2024-03-28 - Channel 5 Belize

House Fire Erupts in Belize City

A fire erupted on Wednesday night in Belize City. It destroyed a house on Pickstock Street. While no injuries were reported, the inferno destroyed the belongings and property of several persons. News Five was on the scene, and reporter Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

With Easter Sunday just a few days away, Jessica Lara and her family are tonight in disbelief after a fire destroyed their neighbour’s house on Thursday night on Pickstock Street in Belize City. The fire erupted just a few feet away from Lara’s residence.

Voice of: Jessica Lara, Neighbor of Fire Victim

“So I just little while got in back from work and I was just relaxing. I heard my neighbor frantic and that’s what made me look through the window and I saw smoke and I ran downstairs and I told my mom, smoke, smoke and by the time I looked out running, running for a five gallon of water and came back up the downstairs was completely engulfed and it escalated to upstairs and that’s where it got out of hand rather quickly. So it started from the bottom.”

Lara, her mother, and her son quickly exited the house and fled from the flames. She told News Five that the upper half of her neighbour’s house was constructed from wood, which contributed to how quickly the fire spread. She says that community members helped control the blaze.

Jessica Lara

“I have to commend my community. Everybody tried their best, you know, we did what we could at the moment and tried to clear everybody out of the way so nothing happened to them and it was rough but everybody, I definitely could say, tried in somewhere the next.”

Reporter

“Do you feel that the response from the fire service was quick enough in your case? It helped you?”

Jessica Lara

“Well, in those times, I mean, it feels like an hour but I’d say when they did come. They work rather quickly because it was huge. They work fast and try to find the main spot on there. I believe they did a good job at containing, well not containing it, but outing it.”

Although her neighbours remained unharmed, Lara noted that they were unable to salvage anything from the house, even losing a dog that had been trapped on the second floor. Lara’s house sustained some water and fire damage.

Jessica Lara

“It’s more to the back of the house inside. We have a corner that everything completely well burnt, a lot of clothing, nothing much. Well, not to complain about that, but it was starting to catch in there and one of the firefighters, she went in and she went straight upstairs and tried to subside that. So otherwise just water damage and that back area, but thank God that, you know. Everything else is fine.”

Lara noted that one of the residents, Alicia Rancharan, was in the process of renovating and furnishing the house before the fire broke out. While Lara and her family are cleaning up the debris and water left in the house, she is unsure of what her neighbours will do next.

Jessica Lara

“Well, my neighbor, unfortunately, she was, she recently was trying to get all of her stuff, her couches her appliances. She hey were working really hard to get their stuff and try to build a good life, so definitely a major, major, major loss. Well, we’re trying to see how we can possibly get some help to fix the roofing and the wiring and move from there. Lots of cleaning, but thankfully we still have a structure and everything. So definitely thanks to God for everything. And I’m sure as a community and as Belizeans that we will be able to help Miss Alicia as well and her family, everything, an end can only bring a new beginning. So hoping for the best for them.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Minister Orlando Habet responds to Spanish Lookout Community

Two weeks ago, during the Spanish Lookout expo in Cayo, several community leaders criticized the government’s performance. One significant point of contention revolved around what was perceived as excessive regulation in the business sector, particularly the prohibition of single-use plastics. One of the persons who criticized the government was Harry Letkeman. He said he was disappointed with the government, saying the outcome fell short of expectations. In response, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet defended the government’s actions.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development

“I think that the criticism is unfair. By having a piece of legislation through the regulations that we formulated, I think it was a start. And we told the public that it was a start. We know that everything isn’t going to work 100 percent in the beginning. As a matter of fact, it was for single use plastics. We didn’t even look at other plastics. Now, the importers and the producers of plastics locally have a standard that they have to abide by. Now, the Bureau of Standards sets the standards and they do the review of the documentation from the importing country or the producers to make sure that they are meeting the standards. We know that things can be falsified. It comes to the Department of Environment, they do a review and then they issue the licenses. So, we are really on the receiving end. However, one thing that we didn’t have was and I think the importers especially, and some of the local producers, knew that we don’t have the capabilities for testing. So what we did initially was to do a few tests and then send it outside for testing. Well, three samples cost us 70, 000 US dollars to test. So we were sure that it was something that was feasible and that we couldn’t continue doing on our own. However, recently we obtained the equipment that now we will be able to do our own local testing. for these biodegradable products and so this will now stop. The Department of Environment has done a study and they already have a study that will be revealed shortly to cabinet in which they will show, where the files are where we need to go, but In addition to that, we have already anticipated what was going to happen. So we already are modifying the regulations so that then we can step it up.”

