who came out and participated and helped us with the kids. I would like to thank all the members from Roger’s Stadium Physical Culture Sporting Club here in Belize and in the Diaspora. I would like to thank everybody that came and helped us to develop our culture. The kids, them during the summertime and at the summer school program that we have every day in my life. I dream of doing the right thing, which is assisting kids. This is my calling and I know that I’m doing the right thing.”
Today, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, along with Princess Cruise Line, joined forces with the Belize Tourism Board to throw a festive Christmas party for the kids from Liberty Children’s Home and Central Assembly of God Primary School. Held at the House of Culture, the celebration featured dinner, drinks, music, and entertainment by Ozzie the Clown. Santa even made an appearance to hand out gifts! News Five’s Marion Ali has the full scoop on this heartwarming event.
Marion Ali, Reporting
It’s that magical time of year when Christmas cheer is in the air! Today, Princess Cruise Line and the B.T.B. hosted a delightful Christmas party for the kids from Liberty Children’s Home and Central Assembly of God Primary School. The event was packed with fun and excitement for the children from Liberty Children’s Home. Agatha Valentine, the organization’s Director, shared that the kids were buzzing with excitement from the moment they heard about the party.
Agatha Valentine
Agatha Valentine, Director, Liberty Children’s Home
“They’re always excited about gifts. This is the best time of the year for them. The children have been looking forward to Christmas. We go very extensive during this time for them as well, but the fact that they get to leave the facility, Liberty is located in Ladyville, for the most part, our residents, um, their activities are limited to that area, and it has to be that way because of finances. The moment you go beyond the Ladyville area, you’re incurring costs. And so, um, they’re overjoyed to come to the city to be at the house of culture.”
The event has been a tradition for cruise lines for over twenty years. This was the first Christmas party since the COVID pandemic, and it was extra special. According to Lloyd Enriquez, the B.T.B’s Director of Cruise, Santa himself arrived as a tourist from the ship to hand out the gifts!
Lloyd Enriquez
Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise, B.T.B.
“Sun princess is in port. There are about 17 crew, including Santa that came off the ship today to spread the Christmas cheer and the holiday cheer with these children. How many kids are getting gifts today? Approximately seven, 60, uh, children. There are some who could not make it, uh, for various reasons. So, 60 actually showed up today.”
Altogether, over sixty children ranging in ages from four to thirteen from both institutions were present for the occasion. Marion Ali for News Five.
With Christmas just a few weeks away, people will soon be scrambling to do their last-minute shopping for gifts. While the government is gearing up for the final House Meeting of the year next Friday, Prime Minister John Briceño noted that it’s the municipal governments across various towns and cities that have been spreading the holiday cheer. They’ve been lighting up Christmas trees and organizing festive activities to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We need to commend Mayor Wagner and the City Council of Belize. It was last week, Friday, when they unveiled or they lit the Christmas tree. From what I’m told and the images I saw, it was probably the largest ever that they had and also probably the largest in the entire country. It was so beautiful, people coming out. From all generations, grandparents, parents, children, you know, everybody’s out there. And it gives you such a good feeling, a feeling, a sense of community, of togetherness, of love, of hope, optimism. You know, and likewise in Belmopan, when I saw the images from Belmopan, I was like, wow, I mean, it’s great. Here in Orange Rock this weekend, the same thing we did at the Central Park. Whereby we also unveil the lights and lit up the Central Park. And the beauty about this is that, whilst that itself, it’s wonderful, exciting, and great. Once you do this, every night people go out as families to visit these areas. People go there to sell their, you know, food or drinks or whatever it is. Um, and it builds a sense of community. And we’re feeling that sense all across the country.”
December has just started, but the Christmas celebrations are already in full swing! This morning, the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall was buzzing with excitement as the Belize Salvation Army hosted its annual children’s Christmas dinner. Nearly six hundred kids from Belize City and Hattieville gathered to play games, sing carols, enjoy a festive meal, and receive gifts to kick off the holiday season. We stopped by earlier today to soak in the joyful atmosphere. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, Holy Redeemer Parish Hall was alive with holiday cheer as nearly six hundred children buzzed with excitement at the annual Salvation Army Children’s Christmas Dinner. The event is all about sparking festive joy in the kids as the holiday season approaches.
