The Belize City Council’s recently launched e-buses have generated thirty-three thousand dollars in the span of four weeks. That number is expected to increase over the same timespan because schools have reopened. Today, Mayor Wagner told reporters that four thousand commuters rode the buses during the first week of school. It is a significant amount of income that would otherwise go to the traditional transport system in the city. Mayor Wagner says people can no longer be subjected to substandard services.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“Remember I gave out the preliminary figures for a five-week period and the five-week period saw fifteen thousand people utilizing the buses which generated something like thirty-three thousand. We have had a second week, following that five-week span and what I can tell you is that within one week, after that five-week span, we have had over four thousand people riding the buses in one week, after school had opened So that is like thirty percent of the previous four weeks in terms of ridership being generated in one week, so it is this push by the people of Belize City that they are very pleased with the E-transit program and they are clamoring for additional buses. You can’t subject people to substandard service. We are living in the twenty-first century. The reality is climate change is here. People are looking for cleaner energy. We are not certain what is driving this surge in respiratory illness, cancer, you never know. These are clean transportation, clean energy, clean buses, our people deserve only the best. I can’t be concerned about what was. I can only be concerned about what is and is to come.”
With the rollout of the Belize City e-buses, the council is now looking at putting its e-taxis on the road. The council acquired four taxis. They are now vetting applications for drivers. Mayor Wagner told us more.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“Actually if you pass by our depot, you will see the four taxis are there. We are right now in the phase of getting taxi drivers. We have applications. We are vetting the applications. Those taxi men that are vetted and accepted will have the opportunity to drive to own a new e-taxi and generate revenues for their families. We don’t want to drive anybody out of business, but we want to transform the public transport system within our own city.”
On Thursday, the National Celebrations Commission hosted its annual Creative Youth Summit. This forum underscored the importance of Belize’s cultural heritage, while inspiring youths to engage in challenges that employ critical thinking skills. This year, the theme focused on the ever-evolving technological landscape, encouraging participants to explore how they can contribute to sustainable development, generate economic opportunities, and enhance cultural understanding through innovation and collaboration. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
How do we blend culture and innovation? That is the big question underscored at the 2024 Creative Youth Summit. Since 2021, the National Celebration Commission has gathered youths from all over the country to share ideas and voice their opinions on the challenges they and their peers are facing in Belize. Minister of Education and Culture, Francis Fonseca tells us that creating spaces for young people to join the conversation is vital for creating solutions to the problems that affect everyone.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education & Culture
“We all felt that we needed to include a space. For our youth to engage in dialogue about your priorities, right? About your concerns, about your interest. Too often people like me and the CEO too often we’re the ones making decisions and setting the agenda and deciding what will be discussed and what will not be discussed. And it’s important for us, people like us in leadership positions, to always remember that we need to listen to others. We need to respect the views and opinions of others, especially our young people, especially our young people. We need to hear from you.’
The theme: Innovation and Culture, was selected by the participants. The first group sought to answer the question how can we leverage traditional knowledge and cultural practices to drive sustainable development? The presenters highlighted the challenge of connecting with their cultural identity while being heavily influenced by other western media sources.
Presenter 1
Presenter 1
“We weren’t necessarily taught, we weren’t always taught to Oh, you’re this, you’re that you’re Belizean. That’s what they tell us. We weren’t necessarily taught, okay, you’re part Indian, you’re part Guatemalan, you’re part this, you’re part that, you’re Belizean, right? So with that, we never really got a full explanation of what it is. Of what we are. So that way we were fully influenced by the nor guys. United States we’re influenced by the United States with all the TikTok, the social media. We’re looking at their methods instead of focusing on how we do it here, we’re not looking at our identity. We’re far off. We’re accumulating something that is not ours. We’re not paying attention. We’re not focusing on our identities. So with that, if Belizeans would focus on Belizeans instead of focusing on the United States, that way we can support small businesses, support our community and build the economy with all this.”
The second group sought to answer how can emerging technologies be harnessed to preserve and promote our tangible cultural heritage? Their reflection focused on solutions such as bridging the technological gap in rural communities and preserving culture digitally with more initiatives similar to that of the Belize Music Project.
Presenter 2
Presenter 2
“A major challenge in the digital divide in Belize, where access to technology and the internet is still limited in some rural areas. Many cultural practices are held in these areas, and without technology access, there risks being forgotten. So solve this. We could focus on providing technological infrastructure and training in these regions. Another solution could be working with cultural organizations to create digital archives of Belizean cultural practices, ensuring that they are documented and preserved for future generations. So we could use digital archiving by having scanning technologies to preserve cultural artifacts, historical buildings, and heritage sites in digital form to future generations.”
