As we told you last night, Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow is of the view that the People’s United Party won in eight municipalities because of foreign government interference and electioneering. Well, PM Briceño says Barrow needs to look in the mirror and evaluate his own leadership. He also says that Barrow’s leadership is proving to be an asset to the P.U.P.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I have no idea what he is talking about on both instances, on both accusations that he has made. Probably he is talking about the former government that use to use openly government resources and funds on election day. We were very clear that nobody should use a government vehicle throughout the entire campaign. You need to use your own vehicle, go on your own time, pay your own expenses, the people that were around me campaigning I would pay for political work. I think that the leader of opposition needs to start off by looking in the mirror and taking a hard look and look at where he is going wrong and look at what he can do to make those changes. And if you are not prepared to do that you are bound to make those same mistakes but who am I to advice him. I would love for him to continue his ways, we are very happy with that. Let’s keep him where he is. He is one of our best assets. It doesn’t matter who is the leader of the UDP. We depend on the work we are doing. I think we are doing very well, when you look at the World Bank report, the IMF report, both of them are glowing reports on the work we are doing. This work we did on our own, we did not follow the usual formula that the IMD would give and the World Bank in cutting cost and expenses and firing people and raising taxes. We did it the right way, working with the Belizean people, inspiring confidence, working with the economy, growing the economy, opening up opportunities, working with public officers to make sure that we can prove the necessary service for our people, continue the social programs. So it does not matter who is the leader of the opposition. Shyne wants to be there, let us put it this way, I will not object.”
One municipality the People’s United Party is not celebrating in is San Ignacio, Santa Elena. In that municipality, the United Democratic Party won most of the seats that were up for grabs, except for one. This afternoon, Mayor Earl Trapp and his councilors were officially sworn in. Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow was present, along with Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and former U.D.P. Mayor, Darrel Bradley. When we asked Prime Minister Briceño about the results, he said that he was disappointed. He believes that the P.U.P.’s area representatives in those towns should spend more time on the ground with their constituents.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I must admit that I was very disappointed with the results in San Ignacio, Santa Elena because I believe we had a very good team. When you look at somebody like Mathew Preston, very young, dynamic man that had offered himself up for public service, I was disappointed but at the same time it gives us a chance to look in the mirror and see where we are going wrong and what we are doing well and make those corrections. In particular Minister Chebat and Habet can have that opportunity to take a hard look and see what changes they need to do. It is not necessarily about the machinery because they took out the voters but it seems the voters were probably sending them a subtle message that they need to do more work or spend more time in their constituencies. I try to remind ministers at all times your primary job si to be an area representative. Like I always tell everybody, I never forget that I can only be prime minister because the people of Orange Walk central continue to support me. So maybe it is a good message to them, a timely won, better you get the message now and make the changes that.”
There have been quite a few suicides over recent years, and even more attempts. A lot of the incidents could have been prevented, if only the victims had access to help. But the 2024-2030 Suicide Prevention Plan aims to save more of those lives that oftentimes slip through the cracks without detection of problems or despair. The document outlines a multi-sectoral approach that addresses the underlying risk factors that contribute to suicide, including mental illness. It addresses suicide behaviour, trends, suicide attempt and self-harm, as well as protective factors, and overall goals and objectives of the plan. Today, News Five spoke with Christa Courtenay who heads two key organizations that work to prevent suicides. She explained that the Mental Health Association and Mind-Health Connect work in their own different way to offer important information of where to go for persons with suicidal tendencies and their families.
Christa Courtenay
Christa Courtenay, Rep., Mind-Health Connect NGO & Mental Health Association
“The Mental Health Association has been in existence for a very long time. Back in 19, I think, 97, we were instrumental in getting suicide decriminalized. So we’re a policy advocacy organization, also of course, constantly advocating for the reduction of stigma, the increase of services, appropriate care. One of our major projects is running the Welcome Resource Center, which is like a daycare center for persons who are homeless or who subsequently also have some mental health disorder and need daycare. We have shower facilities. They participate in making their meals – again, trying to make sure that they can live with a little bit of dignity and participate in their own care. We coordinate services for people who might need additional support with any of the polyclinics to make sure that they’re getting access to the services that they may need. Mind Health Connect is a more recent NGO, I think in the last maybe seven or eight years. One of our major projects is a website, MindHealthConnect. com, that seeks to make sure that every available mental health or wellness resource that is available in Belize. Both private and public are listed all in one place. Everybody nowadays has their own device, they have data, they access the internet more than any other tool, and so we wanted to make sure that reaching out for help is more easily accessible after creating the website, which is supposed to be a comprehensive sort of list of resources, as we augment those resources, then services are added to the site, but for people who are interested in getting help, but don’t know to access care. All of the P.N.Ps that he mentioned are listed there. All of the clinics that are both public and any private mental health counsellors, for instance, who work in private practice. All of them are listed there so that people can access the help. We also have a phone number. It’s not a hotline per se, but people can call and ask us for direction if they’re not sure where to go or how to access it.”