Minister Habet on Spanish Lookout’s Chaiman’s Tone

As for the other concerns raised at the community gathering, Habet says it’s a matter of interpreting the law. He went further to speculate that, based on the chairman’s tone and what he was saying, some members of the community were not in agreement.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development

“Mostly I think issues with compliance with environment. Normally, you will have criticism with the part of our environment. Many people don’t want to comply with the regulations, but they are there. For example, one that is a very difficult one is requirements for an EIA when you want to have the development of 300 acres or more to clearing of forest to, to do agriculture or livestock. So, what you get sometimes is, well, it’s only 300 acres. Well, the law says 300 acres or more. So what they do sometimes is, well, okay only 295 then doesn’t reach the 300, so we have to say no. That’s not how you interpret the law. So things like that and you will always be criticized, but we are trying to work with the different communities. The special court community is one for certain. And I also believe that the criticism and the way and the tone and everything else that the chairmen spoke of and about isn’t the same thing and isn’t accepted by our community members in Spanish Lookout. So I don’t think he has a hundred percent support in the way he expresses himself.”

Area Rep., Orlando Habet says Cayo Mayor Difficult to Work With

During the interview with Minister Orlando Habet, he was also asked about the P.U.P.’s performance in the March sixth municipal elections in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The U.D.P. gained seats in that municipality, with only one P.U.P. candidate who was successful. Habet mentioned that the area has traditionally supported the U.D.P., leading to challenges when attempting to implement projects.

Orlando Habet, Area Representative, Cayo Northeast
“San Ignacio has always been difficult. Currently the last PUP mayor that we had since I came out in 2003 we have lost all the municipal elections until last, the previous election where we had five councillors. Before I got in, there was also 21 years of UDP administration in San Ignacio. So it’s practically a UDP town. But, we have been, able to make some inroads. For example, Cayo North, which was really, really red. And we have won some seats in there already. We have won twice in the national elections with Mr. Mahmood and Mr. Chebat. I won it by 65 votes when I was the mayor of the town. And when I lost, I also won it, but because of Santa Elena Town, we really have lost many of the municipal elections. Kudos to the current mayor, Mayor Trapp. He has his way of doing things. In my constituency, I think I am pretty safe. I won most of the solid votes in the five boxes that we had in the elections and also, I won five councilors in my constituency. So, I lost the mayoral by 57 votes, and it was on the split votes that they caught us up. What happened, and I don’t really know, but I was in the counting station, and the split votes many of them were six blue, red mayor, six blue, red mayor. So it was sort of like a protest vote. But part of the problem also and the public must know, is that it is really difficult to work with a mayor who is in opposition, who doesn’t want to work with you. So even though I am the. I’m a representative for Cayo Northeast, and Poling Area 72, is part of my constituency. The mayor has jurisdiction over the town. But it cannot be that every time I want to plant a tree on a park, I will have to ask him for permission. Or if I have to do a project, I have to ask him for permission. And if he doesn’t want to work with me, what will we do? So that is, that makes it very difficult.”

Did You Get Your Fish for Lent?

‘Tis that time of year again when Christians, and anyone else who loves fish, make that trip to the fish market and pay a few dollars more per pound of fish, all in keeping with the practice that goes with Lent – make a sacrifice for the forty days and eat fish on Fridays. So on Good Friday, a great number of people will be eating their fish, which meant that today, they were out buying those fish, and the fishermen were there to accommodate. News Five’s Marion Ali was also there to get that story and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Whatever type of fish you prefer, you could get it today. The fish market off Vernon Street in Belize City was buzzing as boats rolled in with fresh catches and fishermen placed their prices. Harry Leng was one of them.

Harry Leng, Fisherman

“I have kingfish, I have barracuda, snapper, a few little small grouper like Jimmy Hines and stuff like that, and some grunt, but most of the other fish dehn gone already. But the only problem with it, whenever this time comes around, it’s hard to get them.”

