This morning, a dozen children from a cultural group in Dangriga departed for Los Angeles to participate in the annual Garifuna Survival Day mass. This event allows Garifuna Communities from different countries to meet with each other and reflect on the shared history of their people. Before their flight, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with them at the airport for more details on this significant experience.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
On Sunday, Garifuna communities from all over the region will come together in Los Angeles for the eleventh Annual Garifuna Survival Day Memorial Mass. This event was created to honor, educate, and reflect on the exile of the Garinagu to Central America. A delegation from the Habayan Uwarani cultural group in Dangriga will be showcasing their talents, and thirteen-year-old JayMar Nicascio is thrilled to be a part of it.
JayMar Nicasio
JayMar Nicasio, Member, Habayan Uwarani
“We are going we are going to LA to participate in the annual Garifuna Survival Day Mass, and it’s celebrating two hundred and twenty-eight years of resilience and we just want to display the talent of the children of Dangriga.”
Britney Gordon
“So have you guys prepared anything specific to showcase? What exactly is that?”
JayMar Nicasio
“I believe we’ve prepared two or three dances and we have a lot of songs ready to sing and to share.”
Reporter
“And is this your first time going on a trip like this, as a group?”
JayMar Nicasio
“Yes. This is our first time traveling outside of the country with my group.”
The group, whose name means Children of Togetherness, is led by Clarene Castillo Alvarez. She took over after the passing of her mother, Margaret Castillo.
“We have like twenty-five kids in this group, but we only brought twelve children in this trip and they’re very excited to be on this trip.”
Britney Gordon
“So how did this opportunity to participate in this convention in LA come to be where you guys contacted by someone?”
Clarene Castillo Alvarez
“Well, Mrs. Dorina, she’s the one who will contact the people from the Pablo Lembey Foundation and that’s why we’re on this trip today.”
JayMar says the group is alive with excitement as they get ready to celebrate their history and represent Belize. He feels truly honored to have this opportunity.
JayMar Nicasio
“It feels exciting because when I travel, I usually travel solo or with a parent. So it feels exciting traveling with my friends out of the group.”
Britney Gordon
“And to be a part of this group of young people that get to share their culture. How important is that to you to be able to carry on this part of yourself?”
JayMar Nicasio
“It’s very important to me. It is very important to me. It’s like my rock, My culture is my rock and it’s a thing that holds my identity together.”
Belizeans who love shopping online from Chinese businesses like Shein and Temu might need to rethink their purchases. The Trump administration’s new tariff regime adds a thirty-four percent tax on products from China, on top of the existing twenty percent. Since items from these online stores are shipped from China through the U.S., a fifty-four percent duty could be applied, significantly raising the price for consumers.
Leroy Almendarez
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant
“If China is now at fifty-four percent, thirty-four plus twenty, because you could see the cascading effects with the tariffs when they were mentioned. These countries are there for doing business. An online platform means you don’t need physical space so that will reduce your cost. What they can also do, which I am not sure they will do, but what some entities or business will do, is an application of a thirty-four percent tax or let us say it become fifty-four percent, you might decide to share the cost, maybe at least for a period of time, which means you have reduced your revenue as well. Let us say for example that you had already placed an order for something from China a week ago, what happens after yesterday, is an application of that tax unto that product that you have purchased, or we say that was old stock and therefore. I don’t think they will do that. So, we will really have to see how the world will react. CARICOM should have been more proactive, there could have been some anticipation that this was possible.”
President Donald Trump has imposed a ten percent tariff on Belizean goods exported to the U.S., just three months after taking office. The Government of Belize is closely monitoring this new policy, which the Trump administration calls a reciprocal tariff. This ten percent fee targets countries like Belize that have tariffs on American goods. Some countries, like China, face an additional thirty-four percent on top of an existing twenty percent tariff. The tariff rates vary for the one hundred and eighty-five affected countries. What does this mean for our exports to the U.S.? We asked Narda Garcia, C.E.O. in the Office of the Prime Minister. She said there’s not much information to share yet as officials are still analyzing the situation. Tonight, we start the news with an official reaction to these higher reciprocal tariff rates imposed by the U.S. Government on Belize.
Narda Garcia
Narda Garcia, C.E.O., Office of the Prime Minister
“I can only say that they’re revising the list to see what products will be affected and then government will give a response. We as CEOs have not been given the information as yet, so I wouldn’t want to speculate on that position.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that officials are quickly analyzing the situation and will consult with relevant stakeholders to protect Belize’s economic interests. In recent years, Belize’s top exports to the U.S. have been sugar and fisheries products. A swift response is crucial, whether through direct talks with U.S. officials or a coordinated effort with CARICOM. How will this impact our local economy? We spoke with Economic Consultant, Doctor Leroy Almendarez, to get his perspective on this latest development. Here’s what he had to say.
