Regional/International - Channel 5 Belize

Belize’s Halima Hoy Takes the Miss Universe Stage

The pressure is on for Belize’s own Halima Hoy as she gets ready to take the Miss Universe stage for the finals on Saturday. This year’s pageant, held in Mexico City, will see women from all over the world competing for the crown. As the big day approaches, we caught up with her Belizean support team in Mexico City to hear how they’re feeling as the excitement builds.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The Miss Universe 2024 Pageant is underway, and people around the world are eagerly watching their contestant, hoping for a win. This year, Belizean beauty, Halima Hoy, is shining on the big stage. We caught up with Destinee Arnold, the National Director of Miss Universe Belize, for an update on how the competition is going so far.

Destinee Arnold, National Director, Miss Universe Belize

“I am just elated with all of the support that we have been getting from our countrymen, and I am so proud of Halima for continuing to fight that good fight and leaving her all on that stage. It is my job to make sure that she is well prepared and putting her best foot forward during the competition and not pageant night to be her moral support to be there for her in times of need to provide that insight. Of course, I will be reviewing her performance from last night and helping her work out any kinks that I noticed. And we are just going to continue to fight and push forward so that we finish off stronger.”

Also joining Hoy in Mexico is her husband, Arthur Hoy. He feels a wave of emotion as he watches his wife’s hard work finally pay off.

Arthur Hoy, Halima’s Husband

“Her job was Monday to Sunday, and it even took her away from Houston where we currently reside and she was living in Belize. So for the past couple of months my wife was for Belize and she still is Belize, but we’re in a great mental space. We are so proud of her. Her performance last night was very emotional for us. We, as a, with her, I was sitting with her team and we all got teary eyed when she came out because she looked so beautiful. She performed and she really made us proud.”

Despite the overwhelming love and support, Hoy and her team have faced some accusations. In a now-deleted Instagram post, they were accused of paying for Hoy’s placement in the pageant. Arnold finds these accusations to be completely unfounded.

Destinee Arnold

“For me, it’s honestly quite laughable that they would think that we would pay for placement. Pageantry is not a cheap venture, and we don’t get into pageantry Hoping to make money. It’s definitely a passion project, but we’re trying to change that perspective. We’re not trying to continue to allow pageantry to be a money pit. And one thing that I love about the new Miss universe organization, they want their national directors to contribute. In their ventures and their Miss Universe products, and that’s what we’re doing.”

She explains that the goal of the Miss Universe Belize franchise is to grow the industry and create new opportunities for Belizeans.

Destinee Arnold

“We are trying to introduce the Miss Universe projects in our country of Belize so that we bring in that that pageantry industry, because it’s a very lucrative industry. If you play your cards that’s not paying for placement. That’s being smart. That’s bringing another economic revenue to our country. That’s creating jobs. It’s creating a product. And if you cannot join in the celebration or join in the work to bring that to police, then, I’m okay with you not sitting at the table with us.”

On stage, Hoy unveiled her stunning national costume, a beautiful tribute to Belize’s Mayan roots. Arnold hopes that Belizeans can set aside the negativity and continue to shower Hoy with love and support as she strives to make Belize proud.

Destinee Arnold

“You can go to the choicely app and for her there is a fan vote for the top thirty, or you can just share her pictures, comment on the miss universe post that has Halima on it with your flag. Sending Halima sweet messages that are encouraged her because we are the fuel that drives her when she’s on stage. So we have to keep that energy going.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Belize’s Miss Earth Returns Home After Month in the Philippines

The International Miss Earth Pageant has wrapped up, and Belize’s own Morgan Miles is back home. This pageant gives young women a stage to voice their concerns about environmental and social issues. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with Miles as she returned from the Philippines.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

When people think of pageantry, they often picture stunning dresses and high heels. But for those in the know, pageantry is all about having a platform. Every contestant vying for the Miss Earth 2024 crown is championing an important environmental cause. Today, Belize’s own Morgan Miles returned from the Philippines after a month of competing.

