Miscellaneous - Channel 5 Belize

What are Belizeans 2025 Resolutions?

With 2025 just around the corner, celebrations are already in full swing. For many, this is a time to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. Whether 2024 brought joy or challenges, the new year offers a fresh start and new resolutions. Today, we hit the streets of downtown Belize City to find out what Belizeans are aiming for as the countdown to 2025 begins. We also gave them a chance to shout out to the loved ones they’re excited to celebrate with.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

2025 is just a few hours away and many Belizeans have already written their list of goals to take into the near year. Speaking to a few Belizeans on the streets of Belize City, 2025 will be filled with positivity and good memories with family and friends.

Britney Gordon

“What’s your New Year’s resolution?”

Jovani Fernandez

“Have a perfect life. Have a perfect relationship. Do the positive things, never think negative.”

Mr. Carcamo

“My resolution da fi get my family together and get my house pray to the father most of all. And big up mi ma, mi mother-in-law, mi daughter, mi wife, all mi friends and family abroad. And I wa tell Belizeans mek we live back with one another because the year di come to the family.”

Reina

“First God, I believe the new year will bring lot of progress in my life. I believe God is good.”

A few Belizeans are hoping to level up their lifestyles in 2025.

Danyalee

“I would say living a healthier lifestyle.”

Britney Gordon

“What one change that you’re hoping to see in the new year?”

Daynalee

“Coming? I would want to go to the gym and get a little slimmer, I guess. My new year’s resolution is to be a better person.”

Britney Gordon

“So who are you celebrating the new year with?”

Daveesh

“Friends and family of course.”

Michael Enriquez

“My new Year resolution is to make more money. I’d like to shout out my mom, she’s eighty-nine-years-old, going strong.”

Britney Gordon

“How are you planning to celebrate the new year?”

Michael Enriquez

“Basically, I stay home and watch all the fireworks around my neighborhood.”

A few were hopeful the new year would ease the financial burdens they faced in 2024.

Harry Usher

“Just pray that things get better and things get easier, the cost of living go down. If God spares we life next year, if we have belief in God, everybody have trust in God, we might survive. With this cost a living, we can’t be hard fi survive.”

Walter

“I want work. I need a good job. Well I hope the country get better, We have a lot of vegetables. Thank God for that.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Police Department Warns Against Illegal Use of Fireworks

This Christmas, many Belizeans will be lighting up firecrackers and fireworks, even though many of them are illegal. From a safety standpoint, firecrackers are risky because they can be unpredictable, burn at very high temperatures, and easily start fires, which can damage property and endanger lives. They can also cause serious injuries. Earlier today, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones appeared on Open Your Eyes to warn about the dangers and illegalities of using fireworks.

Bart Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Police

“I want to warn those persons as well because there are a number of persons on social media who are offering these things for sale and that is also prohibited as well. Certainly, if it is an uncustomed good and the customs department, if large quantities are caught, we are going to hand that over to the customs department. We know that for uncustomed goods, the penalty is three times the value. So certainly, that will be happening over this entire Christmas holiday.”

Police Detain Free Zone Robbers Who Stole Millions

Over the weekend, a group of men pulled off a heist at a warehouse in the Corozal Free Zone, making off with millions of Mexican pesos. The police acted swiftly and managed to detain three suspects, including a security guard. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, credited their quick response for the arrests. Here are more details on the story.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yesterday, morning before the police were notified of a within the free zone. Based on that information the Corozal police mobilized and went to the area. They conducted searches utilizing drones and they were able to locate two individuals who are suspected to have been a part of that burglary. Police also found a bag containing some pesos, and Mexican pesos, along with a few Belize dollars and a few U.S. currency. The bag of money was taken to the Corozal police station, where it was counted, and it amounted to a total of ten thousand four point something million pesos. I think just over two hundred plus US dollars and a small amount of police currency. The two individuals are currently detained. I’m not aware of the total amount of monies stolen during the burglary. I think we’re still trying to ascertain that that figure, but so far we believe we have two of the suspects in custody. We’re still looking for an additional two more persons. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to find them very shortly. And then we see how we go from there.”

Reporter

“How are they able to conduct the robbery?”

Chester Williams

“It’s not a robbery. It’s a burglary. From what we get out again is that it did so in collusion with The security guard who worked at the the establishment. So that security guard is also in custody as a part of our investigation.”

Reporter

“How are you guys able, the quick response to be able to capture them?”

Chester Williams

“The calls were received and the police responded quickly.”

