Speaking with Prime Minister John Briceño following today’s house meeting, the issue of the controversial land purchase which saw the Government of Belize acquiring fifteen acres of land from an Asian businessman for six point nine million dollars was brought up once again. The PM was asked whether the Attorney General’s ministry provided legal advice on the matter and whether it falls within the scope of the Finance and Audit Reform Act. Here’s his response.
Reporter
“Did the government get any advice from the Attorney General about land purchased by the government, if it falls under FARA to require open tender, in the case of the six point nine million [dollars]?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Yes, the Attorney General says it does not. It’s not under FARA.”
Reporter
“If the NTUCB takes you to court which it plans to, do you expect to win?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It’s their right, they can do as they wish and of course we’ve gone through the entire process and have been careful to ensure that what we have done is under the law.”
Reporter
“As former Minister of Natural Resources, how does land that doesn’t have infrastructure on it raise in value from the baseline which was one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty of land sold in that vicinity?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I think that’s a question you need to ask the DPM. You’re trying to find a roundabout way to ask me the same question and I really can’t add no more to it.”
Prime Minister Briceño also reiterated his administration’s position on the compulsory acquisition of the acreage of disputed land on Stake Bank Island. He explained to reporters why government finds it necessary to complete the cruise tourism project that was started by the Feinstein Group.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“As what I have explained, and I will say oy one more time, the Barrow administration passed two pieces of legislation for Stake Bank. They have the definitive agreement and the first thing I said is that this is in the national interest of the country and we need to finish that. We need to do this project. We got into government, now fast-forward to today, two hundred and seventy million dollars have been spent. There’s a dispute between the investors which is something that we don’t need to get into, and now that project is washing away. A few acres have already been washed away because nobody has been working, the seawall and stuff that has been needed, the millions of dollars that have been there on the infrastructure is just withering away. When we look at the numbers on tourism, cruise tourism, they are going down, they are not going up because now the ships are bigger and they want to be properly anchored to get their passengers off on solid ground. In this case, for Stake Bank.”
The Leader of the Opposition, Moses Barrow is once again taking shots at Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton and Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber to have them removed from the U.D.P. Earlier this week, Barrow’s request to have them removed from the House of Representatives was denied by the Speaker. After that request was made, Taegar-Panton stated that she suspected Barrow would also request for her and Faber’s removal from the various House Committees. So said, so done. Barrow has indicated that he intends to have them both removed by the selection committee. We caught up with Taegar-Panton for her reaction after today’s house meeting.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Representative, Albert
“Well, this only became apparent today. We were not aware that he had written a letter to the selection committee on this matter. It is the prerogative of the leader of the opposition to appoint members to House committees. For the record, I’d like to say I served on. thirteen House committees. I sat on twelve committees. I chaired one, which is a joint public accounts committee. I also serve as the party whip, but that’s his prerogative. The challenge I have with that, though, is that when you, when you attempt to silence the voices of elected representatives, As part of the legislative process, what in effect you do is silence the voices of the people who sent us to the National Assembly to represent them. So it’s unfortunate, but it is indeed his prerogative.”
Marion Ali
“I would imagine you haven’t had a chance to speak on the matter with mister Faber to get his position as well.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“No, no. It only became evident when mister Faber went to the committee meeting today. The Foreign Affairs Committee, that that letter had been sent. We didn’t even have the courtesy of hearing from the leader of the opposition that that was his agenda, but it is his prerogative. And so be it. I hope the people of Belize are paying notice that he has now in effect silenced their voices in the very important process of forming policy and determining legislation for the country.”
Marion Ali
“Now, you’ve also indicated yourself. And mister Faber that there will be an October twentieth convention held by yourself as the alliance.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“No, it’s not held by us as the alliance. It is a UDP national convention that was petitioned by two hundred and thirty-two delegates of the National Convention, which is the highest decision making body of the United Democratic Party.”