Morgan Miles, Miss Earth Belize

“I think one of the things that I definitely took over there was my heritage and my pride that I have for Belize. Belize is so culturally diverse and there is just so much hidden jewels and hidden adventures and things that Belize has to offer. And so I took especially my advocacy conservation and sustainability over there and I got to share that with everyone over there on the international stage and that was just mind-blowing.”

While the Miss Earth Pageant might not have the same global fame as some other pageants, it champions equally important causes. Contestants are all about promoting green living, sustainable development, and a cleaner future. Morgan Miles, Belize’s representative, has always loved the outdoors, with hobbies like fishing and canoeing. She never saw herself as a pageant queen, but she stepped out of her comfort zone because she truly believes in the platform she represents.

Morgan Miles

“My passion for the environment and sustainability and conservation has all really come together and kind of created one with the pageant because me, by profession, I am a sustainable farmer. I own Fat Farmer, where I supply different health foods, restaurants, and hotels with packaged whole chickens. And then I also stand for conservation in the fly-fishing industry in Belize. So I really want to bring more awareness of these things and why there’s a need for it, not only in Belize but worldwide.”

Joining her on this incredible journey was Mia-Paige Miles, the Director of the Miss Earth Belize Pageant and Morgan’s sister. She shared that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience was seeing her sister shine as her true self on an international stage.

Mia-Paige Miles, Director, Miss Earth Belize

“So, seeing Belize on an international stage, our small country, Belize, represents itself very largely when we go abroad. So seeing Morgan, especially both personally and professionally, seeing her on the stage showing her advocacy was something that hit close to home. And I’m glad that we could have shared that with everybody.”

Morgan’s reign will last for a year, and during this time, the team hopes the Miss Earth Pageant will keep growing and draw in more supporters. Even though she didn’t win the coveted title, Morgan is determined to use her platform to inspire other young girls to get involved in conservation and believe they can be the change they want to see.

Morgan Miles

“I think just being a role model now that I am is something that blows my mind, continues to blow my mind daily. I myself never thought that I would have been a pageant queen, but I really put myself out there and I just want to encourage a younger generation, the youth, to be who you are. Stand up for you, who you are. If you believe in conservation, sustainability, these are the things that we need to start portraying more. Bring out your inner personality, inner you, and just show off the least of the best of your ability.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Minister Habet to Represent Belize at COP 29

COP29 is in full swing in Azerbaijan, and it’s all about setting new goals for climate finance and making sure every country can ramp up their climate action. Belize has been sending its top technical experts and government officials to these conferences for years, and this year is no exception. We caught up with the Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, who is gearing up to head out on Friday to join the action at COP29.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“In this case I have not been able to go. I had to stay for this house meeting, so I will be leaving on Friday. The last week is when most of the negotiations will reach the stage when it cant go further based on the negotiators then they will call in the high level which will be the ministers or the prime ministers if they are there. So, my responsibility, apart from Belize, is that I have been selected to championing the cause for AOSIS and CARICOM and CARICOM is also considered the small island developing states, so we are members of AOSIS. So, our jobs would be to still seek out the possibility of advancing the NCQG to see how we can upscale the finances coming through for climate change and make certain that we try to get as much as possible. As you realized their past finance goal was a hundred billion per year, now countries are saying that is not enough, we have taken too long, so we are trying to see how else we can do it.”