This morning, the twenty-seventh annual Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge commenced with much fanfare in the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Over the course of four days, sixty-seven paddlers will compete against each other and the currents, as they race one hundred and eighty miles to Belize City’s BelCan Bridge on Monday. This year, hundreds of supporters eagerly await to see who will take home the prize in the event that is recognized for its ability to bring people together. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio were alive with activity as people from all over the country gathered to secure their spots on the banks of the Macal River for the perfect view of the 2024 La Ruta Maya River Challenge. This year boasted a large turnout, as sixty-seven teams would be vying to be the first to cross the finish line on Monday. The race began at its usual starting point, at the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio where it journeyed down the Macal River to Banana Bank. Among this year’s competitors are returning champs Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb, who stated they were felling the pressure.
Britney Gordon
“So you guys are the returning champs. How do you feel about that?”
Daniel Cruz
Daniel Cruz, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb “Well, we feel, proud and pressured, right? Because, you know, they will want to win us and we have to try defend it.”
Britney Gordon
“And are you confident that you and your team will be able to pull it off today?”
Daniel Cruz
“First God, yes.”
Fellow Guava Limb team member, Andres Cabb stated that they have put in about four months of training and plan to recite a prayer before the race to prepare.
Andres Cabb
Andres Cabb, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb
“Well right now we just did, we’ll do a prayer and then we’ll get in the water. Warm up. So we don’t stretch no muscle when we start.”
As one of Belize’s biggest events of the year, the race garners a lot of tourist attraction to San Ignacio. Visitors from all over the country travel to witness and participate in the activities. We spoke with first team manger of the first time competitors, the Panthers, Jim Berriman, who is a past paddler himself. Berriman stated that the team is representing BATSUB and while, they did not have a lot of time to prepare, they are excited to participate.
Jim Berriman
Jim Berriman, Team Manager, Panthers Team
“They’ve done a few training sessions only two training sessions actually. First one was about twelve miles, second one was thirty-seven, so they’re not the most experienced, but we’re here to take part.”
Britney Gordon
“Alright, so are you guys confident in your performance today?”
Jim Berriman
“Oh yes, very confident. I think we’ve got a good chance of the win. Yeah, we’ve been eyeing the trophy up, so yeah, definitely.”
The race not only exists to garner tourist attention, but it brings attention to the cultural and environmental significance of the river. Event organizer, Roberto Harrison, highlighted the significance of these aspects to us.
Britney Gordon
“This event started as a way to get people of San Ignacio together to have an event for the long weekend. How has the event elevated itself since its beginning?”
Roberto Harisson
Roberto Harisson, Event Organizer, La Ruta Maya
“First of all, we were looking at something to replace the one day event, the ninth of March, the Baron Bless Day. Normally, small events happening, but nothing much and at the rest of the day and the rest of the weekend. So we coined the idea of putting something that would be more than just San Ignacio. And we came up and finally agreed that we would try this for the event. It’s been a very trying thing over, over the years because initially we looked at promoting not only the race as a sport, but looking at the culture the different communities along this river. There’s a history behind this river.”
Harrison explained that there are several key factors to consider when highlighting the importance of the river, historical, environmental and cultural.
Roberto Harrison “It was the business highway for people from San Ignacio to Belize city and Belize city to San Ignacio, we look at the environmental side because then, and now there’s quite a bit of difference in the banks of the river. So we wanted to look at how we can promote or create that awareness to replenish some of the green in the riverbanks. And we also look at the historical aspect because, again, history has it that this river was used by the Mayas to transport food from up Belize down or down Belize and up to San Ignacio. We looked at the communities themselves during the logging period where we knew that those communities were significant on how the goods were transported up on the road. So we look at the race in three parts; environment, history, and the culture of the river itself.”
Typical for the race is the overturning of canoes, as paddlers battle with the currents rushing against them. One team that encountered this setback was the Belize Coast Guard, which still managed to place third, despite the initial drawback at the start of the race.
Wilberto Daniels
Wilberto Daniels, Captain, Belize Coast Guard Team
“We placed top three today. Unfortunately we had a bad start and that’s the consequences of a bad start, right? But as a team captain, I’m always, my job is to keep the motivation high in my boat. So that managed to pick up back a momentum and start closing back the gap on the other teams. And today was one of the hardest day ever in my years of pulling La Ruta Maya, we really work hard today. Maybe if we had a little more time, maybe we would have closed the gap a little more, but yeah that’s a part of race. And we still have three more days and anything can happen in a race.”
