In Punta Gorda Town, a grocer and his wife were held up at gun point by two armed men. According to police, the culprits made off with cash from the register. They are seeking two suspects. Here is more on that incident.
“On Sunday police responded to reports of a robbery at Maday Store. Upon their arrival, we received reports that the proprietor was held up by two male persons armed with firearms. They held him up and his wife and proceeded to the cash pan and stole an amount of cash. Both male persons then fled from the area. We are seeking two suspects in regard to this robbery.”
After much anticipation and debate among local bus operators, e-buses finally rolled into Belize City’s public transportation system on July twenty-second. Since then, commuters have eagerly embraced the new routes crisscrossing the Old Capital. However, tonight’s news takes a different turn as a KBH security guard has been convicted of vandalizing one of these e-buses. The culprit, twenty-seven-year-old Bernard Humes of LaCroix Boulevard, struck the bus door with a baton on September twenty-eighth, shattering the glass. The incident occurred on Princess Margaret Drive. Humes appeared in the lower court today and promptly pleaded guilty to the damage. He explained that the bus driver was veering out of his lane just as Humes was exiting the Princess Hotel & Casino. When Humes approached the driver, the door was shut on him, prompting him to knock on it with his baton. Although the driver remained silent, a heated exchange erupted between Humes and the conductor. In court, Humes insisted that it wasn’t a case of road rage, describing the broken glass door as an unfortunate accident. While Humes expressed his willingness to cover the damages, the court procedure dictates that a sitting magistrate cannot order compensation exceeding one thousand dollars. However, the prosecutor clarified that they were not seeking compensation at the conclusion of the criminal case. As a first-time offender for property damage, Humes received a non-custodial sentence. He was fined seven hundred dollars, plus a five-dollar court cost, which he must pay by December 31st, 2024. Failure to do so will result in six months of imprisonment.
In the Cayo North constituency, a hundred voter registrations are under scrutiny for suspected fraud. Those registrations are now being challenged in court. Former Area Representative Omar Figueroa, has addressed a letter to the Governor General, alleging that several hundred registrations have mysteriously appeared on the voter’s list without clear addresses. Figueroa suspects these registrations are of dubious origin and is demanding that the Elections and Boundaries Department provide the necessary documentation to verify the legitimacy of these voters. News Five’s Britney Gordon spoke with Figueroa to delve deeper into these serious allegations. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Former Cayo North Area Representative, Omar Figueroa has done the math, and by his calculations, things are not adding up at the Elections and Boundaries Department. He alleges that prior to the 2024 municipal elections, a significant number of voters of questionable origins began appearing on the voter’s list. As Figueroa and Mayor Earl Trapp were unable to independently verify the voter’s addresses, they had given up on pursuing answers. Flashforward to July and August 2024, the period allotted for the transfer of electors from one constituency to the next and Figueroa claims that the suspicious activity has returned.
Omar Figueroa
Omar Figueroa, UDP Standard Bearer, Cayo North
“We filed an objection for the first supplementary but we weren’t successful in court. We have since filed another one because the same thing is happening. We’re seeing like thirty, forty names being placed for example, on Stanton Street or on Benque Viejo Road. Or on Beetlejuice Street, and with no clear indication as to which house, and as we do our investigations, we start to find out, you know what, these people actually live in Succots, these people actually live in Benque Viejo Town. We make our calls, and we do our investigation, and we find out a bunch of them, a bunch of them significant numbers live in Hattieville and in Lords Bank and in certain parts of Belize City.”
In the most recent supplementary list, two hundred and seventy-three voters registered to transfer to Cayo North. Through an investigation conducted by Figueroa and his team, he suspects that at least one hundred of those voter registrations are fraudulent and is challenging them before the court.
Omar Figueroa
“We start by looking at the areas from where they’re transferred and immediately you start seeing but what really raises some red flags is when you look at one host for example on Stanton street And you have thirty-five people there in the last three weeks ff the transfer period. In the last three weeks of the transfer period, you have twenty-eight people, I think, registering at Stanton Street, and then we have about, I think, eighteen on Benque Viejo Road, and we’re trying to decipher whether it’s the same host because it’s a Karner host that’s being, that’s the focus of our investigation.”