Reporter

“Are these people, they’re Belizean?”

Chester Williams

“Yes, Belizean, yes.”

Reporter

“And are they known to police?”

Chester Williams

“Yes, they’re from Belize City. “

G.O.B. Warns Business Owners Against Price Gouging

The Government of Belize is warning business owners against price gouging at a time when shoppers are rushing to the shelves to stock up on groceries and buy construction material as part of their hurricane preparedness plans. Today, NEMO Coordinator, Daniel Mendez, reminded businesses that there are repercussions for predatory price gouging.

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“In terms of the price gouging, it is really important to keep an eye on this. We know there is potential for this to happen. Like you said it is something that needs to be policed and it is something that the government will have to keep and eye on to ensure that we are protecting people so that there is no advantage being taken of as we as a country start to make those preparations. So, whenever we find that out the information needs to take up to the necessary channels to have action.”

Reporter

“If I am a victim of it, is there any action I can take?”

Daniel Mendez

“Send that information to NEMO so that we can do the necessary investigations.”

NEMO’s hotline is nine, three, six.

Preventing Another Breakage of Coastal Road

Portions of the Coastal Plain Road crumbled under heavy flooding two weeks ago, and while a lot of it was blamed on deforestation, a lot was also blamed on the government. Some have accused the government of compromising quality for savings, but when we got a chance to speak with the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Julius Espat on Friday, he said that the contract for that project was signed long before they got in. Espat also said that what we do with the environment contributes to the consequences we are enduring now. He also said that the ministry’s engineers are now looking at how they can prevent a recurrence of the breakage.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing

“That project was designed and awarded during their time. We are only continuing with an existing contract. There’s no way we could have compromised safety with saving. Saving was not gotten by changing the scope of work. Saving was achieved when the project was completed and there was a contingency in place and that contingency was not used. So instead, we used the contingency for useful purposes and in no way have we changed the scope of work. What we have been experiencing is, I think, a part of our own making. Deforestation has become a major issue. We have to be careful about it. The drought is a factor of deforestation, and when the rain comes, it’s also one of the problems that happen to it. And we have to deal with it, and we have to find a way to make sure that we minimize whatever repercussions that come with it. The contractor and the ministry engineers have been sent out to analyze it. We cleared the road so that it’s passable. But we’re looking at how to better it for possible minimizing reoccurrence. Where the engineers, both internationally and locally, thought that the flooding would have happened, but they didn’t. Conceived that it would have happened at this specific spot. If you notice when you drive the coastal highway, you have sections that are concreted, and it’s concreted with a purpose. They know that when there’s a severe flood, it has to go over the road, and so there are designs in place to be able to accommodate that. But new ones occurred. When we went up to check, we went downstream, and the stream is all blocked up with bamboo, with old trees, with all the deforestation that happened, went into the creek, and water will find a way out. You have to understand that trees and all of these things help with, minimizing erosion. It directs the flow of water to a specific area. Once you take that out and then it’s, a free flow water. We’ll find a way, one way or the other. And the coastal, for example, everybody is aware. That it was designed and it was placed in an area that’s very low. And so everybody knew that with time, it will flood once in a while. But the difference is it floods for maybe an hour, maybe two, maximum half a day.”

Belizean World War 2 Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday

The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League had cause for a celebration today as one of its members turned one hundred years old. The centenarian is World War II veteran Rudolf Middleton. We stopped by the festivities earlier today, to learn moiré about him. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Today, the Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League congregated to celebrate the one hundredth birthday of former serviceman and World War II veteran, Rudolf Middleton. Having joined the army at just eighteen years old, Middleton is honored as a pioneer in the league. We caught up with the man of the hour to hear how he is feeling on this momentous occasion.

Rudolf Middleton, World War 2 Veteran

“I feel good. Because It shows what type of person I am and what I’ve been through and raised up to be. So I feel good about it.”

He stated that the only secret to a long life is to keep active.

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, I exercise while I was in the army and that keep me active. You know, and after I leave the army I work. Keep active. That’s what got me up so long.”

Middleton further reflected on his time in the army while serving the Crown.

Rudolf Middleton

“I was a private so I when I went overseas in Egypt, they changed me from what I was and let me be a guy that goes out and search for the enemy that they have searching for Rito, the battalion. And I went through that and that’s what kept up everything.”

We asked Middleton what advice he had for youths who may look up to him and his years of experience.