The race ended with a close call as returning champs Guava Limb finished with a point five second lead over Team Lucas Oil Male, which encountered an obstacle just before the finish line. We checked in with today’s victors post-win for an update.
Britney Gordon
“So you just finished the race and you came in first place. How are you feeling?”
Andres Cabb
“First of all, I want to give thanks to God and that have given the opportunity to win the race. And we’re feeling tired and well, we are feeling tired but happy at the same time.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you feel that this win has eased some of the anxiety as the returning champs? “
Javier Guardado
Javier Guardado, Captain, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb Team “Well, I guess so. So like we want today so tomorrow maybe will be a better day for us.”
The feelings of the paddlers may be mixed, but the race has only just begun and that coveted title is still up for grabs. Britney Gordon for News Five.
In a remarkable display of commitment to the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign, Victorious Nazarene School is once again in the news showcasing the community of Succotz as a beacon of inclusivity and setting an example for institutions across Belize. In this week’s Look on the Bright Side, we returned to Benque Viejo where we met another teacher doing “More” this time by being inclusive. How? That’s what we want you to see.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Victorious Nazarene School has been redefining education, breaking barriers, and leading the charge in the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign. In our initial story, we shared how this rural school uses artificial Intelligence to teach programming, a sophisticated aspect of computer science. This time around, however, we stopped at a classroom where we met Shereece Sabal, a teacher, engaging her students in sign language. She took on this initiative when she learned that she would be teaching a student with special needs.
Shereece Sabal
Shereece Sabal, Teacher, Victorious Nazarene School
“I had no idea that I had a student that couldn’t talk. So when they told me, I said, now what will happen because I don’t know sign language. So from then we had to have to put different things in place to make sure that he gets everything that he needs from me. And he’s included in every subject that we, um, that I teach here.”
Sabal’s commitment to inclusivity is not only evident in her words, but in the vibrant classroom atmosphere that she has cultivated. Learning sign language was not just a task for her; it was a commitment to ensuring that everyone, including her special needs student, is an integral part of the learning journey.
Shereece Sabal “This for me was a huge It’s a huge task to take on. First, I have to teach myself how to sign. And then include not only him, but all the other students. Because they also help, right? Because if I am busy or doing something with another student, then they’ll be able to help him if need be.”
Principal Shirley Humes, the guiding force behind Victorious Nazarene School’s inclusive ethos, sheds light on the school’s dedication to embracing diversity.
Shirley Humes
Shirley Humes, Principal, Victorious Nazarene School “We strongly believe in, in inclusion. And we believe that every child deserves a chance, despite their need. And, um, like I mentioned, you know, this is, it’s a, it’s a great challenge because signing is not easy. And you need to be a specialist to be able to sign. However, that, um, did not keep us away from not being able to, to take him in.”
What sets Victorious Nazarene apart is not just a commitment to inclusion, but the student body genuinely embracing diversity. When the Ministry of Education learned of this, it acknowledged the effort and shared that this is a prime example of doing more.
Dian Maheia
Dian Maheia, Chief Education Officer, MOECST “That sort of inspiration is really what moves me and I think it’s what moves our team at the Ministry of Education. That’s why being more inclusive is one of our core pillars under the more campaign because to show that you have that level of consideration for someone else. That you will go beyond what is expected. It really doesn’t diminish your capacity. You’re thinking more of someone else, and you’re building your own capacity. That teacher and those students have learned way more than sign language. They have learned to be better human beings. And that’s what we want. We want them to be more for Belize.”
That remarkable revelation unfolded not only through the teacher’s enthusiasm to making life easier for the hearing-impaired student, but also through the commitment of his classmates, who eagerly embraced the challenge of learning sign language.
Sabreena Daly
“What was your reaction to seeing the other students embrace learning sign language to communicate with their classmate?”
Shereece Sabal
“Well, in the beginning, it was very surprising. Because when I would sit back and I see them doing the little signs to him, I was like, well, I don’t know. It was very surprising for me. It was a great feeling. And then again, that motivated me more to teach them more so they can communicate with him more.”
Shirley Humes “That’s the beauty about Victoria’s Nazarene: our students embrace our children no matter what their condition is. And that’s what I’ve seen from his classmates. They embrace him, they help him along, and that has been the reaction from the students ever since preschool. They have been there, um, and I must say there are even parents who have sent their children with him. To sign in class to be able to help him out.”