The Tribute to Belizean Patriots was held on Thursday night at the foot of the new Haulover Bridge. Twenty-eight Belizeans received national awards for their service to country. The ceremony featured a musical ensemble entitled “The Builders of Belize Cambio Ensemble” arranged by Carlos Perrotte. Former Governor General Sir Colville Young made a special appearance as one of the members of the ensemble. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The foot of the new Haulover Bridge was transformed into a venue fit for recognition of Belizean patriots under the starry night sky. On Thursday night, twenty-eight Belizeans were recognized for their contributions to Belize in various sectors throughout the course of their lives. These patriots were VIPs at this year’s Tribute to Belizean Patriots Award Ceremony.
Stuart Leslie
Stuart Leslie, Secretary of Awards Committee
“Whereas twenty-eight persons have labored diligently on behalf of the improvement of and to the benefit of our country Belize and to its people, and whereas they have contributed their time, energy and intelligence, often at great sacrifice to themselves in making Belize a better place for all of our people, now therefore by the power vested in her excellency, Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General, and acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceno, and on behalf of a grateful nation, her excellency proclaim that national awards be vested upon these twenty-eight honorable persons.”
Among those bestowed with a prestigious patriot award were names like 47:18 Carlos Perrotte, Herman “Chico” Ramos, Leroy “the Grand Master” Young, Francis Reneau and Former Governor General Sir Colville Young, who was awarded the Order of Belize. Dame Froyla Tzalam, the Governor General of Belize, noted that they, like all the other awardees, displayed selflessness to country.
Dame Froyla Tzalam
Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor General of Belize
“September is reserved for the acknowledgement and homage of our independence, culture and importantly our Belizean patriots who tirelessly served our nation. The Tribue to Belizean Patriots ceremony presents the National Celebration Committee an the public with an opportunity to commend those among us who embody the Belizean way. Through their efforts, our modern-day patriots light a path that we all strive to venture on, a path of selflessness which prioritize country men and women. I thank these individuals for their dedication to the land of the free. I invite all my fellow Belizeans in joining us to celebrate their well-earned success.”
The highlight of the night came at the end of the award ceremony. The 1974 “Golden Girls” of Belize, that 1974 softball national team that won the nation’s first international gold, was recognized. The patriotic award comes five decades after the championship, at a time when numerous members of the team have passed away. But for those who were present, and the family members of those who have gone on, their achievement is worth celebrating today as it was fifty years ago.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The younger guys might not remember this, but the original Golden Girls ofBelize were the remarkable, 1974 national softball team who made history bywinning the country’s first ever gold medal in any sport on the international stage.I can still remember back then, we never had Tv, the internet, all we had wasradio Belize. I was in high school and all of a sudden we are hearing about thesegolden girls, that they are winning all of these games in softball. It was such a bigdeal for us when we heard that little Belize won a gold medal in softball and thatour girls, our girls from Belize were these winners. It made us so proud becauseat that time we were still in the nationalist movement towards independence. Ithelped us to build this sense of Belize is a country and that we have somethingto be proud. And these golden girls in 1974 put Belize on the map.”
Primary school children across the country were celebrating Belize outside of their classrooms today. From Corozal to Toledo, students gathered at various locations for the annual Children’s Rally. In Belize City, the Civic Center was almost at capacity with students from twenty-five primary schools. This tradition dates back decades and it remains alive. The students sung patriotic songs, danced to Belizean music and won loads of prizes, while waving the Belizean flag throughout the entire morning. News Five’s Paul Lopez stopped in. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Across the country, primary schools gathered for their annual patriotic children’s rally. In Belize City, twenty-five schools were represented inside the Civic Center. The energy was high, and the children were energized as they socialized with peers. Students from Stella Maris School stole the show with their bold performances.
Margaret Smith
Margaret Smith, Teacher, Central Christian School
“I think it is important because it is an opportunity for us to bring the kids together and for them to see that it is not just your school, it is all the schools. We come together and it is a form of teaching them civic pride, love for country and respect. Like the mayor said in his speech earlier, to talk about the important of not bullying and respect. It is a warmer time of the year, so just being out of the class and enjoying this AC at the Civic it is lovely.”
As the hosts did their roll call, each school represented raised their voices with shouts that signaled their presence and participation. Belize City Mayor, Bernard Wagner was the keynote speaker at today’s event. Following his address, he quizzed the students and gave away five hundred-dollar prizes for the correct answers. The shocked look on this child’s face when he learnt that he won one of the hundred-dollar prizes for answering a question correctly. Realizing what was at stake, every question that followed led to a stampede towards the main stage. Each child was eager to answer and win the prize.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
“What is the greatest asset?