Rudolf Middleton

“Well, as for young people, it’s to keep going out respectfully. Respect elders and respect yourself. Dress to suit, as they used to dress when I was young. The young lady, they wear the dress to the knee, and under the dress they got the skirt. And they used to be respected then.”

President of the Belize Ex-Servicemen League, Bernard Adolphus explained the significance of the celebration and the impact Middleton has had on the league.

Bernard Adolphus, President, Belize Ex-Servicemen League

“It is a very important setup for us because of the fact that this gentleman, Mister Rudolph Middleton, a veteran, served this country. He volunteered at 18 years of age, now he’s 100 years. He put all his back into the situation. in this country. You know, when World War II came about, the crown asked the Caribbean for assistance with the men. And as a result, Mister Middleton and others, not only him, but you got others from north, south, east and west of this country who volunteer. When you check the record, it’s over a thousand odd gentlemen volunteer in World War II.”

According to Adolphus, Middleton set an example for members of the league, not only through his vast experience abroad, but through guidance and care extended towards members and their families.

Bernard Adolphus

“Some went to Scotland, cutting woods, but eventually joined the battalion. Imagine a black man like Mister Middleton, end up in Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Barbados, in training, prepare for war, you see what I mean? And that, he set one example for us. He got discipline, honest and hardworking individual. When I came here in 1984, he advised me a number of stuff. As a result of his advice, I became a better person. It’s all about discipline. This department here, institution, may look insignificant to others. But believe you me, if you listen, you can learn. Take care of yourself; take care of your home. Help others. Because the whole idea is, in the past, we had a lot of veterans, and widowers, and we assist them. You know, because the husbands serve, the husbands serve, and because of this, they get assistance. So Mister Rudy, has been there for all of us. He has been there for others. As a result of that, he made myself and others a better person. And I’m grateful for that. And we can continue. So we had to have one. When we were discussing, we had to have something in honoring him.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Miss Universe Belize Unveils Its Most Diverse Delegation Yet

Late last year, the Miss Universe Belize franchise made a call for women to join the line-up after they announced that the franchise would be undergoing a transformation under its new ownership, House of Crowns. Now, with these changes implemented, women of all ages and marital backgrounds were eligible to apply and after much suspense, the delegation has been unveiled. We caught up with National Director, Destinee Arnold and a few delegates, here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Miss Universe Belize franchise has finally announced its delegation, kicking off its pageant festivities. A diverse array of women from different backgrounds was selected to potentially represent Belize internationally. We spoke with National Director, Destinee Arnold, who told us more about the delegation.

Destinee Arnold, National Director, House of Crowns

“It is amazing to start to develop that culture of not giving up on your dream and continue to be steadfast in the pursuit of all your aspirations. Just because a door closes doesn’t mean that you can’t find a window that will open up to you. And we are really taking advantage of all the barriers that have lifted. it and taking advantage of the inclusivity of women, no matter how old you are, what your marital status is, or if you have children, it’s truly a celebration of a woman in all her forms.”

Arnold explained that this delegation is the result of months of hard work and deliberation.

Destinee Arnold

“Monday night was a huge night because we finally got to show basically the world, the Miss Universe Belize 2024 class and just to see the fruits of our labor and the result of when visionaries, creatives and organizers combine their talents to see the result of that was just breathtaking for me. It literally left me in tears. And I think I speak for all of my team that we were all emotional as we watched everything play out.”

We also spoke with a few delegates to hear how they are feeling about this year’s competition. Twenty-three-year-old Monilee Aspinall stated that it is an honour to be a part of this year’s diverse delegation.

Monilee Aspinall, Delegate

“Meeting the delegates. They have been what an amazing group of people. They’re so accomplished. They’re so passionate about, you know, all the things that, makes them who they are, their values, their family and so being a part of that, I feel absolutely blessed and honored to, for them to even have the belief that I’m one of those people that could contribute towards their vision. So I’m super excited to see how it progresses.”

We also sat down with Vivian Noralez, a returning contestant who competed in 2019, but is back again with renewed vigor.