One of the major causes of concern was the lack of specificity in the addresses listed on the registration sheets. Addresses such as Bolton Area, Church Street, and Benque Viejo Road were listed with no house numbers.
Omar Figueroa
“The election and boundaries office made it difficult for us to actually carry out our investigation because they have refused to give us the precise location of these residences. However, we had a small victory in court yesterday where the magistrate instructed the election and boundaries to actually provide copies of those investigation sheets. So that should help shed light. On our investigations and help us to determine what it is that we’re trying to determine. But we are confident that out of the one hundred that we objected to, we are confident that the significant majority is actually fraudulent votes.”
We reached out to Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai for a comment but she was unable to offer a comment at this time. However, she explained that any registered elector can object to the name of any person published on the monthly supplementary list. The matter is then heard in open court by the magistrate. Based on the evidence provided in court, they will decide whether the name remains or is to be removed from the list. Objections are part of the monthly process allowed between the fifteenth and twenty-fifth of the month. Figueroa says that this is a very limited amount of time to conduct independent investigations on several hundred registrations, but they still thought it necessary to proceed with at least one hundred cases.
Omar Figueroa
“And what’s sad about this whole issue, what’s really sad is the number of young voters that are being enticed to be a part of this fraud. We have about ten percent out of the hundred that are first-time voters. It cannot be that we at that early age, we will encourage these young people to go and be part of this kind of fraud, right? I’m glad that you’re giving this some attention because it really needs a lot of attention. And hopefully, we’re trying as much as we can to reach organizations like the OAS that come down and monitor elections. And we’re reaching as many regional partners as well to try to shed some light and hopefully bring an end to this.”
The case will resume in court on Friday. Britney Gordon for News Five.
As election season approaches, it’s not uncommon to see questionable activities involving the distribution of land titles by political hopefuls. Recently, our newsroom received a tip about a list of Corozal residents whose names appeared in a post by P.U.P. Corozal Bay Standard Bearer, Thea Garcia-Ramirez. Ramirez, who commutes to Belmopan for work, addressed the concerns, stating she has nothing to hide. She clarified that the land title documents she is distributing are for individuals who applied long before she became a standard bearer. Some of these applicants don’t even reside in her constituency, and some are supporters of the U.D.P. living in Corozal. Ramirez explained that many of these individuals have asked her to collect their land documents on their behalf since her daily commute to Belmopan makes it convenient for her and saves them the cost and hassle of the trip. She emphasized that she has no authority to process land applications for anyone. Her Facebook post listing the names was simply an effort to assist by delivering the documents to the rightful owners. Ramirez stressed that she does not work in the Lands Department and has no power to distribute land. She has been helping in this manner for years, well before her political ambitions. She assured that her actions are purely altruistic, aimed at aiding Corozal residents, and she has never received any complaints about her efforts.
This past weekend, the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) celebrated its fifty-first anniversary, commemorating over five decades of dedicated service to Belize. Founded in 1973 through the collaborative efforts of the National Independence Party and the People’s Development Movement, the U.D.P. was established to create a formidable opposition to the then-dominant People’s United Party. The anniversary event shone a spotlight on the party’s significant contributions to Belize and honored its members for their unwavering efforts in fortifying the opposition. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The year is 1973, and Belize finds itself in desperate need of a robust opposition to the People’s United Party. The role of this opposition is crucial: to hold the government accountable and ensure the voices of the public are heard. In response to this need, the United Democratic Party (UDP) was founded, with Dean Lindo elected as its first leader. Remarkably, just one year later, the UDP secured six of the eighteen seats in the 1974 General Elections. Fast forward fifty-one years, and the party is now celebrating its legacy of accomplishments both as a previously elected government and as an opposition.
Shyne Barrow
Shyne Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P. (File: Sep 27th, 2022)
“There are certain countries where there is only one mass party, there is only a state party and for many decades in Belize the P.U.P. ruled this country. The different opposition parties could not muster enough seats in the House of Representatives to form government and it wasn’t until the amalgamation of the PDM, the Liberal Party and the National Independence Party which is an amalgamation of the National Party and the Honduran Independence Party that finally, in 1984 we were able, after independence to have a U.D.P. government.”