Student
“Education.”
Bernard Wagner
“Yeah, this man win one hundred dollars. Very important. This is what shapes our youths, shape our children, being able to have all of them in one space and being able to have leaders of the community share values to them. Many times we ask why some of our children go along the wrong road, but it is us as leaders in our country and city that has to be an example. Five virtues that I believe is very important for all children, having basic respect for each other, staying in school, being an advocate against bullying, demonstrating civic pride, demonstrating love for your country by your action, by practicing civic pride. So those were five simple virtues that I believe, if our children live by those virtues every single day and we continue to have it become a habit, we being to change the culture and the way we are.”
Margaret Smith
“And also, I think that the flag, it is just important for them to know that we show respect for our country and loving our country in the way we just not only our school compound, but even outside, the way you carry yourself, wearing your uniform, showing love for your country. Learning patriotic songs. There are some songs that from I was in infant I know these songs and I teach standard six now and they don’t even know some of the songs I would have known from the infant class.”
Today, twenty-five Galen University students were awarded scholarships in celebration of academic excellence and community support. The university’s scholarship program has been an ongoing commitment for the past twenty years, with over twenty million dollars invested since its inception. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony for more details on the Galen scholars.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Every parent wants to see their child achieve greatness by pursuing a higher education. While every parent aspires for this, it is difficult to achieve because education is an expensive investment. Dr. Eve Aird, Provost of Galen University, provided some details on the university’s commitment to providing these scholarships.
Eve Aird
Dr. Eve Aird, Provost, Galen University
“Galen University throughout its twenty-year history sas always had a very vibrant scholarship program. In fact, over the twenty years of our well, we are now in our twenty-first year actually over the twenty years the previous twenty years of our existence we have actually Invested about twenty million dollars in scholarships that have been awarded to Belizean students who have come here. We think that this is an impressive record. We’re a small private university and that we’ve been able to do this. And it’s not so much an investment in scholarships, but an investment, a twenty million investment in the human capital development of Belize. A lot of our students who have gotten these scholarships are well placed across Belize and some of them actually work in international bodies such as the IDB and other regional bodies in various professional capacities. This we are very proud of.”
Students can apply for either an academic or merit scholarship which evaluates academic performance and financial need, respectively.
Dr. Eve Aird
“This morning we are actually awarding twenty-five new scholarships to incoming students and this is in addition to students who are currently enrolled and who are maybe halfway through their programs, three quarter way through the programs, students who will graduate in December, and maybe next year next July. So in total we have about fifty students who are on some form of scholarship at Galen University the scholarships will be awarded to them this morning. They get a scholarship contract that i’ve signed and that they will sign and they will get a certificate that that they can take home with them to say that they are a scholar at Galen University.”
Britney Gordon
“So the scholarship covers their tuition?”
Dr. Eve Aird
“It covers their tuition. We have some students who are on one hundred percent scholarships, and some students who are on fifty percent or seventy-five percent scholarships. And then they have to pay the other half, the remaining portion of their tuition.”
Second-year-student Noralee Burns is a criminal justice major at Galen. She says that it is her first time applying for the scholarship and receiving it is a big blessing to her family.
Noralee Burns
Noralee Burns, Scholarship Recipient
“To be honest, I feel really grateful for this scholarship because it’s an opportunity that not a lot of like people have and I’m so blessed to receive this scholarship and I’ll make sure I make my parents proud and everyone because this is an honor that I’m receiving this scholarship.”
Britney Gordon
“Have you always wanted to get into this field of study? What led you to want to pursue it?”
Noralee Burns
“Criminal justice from I was little, it was like a major that I really wanted to like, grass, like info and all of that on especially with crime and beliefs and stuff. I actually want to be a lawyer. So I feel like this would have been the perfect field for me.”
Burns is completing her courses entirely online, but she still immerses herself in her school life by participating in the events club and being a peer mentor. She is enthusiastic about her field of study and is looking forward to continuing her degree with a rechewed vigor now that tuition is not a concern. She told us what she hopes to gain from her time at Galen.