Minister Habet Says COP16 Wasn’t a Complete Failure

Last month, leaders from around the globe converged in Cali, Colombia for COP16. The summit aimed to ramp up biodiversity protection and secure twenty billion dollars in funding for preservation efforts. Unfortunately, many participants fell short, raising only about four hundred million dollars—far from the ambitious target. Today, we caught up with the Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, who shared his thoughts on the conference. He acknowledged that while not all goals were met, it wasn’t a complete failure.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“If you look at what you go for, And it all depends on how much time you spend. you can get back something. At the global level some people are disappointed because COP16 didn’t produce what they wanted, especially the twenty billion that everybody’s looking for. But I think there are certain solutions that came about for those who were seeking country level support. I think many of them got some. I think for Belize, we got a few commitments as a region with CARICOM also, and as a region with Central America SICA, we also got some. Looking at the Climate Change COP which is much bigger being held in Baku, in Azerbaijan the Climate Change COP to me, is a little bit more commercial. It’s larger, it’s very impersonal, and so you really have to go there with focus on what you want to achieve. For me though, at all the COPs, I try to make certain that we have some bilateral meetings. With Norway, with the U. S., with Canada, and so that you can have additional sources for projects, apart from what the Climate Change Fund will do. Success stories for Belize, for example, our CEO is on the adaptation fund board, on the global adaptation fund board. We were able in the last year or so to be able to bring about eighteen million for adaptation projects in Belize. We have projects with the GCF, the Green Climate Fund, which we are pursuing. PACT is the accredited agency, so we are trying to see how we can locate some funds for certain projects. There are several projects in the pipeline which we are trying to get along with the support from the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance. And so, we can’t just leave it alone. We have to continue pursuing it so that then at the end we can get the funding that we are looking for.”

Belize is Optimistic about COP29

In just a few days, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, will kick off. This event brings together global leaders to discuss strategies for boosting climate resilience and holding themselves accountable for past environmental promises. This year, Belize is sending a small delegation, including Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai. We spoke with Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet, who shared that the focus of the conference will be on increasing access to funding. Here’s more on that.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Climate Change

“One of the main focus areas for COP 29 will be financing and the one hundred billion that was promised some years ago finally accordingly reached in 2022. But we are looking for a much more than that the top is in the trillions of dollars. I will be leading AOSIS and CARICOM. In the new collective quantified goal, which is trying to see how these developed countries fulfill their commitments based on the Paris Agreement that says that developed countries are to provide the funding for developing countries. As AOSIS, as Caribbean, because we are small, considered small island developing states, we are highest in vulnerability to climate change. And so we are also looking for them to consider our vulnerabilities as part of the consideration for the funding. But we also had some success in the previous cup where the loss and damage fund was approved. It’s somewhere a little bit over four hundred million. We want to see how at this couple can increase. The president of COP 29 that they will try to see how in the first week you can try to scale up that funding. And so if we are around the table, we can start negotiating.”

GoB Condemns the Suspension of Relief to Palestinians

The Government of Belize is seriously worried about the recent move by sixteen donor countries to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees. This agency is crucial for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, especially those in Gaza who are caught in the conflict. The United Nations has sounded the alarm, warning that famine could soon hit Gaza, putting the lives of over two million people at risk due to this funding cut. Today, Minister Fonseca echoed the government’s plea, urging these countries to rethink their decision and continue their support. It’s a critical moment, and Belize is standing up for those in need.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

“We felt an absolute obligation, duty and obligation to make a very strong statement on this issue condemning Israel’s actions. This is an organization that, um, you know, serves the needs of the people, uh, Palestinian refugees, migrants, um, you know. Absolutely, it is, I think, wrong headed for Israel to take this position. Um, so we wanted to make it very clear where we stood, uh, in terms of the importance of this organization to ensuring, um, you know, the health and safety and wellness and dignity of the Palestinian people. Um, so we hope that, you know, the international community will join with Belize in condemning this latest action by Israel Um, and work to ensure that that happens. The organization is restored and is able to continue its work in Gaza.”

CARICOM and SICA Recognized at Flag Monument

Belize: The Caribbean Beat in the heart of Central America – many of us grew up hearing this catchy phrase on Radio Belize. But how much does Belize benefit from this identity? You’d think that being part of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Central American Integration Organization (SICA) would help Belize forge strong trade relationships and get more of our products into the export market. That’s exactly what we discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade today, as the Belize City Council proudly raised the flags of twenty-two countries and territories that are part of these two organizations. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Raising the flags of CARICOM and SICA member countries at the flagmonument at the Northern entrance to Belize City was a powerful symbol of the unity and partnership Belize shares with these organizations. This act celebrates our fifty years with CARICOM and twenty-six years with SICA. Today, Mayor Bernard Wagner highlighted this symbolism, proudly showcasing our connection with these regions at the city’s northern gateway.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“Today we certainly rededicate a monument that carries not just the colors and symbols of the Caribbean and Central America regions, but also the spirit of unity, the spirit of pride, the spirit of friendship shared across our region. Today we stand at the Belize City Flag Monument, a twenty-four-year-old gift from Barclays Bank that once served Belize, now finding new life as we restore its original tradition and significance.”