Marion Ali

“Really? I wonder why that is.”

Harry Leng

“I guess because they feel the Easter, and dehn probably know say people want eat them up so dehn disappear.”

Marion Ali

“The fish them smart, eh?”

At this time of year, the prices of fish soar because fish is in high demand. And they will also cost you by the type you want to eat. But Harry Leng says he’ll work with your budget.

Harry Leng

“This is the time when you’re playing with the price.”

Marion Ali

“Aha, okay, but I’ve heard your prices are $7, $8, $9, $10?”

Harry Leng

“$10. Yeah. Some people sell it for $12 and all that stuff, but I don’t go that high. I try to work with the people.”

Marion Ali

“Okay, so I could come out here and get wa pound ah fish for $7. What would I get?”

Harry Leng

“If you get a pound a fish fi $7, I’d probably give you this size here. Normally these would sell for $5 but right now it’s $7. Even deh lee one ya I wa sell fi $5. I always work with whoever comes.”

The type of fish you buy is also significant because of the way you can prepare it, based on its texture. Devon Orosco says he will take home snappers to fry.

Devon Orosco, Cook

“For me, the reason why I like it da because I feel like it tastes better than the rest of the snappers, red snapper. And da da twa fish weh rare, you don’t really catch it like that. I wudda just half fry it, but put it with white rice or just stew it down or what’s not, yoh dig or mek wa soup outta it or fish tea.”

This Lenten season has provided fish cleaner, Shantel with a new means of income.

Voice of: Shantel

“I mi deh under the market di sit down and I say, you know what, better I get up and help, clean to. I see everybody di mek deh one, two, soh I step up and say I wa mek mines to same way.”

Marion Ali

“You find that around Lent and Easter, yoh mek more?

Shantel

“This is my first time.”

Marion Ali

“Oh, wow. Did it take you long to learn how to do that?”

Shantel

“No ma’am.”

Marion Ali

“But it comes with its risks, right, because you could get hurt.”

Shantel

“Yes ma’am, and then the bone could juck up yoh and stay eena yoh nails and thing.”

Marion Ali

“Has that happened to you yet?”

Shantel

“No, ma’am, not yet so far, praise God.”

If you didn’t get your fish in time for Good Friday, the fishermen and the cleaners will be out again on Holy Saturday, when the prices are expected to also be back to normal. Marion Ali for News Five.

Where Are You Heading This Easter?

Whether you will travel this Easter by land or sea, the boats were out from early and so were the buses. Today, many people travelled to their destination for the Easter and News Five’s Marion Ali was at the bus and the water taxi terminals to captures those scenes. Here’s that report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

While almost everybody who will spend Easter in another part of the country away from home, travel on Holy Thursday this morning was not as chaotic as it can be known to get over at the Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi Terminal near the Swing Bridge, the cargo manager, Joel Ah could talk to us because it wasn’t yet crowded.

Joel Ah, Cargo Manager, Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi Terminal

“At the moment, it’s not that busy, but we expect to make it get busy by 1, 1:30, that’s the time we start to get busy about.”

Marion Ali

“Everybody coming in with luggage…”

Joel Ah

“Yeah, everybody coming in with luggage, and sometimes cargo, and that’s when we need fi deh pahn fi we game.”

Marion Ali

“So you have the boats on standby or you have to rent?”

Joel Ah

“We have our boats on standby and they are already available. So if in case we need our next boat, we have that ready.”

At the bus terminal, we caught up with Phillip Fawda Henry and Aldene Williams, who were waiting to catch their buses.

Aldene Williams, Traveler

“I’m here so that I can catch the bus.”

Marion Ali

“You’re heading where?”

Aldene Williams

“South.”

Marion Ali

“Okay. First time traveling for the Easter?”

Aldene Williams

“No, but first time travelling alone, yes.”

Phillip Fawda Henry, Traveler

“I haven’t done it in 15 years. I have 11 children. And seven are police officers there in the south, but I have not traveled in this location for quite a while So today i’m saying that i’m off to Placencia.”

Eaon Henry, who has made the bus terminal a place of employment, assured us that everything was progressing along orderly.

