Sanjay Keshwani, Chief Operations Officer at Belize Water Services Limited, told the press during a live press conference that the BWS Sewege treatment plant in Belmopan was upgraded in 2015.
“This plant meets all the standards suggested by the D.O.E. and, as a matter of fact, international standards as well.” He said that the plant is working to the best efficient capacity.
“We don’t have any issues with the plant nor smell.”
The land that the government purchased is located near the Sewege treatment pond. The land, which was purchased for $6.9 million, will be used to build the now controversial hospital.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently holding a press conference to “clarifying the Land Purchase for the New Hospital.” During his opening statement, Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard said, “We in the Ministry of Health and Wellness are convinced that this is the best possible location for the hospital to be constructed.”
According to Bernard, the owner of the land and the government made their respective valuations. “The Ministry of Natural Resources valuation was $6.2 million, while the owner’s valuation was for $9.3 million. Ultimately, the owner agreed to $6.9 million.”
Bernard went on to say that “by placing the hospital at a location that cuts down travel time by no more than 15 minutes, lives will be saved. These are the paramount considerations of the team at the Ministry of Health, and this is why we made those recommendations to Cabinet.”
“As for U.B., there is no loss for the university. U.B. will gain the use of a modern secondary and tertiary hospital for clinical rotation for its medical students and will get to keep its land.”
The press conference is being carried live on Channel 5’s social media platforms.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will host a press conference this afternoon in Belize City to address its controversial $6.9 million land acquisition. The conference is intended “to clarify the land purchase for the new hospital.”
News 5 will carry the press conference live on our social media platforms.
This follows Friday’s protest in Belmopan led by land activist Nigel Petillo, which gathered the participation of various groups demanding a reversal of the land purchase that was initially earmarked for a teaching hospital and accusing officials of ‘lacking transparency.’
Former Health Minister Jose Coye during an online talk show voiced his opinion. Coye expressed his support for the initial plan to develop a faculty of medicine at the university. He criticised the decision to relocate the faculty and questioned the rationale behind the land purchase, urging that the funds be used as originally intended to enhance Belize’s healthcare system and support health tourism.
“It’s not about partisan politics. This is about the good of Belize. Let’s put Belize first. That money must be spent on what it was intended for. And if we, the people, decide it is, then it must be. So it’s not about whether they will do it or not. No, we must be committed to letting the government be held accountable to the citizens,” Coye asserted.
It seems just like yesterday we introduced you all to the 12 #KTVTheRemixSix contestants. Now, we are down to three, and the last night is tomorrow, August 27th. It’s all going down inside the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City. These three finalists will go head-to-head to not only go on to be this year’s victor but to hold that $10,000 check. And while the final three contestants have already duked it out on stage, the real power lies in the hands of the fans, who had until Sunday to cast their votes.
Elijah Noralez
One of these talented hopefuls is 24-year-old Elijah Noralez from Harmonyville. Elijah comes from a family steeped in musical talent—his sister Alysia was his biggest inspiration growing up. From singing in the car on the way to preschool to performing on small stages and TV, Elijah’s love for music has been lifelong.
After years of doubt, Elijah finally decided to take the plunge and audition for KTV the Remix. Despite battling anxiety and nearly giving up on singing in his late teens, his decision has paid off. He’s gathered an impressive fanbase, with supporters eager to vote and cheer him on.
Elijah’s journey has been both fulfilling and challenging. Offstage, he’s a regular guy working on his family’s farm, but onstage, he transforms into a performer who captivates audiences with his raw, emotional voice. If he wins, he plans to use the $10,000 prize to further his education, build a music studio, or maybe even try his luck on America’s Got Talent.
Chelsy Castro
Born in Belize City and now living in San Pedro, 19-year-old Chelsy Castro discovered her singing talent at nine years old while trying to cheer up a friend. Since then, she’s been wowing audiences, including a standout performance of *Que Agonia* that left everyone thinking she was fluent in Spanish—spoiler alert: she’s not!