But how much has this symbolism and these partnerships benefited Belize, in terms of trading our products with them? Month after month, reports from the Statistical Institute of Belize highlight a clear imbalance between our imports and exports – we bring in way more than we send out. So, after the flag-raising ceremony, we asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade how the symbolism of our memberships in CARICOM and SICA can translate into real economic benefits. He said that as far as CARICOM is concerned, the support has been more political in the past, but that Belize is now seeking economic growth through that link.

Francis Fonseca, Min. of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

“Because of their strong commitment to Belize’s self-government, to Belize’s independence, to Belize’s territorial integrity, to our right to self-determination, CARICOM has been a seamless block of support in terms of that effort for Belize, so political development has been really the priority, I think, for many, many years. Now I think, over the past decade or so, I think there has been a renewed effort on Belize’s part to look at economic development. How can we benefit economically from these regional organizations? And that’s where I think we have a real opportunity, and we have been working very aggressively on that issue over the past few years here in Belize.”

Fonseca mentioned that similar efforts are underway to boost our economic benefits from SICA. He highlighted a trade and investment delegation to Guatemala, led by Prime Minister John Briceno in August of this year. He suggested that distance might be our biggest hurdle with CARICOM, while with SICA, the challenge could be the language barrier.

Francis Fonseca

“Maybe it was a language barrier, but definitely I don’t believe that we have made a concerted effort to engage with SICA. I’ve done a lot of work with CARICOM, and of course distance is an issue, really it is very far, and so it, the cost of trade is increased. We’re working to make sure that Belize joins these regional organizations like SIECA, which is like the economic arm of SICA, and other organizations, that will allow us to be at the table to engage in meaningful dialogue, discussions about economic development and investment.”

And if the discussions go in our favour, Belize could expect to export more agricultural products to these regions and also attract tourists from them as well, Fonseca said.

Francis Fonseca

“These markets are big. For example, in Guatemala, we have seventeen million people. In terms of chicken and beef, poultry and beef, markets for our grains, markets as well for in terms of tourism, we’re always looking at these countries.”

Mayor Wagner said that the flags will be flown year-round, except for the month of September. Marion Ali for News Five.

Do Belizeans Care About the US Presidential Elections?

The big day is here! Americans are heading to the polls to choose their next leader. This election isn’t just about the U.S.—its outcome will ripple across smaller developing countries and those with diplomatic ties. To see how Belizeans think the results will affect Belize, News Five’s Britney Gordon hit the streets of Belize City. Here’s what she found out.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For many Belizeans, today might feel like just another Tuesday in November. But for Americans everywhere, it’s a pivotal day that will shape their country’s future for the next four years and beyond. It’s the final chance for Americans to vote and decide who will be the next president of the United States. This year’s contenders are Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party and Donald Trump from the Republican Party. Earlier today, we chatted with some Belizeans to see if they’re following the election. Some were very keen on the outcome, while others weren’t as concerned.

Tony Anthony, Belizean

“Yes, I’m keeping up with it and what really happened, I ride from Lemonal village, where I live, with my son-in-law. And all that we was talking about is the US election. But he say, man, if you tell me that Trump is in the lead, you go piss me off. I go crash this vehicle. I don’t want Trump in the lead. He want Kamala Harris win.”

Britney Gordon

“So what do you think is the best way to stay informed right now?”

Tony Anthony

“The best way to stay informed, if you have a phone, you click onto YouTube and hit the news about election.”