The third group answered what new strategies can we develop to engage with Belize’s culture sector? In these presentations, they unscored the theme of providing youths opportunities to engage in and lead the charge in revolutionizing the way others engage in Belize’s rich and diverse culture. The final group tackled the question, what role can online platforms play in promoting cultural diplomacy, exchange, and global understanding? They suggested that creating more cultural campaigns highlighting cultural events, outsiders may be encouraged to participate. Francis concluded by reminding the participants of the impact they have on their own futures and the county’s at large.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education & Culture
“So for me, my young friends, you, our young people represent the hope of Belize, right? You are the energy, right? You don’t look too energetic right now, but you’re the energy, right? I want to see some more energy out of you today, right? You are the energy; you are the creative. You are the optimism that our nation needs to grow and develop.”
Mas Camps 2024 wrapped up with a splash on Thursday night after a downpour of rain fell upon the final three participating bands. As we’ve reported, this year’s carnival bands brought a flurry of colors and energy to the streets of Belize City, as they prepare for the road march on Saturday. Despite the torrential rains, eleven bands were still able to bring the energy and excitement Belizeans have come to expect during the September Celebrations. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with a recap of the four-day camp.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been four days of music, movement, and madness at the Mas Camps 2024. This year will see five junior and six senior bands in the carnival road march. Night one started off with the Sunshine Masqueraders Junior band bringing the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory to Regent Street.
Lisa Sutherland
Lisa Sutherland, Operational Manger, Sunshine Masqueraders
“Our theme for this year is Wonka Land and we’re giving the three sections of Wonka Land. So section one is the cotton candy and gum drops, locally known as juju. Section two is the chocolate and the golden ticket, and they will be wearing purple and gold. Section is the peppermint and lollipop and they are going to be dressed with a backpack and colors of the rainbow.”
Fort Revelers were the next stop of the night where band leader, Leroy Smith explained that he is proud of himself and his team for what they accomplished as first-time entries. He told us that the Fort Reveler’s theme hails from the depths of the sea.
Leroy Smith
Leroy Smith, Band Leader, Fort Revelers
“My theme for this year is god and goddess of our sea, which is queen Galatea and the back section is King Poseidon.”
Britney Gordon
“How many sections do you have?”
Leroy Smith
“We have two sections. The first section is pink and purple and the second section is all shades of blue.”
Britney Gordon
“It looks like a lot of work went into them, we see that the energy is all the way up to here. How are you feeling coming out of judging? Are you confident?”
Leroy Smith
“I’m confident because for my first year, I think I’m doing so wedel so far.”
On the second day, the Trench Town Masqueraders kept their spirits high, despite the heavy shower later in the evening. Before the rain began, junior bands Jump Street Posse and Collet Royal Revelers were able to bring their A-game for the judges.
Voice of: Marina Welcome
Voice of: Marina Welcome, Band Leader, Jump Street Posse
“Let me start with the dynasty first. Dynasty go along with the queen that go along with the queen that won first place for the king and queen. It’s all about the revelers and the time clock. And then we have to go a little farther where we stamp harder with our culture. We have the Garifuna, we have two different set of Maya and we even have the Creole.”
Paul Lopez
“So culture is at the center of this theme.”
Marina Welcome
“Definitely. This is Belize. You cannot do nothing without involving your culture.”
Band leader, Samantha Soberanis explained how she decided to think outside of the box for her group’s theme.
Voice of: Samantha Soberanis
Voice of: Samantha Soberanis, Band Leader, Collet Royal Revelers
“This year’s theme for Collet is summertime: a glimpse of children at play. When school closes in June, the parents trying o wonder what will my child be doing during the summer? And I said majority of the time students don’t want to go to summer classes and that’s because thy already stuck in a classroom for eight, to ten months. So I said okay, instead of focusing on going to summer school, let me think of the things that they love and they enjoy.”
Day three, the party was back on as junior bands Black Pearl, Soca Massive and senior group, Belizean Jewels took to the streets to liven up the night. Both Belizean Jewels and Soca Massive’s kings had taken home the crown at the Carnival King and Queen competition in the senior and junior categories, respectively. Belizean Jewel, band leader says that the win was a great achievement for the group, as supplies were hard to come by this year.
Kadejah Tunn-Retreage
Kadejah Tunn-Retreage, Band Leader, Belizean Jewels
“Challenges, I would say definitely supplies this year Belizean Jewels went extremely loud with feathers. like I said one of our costumes holds over forty feathers. to get that capacity of feathers in Belize is a little bit hard so the shipment and all that is a lot of logistics behind it but we’re grateful for our logistics manager who kind of coordinated all of that together for us”
As band leader, Pauline Bradley says costumes must be able to withstand the September showers.
Pauline Bradley
Pauline Bradley, Band Leader, Soca Massive
“Whenever I come back with my ideas I tried to think about stuff that will stand against the weather because everybody knows that come carnival day that we will have rain, So I always try to make sure that I have durable costumes that would stand against our weather.”