Leroy Almendarez
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant
“In essence, every country that is applying a tariff to American products we are now applying a tariff to each one of those countries. I must immediately say that countries can do that. It goes way back to the history regarding trade. Even Germany tried it for infant industries to survive. In this case what they are saying is my manufacturers and those people who do business in America, if I make the cost of goods coming into the country a little bit more expensive, trying to apply these rebalancing tariffs, or tariffs, then it simply means they will be able to survive. The only way that really happens is if I can provide everything I need, the inputs etc. When I looked at it, and honestly, I left because I watched it and said, is Belize being tariffed, because I didn’t see it. Then I went back, and I looked at the countries and saw the application of the ten percent. I also noticed reciprocally Belize applies ten percent as well. So, this was a direct reciprocity, one for one, because it could have been less than third percent.”
Doctor Almendarez warns that the ten percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration could hurt jobs. However, he sees a silver lining: it opens up opportunities to explore new markets beyond the U.S., such as increasing trade with CARICOM and the European Union. Here’s how he explains it.
Leroy Almendarez
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant
“The immediate reaction would be, then what happens to us in terms of consumption. What about our products going into the United States, because if that ten percent applies then it actually makes our products more expensive for consumption in the U.S. So those who normally consume our sugar, molasses, our seafood, our wood products might start to look for substitutes. In other words, we might have lost our competitiveness, which means a loss of revenues. To produce those things means employment. So, we might end up with a situation that can reduce employment. And just looking at February 2025, we exported twenty-three point three million but imported over two hundred million. Exports went up and import when down. But what was significant is that most of our exports went to CARICOM. And under the Treaty of Chaguaramas there is the free movement of goods. So therefore if we can export more into CARICOM then it means our goods will not attract those kinds of tariffs, the UK was second, the EU was third, very good trading partners.”
Regarding the government’s response to the Trump administration’s new tariff, Doctor Almendarez says several factors need to be considered. For instance, is the tariff effective immediately? And how willing is President Trump to discuss suspending it? Doctor Almendarez suggests that the government should approach this dialogue with its CARICOM partners rather than going it alone.
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Economic Consultant
“I am not sure we were forewarned the tariffs would come, but I think we all knew that the president, it is a word he uses very often. He believes tariffs is a way of balancing the world. Now that it has been applied, the question is what its immediacy is. Is it being applied already? Goods leaving tomorrow will be impacted by that. I believe there is a need for engagement with the United States. The U.S. trade representative is the person who engages in dialogue for those persons that benefit through the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Agreement and to request consideration that our products that enters the U.S. market continues to benefit through the duty tariff exemptions from our products that go in the U.S. As I indicated, even though it exists it is the president that can decide to vary that. I heard him say this morning that he is open to dialogue, because sometimes the imposition of these tariffs is really to see how the company will react.”
Shirley Botchwey, a seasoned diplomat and former Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs, has made history as the first African woman to lead the Commonwealth, a group of 56 nations representing a third of the world’s population. Earlier today, Secretary-General Botchwey delivered her first message to the people of the Commonwealth Caribbean. She shared her vision and commitment to serving the region and making its voice heard on the global stage, especially during these times of international tension and changing alliances. With Antigua and Barbuda set to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next year, her exclusive video message is especially timely and relevant for the Caribbean. It gives an early look at her plans and highlights the Commonwealth’s ongoing focus on regional priorities.
This week, we step into the ring to explore the journey of Kadejah Gentle, a rising Belizean American MMA fighter who’s redefining what it means to fight with passion and perseverance. Determined to make a name for herself, Kadejah’s story is one of relentless drive, overcoming challenges, and breaking barriers in a sport where women are still fighting for equal recognition. From dreaming of WWE stardom to mastering MMA, she’s proving that strength and determination know no gender. Join Sabreena Daly for this week’s look On the Bright Side.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the toughest and most competitive combat sports out there. Unlike traditional fighting styles, MMA fighters need to master multiple disciplines, including striking arts like Muay Thai and boxing, grappling techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, and powerful moves from Judo and kickboxing. To reach the professional level, fighters need more than just raw talent—they need exceptional endurance, technical skill, and relentless discipline. In the ring, she’s known as Killer Kay, but her real name is Kadija Gentle, and her jabs are anything but gentle. This determined Belizean American MMA fighter is on a mission to make a name for herself in the sport. Living in the U.S., Kadija is driven by ambition and an unstoppable desire to leave her mark in the ring.