MIK, Belizean

“We right here, we keeping up to the elections.”

Britney Gordon

“How are you staying informed?”

MIK

“Well, I’m on the news logging in every day. I’m watching all the election go pass and everything that’s moving. So you know that right now we just want somebody strong coming to power. And get back we Belizeans ney home. Ney one weh need fi come home.”

Leah Myers, Belizean

“To be completely honest, I’m not. That’s not really much of my business, but I do have family across there. I’m not sure if they’re keeping up to date with it either because we haven’t discussed or spoke about it. But I’ve seen, a couple of videos and people voting and I’ve seen that people are voting for the female to come in. But I’m not sure, I’m not really looking into it like that.”

While the political climate in the U.S. might not be a top concern for some Belizeans, it’s a different story for the estimated one hundred thousand Belizeans living there. Many are anxious about the wellbeing of their family and friends who now call America home.

Tony Anthony

“I’m concerned about it because some people say that Trump is a nonsense man and Kamala Harris has got a little black blood, Haitian blood, going up against a white man. The last time Trump been in, he mi di deal with a lot of immigrants. And you can’t stop immigrants. People got to live. You know a lot of Belizeans weh deh ova soh and a lot of other countries we deh dah America. They take America as their savior country, U.S. dollars, yeah.”

Britney Gordon

“So do you have family in the states that you’re worried about?”

Tony Anthony

“I got a lot of family. A lot of family I got. Sisters, nephews, aunts.”

Mark Peyrefitte, Belizean

“The candidates, when they speak, certain things come out of their mouths. The first thing they will do when they come to office, Trump say what, what he will be the biggest. deportation of migrants and Belizean people, so Belizean people or whoever over America, they need to take this serious. Because if they choose that guy again, they’re going backwards. And to make it better, worse for them, they’re going home.”

The election also sets the stage for diplomatic relations between Belize and the United States. During Trump’s presidency, he didn’t appoint a U.S. ambassador to Belize. It wasn’t until the Biden administration that Michelle Kwan took on the role as the current ambassador to Belize. Belize and the U.S. collaborations have also increased through the Central America Regional Security Initiative Economic Support Fund (CARSI-ESF). CARSI annually supports civil society and good governance initiatives in Belize with funding from the United States government.

Gary Matus, Belizean

“The election is be the same thing. I all want the world. Everybody have to suffer. If Trump come inna power, everybody have to cry. You know, they are legalize everybody, deport everybody back da ney country. Everybody have to work for for surviving. Can’t survive. We can’t even eat. I have to pray for God and everything to give the strength of Jesus Christ and everybody have to start to believe in Jesus.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Murder Suspected in Death of Antiguan MP Asot Michael

Police were at the home of independent legislator Asot Michael, who was tragically found dead this morning in a pool of blood at his Saint John’s, Antigua residence. Authorities have yet to release a statement about the discovery of the Member of Parliament for Saint Peter, but his death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Crowds gathered outside his Dry Hill home on the outskirts of the capital. Born on December twenty-first, 1969, in Guadeloupe, Michael had previously served as a minister under Prime Minister Gaston Browne. He ran as an independent candidate in the January 2023 general election after parting ways with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Here’s a report from our colleagues at ABS News.

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, woven from its historical roots and modern innovations, makes it a captivating destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and enriching experience. News Five’s Isani Cayetano joined a delegation of reporters, university lecturers and government officials on a trip to Japan, in the Far East, where he took in the cultural and tourism experience for this week’s Kolcha Tuesday. Here’s that story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Japan’s culture is famous worldwide, from its stunning art and delicious cuisine to its captivating films and music. And let’s not forget the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture, with its iconic comics, mesmerizing animation, and cutting-edge video games that have fans all over the globe. A few weeks ago, I had the incredible chance to visit this amazing island nation in East Asia. Even though the long flight from New York to Tokyo left me jetlagged, my adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. It was a privilege to embark on this familiarization visit alongside a distinguished group of journalists, professors, and government representatives from across the Caribbean. We were invited to Japan by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation.