The energy never subsides, as the three senior bands Soca Moca, Mother Nature Creations and Titans wrapped up the Mas Camp. Mother Nature Creation’s spokesperson told us that 2024 makes twenty years since the band began participating in carnival.
Spokesperson
Spokesperson, Mother Nature Creations
“Tonight is a very influential year for us, very big year. We get to celebrate twenty years at carnival. Twenty years and not just twenty years, but twenty years of being the only senior mas band that carries the name Mother Nature’s Creation. We no change name to this one then then five years after to that one. Mother Nature’s Creation for twenty years.”
Soca Moca’s queen costume took home the Carnival crown this year. Their spokesperson told us how they aim to make their group welcoming for all Belizeans to enjoy through their music, costumes, theme, and attitude.
Spokesperson
Spokesperson, Soca Moca
“Its 2024. We are a family. Despite what anybody says Soca Moca is a camp of love, we welcome anybody we don’t cause any problem and even so we’ve been trying to be our best regular self because we want to put on a good product. we want beautiful costumes with vibrant revelers and a team so that people can identify.”
Titans band leader, David Matus told us that his band is the largest of the bunch and although they are not competing, they are excited to join the celebrations with everyone else on Saturday.
David Matus
David Matus, Band Leader, Titans
“It’s a great feeling you know this is what we want we want to see the end product on stage we want to see the end product on the day. We’re seeing two hundred members on the streets but these elaborate costumes it’s an awesome feeling because you know you know the time putting is well appreciated. We’ve been solo from February we decided in January. If one person falls all we add another because we have a waiting list.”
September in Belize is a vibrant time of patriotism, as the nation commemorates the historic Tenth of September and celebrates Independence Day. Throughout the month, streets and buildings are adorned in red, white, and blue, with the Belizean flag proudly displayed at every turn. Civic pride flourishes, and many locals go the extra mile, decorating their personal properties, like homes, vehicles and bicycles, creating a festive tradition that has become a beloved part of the September Celebrations. This month on the Bright Side, we go searching for patriotic Belizeans who go the extra mile in decorating their spaces. This week, we found ourselves in our very own backyard where one patriotic Belizean is preparing her bicycle for the fire engine and Tenth Parade. Here’s that story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Karen Golanche enthusiastically shows her patriotism during the month of September. She displays it on the hanging curtains in her house, her dining room table adorned with mini flags of Belize. Even her bathroom is a statement of her love of country. Among the display is her traditional decorating and showcasing of her bicycle at the Fire Rngine and Tenth parades.
Karen Golanche
Karen Golanche, Patriotic Belizean “I find myself to be a very patriotic person. I love my country. I love the people of my country. And so that’s the reason why I do this every year.”
Since 2008, this has been a time-honored tradition for Golanche. Each year, she challenges herself to create an original design. Her bike is a spectacle and a staple of the parade that the public eagerly anticipates.
Karen Golanche
“I just wanted to do something different by changing this motorcycle into a bicycle. And that’s the reason why I chose this. Whenever anybody sees me, my family, my friends, the public, they see me on this bicycle, I think they enjoy it more than myself, and I enjoy it so much too. So it’s just a special time for me when I am on my bicycle.”
Bike decorating has been an added feature of the September Celebrations for decades. Samson Jacobs, a representative of the St. George’s Caye Day Society, says that the bicycles came about because vehicles were not as prominent in that time.
Samson Jacobs
Samson Jacobs, St. George’s Caye Society Representative
“So the bicycle competition all started back in the days before maybe you and I were born. They didn’t have a lot of vehicles in Belize City. So people were encouraged to come out and decorate their bicycle based on the theme or the September celebration. It had to highlight some aspects of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. So, you would see the red, white and blue. You would see things like the boat, the beam, anything related to the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day.”
Now, with vehicles and trucks everywhere, bikes are a limited attraction i the Tenth and Fire Engine parades. In honor of the late Louis “Tony” Leslie, his family has organized a bike decorating competition. The winner will be announced at the Belize City Council’s Tenth Bram.
Samson Jacobs
“The bicycle decoration competition adds additional patriotism to the 10th parade. That is where persons who feel that they want to participate, they want to show their civic responsibility, they want to show national pride, they can come out and participate in that competition. This year we decided to make this year’s competition in honor of Mr. Tony Leslie because he was a lover of the bicycle and the cross country race. So, we decided to do that for him. September is really a time for us to show our patriotism and that is what we want to see, not only this year, but going forward. We want to bring back that old historical component of persons actually decorating their bicycles. So yes, we have a lot of cars, but we imagine we have all the cars in the parade. It will be a long parade, right? So we are encouraging people to come out and use their bicycles, be creative and just have fun at the same time.”