Eaon Henry, Entrepreneur

“Everything is alright. Everybody’s selling the tickets for the bus. Everybody’s purchasing the tickets for the Easter holiday. 0Tomorrow is Good Friday, so people don’t want to travel tomorrow because they will barely have any bus running tomorrow. So right now the crowd is coming today.”

Even in the chaos of everything, to ensure boat passenger safety and prevent a repeat of a previous mishap some years ago, Joel Ah assured that they turn on their boat engines before any passenger gets onboard.

Joel Ah

“The engines are turned on first and also the captain, they have their checklist, they check the engines – everything that needs to be checked, and they report it to their supervisor.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

How are Belizeans Celebrating Easter 2024?

Easter 2024 is upon us and with that comes various celebrations filled with travelling, food, and family. Whether it’s to Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga or right at home, there many places and ways to celebrate in Belize. We checked in with a few people in Belize City to see how they are planning to spend the holiday this year.

Tanisha’s Creations Hot Cross Buns

Preparing and consuming hot cross buns is one of Belize’s long-standing Easter traditions. Wherever Belizeans are in the world, there is no Easter without hot cross buns. Tonight, we show you how Tanisha Burns of Tanisha’s Creation prepares her hot cross buns, the ingredients that she uses and what makes her buns special. News Five’s Paul Lopez brings us that story.

Improved Security Systems Coming to Belize

The Ministry of Economic Development is currently in the process of implementing several projects that aim to increase the quality of living in the country. One of those projects includes improved security systems across the country. Through funding from CABEI, the ministry is seeking to build half a dozen police stations in specific areas across the country. We spoke with the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Economic Development, Doctor Osmond Martinez for more details.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, C.E.O., Ministry of Economic Development

“Under the resilient rural police program, which is under CABEI, presently we are in the process of building six police stations. So, one of the police stations will be in Santa Elena, the other one in Belmopan, the third one in Caye Caulker, the fourth one in Belize City, the fifth one in San Narciso, and the sixth one in Bella Vista Village in the southern part of the country. And the aim is to start the buildings or to have groundbreaking by July of this year. Presently the consultants are doing the feasibility studies and they have completed the feasibilities for the first three polling stations, which is Santa Elena, a Belmopan and Bella Vista. The second project under that same under that same bank, CABEI is the citizen security project, which is it will be the phase two of the surveillance camera, which will have an integrated system to an E-nine-one-one system, but at the same time, we will integrate everything into a system where it will have an AI component. And we will be able to collect the data, especially for the police department and the police department is the one who will manage the data and also use it as a way of preventing crime.”

Tapping into Solar Energy

Big technological changes are coming to Belize. As previously reported, the University of Belize will soon be acquiring the country’s first forensic lab. This significant acquisition is just one of the projects in progress to advance Belize’s resources. According to the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Economic Development, Doctor Osmond Martinez, more focus is now being placed on solar energy.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, C.E.O., Ministry of Economic Development

“And then the other projects that are with is the forensic science lab, which the feasibility study is ongoing the forensic science lab will be at the University of Belize campus. That is where it will be established. It will be a modern foreign science lab, and so that will be very good for the country, but also to help us to educate our university students. Then with the Saudis, we have the territory hospital, which we have move on now that’s the-join Belmopan hospital. We will be signing the feasibility study sometime. I am hoping that by April or May, the latest. The feasibility studies for the surgery hospital and then along with those with the Saudi funds, we are also working in terms of getting the solar panels, the solar farms. And the first, twenty megawatts might start to come this year, it might be so the construction of the first, twenty megawatts will be done this year. And then the along with NCC, which we will be negotiating or Belize will be negotiating at a two hundred fifty million dollars grant. It’s a two hundred fifty million dollars grant that will be negotiated in Washington within the week of April fifteenth to the eighteenth of April of this year. So that again will be huge and that will have an impact within the education sector and the energy sector. Then we have with the World Bank, we’re doing the blue cities and beyond program and that will impact Belize City the sewer system drainage also Placencia Dangriga, San Pedro and also Punta Gorda. It’s our hope that Blue Cities and beyond program can help us to reduce poverty and at the same time to have climate resilient projects.”