But some of the men are not pleased with the treatment they received at the Belize Central Prison and today they told News Five that the last ninety days of their lives were hell. They believe that they were unfairly swept up and locked up for three months. Two of them were gainfully employed with children to sustain. Nonetheless, they want to uplift their lives for themselves and their families.
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 1
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 1
“I spent 90 days for no reason, no charge, nothing. I got my paper, I could send home for my paper. Cell Two da Multi-Max ah deh. Two weeks, they take we out, they talk about riot, they pepper spray all ah wi. When we go da tribunal, nothing deh nuh got pahn yoh. So, weh we di do da prison?”
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 2
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 2
“They say we di try start riot. That da when we just come. They want to make an example out of us. So then they just come and say we try di try start riot. They locked down the whole jail and spray we down, one by one. Everybody handcuffed behind. Then, in the tribunal, the police, they tell the tribunal chairman that I da wa gang member, I well known in the streets, all kind of things. So I tell the man, you done do my background when I work for a thing then? The man say we wa investigate that right now. I tell them straight. Then they say I mi wa get charged, but watch ya, I still deh out ya free.”
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 3
Voice of: S.O.E. Prisoner 3
“Ih my rough, mammy, I di tell yoh cause at the end ah the day, you’re there for nothing and then you’re just there, have to goh through this with a lot of young boy and then a lot of them don’t know what they want, you know, because they gone da that place deh with a lotta rage eena dehn. I try to get ahead now, you know, mammy. I want to try to open a little food business and thing, you know, get pahn my foot and start doing my thing.”
Three years ago, his parents made the difficult decision to relocate him to the U.S. at the age of fourteen. Today, Douglas Langford Junior committed to playing college basketball at Harvard University. Langford grew up in the Culture Capital, Dangriga. His father, Douglas Langford Senior is a respected basketball player in Belize who had dreams of one day joining the N.B.A. Those dreams were never realized, but when his son came along with similar desires and the dedication to realize that dream, the best option was to get him into a high school basketball program in the U.S. Douglas Langford Junior has been excelling ever since, both academically and athletically. Life has now come full circle for his family, as Langford Junior is one step closer to the N.B.A. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Belizean basketball athlete, seventeen-year-old Douglas Langford Junior is headed to Harvard University.
Douglas Langford Jr.
Douglas Langford Jr., Basketball Athlete
“It means a lot to finally get this accomplished, because upon arriving to America my freshman year when I was fourteen the coaches told me you have a lot of potential and you have the ability to change not only your life but your family’s life forever. It was not something I took literally. Harvard was never in my mind.”
Langford has officially committed to playing basketball at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He secured a four-year scholarship that is valued at approximately seven hundred thousand Belize dollars. Born and raised in Dangriga, Langford’s parents decided to relocate him to the U.S. at the age of fourteen.
Terri Langford
Terri Langford, Mother of Douglas Langford Jr.
“As a parent dedicated to trying to support your child as any other parent would, you make sacrifices and don’t think about them. You push through, you encourage, you hold on to their hands for as long as you can and then you let go for them to make good decisions, decisions that they will have to uphold as they grow older. For me, watching him grow into the young man they have become has been nothing short of incredible. I know people like seh “monkey nuh seh deh pikni black”? Well, the truth is Douglas Langford has always been a disciplined and dedicated young man.”
Douglas was the captain for team Belize at the FIBA Under-Eighteen AmeriCup 2024 held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in June. Standing at six feet, six inches tall, and weighing in at two hundred pounds, Langford received offers from at least six different tertiary education institutions in the U.S.
Douglas Langford Jr.
“Going into this process of hard work and just seeing how the chips were on the table, I think the best pick was Harvard. It means a lot because yes you can take away basketball, you can take away athleticism, but you can’t take away Harvard, especially a Harvard degree. That is something that will be with me for the rest of my life. That is why this was my best choice. It is just another step in my basketball journey to be a better player and a better person.”
Adding to his accomplishments, Langford was also named the 2024 MVP at the Basketball Without Borders. The NBA basketball camp brought together sixty of the top high-school-age prospects, from seventeen countries, in Brazil.
Paul Lopez
“What would you say you cherish the most, playing for Harvard as an athlete or the academic pursuit aspect at Harvard?”
Douglas Langford Jr.
“I would say, the academic pursuit at Harvard, because it is the best in the world hands down. It doesn’t get any better than that. But, playing basketball there with a head coach who I call a guru. I always had a passion for Coach K at Duke. He was the assistant coach there. And he went to being the head coach at Michigan and then he left. Now he is at Harvard. So, to me it is like if I can’t get Coach K, then I can get a sample of him at Harvard. So, that played a big role.”
