2024-02-09 - Channel 5 Belize

Meet the Candidates for the Dangriga Town Council Elections

On March sixth, the electorate will go to the polls to vote for a municipal government in their respective city or town. Until then, the political parties are visiting with voters in their area and presenting their platforms on which they seek office. The U.D.P. team consists of mayoral candidate, Hubert Lucas and councillor candidates: Frank Caliz, Adlene Estero, Cindy Fajardo, Anthony Garbutt, Stephen Laurie, and Dwayne Sampson. The P.U.P. team consists of Mayor Robert Mariano and councillor candidates Martha Robinson, Gilroy Flores, Liberato Teul, Howard Flores, Howard Melendrez, and Hilberto Bernardez. In tonight’s episode of Meet the Candidates, we speak with the mayoral candidates and their teams from both major political parties.

Hubert “Alex” Lucas, U.D.P Mayoral Candidate, Dangriga

“My name is Hubert Alexander Lucas. I’m the UDP male candidate for Dangriga.”

Marion Ali

“Yes, Sir. What are the issues that you are campaigning on?”

Hubert Lucas

“Some of the issues that we are campaigning on are proper drainage in Dangriga, proper streets, employment and more activities for the youths. I will go and solicit funds from Central Government and from other countries. I will become a partner with sister cities around the world so that Dangriga can be the envy of the nation.”

Robert Mariano, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Dangriga

“The main accomplishment has to do with the amount of roads that we have paved. We have paved at least 18 streets around Dangriga during this short period of time. We have also opened 15 new roads around Dangriga, especially in the Rivas Estate, New Site and Wagierale area. Those were important to the people of Dangriga because the past administration had given out lots in those areas but the people didn’t have access to their own properties. So what we did was to open the lot so that they have access. We have dealt with the playgrounds.”

Dwayne Sampson, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Dangriga

“I run up as a third party [candidate] with the Belize People Front.”

Marion Ali

“Why have you joined the UDP in this round?”

Dwayne Sampson

“I decided to join the UDP in this round because when I look at the UDP vision and mission it shared the same sentiment as the philosophy that I carry for the people? We work for the people and that is why I decided that I will join the UDP.”

Marion Ali

What do you bring to the table?

Martha Robinson, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Dangriga

“I have years of leadership working with youth groups. I’m working with women’s groups. I work with the diaspora. I’m a past president for National Garifuna Council, Dangriga Branch.”

Marion Ali

And what would you like to see get done if you’re elected term?

Martha Robinson

“I need to work a little bit more when it comes to empowering women, women’s groups as well. I will work with them and make sure that they have more opportunities when it comes to entrepreneurship and so that’s why I’m looking at that.”

What Are the Municipal Issues in Dangriga?

The campaign efforts were as vibrant in Dangriga on Sunday as they probably are in all other cities and towns, with the municipal teams for the various political parties making their rounds. In the blue corner are the incumbents, Mayor Robert Mariano and his team and in the red corner are the hopefuls, led my Hubert Lucas. Mariano feels that, as mayor, he has done enough in his first term to be re-elected. The U.D.P.’s Hubert Lucas says that Dangriga needs and deserves much more and he is willing to seek help from the central Government and international donors in order to deliver. In the middle are the voters, who have also listed what they want to see happen within the next three years. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Dangriga Mayor, Robert Mariano is seeking re-election for another term. He believes that while there is much more that needs to be done in Dangriga, he and his team have delivered on quite a few accomplishments to seek another term at town hall.

Robert Mariano, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, Dangriga

“We have paved at least 18 streets around Dangriga during this short period of time. We have also opened 15 new roads around Dangriga, especially in the Rivas Estate area, New Site and Wagierale area. We have assisted with tuition in relation to schooling for some students. We had a center where we had people who have jobs can call what we refer to as the employment center, and we also have people who are looking for employment who can come, they apply at the Dangriga Town Council and then whenever people say that they need somebody to be employed, then we would call them and tell them and they can go to a certain area and you can get a job.”

The incumbent mayor is banking on his successes; however, his political opponent says that he and his team have been listening to the people. Hubert Lucas shared that plan should the UDP team be voted in.

Hubert Lucas, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Dangriga

“The first a hundred days we will look at drainage because when it rains in Dangriga, the kids cannot go to school or the parents got to carry the kids on their back. We going to create an employment center at the Town Council so that people who don’t have a job can get jobs. Say you have an opportunity for somebody to come and work at your house, we’re going to create a center where they can come to the office – where you can call the office and we can call someone that qualifies for the position that you have.”

While both mayoral candidates have their own ideas of what Dangriga needs, a few of the voters shared with us what issues are affecting them in Dangriga.

Daytha Rodriguez, Dangriga Voter

“My son da friend with the youths them and they come the full up my yard. So I try help them fi mek they would ah do wa lee – I mek drums, so I would ah use them fi mek they like bark the log, help me – give them jobs, yes, give them jobs.”

Zane McLaughlin, Dangriga Voter

“The main thing da the road how the road deh soh look, because it kinda rough, and the dust and the thing deh always di affect when wi wash and deh thing deh soh a lot of dust will raise up, and lotta hole. And then the next thing, the drain, because when it rain, all the water run off of the road and we get flood out. One or two times they come and they fix it up, but ih need like more maintenance, the drain and the thing deh.”

