2024-02-28 - Channel 5 Belize

U.D.P. Manifesto Explained By Council Candidates

Councilor candidates, Tyrone Louriano, Leon Guild and Samson Jacobs went into further details about the three pillars outlined in their manifesto. Louriano noted that financial relief through tax reforms will be a major part of their economic endeavors. Guild spoke to the plans his team has prepared to address environmental concerns in the city, while Jacobs spoke to how his municipal slate plans to ensure that there is equity in the distribution of resources across the city.

Tyrone Louriano, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“The first one we want to talk about that people have been clamoring on the ground is some kind of financial relief. We plan to achieve this through our tax reform and tax relief program that we plan to implement upon taking office. Also people have been worrisome about our ability to maintain integrity so we are going to do a full financial audit of the council which will then allow us to continue a bi-annual report through public forums and so forth. We also want to create economic growth through job creation and what better way to do this than to create festive events that people can afford to access on a regular basis. I know they have talked about the downtown fair but we want to make it so that it is a little more accessible and sustainable. Can you imagine walking with me through downtown Belize like Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen or when we go to Chetumal we go to the downtown area of the park.”

Leon Gill, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“So we know that the mandate of the country, which is the streets drains and garbage, also public spaces like parks. So the streets, of course we want to continue the maintenance and upgrading the streets. When it comes to the drains we know that there is also a problem with flooding. Whenever the rainy season comes we have these inundations and it does a lot of damage. We have invested; past councils have invested in infrastructure to deal with the drainage. But all of these have failed us. So we are brining innovative ways to address the drainage situation affecting Belize City.”

Samson Jacobs, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“A council that shows equity, it shows the buy in of everybody, all stakeholders and whatever resources we have it will be able to be shared amongst everybody equally, regardless of the race, culture, religion, sex, whatever. So, the first one we want to look at is fostering partnership, and we will look at the government and non government agencies, to help them with implementing their programs across Belize City. The second one will be promoting awareness and educator. As an educator myself I believe there is a lot more we can do for our at risk youths so that they can be able to benefit from us.”

Where is the P.U.P. Belize City Manifesto?

With the U.D.P. municipal slate’s manifesto now available to the public, there are questions as to whether or not incumbent Mayor Bernard Wagner and his team will be launching its own manifesto. With only seven days left before the elections, there seems to be none readily available. And, Mortis says, the P.U.P. is taking its voters for granted.

Nelma Mortis, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belize City

“We are a new team and personally I understand the demographics of the city. I believe that I will not take my people for granted. I am here to serve and in serving we give respect to our people. I think that is one of the problems of the People’s United Party, they take their voters for granted. So we made this and presented it to our people so that they can hold us accountable. there is another section to this that I spoke to the team that we will have to add which is something like a report card that we will check out once we have completed, so we can report back to the public. We said we are going to do this, this is what was done. This is what was needed; this is what we have completed. I believe you have to have a plan, if you don’t, you plan to fail. I have ten people who will hold me accountable. And I tell them call me out when they see something has fallen.”

B.T.B. Breaks Ground On Chactemal Bayside Plaza

The Belize Tourism Board is furthering its initiative to enhance areas already frequented by tourists and locals with the construction of parks and plazas, in order to boost their appeal. On Tuesday, the B.T.B. broke ground on the Chactemal Bayside Plaza, which is to be constructed alongside the Corozal Bay. The seaside park is set to be filled with amenities such as food kiosks, a pier, an artisan corner, swimming, dining and play areas, as well as an entertainment space. The project comes as a collaboration between the B.T.B., the Corozal Town Council, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, Elvia Samos. The B.T.B. stated that the installation of the plaza will transform the area into a vibrant hub of social interaction and shared experiences. The initiative aims to enrich the socio-economic fabric of the area and strengthen the sense of belonging and pride among residents. As the project takes shape, the B.T.B. hopes that it will be able attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and foster a deeper connection between people and place.

Japan Host Animation Seminar for Belizean Youths

Japan is celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations with the Caribbean. So, in an effort to strengthen relationships, the Embassy of Japan has embarked on a campaign to educate youths in the Caribbean about the Japanese animation industry. A seminar was held today at the Belize Elementary School Gym, where Belizeans received an in-depth view into the industry and its prospects for aspiring artists. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the seminar to learn more about the endeavor.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

2024 marks sixty years of diplomatic relations with CARICOM for Japan. As a result, representatives from the country are embarking on a trip around the Caribbean to countries such as Belize, Barbados and Jamaica in order to educate Caribbean youths on Japan’s booming animation industry in hopes of fostering an interest in the field. Japanese Ambassador Shirakata Nobuyuki explained the endeavor to us.

Nobuyuki Shirakata, Ambassador Of Japan

“This year, 2024, for Japanese side, is Japan CARICOM year. We want to let Belizean people know the Anime industry is very important for Japanese and the world. So we invited the professor Takahashi to teach how it functions, anime industry. Because industry is not gaining much money but it is a soul of Japanese culture, one of the very important industries in Japan.”

According to the ambassador, Japan’s animation industry is open to anyone.

Nobuyuki Shirakata

“Because anime is very popular in Belize, so we’d like to tell young people of Belize anime has origin in Japan. And how it functions. I’d like to let young people know how to functions, this industry and how to, if they want, how to enter that industry, even out Belizean people.”

Professor Takahashi Mitsuteru was brought in to give an in-depth overview of the industry and its functions.

Mitsuteru Takahashi, Animation Professor

“It’s not only about watching anime but how to make this animation or how much people are involved to make this animation and then how to spread this animation. If you understand maybe more people will understand animation better.”

Attending the event was comic artist and aspiring animator, Maya Pollard, who states that this seminar was a success in her eyes, as it gave her access to difficult information needed to enter the field.

Maya Pollard, Comic Artist

“Honestly, I learned a lot about the market in Japan. Since we live in the West, we don’t really get a lot of information about how it is over in the East. So, I definitely am happy that I learned, basically, how the industry works on that side. Because it’s very easy to find the information on how it works, like, in the United States, in Canada, and that sort of thing. But in, like, China, Japan, Korea, that kind of information is a bit harder, especially because of the language barrier. So that’s mainly my takeaway from here. That’s why I wanted to come. That’s what I got. So I’m very, I’m very satisfied honestly.”

Pollard explained that, in the future, she hopes to be able to work as an animator in Belize, but is hopeful at the prospect of learning abroad first.

Maya Pollard

“That is the plan down the line. Uh, actually, my main goal really is to build a market here in Belize, the Caribbean in general, but mainly in Belize. I want to continue living at my home, of course, but I do understand that I have to probably move abroad to learn more information. How, basically, because they’re literally like the number one in the world. So I have to learn how it works over there to bring it over here to make it work as well.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

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.