We also spoke with Douglas Langford Senior. He was beaming with pride.
Douglas Langford Sr.
Douglas Langford Sr., Father of Douglas Langford Jr.
“My dream was to play in the NBA. I never made it. My son came along, and we made the decision for him to go to the states for him to get better at playing basketball, pursuing his education. It would have been best for us to let lose of him for him to go at the age of fourteen to get that start. I am so proud of him. It is like a dream come true. I would never have thought that when we sent James to the states at the age of fourteen that a day would come when he would commit to Harvard. I never had Harvard in my mind. It is a dream come true and I want to tell him congratulations.”
And his parents are not the only ones filled with joy. Langford has been receiving praises and congratulatory messages across social media from those at home. He begins his journey at Harvard in summer 2025.
Douglas Langford Jr.
“I am proud. It is just something I want to share with the people, because it takes a village to raise a child and I thank everyone for their support, for being in my circle and looking out. It means a lot to see that so many people support me and want to see me do good. So, that means a lot. I can’t let all these people down. And, I just want to say thank you Belize and Belize all the way.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
The Ministry of Sports has issued a release congratulating Langford for commitment to Harvard University. The release says in part, quote, “Langford Jr.’s journey in basketball is characterized by unwavering dedication and resilience. He has been an integral participant in the National Primary School Program, organized by the National Sports Council (NSC), where he developed both his skills and his passion for the sport. His outstanding performance at the recent Argentina Tournament further established his reputation as one of the premier young athletes in the region, ultimately leading to his recruitment by Harvard University”, unquote.
The average lifespan for Belizeans is seventy years, and while there have been quite a lot who have passed on well before this age from accidents or from some type of illness, there happens to be a few who surpass the three scores and ten. Such is a man named Gilbert Winston Ellis also known affectionately as “Mr. Bertie.” He lives alone on Nurse Seay Street and is quite the independent man, but his daughters now take turns to visit with him daily and care for him. Today News Five’s Marion Ali stopped in to wish Mr. Bertie a happy birthday and filed this report.
Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis
Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis, Turns 108 Years Old
“This is the truth. I don’t feel bad. I feel alright for a hundred and eight. I feel good.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
You heard right. Today, Gilbert “Bertie” Ellis is a hundred and eight years old, tying Leonora Patnett, who died in 2021, as the longest-living Belizean on record. Ellis, who lives alone, shared with reporters today that aside from just a slight hearing impediment, he has no known illness, does not suffer from any kind of pain and is not on any special diet.
Gilbert Ellis
“I have no special food, no special nothing to eat or drink. Anything you have about eating, I’ll try it. I don’t want no special food. I don’t have no pain like that, that’s like, keep me back from the pain. I was always fortunate being able to be painless. I never had pain.”
Ellis celebrated his hundred and eighth birthday on Sunday, a day filled with cheers and wishes, jokes and, yes, a birthday cake. For him, his life has been one of many joys and many pains. He has fathered many children and today, one of them, Gloria Ellis who is visiting from abroad, told us that her father was never harsh or mean with them.
Gloria Ellis
Gloria Ellis, Daughter of Gilbert Ellis
“He was an easygoing man. You see him with his voice there, I mean, he was always soft-spoken. He never hit me. That’s why I am like, no man will hit me because my father never did. He was soft-spoken and always, you know, listening and encouraging and stuff like that.”
Remarkably, Ellis still lives alone, and is still very active. In fact, he didn’t want to retire from the taxi service he offered, despite his children asking him to. He decided at age one hundred, to finally throw in the towel on work and labour.
Gloria Ellis
“My father is a very independent man. So, he lives alone with caretakers. We come and visit. Yes. He has, um, a caretaker in the day and at night. And he goes out, plays his dominoes when, as my sister said, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. We kept asking him to stop driving. But, you know, he said when he’s ready, he’s going to do it because he’s very. Independent, as I said, and he is self-assured and obstinate. So he stopped driving when he wanted to not when we wanted him to.”
The centenarian has survived four major hurricanes, including the one in 1931 and Hurricane Hattie in 1961. He loved sports and worked with many private companies, including Santiago Castillo Limited, and did his own work. Just two weeks ago, during the Tribute to Belizean Patriots, Gilbert Ellis was recognized for his contribution to Community Service. And he showed us that at a hundred and eight, he still has his faculties intact, as well as a good sense of humour.