Rachel Ramirez, Dangriga Voter

“Sometimes for a whole month we don’t have garbage collection and then the dog come along and the, even the horses now, they lift up the barrel top and they just take all the garbage. My kids with the drain again, the drain. They can’t go to school, sometime they go to school, in the water. I have to make me one bridge, make the cross. And that’s not right.”

Mayor Mariano says that if he is re-elected, he wants to buy more heavy-duty equipment for sanitation and infrastructural work. He wants to introduce a low-income housing program collaboration from the DFC. He wants to improve the drainage system and partner with private businesses to open a jetty pier to cater to small cruise tourism from Honduras to Dangriga. Meanwhile, Hubert Lucas said that a municipal government under his stewardship will lobby locally and internationally for funds to carry out the necessary infrastructural projects. He said he will reach out to the Central Government through the Dangriga Area Representative for whatever assistance they need. And while he was campaigning, Area Representative, Dr Louis Zabaneh stopped by to greet Lucas. We took that opportunity to ask Zabaneh about his willingness to work with either team that is elected.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative, Dangriga

“My doors have always been open and will continue to be open, and I look forward to the visit of our friend to come in and discuss whatever it is we need to discuss. It’s all about the people at the end of the day.They are the ones who decide who they want to serve them. And whoever gets in there needs to come with a level of humility and a level of service. And I think that’s characteristic of Dangriga, of the people of Dangriga. We work together and we try to do the best that we can. I have to, work with whoever is there, absolutely. That goes without saying.”

Come March sixth, the people will decide. Marion Ali for News Five.

ComPol Williams Explains Why He Reported His Brother

Earlier this week, we told you that Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams brought charges against his own brother, Arthur Williams, under the Cybercrime Act. Arthur Williams was charged with two counts of using a computer system to disseminate false information with the intent to cause another person to be subjected to public ridicule or embarrassment and one count of using a computer system to intimidate a person. Arthur Williams was fined ten thousand dollars for the offense. Today, reporters caught up with ComPol Williams and asked him about his decision.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“During my mother’s ailing time before she passed, my brother went to social media and referred to my mother with the W and B word. No man should refer to a woman, especially his mother, using the W or B word. I took offense to it and went after him and told him he ought not to refer to our mother in such a way. Because I did that, I became the bad one. He and I had always had a very good relationship. Every time he reached out to me for help I always helped him, but since that particular incident he turned against me and almost every day he was on social media posting negative comments about me trying to belittle me in every way possible. I reached out to our older brother to reach out to him to discontinue. My older brother spoke to him and he did not stop. I reached out to our uncle to speak to him and he did not stop. I reached out to the Ombudsman, because he is a driver for the Ombudsman, and sent him the screen shot of what he posted on social media and asked the Ombudsman to please speak to him to discontinue because he is out there doing what he can to have the public see me in a light I am not. The Ombudsman spoke to him and he still continued. I guess as a person there is nothing much you can do with all efforts made to have him stop doing what he was doing, he did not. So I am hoping now with the matter before the court, the court will be able to get him to discontinue. It is sad that it reached to this. He is my brother. I don’t dislike him. I love him. We share the same mother and father and I wish that he would have taken my advice in the light which I had given him when he referred to my mother with the W and B words.”

BPD and Human Trafficking Institute signs MOU

The Belize Police Department and the Human Trafficking Institute has solidified their efforts in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling. On Thursday, the department and the institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Through the partnership, the Human Trafficking Institute will provided needed support to the Belize Police Department to decimate human trafficking in Belize. ComPol Williams told us more.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yesterday we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Human Trafficking Institute. That MOU has to do with enhancing the capabilities of the Anti-Trafficking Unit in Belize. When we talk about enhancing the capacity we are looking at training as well as other resources we need to be able to carry out our duties properly. You would know that human trafficking is a crime against humanity so as democratic nations we must do our best to ensure we rid ourselves of the scourge. That is why we are partnering with the Human Trafficking Institute to see how they can enhance our capabilities to be able to discharge that very important function. We also discussed expanding the Unit. About two years ago I expanded the unit with additional personnel and I am expanding it again whenever the next recruit squad graduates we are putting an additional three officers there. With that we are also ensuring we have the capabilities to address human smuggling.”