Major Marceddy Momplaisr
Major Marceddy Momplaisr, District Officer, Salvation Army
“Salvation Army, we are here for them. Because we know Christmas is a time when we enjoy our time with the children, share their hope, and meet their needs, and transform their lives. Because there are so many of them, maybe, if they’re alone, they won’t get a gift. So today, we are so happy to be in this parish hall to receive those children to show them love, to show them respect, to show them somebody cares for them. That is what the Salvation Army does. Care for others.”
This heartwarming event is made possible thanks to funds raised from kettle drives, community fundraisers, and generous donations from local businesses. These contributions allow the team to spread holiday cheer by handing out gifts, serving delicious food, and providing live entertainment for the children.
David Vasquez
David Vasquez, Member, Salvation Army Advisor Board
“Christmas is a time of sharing and caring. In these, as times get more economically challenging, it’s always good to help support to the community. The Salvation Army itself. is an organization steeped in history. I mentioned to the kids just now that we’ve been over one hundred years, actually, one hundred and nine years in Belize. And whilst I haven’t been personally with the Salvation Army Project, when you consider all the great work that they have done, this particular function has been going on for over thirty-five years.”
District Officer Major Marceddy Momplaisr was most excited to see the joy light up the faces of the children as they enjoyed all the treats they had to offer them.
Major Marceddy Momplaisr
“We’re going to give the children food. We’re going to give them drink. We’re going to give them ice cream and we’re going to give them gifts. And I strongly believe they are waiting to enjoy themselves with the gift. And we have people as well. We’re going to sing for them, make them feel special.”
The main goal of the dinner is to make the children feel loved and special, perfectly aligning with the Salvation Army’s mission to spread kindness and do good.
David Vasquez
“When you see the smiles on the faces of the kids and see how they enjoy this. This is really a time that we give back. So all of the efforts that we raise funds through our kettle drives and donations by various members of the community, this helps to bring and spread the joy especially at this time of year.”
It’s December, and you know what that means—Christmas songs are on repeat, and everyone’s thinking about what they need to buy for the season. For many, this time of year can be financially stressful with all the food, shopping, wish lists, and getting the house ready. It’s also a time when people often spend more than they can afford to enjoy the holiday. While keeping up with Christmas traditions is important for many families, is it possible to celebrate without breaking the bank? News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into this question in this week’s installment of Five Point Break Down.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Christmas is just around the corner, and the holiday expenses are piling up. Belizeans everywhere are getting ready by buying marly to lay down, eyeing that turkey and ham, shopping for new curtains, and checking off items on the family wish list. But with the cost of goods steadily rising, are shoppers sticking to a budget? We asked them to find out.
Paul Lopez
“You budget for the Christmas or you take it as it comes?”
Gardenia Seguro
Gardenia Seguro, Burrell Boom Resident
“Sometimes I budget for the Christmas and then I take it as it comes, because we are a family of nine.”
Paul Lopez
“What dah the most important thing for you on that budget for Christmas?”
Gardenia Seguro
“That the kids deh get deh food, if I could afford it I get them a gift. But deh food and deh cake. The turkey, the ham and the cake.”
Amparo Acosta
Amparo Acosta, Pomona Village Resident
“I budget, I budget, I start budget from in a June. You know like how deh always say, June to November, June to November, that is when I start my Christmas preparations.”
Paul Lopez
“Why is it important for you to budget.”
Amparo Acosta
“Well, I am a person that loves Christmas, I go all out for Christmas, so I make my preparations from then.”
Rosita Glenn
Rosita Glenn, Belize City Resident
“I take it as it comes.”
Paul Lopez
“So what are the essentials you must have for Christmas?”
Rosita Glenn
“Mih turkey and mih ham, mih black cake and mih Lemondade, old fashion style.”