Beyond Imagination: Art Extravaganza is open to the public. This exhibit is a collection of artworks from past students and adult artists, all participants in the Primary and Secondary Art Skills Training Project, led by artist Fiona Huang. The artistic works of seventy-five Belizeans are displayed at the Mexican Institute in Belize City, showcasing the origins of their creative journeys and the evolution of their craft. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there to witness the unveiling of the pieces. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Art exists everywhere. It reflects society through the artists’ eyes, allowing others to resonate with them or view life from a different perspective. Today, around seventy-five students shared their pieces in an exhibit titled Beyond Imagination: Art Extravaganza at the Mexican Institute in Belize City. The display is a culmination of the ten years the students have worked with art instructor Fiona Huang. Christine Huang, Fiona’s daughter and fellow instructor, tells us about the showcase.
Christine Huang
Christine Huang, Instructor, Art Skill Training Program
“So, this exhibition is showcasing the work of our students for the past ten years that we are working in Belize, and these are the works that they continue to do even through the pandemic. So I hope to show everybody their passion and also for the youth that came to visit the exhibition for them to have a platform to exchange maybe their interest, the hobby, the techniques, different things.”
Huang explains that many students have grown with the program, developing into artists who inspire the next generation of creatives.
Christine Huang
“In the beginning. We started with primary school students and then like you said they grew up and they continue on to learn their arts. So we provide the courses for high school and all the high school students graduated. So we have actually, from primary school all the way to adults to teachers or past students who wish to become art teachers that they came back to the studio and asked for trainings for maybe the visual arts CXC teacher or, different kinds.”
Huang’s art studio specializes in drawings and painting. There, students learn to work with an array of mediums such as watercolor, gouache, or acrylic. Fourteen-year-old Isabella Waldman has been training under Fiona Huang for three years. Overtime, she has honed her skills in her favorite medium, watercolor. She told us about the five pieces she displayed in the exhibit.
Isabella Waldman
Isabella Waldman, Art Student
“There are some pencil drawings of some busts, like marble statues we have in the studio that I’ve done that I’m extremely proud of. But I’d say there are two paintings in there that I am definitely the most proud of. One of them is a street study that I did in watercolor. Both of them are in watercolor, by the way. It’s my preferred medium. And it’s of a street study and it took a lot of time. It took about three sketches, two of which failed, of bigger canvases because I did it in too much detail. And it took about four tries for me to get the sketch right. And then having to modify as I go along. And it was took a long time to finish. But I think that’s why it’s one of the ones I’m the most proud of. It took so much hard work to do. And the one I am for sure the most proud of is a painting I did. It’s a watercolor painting of Saint Joan of Arc. And it is like this full scale. It’s it was a replica of one of, like a, I believe a renaissance painting. But it is one of the bigger paintings I’ve done in watercolor.”
The program was created after Fiona Huang observed that most primary schools did not have a robust art program. Jayra Young has been part of the program since its inception ten years ago, while she was attending St. John Vianney RC Primary School. She told us about the four pieces she has on display.
Jayra Young
Jayra Young, Art Student
“Two of them were a part of my SBA. One of them was one that I did from a long time ago. And then one was a peace poster that I won first place on a couple years ago in standard six.”
Britney Gordon
“And what was the creation of these pieces like and what do they mean to you?”
Jayra Young
“Okay, so the ones for the SBA, those are what I did in third to fourth form, what I sent for my CXC. Those ones, my theme was life and death. And so I did two that were basically, one was an anorexic woman and the other was a woman trapped inside an hourglass. And it was just basically showing the fragility of life, seeing that at any time, life could just go like that. The one behind the peace poster, the theme of it was peace, so I just went and I thought about something that is, how peace should look in beliefs. And then the first one, that was just a little crazy one that I did when I was younger.”
The exhibition is sponsored by the Foreign Ministry of Taiwan through the Embassy in Belize. The Mexican Institute periodically hosts art competitions and began collaborating with the studio to train students to compete in Mexico. The studio offers a space for the students’ pieces to be appreciated by a greater audience.
Britney Gordon
“As an art teacher, how rewarding is it for you to see your student’s art displayed and appreciated by other people?”
Christine Huang
“Extremely rewarding, especially for Miss Fiona. I know you never see her on TV. It’s always me on the TV, but she wished to let you know that she prefers to sit at the back. But she wants her students to shine and that’s her whole purpose in Belize, to help the students to find their passion and help them to give them opportunities, to help them find a career path in art and, to let them shine.”
The display shines a light on the multitude of artists in Belize waiting for an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Christine Huang
“The art program’s actually very important because if you may say, oh, it’s art, what can you do with it? A lot of things, book illustration, advertisement, all of that. And that’s what Miss Fiona wished to bring to the students in Belize. It’s not just about doing painting as an independent artist, but there are a lot of other works that involve art, like design, graphic designs especially. Even videography, that’s one of them as well.”