Chelsy’s mom, Cindy Fuentes, is her biggest supporter and coach, helping her fine-tune every performance. When she’s not on stage, Chelsy juggles her studies in business management with a day job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro, all while dreaming big about her future in music.
Despite not having a sponsor, Chelsy’s been hustling, performing at nightclubs and events to drum up votes. If she wins, Chelsy plans to use the $10,000 prize to help children by providing them with the musical support she’s been lucky enough to receive from her mom. She’s even considering becoming a Belizean artist, with some producers already showing interest in helping her make that dream a reality.
Flor Augustin
Flor Augustin’s musical journey started at just 11 years old, when her mom gave her the nudge to sing a hymn in church. From that moment on, Flor was hooked on music, and she’s been singing ever since. Making it to KTV the Remix has been a dream of hers since high school, and this year, she finally made it happen.
When she’s not dazzling audiences on stage, Flor works as a restaurant supervisor at Margaritaville Resort in San Pedro. Though balancing work, travel, and being a mom to her five-year-old son Juliyan isn’t easy, Flor’s determination is unshakeable. Her friends and colleagues have been her biggest fans and critics, helping her fine-tune every performance.
If Flor wins KTV the Remix, she plans to use the prize money to build a home in her hometown of Independence. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Flor is filled with gratitude for the love and support she’s received along the way. Her message to everyone? Life may be tough, but with faith and the support of loved ones, the journey is worth it.
The finale starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be bought at Channel 5 office on Coney Drive or at 88 Shopping Center on Central American Boulevard.
Community health workers (CHWs) in Belize play a crucial role in providing essential healthcare services, particularly in remote communities where access to immediate medical care can be challenging. Recognising the growing reliance on CHWs as communities expand, the Ministry of Health and its partners have launched an updated Community Health Workers Manual and a new job aid tool. The revised manual, which addresses gaps in areas such as maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, and nutrition, was developed with input from community health workers and other stakeholders.
To further support CHWs, the government has also increased their monthly stipend to $500 and introduced a portable flipbook to help them access information in the field. Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, highlighted plans to equip CHWs with digital tools like tablets and to develop an operational monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure effective and responsive healthcare services.
UNICEF and ODA Korea are key supporters of this initiative, providing funding and expertise. Dr. Olusola Oladeji from UNICEF emphasised the importance of expanding the scope of CHWs’ work, especially given their critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the need for ongoing training and support to enhance their capabilities.
Mercy Sabal, a distinguished artist and quiltmaker from Belize, has been awarded the George Gabb Prize for Visual Arts. Announced on the National Institute of Culture and History’s (NICH) official Facebook page, the accolade recognises Sabal as one of Belize’s most esteemed artists.
With over 40 years dedicated to her craft, Sabal’s work has earned widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. NICH highlighted her extensive participation in exhibitions at prominent venues such as the Image Factory and the Belisle Art Gallery and her international showcases in Taiwan, New Orleans, and Mexico. ‘Sabal’s innovative spirit’ was also evident in her collaboration with Katie Usher on the 2021 exhibit ‘Mothers of Creation,’ which became the first Belizean art show to be transformed into a virtual 360 tour. In recognition of her contributions, NICH selected Sabal’s quilt for permanent display at the National Assembly in 2021.
“Most recently, in April 2024, one of Sabal’s pieces was chosen for the inaugural exhibition at the Museum of Belizean Art, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the country’s vibrant artistic community,” NICH added.
The George Gabb Prize honours George Seymour Gabb, a Belizean artist and sculptor known for his work such as “The Sleeping Giant” and “Freedom of Thought.” Gabb, who was awarded an M.B.E. in 1974, made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment in Belize.
Belize City police continue to investigate the murder of 24-year-old Dimitri DeAndre Usher. Usher was shot several times on Sunday night while he was near the Poundyard area of Belize City. The incident unfolded at around 8 p.m.
According to investigators, Usher was walking towards his apartment when an unknown assailant, located near the park fence along Constitution Park, fired several shots at him.