Norlee Burns
“Everything that criminal justice has to offer. The courses, all the different subjects. I’m also a peer mentor here, so whatever here has to offer to me.”
Britney Gordon
“How long is your degree going to be?”
Noralee Burns
“The degree, to be honest, it’s four years, but I’m already at my second year, soon finish.”
Aird explains that these scholarships are more than an investment, they are a commitment. One that the school plans to keep with all recipients for the entirety of their time at the school.
Dr. Eve Aird
“This is for the duration of their program. And our students are closely monitored, and they’re closely supported. We have a Academic Success Center that might work with the student to ensure that they keep a required GPA of 3.0. And if they don’t meet that GPA initially, it doesn’t mean that we take away the scholarship. We work with the students to ensure that they can achieve their academic success, which is ultimately what we want them to do. And we provide them with all the support that they need, which includes academic counseling, academic support. If they need other kinds of counseling, we provide that for them as well.”
Patriotism is the deep love, devotion, and sense of pride one holds for their country. It’s a commitment to the nation’s values, culture, history, and future. Acts of patriotism can be as simple as preserving and protecting the environment through cleanliness, a quiet yet impactful expression of civic pride. However, this pride often takes on a more visible form in Belize during the month of September, when citizens go the extra mile to decorate their surroundings, showcasing their national spirit. Last week, we shared the story of a woman who proudly adorned her bike for the Fire Engine and Tenth Parade. This week, we turn our focus to a man known to many for his unwavering sense of nationalism. Though he humbly claims that his efforts aren’t for the spotlight, we believe his dedication deserves recognition. Here’s his story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
He’s a self-styled marshal, leading festive parades during the September celebrations. On Carnival Day and for the Tenth Parade, everyone looks forward to seeing the faithful presence of Stanley Lizama.
Stanley Lizama
Stanley Lizama, Patriotic Belizean “Well, it’s something you have to love. You have to love your country.”
His presence on Carnival Day heralds the arrival of revelers from participating mas bands. But his involvement goes as far back as the early nineties, as the former Carnival King for six consecutive years.
Sabreena Daly
“What was carnival like at that time?”
Stanley Lizama
“Carnival was very great. I met new friends. Not like now where people fuss and put things on facebook. You could go to any camp. If you needed a glue gun or wire, they welcomed you just like you were with your neighbor.”
While he no longer competes for the coveted titles, Lizama shares that his role in the annual Carnival Road March holds deep personal significance for him.
Stanley Lizama
“When I lead that carnival, sometimes people don’t realize I drop my tears. I’m so happy to see my Belizeans on the route cheering for me and looking forward to seeing me out there.”
And on September Tenth, Stanley Lizama is front and center displaying historical themes of Belize with his regalia. But when the parades draw to a close, Lizama goes the extra mile to express his love for the country through the elaborate decorations he displays at his home for the festivities. If you’re unfamiliar with the significance of September Tenth, a glimpse of Lizama’s decorated entrance might offer a hint of its story.
Stanley Lizama
“Well, I’m trying to share the Battle of St. George’s Caye because the four guys that came down the river from Flowers Bank, they didn’t have outboard machines. They paddled down the river, so that’s why the paddle is out there.”
His creativity truly comes to life at this time of year, as he skillfully repurposes materials to create the display he envisions.
Stanley Lizama
“I’ll tell you, what you throw away I’ll pick up. That is a piece of an old cast iron from a sewage pipe. That’s an old sewage pipe. But it’s shaped like a cannon, that’s why I set it there as a cannon.”
Sabreena Daly
“Talk to me about what neighbors would say when they see your display on a yearly basis.”
Stanley Lizama
“Well, my neighbors would say, “Man, you’ve brought out something new! I’m going to take my picture”. Everyone comes to take pictures and i dont charge to take them. There’s even a guy from LA, whenever he comes, he would bring his family to take pictures.”
Lizama’s friendly neighbor, Richard Gabourel, shared that these displays are a yearly tradition. He views them as a heartfelt effort and act of love from Lizama for his community. Despite the limited recognition, Gabourel takes pride in seeing this tradition continue year after year.