We spoke with several shoppers, and their responses varied. Some said they budget for themselves but spare no expense for their children. Others believe that food is the most important purchase during Christmas, with everything else being secondary. However, inflation is a concern. According to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize, a pound of Irish potatoes costs more now than it did in November, and that’s a key ingredient for the beloved potato salad. While there’s no data on the current cost of a whole turkey, the good news is that the price of whole chicken has slightly decreased. On the other hand, ham can cost over three hundred dollars in extreme cases. And let’s not forget about budgeting for gadgets for the kids, new curtains, lights for the house, and the endless list of holiday expenses.
Budgeting for the Christmas
We sat down with Sherlet Neal, the Managing Director at the Belize Institute for Service Excellence, Leadership and Research, for some advice on how Belizeans can make their dollars stretch further this Christmas. One of the courses that Neal’s organization offers is on budgeting.
Sherlet Neal
Sherlet Neal, Managing Director, B.I.S.E.L.R
“I think what has worked for me and from our perspective as an organization is that Christmas is a short time. Bills last all year long, so while Christmas will come and go and it is a time for celebration, the bills don’t always go away. So what I usually advise people to do is pay your bills first. A lot of people defer their December bills so that they have more money in their pockets for Christmas. But come January, the bills are still there.”
Paying your December bills might seem like a no-brainer for some people, but for those worried about the fact that only a small amount will be left over, what do you do?
Sherlet Neal
“The first thing you want to do, my advice and what really works for me is invest in groceries, make sure you have food. I find that the real joy in Christmas is when family could get together sit down and eat and food available. Forget everything else, maybe a lee thing on the side if you are into drinking. But the real joy at Christmas after all the titivating up is people coming together. So, spend money on the food. Expect it will be a little more than your normal budget for food, because of the little ham and turkey and the merriment on the side, but buy your lee groceries. If you have a good family network, do a little putlock so it is not all on you the person hosting everybody.”
Neal also suggested steering clear of Christmas loans, opting for gifts with sentimental value rather than expensive ones, and repurposing or reusing items around the house like curtains and couch covers.
Businesses For the Budget Conscious
With more access to technology, many kids now see tech and gadgets as must-haves on their wish lists. Meanwhile, some shoppers are determined to get those new curtains. We visited two downtown stores to see if businesses are catering to budget-conscious shoppers.
Kayle Hernandez
Kayle Hernandez, Supervisor, Carry On Electronics
“Our air pods usually range from thirty-five dollars up. We also have some Galaxy Fit three and other accessories we will be getting, we often have a lot of accessories, budget friendly as you mentioned. Here we try to have quality as well as prices as well as December. We try to cater for all levels. If you want something cheaper, we try to have something that meets the same quality, or close to the same quality of the original ones or something close to what you want.”
Teresita Garbutt
Teresita Garbutt, Public Relations, Mikado
“Well they have curtains, they buy fabrics, rugs, comforters.”
Paul Lopez
“How durable is this material that you are making this curtain with? Is it something I can make a curtain, put it up this year and have it for next year again?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Yes, you can have it for this year and the next year after that.”
Paul Lopez
“What would you say comes out cheaper. Buying a curtain already made or making it yourself?”
Teresita Garbutt
“Well, it depends on your liking, because we have different people who still buy material to make their curtains and stuff that we have available.”
Starting the New Year Financially Sound
It’s interesting to note that today’s budgeting advice came from someone who hasn’t always been careful with money. As her son, I saw firsthand how we often spent more than necessary on things that were just for the season.
Paul Lopez
“When did you realize that all of that was counterproductive?”
Sherlet Neal
“For me, back then I was not concerned about saving, I was concerned about living for the now. We have a saying, January catches you broke, New Years catch you broke, you are going to be broke for the rest of the year. We used to say it and laugh, because most people first of January broke. We say, he, he, everybody broke. That is not a lie when you think about that saying, when January catch you broke, it is a huge indication that you will be indeed broke for the rest of the year, you are setting the tone.”