Vivian Noralez, Delegate

“It is an honor. Actually, when I first decided to re compete, a lot of people were sending me the flyer that Miss Belize will be back at Miss Universe. And they were like, Vivian, we just Feel like you should give it one more try. One more try. And I was so nervous. I was just nervous of the fact/ being back on stage, being in the spotlight again. But I do feel prepared and I feel like now I have a lot more to offer. So it wasn’t that I don’t think I’m ready, it’s just that you have to mentally prepare yourself to be out there again. coming back seeing all the girls, all the women, I just got to meet them two weeks ago, and it is such a diverse group.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

CBA Quietly Celebrates Chinese New Year

The explosion of firecrackers and the clashing of cymbals down the streets of Belize usually indicate the celebration of Chinese New Year for the Asian community in Belize. A time when members come together, to dance, eat and make some noise. This year, however, the Chinese Belize Association has opted for a more subtle celebration. We caught up with honorary CBA Chairman, Edmund Kwan to hear how the festivities are going this year.

Edmund Kwan, Honorary Chairman, CBA

“Year is the lunar New Year, lunar new moon of every year. It usually falls in January or February.”

Britney Gordon

“What’s the theme for this year’s Lunar New Year, what’s the animal that represents it?”

Edmund Kwan

“This coming year is the year of the Dragon. Basically it’s a zodiac sign, something like horoscope. The entire year is drag is dragon. So if you’re born this in 2024 you’re born in the year of the dragon.”

Britney Gordon

“What kind of activities and festivities does the association usually have during this time of year?”

Edmund Kwan

“We usually have the banquet and the lion dance parade. However I think the association have some private personal matters. We’re not doing it this year.”

Britney Gordon

“So instead, you mentioned that everyone will be celebrating privately within their homes. What kinds of activities does that entail, having a celebration within your house?”

Edmund Kwan

“Tonight is New Year’s Eve. Traditionally, we on New Year’s Eve, we sit down at home and everybody have dinner. They call it basically like a full table. We’re all you know, brothers, sister, usually sit down and have a dinner together. Something like Christmas Eve, and then the New Year’s, then there’s an opening year dinner. That is usually the New Year’s banquet that we have, but, people will make more than likely celebrate it at home with their family and stuff like that, but everybody choose a different date.”

Britney Gordon

“So I know it can be a bit disappointing that we’re not going to have the parade this year. Are you looking forward to next year? Maybe we’ll try and bring that back?”

Edmund Quan

“Definitely. Definitely. Definitely. It’s just some personal issues and some things like, the chairman, have some problems and so we don’t, we’re not, we’re skipping this year. We’re skipping it. We’re not, it’s not forgotten.”

Happy Lunar New Year From The Embassy Of Taiwan!

February tenth marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebrations for 2024. Every year, around this time, families come together to cultivate luck and good fortune for the New Year. This is an especially significant time of year for members of the Taiwanese community in Belize, who use this opportunity to commune and take part in their traditions together. We visited the embassy of Taiwan to hear how they are celebrating this year.

Jimmy Tseng, Secretary, Embassy of Taiwan

“Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year because it’s not just celebrated by the Chinese, it’s also celebrated by a lot of Asian countries. For example, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines; in these countries, because they all use used to use the lunar calendar, which is why that lunar New Year is also their national Holidays. So in these Asian countries, obviously including Taiwan , we all celebrated the Lunar New Year. So Lunar New Year is the inner ancient agricultural society is the only long vacation that people have that they can gather around with their families and hang out with their friends. Normally it lasts like one to two weeks, so people can have a proper rest and start fresh for New Year.”

Britney Gordon

“What are some of the traditions celebrated on this holiday?”

Jimmy Tseng

“So in this Lunar New Year holiday, in our tradition, that red is the auspicious color. So we use red to decorate our house, and we use the spring couplets to put it on the front door of our houses, and then to show people this is an auspicious place and also, that because today is the New Year’s Eve, and so the members of the family, they will go back to their parents house and then they unite for a out reunion dinner.”

Britney Gordon

“Being that so many of you are far away from your family members, what’s the significance of celebrating it here in Belize together?”

Jimmy Tseng

“It is really important that you can see that Belize is a multi ethnicity, multicultural society. We have the Creole, we have the Mayans, Latin people, Garifuna, and obviously the Asian community. So it is all these people that we live together in harmony, and then we have a diverse cultural and but it is also really important that we go back to our cultural roots and to keep our traditional cultural and this is, I believe, what makes Belize really special and very vibrant society.”

PM Briceño to Visit Vatican City During Personal Leave

As we’ve mentioned at the top of our newscast, Prime Minister John Briceño is presently out of the country on personal leave. His absence from the country precedes a scheduled visit to Vatican City, Rome, where he will be meeting with Pope Francis. During his time away, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde will hold over as Prime Minister. PM Briceño is scheduled to return to Belize on January seventh.