The U.D.P. paid homage to its forebearers, highlighting the works of the party’s first leader, Dean Lindo, and Sir Manuel Esquivel, of the Liberal Party, who served as the second prime minister of Belize under the UDP. The anniversary event brought together supporters from across the country, who were rewarded for their contributions to Belize in economic growth, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Some of these awards paid tribute to the party’s founding leaders, such as the Philip Goldson Lifetime Achievement Award, that was given to Deputy Party Chairman, Alberto August. Also recognized was four-time Cayo North Area Representative, Salvador Fernandez, who received the Sir Manuel Esquivel Outstanding Minister Award. His son, Albert Fernandez, accepted on his father’s behalf. An award was also established in the party leader’s name. The Shyne Barrow Distinguished Service Award was bestowed upon the Chair of Membership Dianne Finnegan.
Other award recipients included Public Relations Officer, Shane Williams, who received the Youth Leader Award and Deputy Mayor of the twin towns San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Bernadette Fernandez, who was recognized with the Faith Babb Woman Leader Award. Party leader Shyne Barrow said that the U.D.P. has won the most General Elections in post-independence Belize. He maintains his stance that the party has done the most to develop Belize, stating that the country is better served by U.D.P. governments. In a statement, he says “we have within us the power to form the next Government of Belize once we stay focused and engaged with the people we want to serve. We shall continue to work hand in hand to strengthen and protect the Institution of the U.D.P. so that the Party can elect many more Governments to develop Belize”.
Area Representative Anthony Mahler has spent considerable time working inPickstock, since being elected in November 2020. Constituents have seen therefurbishment of Berger Field on Vernon Street. They’ve also seen a partnershipwith the Belize City Council and Area Representative Cordel Hyde for theconstruction of stalls along Mahogany Street. So what’s next for the division andwill it be sufficient for Mahler to retain his seat in the House of Representativescome 2025?
Isani Cayetano
“What has it been like for you over the past four and a half years, in terms of being able to work in the Pickstock constituency in a bid to secure another term in office?”
Anthony Mahler, Area Representative, Pickstock
“Well, it’s been a joy for me. It has been a passion of mine for years and serving the people has been what I grew up with. We’ve done well in terms of building homes, fixing streets, Berger Field, Mahogany Street, other projects that we’ve done. The Hope Center that makes me proud, where women are making shampoo and conditioner and all these things and we now have a new manifesto that we’ll produce within the next couple of weeks, as I go around in the communities again campaigning.”
October has officially begun, ushering in what many fondly call the spooky season. While most Belizeans might be gearing up for Halloween with costumes and trick-or-treating, Maya traditions offer a different perspective as October ends and November begins. Depending on where you are in the country, you might hear about or even join in a Dia De Los Muertos or Los Finados celebration. These cultural events are dedicated to honoring the departed through communion, feasts, and prayers. However, as these age-old traditions intersect with the modern, commercialized Halloween festivities, there’s a risk of losing a generation to contemporary trends. News Five’s Paul Lopez delves deeper into this in this week’s installment of Kolcha Tuesday.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Eighty-five-year-old Angelita Magana, a devout Catholic, faithfully attends mass every week at the San Joaquin Roman Catholic Church. A proud woman of Mestizo descent, she is deeply passionate about preserving her cultural heritage. As the world around her increasingly adopts a westernized version of Halloween, Magana remains steadfast in her commitment to the traditional celebrations of Dia De Los Muertos, or Los Finados. Her dedication to honoring her ancestors through these time-honored rituals is a testament to her enduring spirit and cultural pride.
Angelita Magana
Angelita Magana, Cultural Activist
“Traditionally we know it as Hanah Pishan, meaning “food for the dead”. The Maya believed a lot or respected dead people because they believe that when you die you continue to live somewhere else. It is a tradition we have that is celebration started on the first of October when our tradition that night, the thirty-first, souls are released from heaven, and they are sent to visit their living family.”
And, as the dead return to earth to visit their families, their loved ones prepare for that encounter with a feast, hence the phrase, “food for the dead”. This is a ritual of gratitude.
Angelita Magana
“The mayas they believed a lot in the dead. They believed in the souls. So it comes from them that they had to be grateful for the parents or whoever died in their family. They had to feed them once a year, give them some food they like, or drinks they like, or you usually had a rosary said in your home or an ascendado. That means you just set the food on the table, but it has to be very hot and you actually see the smoke from the food. The belief was that while that is going up, they are eating it. So, in the evening when the food is cooled already there is a little space that the food went down and we say, see the souls came and they received that food.”