Man Wanted for Hattieville Double Murder Captured

On Thursday night, police captured a suspected murderer that has been on the run since October twenty-fourth, 2023. Twenty-two-year-old Lewis Blake was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Joel Andrews and Martin Sho in Hattieville. Well, after months in hiding, it appears that Lewis was spotted in the village and an off-duty officer pursued him. Commissioner Williams gave us more details.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“You would know that for some time now we have been looking for Blake Lewis, and again Blake Lewis is wanted in respect of two incidents. The double murder that took place in the back of Hatieville and a recent shooting where a person was shot and survived. Since then he has been eluding the police. We try to work as best as we can to do Ops and surveillance and these kinds of things to capture him but he has always been able to stay one step ahead of the police. Last night the Gi3 committed themselves to conduct investigation and go into the area and do certain work and the work that last night they were able to flush out Blake Lewis. He was spotted by the team riding a motorcycle and he practically rode into the police vehicle and fell off the motorcycle. He ran and the police pursued him he escaped. A couple minutes later he was encountered by a police officer from Hatieville CIB. He fired two shots at the police and the police returned fire and he dropped his weapon and ran. He was able to escape. We found the weapon he had, it was picked up and proceed and sent to the lab. Today the GI3 and CIB went back into the area, determined to locate him and we knew that he was injured following the fall. They were able to locate him across the river so he is now in custody. “

Joseph Budna Wanted by Police for Alleged Cyber Bullying

Joseph Budna is once again making the news, and, as has been the case in the past, it is not for good reasons. He is wanted by police in connection with a cybercrime allegation. Reports are that Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes filed a police report against Budna for cyber bullying. ComPol Williams says a warrant is out for Budna’s arrest.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The Cybercrime Unit in Belmopan has been extremely busy. People are becoming more familiar with the law and are making these reports as they occur. The unit is tasked with making sure they do follow up on these reports as they occur. The unit is tasked with making sure they do follow up. Yes I am aware that Minister Cervantes has filed a report against Joseph Budna in respect to cyber bullying. Police is again looking for Budna to follow through with that report to see if there is anything there he can be charged for.”

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.”

Shalliney Oliva: Set to Audition for AGT

Fourteen-year-old Shalliney Oliva has a dream to share her gift of singing with the judges of America’s Got Talent. If she makes it past her virtual auditions on February twenty-fifth, she may be the first Belizean to showcase her talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. We visited her in San Ignacio to learn why this is important to Shalliney and her family and how she is preparing for the opportunity. Here’s Sabreena Daly with this week’s Look on the Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

In a few weeks, Shalliney Oliva will take a chance by proving to producers of America’s Got Talent that she has what it takes to share her gift of singing with a panel of judges on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Luis Oliva, Father

“I always said, you know what, even if she doesn’t make it this time, we’ll reapply again. And not only to America’s Talent, but to different other auditions in the U. S. And so, you know, until she gets there, because she’s just getting better and better.”

Her parents are more than certain that their daughter has the potential to put Belize on the map in a new way.

Luis Oliva

“We have always heard her singing in the bathroom, in the house, and so forth, but never took a mic to actually sing. And after that, we were just like surprised, even our friends, you know, they were so surprised at how Shaliney can sing so well.”

Elida Oliva, Mother
“All I can do is provide support and that is even when it comes to emotional support to let her feel confident about herself and let her know that she can do this.”

Shalliney Oliva, Auditioning for AGT
“When I realized that I could sing, I started to watch shows on YouTube, like different shows, The Voice, and that’s how I came across America’s Got Talent. And just watching others display their talent, I said to myself that someday I want to be up there.”

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you love singing?”

Shalliney Oliva

“Well, I think the reason why I love singing is, well, you know, everyone goes through something and I think singing is just a way to help me cope with my emotions and just to help me control them better and just to let me express myself as well.”

Over at St. Ignatius High School, all support is being given to the young talent. Vice Principal Diana Gentle says the school is proud to have her representing their institution.

Diana Gentle, Vice Principal, St. Ignatius High School
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the institution where Shalliney is attending. We are definitely looking forward to the 25th of February and we will be rooting for her. In fact, we have asked our student population to ensure that they subscribe to Shalliney’’s YouTube channel because we want the word to get out. If it doesn’t happen for her this year, it will definitely happen for her. In the near future.”

Leading up to February twenty-fifth, preparation is key. Her father, Luis Oliva, sought a trainer for Shalliney to ensure that she is in shape for her big day.

Luis Oliva

“In September, she started music school with the idea to get her better because when we saw the videos and so forth, there are little technicalities that she has to work on, which she has mastered a lot of and she’s still getting better. So it was not actually only for AGT, but to professionally get her better.”

Shalliney Oliva
“I go to Allegro, and my teacher is Mr. Yo Elvis. Right now, we do like, every class session, when I come, he would also, um, he would always let me do warm ups to get my voice ready. And then, sometimes, we focus on songs and stuff, but right now, we’re focusing only on technical.”

And, as Shalliney prepares herself physically and mentally, her mother, Elida, recognizes that this opportunity is deeper than just their daughter getting a shot. They are representing their country.

Shalliney Oliva

“I just need to encourage her and let her believe that, you know, this is a step forward, not only for her, but she’s representing our family, all Belizeans, um, home and abroad. And there will be challenges, but to embrace them and look at them in a positive way.”

Should Shalliney make it past the auditions, she will begin fundraising for her journey to the live shows in May. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

The Importance of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Earlier this month, at the start of our Belize on Reel feature on conservation efforts across the country, we looked at Crooked Tree and its importance as a Ramsar Site. The protected area is made up of over fourteen thousand acres of waterways, logwood swamps and lagoon. It also provides a habitat for over three hundred species of resident and migratory birds. Tonight, we look at a story put together by freelance journalist Jose Sanchez.