Richard Gabourel
Richard Gabourel, Neighbor
“I’ve noticed that for all these years, nobody has recognized his effort. He does this every year, annually. We do this for Halloween, tenth of September, nineteenth of November. We do this for Easter. We do this for Cross Country and we’ve always had everything here for that time.”
Regardless of recognition, Lizama remains committed to his patriotic efforts. He encourages all Belizeans to fully embrace the festivities and show love and support for one another.
Stanley Lizama
“Be strong, show love to each other and be together as much and let this September, Independence and celebrations be good.”
On Thursday night, the foot of the new Haulover Bridge was transformed into a venue for honouring 28 Belizeans for their service to the country. The Tribute to Belizean Patriots ceremony celebrated these individuals for their significant contributions across various sectors.
Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam remarked, “September is reserved for the acknowledgement and homage of our independence, culture, and, most importantly, our Belizean patriots who tirelessly served our nation.”
Former Governor General Sir Colville Young also made a special appearance as part of the ensemble.
Stuart Leslie, Secretary of the Awards Committee, stated, “Whereas twenty-eight persons have laboured diligently on behalf of the improvement of and to the benefit of our country, Belize, and to its people, and whereas they have contributed their time, energy, and intelligence, often at great sacrifice to themselves, in making Belize a better place for all of our people… Her excellency proclaims that national awards be vested upon these twenty-eight honourable persons.”
A highlight of the night was the recognition of the 1974 “Golden Girls” of Belize, the national softball team that won Belize’s first international gold medal. Prime Minister John Briceno recalled, “The original Golden Girls of Belize were the remarkable 1974 national softball team who made history by winning the country’s first ever gold medal in any sport on the international stage.”
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of individuals, honoured historical milestones, and reaffirmed the pride and spirit of Belize.
Children from primary schools across the nation celebrated Belize through the annual children’s rally. Students participated in various local events, with a notable gathering in Belize City at the Civic Centre.
The Civic Centre was nearly at full capacity as students from twenty-five primary schools filled the venue. The energy was high as the children sang patriotic songs, danced to Belizean music, and waved the Belizean flag throughout the morning.
Margaret Smith, a teacher from Central Christian School, emphasised the importance of the event. She stated, “I think it is important because it is an opportunity for us to bring the kids together and for them to see that it is not just your school, it is all the schools. We come together, and it is a form of teaching them civic pride, love for country, and respect.” Smith also appreciated the break from the classroom, noting, “It is a warmer time of the year, so just being out of the class and enjoying this AC at the Civic is lovely.”
Smith also highlighted the significance of the Belizean flag, saying, “I think that the flag, it is just important for them to know that we show respect for our country and loving our country in the way we just not only our school compound but even outside, the way you carry yourself, wearing your uniform, showing love for your country. ”
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner was the keynote speaker. He used the occasion to highlight key values for the youth. “This is what shapes our youths, shape our children, being able to have all of them in one space and being able to have leaders of the community share values to them,” Wagner said. He also quizzed the students and awarded five-hundred-dollar prizes for correct answers.
Today, Galen University awarded scholarships to 25 new students to help achieve their academic goals.
The scholarship committee awards the scholarships based on financial need. Applicants go through a rigorous process, including an interview and a rating criteria. The Provost of Galen University, Dr. Eve Aird, described this as a “very difficult process.”
Since the university’s inception in 2003, the university boasts a “vibrant scholarship programme,” said Dr. Aird. To date, Galen University has invested approximately 20 million dollars in scholarships for Belizean students.
Dr. Aird commented, “We think that is a very impressive record, we are a small private university that we’ve been able to do this.” She added, “It’s not so much an investment in scholarships, but a 20 million dollar investment in the human capital development of Belize.”
Aird noted that graduates from these scholarship programmes have secured jobs with various companies in Belize, as well as international and regional firms.
Currently, the university hosts around 50 students that are receiving some form of scholarship.
The scholarships cover between 50% and 100% of tuition fees, but do not include registration fees, field expenses, or graduation fees. They are awarded for the entire duration of the student’s bachelor’s degree programme.