APIC actively participates in a range of development cooperation projects aimed at fostering and strengthening connections with the international community. These initiatives are designed not only to promote global partnerships, but also to cultivate a deeper, mutual understanding between Japan and numerous other nations, including Belize. This was our inaugural journey to such a distant part of the world, making it even more special. Accompanying me from Belize was my dear friend and esteemed colleague, LJay Wade, a familiar face to many of you from Plus TV. Following a grueling, fourteen-hour, nonstop flight from JFK, we finally touched down at Haneda Airport, the bustling hub and busiest of the two international gateways to the Greater Tokyo Area. The excitement of arriving in such a vibrant city was evident as we landed, ready to explore all that Tokyo has to offer.

Our first day in the lively Capital City was packed with exciting visits, including a stop at a prestigious university renowned for its focus on animation and the visual arts. There, we had the privilege of meeting a distinguished professor, a true expert in the field of Japanese animation, who shared fascinating insights into this captivating art form. Our next stop was the iconic Kaminarimon, where a massive red lantern majestically hangs at the center of the gate in Tokyo. Originally constructed in 941 AD by the military commander Taira no Kinmasa, the Kaminarimon was initially situated near Komagata. It found its current home in 1635, during which time the revered gods of wind and thunder were believed to have been enshrined on the gate, adding to its historical and cultural significance. From that point, we embarked on our culinary adventure, heading to our first stop—a charming, traditional restaurant that meticulously honors every custom, making the Japanese dining experience exceptionally unique and unforgettable. The cuisine is a delightful blend of tradition, artistry, and seasonal ingredients. It emphasizes balance, harmony, and presentation, making each meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Given Japan’s island geography, seafood is central to its cuisine. This includes raw fish, or sashimi, grilled fish, and various seafood-based dishes. The staple, however, is rice, often served plain or as sushi. To cap off our day, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of kabuki, a classical Japanese theatre that masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with traditional dance. Kabuki is renowned for its highly stylized performances, dazzling and ornate costumes, and the intricate kumadori makeup that transforms its performers into living works of art. Elsewhere during our trip, we boarded a bullet train for Kyoto, a city where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in perfect harmony. Kyoto is celebrated for its breathtaking temples, tranquil gardens, and deep cultural heritage. During our visit, we marveled at the Golden Pavilion, a magnificent Zen Buddhist temple.

This iconic structure stands as one of the most beloved landmarks in Japan’s former capital. At an unassuming yet exclusive restaurant in Kyoto, where securing a reservation requires months of anticipation, I had the unforgettable experience of being introduced to the exquisite delicacy of wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is among the most expensive meats in the world. It boasts intricate marbling, with delicate streaks of fat woven through the red meat, enhancing its tenderness, moisture, and rich flavor. In Kyoto, the women are draped in traditional Japanese clothing, including the national dress of Japan, the Kimono. Our next stop was Kanazawa, a city in central Japan with a population of roughly half-a-million residents. LJay perfectly captured the essence of our weeklong adventure in Japan.

LJay Wade, Belizean Journalist

“Tokyo is the bustling, modern metropolis that’s filled with innovation, while Kyoto and Kanazawa hold on to ancient and traditional practices with its antique beauty and landscapes. We got to experience traditional practices such as kabuki in Tokyo, the laka method in Kanazawa, and noh in Kyoto. We also got to eat traditional foods such as tempura sushi, sashimi, miso soup and matsukake soup which I hear is super expensive and I got to eat two of them. So I’m very, very thankful for that.”

APIC was founded on September 8th, 1975, with the goal of making it easier for the public to understand and support official development assistance projects by providing accessible information. After a legal revision on April 1st, 2013, APIC became a general incorporated foundation, but it continues to carry out its original mission with the same dedication and purpose.

LJay Wade

“I cannot wait to go back home to Belize and write about Japan which, in my view, is the perfect blend of modernization and cultural preservation.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.