For Magana and her community, the annual tradition begins on October thirty-first, when it is believed that the souls are released back to earth. November first is dedicated to feeding the souls of children who have passed on, while November 2nd is reserved for honoring adults. This heartfelt practice is a poignant reminder of the community’s deep respect and love for their ancestors, blending reverence with celebration.
Angelita Magana
“We are trying to keep it up, because gradually the new generation is losing that spirituality that we have a Maya Mestizos, Belizean Maya Mestizos.”
According to Magana, children and young adults are increasingly replacing these cultural practices with a commercialized version of Halloween centered around costumes, jack-o-lanterns, candies, and trick-or-treating. Here at the Banquitas House of Culture in Orange Walk Town, Cindey Rivero and her team have been working tirelessly to bring awareness to a younger generation through the annual Dia De Los Finados celebration.
Cindey Rivero
Cindey Rivero, Community Arts Coordinator, Banquitas HOC
“It is our job and we take that opportunity seriously to tell them ok, the amount of candle you placed on the alter signifies this. The amount of treat represents something. So we try to educate them as best as possible, utilizing having elders within the community that has knowledge to share with them. So, for us it is important for them to know why we do certain things, and not just say oh we are offering food for the dead and they don’t come and eat it.”
Rivero concedes that in the age of technology her work is becoming increasingly challenging.
Cindey Rivero
“We try to educate our children that Halloween is not a part of the Belizean culture or Belizean tradition. So, it is very difficult for them to understand, because with the increase in technology and vast information of the American population and what they do and influences within our country they don’t really understand and cannot see the separation between one particular celebration which is the Halloween and the other celebration, which is Dia De Los Muertos, which is our celebration.”
Cindey Rivero and Angelita Magana have learned that these family spirits are not to be feared, but celebrated. They cherish the presence of their ancestors, viewing it as a time of joy and reverence. This heartfelt belief is one they hope will endure for generations, even amidst challenges and changing times.
Angelita Magana
“I remember one night I was sitting on my verandah out there and my husband had gone to help his brother in the shop and I was alone and rocking. All of a sudden, I felt those arms around me from the back and I felt that smell and I said ah dad. I opened my eyes and actually felt the hands moving away. I was not afraid. I was not afraid. I just said, my dad came to visit me. That is it, because we were taught they wont hurt you.”
Paul Lopez
“That must have been a very special moment for you.”
Through a collaborative effort between the Government of Belize and UNICEF, a rudimentary water system has been introduced to the distant community of Machakilha in southern Belize. This remote village, located in the Toledo East constituency, has long endured without basic necessities like electricity and potable water. Since taking office in late 2020, the Briceño administration has been diligently working to address these fundamental needs. Recently, a significant milestone was reached with the inauguration ceremony introducing potable water to Machakilha. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Nestled in the remote southern reaches of Belize, the village of Machakilha is home to around two hundred and fifty residents. During the rainy season, the trails transform into a quagmire of thick, deep mud, making the hike treacherously slippery and challenging. Once the rains subside, there’s only a narrow window of opportunity before the scorching heat sets in, rendering the long trek nearly impossible.
Valentino Shal
Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation
“The first time we came here was about three years ago, and we walked from Dolores to Machakilha. We walked about almost two hours in the bush and in the mud to reach to this village. That was the first time I came to this village and I told the minister, we have taken over the government and the government must serve the people and the government must start serving with those who have been left behind.”
For years, Machakilha has persevered without basic infrastructure and utilities, standing resilient in its isolation. The nearest neighboring village is several hours away on foot, making this place a true testament to the endurance and spirit of its inhabitants.
Valentino Shal
“So we walked all the way here. And I remember, we had a meeting with the villagers and the first thing they said was, “we need a road.” And we said, we will build a road. So the following year, in the dry season, we built a road but it wasn’t complete. It was just opened up.”
This off-the-grid community in the Toledo District thrives on solar power, harnessing the sun’s energy to meet its needs. The resilience and resourcefulness of its people shine brightly in this unique and vibrant corner of the country.
Valentino Shal
“We were able to bring in Minister Ramiro’s truck with a load of solar panels and batteries because we started to work with UNDP to put solar on the homes of the people. After that, we completed the road and then they said, “We need help with our water.”