Kadejah Gentle
Kadejah Gentle, MMA Fighter
“I’m super passionate and although I’m at the point I’m at now, I feel like I got here way faster than expected. That just comes from my drive and my commitment to do better and be my best self in whatever I do. I would say another thing that drives me is just being an inspiration to people and just being a great role model, being a good person and being a great example especially because of where I come from. There are not a lot of outlets, especially being a woman, so that’s something that I really want to use my platform to shed some light on and show that we can do these things too. There are these people out here.”
Gentle originally dreamed of making it big in WWE—World Wrestling Entertainment. But her passion took a turn when she discovered other martial arts. Drawn to the intensity and discipline of combat sports, she switched her focus to MMA Fighting, pouring countless hours into perfecting her skills. Success in MMA takes more than just talent, it demands discipline, mental toughness, and relentless training. To compete at the highest level, Gentle endures grueling workouts she calls fight camp.
Kadejah Gentle
“Initially I started wrestling, and was working toward a childhood goal of mine to be a part of the WWE, to be a professional wrestler. Once I found they had wrestling in my highschool, i said okay all this is going to do is help me get to my goal. It ended up leading me to discover new things and new ambitions and new things I wanted to accomplish. So from there it just lead me to the path I’m on now. I always consider myself to be on what’s called a never ending camp, never ending fight camp. Because it’s something that I consider to be my career and what I want to be my career. I’m always training, I train six days a week. And leading up to a fight, it’s nonstop training for those six days. And the time off really from training is pretty much just a week. Sometimes we don’t even take that week off because we want to go back to the gym right away. You just want to get better. But the training camp is pretty much nonstop. And since I am working towards this goal, I’m just always in the gym, I’m just always training, always staying active. So I’m always on that path to being prepared and always prepared. And that’s just the mindset you have to carry, if you want to be at that high level.”
Women’s MMA in the U.S. and Belize are worlds apart. In the U.S., female fighters enjoy top-notch training facilities, plenty of media exposure, and increasing chances to compete internationally. On the other hand, MMA in Belize is still in its infancy, with limited resources, training centers, and media coverage. This makes it much tougher for aspiring fighters like Kadejah Gentle to make a name for themselves.
Kadejah Gentle
“There’s definitely, that number has definitely increased over time, from when I first started. Women being more exposed as not just like female athletes, but just as athletes, it shows that there’s a space for everyone in this and the women can be just as badass and just as dominant as the guys can, you know what I mean? Like there’s female alphas out there for sure and I feel like I’m one of them.”
Sabreena Daly
“As a female, do you still encounter challenges?”
Kadejah Gentle
“Oh yeah, for sure. Definitely being a female of a smaller stature, there’s definitely still that line that people try to cross. Like, let me see if I can try this type of thing. But once you’re assertive, and once you’re very comfortable in your skin and know who you are, and just stand 10 toes down, people respect that. So that gets cut out of the way very quickly. It’s something that you kind of get used to over time, unfortunately. But you just know how to handle those things once they do arise.”
Gentle, who proudly embraces her Belizean and Guatemalan roots while living in the US, is a shining example of women breaking barriers in MMA. With a fight record of 7-5, she has proven herself as a formidable competitor. Her impressive achievements include being a World Champion and a three-time National Champion, with titles such as the 2023 IKF Classic Champion, 2023 WKA National Champion, 2024 WKA National Champion, and 2024 IKF World Classic Champion. Gentle’s success demonstrates that women can excel in combat sports, challenging traditional gender norms and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without fear. Representation in MMA is vital—not just for visibility, but for empowering women to claim their space and show that strength and resilience have no gender boundaries.
Sabreena Daly
“What type of emotions do you feel when you’re in that ring? What goes through your head?”
Kadejah Gentle
“Oh, my gosh. Honestly, a lot of it is just muscle memory and reaction because it just feels like a blur most of the time because everything’s just like moving so fast-paced. But It’s like, you feel excitement, you feel nervous, you feel fear, you feel all these different things. But ultimately, it’s like, at the end, once you’re done and you’re accomplished, going through all those emotions, and even better, winning, it’s just a very satisfying feeling, accomplished feeling. But ultimately, you still know that there’s always more work to do. But in that moment, it’s just kind of like a sigh of relief.”