The prizes are attractive, with first place riding away with as much as five hundred dollars. But win or lose, it’s the adornment from the crowd that will be the biggest reward, says Karen Golanche.
Karen Golanche
“I ride my bike every year because of the love of my country. It’s not really for the competition. Well, if I win, that would be a great thing. But, I would do it anyway without being in that competition.”
Among those eagerly anticipating the bicycle spectacle is Mayor Bernard Wagner.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City “Being patriotic also means participating. And the bicycle decoration is an event that highlights the richness of our traditions, the richness of our patriotic demeanor and so I’m always excited about it. I’m certain that we can’t wait to see who will be the winner. We have young, middle, elders participating in that event. We look forward to it and we are so pleased to be able to participate.”
Samson Jacobs “We want to also say that, while the 10th parade is to help with unity and the level of patriotism, we are strongly encouraging citizens not to let it be something political, no showing of political affiliation, just come out and have a fun time.”
This year’s parade holds even more significance for Karen Golanche, as it marks her return since 2019, following the disruption caused by COVID-19 and a two-year hiatus. Though the decorations on her bike have aged over the past four years, she promises to debut a spanking ride on September Tenth.
Karen Golanche
“The last time I have been out in the streets celebrating on my bicycle was in 2019. Here is the leftover of the decorations that, um, since then, but when you see me, um, on the fire engine parade night, this bicycle will be sparkling. Wow. It will look completely different. Because I’ll go all the way with it.”
The National Celebrations Commission (NCC) along with The Belize Carnival Association (TBCA) have been monitoring the Tropical Wave currently affecting the country especially Belize City. We have been in contact with the Met Service and their report the TW should be out of the area by later tonight. A few scattered showers may affect the country Saturday morning but the afternoon a gradual decrease. With this report the TBCA with the NCC have decided that the Carnival Road March will proceed tomorrow Saturday, September 7th starting at 2:00 pm at the Memorial Park.
News Five will be covering the Carnival Road March starting at 1 p.m.
The Coastal Plains Highway is currently undergoing repairs at approximately mile 34 after an accident earlier today. The accident reportedly involved a trailer carrying a bulldozer that was detached from a dump truck, causing significant damage to the pavement and guardrails.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) issued a statement informing the public of temporary repairs being done to the pavement. However, the ongoing weather system affecting Belize may worsen the damage.
“The Ministry is currently executing some remedial works to temporarily repair the pavement; however, with the existing weather system that is affecting Belize, the damages may be further exacerbated. We therefore advise the general public to drive with due care and attention and within the posted speed limits when traversing this section of the Coastal Plains Highway,” the Ministry stated.
Police have charged Jamie Myvett, a 31-year-old Belizean fisherman, with attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm. The charges are related to a shooting incident involving Deon Garay that occurred on August 30, 2024. The arrest was made on Friday, September 6.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has come forward in defence of its Deputy Chairman, Alberto August, condemning the aggravated assault charges against him as a “baseless, vindictive, and malicious” attack aimed at silencing dissent. According to the UDP, the charges are a deliberate distraction from serious allegations of “illegal voter registration and electoral fraud at the San Ignacio office of the Elections and Boundaries Department,” stated the UDP in a press release.
The Party described these charges against August as a threat to democratic freedoms, stating, “The Freedoms of Speech and Expression are still constitutionally enshrined for every single Belizean citizen, including political opponents.”
According to reports, August was arrested and charged last Wednesday after a complaint from a Cayo resident who claimed he used insulting language towards her at the Elections and Boundaries Office in San Ignacio. August was arrested but granted bail and is awaiting arraignment due to a national conference attended by magistrates.
August responded with gratitude on Facebook for the UDP’s support. “Expressing personal “Thank You” to the United Democratic Party for its public display of support in the face of political prosecution,” stated August.
“Nobody can take care of you better than you. You can’t pour from an empty cup; you need to think of ways to fill your cup,” advised Chaplain Page Brooks from the Louisiana National Guard state chaplain, during the Belize Defence Force’s Wellness Exchange in Ladyville, Belize, in August. The program supported the wellness exchange to enhance mental health practices among Belize’s military personnel.
The four-day program, which was held in Ladyville, Belize, involved Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors from Belize’s military branches.
Megan Aspinall of the BDF highlighted the initiative’s impact, saying, “The BDF Wellness Program came about as the force recognized that the serving members were experiencing mental health issues that were affecting deployment readiness.” According to the Louisiana National Guard, the program has led to significant improvements, including the opening of a new wellness centre and a decrease in the suicide rate.
Louisiana National Guard’s Resilience Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program coordinator, Amber Sayer, noted the universal nature of mental health challenges, stating, “Beyond cultural differences, our servicemen and women experience the exact same stigma, risk factors, financial, and moral concerns.”