Despite being established many decades ago, Machakilha continued to face the challenge of living without access to potable water. Without clean water, residents are at a higher risk of waterborne diseases. These illnesses can be particularly severe in children and the elderly.
Angella Baitwabusa
Dr. Angella Baitwabusa, Health Program Officer, UNICEF
“Water is our mandate, as other things are, but anywhere, anything that affects a child, it’s our mandate and we cannot help a child without looking at the ecosystem the child is staying in.”
Growing up in Toledo District, Area Representative Oscar Requena can relate to substandard living conditions due to poor water access and how it affected the overall quality of life. This includes inadequate sanitation facilities, which can further exacerbate health issues.
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation
“I used to get water from a creek. We never had no potable water. That’s how I grew up, I used to carry a gallon, full the water and run home and run maybe ten times to make sure that I could full my mother’s bucket so that we could have drinking water. And that is why as I grew up and I worked in the villages, including Machakilha, when I was at the Ministry of Education, we used to walk for hours under the bush and I saw the difficulty, I saw the challenge that our people are living on a daily basis.”
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including investment in infrastructure, education on water sanitation, and sustainable water management practices. In many communities, women and girls are often responsible for collecting water, which can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task. This can limit their opportunities for education and employment.
Osmond Martinez
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative, Toledo East
“For too long, and for too many years, Machakilha has been deprived of having a proper water system and while it affects the health aspect of humanity, it also, you know, puts some constraints on people. You know, one of the points that made my heart cry and motivated me during my campaign was when I looked at women or kids walking with a bucket of water on their head and I don’t know for how long they have been walking. Maybe several miles, maybe a mile, maybe a few minutes, maybe an hour, we don’t know. But one thing I can tell you is that that is not what this government wants for Machakilha.”
What the government has done is joined forces with other agencies, including UNICEF, to install a rudimentary water system in the village. It is a basic infrastructure designed to provide water to this underdeveloped area. It will be managed by a local water board to ensure maintenance and operation.
Oscar Requena
“We are committed to continue serving your community. So we’re finished with water, we have to start looking at other areas of development. For us at the Ministry of Rural Transformation, one of the big things that we are working on, one of the big goals, that we want to achieve is poverty reduction.”
Over the weekend, a training program in Pueblo Viejo, Toledo District, concluded with a celebration of newfound skills and empowerment. This initiative, a collaboration between the Government of Belize, the Taiwanese Technical Mission, and the Tumul Uj Pueblo Mopan Women’s Group, provided sixteen women, including single mothers, with the opportunity to learn how to sew traditional Maya garments and contemporary office wear. The program’s goal is for these participants to use their newly acquired skills to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves, weaving a brighter future with every stitch.
Dalia Sho
Dalia Sho, Coordinator, Women’s Sewing Training Program
“It has been a very tedious three months, but I am glad to say that the women that have participated have come a long way, from not knowing how to pedal a machine to now. I can say that they have sewn their own, the clothing that they have graduated in today is the Mopan wear. I am proud to say that they are the ones that produced their own outfits today. The ladies have learned so many, not only the culture well, but also the uniforms, the office outfits, babies’ clothes and so many other designs and styles when it comes to clothing and textiles. I would like to say that this is an opportunity for them to help themselves, being an entrepreneur because, as you have heard, some of them are single mothers, some of them are self-challenged and so that’s the reason why we really support this project.”
Oscar Requena
Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Development
“I want to congratulate and to thank the trainers, Ms. Maria Cucul and Ms. Martha Shul, whom over the past sixteen weeks, have empowered these women. They have taught them their skills, they have passed on knowledge, values, attitudes that are going to help these women to ensure that they are empowered, both economically, meaning that they can make their own garments. That can, you know, sew for the community and outside of the community. They can generate their own money and ensure that they have a sustainable livelihood. So congratulations to all these ladies. And this would never be possible without the support of our friends from Taiwan.”