Mayor Bernard Wagner recently returned from an official trip to Taiwan, where he led a delegation to the 2025 Smart City Summit and Expo. This global event brings together city leaders, tech pioneers, and urban planners to collaborate on the latest advancements in smart city solutions. When we asked Mayor Wagner about his trip, he shared that Belize City is lagging behind and emphasized the need for the country to embrace these technological changes.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“It was tremendous. I was able to see the standard of technology and innovation, driving smart technology across Taipei and our sister city Kaohsiung is amazing. So, I was just immersed and just fascinated by the sheer gigantic approach they have taken in driving technology across the city. We are way behind. Belize City is far behind and we as a country must embrace change and stop stomping on the trail and impeding progress. We have to become that sort of citizenry where we embrace change and embrace technology that drives development.”
Today, the Caribbean Court of Justice wrapped up a two-day hearing in a legal battle between the Government of Belize and four private liquified petroleum gas (LPG) companies. The government is challenging a 2024 Court of Appeal decision that found it violated the companies’ constitutional rights to work and property by preventing them from importing LPG into Belize. This dispute stems from a 2019 law that established National Gas Company Limited as the sole importer of LPG in the country. Senior counsels Eamon Courtenay, Edward Fitzgerald, Angeline Welch, and King’s Counsel Andrew Marshalleck represented the appellants. On the other side, Senior Counsels Godfrey Smith and Douglas Mendes appeared for the LPG companies. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Over two days, the Caribbean Court of Justice listened to ten hours of arguments in the legal dispute between the Government of Belize and four private liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) companies. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay kicked things off, making the first submissions on behalf of the Attorney General of Belize.
Eamon Courtenay
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-At-Law
“There is an insinuation that government was acting on bad faith and ill will in seeking to put the respondents out of business. That is not so, the amendment act is a clear piece of evidence that the government was not intending to put them out of business. The government was intending to move the supply of LPG from road to sea that advance the purpose.”
In the early stages of the legal battle, when the four companies were up in arms over NGC’s operations, Parliament stepped in and amended the National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Project Act.
Eamon Courtenay
“The government leveled the playing field on the importation side and provided the right for someone to apply for a license to import LPG through an approved facility.”
However, the law only approves facilities with a storage capacity of one point five million gallons. The LPG companies argue that this requirement isn’t economically feasible for them. Attorney Douglas Mendes, representing his clients, claimed that while there’s an option for these companies to import through NGC’s facility, it’s just a pretense.
Douglas Mendez
Douglas Mendez, Attorney-At-Law
“By imposing impossible or commercial unviable conditions on entering the market you in effect maintain the monopoly. That is the point, because the monopoly still exists, because you have on the face of it, it is written in the act that you are permitted entry, but you really can’t because it is financially prohibitive as the evidence states to build the one point five million dollars plant and it would not may any sense to have us import through the NGC terminal when that relationship is totally unregulated.”
When the National Gas Company Limited was established, a decision was taken to import LPG exclusively by sea from the U.S to the company’s port facility. This brought an end to the trucking system that the private companies had in place. Attorney for the appellants, Senior Counsel Angeline Welch, argued that this approach decreases the risk supply shortages, provides for cheaper gas, and places the supply chain in the hands of Belizeans.
Angeline Welch
Angeline Welch, Attorney-At-Law
“The LPG was shipped to ports in Guatemala and Honduras and El Salvador, and it was trucked into Belize. By the time it was trucked into Belize the end costumer in Belize was Mount Belview price and the cost of those terminals and the transportation and any profit arrangements. The supply chain was operated and controlled by sister companies of the LPG companies. So those cost for the terminal and transportation and any other profit that was made was for that oligarchy which existed before the legislation.”
But the attorney for the four companies, Godfrey Smith, argues that the move violates his clients’ right to work.
Godfrey Smith
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law
“The right is hindered. It is fettered. What the constitution guarantees to the respondents is that you have an unfettered, unhindered right to engage in a business or trade that you freely choose. So that they freely choose importation. At the end of the day we have lost wholesale business, forty-five percent of that. And that is an aspect of the business that you have a right to freely engage in.”
After a long nine-hour hearing, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay wrapped up his remarks to the court by addressing Mendes’ claim that the new law is just for show.
Eamon Courtenay
“Mr. Mendez took the liberty of alleging that the act and amendment was a pretense by the government to fake the fact that it was opening the market. A simple read of the legislation will show that it was the intention of the government to liberate the market on the conditions set out there. There is absolutely no basis to support the allegation, and I urge this court to reject it out of hand.”
In his closing statement, Mendes requested that the court consider the playing field is leveled.
Douglas Mendes
“Has the legislation treated the respondents and NGC in an even-handed manner? That is basically what I am asking. You have to look at what are the attributes relative to meeting the requirements of a one point five-million-gallon storage plant. What are the comparable circumstances relative to that requirement and the answer is they have all the benefits.”
