2024-10-22 - Channel 5 Belize

Barrow Fortifies UDP HQ After Threats

And finally, from Moses Barrow, he says that he has fortified the U.D.P.’s headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive. According to Barrow, he did so because he received credible information that the Alliance supporters would storm the building and forcibly take over.

Marion Ali

“The locks at the headquarters building were cut and replaced. Why?”

Moses Barrow, Leader. U.D.P.

“No, they weren’t cut and replaced. Just fortified the building. Just strengthened the security of the building because we received credible information that there were threats that the Alliance would try to breach the building and illegally enter the building.”

Marion Ali

“You feel that there is a potential for violence had you not change the locks or is that still the case?”

Moses Barrow

“Definitely I believe there is a serious threat from the alliance to use violence, to use whatever illegal means. I mean, this is who they are. Once you begin the foundation of your political organization in corruption, deception and fraud.”

Halima Hoy Departs Belize for 73rd Miss Universe Pageant

We caught up with Halima Hoy outside the Phillip Goldson International Airport this morning, right before she checked in for her flight out of the country. Hoy is on her way to make final preparations before the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant in mid-November in Mexico City. We also heard from Wendy Castillo, the fundraising director at the Miss Universe Belize Foundation, about how Belizeans can contribute to ensuring Hoy’s success.

Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024

“The journey has been incredible. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is also a testament to hard work and dedication and how transformative change can be once you really put one hundred percent of what you have. Not only myself but my team. They have been very inst4rumental in the person I am today, not only a new person but someone that is ready to take on an important role such as the miss universe title and someone that Is ready to represent my country to the fullest. I have been saying this over and over again, this tittle is not about me it is about my country and how well I can represent our people, our strength, intelligence, poise and friendliness. So, I want to see those flags in the crowd. I want them to know this is a reflection of you. You are a part of my journey and I am a part of yours.”

Wendy Castillo, Fundraising Director, Miss Universe Belize Foundation

“There is an opportunity for Belizeans to support her, give her massive support by simply going to the Miss Universe page or at Choicely.com where you can actually vote for Halima. Once we get the amount of vote, the first vote is free. Then you can pay three dollars, fifteen dollars, forty dollars and up to two hundred dollars that secures a thousand votes for Halima. Once she gets the amount of support that puts her in the top thirty.”

Protecting Paradise: Belize’s Coastal Awareness Week

Belize’s Coastal Zone Awareness Week kicked off with a forum in Belize City. It was organized by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. The event highlighted the critical importance of protecting Belize’s coastal resources—its beaches, mangroves, and barrier reef. This year’s theme asks, “What would happen if we failed to manage Belize’s coastal zone?” Presenters emphasized that without planning, these ecosystems, vital to Belize’s identity, food security, and economy, are at risk. The week’s activities include a trivia challenge for primary students and a coastal awareness run. The C.E.O. of the institute shared more.

Chantalle Samuels, C.E.O., CZMAI

“The talks will track the evolution of the organisation over time, beginning with how the concept of coastal zone management all started. And the historical significance to the formation of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, and then we will be featuring the various programs. So, coastal planning—why is it important to plan? We will be featuring water quality monitoring and reef resilience. We also do site management for Goff’s Caye. And so through the storytelling, we hope that we can increase the public’s awareness about the CZMAI and they can join in our various events and assist us in tackling key coastal management challenges. Once today’s events end, we will then be hosting another important event tomorrow. which is a trivia challenge, and it is catered to students at the primary school level. It’s a very important platform for us to share information. with various target groups in the country of Belize on the work that we do, the impact we want to have, and how the public can join us. And then finally, on Saturday, we will be hosting our fun run for the coast. I think there’s still time to register. The event will start at the BTL Park at six a. m. If you’re not athletic, you can still come out. Take a fun walk or stroll along the seaside, taking in the nice Caribbean Sea, and just enjoy the significance and the blessings that we as Belizeans have in terms of our wealth of natural resources.”

Young Karateka Brings Home Three Trophies

Nine-year-old karate student from the House of Shotokan Karate Academy Oliwia Ruta achieved three big wins this weekend at a karate competition in the United States. The Belen International Karate Tournament was held in New Mexico on Saturday. In her category, Ruta brought home three trophies in the three different divisions. We had the opportunity to speak with the academy’s Shihan, Raymond Kelly, and Ruta.

Raymond Kelly, Shihan, The House of Shotokan

“She has travelled out to Mexico and has placed in karate competition and taekwondo competition; she has placed first place in the majority of her wins in Mexico. And she has travelled as of recently to the United States. And at that competition, she won first place, dominating all her categories at a nine-year-old level. That was Saturday, this past Saturday, the 19th of October, and the location was in New Mexico. So it was an international karate event that was held in the state of New Mexico in the United States. She came back with three trophy awards. She won one in the KATA division, another in the Fighting division, and another in the weaponry division. There’s a competition that is on taekwondo competition in Chetumal and also a karate competition in Chetumal. So there’s two that’s coming up for the month of November to close the, to close the year out for, for competition for the school.”

Oliwia Ruta, Karate Student, The House of Shotokan

“I’m really happy that I successfully got all first place. And I got three first place in KATA, Fighting and Weapon in the intermediate girls division. I didn’t win Grand Champion, but I’m planning to win it on the next tournament. When it actually got hard for me, I didn’t give up. My family cheered me the whole way. So if something is hard for you, you should never give up on your dreams.”

B.D.F. Soldier Who Perished in RTA was Socialising with Friend

Belize Defence Force soldier Genario Che Junior died on Monday night following a road traffic accident near Jacintoville on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway. Che died on the scene.

Major Roberta Usher, Chief of Staff of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), said the force lost “a dedicated member of our team. He served with honour and commitment, and it’s a difficult time for all of us. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”

The 26-year-old soldier, who lived in Silver Creek, was off duty at the time and was due to return to work at 2 PM but never did. “All of that is being investigated as to why he did not return at 2 and whatever caused what occurred.”

Che soldier had been socialising with a friend, another BDF soldier. “Yes, we understand that they were recreating at a bar together and drinking.”

He had served in the BDF for seven years as a member of Alpha Company in the 1st Infantry Battalion. His colleagues described him as a quiet, productive, and committed individual. While he may have experienced personal challenges, he remained dedicated to his work.

In terms of family outreach, Major Usher explained that when such incidents occur, the battalion closest to the family reaches out to offer condolences. The police are conducting an investigation, but the BDF is also conducting its own internal review to understand the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s off-duty activities.

The incident involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck. Che was on the motorcycle.

Cell Phone Repair Course Expands to Orange Walk Town

The “Cell Phone Repair Course for Women and Youth” has been extended to the Orange Walk District. This initiative aims to provide women and youth in Orange Walk Town and surrounding villages with self-employment opportunities by equipping them with skills in cell phone maintenance and repair.

Fourteen participants are currently enrolled in the training program, addressing a pressing need for qualified technicians in the region. With no other training of this kind available in Belize and limited access to cell phone repair services, particularly in rural areas, the program is filling a crucial gap.

Following the success in Corozal, where half of the trainees now offer repair services, the expansion to Orange Walk is expected to yield similar results.

The program also aligns with efforts to diversify the district’s economy, particularly by fostering skills development and entrepreneurship in the Orange Economy. Through this training, women will be empowered to earn additional income from home by repairing cell phones—essential devices for content creation in the growing Orange Economy.