Belizean athlete Douglas Langford Jr. has earned a prestigious full four-year scholarship valued at $700,000 BZD (approximately $350,000 USD) to Harvard University in the United States of America. The scholarship is for four years. Orignally from Dangriga, Langford told News 5, “Harvard was never in my mind when I first arrived in the U.S., but the coaches saw potential in me, and now I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
Standing at six feet, six inches, and weighing two hundred pounds, Langford led Team Belize as captain at the 2024 FIBA Under-18 AmeriCup in Argentina. His talents have earned him offers from six U.S. universities, but he chose Harvard not only for its basketball program but for its world-class education. “You can take away basketball, but you can’t take away a Harvard degree,” Langford said, emphasising the importance of both academics and athletics.
Adding to his list of achievements, Langford was named MVP at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders camp in Brazil, where he competed against top prospects from around the globe.
The Ministry of Sports in Belize also congratulated Langford in a statement, praising his dedication and highlighting his impressive journey from the National Primary School Program to becoming one of the top young athletes in the region.
Langford begins his Harvard journey in the summer of 2025.
Today, Gilbert Winston Ellis, affectionately known as “Bertie,” marked his 108th birthday. Born on September 24, 1916, Ellis is proudly recognised as the oldest living man in Belize. Just two weeks ago, he was honoured for his significant contributions to the community at the Tribute to Belizean Patriots.
Reflecting on his longevity, Ellis told News 5, “I don’t feel bad. I feel alright for a hundred and eight.” He attributed his well-being to a lack of special dietary needs, saying, “I eat the normal food, and that’s all I could tell you. I don’t have no special food.”
In his younger years, Ellis made a name for himself as a talented cricketer, excelling as both a batter and bowler. He captained the Rovers cricket team from 1938 for four years before joining Sussex. Additionally, he became the first president of the Amateur Boxing Association and was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame. Even after retiring from athletics, he remained active in sports management, continuing to support the community he loves.
Today, Ellis lives independently on Nurse Seay Street in Belize City and remains remarkably active for his age. His daughter, Gloria Ellis, describes him as “a very independent man.” She shared that he enjoys his ritual of playing dominoes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
During his United Nations address in New York City, Guatemalan President Bernado Arevalo spoke of the Belize/Guatemala dispute.
The Belize/Guatemala territorial dispute has been ongoing for nearly two centuries. The conflict centres around Guatemala’s claim to more than half of Belize’s territory, based on historical treaties and agreements. Both countries have agreed to resolve the dispute through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Following national referendums in both countries, the case was officially submitted to the ICJ in 2019. Guatemala submitted its brief in 2020, and Belize submitted its counter-memorial in 2022.
During his speech, President Arevalo said, “I would like to reaffirm the commitment of Guatemala to permanently and in a lasting manner resolve before the International Court of Justice the insular, maritime, and territorial dispute with the brotherly country, a neighbourly country of Belize.”
He said, “By opting for dialogue and the international legal mechanism, we have demonstrated that peaceful means and respect for multilateral institutions are the most effective way to resolve disputes between countries. We are confident that this process will make it possible to bring about a just and balanced institution that respects the rights and dignity of both countries.”
And that “this act is an act of faith, of our faith in international law and our commitment to lasting peace, not only for Guatemala and Belize, but also as an example for the region and for the world.”
Belize Government Lotteries Limited is warning the public about deceptive advertisements that misuse its official logo to promote lottery ticket sales via WhatsApp.
In an official statement, the company states, “Players are being asked to send a WhatsApp message indicating the numbers they wish to wager on and the number of pieces desired, along with proof of online payment, after which a picture of the ticket is provided to the player.”
The government lottery company states that “this method of sale… is not sanctioned.”
“We vehemently oppose and disassociate ourselves from any individual offering such service,” the company added.
They further advise that “without an official printed ticket, redemption of any prize winnings will not be guaranteed.”
The village of Santa Familia strengthened its disaster readiness with essential emergency response equipment from the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change and TaiwanICDF. The initiative is part of the Flood Warning Capacity Improvement for the Belize River Basin Project.
The equipment will assist the community with the impacts of the increasing threats posed by climate change and allow residents to manage natural disasters better and protect their livelihoods.
The new equipment includes emergency response kits, communication tools, and disaster relief supplies. The handover follows a training session held in March. This training focused on equipping the community with the skills to handle emergencies effectively.