Once the backbone of Belize as caregivers, laborers, and essential members of the workforce, these individuals are now in their twilight years. This week, they are being celebrated during Older Persons Week, part of the International Day of Older Persons observed annually on October 1st to raise awareness about the challenges faced by aging populations. In Belize, the theme for the week is “Aging with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons in Belize.” Residents of the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly and Helpage Belize are enjoying a variety of fun activities designed to treat and pamper them, showing appreciation for their invaluable contributions to family and community. News Five’s Marion Ali visited with them today and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today began like any other at the Sister Cecilia Home for the Elderly on Wilson Street. However, this week is special for the twenty-three residents, who are receiving extra care, delightful treats, and engaging in fun activities to celebrate their lives. Supervisor Sherilee Selgado shares that there are plenty of exciting events lined up to honor these cherished individuals.
Sherilee Selgado
Sherilee Selgado, Supervisor, Sr. Cecilia Home for the Elderly
“Right now we are planning some light activities for the residents here at the home. We have um, pass the ball, we have chalupa, bingo, we have walking race, and we have a little light game of volleyball. They are not very active so we have to do light exercises for them so that they can keep up. We’re going to do a city tour on Friday that was done by Miss Pollack. She made that happen, so we’re going to take them on the train ride around the city to see everything. They haven’t come out of the home in a while so that should be fun.”
The facility is home to twenty-three elderly men and women. Alice Buckley is one of the residents. A former teacher and preacher at the Salvation Army Church, Buckley now leads the morning prayers at the home for the elderly.
Alice Buckley
Alice Buckley, Resident, Sr. Cecilia Home for the Elderly
“I was born on Victoria Street and I attended Ebenezer Primary, then we move over on this side. I attended Wesley Primary, Wesley Infants and Wesleyan Primary. And then, when I graduated from Standard Six, I went to St. Hilda’s – ACC now. And when I graduated from there, I entered – not immediately, but you know, tried to stay home a little bit with my parents – then, I went to Jamaica and I spent 19 years there.”
Buckley shared a bit of her contributions to the Salvation Army Mission upon her return home in 1988.
Alice Buckley
“When I came home in 88, I think I spent just a couple months, and then I was designated to be the principal there. I’m retired. I only go to church as a member. And if they have anything special, and they think that I will be able to handle it, I do it. But you lead the prayers here? Yes, yes. Most, most times because I want them to learn how to be fluent. But they offer prayers also. Because we are spontaneous in the arm, you know.”
Marion Ali
“Tell me what the prayers this morning was about.”
Alice Buckley
“I was saying that for us, we should go to God as often as possible because He’s a good God. When I said that, that’s the base. He’s a good God. And when we go to him, there will be no disappointment with him. Even if it appears negative to us, he is in control.”
A few of the residents are escorted over to Helpage Belize, located on the same compound, where they are given special pampering. They are joined by a few more who still live with their families but enjoy the activities at Helpage, like Yvonne Reynolds.
Yvonne Reynolds
Yvonne Reynolds, Visitor, Helpage Belize
“We went to church on Sunday. We had a nice time at the park yesterday with all the seniors there from the Y and you know.”
Marion Ali
“Tell me how, not being a resident, how you’re able to take part in that?”
Yvonne Reynolds
“I just had a friend you know, she invited me over. Well, I didn’t even know about this place until she invited me and said, you can come over, you know? I said, right, and you can play a little games and so on, you know? Take part in it. Well, I like to play bingo. So you’ve come to play bingo now? Yes. Not today, but, you know, it’s on Monday. We always play it on Monday. On Tuesday we do arts and crafts. On Wednesday we do exercise. On Thursday they take a break. On Friday we do church service here.”
Marion Ali
“You take part now in these events?”
Yvonne Reynolds
“Yes, ma’am. I enjoy it. That’s why I’m always coming here, you know. I feel so hyped to come out here every day of the week.”
Today, Helpage treated the elderly to manicures, pedicures, hair braiding, and soothing massages. On Friday, the organization plans to take them to Banana Bank for a refreshing swim and some horseback riding. Marilyn Ordonez, Chairperson of Helpage Belize City, emphasizes the importance of these activities in showing the elderly that they are cherished and loved. For those living with potentially abusive relatives, Ordonez assures that Helpage steps in to provide support and intervention when needed.
Marilyn Ordonez
Marilyn Ordonez, Chair, Helpage Belize City
“HelpAge does have a team that does home care. And we do look within the community to see if that is happening, because if that does happen, then we work with the Ministry of Human Services, who have persons in place to intervene on those behalf.”