Usher had left home to buy a lighter.
At the scene, police recovered multiple 9mm expended shells.
News Five spoke to one of Usher’s relatives, who told us that he was at home when he got the terrible news. “It looks like the person was waiting there, which is right over the fence,” the relative explained to News Five.
Usher was shot in the head, chest, and back.
The gunman reportedly ran into one of Usher’s relatives, who threw a pint bottle at the gunman. The gunman then fired shots but missed the relative.
After being shot, Usher shouted for his mother, who tried to save him. Usher’s baby is expected to be born in the next month or two.
Ebony Lake FC says it is “heartbroken by the untimely passing of our Striker and humble colleague Dimitre DeAndre Usher……RIP Dim…….another youth gone too soon, another life cut short…”
Two years ago, an attempt on Usher’s life was made.
Investigators have reviewed security cameras in the area.
Adela Pederson Vallejos has been honoured with the Leela Vernon Prize for Creative Community Action and Safeguarding Cultural Heritage. The announcement was made by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) on its Facebook page. The award celebrates Pederson’s remarkable achievements in preserving and promoting Maya culture while actively contributing to community development in Belize.
In the post, NICH recognised Adela Pederson Vallejos of Libertad village, saying, “Her passion for preserving Maya heritage led her to learn the Yucatec Maya language and establish To’one Masehaulo’on NGO, promoting Maya culture and language through educational initiatives and events, including the Belize national anthem translated into Yucatec Maya.”
“Adela’s tireless efforts culminated in the inauguration of the U Kuuchil Uucben Mayaya Ba’alo’ob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village, showcasing her dedication to cultural preservation,” NICH added.
Leela Vernon, the award’s namesake, was a prominent Belizean Kriol culture activist. Vernon was celebrated for her ‘Buru’ style Brukdong music, including the popular song ‘Ah Waahn Noa Hoo Seh Kriol Noh Ga No Kolcha!’, which has been integral to the celebration of Creole heritage.
Belizean singer and percussionist Mohobub Flores has been honoured with the Andy Palacio Prize for Belizean Music. The award was announced via the National Institutes of Culture and History’s (NICH) official Facebook page and recognises Flores’ significant contributions to Garifuna music and Punta Rock.
Flores, born in Dangriga, began his musical career in 1979 with Pen Cayetano’s Turtle Shell Band. NICH praised his work, stating, “His work has helped to preserve and promote Garifuna culture worldwide.”
The institute further noted, “Mohobub Flores remains a key figure in Belize’s musical landscape, celebrated for his dedication to his cultural roots and his role in bringing Garifuna music to a global audience. As a senior member of The Garifuna Collective, Mohobub has performed in the last decade in over 25 countries on 5 continents.”
The Andy Palacio Prize honours the legacy of Andy Palacio, a celebrated Belizean musician who dedicated his life to preserving Garifuna culture through music. Palacio was renowned for blending traditional Garifuna music with electric guitars. He was awarded Belize’s Order of Meritorious Service in 2007 and named a UNESCO Artist for Peace shortly before his death on January 19, 2008.
Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the first Black woman Master of the King’s Music by King Charles. The Belize-born composer, who has an extensive portfolio including 22 operas, takes over from Dame Judith Weir, the first woman to hold the position.
This morning, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) extended their ‘heartfelt congratulations’ to Wallen for her “historic recognition as Master of the King’s Music.”
The role of Master of the King’s Music involves composing pieces for special royal occasions such as weddings and jubilees. Wallen expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment … I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.”
In 1998, she became the first Black woman to have a work performed at the BBC Proms. She has also been recognised with an Ivor Novello award for Classical Music and has contributed to major events, including the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Born in Belize in 1958, Wallen moved to the UK with her parents at the age of two. She was raised by her aunt and uncle in north London and showed an early talent for music. She studied at Goldsmiths College and King’s College, Cambridge, and has been influential in challenging the traditional image of a composer.
Wallen was awarded an MBE in 2007, and a CBE in 2020.