Andy Palacio, born on December 2, 1960, in the coastal village of Barranco, Belize, was more than a musician; he was a cultural icon whose influence transcended borders. His journey from a high school teacher to a celebrated international artist underscores a life dedicated to preserving and revitalising Garifuna culture while promoting Belizean identity on the global stage.
Revitalising Garifuna Heritage
Growing up amidst the rich traditions of the Garifuna people, Palacio’s early life was steeped in the rhythms and melodies of Garifuna music. His return from Nicaragua, where he had been involved in a literacy campaign, marked a turning point. The exposure to other cultures deepened his appreciation for his own, fuelling his commitment to Garifuna traditions. Palacio’s pivotal role came with the rise of Punta Rock—a dynamic fusion of traditional Garifuna rhythms with modern influences like R&B and rock. This genre not only revitalised Garifuna music but also introduced it to a broader audience.
Palacio’s collaboration with the Original Turtle Shell Band and his subsequent work with Stonetree’s Garifuna All-Stars project demonstrated his dedication to this cultural renaissance. His efforts culminated in the highly acclaimed album “Wátina” in 2007, which showcased traditional Garifuna rhythms through a contemporary lens. This album, featuring contributions from other prominent Garifuna musicians, was instrumental in securing global recognition for Garifuna culture and language.
Pioneering Musical Fusion
Palacio’s innovative approach to music played a crucial role in bridging traditional Garifuna sounds with global musical influences. His experimentation with Punta Rock—a genre he helped pioneer—highlighted his ability to blend traditional Garifuna music with modern elements, creating a unique sound that resonated internationally. Albums like “Keimoun” and “Til Da Mawnin” not only solidified his reputation at home but also earned him accolades abroad.
The international success of “Wátina” was particularly noteworthy. Produced by Stonetree Records, the album was celebrated for its authentic representation of Garifuna music while integrating contemporary styles. The global acclaim that followed, including the prestigious WOMEX Award and the UNESCO Artist for Peace designation, underscored the significance of Palacio’s musical contributions in promoting Belizean culture worldwide.
Championing Culture and Education
Beyond his musical achievements, Palacio’s role as an educator and cultural ambassador was pivotal in his legacy. His early career as a high school teacher and his work with Cultural Partnerships Limited in England equipped him with a broader perspective on cultural preservation and promotion. These experiences informed his later roles as the head of the National Institute of Culture and History and a cultural ambassador for Belize.
Appointed Belizean Cultural Ambassador and Deputy Administrator of the National Institute of Culture and History in 2004, Palacio was instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for Garifuna culture and ensuring its preservation. His work with the National Institute of Culture and History involved not only promoting Belizean culture but also supporting initiatives that celebrated and preserved the country’s diverse heritage. His contributions as a cultural ambassador extended to international stages, where he represented Belize and the Garifuna people with distinction.
Celebrating Global Impact and Legacy
Palacio’s impact was not confined to Belize; his work earned him significant international recognition. His accomplishments include winning the “Best New Artist” award at the Caribbean Music Awards in 1991, receiving the WOMEX Award in 2007, and being named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. These accolades highlighted his role as a global ambassador for Belizean and Garifuna culture.
The success of “Wátina” and the subsequent awards highlighted Palacio’s ability to capture the essence of Garifuna culture and present it to the world. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and cultural advocates, demonstrating the lasting impact of his contributions.
Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
Andy Palacio’s life was not without its challenges. His journey from a humble upbringing in Barranco to international acclaim was marked by personal and professional hurdles. His health struggles, culminating in his untimely death on January 19, 2008, were a tragic end to a life dedicated to cultural advocacy.
According to a press release from his record label, Cumbancha, Andy Palacio died in Belize City on January 19, 2008, of “a massive and extensive stroke to the brain, a heart attack, and respiratory failure.”
Despite these challenges, Palacio’s passion for music and cultural preservation never wavered. His personal journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of the arts and the importance of cultural heritage.
Palacio’s engagement with the media played a crucial role in amplifying his voice and the Garifuna culture. His television program, which featured Belizean artists and their work, and his theme music for Channel 5’s newscast were instrumental in promoting Belizean culture locally and internationally.
The media’s role in showcasing Palacio’s work helped extend the reach of Garifuna music and culture, contributing to its global recognition. This interaction between media and culture highlights the importance of platforms in cultural preservation and promotion.
Andy Palacio’s legacy is a multifaceted one. His life’s work not only revitalised Garifuna culture but also elevated Belizean identity on the world stage. As we remember him, we celebrate not just his achievements but also the enduring impact of his contributions to music and cultural heritage.
